《Alfheimr Renaissance》


 Aurora Day - The first days (Part 01)

    Aurora Day


    The first days


    NOT GOOD.


    That was my first thought when I realised the reason that the storm and the rain clouds shone dimly in red and green. Because that must be the Northern lights illuminating the clouds. Red and green are not the colors gray rain clouds usually have at any time of the year. But to see an enormously powerful Northern Lights, also know as an Aurora, this relatively far south in the summer? Not good. Apparently Earth has just been hit by a huge CME, Coronal Mass Ejection, from the sun. It actually happens all the time on a small scale. Earth constantly has weak northern lights in UV spectrum, our eyes just can''t see it, not even at night. The sun throws charged particles around it and these are the nice light arcs you can see in science films about the sun.


    Enormous ejections of particles from the sun happens occasionally, which is not a problem either. The problem is when huge ejections hit something technological, and Earth is full of technology. The charged particles that the sun throws out are mostly driven away by Earth''s magnetic field, but some find their way down into the polar regions where Earth''s magnetic field goes down into the ground, and the charged particles at high altitudes begin to interact with Earth''s atmosphere. This is an Aurora, the Northern Lights. Nitrogen gives green and is most common, because air is 78% nitrogen. Oxygen which is an additional 21% gives red light, but I don''t have a good idea of what gives blue or purple tones and then there are lights that interact with each other and are perceived yellow and so on. Red and green does that. I don''t have such a good understanding of exactly how it works or what heights it''s at, but probably 80-200km, and also depends on the polarity of the charged particles and so on.


    The Northern Lights themselves are not dangerous, just very pretty. But the stronger it is, the less Earths magnetic field protects us, and as a consequence, the further south it becomes visible. Seeing an Aurora light up at night far north in the winter isn''t difficult. I''ve seen it many times, but usually weak. I once took a long exposure on picture a March night in southern Sweden when I saw faint glimpses of it. Quite okay photo, and more colours than the eye could see.


    But again; scale. That I can see it through rain clouds when the evening sun has just set means it must be gigantic. I wouldn''t be surprised if they can see it in southern Europe where the summer nights are actually dark. It has happened before in history. There are several descriptions in books and paintings. It is not dangerous to humans, animals and nature. But it is dangerous for technology, and nowadays most of the world is very technological, although its an advantage most communications nowadays are fiber optics instead of copper. When a CME of this size hits, all long cables and metal parts will act as antennas and create powerful current spikes, and that is dangerous for the technology at the ends of these cables and metal things. The last time a powerful CME hit Earth was somewhere in 1860s, and its called ''The Carrington Event'' and it was seen down to the Caribbean - people could read newspapers in its light at night.


    There wasn''t much technology in 1860, but telegraphs had begun to spread and they had trouble as fires broke out and a few people died. But the telegraph is a simple thing at the level of copper wire, brass, wood and magnets. In modern times? With all our copper cables, high voltage power grid, etc? Hence my thought of ''not good''.


    It may only be 12-16 hours from the time scientists watching the sun discover the coming CME, until it hits Earth. The only way to really protect the power grid is to disconnect transformer stations. Turn off all power in a country, and which politician will make that decision at short notice? I don''t have high hopes for that. If it goes really bad then the main powergrid is fried. To fix it everything damaged have to be cleared away, and then new transformer stations built, and then smaller transformers for towns and villages all the way down to residential areas. It will probably take years. Because if something really big hits - it''s worldwide. Not local. Today''s global economy with manufacturing of things in few places makes it difficult to rebuild everything.


    Cities without electricity? Without the ability to pump water? Heating houses? Cooking? Keep food refrigerated and transport food to cities etc? A disaster. It''s really bad when electric power is lost for a few days. But if it is many months or years? Millions will be dying, and desperate people are not very kind people. Just taking care of the sick and dead becomes a problem. No fuel pumps work because there is no electricity, except for local small generators that in turn require fuel. Cars will hit the roads, run out of fuel and chaos ensues. Diseases will spreading. Famine and problems. Civilization will eventually recover, but the question is what the world looks like. How many nations and other things are left.


    So; not good.


    That really was my first thought when I saw the Northern lights above the storm, and I was right. Just didn''t know how it would have affected me in a completely different direction than expected.


    <hr>


    I had left my apartment in southern Sweden three days earlier, on a saturday morning on the Midsummer weekend, to do a hike over the Hardangervidda high plateau in Norway. I don''t drink alcohol, so it was not a heavy weekend for me as for many others in Scandinavia, and I needed to use all the time I had so I got the most out of the vacation week I took.


    It took a day to drive up to Odda and I spent the night in a cabin at a campsite. I spent the evening re-verifying all equipment was in good condition, packed, sync time and dates in cameras, including well-modified Mobius. I check that nothing important was forgotten and then just sleeped. Probably the last night in a bed for a week. I left the cabin early the next morning after breakfast, and not unexpectedly it rained lightly as I drove north. I parked the car in Tyssedal where I am supposed to walk down from Hardangervidda when the hike is over. I took my backpack, locked the car and zipped up the keys. While I was waiting for the bus, I took a selfie with the waterproof Nikon compact camera. As usual, my idea was to use the Nikon DSLR system camera during the hike as my primary photo equipment, but I always have to reckon with bad weather, rain, that the camera can stop working etc. So I bring my small waterproof Nikon compact camera too. I can also dive with it, but I don''t plan on doing that up there. There will still be fields of snow and ice, and the water is really cold even at the end of summer.


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    I also has a small modded Mobius action camera with replaceable batteries and many 32GB memory cards so I can film a bit more than 3 hours, and then just change the battery, film another 3 hours and change the memory card and the next battery and so on. It''s old but works well, and cheap enough to abuse. I have several. Tape it on a boonie hat, magnetic bracket on the car''s roof or side or releasable cable ties on a branch or other uses. That''s why this one got a sensor for the Nikon camera IR remote and also an input connector so it can be connect to a small cheap radar motion sensor to activate when something happens in its view area without draining the battery while waiting. Motion trigging doesn''t work well outside, and draws much more current. I''ve added a tiny red laser pointer just to be able to get an idea of where the field of view is centered when the camera is on my head. It''s so annoying to discover that the important thing is at the edge of the movie or its too off center when moving.


    My cameras live a hard life. Thousands of pictures a year, and for me cameras are to be use to make lasting memories. But shit happens, and just the DSLR camera have been dropped in the mountains up in Andorra, and been in a not completely waterproof bag when I passed a river on the Hardangervidda once before and a large rock tilted. Rafting without a boat isn''t fun, and surprise, surprise - DSLR cameras don''t like it. Especially not when you can''t even dry socks, clothes and shoes because it rains all day too. Or shutter blades jump of when you least want it and try to take photos in Hong Kong. So my DSLR camera tends to stop working on trips, sooner or later, and then I use the compact camera. Should the battery and extra battery run out, it will eventually be the mobile phone. Until I''ve charged batteries or fixed the problem.


    Fixing something when sitting in a tent can be an interesting challenge, but I often doesn''t have much else to do and can be worth it. On longer summer hikes, I also take a small solar panel with me because the sun barely sets. I just need to keep aiming it at the sun, so it''s a bit dependant on walking direction.


    I like backup plans and to just be able to continue with what I am doing. I like to have tools and options with me. How much do I like it? On a completely normal day, I wear cargo pants, often gray or other natural color in durable fabric. In the right pocket I have a Leatherman Wave multi-tool modded with better pliers with carbide cutters from a ''Rebar'' model, together with the keychain. It was made before Leatherman made a Wave model with it. The keychain have a Leatherman Squirt PS4 mini tool too. In the keychain there is also a small and wonderful Pocketburner flashlight with high and low output, 128GB USB memory, as well as a fire starter with some starter paper and a button compass, and a GlowRing tritium rod and of course keys.


    In the left pocket I have my mobile phone. Its a water protected model with replaceable battery and a 128GB memory card, as well as a Uniball ink pen and my wallet. The wallet contains a metal mirror in stainless steel, fresnel magnifying lens, Victorinox Swisscard which has several small tools, and in the coin compartment a couple of small dice (random number generator) and another 64GB USB memory with various computer fixing tools, and other useful programs. Overkill? Yes, but often I have use for everything, because the tools etc are good at different things, and I try to have better tools, but I always want to have something.


    Apply the above on a hiking pack and it will not be light. Never light. Ultralight hiking isn''t for me. But being prepared in combination with ingenuity and being innovative has saved the situation many times, with interesting stories and experiences in the end. With a good backpack and perseverance, it works for me and is worth it. But not fun when you need to climb a cliff, or just many altitude meters in one day at a higher altitude. The pace will be slow. But rather lower tempo during 14h with breaks and to be prepared, than high tempo during 8h.


    It doesn''t help that I take unnecessary things with me just because I want to do something different, and had the trip been planned to be a few days shorter and in more interesting terrain, a small quadcopter like Karearea Titi with compact RC control and Fatshark goggles would have been brought. I really had to stop myself from taking it with me, just to be able to do a ''dive'' down H?rteigen or Trolltunga.


    So I stand there with the camera on a small stand on a bench, waiting for its self timer to take a picture, and then I just wait for the bus. After a bus change I will arrive at Dyranut. Few people this early, and I am completely alone in the bus after the change as the bus makes its way over Hardangervidda. I take a new photo with the compact camera, a selfie over the shoulder of the empty bus and chat with the bus driver. Its always nice to talk to local people as long as you don''t disturb them in their work. Its often them that start talking when they see a large backpack, because most Norwegians who go hiking have light small packs and go between larger cabins. Some carry only spare cloths, thin bedsheets and water, and buy food in the cabins and use the cabins cooking equipment and beds. Such a small and light pack makes it a pleasant hike.


    But they get into problems if the weather changes or the cabins are full. Especially if it combines. I have several times heard how they warn people on the radio from taking advantage of the nice weather to go for a hike, because its full everywhere, and there are no beds or food for them.


    But, what if you want to go outside the normal trails to areas where there are no cabins? Larger pack.


    Norwegians are not alone in having problems in bad weather. I''ve encountered similar in Andorra and Scotland. I was passed by people in a t-shirt, shorts and baseball cap with just a small water bottle. Then over an hour the weather changed from sunshine to thunderstorms, high wind, cold and rain. I just put on the rain cover, poncho, boonie hat and kept going. Streams flowed along the paths and rain-soaked, slippery cliffs and rocks. Most who had previously passed at a high pace or jogged by stood and took shelter under trees or talked about going back to a cabin further up. I just kept going down and finished my hike. It continued to rain like hell the rest of the evening. Shoes soaked and feet sore after going through all that water for so many hours, but no real problems since I wasn''t going to hike the next few days.


    But in any case, I got off at Dyranut, and left a note at the reception with the name, planned itinerary and contact person, so that there is a witness I left from there and when. Before I left Sweden, I gave printed maps with planned route, probable sleeping places, which direction I will take if I abort the hike, etc. Left it to my parents and big sister, and I emailed them a copy too. It also says that I have an orange reflective vest, orange raincover for my backpack, Maglite LED flashlight with SOS flashing function, and a dual band VHF / UHF radio with all standard open channels programmed, including international marine emergency frequency 156.8MHz 25kHz FM. Backup plans. Stupid to not have it. Stupid to not let people know your plans and route. I kind of take it to the extreme as I have several compasses and I can orient myself according to the stars, the sun and signs in nature.


    I send an SMS message to my parents that I am now leaving Dyranut and they will probably not hear from me before I come out in a week, and start walking. I get a reply a quarter of an hour later, so I put the phone in flight mode. There is no coverage where I will be. I will try yes, but don''t count on coverage unless I go up a high ridge, and that''s just unnecessary work.

 Aurora Day - The first days (Part 02)

    The first day was okay, some changing and unstable weather but overall went well. I see a hiking group in the distance in the binoculars and takes a picture with the zoom lens, but otherwise the path I have chosen isn''t the big trails, and much is land without trails. I prefer it that way, as it feels more like I''m isolated in nature. I sit and watch a couple of lemmings making noises as I make dinner. The first two days I have flatbread rolls with peanut butter and dried meat with me as hiking food during the day. Easy to take out and pack away in a ziploc bag. Without butter so it doesn''t turn rancid, and its good energy and nice chewing resistance. I just enjoy the hike, and walk with my thoughts and nothing disturbing. Peaceful.


    I''ve never found land navigation hard, and the orienteering is simple with a hiking GPS with terrain map in color to give me a location fix and I can see my pace, which helps me planning breaks and how far I go each day, but a map and compass is the primary way of finding my way. I have different world terrain maps on memory cards, with better or worse details. Sometimes excellent as over Sweden and Norway, sometimes bad, because there are no good ones to download. I have brought the large standard paper map of Hardangervidda, but it''s awkward to use, and since I have the whole of Norway''s terrain map in pictures on the computer at home, I have printed selected parts in A4 format and have them in a plastic ziploc bag in the thigh pocket on the pants, 7 in total. They cover my planned route, optional routes and abort routes. I''ve even stored the map pictures on my cameras an cell phone, since zooming in works.


    To keep direction, I have a good Silva compass, but the small Suunto compass on the watch''s bracelet is usually enough, or just watching and the sun to make sure I keep the right direction. On Hardangervidda with a view several or tens of kilometers, it''s often easy to orientate oneself on a large scale, its detail orienteering of 50-200m that can be difficult. Unless the weather is bad with low clouds, haze or fog decreasing sight distance, because if you only see 100 to 200m in terrain that looks the same, its more difficult.


    I find a suitable tent site for the night - experience have taught me to not wait for too long. The tent site is safe if it starts to rain, with some wind protection and in the shade for at least the next 7 hours. It sucks to wake up from bright nasty sun shining and warming the tent. It can ruin the sleep. The problem on Hardangervidda is finding that shade when there isn''t any trees, so a high hill is the only option, and to understand how the sun will move for the next 7-9 hours, so the tent site stays in the shade.


    I sit in the undergarment set I sleep in, and eat a meal of freeze-dried food with some hot fruit soup to drink and watch the sun and nature. Just relaxing. I check if there is cell phone coverage to be able to send an SMS update with coordinates, but nope - no coverage. I just stow away the jetboil kettle and then pee, wash, brush my teeth and lie down. No need to hang up the solar panel because everything is fully charged already, and it will be in the shade unless I''ve fucked up when choosing my tent site. I just lie and listen to the wind and relax.


    Usually I don''t bring a paperback book to read, but I have with me my 2-in-1 windows tablet in its protective case which has plenty of books, some movies and a bunch of documentaries. As well as a slimmed down copy of my ''data'' directory from my home computer. Photos, saved images, project logs, role-playing books, books, pdfs, etc. I honestly don''t know exactly what I have on it, because a 512GB memory card its quite enough as long as I don''t take the entire ''camera'' directory. About 80GB is free for things I record or pictures. Usually I just empty enough space for my current need which is often older movies or so that I can delete as I have them on my server back home. Its boring to both update files and clear space.


    Paper books on travels are often unnecessary space and weight, but the tablet is practical and have been so useful. I often buy a book at location if I see something interesting. Sometimes at museums, sometimes at airports etc. But books are not brought on hikes, and sometimes they are sent home by mail package if I fly. Part of my evening routine is to back up photos I took during the day, and I let the memory cards stay in the cameras - they are big 128GB so they''re rarely filled, but it can take an hour or two in a cabin, hotel room or tent every night, and a small wireless mouse is brought to make the job easier since the touch screen isn''t particularly good to really work with. Convenient, but not great. A small mouse can be much more ergonomical. Above all, action cameras usually take the longest to copy over, and movie clips take up a lot of space, so by default the Mobius and other save in 5 minute clips that overlap and I can quickly go through and throw away all which is uninteresting. Keeping the resolution and framerate down also helps, unless its needed. Having pictures and movie clips in two places means I have a backup, which have saved me a few sometimes. I don''t trust SD cards or any flash memory.


    My mind goes on tangents as usual, while I just lie and look out over the mountains and nature. It''s usually enough and I don''t need to read or listen to music. I set the wake up alarm on the cell phone, put in the ear plugs and fall asleep.


    <hr>


    The cell phones alarm wakes me up, and I''ve slept well. Extra large Thermalrest NeoAir Xtherm sleeping pad. It''s so nice for a good sleep on land with rocks or roots, in combination with a good sleeping bag and a nice inflatable pillow. Experience have taught me to appreciate good sleeping equipment. A good night''s sleep is worth it, especially on longer hikes. My tent is cheaper, but it fulfills it''s function and is small and light. I have a bivvy bag in the sleepingbags compression bag, and should probably take it out for weight and volume, but the extra insulation is nice if the weather turns really bad, which has happened. I often hike in mountain terrain.


    Sometimes I only use the bivvy if I havn''t brought the tent or I don''t think it''s needed. I''ve been wrong and have woken up with a couple of liters of water between the legs due to rain, but I was completely dry inside the bivvy. Dry is nice. A soaked backpack isn''t pleasant, even if everything in it is dry-packed with a lot of plastic bags, both as protection and to keep things apart.


    The second day''s hike goes well and I take it quite slowly towards H?rteigen via a loop to the south. The idea is to maybe go up on H?rteigen if the weather is okay and the view is nice, otherwise just continue towards trolltunga and down to the car in Tyssedal. I don''t follow the big trails because I don''t need too, and it changes the feeling in the hike and makes it better even if the pace becomes slower.


    As I hike, the sky starts to cloud over and to the south the sky is turning really dark. I just continue west and hope for the best. Another 20 minutes and the terrain under the clouds are blurred and with the binoculars there is no question that it is pouring down rain, and it''s heading straight towards me. Wonderful. No real protection out here. No trees. No shelter. No chance to reach Hadlaskard cabin before the storm is here. I probably have half an hour to an hour before I get drenched.


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    I walk to a decent tent site, a little higher and drier and I am at a place called ''Sm? Grananutane'', so I might as well just make camp and endure the storm in the tent. Who knows how long it will last? I raise the tent so the entrance is on the leeward side, and quickly piss and poop before I crawl into the tent. When the rain starts, I sit in the tent with the kettle heating up in the opening so it ventilates the CO2. The pouring down rain force me to close the flap.


    I sit huddled and eat while the rain hammers and wind tears at the tent. I hear faint thunder, but it seems far away. I wonder how many the storm caught in the open, hours from shelter. I have taken dayhikes that turned bad, and when the rain and wind hits in open mountain terrain and the temperature drops to 5-10 celcius it''s serious. Hypothermia is a real danger, and usually more serious if it''s wet and cold, than dry and colder. The options are to sit still and get colder, or keep walking to stay warm and get to shelter. But then the danger is getting lost, slipping and so on.


    This was a shorter hiking day than I like but nothing to do about it. Dry and sheltered is better for the coming days. There is no cell coverage with the cell phone, so I turn it off again. Too early to sleep as it''s only about 16 o''clock in the afternoon, and there will be daylight seven more hours. At least the storm is making it darker, but even with the beanie pulled down as light protection, 13 hours are just too long to try and sleep. This far north in the summer there isn''t any real night, and I am just days from midsummer, the shortest night in the year. About 600km north of here it''s midnight sun.


    This is where I lie several hours later after dozing off while listening to the storm. I look up at the tent''s light gray cloth above my head when I see the colors. It takes some time before I react that the light is wrong. That''s when I open the tent flap and look out, and see the red and green dark clouds and I understand why.


    NOT GOOD.


    <hr>


    The whole evening is anxiety and damn worrying. Not only for the CME that hit Earth, but because I am lying in a small lightweight hiking tent on Hardangervidda high plateau, surrounded by mountains, rocks, water and grass and the rain pours down and the thunder rumbles. There are a couple of really close lightning strikes that scares me. The light from the lightning bolt illuminate the tent and I just have time to think ''1 ..'' and then the sound hits me and it is ... loud. I''m man enough to admit I am happy I had time to pee and poop before I crawled into the tent. But, still... My wet tent is pretty much the highest spot in the nearby area, and lightning branches out. That is not a comfortable thought as more lightning strikes and thunder rolls. But, leaving the tent is a worse idea.


    It''s dangerous to just lie like that. It''s difficult to sleep and nothing to distract me. It gives me all the time in the world to start thinking. Exactly what have happened to the world? Did they receive warnings in time? Is everything okay? Or is this the beginning of the end? Will the world I go back to be the same as I left? How easy will it be to even return home, because I''m 1000km away, which is more than one refueling of my car, even if it is land contact all the way. And if it''s really bad I may not even be able to text and tell my family that I''m okay, and find out if my family is okay. At least I have no wife, children, or girlfriend to worry more about. I''ve lived alone for the last decade.


    Just plenty of time to think. Both an advantage and a disadvantage if you''re alone, regardless of home or away on a trip. Time to think. Something I usually like, since I am a bit of a lone wolf, but sometimes it''s bad. Very bad. But there is absolutely nothing to do. I can not influence what happened. Just accept reality and move on.


    Going down to Tyssedal is about 1-2 days longer hike than aborting and going north via Hedlo and Vivelid to Upper Eidfjord. I''ll check the weather tomorrow, but it''s quite a big chance I choose to abort regardless. 1-2 days earlier is worth it if there is chaos, and I won''t be able to enjoy the hike anyway due to anxiety. But above all, there are manned cabins with food etc, and they might have people who might know what it''s like in the world. I have a FM radio function in my MP3 player and Wouxun walkie talkie, but Norway shut down the FM network a couple of years ago and now broadcasts digital radio, and I don''t think I will pick up any Swedish station. Maybe I should consider bringing my Icom IC-R20 broadband radio/scanner in the future. But it''s large, weighs and with a very limited specific use. A small walkie talkie is bad enough, but that have more use. My backpack is heavy enough and lack space, and I prioritize other things.


    My thoughts go on and on. It''s hard to stop or distract myself, but eventually I fall asleep.


    <hr>


    I wake up to beautiful weather. Birds singing and the sun is shining on my tent that is too warm and bright. It''s early at 0440. I''m no morning person. I trying to sleep and slack off but the sun is stubborn and it will only get hotter and sweattier in the tent. I didn''t get many hours of sleep. Oh, well. Rise and shine. Breakfast will be the last of the flatbread rolls since I don''t need to boil water. Zombie Robert doesn''t like the morning. Especially not bright sunlight. Mmm, sunglasses. But it is a nice morning with basically blue skies all around, and eventually the brain starts ticking.


    Okay, I will abort the hike and take the route north via populated places down to Upper Eidfjord. Before I leave, I walk around and try to see the where the lightning hit from the previous evening, but I see only rocks, grass and puddles of water. Argh, it''s only six in the morning. I replace the rechargeable batteries before I start the GPS. In addition to eight extra rechargeable AA and four AAA, I have a twelve pack of AA and AAA each that I bought on the way; buy ten, get two extra - yay. I try to stick to few battery types in general, so my flashlights, headlamps, GPS etc, are powered by the same batteries. A bigger problem are all things that require their own design of li-ion batteries - like the cameras - also require their own chargers. There are larger battery packages for them but I have solved it through modding and DIY. I''ve built my own chargers with minimal 3D printed adapter that connects to the li-ions contact points and use a standard one cell charger from USB. Works well even if it takes some time, but is small, light and flexible. The power bank and the solar panel''s built-in battery bank have USB ports. No point in charging anything, the phone and tablet are almost both full and I will get to the car in a couple of days.


    After a few minutes it dawns on me that the GPS can''t find a single signal. Usually the hiking GPS is so damn fast, and should immediately get some satellite bars even if it doesn''t lock. That''s not good. Maybe the satellites have been fried in the solar storm, or the storm is still ongoing, so the satellites are shut down or the signals are drowned out by the radio noise. I try the phone''s and camera''s GPS. Same result. I can''t stop my thoughts about the problems a world without satellite navigation will have, there will be huge problems worldwide for aircraft and ships in the next few years until new satellites can be built and launched up with rockets. It''s in situations like this that eLoran or similar systems that are ground based and technically simpler should''ve existed, as a backup to satellite navigation that is more robust and easy to service. Receivers would also have been simple with modern microcomputers and software radio technology, and it would''ve been enough with coordinates or simplified small world map. But we have good maps so it would work quite okay. Just not with the same precision as satellite navigation. I wonder how the International Space Station and all communications and weather satellites fared?


    Well, I know where I am. I have maps and compasses, and more maps in the car. I can find my way back from here to home even without maps, because I know the roads and towns even without road signs. I have a good mind for navigation, and if I have driven a road once, I tend to remember it well enough, and I have driven here several times. Just accept reality as it is and make the best of it. So I turn off the GPS and cell phone, shoulder the backpack, take the hiking poles and look around so nothing is left behind. Then I start walking north towards L?ghellerskaret and on towards Rjupehaug and Rjoto. Down to Hadlarskard is an unnecessary detour and elevation I rather not traverse.

 Aurora Day - The first days (Part 03)

    It''s a really beautiful day and I stop and apply sun lotion before I''ve even walked half an hour. I will burn like hell if I don''t. Boonie and sunglasses are nice and no matter how the world is now, it''s beautiful with the green grass that is full of small purple and yellow flowers, gray stones that pop out of the green everywhere and a little taller grass that gently sways in the wind. Here on the south side of the mountains there are no snow fields, but there are plenty of them on the north sides. In many cases they never melt over the summer and I have seen lakes here with half a meter of ice at the end of July. Usually there are snow fields on both sides of the road across Hardangervidda in early June, and I''m in late June. I can be such a contrast depending on which side of a mountain you are on, or if you''re in open terrain and at 500m lower altitude. One of all the things that makes hiking in mountains interesting.


    I can''t find the hiking trail that the map shows, but this is Norway. Trails are generally marked with a pair of stones on top of each other, or red painted T on stones. The problem with the red T is that Norway have lichens that grow on rocks, that are red-orange. If a few years have passed and no one has refreshed the trail and the markings, it''s difficult to find the trail when rock piles have fallen from snow and ice and the red T can no longer be found or looks like the lichens all the rocks have. Especially in the less populated places and trails where I usually hike. Both a bit of the charm and the problem.


    I take regular breaks and let my feet air, as I watch birds jumping around and looking for food. No matter what happens in the world, there won''t be much difference in places like this. It''s peaceful, and stressing and ruining my feet up isn''t worth it, especially if it''s actually a crisis when I come out. Then I want to be in good condition. I hope the bus service still runs, since I will be something like 1.5h by large road away from my car. But a future problem.


    One after another there are streams to cross. Hiking poles are magnificent for balancing with a backpack over rocks and boulders. Far more stable and it lessen the risk of sprains. I have designed and 3D printed my own rubber tops for these, like a four-leaf clover that spreads out and tips point down. It''s so practical for keeping the pole stable against a stone edge or round surface.


    It''s a nice view to the south east over the rolling plateau with grass, rocks and streams, rivers and lakes. I take a few pictures before I continue. The north side is mostly rock, waterlogged ground and grass tassels. Snowfields everywhere. It takes some time to get over the wide stream from the lake as I have to take off my boots and wade, but I just keep walking, round the mountain and pass Rjupehaug. I see larger birds that I think are grouse or something running around like dizzy chickens. It''s difficult to take a picture of them, but a short shutter time it works and I still needs to take breaks. I keep a nice pace, and work my way down to Rjoto. I should meet other hikers during the day as this is the usual trail to H?rteigen with manned cabins along the route.


    <hr>


    Rjoto isn''t there. Or yes it is there, but not the buildings that should be there. From what I remember, there should be a couple of red private cabins. But there isn''t any damn cabins here. There are a couple of very old cabins that consist of piled stone with grass on the roof and some planks for a door but no more than that. The bridge is also missing.


    WTF?


    I take a lunch break. Can see sheep walking and grazing further away on the side of the valley. Whatever. I just continue to Hedlo, but with the pace I keep I should be able to get to Vivelid without problems. I''ve hiked this route before a few years ago. Vivelid has hot showers and the possibility of served food, electricity and Wifi. I hope they have a room available and I will get there on time. Then I can leave early tomorrow morning and walk down to Upper Eidfjord and take the bus to the car. The bus don''t run very often, and I don''t know if I remembered to put the timetable on the tablet, but I might be able to get it via the internet from Vivelid, and I hope the bus still goes as it should. That the world is okay.


    I takes some photos as I pass the wide falls downstream from Rjoto. It would be fun to paddle down to Hedlo, but seems to be a couple of big falls on the way even though many are wide flat cliffs where the water rushes. It would go fast. Were there so many trees here last time?


    With the binoculars and I can''t see any large buildings at Sandvadet, the west side of the valley where Hedlo is on the east side. There should be buildings there. They''re marked on the map. What''s more worrying is that I don''t see Hedlo either, and I''m pretty sure it should be a large yellow two-story building. There is also no real trail here like I remember, more animal paths. I take another break and air my feet while I dig out the tablet and boot it. Boot faster. I check if I have the photos from my previous hike here. Nope. Crap. But the map and the compass are correct. The terrain is the same, just a little more trees than I remember, and significantly fewer houses. I''m starting to get really worried.


    Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.


    <hr>


    I become more worried when I stand where Hedlo should be. No evidence whatsoever here ever been a farm. Just untouched nature. Worry''s annoying pal ''Panic'' is knocking on the door and wants to enter, but I''m pretending I''m not at home. There is a rational explanation.


    <hr>


    It''s difficult to avoid the rising panic and anxiety when I work my way up through the birch forest towards Fljotdal. But I can see some stone buildings with grass on the roof there, and sheep or something moving. Unfortunately no humans. I''ve not seen any human or hiker at all. No footsteps. There should have been a few footsteps in the mud during these hours. I choose to go up on the side of Kjeseshovden to look down towards Vivelid. It probably doesn''t take more than twenty minutes or so, but those are anxious long minutes. I''m no longer looking at the clock.


    Vivelid doesn''t exist either. I''m convinced that I should have seen some of all the houses that should be there. As far as I remember they were in all sorts of colors even if the main cabin was black. I don''t know what the hell to believe. I just keep sitting there staring through the binoculars at the nature that is there. No houses or electric poles. I don''t know how long I just sit there and stare. Or how many times I look at the same small area as if the houses are magically about to appear. It''s beautiful nature, the sun is shining, the birds are singing, a couple of mosquitoes are annoying and everything is just so ... wrong. No condensation streaks in sky either.


    It''s late. I go back down for Kjesehovden and pitch the tent for another night. Something is very, very, very wrong. Most things go on automatic as I go to bed. Still no GPS signals. No cell phone signal either. I try to eat because I have to, but the appetite isn''t there. Thankfully, the panic isn''t there either. Just one big...


    Huh?!


    <hr>


    And I who thought last night''s sleep was bad. Zombie Robert is up and running, but it has been tough to get started since ''Worry'' and his troublesome friend ''Panic'' have started to make themselfs at home during the night, and seems to be preparing for a big party. A damn big party. So I have made the decision to go east over Storas?ta. I hope the height will help give me a view down to Upper Eidfjord and maybe get cell phone coverage. But I''m starting to suspect I won''t get GPS or cell phone coverage no matter what I do. Walking down by Vivelid is a bad idea, since there are marsh and bogs everywhere and if there isn''t any trails there...


    It''s like I''ve gone back in time a couple of hundred years, but that is something I just refuse to accept. Time travel back in time does not exist except in Sci-Fi or Fantasy. Time travel towards the future, yes - we are already doing so at different paces. Not backwards. Time is not a direction like up, width or south; time is how we perceive consequences of events, which give new consequences, which give new consequences, etc, until the universe is finally cooled down and energy leveled and nothing happens any more. Pick an apple and eat it, the body converts it''s atoms into energy and other things and spreads it out in the body. Turning back time means that all these interactions and chemical reactions must go perfectly in reverse order. Where is all this information stored how all these atoms were put together, the particles interacted with each other, what charge states and directions have they had?


    Nope. Time travel back in time does not happen.


    But I should have seen remnants of Hedlo, and if it has fallen apart without a trace and forest have reclaimed the ground, it has been a long, long time. A damn long time.


    <hr>


    It''s hot and sweat drips off me. Thank goodness for quick-drying clothes and good weather. When I reach the top of Storas?ta I get no signal, and I try to search with my cell phone. Nothing at all. I even try Wifi analyzer on 2.4GHz and 5.8GHz when I take a break. Nothing. The walkie talkie scans channels but is completely silent. I refuses to use the marine emergency frequency by principle as I am not in an emergency, and it probably won''t help anyway.


    I manage to stop the big party ''Panic'' tries to start when I with the binoculars can see cultivated fields and houses in Upper Eidfjord about 7km away. But I can''t see the main road. No traffic. No cars, lorries or buses. Signs of civilization anyway with people. There is a horse too. I takes a couple of zoomed photos with the camera, but even zoomed in the image isn''t good enough to see details. I should have gone and checked out those stone cottages with the sheep. But I won''t turn back just for that.


    Clouds build up and can''t see Upper Eidfjord when I go down towards the valley, and then the mountains themselves are in the way.


    When I get to where there should be a car park and road down into the valley, and none of it is there, I''m no longer surprised; just cold acceptance of facts while I cross over another awkward wide and fast flowing brook. I know I''m right. It just isn''t there. No traces of the road at all, but I can see a small path down the valley that I start to follow. Had this been a weird future, I should have seen traces in the rock face - mountains don''t grow back - and if we talk about the time scale where mountains grow, everything would have looked different. It takes time to go down through the rocky terrain and reach the valley. Very steep in places but I continue to follow the path or animal trail that I follow. It''s heading in the right direction. I now expected that there won''t be a farm in the valley, but there are some cows. But no house or yard.


    It''s noon and I estimate I have walked 17km or so in rugged terrain with a big backpack when I finally see fields, houses and people down in Upper Eidfjord. But it''s so wrong. So very wrong. All fences are wooden beams or piled stone, and people are working with hand tools. There are no machines but I see a horse. The houses are longhouses. Longhouses. Vikings? I just stand there at the edge of the forest and stare.


    Seriously!?


    Vikings!?


    <hr>


    VIKINGS!?

 Aurora Day - The first days (Part 04)

    Gaulverboer


    (Upper Eidfjord)


    VIKINGS!?


    <hr>


    Don''t know how long I''ve been standing there when someone discovers me, shouts and waves. Out of reflex, I respond with a wave myself. But it gets me out of my trance. A man and a woman start walking towards me and I start walking towards them. I get funny looks as I approach and I understand them. Because they themselves look pretty much like I expected to see from books, museums and TV.


    The man''s clothes are simple, a hat of some kind of brown fabric, beige shirt with rolled up arms of coarse fabric that reaches to the thighs, leather bed with brass buckle, gray pants and some kind of leather shoes. A blue mantle-like thing lies over the left shoulder and is held in place with a buckle in brass or bronze on the right shoulder. A knife and a small axe hang in the belt. Fairly wild long blonde hair and a small thin moustache.


    The woman has a simple dress down to the ankles without flattering body shape, some kind of fine apron in blue fabric with again a brass-bronze buckle on each shoulder. A former white cloth is tied around her hair and she is carrying a simple wooden bucket. She has a simpler necklace in bronze, and also blonde hair that seems to be tied up in a knot under the cloth, only a couple of small braids hang down.


    I think they stare at me and my equipment more than I stare at them. I understand that, because it''s hardly normal for this age, while they look like wearing work or everyday clothes. I think it''s a minute or so before we stop staring, and I say ''Hej'' which means hello in Swedish. They greet and I greet back. They are very difficult to understand, but it sort of works. It''s not Norwegian - and certainly not Swedish - but I wouldn''t be surprised if it''s similar to some Old Norse dialect, because no matter how much I loath the idea of time travel, I have to accept reality and realise the facts infront of me. A weird dimensional trip in the style of Pratchett and Baxter''s ''The Long Earth''? They ask me to come along with them to the farm and I reply with a Swedish ''ja'' and ask them to lead the way with a hand gesture.


    Walking behind them gives me a little more time to process. There is so much that is ''wrong'' but I can''t figure out what, except the obvious. Those who work in the fields and with animals come closer and look at me with big eyes. They all seem to belong in the Viking Age, and are similar or less well dressed. A couple seem to be older boys and have a bare torso, no chest hair at all, and short hair. Not much jewellery although some have simple neckrings, and some bracelets. A boy is sent to run in advance to tell someone.


    I discreetly take off the wristwatch and put it in my pant pockets, glad I didn''t attach the DSLR camera to the shoulder straps where I usually have it, and it''s packed down. It might be lucky that I didn''t wear my black shorts. They seem very caring and show me respect, and after maybe ten minutes when we get in among the longhouses I meet a man who obviously have some rank here, seems to be better dressed with embroidery on the edges of the shirt, around the neck and arms. We greet each other, and I introduce myself as ''Robert Arnesson'', and get back ''Barki Freyvidrson''. He obviously asks where I come from, and I just point towards the mountains and say over them, a few days. I shows with fingers how many days. I try to ask what the place is called. Gaulverboer. Not Upper Eidfjord. Gaulverboer.


    The man looks at me very respectfully, and I don''t really know what to say but he asks me to quickly sit down and rest, at least I think he does as he gesture to a simple table with benches. The language is hard. I thank him, take off my backpack, lean it against the bench and sit down at the table. I''m sitting outside a longhouse, and from what I glimpse inside through the open door it seem to be what to expect. But something is wrong, I just can''t think of what. I drink from my waterbottle, and realise a bit late that my transparent green plastic canteen might not be the best option and it gets a little attention, but I don''t dare to drink what they offer. It''s probably mead or something and I''m pretty much a teetotaller. I''ve never drank a glass of beer, wine or had a shot, and I''m worried about drinking the water. Norway usually has wonderful water, but here on the farm? It can be anything in it, and there''s animals all around. I would have preferred to avoid eating here as well, but I need food as my own will not last, and it feels awkward to decline everything. If it is the Viking Age, I think it was quite important to take care of guests. I might be wrong, and I''m not sure the culture is the same as I remember.


    I look around and everything seems to be ''right'', even if it just feels wrong. I have a really hard time accepting time travel. Because I''m starting to realise I''m completely fucked and the chance I''ll ever get back to my world is probably just before ''impossible''. A non zero chance. I have no idea when it happened but it should have been with the solar storm, maybe with the lightning, but it sounds so absurd so it can''t be just that. Even if it was, how will I ever be able to recreate it? I can''t. Is there anything else that is unknown, then again; how will I be able to recreate something unknown?


    After a few minutes, a woman comes out, and just like the man, she is better dressed and has more jewellery. I get the feeling she is his wife and she seems to have gotten a little panicked over a guest showing up this way. The man introduces her as his wife Arnfrid, and I stand up and greet back with my name. She has long hair in fine braids that go down the sides of her head, and is another blonde. But the man has basically white hair and don''t look so old, so that have to suck. We don''t say much but I manage to get across that I want to get to the other side of the lake.


    "Hildifjoer?" I hear him ask and I just nod, hoping that is what Eidfjord is called, and it sounds like a village or another settlement. I really hope he didn''t ask if I wanted to be drowned or something. I try to ask which side of the lake is the best route, but Barki just shakes his head and points to one of the boats, so I guess I get help on the next step across the lake, and I can only thank him. It would probably be 2 hours walking. Shit, I have nothing to pay with. I don''t think Norwegian or Swedish coins or banknotes are valid currency here, or Euro''s. What kind of currency do they use?


    The meal is simple, or maybe not so simple for what do I know? But it is a type of meat and vegetable soup with bread from a quite nice but simple bowl, although I use my own titanium spoon. The taste is tame and could use more spices, but spices might be limited and expensive as hell and it''s perfectly okay and good bread. Hot nutritious food, is hot nutritious food, and I thank my hosts.


    <hr>


    After the meal, I thank both husband and wife and I''m directed to a small boat. It has a small sail but apparently one of the men will row me and Barki over to the other side. The man, who I think is called Amundr, receives my pack and carefully lays it in the bow, and I step in and take a seat there, he sits down to row and Barki pushes away and jumps in. Amundr has quite rough clothes, just a long shirt with rolled up arms, pants and is barefoot. He wears a bronze ring on his left wrist and has long braids from his head. No beard or moustache. No wait, there''s a little.


    The boat is well-used but in good condition. I guess they use it to get across the lake or for fishing. There should be some human traffic over this lake, because it''s the nearest and best path over Hardangervidda, even if highway 7 isn''t here. The boat picks up speed and it glides through the clear water. The sun that peek out through the clouds and the sunlight reflected in the waves, makes it difficult to see towards Eidfjord - I mean Hildifjoer. It feels like a bad idea to put on my sunglasses.


    The Hardangervidda museum is here in Upper Eidfjord and I have driven through the two Eidfjord towns many times. As I said, the road across Hardangervidda runs thru here, and it''s one of the most important roads in Norway between east and west, and I have probably driven here 15 times. But there is no traces of the road tunnel west of this lake. No road. Just a cliff straight down into the lake. It is not possible to even hope that this is some weird future since big holes through mountains doesn''t disappear without leaving marks.


    No plastic debris either at the edge of the lake or in nature. At least something positive. The clouds over there are getting darker.


    <hr>


    Hildifjoer


    (Eidfjord)


    It''s quite far to row, about 4km, but I guess they''re used to that kind of workout here, and about an hour later we disembark on the other side and the man who rowed, Amundr, stays at the boat while I take my backpack and join Barki. He apparently wants to show the way, or take me to someone. There is a path along the wide wild river and we walk along it through the forest until it opens up to a valley with village down by the fjords edge. I guess it''s Hildifjoer, and it lies where Eidfjord should be.


    Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.


    I realise what''s been annoying me when we walk down between the houses and the farms along the river. This is not the Viking age, because the houses are not real Longhouses. There are glass windows on most houses that seem to be better houses, even if the windows are few and small. Small leaded glass windows. There are a few masonry stone walls and some houses have stone foundations. From here I can also see that there are several ships down in the harbor, and one doesn''t seem to belong here at this era, as it have a stern castle and a deck, and a small fore castle. The ship looks chubby. Not that I know ships particularly well, but I believe that the Hansa had such ship, but that is later in history, about 200-400 years after the classic Viking age. Can I be in the 15th century? Surely there won''t have been a huge change in places like this over hundreds of years, because why would it? The proof of that is how some lived in the countryside in the 18th century or later all over Scandinavia. Cities are one thing, countryside is another. But I don''t have that good knowledge of ships, designs and timeframes.


    I really wish I had studied more carefully when I visited various museums, especially the Viking Museum in Lofoten, the Viking Ship Museum in Oslo, the Avaldsnes Museum, Hedeby and others. But I think that in a pure Viking Age there should be variants of longships and the slightly wider open cargo ships, Knarr or whatever they are called. Not ships like that.


    The ship has so much of my attention that I miss the obvious, but in retrospect I shouldn''t be surprised. I almost never look at people when I walk or drive a car either. As long as they''re not about to move in front of or cross my path, the brain discards them as insignificant.


    It''s not insignificant in this case, and it only clicks when I really look at the people staring at me when I walk along with Barki. Many people. Slightly shorter than me, and I would guess they''re on average 150-170cm, with mainly long hair and braids, on both men and women, but only small thin beards or mustache on men. Few men with what I would call beards, and not a single ZZ-Top beard which I expected, and here I come unshaven after many days and with my big circular beard around my mouth. But what I react to is hair colors first, because blue-gray and green tones are not a natural color. It could be colored, but when I start looking at the faces I see the eye colors and I can see purple and red on a pair of eyes, and I don''t think contact lenses exist here. I start to look more closely, and as I said, then it clicks because the hair has covered important information. In general, they might have slightly more elongated faces, but they all have slightly pointed ears. Pointy! Not round like me. They all look like elves.


    What?!


    I, who hoped I wouldn''t experience more major shocks today, just realise that they''re all... elves. Not silly with huge long ears, nope. Only discreet ears, and some with other hair and eye colors, and much less beards. Viking Elves.


    Are there Trolls in the forests?


    Are there Giants in the mountains?


    Are there Dwarfs in Scotland?


    Are there Orcs?


    Is there magic here?


    What the hell!?


    <hr>


    The road we walk through the village is cobbled and it leads down to the harbor, and I can see more houses with masonry foundations, children running around, people carrying things, animal noises, birds being annoying, but it is just too much to take in.


    Elves?


    We turn off the main road before we get to the harbor and via another cobbled street Barki shows me to a large building. Tall, long and with extensions, which seems to be the most important building in the village. I can see a combination of longhouses style with another style mixed in, almost like Viking style with Roman elements, or Edoras from ''The Lord of the Rings'' movie, but the movie might have been inspired by such in turn. There are small leaded glass windows but I don''t see any chimneys on the roofs. With the thoughts of everyone being elves swirling in my head, I''m almost disappointed it''s not real ''Lord of the Ring'' elven style on the buildings. But it seems to be quite a bit better living standard than I expected, and I might have to accept this isn''t the Viking Age. I don''t know what era it is. It can''t be my world, because they are Elves. There are also signs with Viking runes, which I believe is actually named Futark. I recognize some of the runes, and I have seen plenty of rune stones before. The Bluetooth symbol is a combination of two runes. Named after Harald Bluetooth, who I think it was the king who made the Danes Christian. How is religion here?


    My thoughts run wild and goes on tangents when we reach the large building and Barki talks to a guard. Spear. Shield. Axe in the belt. Chain mail. Looks ''right''. Thankfully, no silly helmets with large horns, just a leather hood. Damn Wagner opera. If I''ve understood Barki correctly, this is the lawman''s house, and I guess he''s the village ruler and Barki have simply made it easy for himself and showed the weird stranger to some higher ranked person so I become his problem. Smartly done, and probably what I need. But it also feels more dangerous. I have no idea if I will say or do something that''s taboo or illegal here. What do I really know about old Viking laws? If they''re even the same here. I''m also a lone stranger with no contacts or weapons, and I have nothing more than a Mora knife and a small can of tear gas against animals. If I make a mistake, it can mean a duel or whatever, including becoming a slave or something.


    Barki asks me to wait outside on the porch under the sloping roof while he gets the lawman. The guard cautiously looks at me, but he seems to be trying to play disinterested and act cool - that he has seen everything before. He is failing and it''s a bit amusing how he tries, while looking at my face and clothes. He has a necklace with Thor''s hammer as a pendant. So it seems to be Aesir belief here. Yay for any intel.


    A beautiful elf woman comes out, with Barki obliquely following behind. Obviously someone of status, and her clothes as well as jewellery arn''t bad. Lots of bling around the neck and dangling from the ears. Must have cost a lot. She has nicely done up long dark red hair made of several smaller braids, and looks good. She politely introduces herself as Gudfridr Lofndottir, wife of Lawman Filison.


    Of course I politely return the greeting with my own name Robert Arnesson. It''s hard to understand what they''re saying but I think she''s saying that her husband, the Lawman, isn''t available at the moment but will be back later in the evening and can talk to the me then, and I''m very welcomed to get a hot meal, a warm bath, and I can wash my clothes and a bed to rest in?


    I thank and accept, but say and gesture that I''m not hungry as Barki had already invited me to a hot meal before we came here. The woman looks a little pleased with my reply and calls a maid who is standing inside the door. I think she says:


    "Astrid, let our guest have a warm bath to wash off from his trip, wash his clothes, give him a good meal if he so desires and arrange a guest room for him to rest in."


    The language is gonna be a real problem, and I have to start learning it fast. I thank her and follow the maid Astrid who shows the way in through a large assembly hall with masonry stone floor, nicely carved wooden pillars, benches and tables and a similar throne at the end. The throne is telling. I''m quite happy that all the names so far are what I expect from the Viking Age and Nordic countries, and extra happy that I can at least somewhat understand the language and make myself somewhat understood. It would be damn hard if it were a completely different language, and I will probably really appreciate my ability to absorb languages and dialects.


    I''m led into a small side building and further across a courtyard to another small building. I look around a bit even if I try to avoid being fascinated by it, time for that the latter, and instead I look at Astrid who shows the way. She has a dark gray-blue dress that almost goes down to the floor, with a red apron on the front, with embroidery on the red apron, and bronze or brass jewellery, both around the neck and on the apron. Long light brown hair that goes almost down to the waist, but is quite loosely hanging, only a red ribbon braided into it that holds it together, as well as a small forehead circlet. She is a beautiful young elf woman with a nice figure and about 18-25 years, but I''m quite useless at guessing ages in general, and that is before I wonder whether elves age as humans. It can be completely different here. I hope they don''t get much older than humans.


    In any case, Astrid leads me to what turns out to be a surprisingly nice bath/wash room, with stone floors that have a drain, simple log walls, two bath tubs, two table high wooden benches with wash basins and there is soap, a scrub brush and towels, and a pair of wooden chairs. There is even a small round hand mirror in brass on one of the benches. I''m very pleasantly surprised. It seems like cleanliness is serious business here, which I appreciate. Hope the toilets are good too, because it''s important if I have to stay here for the rest of my life.


    After showing me the bathroom, Astrid disappears but says she will soon return soon hot water. So I take of the backpack and lean it against a wall, stretch a bit and take off my boots. Boots, socks, etc arn''t exactly fresh, and it''s nice to air my feet. I havn''t started to undress when there are a few quick knocks and Astrid returns with another maid and with hot water in a large bucket and pours a little into a larger washbasin, the rest in one of the bath tubs, and the other maid disappears with the bucket. Probably for more hot water.


    It feels a little uncomfortable to be looked after by a maid, especially when Astrid tries to help me undress, but I manage to stop her. Astrid stands by the door holding her hands in front of her and wait, feels like an accustomed position, and I have my back to her. In the silence I hear a faint but slight grasp when I take my t-shirt off, and it makes me look back over my shoulder to see what she reacted to. I see her staring at my body and back with big eyes, and I wonder if I have any redness or pressure injuries from the backpack. I havn''t directly thought about it, but I know how easy it can be if you''re unattentive, and unattentive is something I have been the last few days. The last long days.


    "Astrid, is there something wrong or a problem with my back?"


    It makes her stare, but she just shakes her head and stares at my face, and beard, before she says;


    "No sir."


    Okay? Ah, I guess I''m hairier than they are. Now that I think about it, they don''t seem to have much body hair at all, and Astrid doesn''t even seem to have the slightest tiny hair on her arms or face, even though I didn''t directly stare at her face. Just a few quick glances. There are big differences in body hair depending on where you are in my world. In my mind I can only quietly sigh and think; ''Ooh, look at the hairy man. Hairy like an animal.''


    Nothing to do about it, so I hear myself take a deep sigh, and take off my pants. I turn to put them on the bench next to me, and I realise that I havn''t emptied my pockets yet. Damn. I can''t really ask her to leave, so I just stand there in my purple briefs emptying my pockets. Plastic bag with maps, leatherman wave, small digital camera. I remove the nylon belt with it''s plastic belt buckle too. I look at Astrid to see how she reacts to it, but I loose my train of thought when I see that she doesn''t look at my stuff but just stares and lets her eyes wander up and down my body, while she bites her lower lip, and seems to have a dreamy vision filled with desire.


    Huh??

 Aurora Day - The first days (Part 05)

    So I stand surprised and look at her, as Astrid looks at me. When she stares at my beard, we make eye contact and she see me staring at her. She gets a little embarrassed and lowers her gaze, takes a couple of quick steps forward, picks up the t-shirt I put on the bench and begins to gently wash it in the larger washbasin with a bar of soap. I just stand there watching Astrid''s back while she continues to wash my t-shirt.


    That was not a facial expression I expected to see aimed at me from a beautiful young woman.


    Ever.


    Especially not here, where work seems to make most men quite muscular, and a slightly chubby 36 year old nerd isn''t exactly what you might call sexy. Does she have a fetish for hair? But I remember what I was doing and make sure that the pockets are emptied, put my pants on the bench and put my things in the top compartment of the backpack. I can''t help looking at her wondering from time to time, and I see how she sneaks glances at me while she gently washes my t-shirt. The sound from the zipper make her react, and she glances at what I put down.


    Then I just wait. It feels a little uncomfortable standing there in breifs leaning against a bench when a young maid stands a few feet away and washes my t-shirt, but... deal with it. Adapt to the customs where you are. Accept reality. Move on. Pretend to be worldly and nonchalant, and I think I do it better than the guard. If I could swim in front of her in shorts, I can stand here in my underwear. Thankfully the stone floor is a bit chilly and I''m too physically exhausted, otherwise I think it would''ve been a bit embarrassing. It''s also really entertaining how often Astrid tries to peek at me, but is quick to look away when she sees me looking in her direction.


    I stand there leaning against the bench when the door opens and the other maid comes back with the bucket full of hot water, but when she sees me standing there, she stumbles a little and stares at me. She walks slowly and empties the bucket in the tub while she also looks at me with quick glances, then she disappears with the bucket, probably to fetch more, because she says something close to ''tilbak snart'' which sounds like ''back soon'' in Norwegian, and she gesture to the chair.


    This is a bit funny, but of course I''m probably fascinating simply because I''m different. They should have noticed my round ears and a slightly more angular face shape, but it can also only be a difference on the ones I have seen so far. But my ears should make it clear that I''m not one of them. I sit down and wait and relax on the chair.


    It''s been many long worrisome days and even if everything is wrong, it''s at least civilization, and I will soon take a bath in hot water. Life could be worse. Astrid, who washes my clothes, continues to sneak a peek sometimes but focuses on washing, and she has just finished with the t-shirt when the second maid returns with a third bucket of hot water. This time she doesn''t stumble, even though she is clearly fascinated by me. I don''t think too many interesting things happens in a village like this, and I assume I don''t blend in as one of the likely travelers they get here. How many travelers actually pass by? Shouldn''t most travel and trade take place via boats?


    I get up and take a few steps forward to check the water, and the water level is low but useful for sitting and scrubbing. The maid with the bucket abruptly turns around and we collide into each other, and I reflexively grab her so that neither of us falls. It''s a little embarrassing when I press her against me, but I quickly let go of her and take a few steps back. Awkward. We''re both a little red in the face, but she disappears to get more water, now with the empty bucket in front of her. Astrid accompanies her and disappears with the clean wet t-shirt, and I guess to hang it to dry. So a good opportunity to take off my underwear and slip into the water.


    So damn nice!


    The water is shallow but it rises when I sit down. Hot water and the opportunity to get rid of all the sweat and grime that has accumulated the last few days. So nice. I can feel my feet soften and I play with my toes in the water. I take the soap and starts scrubbing myself. I have washed my face, upper body and groin every day in the nearest stream, but it is not the same. Especially not in terms of temperature. Norwegian mountain stream from snow and ice fields isn''t nice. Clear and fresh; yes, but not comfortable. You do wake up, but I only wash my face and hands in the morning. I do wash my face, arms and hands quite a lot. It''s nice to get rid of sweat and dirt.


    It''s barely a couple of minutes before Astrid comes back in, without knocking on the door, which makes me quickly cover my groin with my hands. It''s a little embarrassing to see the smile on Astrid''s face when she sees the reaction and she calmly takes the underwear and starts washing them with her back towards me. Surprised look when she feels them, but thin light strech fabric is certainly unknown here. After a couple of minutes without glances from her, I start to gently wash myself again.


    I barely have time to start before the door opens and I repeat the same covering reaction. The second maid returns with a third maid carrying another bucket, apparently they have started to get a lot of hot water. The new one comes forward and pours the water in the hot tub ... while the other slowly pours the water over my back and body. I''m just sitting there, with my hands above my groin and waiting for them to leave. Apparently they have another plan, for the third maid disappears while the second take a brush and with another soap she starts scrubbing my back and washing my hair from behind. I don''t really know what to do so I just sit there, slightly bent forward, with my hands covering my groin while Astrid is washing my underwear in front of me, and the other maid seems to take all the time in the world with my hair and back. I can feel my face turning redder, especially when the maid behind my back is obviously playing with my back hair.


    "Can you leave me alone so I can wash myself?" I ask more cautiously than desired, and I see Astrid glancing over her shoulder and making eye contact with the maid behind me, who is quick to calmly respond, and I manage to understand what is likely to be:


    "Wife Gudfridr said we should wash the honored guest. We would appreciate if we could continue, so that Wife Gudfridr doesn''t get angry at us for doing such a poor job, that such an exalted guest refused our help."


    Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.


    Sounds like bullshit, but it can be true, or just misinterpreted by me. I don''t know the social norms here and if they would end up in trouble with the Lawmans wife, which I don''t want. I guess it''s common for maids to help with things like this? Trying to be a good man who tries to be accommodating is sometimes ... embarrassing. I don''t know what to answer so I just make a short nod with a "Continue."


    "Sir, my name is Lova."


    I hear the maid say close to my ear, then she continues to wash me. Damn! That voice and tone is not to be played with, and more something I expected to hear in a bedroom. They''re beautiful elf women, and even though the clothes arn''t directly flattering, their waist belt helps to emphasize their body shapes quite well. Astrid who washes her clothes puts my underwear aside, and before she starts on my pants, she turns around and curtsy to "Astrid". That damn smile.


    Thankfully the water level is higher and the soap as well as sweat and grime are starting to make the water hazy for this is starting to get ... uncomfortable. It''s just too many years since I had a woman so close, during something like this. This is not sharing a hot tub or sauna with family or friends. Deep breaths. Avoid thinking about how red my face probably is. Deep breaths.


    Lova continues to lather in and massage my back, and methodically works her way up to the hair on my head. The third maid returns with another bucket of hot water and slowly pours it over my head while Lova continues to clean my hair with her fingers. She curiously feels and massages my ears while she cleans them, and it sends shivers along my spine.


    The third maid is reluctantly chased away and takes the buckets with her. Lova attaches a simple but smart wooden plank solution to the edge of the bathtub behind me so it becomes a high back and I let myself be softly but firmly pushed back against the plank, and with more deep breaths I tilt my head back, close my eyes and relax. Lova begins to methodically soap her hands and wash my face but is careful to not get any soap in my eyes. I have probably never given my beard such a thorough cleansing as Lova gives it, and she uses a comb as well. I glance at Lova who has a satisfied happy expression on her face while she massages my chin and hairy cheeks. When she see me looking at her, her smile and eyes almost require a weapon license. I didn''t even notice when Astrid left the room with the wet clothes, I just see that she''s gone.


    The beard is rinsed and Lova starts to wash one arm at a time, and then my chest gets a far too thorough cleaning, and Lova seems to enjoy taking her time and playing with my chest hair. Sitting there in the hot water with her massaging movements, I almost start to doze off.... until I feel a hand that dives under my own and begins to massage my penis. I immediately react and press my hands down, trying to drive away her hand, but she holds a delicate thing and are not letting go as she massage her hand. I just stare at Lova who makes a bad attempt at playing innocent as she slowly lifts her hand out of the water.


    "No." is my short but clear answer. It''s easy to see that she''s planned this, and she is bad at playing hurt.


    "Wife Gudfridr said we should wash our honored guest and I don''t want to go against her order."


    A contemptuous ''HA! Fucking bullshit!'' is all I think, but what comes out is a pathetic; "No."


    "Sir, it is important to wash your manhood properly." Lova says in an innocent voice.


    "I can do it myself."


    "I have no doubt that Sir can do it, but wouldn''t it be nicer and more enjoyable if I do it? I promise to be gentle but thorough, and given how quickly Sir reacted to my hand, it may be necessary to really relax after the hardships Sir have been through."


    I just silently stare at Lova as she quietly and with a wounded look say;


    "If Sir rather wish that Astrid continues, I can fetch her..."


    It takes the edge off my irritation and I give Lova a ''oh please be serious'' look with a smile on my lips, to which she confidently replies;


    "Just relax and let me clean the rest of the Sir''s body. Sir won''t regret it."


    I sit there and watch her, and the thought strikes me that a young beautiful elf woman wants to give me a handjob, and I''m resisting. She is trying to persuade me to, damn it, and it''s quite innocent between two adults, even though she is a maid. It was a long time ago...


    I look at her and with a deep sigh, I rest my arms on the edge of the bathtub. Lova''s face lights up with a devilishly satisfied smile, and her hand disappears under the surface.


    <hr>


    Twenty minutes later when I get out of the then lukewarm bath, I have to admit that she was right. Both in her skill, and that I don''t regret it, for oh my lord. She helps to wipe me dry, and I ask her to leave when I have to get new clothes out of the backpack, which she happily does with a nod and a: "I wait outside the door."


    Damn, that was different. Nice, but different. Many new experiences today. I quickly open my backpack, take out a set of clean underwear, see that it will be purple again, and black socks and a pair of thin black shorts. Have no extra pants with me. Thin merlino wool underpants in black is a bad idea, and it''s too hot for the usual insulated underpants I sleep in if it''s cold. Thick olive green insulated underpants in about 25C heat? Nope. I would be sweating in no time. I stop when I open the bag with clean t-shirts and realise I only have three options, and nothing is appropriate given the situation.


    Lova opens the door and curiously looks in when she hears my roaring laugh, and looks very curiously at me when I''m having to hold back laughter, but I just wave her away and she closes the door.


    It takes a couple of minutes before I manage to recover. The body hurts from laughter. I needed that release. I put down the remaining t-shirts and close the pack, but still have a bit of a hard time gathering myself and quietly laugh and giggle.


    The least bad option was the black with dark gray text print and embroidery in white, red, black of an artificial coat of arms of a well-known brand. It still feels better than a black t-shirt with green-brown Boba Fett in profile, or the one that made me break out in hysterical laughter; a black t-shirt with color print of a snowboarder going full speed down a mountain with the text ''Don''t follow me - I''m crazy and I''m lost!''


    So fucking true.


    Start to giggle again, and I assume no one here could have read it anyway. The giggle give way to more laughter when I think of the selection of remaining t-shirts I usually carry with me on activities, and what''s in my car. About half of them are black, but if I remember correctly there is also one who has a skiing Apollo astronaut on the moon, another with an evil clown mask with ''Can''t sleep, clown will eat me'' who, among other things, a couple of customs agents at Heathrow airport loved, and one t-shirt with a medieval knight in armor with ''Dressed to kill'' from the Tower of London. My packing plans for this trip didn''t include ''pack something useful for a trip to the Elvish Middle Ages.'' It''s simply not possible to be prepared for everything.


    A few minutes later, and in a much better mood, I throw the backpack on my shoulders, open the door and is met by questioning looks from both Lova and Astrid, who are looking at my black t-shirt and black little shorts. "Tell me when the pants are dry." is all I can say with a smile.

 Aurora Day - The first days (Part 06)

    Lova shows me to a nice room in another building. Not a large room, maybe 6m2, but a separate room with a fairly large bed that is probably meant for a couple, with a small table with a chair, extra chair without back by the bed as a bedside table, something that looks like a wardrobe without a door, and a small leaded glass window. Significantly better than I expected, but they treat me damn well.


    I lean the backpack against a wall and check the bed. Pillows, animal furs and blankets with something that feels like an okay''ish mattress. Nice. As I usually say about sleeping places when hiking etc; dry and away from rain and wind are most important, preferably warm but reasonably comfortable is all that is required, but it is nice if it is clean. I''m a little worried about small insects or bugs in the bed, but they seem to take cleanliness quite seriously here, and it''s only a matter of time before I get fleas etc, if it is a big problem here. Man, I really don''t want fleas. Gah.


    Lova closes the door and leaves me alone. I contemplate whether I should use the sleeping bag on top but better if it''s protected and stowed if there is problems, so I lie down on the bed and just stare at the ceiling. After a couple of minutes it knocks on the door, and Lova comes back in with a tray with a mug, fruit and bread which she puts down on the table. I thank and Lova waits by the door, apparently I will eat, even though I have already eaten. Which they know. But it seems to be the custom. So I eat, but after tasting the mead, I let it be. Not at all to my taste. And I still have water.


    I eat up and thank for the food. Lova looks questioningly at the fact that I didn''t drink any mead, so I say I prefer water, and she takes it away with the tray and I''m alone with my thoughts again - for better or worse. I''m way too unsure of what this world is like, and I can say and do things that are taboo etc, and be convicted of a crime I don''t know about. My memory of the Viking Age is uncertain, and it doesn''t seem to be the same anyway.


    After more thinking, I make the decision to try to give the impression that I am a magician or mystic, because as far as I know, Odin was worshipped as the Allfather and most powerful god, and I recall that Odin knew magic, while Thor was more manly and warrior ideal with his hammer. Still is for some. Was Freya the goddess of fertility or the goddess for female warriors? Loki was the one who caused mischief, misery, etc. Heimdal guarded the Bifrost. But there were many more gods and I only know a few names, not their history or if they even believe it here. Who would have thought that ancient mythology would become important? I have actually read a modern version of Edda, but it was 15 years ago or so, and I didn''t think it was hugely interesting back then.


    <hr>


    I''m a normal tall 178cm slightly overweight nerd and I never go to the gym. I love technology, science, building things in many areas such as electronics, computers, radio, optics, lasers, mechanisms, playing role-playing games, airsoft, traveling and seeing nature, hiking, kayaking etc. I have never hunted or slaughtered animals even though I watched my father hunt moose as a child. Well, I can fish and clean fish but how difficult is that? I know nothing about real animal handling, and have basically just sat on horse and a camel. I have lived next door to farmers and farms but nothing I learned, and driving a tractor isn''t really useful here. The music won''t be the same, and movies as well as TV series etc are just unknown here. I hardly even keep track of when it was the Olympics, and I wonder if they even have sports here?


    Damn, I have almost nothing in common with men here. What will we discuss or talk about? Women? Feels like a quick way to pain or death if I happen to say the wrong thing, especially if everyone drinks mead and is drunk and maybe aggressive. It''s hard enough to be the only sober person at a party. Some people get really annoying when they''re drunk. Here? I probably don''t want to know, and most people seem to have knives, axes, etc in their belts, as part of everyday life. I will honestly find it difficult to talk socially with any people, because I won''t have anything in common with women either, but I feel like the chance of violence is less from women. Less. As long as they don''t have boyfriends or husbands. Or I say something that they take badly against honor or something and I get relatives hunting me. Are there shieldmaidens here? I''m so fucking fucked, and have to try to thread lightly, carefully and methodically. I can''t just straight out ask about things that everyone already knows.


    Not much choice. I must pretend to be a learned man. A mysterious wanderer and seeker of information that can do ''magic'', and avoid talking to and hanging out with people as part of my mystique or something. Unfortunately, that makes it more difficult to learn culture and language, but it feels safer. I wonder what James Randi would have said and done in this situation. It''s honestly annoying that I have to pretend that modern technology is magic. But sure, it can be hugely useful and ''a sufficiently advanced technology is magic''.


    Try to explain electricity to someone who didn''t grow up with it, or how a battery via a copper wire can burn something or make a lamp light up. ''If you take these metals, place a special liquid between, and connect a thinner metal wire between the two metals, it will become hot and melt, or it may begin to glow bright hot if you surround it with glass, and take away or replaces the transparent air you cannot see with another transparent air that you cannot see either.''


    I''m so damn fucked.


    I can''t count on ever returning to my world. So I need to make plans for the future. First of all, the nature seems to be the same and I would rather travel back to at least western Sweden, and hope the language and dialect will be a little easier, and the coming winter will be a little milder at least out by the coast. To explain that, I will need a map, both to confirm I am where I think I am, and where I want to travel to. But how many here can even read and understand a map? What are things called? Place names are obviously completely different. I honestly don''t know if there is other people than elves in Sweden - maybe they''re orcs. How will I even be able to ask?


    But okay. Try to travel to a place that is less isolated and with a nicer winter climate than here. Western Sweden is the first destination and I will see how it is there, then maybe continue south. Learning more about the world is important, but how much do the elves here know about the world even 500km away? If I want to have a chance to come back home, I can''t live in the middle of nowhere. I need to be more central, some place where people, merchants and travelers pass, and try to find rumours and information about other ''travelers'' or humans. I definitely need to secure my well-being and finances. I need money, whatever form it is here.


    To get money, there are few options. Work and make money is one. Make something I can sell is another. Sell something I have is a third. Or the like. Labor here is probably cheap, so I don''t want to try it because it feels inefficient and tiring. I don''t want to sell something I have, as I might need it later and it''s difficult to know if I will be cheated on it''s value. Also difficult to sell things they don''t value, and my stainless Mora knife is probably the most attractive and valued thing I have, but I don''t want to sell what is probably the best knife in the world to someone out in the boondocks. I want to sell it to some powerful rich person in a large city.


    I can probably manufacture fairly advanced things depending on what they already have here, what manufacturing opportunities there are, and depending on what I find in materials and tools. I have to try to figure things out and see opportunities to take advantage of. I should be good at the above, and I probably belongs to the top 5% of people who come here. I''ve always been good at building things in different areas, figuring out solutions and improvising.


    One example is a weapon mounted IR laser sight with tactical switch and adjustable point of impact. I improvised it from things I had at home. IR laser from old computer CD player with lens from the same CD, in a small casing I made delta suspended in a box so that the laser sight got adjustable hit point and slightly dampened. Then mounted in a box with control electronics, battery and main switch, and tactical push button on a spiral cable, with a weapon mount made of bent 2mm sheet to fit a picatinny rail. Everything built in one day along with other things. Still has it, 10 years later. Works fine, and has been on loan many times. I have built so damn many small technical gadgets so far, but it will be much more difficult here.


    Since I have some time alone - maybe a couple of hours until the Lawman returns - I take out my cell phone and I plan to draw a primitive, but for this time I guess exact, map of south west Norway and western Sweden. I just hope the terrain is the same here. It seems to be. I use my navigation app in the cell phone - of course still no coverage - but the app has pre-loaded maps of the whole world on a decent scale, as it''s intended to be used without cell phone coverage. Some areas or countries I have saved in high zoom, for example it has the whole of Norway''s topo map, and I also have Sweden''s but in poorer quality. New Zealand is probably the least useful. I hope there are no major differences in the world''s geography and nature.


    This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.


    But I can''t show them stuff like the cell phone, tablet or hiking GPS. Take out my small A5 notebook with squared paper, and take a page from it. I copy the map by placing the paper on the screen and drawing thin lines with the pen, and scrolling on the screen. When I am satisfied, I turn off and pack away the phone, and fill in with one of the ink pens. A small but useful map.


    Then lie down and think about what I should say more precisely to people, including the Lawman tonight, and what I can try to sell. Will try to sell lower denominations of my Swedish banknotes and coins, because they are fine works of art if nothing else, and some local money is better than no local money. Thank goodness I always have a lot of cash with me, especially when traveling. €50 banknote in the pill container on the keychain, and often 1500 Swedish kronor or more in the wallet. Experience have taught me that debitcards might not worked due to technical problems, or because they simply don''t take Visa or Mastercard. It doesn''t matter if there''s money in the account, when the card reader doesn''t work, they don''t take cards or have power outages. Cash solves the problem.


    <hr>


    A couple of hours later when Lova knocks and leaves my dry clothes, I have made plans. Partly for how I will present myself, especially after I leave this village, and also what things I can try to sell and manufacture. Only the information in my cell phone is worth a lot to the right people. A world map that might be correct is probably valuable for the right person.


    I have also figured out how I can make, for example, compass needles, which is ridiculously simple with a bit of electric cable and a suitably shaped needle or iron thing, and electric power. And I have batteries. The compass needle can be weakly magnetized in other simpler ways but I feel an electromagnet are best for a permanent compass, and I don''t want to give away simple methods anyone can use. But if they already have compasses, I need to do something else. So maybe a sextant, or binoculars, sundial, pendulum clock, etc. I have lots of information that is valuable, and even more that isn''t. Positional numbers and proper math will be useful if they don''t already have it. Maybe not so valuable to sell, but it can give reputation and status. If I need to start using Roman numerals, I will get annoyed, and it''s not possible to do proper math with it.


    Lova asks me to put on my pants and come along, which of course I do. She seems to have bathed herself, as I can see her hair is wet and freshly braided and she has changed clothes, and is wearing a pair of necklaces. No apron this time and a slightly finer dress with more V-neckline that the necklace draws attention to. Very nice that they seem to bathe relatively often, even among higher status service people, and it looks like I''m about to see some important people given her own better outfit.


    I have already prepared my Mora knife and hang it in the belt, and stuff the multi-tool in the pant pocket. With the keychains small S carbine, I have attached the firestarter and the flashlight together and they make the multi-tool company. I take the new folded map with me and the ink pen gets stuffed down the left pocket out of habit. Eh, it can be useful. I''m ready to go, and Lova points and say I should bring the backpack. Okay, might not return to this room then. I havn''t unpacked or spread anything out, but I do a check anyway before I take the backpack and follow. It would be stupid to forget something.


    Lova shows me the way back to the large assembly hall with the throne I saw when I first arrived. The tables are moved out towards the walls and there is a larger open space on the floor but there are benches with people along the sides and the throne have been joined by two chairs, one on each side. Lova whispers that I should put down my backpack and go stand in to the middle, which I do, even if I lean the backpack against a bench a little to the side. It tends to fall if I don''t lean it against something.


    On the throne in the middle sits a man with obvious power and position. He is simple but elegantly dressed and he has a nice necklace, a sword by his side and a fur coat of some kind over his shoulders. In this heat. Doesn''t he sweat? On his left is his wife I met when I arrived at the building (what the hell was her name?), and on the right is what I guess is the village wise older woman, or shaman. She lives up to the expected image, with a wooden staff with things dangling from it, and she have decorated herself with stones, bones, feathers and other things.


    I introduce myself as Robert Arnesson and slightly bends my head to the man on the throne. Lawman Filison introduces himself, his wife Gudfridr Lofndottir, the shaman woman named V?lva, and then they go around the room, but there are many names and titles - eight - so I don''t care to try to remember them. I focus on trying to remember the Lawman and the women by his sides. I understand that the people in the hall are the ruling council or people with influence in the village, and there is a woman here in addition to the two beside the Lawman, so women have some power here.


    As far as I know Viking women had about the best position of all women in Europe during that era in my world. It went downhill later with the conversion to Christianity, and so did hygiene etc. There are also two maids and four scattered guards. One on each side a few meters from Lawman Filison and a couple behind me at the door. The hall is far from full. I just stand there and the audience looks at me and my equipment in amazement.


    Lawman ask me where I come from, and I tell my prepared story that I''m a wandering mystic who tries to see the world and came from the mountains a few days away, but I''m from much further away. I admit I''m a little lost, and they don''t seem to doubt any of what I said. Well, I don''t know if they have understood enough. They ask something I don''t understand, but they seem to wonder if I was up there when the strong Northern lights lit up three days ago, and I can only nod and say yes to it. It confirms that they had the Northern lights here too.


    I hear them talking to each other, especially the shaman woman V?lva and Lawman Filison. I hear words like seerman, sejd, yggdrasil, bifrost, alfheimr etc. I don''t really understand what they mean even though I recognize Yggdrasil. The world tree. Wait a minute... Bifrost, the rainbow colored bridge between the worlds in the Aesir belief.


    Northern Lights.


    Well...    Shit. Now I feel stupid too.


    The shaman V?lva points to my pack and I''m asked if I can show my walking poles that I have pushed together and attached to the back. Of course, so I get one of them, shows how I can make it longer so it gets the right height and she respectfully asks if she can have a look at it. A bit entertaining when she pokes at it''s cork handle, feels the nylon strap with its sewn marking, and lets her fingers slide on the aluminium tubes with it''s text and feels the ninja flex rubber tops. She weighs the rod in her hand and they talk a little more and even the Lawman touches my walking pole, weighs it and points to the other, and so on. After a while I get the pole back with reverence, so I push it together and attach it back. Lawman Filison notice my Mora knife and ask if he can look, so sure, I slowly pull it up and hand it over while holding the blade. The guards seem ready to act if I should try something.


    The lawman reverently receives the knife and inspects it together with both women and they''re very impressed by it. Shiny clean blade with finely pressed ''Morakniv, Made in Sweden, Stainless'' on the blade and infused ''Morakniv'' in the funny rubber grip. I''m quite convinced that they''ve never seen anything like it. The lawman gets up and walks around and shows the knife to those present in the hall. Hard not to be a little pleased and smile when I hear their exclamation and see their faces. A few gently touches the printed text on the blade.


    When the lawman comes back and return the knife, he have much more respect in his attitude towards me, and a little caution. They don''t seem to really know what to do with me, so after I put the knife back, I unfold my little map and ask if I can come and show Lawman Filison? He nods yes, and waves me forward.


    I point out on the map where Eidfjord is that I marked in red and ask if I''m here? I shows and say that I want to go to western Sweden. The lawman carefully takes the map and I step back. The lawman together with those he calls forth looks at the small map, looks at the paper and feels it. I guess they barely seen a map and the paper must surprise them; thin, even and with small nice blue lines in a perfect grid. I can see a book lying on a stand a bit beside the lawmans throne, and I guess it''s a law book or list of those who live here or something like that. At least there are books here, although I guess there can be less than a dozen books in the whole village.


    A man sitting at the end of the line is waved forward, I thinks he was introduced as a merchant and he study the map and I can see when a light comes on for him and he understands what it is. Surprised, slightly shocked and a little puzzled. Interesting combination. He seems to understand and follow the coastline as he is trying to figure out or compare to how he remembers boat paths? They talk a little more between them and I hear how the merchant mentions Borgarsandr twice and a river. I can be somewhere around the Gothenburg area, because that in itself probably comes from Geats, G?tar in Swedish, who were the people who lived in the region and Borg which is Swedish for fortress/castle, and the Swedish name means the The Geats Castle. Borgarsandr sounds quite appropriate for what I showed. Castle and sand. Although that probably fits a whole lot of the coast, especially more south. Less cliffs and mountains, and much more sand.


    The Lawman sits back on the throne, there is a showing of hands and a decision seems to be made and the Lawman says:


    "Robert Arnesson, the Council have a question: Are you a person who knows a lot about mysteries in the world and can perform sejd?"


    "I don''t understand the word sejd."


    "A person who can influence the world, do things few others can, predict what the Gods want, heal bodies and sing mighty magic."


    Not really, but sounds like a magician, so I just nod and answer yes, and it seems to confirm what they''ve already decided.


    "The council have decided: If Sejdmann Robert Arnesson wishes, merchant Danr Fengrsen will be honored to let you accompany his ship to Borgarsandr where you wish to travel. No cost. It will take three weeks."


    It''s a really good deal so I should just thank for and accept, which I do. Merchant Fengrsen walks up and greets with an armgrab and says he is honored to take me there. His ship will leave tomorrow and he''s waiting me then. A cabin will be arranged. Lawman Filison calls for Lova and says:


    "Lova, Sejdmann Robert Arnesson will stay for the night."


    She curtsy and wait for me to follow her. I guess it''s time to go. So I thank the council, lift up my backpack and follow her back to the room I had before.

 Aurora Day - The first days (Part 07)

    Lawman Filison watches as his unexpected guest takes his backpack and walks away. A Sejdmann, and probably a very very powerful one. Who has even heard of it? Sejd is exclusively for women to perform - never men. To even suggest a man does it, is a gross insult in most cases, and he was worried when he asked if his guest could Sejd, but the man just calmly nodded and answered yes as it was obvious and he was proud of it. Both he and V?lvan Asvor are convinced that the man came here with Bifrost three days ago. No one has seen or heard anything of that magnitude since several generations ago.


    Sejdmann Robert Arnesson must have used Bifrost to get to Alfheimr. The question is from where? He has round ears and is apparently very hairy over the whole body according to Astrid and Lova, so he might have come from Midgard which should be close according to what the Sagas tell about Yggdrasil and the nine worlds. But Midg?rd should have primitive hairy humans, and from what have they seen so far of his equipment, clothes and staffs? Not primitive at all, and very very impressive craftsmanship and quality, and according to Astrid he hides much more in his pack. Like glass behaving as cloth.


    Merchant Danr who is a visitor and the most widely traveled among them, and have seen much of the world, couldn''t even identify the material on the backpack. But when his backpack is in such excellent quality and without the slightest variation in it''s intense green hue? With some small nice red embroideries and weird black buckles? Who has it on their pack, and then carries it by themselves? Who has excellent quality thin purple clothes under normal clothes? Purple. Which is terribly expensive. He have several. Not to mention his black shirt and short pants. So very black and in perfect quality like everything else.


    Who embarks on such a journey alone without a weapon? No sword, spear, bow or even an axe - just a knife of incredible quality, and a pair of magic walking staffs marked with runes. How can metal not weigh anything and change its length that way, and what was that black material? Sejdmann can obviously afford the absolute best, so the only reason he doesn''t carry excellent weapons and travels alone? Because he don''t need it. He knows Sejd and that Sejd is Mighty.


    Sejdmann Robert Arnesson must be both powerful and rich, and you don''t want to annoy such a man. Either he came here by himself using his own Sejd, which is a really scary thought, or he is sent by the Gods, which is even more scary. Probably the last one, because he managed to show up exactly the same day as Merchant Danr is here, and that only happen 4-6 times a year. The same day. And Merchant Danr''s home town and final destination is exactly where Sejdmann wants to go. It must be the hand of the Gods in play here. In any case, it''s better to help Sejdmann Robert Arnesson get to where he wants to go, than stop him. It''s so good that Merchant Danr thought the same and offered to let Sejdmann go with him, but he''s probably afraid that the gods will throw storms, malice and bad luck in his path if he refuses.


    I need to reward Merchant Danr for his goodwill and kindness. It''s my duty as a Lawman, and I can give him some extra animal skins as a reward, but it''s worth it. Especially to quickly get Sejdmann out of here. Keep Sejdmann Robert Arnesson away from Gudfridr, since I know she''s too cunning and careful to seek Sejdmann out tonight. Had I not been coming home...


    I know my wife well enough to notice how she looked at Sejdmann even though Sejdmann himself seems to ignore it, but he must be used to it. He''s the big topic of conversation in the household, and it would surprise me if Sejdmann have a couple of very willing bedmates tonight.


    But who can blame them? A man so blessed by Freya, Sejdmann status, powerful, obviously rich and prosperous. Tall and such strong beard growth. Apparently charming and confident enough in his own strength and competence that he sets off on such a journey with a large heavy pack without servants or slaves carrying it for him. He will not lack female company in Alfheimr.


    <hr><hr>


    Lova shows me back to the room and I put down the backpack and get ready to go to bed early and really sleep. I need it. I have no idea what it will be like to sleep on the boat or how seasick I will be, so I better get a good night''s sleep. Calling the previous nights sleep poor is an understatement. So I take the bag with toilet articles from the side pocket on the backpack and try to ask Lova where I can brush my teeth and piss and shit and after an awkward moment and gestures Lova smiles and show she understand and takes me to an outdoor toilet. I really need to remember the words for toilet and so on.


    They have no toilet paper but there are peeled wooden shavings, much like a planer make, and a bucket with used shavings, as well as a bowl of water with something else in it, which doesn''t look that fresh. Better than nothing, but I use my own toilet roll to wipe myself and rubbing alcohol after I leave the toilet. I need to avoid getting sick, and I''m simply not used to the bacteria they have here. Lova shows me to the bathroom I washed in, so I brush my teeth and wash my hands, before she finally shows me back to the bedroom again.


    I put the toilet bag back in the side pocket, straighten the backpack against the wall, and take off the t-shirt while I turn around to thank Lova for everything. Lova isn''t at the door. Lova lies smiling in bed under the blankets with a seductive and expectant expression, obviously naked because I can see one of her breasts, and her dress hangs over the chair next to the bed.


    Oh, crap! This will require all the self-control I have.


    She lies there smiling and expectant as she alternates between looking at me and my body. Focus. Deep breath. I can''t go to bed with a maid sent here by her master or mistress. Focus. Deep breath. Ignore the feeling between the legs. I look Lova in the eyes and shakes my head while I say "No". No matter how hurt she seems to be, or how intensely she nods ''Yes'' with her head, I must try to keep to certain principles. Sleeping with a maid who may have no real choice is one such principle. It''s too damn close to rape. I shake my head again and say "No".


    It''s so hard to shove a really lovely and beautiful woman out of bed, especially when she slowly and very naked steps out of bed and I just stand there and quickly close my eyes. Do not think of her body. Deep breath. "No, and I mean it." I hear the floorboards creaking as Lova slowly walks across the floor towards me. I feel her naked body pressing against mine, her breasts pressed against my upper body, and how she confidently moves her hand over my body and kisses my neck. DAMN! Focus! Breathing deep through my nose only makes me smell her.


    Her seductive voice whispers in my ear; "I feel something that doesn''t agree with Sir." which is so true and her wandering hand doesn''t help at all. FOCUS!


    "Lova. No." I take her in my arms and gently push Lova aside, pick up her dress and give it back to her while I avoid looking at her. It''s with a deep sigh that she accepts. Once she has put the dress over her head, I turn around and she have such a hurt expression. Walk up to her, give her a kiss on the cheek, and tell her that she is so very lovely, and that I wish we could spend a night together, but I can''t.


    "I bled a few days ago, I won''t have children." she says, shrugging a little, and I freeze. That was another thing I didn''t consider - no condoms here. Crap. It''s not like I brought any. I feel my shoulders drop; "I can''t." Then I kindly lead her out of the room and close the door.


    Fucking hell - that was hard. Literally. I''m honestly a little pissed at my self-control.


    It will be difficult to fall asleep in the near future, and I can just forget to lie on my stomach, but I take off my pants, and crawl under the blankets. When I lie there in bed, it''s hard to not think about Lova''s naked body and what could''ve happened right now. It would have been so nice. Fucking self-control. I try thinking of something else. What happened in the last few days. Avoid thinking about those at home. It''s been a very long day with a lot of adjustments. Today I learned that I''m no longer on Earth. That I''m surrounded by Elves. That for some inexplicable reason I seem to be attractive to some of them. Which is both good and bad. Hard to let go of thoughts about Lova and her body, but eventually I fall asleep.


    <hr>


    I wake up early in the morning, thankfully no sun looking in through the window but it''s bright outside. It''s Astrid who gently wakes me, and she have placed a tray with breakfast on the table. Really good breakfast. A bowl of meat and vegetable soup that is steaming, freshly baked bread, click of butter and some cheese, and looks like some jam too. Big mug but it is not mead, seems to be lingonberry drink. Zombie Robert is a bit sleepy but I thank her, and I see she also has a washing bowl with water, soap and a towel. She herself seems to have wet hair, so I guess they wash quite often. Very positive. After a few minutes I have washed myself and sat down to eat. It goes slowly because my brain hasn''t woken up yet, and the outside seems foggy and a little dreary through the window. Morning fog? Astrid is standing by the door but seems to feel uncomfortable, and I just remember that I''m only wearing underwear when she starts talking.


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    "Lova asked me to apologize for her behavior last night, and hope that Sir didn''t feel insulted that she is just a lowly maid without status. Lova didn''t think that Sir would be so faithful to his wives. All three of us who helped Sir bathe yesterday would have liked to have accompanied Sir during the night - we have no men of our own. But the bed is small, and Lova won our raffle to be alone with Sir. We apologize if we have insulted Sir''s honor."


    What??


    They had a raffle who would go to bed with me alone?


    They are not forced by Filison or his wife?


    Well... Shit. Lucky I didn''t know that yesterday. So I put down my spoon and turn to her.


    "Astrid. It''s divine providence I didn''t know that yesterday, because then Lova would probably have been here now, but I think that in the end I would have disliked myself if she had spent the night in my bed. It was so very hard ... I mean difficult enough to reject her. It''s difficult to explain and I don''t know the language well enough, but it''s not her fault or her status. It''s my rules. But I would appreciate answer to a few questions?"


    Astrid has become wide-eyed and responds quickly: "Of course Sir."


    "I saw your eyes on my body yesterday, and it felt very appreciative and increased my self-confidence, but it''s difficult to understanding why you all want to have... sex with me. What makes me so desirable?"


    Astrid is obviously surprised, and kind of speechless and shocked that I don''t understand.


    "Sir is obviously a man of great knowledge and wisdom, who is well nourished, healthy, clean, tall and rich. Sir has skilfully and confidently come over the mountains with a great a heavy pack where few goes - alone without servants, and Sir is accustomed to travel in difficult nature, and Sir came here with Bifrost. We all saw it a few nights ago, and Sir''s sejd is mighty. Sir have a very impressive beard and his whole body is covered with hair! Sir is much more masculine than any other man we have ever seen!"


    "Body hair is manly?" is all I can think of, and Astrid eagerly nods.


    "Odin and Thor have nice big beards. The male Gods have beards or moustaches and hairy chests and arms, but men around here have only small beards or moustaches. Freya, Siv and the other Goddesses obviously don''t have hair like that, just like me. And such a hairy body... we''ve never seen it before."


    She stands with an almost dreamy look, before continuing.


    "Sir confirmed infront the council that Sir is a Sejdmann, like Allfather Odin. I apologize and ask that Sir doesn''t take this as an insult..." Astrid cautiously and hesitantly continues after I nod and make an affirming gesture. "Usually it''s only women who do sejd, like the honorable V?lva Asvor, although some craftsmen have to do a bit. In a lot of places in the country side it''s still considered... feminine." Astrid looks uncomfortable and seems to study my face carefully, which doesn''t react much while I try to understand what she says, so she continues quickly but still a little insecure. "Freya is the goddess of love, sex, sejd, war and death!"


    Everything at once? Wow. It''s with conviction and a little humour followed by obviousness she continues.


    "It''s mostly Freya who use sejd among the gods, and even Odin have respect for her power and it''s Freya who taught Odin! Freya''s husband Od have disappeared, but it''s a given that Odin is her husband Od hiding from her power, but he''s the only one who comes even close! Freya obviously prefer wise learned men with powerful sejd, instead of men like Thor. V?lvas and other female sejd users worship Freya. Powerful women as our lady worship Freya. Shieldmaidens worships Freya. Such a prosperous man as Sir with such a beard and body without scars, and who''s a Sejdmann must follow Odin himself and be blessed by Freya! It''s something we havn''t heard of before. All women who have Freya as a role model and worship her for their work or dreams will be drawn to Sir like bees to flowers!"


    Huh...


    Not what I expected to hear. Ever.


    It''s with a neutral voice that I hear myself ask: "So powerful women, warrior women like shield maidens and sejd women will be attracted to me?"


    Astrid nods eagerly, gets a little red in the face and says softly "Not just them..."


    I''m starting to understand this world a little better. It''s not good to be considered unmanly due to magic - sejd - and that women will want to go to bed with me can lead to unexpected problems, but what heterosexual man would complain about being coveted by beautiful Elvish women?! Especially the kind of intelligent and confident women who appeal to me? Dangerous, and not exactly what an older slightly overweight nerd expects to be; attractive. After a few minutes of thinking, I realise that Astrid is still looking at me, and what can I say other than;


    "Astrid, thank you very much."


    I turn around and slowly eat the food while I think, and the food has started to get cold when I eat the last and lean back in my chair. I havn''t noticed that Astrid have stepped up behind me until she puts her hands on my chest, and they slide slowly down the front of my body as she leans forward and with a sexy seductive voice whispers in my ear;


    "Sir may not want to go to bed with any of us, but Sir is going on a long journey and it''s a tradition here that wives or lovers take care of their husbands well-being before a trip. Sir have no woman or wife here so why not let at my mouth taste a bit of Sir''s masculinity as a thank for the information. I can see and feel that Sir''s ready for it." ... and I can feel her hands caressing my chest and further down. That part of me have already given it''s clear opinion.


    Deep breath... Okay... I guess in the future maybe I need to be prepared for this. I hope it never goes so far that I take it for granted. Astrid is right, it''s going to be a long journey and it''s unfortunately years since I was with a woman... but sadly I can''t. A couple of deep sighs later and it really takes a lot to say it and requires every ounce of self-control - but I put my hand on her lower hand and gently lifts it away.


    "I really, really appreciate your offer Astrid, but I don''t think it would be right when I said no to Lova."


    My pride and self-control give each other High Fives and I make a relieved sigh. But my pride and self-control accidentally headbutts each other and knocks each other out when Astrid kisses my neck, smiles and replies:


    "If it eases Sir''s conscience, I can fetch Lova when I leave the food tray, so both our mouths can taste Sir''s masculinity."


    <hr>


    Three-quarter of an hour later, I don''t know who''s most pleased of me or Lova when she shows the way down to the ship through the morning mist. It escalated.


    After Astrid and Lova skillully got me to my first release after far too short but wonderful oral sex, Astrid started again while Lova seductively kissed my breast and whisperingly with her sexy voice asked if I couldn''t let her appreciate a little more. I definitely wasn''t a man with enough will, commitments or circumstances to say no. So she slipped out off her dress and lay down next to me with an expectant smile. I enjoyed tasting her body before I slipped in while Astrid kissed me and my chest. I felt like Astrid was being sidelined so I lay on my back and got Lova to ride, while I made Astrid sit over my face so I could satisfy her, which she definitely appreciated after the first shock of what I asked her to do, and what I intended to do.


    Both they and I would have liked to continue, but it was time to go to the ship - as if nothing had happened. So far, life here isn''t bad.


    Before we reach the ship, I''m struck by the thought I''m human and everyone here so far are Elves. I have just had sex with two females outside my race, but they are not animals and it was between willing parties. How much is the genetic difference? Can I even have children here? Will they be healthy? Do I care?


    Right now... No. Absolutely not.


    But do diseases work the same or am I immune to certain viruses they have here, or more sensitive? Have I already received some kind of Elvish syphilis? I could managed to live in celibacy here, but will I have the will and self-control for it? The answer is so far: Up to a limit, and it seems like that limit will be crossed a lot if I''m really as attractive to women as Astrid and Lova seem to think. But the thoughts about diseases are quite unpleasant, and it would be better with and exclusive sexual relationship. The sight of the ship up close makes me drop that thread and I look at the ship with fascination.


    Oh, Shiny!


    The ship is painted with some dark color or maybe tar. Large single mast with a square sail. An upper rear deck with cabins underneath, which runs halfway along the deck. A few small windows on each side. A half-raised forecastle, with one staircase up to the forecastles deck, and one down under it. It looks like the crew''s sleeping in the small space down there. There''s a larger hole in the middle of the deck down to the cargo hold below, and there is a steep ladder down. No hatch. That feels stupid in bad weather for an ocean going vessel.


    Lova kiss me goodbye on the cheek, and leaves with a smile, before I go onboard where Merchant Danr Fengrsen welcomes me and introduces himself again, which I also do with Sejdmann Robert Arnesson, and he introduces me to what I think is his second in command, Navigator Toke Frodesen.


    Merchant Danr politely asks if we could use our first names as the trip will take a few weeks, and it will be easier than keeping to formalities, which I can only agree with, so I ask him to call me Robert, and I will call him Danr. There will be stops along the way, and some will be for one or two days. Food will be available as dry food, or cold soup and if I just ask one of the sailors I will get it.


    Merchant Danr shows me the cabins and we walk along the corridor that is offset to the right (starboard side?) to his captain''s cabin in the stern, which is a larger room. He shows me to a cabin on the left (port side?) of the ship and it''s a nice cabin. Two beds with a wardrobe at the foot end on each side and with a small table and chair in the middle in front of the small window that looks like it can be opened. Nice! Very Nice!


    There are three other cabins, similar to mine or smaller with bunk beds - each with their own window. The cabin next to mine is smaller with a wardrobe, bunk bed and small table and chair. Opposite on the other side are two cabins, one that belongs to the navigator with a single bed with shelves above and wooden chests below, and a table with a chair. The last cabin is only with a bunk bed without a table for passengers. These have the bed in the direction of the hull. I have clearly got the most luxurious passenger cabin, and even if I don''t need two beds, it''s nice to have space, and I put the backpack in the aft bed. I guess the ship stomps in waves so I''ll be pushed against the wall, instead of thrown down from the bed.


    I''ve been onboard for maybe a quarter of an hour, when the ship leaves the dock. I stand and look in over fog-covered Hildifjoer and discreetly take a couple of pictures with my compact camera on the village, the ship, and a selfie etc. It disturbs me a bit that I didn''t take any pictures of Lawman, Lova, Astrid and the others - but I didn''t want to show the camera. I don''t know how my future will be, but it looks a little brighter and my next three weeks will be on this ship. I hope I don''t get too seasick and the weather will be good.


    My future is completely uncertain, but I just have to adapt and make the best of it. I can''t help but admit it will be an interesting adventure.


    Alfheimr; ready or not, here comes Sejdmann Robert Arnesson!

 Sailing to Borgarsandr - day 1, North Arrows

    Sailing to Borgarsandr, day 1


    North Arrows


    I stand there on the upper aft deck and look back at Hildifjoer (Eidfjord) that slowly disappears into the fog. Looks like it''s going to be a really gray day, maybe a little rain, so I ignore the sunscreen. I really have no idea where I''m actually going, only that my final destination is probably on Sweden''s westcoast, and seems to be on a large river so I guess it''s the Gothenburg area, but honestly it can be almost anywhere nearby, and there are several rivers. Its difficult to calculate distance and travel time when I also don''t know the number of stops on the route, where they are located, etc. But according to merchant Danr, it is one or two days sailing between each, and the second stop will be a big city where the ship will try to make it to the combined Ting and market day. I really need to learn the language better.


    I''ve tried to estimate the speed of the boat and I will try to keep track of the route. It''s something like 800km to Gothenburg, and with a speed of maybe 6km/h it will be 150 kilometers per day, and 6 days direct sailing, but I don''t know if they sail at night or anchor along the coast, but with a stop of 1-2 days in several places on the route it sounds like they are sailing through the night, and the nights will not be really dark. In three weeks I will know. Urgh. Three weeks on a medieval sailing ship with stops along the way. Some may look forward to that, but not me. I will hopefully be able to make some money along the way, start learning the language etc. I need a crash course in Norse.


    No matter what''s happened in my world - I should probably start to think of it as Midg?rd - I''m still not missing there. So no matter what happened, no one misses me yet. I wonder if everything is normal or it''s complete chaos. I will become crazier by thinking about it because logically, I will never find out. But that knowledge won''t stop me from thinking about it from time to time. But time to start trying to be useful, make the best of the journey and plan for the future. Accept reality. Learn. Move on.


    It''s important to keep the really important or valuable information to myself. I have to secure my future and prosperity, no matter what. Sure, I can probably sell my knife and make good money, but that''s it. It''s a one time deal, and I can''t live on that forever. I don''t expect to get that much. I could try to get enough money to buy a farm, buy animals and hire servants to take care of it and live there. I can certainly do that with the things I brought with me if the technological level here isn''t high. The knife, multitools, compass, flashlights, binocular etc. There is no ship''s compass at the helm and I didn''t see anything like that with the captain either. Or charts. I could start to make charts and map the world, but I don''t want to travel around.


    I don''t want to be a farmer - unless I can get rich enough that I don''t actually have to handle animals or do farm work - but what I''m good at is to make things, and I should be able to sell them. I don''t intend to sell cannons and black powder, but I can manufacture and sell things that improve life and are valuable. The problem is that I will get competition to manufacture and sell it as soon as people begin to understand the idea. A pair of binoculars is quite simple once the concept is understood. Sundials as well. But those things have a limited market as only a few will buy it, and things like Sundials doesn''t seem to have a big market. And sundials are stupidly easy. A stick in the ground is a Sundial. Agricultural tools are probably too expensive and too much work making, but may be worth it after I learned what they have and use here.


    Among the first things I need to do, is to verify my map information and concept of the world seems to be correct. I can''t use my GPS, cell phone or tablet. So I need to draw a map. A5 is small for a map, but I can divide the journey into several map sheets.


    So I return to the cabin, because the boat is pretty stable right now, inside a fjord with high mountain sides and with a relatively weak wind. I simply choose the map app on the screen with the right scale, lay paper on top and draw with a weak pencil, and divide it into 6 sheets, but I only draw the first half of the journey. I need to save paper and I hope to buy more here in some town along the way. I fill in with ink when I have the marked papers on the table. I make simple markings for mountain peaks, ridges and valleys, larger lakes and streams. The scale make few such things visible anyway.


    Even though I am in a nice cabin, on a boat with people all around, I''m now in a form of survival situation, and everything I have with me can be a resource and really valuable. So even if I don''t know what to do or their use, I take the opportunity to discreetly clean all my food packaging and similar waste I have saved to discard back in civilization. Thin durable plastic with aluminium on the inside have few uses, but may be a capacitor or something, and plastic bags or plastic film won''t exist here. These are valuable resources until I know for sure they are useless, especially since they don''t weigh much or take up much space.


    I return up to the aft deck and take a compass reading and Danr looks wondering at what I do, so I explain that it is a kind of magic thing where the little red end always points north, and I show that it does so as I rotate around, and I show my small maps with their small north reference drawn on them. Danr looks at it in fascination and ask about the map I showed them in the great hall - can he buy it from me? Without a doubt, I fetch it and give it to him as a ''thank you'' for the journey. I need Danr to be positive towards me, and the map may be worth money, but right now I want his goodwill more. I have already been promised the journey and food, but goodwill is goodwill. He looks really moved when he carefully accept the small paper map and go to his cabin.


    I continue taking compass readings and follow along on the map as we sail, and generally we stay close to the fjords wall. The fog makes the sailors seem a little worried, and of course it''s a little hard to see, but we are in a huge fjord - there should be no shallow ground to sail into, and quite easy to keep direction. But I understand an hour later when the ship has been forced to keep really closer to a fjord wall just to see it, and I really understand how unpleasant real thick fog over water can be, and that it is no something to joke about.


    Wait... Are there monsters in the depth?!


    Maybe those sea monsters in myths actually exist here. That is not a nice thought when you happen to end up in a world of elves, and know there have been dinosaurs long ago, and you''re on a small ship slowly making its way through thick fog. Maybe I should try to build a cannon or two in the future...


    What''s that ''Split Second'' quote? ''We need to get bigger guns. Big fucking guns!''


    I like that movie.


    <hr>


    I continue to keep track of our progress along the way, and later we''re completely surrounded by white as the ship have to leave the fjords side. A sailor on the raised fore castle has an axe he strikes against a metal plate and they seem to listen for the echo against the fjord walls. He strikes with the back of the axe, it rings loudly, then he quickly dampens the plate against the body and listens. Seems to work quite well, as even I can faintly hear the echo, and I count the distance in my head.


    Navigator Toke seems to rely on feeling the weak winds direction and seeing it''s effect on a small pennant to keep the ship''s direction while the sailors produced some long oars and they start to row with two on each side - inefficient, but better than the wind. The problem with moving faster than the wind is that it makes keeping direction harder. Toke glances at my compass, so I let him see the needle all the time, which seems to make him feel safer. I can imagine it feels better to trust a magical thing, even if it''s new. I would be the opposite, but here sejd and other mysterious things are real. This is a folklore world. I however, refuse on principle and science, to believe that there may be actual Gods here.


    <hr>


    Towards the afternoon, the fog clears and everyone seems to sigh in relief. It wasn''t more than a few hours of thick fog, but those were unpleasant hours. I stand and just look at the fjord''s mountain sides and enjoy that the mountains can be seen again. Rowing and sailing is so damn slow. This long journey could have been done by car on the road in a single day, and in a much shorter time than three weeks with a modern sailboat, or motorboat. But I need to learn to accept this reality, because it will probably be my reality for the rest of my life.


    I stand there on the aft deck and look out over the fjord when Danr comes over and stands next to me, with both hands on the railing, and in a serious tone say;


    "That north arrow... the compass... is mighty sejd. I''ve never seen anything like it. Never even heard of it. A small red and white stick enclosed in strange glass, which always points north regardless of weather, wind or sunlight. If I hadn''t see it, I wouldn''t believe it."


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    "Yes, it''s powerful and useful sejd. It made it easy to keep a direction up in the mountains, and a better map makes path selection and knowing where you are even easier."


    "I understand that. With a good map and a north arrow... who would get lost?"


    We''re just stand there and look at the water and the light that reflects high on the fjord walls. It feels nice to see more sun again.


    "Can I buy your compass? It would be great to have on my ship. 30 ounces of gold."


    I hear navigator Toke having a cough attack behind us and look at him, but he just stares at Danr, and quickly turns back and looks ahead where he stands with the rudder lever. That reaction makes me assume it''s a hell of a lot of money. I just don''t know how much it is. Certainly worth it, but I don''t want to sell my own compass, even though I have others. But I have already thought about how I can make a compass, and I couldn''t have ask for a better opportunity to demonstrate it''s usefulness. I had thought a compass would help in bad weather and rain when the sun isn''t visible, or at night. I never considered fog.


    But back to the compass. Okay, I''m going to try making one, but I can''t ask for that much for a much simpler thing. I also need to pretend and be a little mysterious. Heh. I feel the smile spread on my face. Focus. Act cool. I look up at the sky, the moon, and pretend to think.


    "I can''t sell this compass to you, but the time is right, so if I can check some of your merchandise, then I might be able to do something similar for you. After you try it and if you are happy with the north arrow, the price is two-thirds; 20 ounces of gold."


    Danr was a little disappointed at first, but now he looks at me more and more wide-eyed and just nods when I get to the end. He guides me down in to the hold to wooden chests and sacks and all his other goods. I ask him for a few things. The idea is to make a simple compass needle out of nails or similar, and hang it from a thread so it can easily turn. I''m going to magnetize it by wrapping some copper around it and running current through the coil. Presto! A magnet that can rotate with a method they can''t copy.


    In the end I find small nails and take eight of those I guess are ordinary iron and magnetic, and a couple of small rolls with unexpectedly fine copper wire. It''s probably only 1mm in diameter. A hammer and a file, plus a few thin and medium thick pieces of darker leather in a couple of shades. Then a couple of meters of thin leather strap, and a piece of linen. I don''t need everything for this, but I might need it for something else, including making a leather pouch or two, and taking more stuff also makes it harder to figure out what I did or needed it for. It''s not worth much so Danr just nods and has no problem I take it for my craft.


    <hr>


    I ask for a bit of seclusion on a beach a little later in the evening when the sun starts to set, and after a meal we anchor at the side of the fjord. There are no houses, a dock or anything like this here, but a small boat is lowered into the water, while I fill a small packing bag from the backpack with needed stuff and two sailor rows me to the shore. They stop and guard the boat while I walk about 50m away and a few meters in from the shoreline in some cover where there are a few bigger rocks.


    I make a couple of compass needles by flattening parts of the nails - especially the head - against a stone with the hammer, and use the file to continue shaping it. But I switch to the file on my Wave multitool which is nicer to shape the nail more arrow-like. I find it''s balancing point with strong black polyester thread from my sewing kit, and make a small V notch there so the arrow doesn''t slide on the thread. It balances nicely and the thread is cut off and gets a finger loop so the arrow hangs about 8-10cm below. I wrap a couple of thin layers of linen around the nail and then use the copper wire to wrap many turns around a reasonably thick tree branch without the wire touching between the turns or and use linen to insulate between the layers. I insert the shaped nail into the coil and then take out one of my rechargeable AA batteries and after quickly thinking about the thumb-finger rule for magnetic fields, I press the battery against the copper thread ends and feel it get a little warm. After I have removed the nail, I try to hang the small north arrow in my finger. It spins slowly, sways a little but stabilizes and points straight north. I can move my hand and it holds the direction, exactly the same direction as my compass.


    Woho! That felt good! Real good!


    I take the opportunity to make two other north arrows. Who knows when I will get the opportunity next time? And it''s important to use every opportunity, especially as I got it right to magnetize them in the right direction. Selling three North Arrows feels like it''s pretty good for my finances, and good marketing. I need to build up my reputation. Time for the last part of my plan. I take out the compact camera, discreetly take a couple of pictures on my handiwork, the boat and the sailors without turning to face them, and then I put the camera in flash mode.


    The ship and the sailors are on my right so I put an unmodified nail on the stone, take out the hammer and make sure the camera is charged for flash while I discreetly aim the camera towards the ship. In a louder voice, and coldly assuming they won''t fully understand me anyway, I call out;


    "Great Thor, please don''t take any offense when I make these technological arrows function!"


    Then I hit the nail with the hammer while I press the shutter button down with my left hand. The camera flash and a metallic sound is heard.


    I can hear exclamations and shocked sounds from the ship and the sailors. I actually feel bad about what I just did. But I pretend it''s like nothing when I wrap the north arrows one by one in pieces of cloth, calmly pack everything away, clean up the site and myself and go back to the small boat. The big-eyed sailors look at me with respect and a bit of fear, and on the boat everyone seems equally shocked. It''s hard to keep a straight face.


    When we are back onboard, I show the compass needle to Danr and present it as a North Arrow. I show how to use it; let it dangle from a finger and let it stabilize. Then I give him some warnings to not drop the North Arrow as it might stop working, or start working badly. Store it in a wooden box or leather or cloth bag. Do not allow it to come in contact with metal. Not even jewellery. It''s possible to replace the thin black string with something else in the future, but the North Arrow must be able to rotate freely.


    Danr tests it and everyone sees it works exactly as I promised. Danr walks around with the needle hanging and moves about, but the needle shows the same direction all the time. After he shakes it, it takes some time before the arrow stops oscillating, but after a couple of minutes it points stubbornly to the north and the sailors stare wide-eyed at the small North Arrow.


    Danr asks me to follow him into his cabin where he has a couple of scales and apparently have prepared the payment. He asks me to inspect the weight measurements, and I have no idea if the weights are correct but I approve. It seems to be couple of hundred grams? Danr pulls out 8 bags of silver, each corresponding to one of the large weights, and then a bag of gold. It''s a hell of a lot of weight and volume. Probably 300 grams of gold and a couple of kilograms of silver, and this is two-thirds. Holy shit! Considering I would get twenty gold, gold is apparently worth 8 times more than silver. Danr places the weighed leather bags in a small wooden chest with a simple lock. We end the deal with a arm grip and Danr looks very happy and pleased, and I feel the same.


    I remember that I really need some clothes to blend in, and ask if it''s possible to buy a nicer set of everyday clothes from him. Danr just smiles and guides me down to the hold. On the way past my cabin, I leave the wooden chest with my backpack. I don''t think anyone would steals from me here, but I will check when I return. Wealth makes people do stupid things.


    Danr opens a pair of big wooden chests and takes out a few different cloths, and I select a really nice dark red linen shirt with some embroidery on the collar and arms, a pair of gray trousers, a dark gray cape with a silver buckle to hold the coat together on the shoulder, and I take a pair of wide nice bracelets in dark leather that I''ve seen a few wears, which completes the set. I ask about the price, and Danr just smile and shakes his head and say it has already been paid. I thank him again with a arm grab and return to my cabin, happy that my first business deal is over. I guess I''m quite rich, but no matter how rich, I now have a bit of money and have gained experience in business and how it is done. It almost feel like a level up.


    <hr>


    It''s dark outside, but the summer night is bright and I notice they start sailing again. It''s really dark inside the cabin. So I''ve taken out one of my headlamps and I''m sitting happy in my bed with my wooden chest open and looking at the gold and silver. I guess I''m very rich right now. Obviously not merchant rich, but rich compared to most, and most likely I belong in the top 20%. I might be able to live the rest of my life on this amount if I invest in land, animals, etc, and live a simple life. I just don''t have any real experience in how to manage a farm, fields or animals, especially in this era, so I need to hire people for it. That will cost.


    Watching documentaries doesn''t help much with practical experience, and details always matter a lot, but I''m glad that I''ve seen the entire BBC farming series and much more. But the gold and silver in front of me takes a weight off my chest, because I can sell the other two North Arrows, and probably for similar sums, and that will secure my future a bit more. I can also make and sell more North arrows, even if it feels so very wrong to charge so much for something so damn simple. They could make them in a simple campfire if they knew how. Talk about proof that knowledge is valuable. I really need to figure out or find out what things cost here. I will try to ask Danr little by little when we talk and the subject comes up.


    I prepare for the night and brush my teeth, put my new clothes on the other bed and crawl down in bed. It''s again an okay bed but lacks a proper spring mattress. In the future I will definitely have to prove that I am a magician - Sejdmann - with short notice, so I have to be prepared for this and play the role at certain events or occasions even if I have no idea what they expect of me. Trying to be a magician with hand movements and words feels wrong and will be harder to act, so I will try the direct approach and just do things. Make it more abrupt and surprising. Something they don''t expect and can''t prepare for. There are a few things I can do with the leather bracelets, which was why I wanted them. I feel a smile on my face when I wonder if elves know how important it is to check a magician''s hands and shirt arms.

 Sailing to Borgarsandr - day 2, Skaro

    Sailing to Borgarsandr, day 2


    Skaro (F?rde)


    It feels quite early when I wake up, but there is sounds of life and movement outside. I can hear several voices, and no matter where we are, I guess the trade is in full swing already. My watch shows it''s almost nine. After putting on my Viking clothes, I go outside and look, and two of the sailors who see me greet me with obvious respect and reverence. After asking, it turns out that we are in Skaro. Which tells me nothing. But I take a compass direction and try to figure out where we can be, guessing around F?rde according to my Midg?rd map. When we leave I will get more data points as I see more of nature on a large scale, and then mark where Skaro is.


    Skaro turns out to be some farms with fields all around and a pier, clearly smaller than Hildifjoer, but larger than the first place Gaulverboer. Seems to be quite a bit to buy and sell in tools, clothes and luxury goods they themselves can''t manufacture, but for me it''s not even worth stepping ashore. I take a couple of discreet photos of the trade and Skaro, and then ask one of the sailors - a fairly large guy and taller than me - for breakfast, which he arrives with after a few minutes. Some bread, salted meat and fish and a mug of water. I guess someone has told them I prefer water, which is good. I thank the sailor who introduces himself as Hagan and return to my cabin to eat in reasonable peace and quiet. Everyone keeps looking at me. While I eat, I make the decision that it''s a good idea to use that the ship is more stationary to modify the leather bracelets. Easier when everything isn''t rocking so much.


    The leather bracelets are identical and a matching pair, in soft leather with lacing and imprinted winding pattern. They''re about 9 cm long. I look through some of the leather I took yesterday for the North Arrow work. The thinnest is just a shade darker and that''s good enough.


    The idea is to hide a flashlight in the left bracelet, and more specifically my little AAA flashlight from the keyring, a Pocket Burner Rainbow from PK Design. A couple of years in the key ring and it''s still excellent. Even it''s titanium surface is still quite pretty. It''s waterproof and I screw in the top to start it in high mode, and if it''s switch off and started again, it will be at low power which is half a day operating time, but still very good light with a lithium AAA. It''s simply the best small flashlight I have with me, and they way it is control will be useful.


    I lace on the bracelet and trying pushing in the flashlight, which works, so I take the bracelet off and completely de-lace it. I cut a small neat hole in the underside of the bracelet so a finger or thumb can access and turn the flashlight, but it won''t happen by mistake. It''s possible to push the flashlight in a bit more so that it is barely visible. With the thin leather, and the same black polyester thread I used for the North Arrows, I sew a channel for the flashlight so it doesn''t move sideways. It will be held in place and not slip out with both friction and with a loop on the bracelet''s lacing. I sew quite large stitches and it looks okay. I takes a bit of time to sew, but with even, neath stitches, it will be good and look perfectly okay. Sewing hiking and tactical equipment, both for myself and friends, have given me some skills, and this is much easier than sewing 10 layers of Cordura.


    When the left bracelet is finished, I try it on my arm and it works well. I can adjust it a bit counter clockwise if I need to use it so the lamp ends up directly under the palm and if I have longer sleeves or no one looks closer, I can make light come out of the hand. Heh, it''s possible to combine the hands in a movement where the fingers of the right hand turns it on and off. I can''t stop myself from testing a low HADOUKEN with a smile.


    No.


    No, no... we''re not going there. But it works and is quite easy to control.


    I don''t really know what I can use on the right side, but I sew on a small pocket on the inside in the same thin leather. Big enough to push the tiny knife from the wallets Victorinox swisscard and a neodymium magnet from the camera mount, or the small Leatherman Squirt PS4 multitool from the keyring. The only thing usable for ''sejd'' is of course the magnet, but only if there is thin and light iron nearby, and most things seems to be wood here. The placement is stupid, but at least the magnet is available.


    It would have been better to have the magnet in a ring, but that ring will be big and custom made. I don''t want the magnet there all the time, as it will be annoying and will fuck with compasses etc, but I can quickly push the magnet in there if needed. On the other hand, the mini knife and small firestarter from the keyring fits, and it''s not that uncomfortable to carry. I can peel it out with a finger even if it takes some time. I shouldn''t really lace the bracelets tight anyway, as they will become sweaty. I have to test wear them for a day if it''s comfortable enough. I really miss my pockets. It''s definitely something that needs to be introduced here. Pouches hanging from the belt suck.


    In the mean time I remove a small Tasmanian Tiger pouch from the pack, and hang it on the leather belt. I sew a simple small linen wrap for the compact camera so it''s appearance and display becomes more discreet. I stuff the camera together with the Wave multitool and compass in the pouch. I have second thoughts, and add one of my small Nitecore Tube flashlights in the pocket.


    <hr>


    It''s noon when Danr finishes trading and the ship lifts anchor, and after going north we turn towards southwest. I wonder where our next destination is? I think it''s the big city Danr talked about. We''re apparently just sailing past another large village, Njaroey, which is halfway there, because he was just there a couple of weeks ago. I discreetly take a couple of photos with the linen covered camera - it''s almost a reflex to document my travels - and it will probably be a good photo of Danr and Toke being illuminated by the midday sun shining through the clouds.


    Danr invites me to eat in his cabin and as we small talk, I get him to describe what it looks like where we are going, and the time frame. I have deleted a few songs and put the little Sansa MP3 player on voice record to be able to listen to our conversations in the cabin. I need to practice the language and understand it better.


    I believe our next goal is about Stavanger, but they call it Kambsnes. We sit and discuss maps, North Arrows and other things and I lead the conversation into trade and traveling around with a ship as he does. Still huge language problems, but I ask if he can provide some information on how business here are usually conducted; I want to adapt to local customs and not make any simple dumb mistake. Danr explained that here, almost all trade use barter or is for silver. Or gold.


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    He takes out his scales and show me. Both a finer elegant set, and a travel set that can be assembled and disassembles into a small metal ball. Like a ball is an optimal shape for packing. There is room for a few smaller weights inside - quarter, half, one, two, four and eight are marked - so I have a chance to learn those numbers as well. Danr also shows his self-made weight measurements in lead with inlaid small silver or gold marks in it so they can''t be replaced by some dishonest bastard during the course of business - you need be careful, especially when you are far away. The usual measurement weights are everywhere, and can unfortunately be falsified as well.


    Practically everything is measured in ''uns'', and it almost sounds like British ounce and seems to be around there in weight, if I''m to go by 10 ounces of gold and so on. Eight silver is one gold, and you get four sheep for one silver ounce, and a cow costs two ounces. A female slave costs about 6 ounces, but it depends on age, knowledge and how beautiful she is, so it can be much more. A male slave costs twice, ie 12 ounces, about the same as a good helmet. Double this for chain mail armour or a good horse. A worse horse maybe 2/3 of a good horse. Cheapest sword for about 4 ounces, two cows or a slave woman. But I shouldn''t buy those. A beautiful and really good sword can cost the equivalent of two good horses, i.e. 50 ounces of silver, so that says a bit about the North Arrows value, because I have 160 ounces of silver. If I add everything together, an equipped warrior on horseback will be quite expensive around 60-70 ounces. Farms land really depends on location, size and how good the soil is, and in this region it is very hard to buy farmland.


    "I thank you for that, but I mean if you want to buy smaller things? It''s not practical with silver, and an ounce is still a big amount if you just want some food for the day."


    "Then we have penningar." Which he picks up and shows. Small silver plates of about the same 10-12mm in diameter size, "These arn''t practical for large purchases, but the weight is the same anyway, and they may be needed if a silver ounce is a little light. 50 penningar is one uns, and they can be divided into half and a quarter of a penning."


    Which should mean about 0.5g of silver is a penning, a coin.


    "That is about what you can expect around here in prices, but it depends a lot on quality, and how sought after something is and so on. In the end; if buyers and sellers can''t agree on the price, there won''t be a deal."


    I thank him for the very useful information and I now really understand how much the equivalent of 20 ounces of gold I got for the North Arrow is really worth, and how much Danr was willing to pay for my compass. I have 160 ounces of silver. Enough to buy 80 cows, or 25 slave women who can fan me where I lie on a divan and they compete in feeding me grapes...


    It''s kind of depressing that a small modified magnetized nail, could give me my own harem of elvish slave women. Says how much the value is of both people and goods. I can''t help but smile a little when a fleeing thought makes me think that it''s lucky that I didn''t see grapes here, but yuck for a harem. Urgh for slaves. On the other hand, I need a couple of maids when I eventually have a house, because I don''t intend to cook, clean and wash my cloths, given how labour-intensive and primitive that will be here.


    Danr wants to know how business works where I''m from, so I explain that it is similar but we use standardized coins in different denominations, and I get my wallet and show some of my coins, and they impress him enormously. Then I show some banknotes. So very fine craftsmanship. He like that we use larger copper coins as the lowest, and as the value increase become a special hard variant of silver and then gold, even though the SEK 5 coin is not pure gold because it would be too soft as well. Coins need to be hard to survive handling.


    It''s kind of difficult for him to understand the value in Banknotes, but he realise what works of art they are, and that they are exactly the same. Danr can''t read the denominations, or the serial numbers, but he understands they are very nice and special, without a chance to recreate here and I briefly explain what the scale is in denominations.


    Danr almost soil himself when I tell and show with my fingers how much goes between banknotes from the gold coin; 10 gold coins on a 50 kronor banknote, and four 50 banknotes for a 200 kronor banknote, etc. Danr fully understands how practical it can be and how many large banknotes you can easily take with you when they are so light and thin. How easy it is to carry great riches. I carried these in my wallet.


    I realise that Danr believe there are about four Swedish 5 kronor ''gold coins'' by weight on an ounce of gold, ie 20 kronor is an ounce of gold in Danr''s view, and then a 200 kronor banknote is worth 10 ounces of gold, and one of the 500 kronor banknotes I show him is worth 25 ounces of gold. 200 ounces of silver. A thin fine piece of special paper instead of almost 6 kg silver, and I have several. He touches it with such reverence that it''s funny, because as he sees it in this world, that note would be worth eight fine horses. Not in my world. But inflation might be unknown here, at they use precious metals and goods.


    Danr would very much like to buy a banknote, and although I say that it is not worth anything here except for its appearance, he would very much like to have one anyway. So I sell him a 200 kronor banknote for 4 ounces of gold. He gets a 200 kronor banknote and I get a little more than 100 grams of gold. Danr''s convinced I just gave him a huge discount, as I''ve had to have given 10 ounces for the banknote before - which I might have if he sells it for more in the future, but he can''t know that I expect to never be able to return to Midg?rd. And who knows the value of that banknote in the future here? Most special things and art wasn''t very expensive when new, or there were lots of them. Stamps are proof of that. That banknote will last, and will be quite unique. He should probably frame it.


    We talk for about an hour and get back to navigation and the ship, but Danr apologizes that he has to sleep for a few hours, at they apparently will try to sail during the night and he takes the first shift by himself and Toke takes over before the sun comes up.


    <hr>


    It is an unpleasant day for sailing out here on the west coast, outside the protection a fjord has, and the weather is not to be played with. The waves are quite large and the clouds are starting to get greyer. This is the North Sea. After a few hours it starts to rain. Wonderful. I''ve been going in and out of the cabin a few hours apart to try to keep our position updated. The map seem to be alright so far, and from what I can see through the window, my maps seem to be dead on for reality, as far as mountains goes. The rest of the time I try to listen to our recorded conversations and memorize words and facts.


    We continue heading south, and in the evening, I ask if they will take the route inside the big island a bit further south and stay there during the night, or they usually take the outside, and if we will anchor? Toke quickly say inside because it''s more sheltered from the weather, but we won''t anchor in Njaroey and just head south. I completely agree with that plan, because it''s unpleasant now, but at least it confirms my guess that the world seem to be the same as in Midg?rd. Which is weird but useful. I thank him and after eating with Danr when he wakes up, I go to bed for the night. It has been rocking, windy and raining quite well all day and I am happy that I don''t have to be out on deck like the sailors. There isn''t any wind or rain cover at all for the man at the rudder. It will be an unpleasant night, but they will anchor if it gets worse, or too poor visibility. It''s stupid to take unnecessary chances.

 Sailing to Borgarsandr - day 3, Kambsnes

    Sailing to Borgarsandr, day 3


    Kambsnes (Stavanger)


    I switch with Danr in the middle of the night and keep the course and continued sailing during the morning. We want to reach Kambsnes before the Ting day and market, and the weather isn''t bad enough to loose a day. Been a hard night but still manageable. It''s still gray, drizzling and glum in the morning but I''m used to it. Sailed here many times, several times a year. This is far from the worst passage we''ve had here. But I choose to take the route further inland in the archipelago, so we get a little more protection from the open sea and for a longer time, before we have to pass the large open stretch of water north of Kambsnes.


    We have been gliding through the water for a while when Sejdmann Arnesson comes out of the cabin, and it''s hard to avoiding smiling when I see that Sejdmann hasn''t had a good night - seems to be his first time sailing. He''s standing below me by the railing, yawning and looking tired. Sejdmann just stands there for a while and stares in front of him at the weather, sea and coastline. He comes up on the aft deck and take out his wonderful north arrow and looks puzzled at it. He looks around, at the arrow and unfold his paper map from his weird, but elegant side pocket. Just the way it open and closes up again is weird. He just pull on a small tab and the fabric splits, and then sews itself close again. Truly a Sejdmann - he doesn''t even use a leather pouch with a drawstring like everyone else. He go over to the railing, looks at the coast and around him and then he seems to understand and he looks up at me.


    "Excuse me, but why are we heading inland? Avoiding the weather? I thought Kambsnes was in that direction four hours away?" I shouldn''t be surprised, but Sejdmann is absolutely right about the direction and reason but I don''t understand what he means by hours, which he seems to understand so he shows; "When the sun moved from ... there to there?"


    Ah, now I get it, and he''s absolutely right about the direction of the sun too, even though it can''t be seen through the clouds just now.


    "We take this route to be more sheltered before we head south to Kambsnes, but it''s the right direction and time."


    "I''ll be in the cabin. Bad weather."


    I just watch Sejdmann Arnesson as he walks back down to the cabin. I shouldn''t be surprised, but with his little North Arrow and paper map, he is far too good at figuring out where we are, how long it takes to sail and which direction we should be going. I have sailed here so many times and that may have seemed easy to the uninitiated, but is one of the most impressive proofs of navigation I have seen - from someone who has probably never sailed before, and definitely not here. I''m really starting to understand why Danr offered him so much for his compass, and it is a wonderful little thing, absolutely worth much more than it''s weight in gold. Maybe not 20 ounces, but at least 5. Maybe 10. Although Danr''s right that if it helps preventing the loss of the ship and cargo in bad weather, it is worth every ounce.


    Sejdmann Arnesson. All my life I have seen sejd as something feminine, and not for a man, but what he done the last few days... The first time I saw his compass was just shocking, and it''s even more impressive because anyone can use it. His equipment is different and in excellent condition, but not sejd-like, and most people probably wouldn''t suspect that he is a Sejdmann. That might be the point, as you won''t expect his true power.


    But I will never forget that feeling when I stood with Hagan and chatted and we watched Sejdmann sitting there hammering and working and doing other things on the beach with his back to us. How he worked and then when he seemed happy, he just called on Thor and with a small ''Bang!'' he had bound a lightning bolt in the iron. Just a quiet flash in the evening twilight. Then he calmly picked up his things, cleaned up and returned. As if it was nothing. No ritual, no sacrifice, no long chanting or sejdish things. He just asked Thor to make it sejdish; Bang!


    ... and the little North Arrow works.


    A simple little piece of iron that probably was a nail, suddenly has such terribly strong sejd bound in it.


    I wonder what he has been doing in his cabin, because I''ve been standing up here watching dim white light reflect up from the water from his cabin window. There have been white light shining out around the cabin door. I don''t know what he''s doing in there, and I honestly don''t want to know. It''s safest that way. The crew have seen it too.


    Danr comes out a couple of ''hours'' later when we are out on the open water, but the wind has decreased a bit and it has stopped raining. I tell Danr about Sejdmann''s skilful navigation and I say I now understand why he paid so much for the North Arrow. I just wish we had his maps too. Imagine being able to find your location with such accuracy where you''ve never been before, and in bad weather.


    <hr><hr>


    I''m just dozing in my cabin. The bad weather outside and the rolling ship make me feel unmotivated. And slightly seasick. The journey so far has shown that the world is the same on the large scale, and is correct when it''s mountains that limit flowing water, and that most are primeval forests, not cultivated fields, and of course no roads, and few villages and farms here and there.


    Although it seems to be lower landrise here, so it should be possible to compensate for it to some extent. In general, this will mean ''the water level is higher'' than my maps show when it comes to the coast, etc, and some lakes will contact where they no longer do in Midg?rd. But exactly where the water line goes and how much difference seems to take some figuring it out. It doesn''t seem to be too much of a difference either, but that might change as well in another location.


    I take the opportunity to go through my equipment. I need to wash my dirty clothes. They''re dry but I want to keep them in good condition and they will start to stink sooner or later, but I don''t know if it''s acceptable for men to wash his own cloths. I should have ask Astrid more questions. Much more questions. But that wasn''t really on my mind, was it? I realise I''m having a wide smile when I think back on that morning, and how distracted I was, and how happy Astrid and Lova were. A nice memory, and I wonder if it count as my first threesome?


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    <hr>


    The ship arrives in Kambsnes at noon, and Kambsnes is what they call a town here. It''s without a doubt the largest settlement I''ve seen here so far. There are many boats of different sizes and shapes here in the harbor, and there are many houses and streets. I don''t know how to estimate the population size. I have no idea how many people live in a house, or how their lives are. Or which houses to count. But not unexpectedly, the city is more ''stony'' than what I would expect from the Viking Age. It should probably have been more a wooden walkway as a street with scattered longhouses and animals.


    We''ll be here at least one day, probably two, depending on how business goes. Might even be three. It''s market days and the Ting is tomorrow, but we can''t participate in the Ting as we are not residents here, but we can stand outside and listen and watch to get updates on events and get some entertainment. It''s worth doing. It will be my first Ting, and I need to know about how things are done here.


    Kambsnes is a really big ''viking'' town with lots of life and movement, and I would actually like to go for a walk in the afternoon and buy things - I have a couple of ideas for stuff that might be practical. I take the opportunity to take a few photos of the town and the ships while I stand there on the aft deck and look out over the town. I''m a little worried about leaving my backpack and stuff, and the chest with all that gold and silver on the boat. It''s everything I own, and so very valuable.


    But sooner or later I have to do it, so I go down to the cabin and put 20 ounces of silver in the Tasmanian Tiger pouch. I have an idea and take out the yellow packing bag with computer and camera cables and pour them out in the top compartment. Then I put the 10 ounces of gold in the yellow bag, and hang it around my neck in a piece of paracord. It hangs under the clothes on my chest. It''s a little uncomfortable but whining about it''s heavy and impractical feels idiotic. I let the Mora knife stay attached in my belt. Everyone seems to have a knife in their belt. I miss my pockets.


    I talk to Danr about my plans to take a little tour to look around and maybe shop for something, and thankfully he offers a couple of his men to accompany me as protection; a larger man named Hagan, and a more normal one named Cnut. I thank and ask if it''s okay that I give them two coins - penningar - each for their service, and Danr replies that it is a bit much as a good well known warrior as a guard earns around 3 penningar a day, but it will make them like me. Liking me is good. Also good to know a bit more about normal day wage. Until further knowledge I will assume 2 coins per day is a good wage.


    It''s a really nice afternoon in Kambsnes. Not too hot and the wind is blowing, and it''s fun to see the slightly different and more modern architecture here; not just longhouses but also some stone houses and there is a larger rectangular stone fortress thats something like three floors with high ceilings. It has a stone wall and guards patroling around, but it''s a bit outside the rest of the town.   I really want to start taking pictures.


    It''s interesting to see that it really is a town with a small section with streets that are shops and houses mixed, and sales stalls in several open spaces. The streets are quite narrow and there are many many elves in motion. Add horses that are ridden on, some primitive simple wagons here and there, and it''s an experience to just walk around. The guards give me a certain status and I get many curious looks. A lot of women give me longer looks on my face and beard, some try to flirt with me, but I just walk on smiling. It actually feels pretty good to get that kind of appreciation.


    We find a seller of leather goods who seems skilled and I buy a lot from him. Above all, a larger shoulder strap leather bag of about 15l with a nice pressed pattern here and there and a bronze buckle. I also buy a nice braided leather waist belt with a pretty buckle in bronze, a couple of leather pouches - also with patterns and about 15x15cm and half as thick. And finally four small leather bags with drawstrings. I pushes everything down into the big bag.


    I try to bargain a bit and I''m quite happy when I buy it for about 22 coins. Maybe a bit much, but I''m happy, and I have exchanged a silver bar and got 28 coins back. Honestly, I don''t care so much about finding it cheaper. I need experience of trade and city life, so it''s still worth it.


    I take the opportunity to buy dried salted meat as a little chew candy, and give Hagan and Cnut a little too and we all walk around chewing and enjoying the day. Different, but taste good. I also buy a small barrel, maybe 15 liters with what I think is apple mead of some kind. I tasted it before purchasing it, and it doesn''t seem to be too much alcohol in it, but there is certainly a little. No matter what I think about alcohol, liquid for drinking last better with it. Hagan and Cnut liked it too, and Hagan don''t mind carrying it.


    After a couple of hours of just wandering, looking at things and people and shopping, I''ve pretty much seen the whole town and we return to the boat. There are taverns, but I have a place on the boat and a tavern is an unnecessary expense and uncertainties due to the culture. When we return Toke informs us that Danr has been invited to the Jarl''s feast and will sleep there tonight - they''re apparently old friends. I thank them for guarding me and give each two coins. Both are surprised, but they gratefully accept. They didn''t seem to expected anything after I offered them quite a lot of meat and a couple of mugs of mead, but 4 coins are nothing compared to their goodwill.


    <hr>


    I take the opportunity to sew a couple of belt loops in leather on the back of the larger leather pouches, one at each end, so the belt can easily be pulled through, and so the pouch sits more stable. Many people have leather bags hanging by their loops around their belts and dangling, which feels uncomfortable, and I don''t want some bastard to cut the strap and steal the bag. I replace the Tasmanian Tiger pouch with a leather pouch on each side, and I place the silver in a leather bag and tuck it into the side pouch. Then I split the gold around my neck and put 5 ounces in a leather bag that I can hang around the neck while I put the rest in the backpack.


    I will have a lot of free time here, but I don''t want to end up in trouble by going out on the town in the evening, and visiting any bar or tavern or whatever they''re called here, doesn''t appeal at all. Lots of drunk people partying and being noisy, that I can''t talk to and have no topics to talk about. Nope. Using the tablet feels like a bad idea, and I can''t really use the solar panel to recharge while sailing, so better save it''s energy. But I can take out the little Sansa MP3 player and listen to some music in the headphones.


    The thought strikes me how absurd this is. I''m listening and humming along to Sabaton''s ''Karolinens b?n'' (Caroleans prayer) from a small MP3 player, lying in bed on a medieval sailing ship dressed in Viking clothes, in a world full of elves. Sounds like a damn joke.


    ... or probably the dream of some other nerds. Personally, I would rather be at home with relatives and friends, with access to modern amenities such as electric lights, a proper toilet and toilet paper. I don''t look forward to running out of toilet paper. Or toothpaste.

 Sailing to Borgarsandr - day 3, Jarl Steinnes feast

    Sailing to Borgarsandr, day 3


    Jarl Steinnes feast


    It knocks on the door and disturbs me in the middle of the chorus on Adele''s ''Rolling in the deep''. I''ve been lying in bed and listened to music for three hours or so. I hide the MP3 player, and when I open, I see one of Danr''s sailors, and he informs that Sejdmann Robert Arnesson have been invited to Jarl Erra Steinnes feast, the ruler of the region. Oh, crap. It''s obviously rude to say no, so I can only sigh. Damn. I can''t avoid the feast and I''m far too unprepared in this culture. But; no choice.


    So I ask the man to wait, close the cabin door and prepare. I hang the little gold bag around my neck, and realise that I really should have thought to buy Viking shoes, but it will have to be the hiking boots and I put a couple of flat gold pieces under each sole - just in case. I shouldn''t walk longer distances anyway. I take the opportunity to push a neodymium magnet into the right bracelet and lace on both bracelets. Along with the normal stuff, I also pocket the compact camera and a North Arrow in it''s piece of cloth.


    I assume Danr''s been talking about me, and probably mentioned the North Arrow. Who knows, maybe I can sell another? Wouldn''t be wrong to improve my reputation for being a useful magician. Sejdmann. It would probably have been smarter in the long run to avoid the role of Sejdmann, but that ship have sailed and I''m literally on it, so I just gotta keep playing the role and try to do it so damn well that no one dares to question my magic. Sejd.


    After a few minutes I walk out, close behind me and with a gesture let the man show the way. I thought we were going to the big stone fortress, but we basically walk the main street up to one of the largest buildings in the town. I saw this building before when I walked around and shopped, because it''s not small and probably 40m long. I think it''s in the photo from the boat as well. Might be the towns great hall.


    Once there, it''s clear that the feast has been going on for a long time. There are people both outside and inside and it''s loud and many seem heavily intoxicated already. The smoke from food fires mixes with sweat, and the smell from spilled mead is clear.


    Lovely.


    Two chandeliers and torches on some of the pillars and an opening in the ceiling try to light up the room. The sun is far from setting, but few windows makes it a dark room even during the day and the heat from all fires and bodies are overwhelming. Which certainly leads to more drinking. I will sweat like crazy if I stay here, and the social pressure and anxiety have already made me sweaty. It''s a lively feast, with maids moving around and servicing, while some musicians play with a pair of drums, a flute and some kind of string instrument that is akin to a guitar.


    A lot of drinking and there is some grilled meat, fish, bread and other things here and there on the tables. Some of the participants are still eating and putting food on plates in front of them, and almost everyone eats with their hands. No napkins.


    I see a couple using their knives to cut pieces of meat and eat by hand or use the tip of the blade. I''ll probably have a stomach ache tonight or tomorrow. Or spend the day using up my toilet paper.


    Lovely.


    I''m shown a place a table with a bench near the Jarl''s table, with drunk Danr sitting close by. Many people seem to look respectfully - but a little sceptically - at me when I walk forward and sit on the bench, plenty of looks at my beard, from both men and women. Right! Of course. About a week since I shaved too. Doh! Astrid pointed it out, but I was kind of distracted with her sitting on my face. Another thing I have to learn to do without a razor or trimmer. I''m not looking forward to cutting myself. How good are shaving tools here if basically no one have a beard? Maybe just trim it nicely instead?


    A mug with mead is poured and offered by a beautiful smiling maid, and I carefully taste it. Not to my taste, but I don''t want to stand out by asking for water. And it''s probably safer to drink than town water. Well, at least it makes it easier to limit my drinking. I thank Jarl Steinnes for the invitation and start sipping, as the plan is to drink a maximum of two mugs. I have never been drunk, and I don''t look forward to the first time. But it won''t be here and now.


    It''s soon clear that Danr has entertained the Jarl and the others with the story of the mysterious stranger. He told them about banknotes, and showed the one he bought. And shown his sejdish North Arrow that made many people covet it. Especially as he told the story of it''s creation.


    Language is a big problem, but I can guess it''s quite common with travelers, and it makes it easier to answer evasively and vaguely to questions from Jarl Steinnes who wonders where I come from. Jarl Steinnes seems more interested in buying a ''North Arrow'', and he is willing to pay 20 ounces of gold for it, which is the same as Danr did. There are some who coughs after swallowing mead in the wrong throat when they hear it, and discussions starts whether the North Arrow can really be worth that huge sum. Some think so, while others discuss what they could buy for so much gold.


    "Unfortunately, it''s the wrong time to make a North Arrow..." I say a little regretfully, as I take up the piece of cloth from my belt pouch, and unfold it lying on the table to show Jarl Steinnes the North Arrow, while I continue with a smile. "... so it''s lucky that I predicted this. But it''s going to cost you 26 ounces of gold." He can pay 30% extra, just for making me having to attend his feast. Those nearby look at the pathetically simple little arrow in amazement, and I can hear some wondering if it''s really worth a hundred cows. Some, on the other hand, wonder more about me, who calmly carries something like that in his pouch and just puts it on the table like that. I try to avoid giving any big facial expressions and just lift the mug in a greeting to Jarl Steinnes, while carefully holding the right arm bracelet with it''s magnet far from the arrow.


    Jarl Steinnes laughs, and says something to his wife who tells a maid. The maid returns a few minutes later with a wooden chest which she gives to Jarl Steinnes and a nice scale she puts on the table by his side. He calls me forward with a wave of the hand and a smile, and I fold the piece of cloth and walk forward. I gives the same rules about not letting the arrow touch metal and so on. He examines the arrow, takes of his rings and lifts it up and admires it. Then he tries to make it show wrong but it stubbornly goes back and shows the same direction. He walks around the room and shows it to people and no matter how he turns his body, it keep pointing in the same direction. He shakes his hand and make a few quick movements, but when the needle has stopped bouncing, it begins to swing around in one direction to finally point steadily straight north.


    Meanwhile, the maid shows the weights and then weighs 26 ounces of gold which is placed in 4 leather bags. When the Jarl returns to his place, everything is weighed and an arm grab confirms the deal. Jarl Steinnes shouts for more food and mead, and say he will send a couple of guards with the gold to the boat, and Danr signals one of his men to follow along, the one who showed me here and doesn''t seem drunk.


    I would have liked to follow and leave, but it feels like that would be an insult to the host so I thank him and return to the table and sit down while the waitresses brings out new pieces of grilled meat, grilled chicken and woven baskets with freshly baked bread and so on. The Jarl just shakes his head and with reverence for the little North Arrow he walks around and sits down at his table. A nice little carved wooden box has been fetched and he reverently puts the North Arrow in the box, and a guard accompanies the maid when it''s carried away.


    A lot of food and drink is being consumed, but the tempo seems to be to do it for a long time, and it''s still early evening. Maybe eight or something? It''s not like I can take up and check the watch. I take some grilled meat and eat, and cut it with my knife, which the people next to me cast wondering glances at. The food isn''t very hot, but that''s probably because everyone eats with their fingers. I''m feeling quite happy and satisfied with myself, and my plan is to stay for a while as I eat some supper and then thank and withdraw. Long day travelling etc.


    Jarl Steinnes speaks; "I thank you again for the purchase, but I''m sad I couldn''t see it''s creation - it would have been something to experience. Not many are privileged to see such sejd and mystery. To use the phrase Merchant Danr said before; ''Almost feel Thor''s presence in the silence of the evening''."


    "Sorry, but it can''t be helped."


    My eye, however, falls on the two white stone crystals that stand on the Jarl''s table. Such stones are common in Scandinavia, and can be found in large blocks up on the Norwegian mountains. Some are almost completely transparent, while others are more like thin white streaks in ordinary grey stone. There''s plenty of smaller white stones in Sweden too. I think it''s quartz, but the Swedish name is ''Bergskristall'', which literally means ''mountain crystal''. These are fine specimens of transparency that someone has shaped and made two of, about 15cm long and half as wide. A fun idea strikes me, and even though I havn''t practised, this can be a great opportunity to reinforce my own mystique and power. Thank goodness it''s quite poor visibility in here due to the smoke, and the people are a bit drunk. I realise that I''m quiet and staring, and I feel a smile on my face. I can almost hear the intro to Queen''s ''The show must go on'' start playing in the back of my head. I gather myself and say with a thoughtful expression:


    "Maybe I can fulfill Jarl Steinnes wish; something mysterious and entertaining, but completely harmless?"


    Jarl Steinnes looks pleased and expectant when he shouts; "Sejdmann Robert Arnesson has offered to show us something mysterious and entertaining! How about letting Sejdmann have our attention and let us marvel!"


    Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on.


    Thanks a lot for putting me on stage like that, but... the show must go on.


    Don''t fuck it up, jackass!


    There are cheers and thumps on the tables as I get up and walk forward. I ask if I can use one of the crystals, which Jarl Steinnes willingly givs his approval for, and he seems curious about what I intend to do. I pick it up and walk over to the side at one of the carved pillars with a torch on it, and turn around so that the Jarl''s table and most of the hall is in front of me. There are a lot of people looking at me.


    "The world is big, and full of mystery. It''s full of wonderful things just waiting for someone to discover them. This is what I dedicate my life to. Studying the world around us, and trying to figure out some of it''s secrets.


    Take something like stone. The world is full of all kinds of stones. Some are grey and dull, and only in the way when trying to plant crops...", a little laughter and affirmative grumbeling is heard in the hall, "... but even dull grey stone can be used to build walls, houses or fortresses. Some stones are nicely colored, are precious and can be made into fine jewellery. Some stones are beautiful, but maybe not so useful." I hold up and look at a white crystal in front of me.


    "Some stones may seem boring, but we have learned some of their secrets, and if you heat them you can get iron or copper, silver and gold, from which we make tools, weapons and jewellery. But someone must have been the the first one to discover how fire affected certain stones. Someone else discovered it was possible to make something really useful out of it. Someone must have been that first person who was curious, and with the favor of the Gods got a bright idea. These are people I look up to. I am a seeker of knowledge and wisdom, so I find something I''m interested in studying, and I can then focus, think about and study something for hours, days or months, and yes... it''s usually a failure that makes you waste time sitting staring and doing strange things with, for example, stones." More laughter, and I begin to get the feeling. I hold up the white crystal again and turn my body so the light from the torch can be reflected in it.


    "But look at this stone. See how the light shines and is reflected. Beautiful."


    I take the stone and place it in my left hand, which I hold upwards in front of me, and just happen to adjust the bracelet a little so that it''s flashlight is aim straight towards the stone. Then I gradually focus more and more on the stone, at the same time as I start to make the gestures I describe.


    "But sometimes when you have studied something carefully enough....


    When you have poked at it...


    When you have massaged it....


    Touched and learned to feel it''s forms....


    Sometimes you get an insight or learn a secret...


    That leads to something...


    And then...


    The future becomes....


    A little...


    Brighter."


    I put the whole right hand with the fingers spread on the crystal and start the flashlight with my thumb. The light of the flashlight is directed straight at the stone, and makes the stone light up with a strong white light that''s reflected between my fingers and lights up those who are close. Rays of light play in the faint smoke of the hall, but apart from a couple of astonishing exclamations, the hall is almost silent. My upper body and face are lit up by the stone, where the shadows of my fingers play over my face, and I get an wicked confident and satisfied smile on my lips while my eyes are focusing on the stone. About 5 seconds later I turn off the light, look away, blink a little while wiping my fingers in my eyes and in a half-playful tone:


    "When will I learn to not stare into bright lights?"


    I walk forward and put the stone back in front of the wide-eyed Jarl Steinnes who leans back a bit in his chair. I nod to him, then I calmly walk back and sit down at my seat. Everyone have backed away respectfully and I have plenty of space next to me where I sit. I lift the mug in a greeting to Jarl Steinnes:


    "Did it fulfill Jarl Steinnes desire for mystery and entertainment?" followed by the same confident smile while Queen start singing the introductory text to ''The princes of the universe'' in my head. Queen wrote many good songs.


    Jarl Steinnes regains his composure and raises his own mug in response to the greeting and stands up:


    "Lift your mugs! Proudly remember what you all experienced here tonight as a BRIGHT proof of Sejdmann Robert Arnesson''s greatness! Only the Gods could have done it better! MORE! MEAD!"


    The whole hall stands and lifts their mugs with cheers and roaring shouts of approval. I hear a gentle voice say "Sir? More mead?" as a maid comes to refill my mug. She keeps a respectful distance and has a little hard to reach even with her outstretched arms, so I reflexively turn around while I sweep the last of the mug - yuck! - and hold up the mug towards her. I''m only seeing intense green eyes that drill into my soul when she looks at me, with faint freckles over her cheeks and an absolutely wonderful fire red hair, to some extent set in braids that go down her back. She''s a very beautiful young elvish woman - are there any others here? - and she gets embarrassed and fumbles a bit with pouring the mead when I stare at her, so I try to ease the situation a bit.


    "Be calm, I won''t bite..." I''m way too pleased with my show so I can''t help it, and I smile when I continue with a wink. "...unless you want it."


    She pulls back and take a deep breath while she closes her eyes and steady her nerves, while she slowly exhale. Her face is turing red, but she start to pour into my mug again. People havn''t stopped looking at me so our exchange has plenty of witnesses, and I feel myself starting to blush, so I might as well lean into the situation. Even if it''s a bit nasty to turn it against her, she''s gorgeous and deserves to be told.


    "That''s a face I would happily spend days and weeks studying." I throw in another quick wink and a crooked playful smile towards her.


    She spills mead over my hand when she pours - seems to panic - but I reassure her that there''s no danger, and I lick my hand while I look at her, before I drink from the mug. Seems to be perfectly okay mead with ginger flavor, and tastier than before. Nice. I shouldn''t drink too much - still alcohol in it. Out of the corner of my eye, I see that the maid is scarlet in the face and slightly paralyzed, and just staring at me with the jug in front of her. Queen have been replaced by George Thorogood accompanied by The Destroyers singing ''Bad to the bone''. Baa-aad to the bone!


    Jarl Steinnes has heard and seen it, and say: "Iselin, it looks like you would really like to participate in those studies."


    The maid - apparently named Iselin - jerks so that it splashes a little from the jug, and responds with a very eager and loud; "YES!  ...my Lord."


    I''m the one swallowing it down the wrong throat when I hear her eager and enthusiastic response, and start coughing and turn away from her and cough into my elbow when those close by break out in laughing and banging on the tables. I''m just coughing and with tears in my eyes - very manly of me - and I only hear part of Jarl Steinnes answer which is something about he doesn''t want to hinder such desire for knowledge.


    Even more cheering amplifies the laughter from those already near me, but through my cough and a few tears I understand that the maid Iselin will very willingly go to bed with me tonight and have received Jarl Steinnes permission. I can live with it, because she is so damn gorgeous and probably in her lower twenties, and it would be nice with more time to enjoy a willing beautiful woman. I just need to remember her name, so I try to repeat it in my mind what her name is. Iselin. I describes her in my thoughts so it will stick. Iselin. I trying to visualize and write her name with my index finger against the table to further help my memory. Iselin. It would be so embarrassing to ask tomorrow. Iselin.


    Iselin stays by the wall behind me instead of staying by the others or walking around and serving. I glance over my shoulder at Iselin, who seems to be congratulated and hugged by a couple of the other maids who smile at me and whisper something to each other. Okay, it just feels unreasonable I can be so attractive, but she''s damn gorgeous, albeit a little too young. But everyone generally seems to be young. I actually don''t know any ones age. Shit.


    I don''t like feasting and I just sip and eat the pieces I''ve already taken, while I try to decide when it''s time to leave. It feels rude sitting here and letting a woman stand and wait for me - maid or not - so after maybe twenty minutes it feels like I''ve been here long enough, and I get up and thank Jarl Steinnes for the evening, and I leave most of the mead in the mug.


    When I step over the bench and turn around, Iselin walks forward next to me with a small smile, so I hold out my right elbow and she has a very happy, but embarrassed, smile when she puts her arm in mine and press herself against me.


    "My name is Robert Arnesson."


    "Iselin, my Lord."


    "Just call me Robert."


    We walk arm in arm towards the exit, with plenty of cheers and greetings, and encouraging shouts that I should give her a sejdish night.


    We step out on the raised porch of the building, and walk over to a more secluded spot and just stand there under it''s roof and look out over the town and street that winds down to the harbor. I see the pier where the ship is anchored together with several other ships. The sun stands low in the northwest but it will still be bright for at least a couple of hours, and it never really gets dark at this time of year. The clear air is cooler and fresher than the oppressive atmosphere in the feast hall behind me, even though the sound has barely diminished. I must make sure to cool down a bit and start drying before she''s disgusted by my sweat. I''m almost dripping with sweat. Maybe take a nice calm walk? I take a deep and relaxing breath and enjoy leaving the noise inside. I feel relieved that that part of the night is finished and it has gone very well. I''ve never liked to be in the spotlight.


    Iselin press herself against my side, with her head lying against my shoulder. It''s just nice to stand here like this for a few minutes, and I''m just wondering where I can take her that''s better than the ship''s cramped bed, when I feel a soft hand rest on my neck and sensually caressing fingers on my neck. A shiver goes through my body, but before I have time to react to it, the owner of the arm has presented herself by sweeping around on my left side. Blonde hair flies by and a pair of clear red-purple eyes focus deep into my own. The woman is again of course really beautiful, and she actually have a little make-up, even if it''s only around the eyes and some eye shadow, but she has a natural beauty that''s only enhanced by her charm. She obviously knows it too. And I''ve always prefered the natural look than a lot of make up. She takes her free hand and caresses my bearded face and angles my face a little downwards so I get a good view of the gold medallion with some precious stones that hang from her neckless down between her noticeably large breasts. Then she lifts my face, still caressing my chin and beard but now with both hands, stare me in the eyes and with a confident smile she sensually say:


    "The performance you gave in there is what I call making a really good first impression. I saw how you focused and touched the stone, and it... touched... something inside me. I have seldom had such... desire... to be penetrated by the mysteries of the world. Can I take part in tonight''s studies?"


    I look at Iselin - worried about her reaction - but she''s just staring at the woman, smiles and slowly nods and I instead wonder if I really can satisfy them both. Okay, accept reality and make the best of what will probably be my first real threesome.


    "I just arrived today. Do you know of any suitable undisturbed place where the three of us can have careful studies until the morning?"


    Her playful smile gets bigger.


    "My farm is close and I have a big bed."


    "Robert Arnesson, and this is Iselin."


    She pulls my head towards hers as she stretches upwards and gives me a kiss that is far from chaste, and I feel a hand caressing my groin.


    "Disa."


    I put my arm around Disa''s waist, and together the three of us walk down the stairs, and I let Disa guide us out into the evening sun.

 Sailing to Borgarsandr - day 4, Iselin

    Sailing to Borgarsandr, day 4


    1 Juli. Iselin.


    A vicious ray of sunlight peeks in between the window shutters and hits me right in the eye. The brain havn''t had time to start yet so I just grunt a little dissatisfied and move my head a little to the side. When the sun''s rays no longer distract and the haze lightens, other impressions begin to demand attention. A slow warm breath pulsates softly over my chest and my downward vision is blocked by red hair. Iselin has her head on my chest and lays against my right side, and she weakly hugs me as she sleep. I can feel her rhythmic breathing and the breasts against my body. My right arm and hand caress her body and I feel her smooth skin as I move my arm down along her back, hip and stop on Iselin''s butt. I''m very pleased when she, as a reflexively subconscious answer, press her sleeping body against me with a satisfied cute little noise.


    I almost gets annoyed that my left arm seems to be stuck and I can''t hug Iselin, but it quickly passes when it''s movement feels skin that isn''t mine and blonde hair appears in my field of view. I can feel and see my hand just landed on Disa''s breasts, and pressed her body against mine, and it''s rewarded with a faint sleepy moan from Disa.


    I just relax and let the memories of the evening and night play back in my head. I feel quite proud of myself when I think back, and I''m quite convinced that I managed to give them at least a couple of orgasms each, even though Iselin was so easy I stopped counting, but if I remember correctly they got me to.... four? Wow!


    Impressed by myself, I begin to think about how very satisfying it is to be able to bring a woman to orgasm, and when she is really up and running, unite with her... and then focus on the woman''s pleasure and start stimulating her again. Prolonging it gives myself a little more time to recover, perhaps a little bit evil, but necessary. Doing it with two women at the same time was interesting - a new challenge, and not as difficult as I thought it would be. I''ve never really dreamed about threesomes - it just seemed like a good way to leave two women disappointed instead of one satisfied, but then again I never thought I would actually be in one. In this case it helped that both of them where skilled at getting both the male and female body going. I need to remember some of that for especially Disa was damn skilled, and Iselin seemed to like being both giving and receiving towards Disa. Very unexpected. But then again I surprised them too. I guess sex education here just suck. Heh. Actually, Iselin was good at that.


    A lost hand from Disa finds a sensitive place to lie when she turns around towards me, and I feel her breasts against mine and her warm breath pulsing over my chin. Thoughts that have started to wander disappear like magic and before I let myself drift back to sleep, life just simply feels damn good, and my self-confidence isn''t bad either.


    <hr>


    The mists of sleeping start to clear and... Wow... that''s a hell of a nice way to wake up.


    I lift my head a little and see that, yes, it''s a reasonably large body that moves under the blanket, and red hair that pokes out from under the edge. I don''t see Disa anywhere in the bed or room, and I let my head fall back on the pillow and just enjoy the moment. I can hear the sounds of a farm from outside the uninsulated wooden walls and the open window, but inside there is only a soft wet sound coming from under the blanket. Blue sky through the open window shutters and a tiny grains of dust in the streaks of light, but I don''t care about anything. It''s just peaceful. The warm female breasts that are rhythmically pressed against my legs take focus and I try to avoid thinking about anything and just enjoy the experience while I cement this in my memory.


    Iselin is obviously skilled at what she does, which I appreciate, and she drags out the pleasure unexpectedly long, and a faint thought slips through the pleasure mists that had this been yesterday morning and not after the night''s exercises, this would have been over far too quickly. I''m still damn impressed with my achievement during the evening, much better than ever before in my life, but I''ve never been with two women before either. I can''t distract my thoughts and hold back any longer, and it seems to motivate her more. After more soft wet sounds and stroking every drop out, Iselin''s head looks out from under the blanket.


    "Good morning, Sir?" she teases as she crawls up against my side as I hug her.


    "The best in several years." I answer quite honestly and half asleep.


    "Robert, you shouldn''t fall asleep again, it''s late in the morning. Miss Disa says it was a very nice study, and she would like to delved into it more at another time, but she has things to take care of before the Ting, and we can just close the door when we leave. She said I should really thank you for the night that taught us pleasures we didn''t think a man could give, and that I should be happy over Freya''s blessing and give you an excellent awakening."


    Ego boost.


    I can hear the smile on Iselin''s lips without looking, as she knows she fulfilled that. It would be so nice to just continue to lie here with her, and ignore the rest of the world, but it''s time to wake up. I give her a kiss. Which become two followed by a few more when I snuggle with her.


    We start to pick up our clothes and get ready, which in Iselin''s case is just to pull the dress over the head, tighten the waist lacing, and fix her hair. I could have looked at that again. Damn sexy, and way too fast. I put on my underwear, pants, etc, and check that all the silver and gold is still there. The watch in my pouch prove that ''late in the morning'' is a subjective term. I guess that she as a maid is used to being up early. I see my compact camera and remember the photo I took of the two women when we were on our way to Disa''s farm, where they are leaning against a fence. I really wanted a good memory of them and the evening.


    When I explained that it is a sejd way to save memories and help me remember more clearly, Disa whispered something to Iselin. What she whispered I found out later when they told me to save a memory of them in bed. I don''t think I will ever forget that view of two beautiful naked elf women half lying in a bed and looking really seductive at me. Damn! It gets a little uncomfortable in the pants at just the memory. To quote the character Ford Fairlane; ''Stanley! Down.''


    We go out and leave the farm we''re on. Disa quickly pointed out the parts the night before. Disa seems to be a wealthy young woman; she own a farm and have no husband, and we see a lot of workers who are taking care of the sheep, chickens, cows and feeding the goats, while we walk along the road to the town about 2 km away. The sun is high in the sky, but it''s Ting and market day and the ship won''t leave until tomorrow. So why stress?


    When we come walking, people are quick to respectfully greet Sejdmann and wish me a good day, so I just nod and move on. My reputation has definitely increased. Iselin accompanies me all the way to the ship and I''m grateful for the company. It''s just very nice to stroll like that; happy with life with my arm around a gorgeous woman after an epic evening and morning. I wouldn''t mind a little more company during the day, and I really don''t care about visiting the Ting. I want to offer her some food, so I cautiously ask:


    "Iselin, when do you need to be back at Jarl Steinnes?"


    Iselin looks at me in surprise, and answers a little uncertain:


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    "Sir, I''m your ambott."


    "Ambott?"


    "Yes, your ambott. Sir''s servant." Iselin holds up and shows her necklace with a small piece of jewellery hanging in it.


    "Sejdmann Robert Arnesson is my Master. Yesterday Jarl Steinnes gave me to Master during the feast as a reward for Master''s incredible display of sejd and that Master thought I was beautiful and worth spending days studying..." she gets a cute smile and is a bit embarrassed, but happy. "A change of Master I was happy about to accept, and I havn''t regretted it for even a breath so far. Just the honor of being asked is unusual as my opinion as a slave is insignificant."


    "You''re a slave?"


    "Yes, Master? I hope I havn''t offended Master and Master feels misled by Master thinking I was a free woman."


    She''s still touching her neckring and seems insecure. A neckring that I now see is whole and forged together with a rivet at the back. It isn''t made to be removed, and I realised I have seen variants on many other elves, but without the jewellery. Seems like a neckring is a sign of slavery. So much fail on me.


    Shit.


    Oh, FUCK!


    My walking pace slows down and I feel shivers and cold. All of a sudden it dawns on me that yesterday I became the owner of a young slave woman. I own a person. An almost lawless slave. Which I immediately took to bed and had sex with the whole evening, and morning.


    Double shit!


    It was such a nice memory! How fast you can go from walking on clouds, to feeling like you should be drowned. Iselin sees that I''m unhappy with the discovery and seems really worried, which I can understand, but I take a couple of deep breaths, and gently move us a bit off to the side.


    "Iselin, I don''t like the slave system and would rather see it disappear. It''s my fault that I didn''t understand you''re a slave. I''m not angry at you for being a slave, I''m angry with myself because I didn''t think or pay attention to your neckring. As I see it, our night together is almost as if I had raped you. Had I known or only noticed it before, I would have had to refused sex with you."


    I can see a rising panic in Iselin''s entire posture and face and she''s quick to explain; "I gladly went to bed with you, Master! Master is such a wise and powerful man, who at the top of everything is really good and masculine. You treated me like a woman of status and I''ve never experienced such wonderful sex before. I didn''t even know sex could be that way with a man." She concludes with conviction and surprise. She''s a little uncomfortable and anxious when she continues and avoids looking at me. "I''m not untouched, but only Jarl Steinnes has taken me before, and only a few times. Just a quick outlet, and except for the first time, he has only taken me a couple of times in my butt since a pregnant slave is a burden. I''ve mostly used my mouth."


    That bastard! Quick thoughts of what the Jarl should be exposed to comes to mind, but Iselin looks up at me with a happy face and continues;


    "Master treated me and Miss Disa equally, and even though Master didn''t know I was a slave, Master knew that I was a maid and not a rich landowner like Miss Disa. We''re both very happy with the night. Really happy, and I hope it can continue to be Master''s servant." Her gaze has become pleading, truly beseeching, as she continues; "Please Sir, let me make amends for the misunderstanding and don''t send me back to Jarl Steinnes! I would happily let Master beat me yellow and blue than that! Please, let me stay with Master!"


    I just stand there silent and still, looking at Iselin and taking in what she said. Triple shit, I forgot to think about the child factor as well. Or diseases. How strong was the mead yesterday? I didn''t even drink two mugs. Well, Alcohol is no excuse. Doesn''t it take more than a beautiful willing woman for me to completely forget common sense? Or does the little brain take complete control as soon as the opportunity arise? It probably helps they''re all elves, because we probably arn''t genetically compatible. Can I even have children here? Iselin still looks shrunken and scared, so I just relax, take a breath and I hug her before I reply:


    "I will try my best for you to have a good life. It''s a bit difficult for me to quickly processing what happened; where I come from is different than here. We have other laws and norms that I grew up with. The important thing now is to do the best and stabilize the situation. I want you to answer me honestly, not what you think I want to hear. You''ve had a life here; do you have relatives or friends you can live with and want to stay here, or do you want to accompany me on the ship and leave towards an uncertain future?"


    "With you Master!" The answer is quick and seems to be with complete certainty as she intensely hugs me back. I notice that I make a deep sigh.


    "Iselin, you are now important to me and I hope you don''t take this as an order to a slave, but as a request from a friend. As long as you don''t think the situation demands it, I prefer you use my name Robert, not ''Master'' as you''ve started to do. If you think I''m about to do something stupid, or put myself in danger - tell me. Try to call attention or interrupt me if it''s important enough. I won''t be mad at you if your intentions good. Do you have any belongings or the like that need to be collected?"


    "No Master... Robert. I only own what I carry, the rest is Jarl Steinnes." She unthinkingly fingers her necklace when she says that.


    "There''s an extra bed in my cabin so you can sleep there, but can you show me where I can buy you some things? You need some hygiene things, some extra dress and more."


    "My Mas.... Robert. I don''t need anything like that, but I can show... you... where you can buy what you want."


    "You''re in my service and I want to treat you well. You will have good clothes, and be able to clean yourself. I have the silver, so let''s shop a little and then return to the ship, I need to get some peace and quiet so I can think."


    <hr>


    Iselin shows me where stuff can be bought, and I buy an extra everyday dress where she choose the color and cut, and from the same man I bought leather goods for myself yesterday, a decorated leather belt is bought, with a pair of leather pouches, a larger pouch of the type I bought and a shoulder strap bag. Less ornate than the one I bought for myself, but good quality and new. Elsewhere we buy three soaps, one accompanies Iselin''s extra dress in her bag along with a linen towel, a comb and a pair of simple scissors.


    I''m still in an emotional fog and unsure of the value of craftsmanship or what a woman might need, especially here, so I give Iselin an ounce of silver and ask her to buy something she feels she needs, something she as a woman needs or thinks would be nice to have; like a piece of jewellery, or something she dreamed of. Use the silver no matter what. Iselin gets another ounce of silver and I say it''s hers. As my slave, she will get some silver for her own use and this is the first. She can do whatever she wants with the silver. It''s hers. Save, buy something, throw it in the sea - it''s entirely her silver to do whatever she wants with and she doesn''t have to tell me for what or explain why.


    I will return to the ship after I have confirmed she knows which one it is, and I expect her there when she is done - she will have until the evening if she needs it, so don''t hurry. Should anyone try to stop her, treat her badly, or try to rape her, she may use my name in an attempt to protect herself from such actions, and then immediately come to me and tell me. I take my own two soaps and go to the ship.


    <hr>


    I stay on the deck, leaning on the railing and look out over the city, thinking about what to do with Iselin and how to free a slave. I need to ask her about it. She should know. At the same time, it''s a great advantage that I now have someone in my vicinity I can ask things and talk with. Evidently there are lots I need to know. Even if I had heard what Jarl Steinnes said yesterday, how the hell would I know what the word Ambott means? It''s hard enough to understand what people say with so many expressions and words I guess the meaning of. Most of the words I hear I don''t understand, but I always try to figure out the context so I don''t have to ask. I don''t want to show myself ignorant. Stupid. That proves I was ignorant.


    I''ve been so stupid. Why didn''t I realise that there are so many slave here. When we walked around shopping I looked and noticed. Slaves are everywhere. At least a quarter of the population must be slaves. My only weak excuse is that pretty much every elf also have some form of necklace together with all the other jewellery, and the neckrings sort of got lost in everything else. Not just gold and silver necklaces, but there are colored bead, amber, precious stones and different leather strapped necklaces too. Even a form of leather choker, with metal or just pressed decoration. But only forged neckrings are the mark of a slave.


    I''m a fucking slave owner. Shit! I''m literally that. I fucked her, and I feel so damn filthy about it. Well, I won''t be needing the photos to remember that night. I have to free her, but I can''t do it here where Jarl Steinnes rule.


    Danr arrives after a while with a rather heavy head, with a man in his company that he presents to me, and the man hopes to buy a banknote like the one Danr showed. Danr seems quite pleased with life, even while a little hungover, so I guess it has been a good evening and morning for him, but he says goodbye and goes into his captain''s cabin. So I fetch and sell a 20 kronor banknote to the man. He admires it and he gives me 5 ounces of gold for the banknote before he thanks and leaves. I didn''t really explain the number system to him, but he loved it''s blue-purple color.

 Sailing to Borgarsandr - day 4, Eira

    A little while later, Iselin shows up with another woman about the same age as herself, maybe a little older, but much much dirtier and leaner. The woman gives a scared and subdued impression, cast quick glances around her, but doesn''t dare to look up at people and steps aside if someone comes close. I start to get a bad feeling, because the woman isn''t carrying something for Iselin, and she too has a neckring.


    This can''t be good.


    I go down and meet up on the currently almost empty pier. Iselin leaves the woman a few meters away, says something low and walks alone and meets me, and up closer I can see the woman''s unkempt filthy brown-gray hair, and her very simple, worn and repaired dress with holes, tears and deeply buried dirt and stains. More like a sack with a little body shape. She looks really skinny and much to lean, and I can see old bruises that are turning yellow and disappearing on her face and arms. Around her wrists. The woman is without a doubt the worst elf I have seen so far in terms of health. Has she been in jail or something? Why is she here? After making sure no one is around, Iselin presents the woman in a low voice:


    "Robert, this is Eira, and she is my gift to you. Eira is a slave girl I just bought from Jarl Steinnes for you. I used all the silver you gave me as a gift, to prove how much I want to stay. Eira looks terrible now, but looked so much better just last year. She can be beautiful again and worthy to serve you."


    The Jarl has slaves in that condition? Apparently I gave her so much silver, which when I think about it silver you can buy a cow for is, and I did such a show yesterday, that Iselin guessed that with the right argument she could get Jarl Steinnes to sell Eira to me for 2 ounces of silver, which he did with a cruel and pleased smile on his face. I ask her to tell me what she knows about Eira and Iselin explain that Eira was taken as booty by Vikings last autumn and she was part of the booty that went to Jarl Steinnes when they returned home. She looked so much better and was really beautiful with a nice body shape.


    Eira has come from Alba across the sea, and speaks a funny language. Eira has been ''troublesome'' and has had difficulty adapting to her new life as a slave. She can still barely speak the language and is difficult to understand. Eira has been on the lowest rang and has only been allowed to sleep on the floor without sleeping pelts and most recently only in the stable.


    Iselin is a little cautious when she tells me that Eira isn''t untouched and a couple of the Jarl''s men have used her several times. Just a few days ago Jarl Steinnes threatened Eira that if she didn''t shape up quickly, she would be thrown naked on the street and he would prevent everyone else from taking care of her, so she would be forced to live like an animal and compete with pigs and goats for food. So she would really understand how nice it is with clothes, food and a roof to sleep under, away from rain and wind, and she would have to crawl back and kiss his feet and ask to come back as a slave to Jarl Steinnes.


    Jarl Steinnes no longer wants to touch her but his guards could use their own slave who serves them. There are chores day and night, and she will be grateful for that.


    Fucking swine.


    "I tricked Jarl Steinnes that my new Master Sejdmann Arnesson had sent me to find a cheap female slave without family ties, who no one would miss, who he could take with him to ''test sejd on'', and the only useless slave that came to mind was Eira. It would give Jarl Steinnes silver for a useless slave and make Sejdmann Arnesson more positive, and I showed the silver to him. It would just be wasted work to make her respectable, considering what she would be used for.


    Robert, you are a good man who I doubt would ever do such a thing, but Jarl Steinnes tends to believe that most with power are like him, and he likes power and using it. Jarl Steinnes can give a good impression to the outside world, especially towards others with power, but he loves to humiliate, degrade and feel his power over others, especially behind closed doors and when they are helpless and weak. Nobody wants to end up in his debt. Jarl Steinnes likes to have one or two slaves that he can humiliate and use as a warning for the rest to behave and do good work, and to make them appreciate what they have."


    Iselin takes a short break as I begin to hate Jarl Steinnes more and more, and I don''t usually use the word hate, just to maintain it''s power and meaning. I don''t ''hate'' things for whimsical reasons. Jarl Steinnes deserves to be hated.


    "So Jarl Steinnes took me out to the pigsty where Eira was feeding them. In front of the others, he kicked her to the ground and said she was a completely hopeless case - this was her last day here. Eira begged to him while crawling in the mud, promised to improve and to work faster and not to be thrown naked on the street. It was with a cruel smile he replied: ''Your wish is fulfilled. You won''t be, something much worse awaits you as I''m selling you to Sejdmann so he can try sejd on you, but before you''re sold, you need to wash away the worst.'' Then he peed on her one last time in the face, mouth and hair. With piss running down her face where it mixed with her tears, he told her to wash off in the trough and follow me to her new owner. Then he accepted the silver from me, and left for the Ting."


    Holy shit.


    Jarl Steinnes is a fucking asshole and a swine that the world would be better off without, but of course he rules a region, has power and many warriors - but I guess psychopaths finds it easy to gain power, and in Midg?rd he would probably have been a successful company leader. Jarl Steinnes deserves that someone make sure that he himself becomes a slave, and then lets him experience what he has exposed others to. But there''s nothing I can do in the near future.


    "On the way here, I''ve told Eira that her new Master isn''t at all what Jarl Steinnes thinks and I fooled him. You are a much, much better man, and that she can get a chance at a better life if she makes the effort. I hope I can be forgiven, and that Robert accepts my gift, but Robert is such a good man with such obvious disgust at how some slave women are treated, and hopefully you can take Eira into your service and let her grow into her role in a better way, without humiliation and abuse. Eira can once again become beautiful and a slave worthy of serving Robert, if she only gets a chance."


    How has Iselin''s life been so far? Has she been subjected to this? Or has she tried to stay in the middle and avoid attracting attention? Do I want to know more than I already do?


    "Iselin, you have gone a little too far beyond the bounds of what I asked you to do, but I don''t want to be angry with you. It was very smart, creative and for a good cause, and I accept your gift. I appreciate your compassion, to sacrifice so much silver on someone else who has it worse than you, and your quick intelligence, but I hope that in the future you can be honest and come to me directly about things like this, even though I don''t want to keep saving slaves from a difficult life. I want to be able to trust you and give you responsibility; don''t make me regret it. If I''ve lost confidence and no longer trust you... it will hurt within, and it will be very difficult or impossible for you to gain it again. Most likely we''re going to go separate ways no matter what you want. Because we don''t know each other and you don''t know how I look at things, I will in this case forgive you, and consider that done is done, and that''s another lesson to remember in the future."


    Relief wash over Iselin and she''s so happy that I accept her gift.


    "Eira will get a chance to show that she can improve, and even though she ended up in a terrible situation against her will, she must try to make the best of it. You bought Eira, so I expect you to take responsibility and help her become a better maid, and to learn the language better. Both you and she need to be honest with me. Even when there are things I don''t like to hear, I will do my utmost to control so that it doesn''t affect you or her. I am not a violent or harsh man. It takes a lot for me to get angry, and I have never beaten a woman. Try to teach her something useful so she can manage on her own in the future. You''re right that I won''t force myself on her, nor do I want her to voluntarily try to use her hands, mouth or visit my bed, or that she should feel compelled to do so, or for any reason wish to do so. It won''t happen. It''s not because other men raped her. It the same reason as with you, because I think that she, as my slave, can''t really say no. So I will say no for her. It''s important to me that a woman I have sex with really wants it, without coercion or pressure. It''s not feelings of love that are important, but the free will between two people. "


    I give Iselin another hug and feel how she seems to relax, and it just feels so nice standing there with her and feel her body and head against my shoulder. But, I can''t continue, so I draw a deep breath, and then take Iselin with me and walk over to Eira.


    Eira stands with her hands clenched in front of her stomach and with her head slightly bowed and looks at the ground in front of her. From a couple of meters away she''s a really miserable sight. She smells like hell too. Hopefully it''s mostly the ''clothes'' and that she didn''t get a chance to wash herself properly. How could Jarl Steinnes sell her in that condition, without even trying to fix her up, or even wash her? Is he so obsessed with power over others and the impression on the other slaves that he doesn''t realise it''s idiotic? No matter what Iselin said to him, he should have tried to make her look a bit better.


    Why didn''t Iselin try to make Eira look better since Eira''s her gift to me? She have a soap, etc. Is she deliberately trying to make me dislike Jarl Steinnes? That feels pretty likely. Iselin probably hates her former master if he really is as she says, and as a bonus she may be trying to protect me from being fooled by him. I choose to see it that way.


    "Eira, please look at me", which she cautiously do and I glimpse a pair of purple-blue eyes through her disgusting hair. I speak slowly hoping it will help. "Be honest, I speak the language badly; do you understand what I say well enough?"


    Eira nods and a broken ''Yes, Master'' is heard. I wonder if she is actually truthful about it.


    "You have a new chance at a better life without violence, humiliation, piss, or rape and coercion. You have had a difficult life and I know you have darkness in your heart and mind. You probably need to cry or speak out about what happened to you, to help lighten the darkness, so do it; either to Iselin, to the Gods or to someone you think is suitable. Even to me if you want it. If you hide it inside your soul it''s difficult to have a bright future, but it''s your choice. I''m not the right person to help you work through your feelings and anxiety, it''s bad enough that I''m a man, because men have treated you so badly. So I will just say: Be honest with me. Do what I ask of you in a good way, and your life will be greatly improved. Listen to Iselin and she will help you. Iselin, help her understand what I said to her and to you."


    Iselin eagerly nods and looks both happy and serious.


    "Now I have even more to think about, but Eira''s terribly dirty and stinks, and she really needs to be thoroughly washed, and she need proper clothes. She needs to bathe somewhere, where everyone can''t look at her when she washes herself - she is shy enough as it is - and she need hot water and soap. Iselin, you pointed out that there is some kind of bathhouse for the public here?"


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    Iselin nods again, and confirms with a "Yes, Robert."


    "The extra dress we bought for you earlier today; I know it''s yours, but can Eira borrow it? Or get it, and I''ll buy you a new one afterwards."


    Iselin nods as she says the dress is Eira''s and after I fetch a change of cloths for myself, she shows the way. Saying this day have been interesting is quite an understatement.


    <hr>


    Iselin shows the way to the bathhouse, a larger building with timber walls. It opens up to an open courtyard with grass and some shrubs and paved walkways around the middle with rooms on the outside - some with doors, most with curtains. There are some people here but less than expected. Some sit half-naked on benches and talk with only a towel over their hips, while male and female servants walk around with barrels of water, towels, folded clothes, and so on. Reminds me a bit of how I remember public baths should have been in the Roman Empire, and nothing I expected to see here, but this isn''t classic Scandinavian Viking Age, and the Vikings traveled around Midg?rd and brought customs back home. I assume similar has happened here.


    Iselin helps me choose what I want from a price list with simple text and symbols on the wall, and I pay for two private rooms with door and service. One room for Iselin and Eira, one for myself. No washing of clothes, and definitely not any kind of sex with slaves which is an option on the price list. They really have a value on handjobs, oral sex or penetration of a slave girl. And it''s cheap. Damn world.


    It''s three days since I washed myself, and the memory of Lova gets a quick little smile playing on my lips. The woman who receives customers and handle the payment seems to control and probably owns the facility, and she looks questioningly when two slaves get a private room with service, which is understandable considering how Eira looks and smells, but she''s happy to accept payment, and calls a couple of maids which leads us away to a bench outside two adjoining rooms. We see more maids and servants come carrying barrels of hot water into each room and after a few rounds we are shown into each room.


    It''s very reminiscent of the bathroom at the lawman in Hildifjoer. I see the wooden device that works as a back and headrest, and the bathtub which is full of hot water. The maid, who lacks a neckring and is probably a free woman, tries to help me get rid of my clothes but I thank her and do it myself. She seems to react to my ears, but is quickly and nowadays not unexpectedly. She gets more distracted when she sees my hairy body and starts to stare. She turns around when I ask her. Why did I pay for service?


    I sink into the hot water and just enjoy the feeling. A bit too hot. The maid starts helping and soap me in and rinses my hair etc with a small bowl she fills from the bathtub. She lets me wash the groin, and asks if I want to be left alone to just sit and enjoy the warm water for a while, which I would like.


    Yeepp, some parts of this world isn''t so bad. Damn if I ended up in something like medieval England or out in the Russian countryside in completely uninhabited nature. I wonder if there are more humans who have come here from the Earth, but they''ve had the misfortune to be in a place where there are no elves and have been completely exposed to nature. I don''t know how or when I traveled to this world. If it had happened when someone drives a car at high speed on a road and ends up in the middle of a forest at maybe 80km/h - how bad wouldn''t it be? 25m/s straight out into a forest. No rescue. No ambulance. No civilization nearby when injured or dying without basic necessities.


    At the same time, it is very specific with elves etc, from stories and fairy tales in northern Europe, and the Aesir religion. There really isn''t the same in most other religions even if some have. Apart from the unknown, it''s possible that travel here requires the Northern lights, which should mean that cultures and the rest of Alfheimr who arn''t in the polar region have no visitors - have had no contact with Midg?rd Earth - so there is no cultural or technology transfer. It would be Russia, Canada, Alaska or Antarctica that are most likely for arriving humans according to that theory, but the problem with those regions are that they are probably very unpopulated or really sparsely populated here. The climate is harsh and living there requires technology to live well, and the polar regions have few people even in modern Midg?rd. If you go back 200 years it was much less. It will be interesting to explore the cultures south, and what they''re like here in Alfheimr, but it can be too great a risk to travel there. I need information before that journey.


    But even if few humans not arrive here in a crashing car, how many humans wouldn''t panic if they suddenly find themselves out in the wilderness and unprepared. People have died because they got lost and couldn''t manage even a day in the forest, and it usually doesn''t happen completely out in the wilderness, as people there are more prepared, and it is with my world''s road network and people almost everywhere. What would it be like here? Add that if visible northern lights are required, it''s usually in the winter. Survival - unprepared - in the Scandinavian northern wilderness during the winter and maybe -10C to -40C with deep snow. Humans might not even have propper clothes or shoes adapted for it, because they expected to be in a hot car all the way to their destination.


    If you can''t create a fire and find or make shelter quickly, you will die. It''s a matter of hours. And everything will be covered with meter-thick snow and ice. How do you get food? How do you even get around in the snow if you can''t improvise snow shoes or have skis with you? What''s the best direction to even have a chance to get to civilization, and how do you keep the direction?


    I know from experience that many people are useless at even using a compass and map when they have one, and most people probably can''t even take a compass direction from the sun. Or use the sun and a watch to keep the right direction during the day. Or find the northern star at night. How many even understand that trying to follow water downstream increase their chances of finding communities and people? Even in the summer, there isn''t much to eat in nordic nature straight off, and large parts of the land become bogs and swamps that are difficult to get through in the summer. Ironically, when the land is frozen and with lots of snow, is the easier time to cross bogs, rivers and lakes. You just ski over it. Or more commonly today; use a snowmobile.


    There is probably very likely that when humans come here to Alfheimr, most won''t survive more than a few days. The question is whether their bodies are ever found except by animals. I probably belong to the top 2% of those who do best, and honestly I was lucky on Hardangervidda with hiking equipment, even though my car is much more prepared and accessorized than the average.


    Best arrival here for me had been just before a hike or trip like this, while I slept in the car because the weather sucked and I got the car with everything with me. But I''m happy that I what I have and sometimes it''s an advantage to be careful and strive to always have a backup plan, and have tools available. Most western people in Midg?rd usually only have a cell phone with a debit card and driver''s license or so, as well as a small keyring in their pockets.


    How many come even close to having all the useful things I normally have in my pockets,  and then add the little Gerber Zip blade with the Nitecore Tube flashlight attached to the chest pocket zipper on my outdoor-hiking jacket. I have the Swedish military''s survival manual on my cell phone, among other much less useful things, even if a lack of batteries would quickly become a problem. A problem that might be overcome.


    I often use everything in everyday life, and that doesn''t include use at home or at work where there are better tools. The work pants have a carpet knife, flashlight, many options in pencils, an A6 pad and measuring tape. There is a reason why my hiking backpack isn''t the lightest, but I have always considered it worth it, because it has always been more important to be prepared and be able to adapt, than panic or be forced to give up when things don''t go as planned.


    Like that time when I was sitting on an island, under a small raincover in heavy rain and with two multi-tools, modified an M4 screw to be able to replace an outboard propeller sprint that sheared off after hitting a rock, and then I could continue with only an hours delay, instead of rowing in to the nearest land, abort and need help.


    Or the fact that I havn''t had a TV since I moved from my parents, but have seen a lot of documentaries online and read a lot, and only a few TV series. The amount of knowledge I accumulated in the most scattered areas, just because it was ''interesting''? Of course, knowing how an atomic bomb works and how the purification of uranium etc can be done isn''t really useful, but that was never the reason to read it. The knowledge that Opportunity and Spirit gathered on Mars doesn''t have much use either. Okay, knowing, among other things, the Haber-Bosch process for producing better fertilizers could have been useful, but this world isn''t advanced enough to even think about trying that. Knowing the basic process doesn''t help if I can''t produce the parts and substances. Knowing that you can cool down the atmosphere to extract nitrogen doesn''t help when it''s necessary to cool it down to low degrees Kelvin. How much of my knowledge is really useful here? How much of the knowledge on my tablet and cell phone is actually useful?


    How much knowledge won''t most modern people have, and knowing it''s really useful, but be completely lost in all the small steps that lead there? Most people might try to make black powder, but how do you really do it practically? How many people know the relationship between saltpeter, carbon and sulfur? Why sulfur isn''t really needed but facilitates lower ignition temperature, and how was the production of these substances done in the past? Where does the saltpeter come from? How do you recognize it and what can it be called here? Sulfur is yellow, distinct and easy. Charcoal even easier. But saltpeter?


    Chances are high that I will try to manufacture a rifle, just because, as well as the bang from blackpowder can be useful, but I don''t intend to equip an army. Honestly, the classic musket isn''t really better than a trained archer - the difference is how easy it is to train someone to use a musket compared to a bow. But mass-producing of black powder through saltpeter farms...


    Argh.


    No need to make it easier for people to kill each other, they''re good enough at it already. Make a batch for myself: Yes. Mass produce: No. Better think of things that make life easier, improve health and increase prosperity for all. As an explosive for mining, however, black powder can be useful...


    An internal combustion engine is useful, but how is it built? How do you build the machines to make it, or even the tools to make the machines? How do you produce the fuel, oil and gaskets needed and what does it require? What''s the value of knowledge to build a simple computer if there is no need for it? No electricity? No electric parts at all? A ''simple'' mechanical radio such as Grimeton''s Alexanderson transmitter requires a hell of a lot of technology, but a simple radio receiver can be built, but it is useless without strong transmitters. Vacuum tube technology might be possible to manufactured in a decade or two, and transmitters and receivers would be useful. If I scrounge semiconductors and parts from my dual band radio, I should be able to make something, and it would definitely affect the world if radio communication can take place over a short distance.


    Ha! Longships with radios!


    But is it worth it? And will it be completed before I probably die of old age? Can I even build something that have a really useful range? How long do I have left to live in this world, and will I stay healthy?


    The maid comes back and wakes me up from my thoughts. I have no idea how long it''s been, and they have no watches here and I don''t wear my wristwatch on my wrist, but the water is quite cool. What is it about taking a nice warm bath that''s just so relaxing and makes the mind wander? I am in a really good mood, because I have just really realised how lucky I am, and how much better conditions I have than most others. Partly to survive the world change and partly to adapt to this world and become successful. I already have a kilo of gold that''s enormously valuable, and I can certainly earn more, and I have two maids who can help me adapt and give me some status.


    I dry, trim down the beard on my cheeks the best I can manage with the Swisscard scissors, and get dressed. I give the maid a couple of coins as a tip simply because I''m in such a good mood, and then with new energy, I go out to make this world... more pleasant.


    Iselin and Eira are waiting for me outside. They stand up from the bench where Eira''s old ''dress'' is folded next to them, and both look better, although Eira''s the biggest difference. Geez what a difference in appearance. Apparently she also has red hair, but a darker and more copper-colored shade than Iselin''s. Maybe I shouldn''t have said that I loved Iselin''s red hair color this morning and that it appeals to me more than Disa''s blonde hair. Although red hair isn''t uncommon here.


    Eira''s whole face - and her decolletage - is full of freckles, which where hidden under all that filth, and her purple-blue eyes almost shine. But she''s also different in attitude and manner, and she''s slightly more straight-backed and gives a less cowered impression. I guess she''s starting to gain some hope for the future. Hope is important. I look at Eira''s old ''dress'', and it gives me a shiver even though they obviously tried to wash it. Urgh! I turn to the maid, points and say;


    "Burn that."


    Then we leave.

 Sailing to Borgarsandr - day 4, A day well spent

    Eira sneek a few peeks at her new Master. She can''t meet his gaze but tries, and she''s curious about him. It surprised her when he looked happy to see them, even though there was a shudder along her back when he looked appreciatively at her hair, face, breasts and body. But the shudder disappeared when she noticed that his gaze wasn''t filled with desire or lust, but seemed more pleased that she looked better and was clean, and he seemed to be feel embarrassed that he looked at her so closely. She enjoyed when Master looked with contempt and disgust at her old, dirty, and smelly dress and told them to burn it. She wish she could''ve seen it burn.


    When she follows her new Master to an uncertain future, she''s just happy to be able to feel clean again. Feel a bit like a lady again. It''s been so long since she''s felt like a lady. Felt like a person and not a slave. Not a thing. It''s been half a year since she really felt clean and had such a nice dress. Iselin bathed quickly so that she could take a first bath in Iselin''s bath water, so she could use her own bath to get really clean. Iselin helped scrub her skin and fix her hair while giving her admonitions and advice. Iselin is so concerned that their Master should appreciate Eira and be happy with her gift, and that Eira should understand how good her future can be and to not embarrass Iselin in front of Robert. It hurt a little when Iselin loosened the tufts in her hair, but it felt so nice to be able to get clean and get her hair done proper. Get to enjoy hot water and soap. She smells clean. Before she came to this horrible land, she didn''t know how nice it is to be really clean, and that water and soap arn''t dangerous to the skin.


    She especially made sure to clean herself as carefully as she could in her vagina and butt, but memories can''t be washed away as easily as dirt. Iselin understood why she needed to do it, and repeated that Master won''t force himself on her or want her to accompany him in any sexual way. Their Master is a good Sejdmann, and he looks at women differently than other men. She''s glad that Iselin took the opportunity to show how Jarl Steinnes really treats some of his slaves, so that Master won''t like Jarl Steinnes, and she could see controlled anger in her new Master over how she has been treated. It felt good.


    When she follow after Master and Iselin to buy a new dress for Iselin, she is happy Master hasn''t touched her yet, not felt her body or checked her teeth. Master''s behavior towards her is completely different from the men she met since she got here. Eira stumbles a little in a few steps when she realises that Master''s behavior is different from most men she has met in her entire life, even her own husband Gregor when he was alive. Iselin said that Master said he''d never even hit a woman.


    <hr><hr>


    We head down to the market streets, and I buy each a new dress, that is slightly nicer than the one Iselin gave to Eira. It''s important that my maids look good. Iselin gets two, and they also each get a simpler shorter sleeping dress in thinner fabric. It''s not the unnecessary luxury that Iselin thinks, but a very good idea when we will be sharing a cabin and they would sleep naked.


    They get to choose colors, cut and embroidery, and Iselin chooses a nice darker blue and a green dress while Eira chooses a deeper red. Eira quickly knew what she wanted after we explained she had to choose the dress and color, and stood dreamily while she gently let a hand feel the fabric on the dress, and she gently followed the embroideries. It was nice to see how happy Iselin looked when she felt the fabric, held up dresses and looked at colors. At first the thought goes through my head that all women love shopping, but then I realise that Iselin as a slave has probably never bought clothes in this way before. Had to choose from expensive garments. She''s probably been given hand-me-downs or had few choices in all her life, and there probably havn''t been many cloths either. She''s hasn''t had the silver for it, and she spent the silver she got to buy Eira instead of buying something for herself. It may have been more silver than she has ever had. More than anything she''s ever owned - and she used it to buy me a present. A gift that both saved a person from her miserable fate, and a gift that has already increased in value. She was right that Eira was probably beautiful, and will become so when she gets more and better food. I should reward Iselin''s kindness and brains, and give her another ounce of silver.


    A pair of leather belts are bought as well as leather shoes and footwear for all of us. Eira was barefoot, and I still use my boots, even though I will continue using my socks until further notice. A shoulder strap bag in fabric for Eira is bought, and just like Iselin, Eira also gets a soap and a comb. A small knife is also purchased for both that are attached to their belts. Above all, Eira seems shocked at how much is bought for her and it''s heartbreaking how hard she holds her shoulder strap bag with all her things against her body, obviously afraid that it will be taken from her.


    I avoid being even close to Eira, and have been careful to not touch her anywhere, afraid she will jerk back or get scared. I hardly even want to give her any compliments that she can misinterpret. Iselin, on the other hand, shines like the sun and seems to bounce on clouds and is a bundle of energy. I''ve always seen buying clothes etc as a chore, and never seen joy in it - it''s just something that needs to be done. But it''s so worth the silver to see Iselin''s happiness.


    <hr>


    Iselin walks along and Eira just behind when we go back to the ship, and once aboard I show them into the cabin and point to the other bed which I say they will have to share. It will be crowded for them during the journey, but it is the best solution right now. Here they are safer and it''s more comfortable than the deck or floor. Both Iselin and Eira look at the bed in surprise and feel the mattress, and become quite entertainingly wide-eyed when they see my backpack tucked under my bed; it''s not discreet, and it''s not like I could hide it in here.


    I peek out and ask a sailor - Cnut? - for some food and water, and then take off my boots and lie down on the bed. Iselin and Eira just sit quietly on the edge of their bed and don''t really seem to know what to do, and honestly I have no ideas for them either. It don''t need two maids. When someone knocks after a few minutes, Iselin basically flies there; opens, receives the food, thanks and closes the door. She puts everything in front of me on my side of the table. A larger metal bowl with cold vegetable soup with a spoon in, a piece of dried salted meat, a piece of cheese and a whole loaf of bread that seems fairly freshly baked, as well as a large jug of water, and there hangs a mug on the edge.


    I stare at the spoon - one spoon. Is it meant just for me to eat? But too much food for one person if you think about the bread. Are they just supposed to get bread and maybe some meat or cheese? I sigh and decide to ask Iselin.


    "I don''t know what is common here, how is it intended? I''m I suppose to eat by myself? There''s only one spoon."


    Iselin just looks at me, while Eira looks up and looks completely confused between me, the food and Iselin.


    "Usually the Master eats his fill, and then the slaves get to share what the Master thinks they should get. If the Master wants us to go hungry - we go hungry. Jarl Steinnes use to feed the leftovers to the pigs before our eyes, as punishment for something one or more had done."


    I should have expected something like that. Some things in this world just suck. There are things I won''t adapt to, and this is one; I will not sit and eat in front of two hungry slaves. Urgh, I''m in a good mood, and they''ll still see so much in the near future that a little culture shock can be accepted. They might as well learn I''m different, and some of these things I want at least Iselin to learn. What use is a maid if I don''t trust her to do the boring things? So I pull out the backpack, and open up it''s left side pocket where the food accessories are, and take out my long-handled spoon and the pink little folding cup, the big green folding cup, the empty 2 liter water bottle and finally the water purification pump. Both women look at the things with wonder, which at least distracts them from the backpack and the zipper.


    "Iselin. Eira. Don''t be afraid of any of what I will do. Eventually I will explain it to you, and these are things you will do in the future, but for now I will show you. I don''t expect you to immediately understand, or that you will do it next time. Just look and stay calm."


    Both nod seriously, and I open the small window above the table and look out, letting in some fresh air, more light and making it nicer. Then I start by unpacking the water purification pump and pump over water from the jug to the water bottle. It shows the jug was almost 1.8L according to the scale on the side, and probably a deciliter in the pump. I fold up the edges and pour water into the folding cup, fill the mug for Iselin and pour some water back into the jug for Eira.


    I tidy things up a bit, and carefully pour over some soup in the large folding cup. Seems to be a 40/60 split - good enough. I set the cup to me and the bowl between them, and give Iselin the accompanying spoon. I cut off a piece of bread for myself and equal parts for Iselin and Eira. There is still probably a third of the bread left. I cut the cheese into somewhat thin slices, it becomes four, and I put a slice of cheese on my own bread, and give them one each. Then I divide the meat in seven parts and give two parts to each of us.


    "Just pour water for yourself if you need more. You have to share the soup in the bowl, unfortunately we don''t have more spoons, so take turns and share. Eira, you are so malnourished that it is probably important that you eat slowly; you can get sick if you eat fast and a lot. Your stomach simply can''t cope if you have starved for too long. You will eat good food regularly, so don''t push yourself now, and this may already be too much. But this is fair. The bread, the piece of cheese and the piece of meat that is left, is for Eira to save. So you know that your next meal is secured, but it doesn''t stay good in this heat, so eat the cheese by tonight."


    They start eating cautiously and insecurely when I start eating. I like to see Iselin''s happy face, and silent tears flow down Eira''s cheek as she feels the taste of the meat and cheese, not to mention the soup. I guess it was a long time since she ate properly and such food. We eat in silence, and there is nothing left, except what''s been set aside for Eira. I''m at least not hungry and Eira and Iselin seems to be really satisfied and full.


    "Sit back and enjoy. Iselin, we will rest for a while and then we will go out and buy some food and accessories so you both can eat properly, and always know that food is available if you are hungry. Eira and Iselin, listen to me carefully. I sometimes forget to eat, especially if I''m doing something interesting, but you shouldn''t go hungry because of that. I''ll probably need you to remind me it''s time to eat, and we should eat at least two proper meals per day, preferably three; morning, noon and evening. If you are hungry, you can eat without asking me. It''s important to me that we all eat healthy and varied food - it makes you feel better, live healthier and longer. Eira, you are very thin and havn''t had enough food, and the food you have received hasn''t contained everything your body needs. It will take time to recover, months, maybe half a year or more. I want both of you to be healthy and feel well. I''ll have a water purification lesson with the both of you, but not now. Just relax. Iselin, if I fall asleep, I would like to be woken after a while."


    If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    <hr>


    For about half an hour or more we just lie there in silence, and I dose off for a while but come to by myself. It hasn''t been long. Both women are lying in their bed and Iselin is looking at me with Eira behind.


    "Iselin, I want you to take Eira with you and wash this, use some soap and this scouring pad, and scrub it clean. Rinse and let it dry by itself when you come back and put it on the table. Return the bowl, the spoon, the mug and the jug to the sailors. I''m waiting here for you to finish."


    They leave, and I pack down the water pump. They come back after a while, and seem really fascinated by the materials, but plastic and rubber-like things don''t exist here - thin and one is flexible. Not to mention the color.


    "Eira, I want you to stay in the cabin until we''re back so there''s less chance someone will tell Jarl Steinnes I''ve bought you clothes, washed and given you food, but it was so worth it, and he can go to hell. It''s just a good idea for you to stay in here."


    <hr>


    Iselin and I go shopping. Again. It''s afternoon and there are a lot of people and trade on the market streets. I forgot about the Ting. We buy four bowls, mugs, spoons, forks and knives, as well as a serving platter. We also buy food in the form of a jar each with honey, lingonberries and blueberries, carrots, about 1 kg of dried meat, quite a lot of crispbread and a couple of freshly baked small loafs, a small cheese and a small piece of really salted butter. I guess it holds up better? I buy a wooden chest to carry and store the food in, and two larger leather bags as well as a needle and finer sewing thread in 7 different colors; beige, black, gray, red, blue, yellow and green. It''s quite a lot to carry back, but it''s not really a problem. Eira is of course waiting where we left her and she helps Iselin take care of the stuff. I show Eira the wooden chest with food.


    "The wooden chest is our small food supply. During the trip, the food is included, but if you get hungry or just a little peckish, there is food. Try to eat varied, a little of each is best but if you don''t like something, you don''t have to eat it. I''m not so fond of honey, so it''s mostly for both of you, but it will stay fresh better than anything else. If food stays too long it starts to mold; it gets soft growth in white and green on it and that is bad. It''s certainly still edible, but I don''t want you to eat it. Throw it away or give it to someone really in need, and buy new food for us."


    They look at me wide-eyed and surprised at that declaration, not directly the norm here.


    "These leather bags are yours to store your things in and things you start to own. If I have given you something, it''s yours forever, and the only exception is like a situation similar where Iselin''s new dress was passed on to Eira, but I would have respected it if Iselin also said no. And afterwards I bought new and better for Iselin. The needle and thread are so we will be able to repair any tears or loose threads, but if you want you can sew or embroider your names on the bags, so you know it''s yours without any doubt. You will have time during the journey - it''s at least a week or two left and I don''t know where my journey will finally end. You can walk around the ship and I will let you do what you want most of the time. Until we leave Kambsnes I want Eira to stay here except for toilet visits."


    <hr>


    Medieval life or boat trips without modern entertainment, or when you can''t use it, are damn boring. Sleeping and resting away the time in the cabin can only be done for a certain amount of time, and it''s a bit distracting when you have two beautiful elvish women chatting about something in next bed. I start to understand why there seems to be so much sex here, but apart from a different morality and view of sex, it might be like the old joke:


    "Grandpa, what did you do when you were young? You didn''t have computers, internet, TV, mobile phones, no car to go and visit cities, etc."


    "Well, mostly make and drink alcohol and chase after sex with the neighboring girls."


    Ugh, I walk a round on the boat. Again. Should I take up fishing? Or check out what kind of games the sailors play...


    I see a sailor lying on a thick sleeping pelt and resting. How do sailors really sleep? Sleeping pelts or mattresses? That''s impractical on a ship. I see Navigator Toke so I go over to talk to him. Yep, they use sleeping pelts and blankets, or a big sleeping pelt folded over themselves, and sleeping on a ship is apparently just a thing to get used to. If it''s several days with rougher seas, sleeping just gets hard, and it''s easily to injure yourself when you are thrown around against things and storage, and if you lie on them you can fall down. But sleeping on this ship is so much better than an open Longship or Knarr.


    Now that is something I should be able to easily improve, by explaining what a hammock is. Muhahah! Something to do! I should try to look around more for things I know easy solutions to.


    I go straight to Danr and explain how I have an idea how sailors can sleep better. He seems interested and wonders what it will cost, but I reply that everyone deserves a better and safer sleep. Should they like it, spread the idea for free to others, but say it comes from me. They can make and sell hammocks, as they are quite comfortable to use even between two trees on land. I can help them build two test models, and they can refine the design by making them a little different and trying out what they think is best. I describe that it requires thinner ropes, a couple of wooden rods, two or four strong large iron rings and some strong fabric or net. Well, hammocks can be made without the iron rings.


    All the crew who arn''t busy doing maintenance on the ship or guarding, starts to get interested; apparently no one likes to sleep on the deck or in the fore castle, and there is a sailmaker in the crew. I let Iselin and Eira sit on a bench outside the cabins in the sunlight and they also look on in amazement at what''s happening. I lay out the parts on the deck and explain how it works using a small charcoal sketch. I recommend they use seven ropes at each end, and it may be an idea to use double layers of coarse fabric or fishnet to begin with. I don''t know how strong it is or if it stretches. The wooden rods are approximately measured and gets a V cut at each end, so they can be pushed in between ropes 2 and 6, so the outer lines becomes a raised edge that prevents the person lying in the hammock from falling out. Useful at sea.


    They improvise the net model in an hour and hang it between the mast and a high but stable beam at the cabins. It''s entertaining and gets fun with a lot of laughs when they test, and try to step in and get out. They test with or without sleeping pelts in the hammock, and with or without wooden rods, and with shortened wooden rods. Opinions differ but the general consensus seem to be appreciation, because they immediately begin to manufacture more net hammocks while the fabric hammock is being finished, and they try to attach the existing one in different places both on deck, in the fore castle and below the deck.


    Seeing a large muscular viking elf with a satisfied smile lying in a net hammock that slowly sways with the wind during the afternoon sun, just makes the day better, and not just for Hagan in the hammock. I takes some more discreet photos, including on Iselin and Eira sitting and enjoying the sun and happily watching Hagan in the hammock, and some sailors making their own.


    I should try to do more things. Ah! That''s something I should be collecting right now. I can''t expect success right away. I''m going to look for nitrate bushes from stone cellars or similar, where there have been stables or manure. But how will I ask for it? It''s a chore just getting Iselin and Eira to understand, and not to mention the hammock designs and purpose. But I could draw those.


    <hr>


    I ask if Danr knows about saltpeter and he just looks at me wondering, and my attempts to explain it''s a kind of rocky little white crystals, like fuzzy growth on stone basement walls etc, are met by a completely incomprehensible face. Eh! It was worth a try. I guess it''s available as saltpeter has several uses and should be known - the Romans knew about it - but here it''s probably under a different name and maybe in a different form? How will I find out what they call it here? Certainly more alchemy than chemistry.


    It''s late in the afternoon but Iselin and I take our shoulder bags and go on an exploration trip and again asks Eira to stay in the cabin of the ship, which of course she happily do, and we leave her gnawing on a carrot with a smile. We manage to find and buy a folding scale, with some lead weights as well, from 1/8 to 8 ounces.


    It feels so stupid to ask around, but Iselin helps me by asking if there''s any basement space where there has been a stable or manure next to or outside. She doesn''t know why I want to know, but I''m a Sejdmann and we''re referred to a farm located on a hilly ground a bit outside Kambsnes. There is a farm where the stable is on the side of a rocky hill and in two levels, and it also turns out that there is another farm a little further away where the stable and the cows usually stand on the other side in the winter. We find some fuzzy white crystal there that seems to be right, and Iselin helps me pay the land owners. I collect about 0.4 kg in total and tried to minimize sand and stone in it, and I keep it in one of the leather bags. I thank the farmers and tell them to spread the word to other farms, that it can be sold if someone comes and asks for saltpeter, but let the buyer collect it himself. Don''t touch it, because it will slowly become more if there are animals nearby. No need to tell them it''s from the urine. I would like to call it potassium nitrate, but saltpeter it is.


    On the way back to the boat, I buy a couple of ceramic vessels to store the saltpeter in, instead of a leather pouch that lets moisture through. I should probably use a plastic bag in the future. All saltpeter costs me no more than 20 coins, 0.4 ounces of silver, and if that''s what I think and as clean as it should be? Bingo! Actually more ''BOOOM! Shake, shake, shake the room!''.


    When Iselin looks at me funny, I realise I''ve started to sing the song.


    <hr><hr>


    It''s hard to fall asleep, and I''m not alone with that problem. I have heard my new master Robert lying and writhing in his bed for a long time, but Iselin has quickly fallen asleep and is taking calm deep breaths. It''s crowded in the bed, but warm, comfortable and nice. I never thought I would experience it again and strange enough it feels... safe, where I lie behind Iselin against the cabin wall. Even with a big man just an arm''s length away on the other side of the cabin, it seems what Iselin said is true, but I think it''s because Robert thinks having sex with a slave is below his dignity. He wants better. He wants free women who come to him, and he want to feel coveted by women with status. Iselin seems a little disappointed and unhappy about it. Personally, I''m only happy as long as my Master doesn''t force himself on me.


    But Robert seems to really care about us as individuals, especially about my health. He''s so anxious to try to make me feel safe and protect me from Jarl Steinnes attention before we set sail, but according to Iselin, few will dare to risk making such a powerful sejdmann angry. Even a Jarl. According to their strange beliefs, Robert must be blessed by their gods, especially the most powerful Goddess Freya. Iselin is so proud to serve such a powerful man who''s so blessed by her Goddess.


    Master spent a lot of silver buying dresses, bags, soap and other things for us. He bought food so we would know we could eat whenever we want. So I can eat whenever I want. He bought expensive honey when he himself don''t like it. For us. Because we may like it, and it''s good for our health. He didn''t do it to brag to others about how he can spend silver on his slave''s clothes and food, and I''m actually starting to believe that he didn''t do it so that I could be resold for more silver. He''s just shown us the food, alone here in the cabin, and our dresses have been kept in our bags. Such good food - it''s been so long since I ate anything like that. Far too long. Although we are slaves, Master really seems to care about us, and not because we are women he desires or want to brag about. Iselin''s probably right that Master - Sejdmann Robert Arnesson - is a good man. A really good man. She''s usually right.

 Sailing to Borgarsandr - day 5

    Sailing to Borgarsandr, day 5


    We left Kambsnes early, long before I woke up and I''m, as usual, far too tired in the morning. Iselin has fetched breakfast and a bowl of water to wash my face and hands in. She asks if I shouldn''t blow my nose in it too. I explains it''s not particularly clean, but I understands why they might want to do so if they slept next to a fireplace. When I see Iselin and Eira about to wash themselves in the same water, I ask her to get new, or that they go away and wash themselves in their own water. They are surprised when I want them to use their own water to wash, but they of course do as I ask them. I hope they eventually will stop being surprised at how I do things. I guess it''s a long way there.


    Damn, that I have the moral principles I have. I would very much like to share a bed with Iselin again. Not just for sex but to feel her sweet cuddly body against mine. Just lying here with her in the cabin and letting time go by would be so nice. I need to distract myself with something and stop thinking about her sweet face, soft lips, intense eyes, beautiful hair and delicious body that''s so nice to caress and the cute little sounds she makes...


    ARGH!!


    Something else! What do ships need? What do ships in Midg?rd have?


    Lanterns have no purpose. Another sail solution doesn''t seem to work well with this boat, rigging and design. Life buoys? Life preservers or so. Are there any suitable materials for this? Cork is only found on the Spanish/Iberian Peninsula, right?


    <hr>


    A little later I ask Danr, Toke, Cnut, Hagan and the other sailors if there is any material that floats and is waterproof and resistant to blows. Making a life buoy or life preserver would be useful. A cork-filled ring with rope on the outside to grip and a rope to pull the person in would be a good idea.


    Someone knows that there is a type of very light wood bark but it comes from far away on the other side of Frigonien and is quite expensive. Floats etc, are made from it. Sounds like cork from Spain. If you drive around there, you will see a lot of cork trees with the bark peeled and the trunk painted to protect the tree. It looks quite weird. I might have to check if it''s possible to buy a larger load of cork and what it costs. A life buoy on each ship''s mast or stern feels like a good idea, because it''s common for people to not be able to swim, and being weighed down with clothes makes it harder. Several of the sailors can''t swim. Sailboats also don''t have an engine and can''t quickly turn around if someone falls overboard, and bigger boats like this can only be badly rowed in light wind. Maybe introduce the principle of pulling a long rope after a large boat so people falling overboard have a chance to grab hold in bad weather?


    Apparently, bundles of birch bark are used as flows for nets, and there are birch bark canoes and mugs so it should be waterproof. Huh... Don''t I have a documentary about timber houses built in Finland, in the old way where they seal under the floor with birch bark? And wouldn''t such a house be much more modern and pleasant than the most common timber longhouses and stone houses here? But preferably with wood paneling on the outside with sawdust and woodchips for better insulation, moisture protection and for drainage in case of rain. Thick walls, probably 40 cm. With the right design, it can be built large as well, and should go much faster than building with stone, and avoids the cost of mortar and the transportation of stone. Maybe mix in a little Swiss alp style with stone and timber, or in combination with a more open modern floor plan, with treated or painted exterior. They obviously have mortar everywhere.


    A house with two floors would be nice, with fireplaces suitably distributed and chimneys up that heat the rooms upstairs, possibly with a smaller fireplace there. A larger room in the middle with double ceiling height and maybe a balcony. It would look nice with a glass front facing some nice view and preferably south facing. Nice glass windows, stained glass or mosaics as well, but they don''t have triple glazed windows here. Heh... they have just single glazed windows and I''m very happy about that. Can I build a double glazed window? There really only need to be two window frames with glass, and I can easily do it with one that opens outwards and one that opens inwards with a few centimeters of air in between. Might have to be a couple of decimeters instead for practicality. Especially in the winter it would be really nice. It can be made so that the inner window can easily be removed and is optional and can be mounted later. Not much point in having well insulated walls if the windows let all the heat out. I could have double doors with glass as well. Okay, I''m going to need a hell of a lot of glass and logs, as well as a bunch of skilled carpenters and masons, but it would be so worth it, and work here is cheap; metal and luxury are the expensive ones. Boring Castles or Longhouses can go to hell. I will need a lot of money to be able to build a nice big house with modern conveniences and style....


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    Hummm...


    ... and what the hell was I doing? It''s dangerous to go on a tangent like that, but completely normal for me and a good distraction from Iselin and her body. Stop! Back away slowly.


    Right...


    I talk to the sailors a bit and they tell me that if the bark from the birch is allowed to dry, it works well to light fires even if it''s wet on the outside, and when it''s dry it doesn''t get wet on the inside again. But if the bark gets cold, it cracks, even before the ice freezes. So it can get wet during winter. But it sounds like an alternative for large parts of the year, and cheap as it is basically everywhere in Scandinavia. Especially way up north where the wilderness is mountains, water, bogs or mountain birch.


    Birch bark is basically as good as it can be for what I intend to use it for, given this world''s technology and my plan of giving it away to the people for the greater good. When I walked around and talked to people, I asked who have slept in hammocks and if they liked it. Some seem to prefer the sleeping pelts while others seem to think it''s a gift from the Gods, and meet me with respect and gratitude. Feels good. Real good.


    A dangerous feeling.


    <hr>


    The rest of the day I think about the design of life preservers and possibly life buoys, and how I can try to make a ship compass and much more. I''m also thinking about ways to strap myself in bed, because I don''t like how it swings and moves in the wind. I should have expected it on Norway''s west coast.


    I remember that in Midg?rd I should now definitely be counted as missing. Seven nights here, i.e. three nights after I should have come out of Hardangervidda. I wonder if my world is in chaos or not. But I need to stop thinking about it, as I will probably never find out. I''ve also been thinking about what to do with Iselin and Eira. I absolutely don''t need two maids. At least not yet, but it''s certainly good in the future on a small farm. But the whole idea of slaves in my service makes me uncomfortable. I dislike having maids or servants, but I will need them. I also dislike the concept of around the clock service without leave, even though in most cases there is probably nothing to do on leave, perhaps if the leave is longer and combined.


    <hr>


    It looks so different from the sea, but much of the coast is too similar. I''m not sure which of these bays is the right one, but one of them should be a very narrow and long fjord. It feels more like driving across a river than a fjord teens of kilometers deep and you need to see a map to understand it. About 5km north of that bridge there is a large Titanium mine. In the future, I should try to send someone to figure out where, and see if I can make Titanium. It will be significantly more problem than creating iron and I have no real idea how to make titanium from ore. How difficult is it? I also don''t know if it''s worth it. I remember the problems they had with doing things in titanium for the SR71, but that''s about it. And that was problems in a high tech secret spy plane program with 1950 era technology. But titanium can be used for prostheses or attaching things to bones, and is one of the few things the body doesn''t repel. Oh, well. Until that future, my titanium cutlery is probably the only titanium in Alfheimr. If I ever need titanium, it feels like that will be far in the future. So, finding the deposit, mining it and melting it is a future issue.


    <hr>


    The wind is strong in the sails, the sailing goes fast and the crew is in a good mood. Apparently those who rested during the day have really appreciated the hammocks and how they reduce the ship''s rocking, and more are beginning to realise the benefits. It is also cheap enough that everyone can make it themselves, so even if they don''t use it every night, it seems worth having in some weather.


    We arrive at Dufansdalr, which should be around Midg?rds Flekkefjord late in the evening without any problems, but then I''m already in the cabin getting ready to sleep. Man, it''s hard to sleep when I know and can hear Iselin and Eira in the other bed.

 Sailing to Borgarsandr - day 6, Dufansdalr

    Sailing to Borgarsandr, day 6


    Dufansdalr (Flekkefjord)


    The night goes by when we''re anchored, and the next morning there are more happy sailors who praise the hammock. The boat also rocks a little anchored in the harbor, but those who slept in hammocks hardly noticed it if they hung the hammock in the right direction. It was not unexpectedly quite an adjustment and they need to get used to it, but they have already started to test various improvements, and a couple of more hammocks have already been created. I also discover a couple of sailors I didn''t recognize who seem to be coming from some other ship. Life feels a little better right now. I just wish they weren''t so damn lively this early in the morning.


    Dufansdalr is a large town, perhaps a bit smaller than Kambsnes but difficult to estimate size and population. This town is more dispersed too. They don''t know what awaits them....


    muhaHaHAH!!


    Ha!


    Okay. Deep breaths. According to information, the local Jarl is away and thankfully there won''t be a feast. Well, yes, there''s probably a feast somewhere, but hopefully not a feast I have to accept an invitation to, which I''m just grateful for.


    So far during the trip, Iselin has been moving around a bit but she tries to be near me most of the time to act like my maid, while Eira rarely leaves the cabin, and I just try to let her be, even when I''m in my cabin bed, thinking, dozing and just let time go by. Both women spend most of the time together and talking. They seem to change the subject when I show up, so I guess they sometimes talk about me. But in this world, I literally decide over their lives, so of course they are curious. I need to make a decision, and I don''t like being a slave owner.


    <hr>


    Time for some shopping! It''s really practical to have Iselin with me as an interpreter and guide, and I can easily buy a bit of birch bark, four meters of coarse fabric and 16 bronze rings, about 40mm in diameter in the town. I had intended to buy iron but as long as it is metal and close to what I need, it will probably suffice. It''s different to shop when there''s no market where everyone is. A lof of asking around and trying to find out who might be selling. But it works, just inefficient. As expected, it''s easy to buy things with silver instead of barter. Cash is king! Iselin''s so very valuable, and showing up with a well dressed pretty maid gives me instant status. She''s also nice company. And damn pretty to look at.


    We leave what we brought in the cabin, and it''s time for saltpeter hunting. Eira accompanies and carries three tied together ceramic vessels. We also bring my two waterbottles and some other stuff. We ask around and now Iselin knows what I''m looking for so it''s easier. We''re hungry when we return about 5 hours later, but Eira carries two vessels with saltpeter in them, and its probably 0.6 kg. Iselin shows her value even more by haggling it down compared to last time so it was cheaper. Nice. Again, we ask the farmers to spread the word, but let any buyers collect it for themselves, unless it''s far from here. Iselin and Eira are a little curious why I seem so pleased with what Iselin seems to have described as ''white mouldy stone''. If they only knew. In the future, and if they stay, maybe they will.


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    We take the opportunity to eat on the ship while I think about the next step. Now I just need to find some sulfur ore/pyrite, i.e. iron sulphide. Also known as fools gold in English. If iron''s extracted from the pyrite, the iron tends to be bad since the sulfur contaminate the iron, but I wonder if they know this. Sulfur is the residual product I want, because I doubt there is pure sulfur here, as it''s probably only found from the volcanoes in the Mediterranean or Iceland. The ore mountain in Kiruna has magnetite and I wonder if it exists in this world because everything else is the same, but mining there? Njaah. But buy or seize land where there are mines in Midg?rd? Yes. If there isn''t ore it''s not a big loss, but if there is? It would be a huge win.


    I''ve visited another historic mine south of Trondheim. I need to check the travel log and hope it is on the tablet, because then I have GPS coordinates for it''s parking lot. But it should probably be marked on the GPS map with mine symbols. It was close to the Swedish border. But it was copper they mined there, and had sulfur etc. I''ve visited many places on many vacations, including a few mines. I have basically driven zig-zag through Europe with my car. North Cape down to Morocco, Ireland to Poland. Not been to southern Italy or the Balkans yet. Had planned to take another trip later this summer, but it feels like that won''t happen. In the future, I need to hire someone to travel around and buy and collect things for me, but can''t do it yet. I don''t even know where my journey ends and where I will call ''home''.


    <hr>


    Apparently someone talked for a couple of hours later, a slave comes running and asks if Sejdmann wants to buy more ''white stone hair''. His master has such things on his farm. It''s longer and not an easy road to walk, and probably take one and a half hour to walk there. But worth it. It looks exactly the same, smaller bushes but scattered over a really large area. I look a little hesitantly at the wall, but after a bit of thinking I buy it, and manage to scrape together another 0.35kg. It''s late when we return to the boat, but I''m very happy. Which makes my company pleased. I have about 1.5kg of nitrate now, which should give me about 2kg of black powder. Not much for a cannon, but I believe about 3-6g is enough for a musket shot, so I should have enough for 400-500 shots. That is quite a lot of ''boom''.


    <hr>


    The evening''s spent with thoughts going around and taking wild tangents, and I curse that my paper is so valuable because at home I would have made a lot of drawings already. Both for life preservers, black powder weapons and future houses. Okay, I can afford to buy paper because it''s apparently not that expensive, but still. I''m not looking forward to having to use a quill and ink.


    It''s not the first time I design something a bit anachronistic when it comes to houses. Many years ago me and friends played through a big fantasy role-playing campaign over several books and a few extra adventures. It took more than a year. As part of it we built a castle in the game. It snowballed. I made complete 3D views, different floor plan drawings for all houses and floors, described built-in mechanical devices, defense and magic protection, and some that were entertaining sneaky. If I could think of a sneaky way in, so could an enemy, so I tried to prevent it. Fun side project. But it wasn''t a boring castle or so. I mixed inspiration from the Lord of the Rings movies Rivendale with Viking Longhouses and made a dwelling that - in reality quite impractical - lay out on a couple of small island and rocks in a wide rapids, with a stone bridge leading there and connecting a side island and various amenities and defenses. I estimated construction time, manpower and costs according to information in books, and we spent quite a lot of some adventures finding exclusive items to decorate the castle and transport it back, which was unnecessarily troublesome. None of it was intended by the game master, but it was entertaining, and that is whats important in a roleplaying game.

 Sailing to Borgarsandr - day 7

    Sailing to Borgarsandr, day 7


    Two obvious warriors arrive early the next morning, with weapons, packs and horses, and they make themselves comfortable in the small vacant cabin beside us. Danr got a couple of more passengers on the next stage, and these ones are paying. It feels weird seeing horses on a ships deck. I am grateful to Dufansdalr when we set sail again, and we have a day or so until the next stop. Dufansdalr has been a good experience.


    <hr>


    We''ll have plenty of time to our next destination so start to carry out my plan for a life preserver. Iselin tries to help me and Eira watches with interest as I explain what I want to achieve from the coarse fabric. Simply a chest rig for the front, and looks like an oversized Chinese vietcong vest, but instead of 3-4 pockets for AK47 mags and a couple of hand grenades, this one has 12 long pockets/tubes over a larger area. At the back, it will also be an H model instead of the X model where the middle of the H will be its own wide tube with birch bark that will hopefully help keep the head above the surface. Iselin and soon Eira help to sew the fabric and the long pocket/tubes and the straps. A waist strap with double rings to fasten and adjust it on one side, and a strap between the legs from the back to front. Each shoulder strap also has the double rings at the front so it''s possible to adjust the size. It''s a prototype, so adjustments are good. Before the vest is sewn together at the bottom, the pockets are filled with bark, properly stacked, forced in and shaped a little roundish. Then they sew the pockets together and the vest is ready. Looks about right and I''m pretty happy with it.


    Iselin carefully asks what it is that she and Eira have sewn. It''s bad protection against weapons. Bark may be able to stop a blow or an arrow, but it is a bit stiff and impractical to fight in and only protects from the front and a little on the sides. I can only smile.


    "This isn''t armor for protection in combat. This is a life preserver. Hopefully it will be something that sailors benefit from and will be on boats for fishermen etc. Can you swim?"


    Iselin nods but Eira shakes her head.


    "Eira, if you want to learn, remind me or Iselin at some point in the future to try to teach you how to do it. Knowing how to swim is a good skill to have."


    I put on the vest and show how it''s strapped on, and when I pull up the strap between my legs and tie it at the front, the two women have to hold in laughter. I know. I just smile and say:


    "Laugh if you want, I know just how silly this looks."


    I shorten the straps to reasonably long pieces that hang out, because the prototype needs to be flexible in size and their ends are sew shut.


    "The purpose of this vest is to prevent drowning. How many sailors can''t swim, or wear too much clothing and have difficulty swimming, especially in the colder parts of the year? Just as a boat floats on water, these pockets with bark help the body to float. I need to test if it works, but it won''t be today."


    <hr><hr>


    Iselin looks at the vest in amazement. It sounds like it should work, and if it really helps someone float, it can be really valuable to many, because who hasn''t heard of someone who fell of a boat and drowned? But it''s so easy and cheap to make that it can''t be sold for very much, but she believes that Robert will give away this creation too, just like the hammocks. He just seems to like making the world better for everyone around him. Especially her and Eira. He treat them so well.


    She''s so proud to serve such a powerful Sejdmann, and the other maids at Steinnes congratulated her both for leaving Steinnes, and were jealous of her new master. If they only knew! She would have loved to brag to her old friends, but she is so happy to have left Kambsnes far behind and hopes to never see it again. It felt so good to get a little revenge on Jarl Steinnes by telling and showing Robert what a man he really is.


    She just so desperately wish that Robert would let her show just how much she likes being his, and loved the sex, and she knows she is starting to fall in love with him. A slave in love with her Master. It would never happened to such a nasty man as Jarl Steinnes, but Robert''s no longer just a Master to serve, and she wants to be so much more than just Robert''s maid. He is so generous, that it won''t be more than a few years before she can try to buy her freedom, and then she can accompany him in bed again as a free woman.


    Iselin hopes to eventually have made herself valuable and appreciated enough, that Robert can take her as one of his concubines even though she''s a born slave, and she will do her absolute best so that Robert will never have to be ashamed of her, and so she''s worthy of it. Then she will be able to lie down with him often and wake up with him. To be able to press her body against his, and let her hand caress the hair on his chest. Feel his warmth and hands on her body, and feel loved again. Just like that morning. To once again feel each other''s pleasure, for sex that night with Miss Disa was beyond her wildest dreams.


    It''s probably only a Sejdmann who would use his mouth and hands in that way. She''s certainly never heard of it before and neither had Miss Disa, and Robert seemed to like using his mouth on them. Like only a woman would. And she absolutely loved his enthusiasm. It makes her so warm and happy when she sees how Robert sometimes sneak a peek at her, and quickly looks away when she discovers it. Roberts concubine. Now that is a good dream, although it will be so difficult when other women open their eyes to Robert. She must prove herself worthy!


    During the journey she has seen how many in the crew look at her and Eira. But she doesn''t shy away as Eira does, because she''s also heard a couple of sailors say that if she was willing, she might be worth the fine it would cost them to sleep with someone slave, but they would never dare touch the slave of the man who can call down lightning, make sejdish north arrows, and make rocks shine like a sun - just for entertainment - no matter how beautiful or willing they are. Such a man wouldn''t let the law stop him or be content with just torturing them to death in this life.


    <hr><hr>


    In the evening, Iselin and Eira sit and discuss their leather packs and just generally chat when I return to the cabin, sit down at the table and tell them I have finished thinking. I ask to speak to only Iselin, and if Eira could go out to the deck; one of us will fetch her later, because I want to talk to her too. When Eira has gone and closed the door, I start talking, but lower than I would prefer. This is hard.


    "Iselin, should any of what I say be unclear, ask me to repeat it, but let me finish speaking as much as possible, because this is difficult for me. The last few days I have been thinking about our situation. I am in a situation I don''t like, and you don''t know how unusual it is. Maybe in the future. So I had to make decisions I never thought I would have to make, and it''s just something I have to accept. It''s the way it is, and I must make the best of life."


    Iselin just sits there and gives me her full attention, but seems a little puzzled.


    "I have many secrets that need to be protected, and it''s inevitable that you will learn a lot from these secrets. I would want to teach you a lot about everything, if you want to learn it, and if you have questions I will try to answer them. In the future, you will probably be considered a valuable knowledgeable woman if I know myself, which will make your future prospects brighter.


    But I need to be able to trust that you can protect my secrets, and that is why I have a proposal. Some secrets can never be revealed, and I will avoid revealing them to you to protect you. Other secrets will only be very valuable or dangerous. Should someone try to bribe or force you to reveal something by threatening with violence or worse, you need to make an assessment of whether you can get out of the situation alive and well by revealing the secret, because then you can do it. Take their silver, pretend to betray your duty of secrecy to me etc, but try to reveal as little as possible and feel free to distort the secret if it''s safe for you to do so. Then come and tell me. I may be annoyed, but it won''t affect you, but instead those who forced you to do so. If, on the other hand, I find out that you betrayed my trust and revealed secrets or sold them and ran away... then we''re enemies, and that is something neither you nor I, wants to happen.


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    As you know, I don''t like the idea of slaves. That a person can be the property of other person and completely outside the law. I would rather have a confidant, and rather a trusted worker than a slave. I know that you as a slave have no real rights and can''t really protect yourself from most people, or fulfill the above because of that. Therefore, I want us to enter into an agreement. It will be in writing and you will receive a copy I want you to hide or give to someone you trust, so I don''t know where it is. It''s your security, so you know I''m forced to abide by the agreement. I can''t write or read the runes you have, and the contract must be in a language you can read. It must be clear.


    The agreement is as follows: I want you to faithfully and well serve as my maid for five years. After this time, you are a free woman to do what you want, take employment for whoever you want or, for example, marry whomever you want. Your life is then your own for all future, and I think that future will be really bright. You''re a young, intelligent, creative and beautiful woman.


    But for the next 5 years, I want you to make an effort to serve me and do it well. To protect my secrets and help me avoid making really stupid mistakes. You can''t lie to me. You must not steal. You must not betray me to others, no matter who they are. You are not allowed to have company or sex with men without my permission, just because it''s likely to lead to complications for me and you. In order to protect you, and in order for you to fulfill this, I will free you from slavery. You will be a free woman with the protection of the law while you serve me, and the law will also protect you from me.


    You will eventually get more things and silver that are your very own. You can, for example, save or buy land and goods, but you may not own slaves while you work for me. You can''t buy slaves for your own money and should someone give you a slave, the ownership of the slave will immediately pass to me.


    I have the right to say that the agreement is fulfilled before 5 years, but I can''t break it. Even after 5 years, there may be secrets you need to protect for the rest of your life and can never reveal. But if you break this agreement before it is fulfilled, the punishment is that you once again becomes my slave and all your possessions becomes mine.


    Given your eyes and facial expressions, it''s not hard to guess what you will answer but I want you to really think this through before you answer. It''s important to me, and is partly for you to understand how I look at things. I really don''t like trying to force you into this agreement, and would have preferred to make you a completely free woman, but I don''t have much choice. You can talk about it with Eira because it might help her to see opportunities in her own future, but she won''t get an agreement like this. At least not yet. I want your answer tomorrow; not earlier, not later. Do you have any questions?"


    During the speech, I have seen Iselin go through a plethora of facial expressions, and she has several times been about to interrupt with a happy smile and nodded and wanted to say yes, but I''ve stopped her with my hand. At the end, she seems to bubble with happiness and find it difficult to sit still and keep quiet. When I stop talking, Iselin doesn''t seem to really know what to say or do, but after many seconds of a rather interesting decision-making process, Iselin throws herself around the table, and hugs me hard while she kisses me intensely and eagerly. After half a minute when Iselin takes air, I thankfully manage to stop it escalating, even if I quietly curse my self-control.


    "Iselin, stop! Calm down! Take a few minutes and gather yourself. I''ll go out to Eira and send her in. After a while I''m come back to talk to her. The language is still a problem and we may need you. Don''t build Eira''s hopes too high, she won''t get an agreement, just a little encouragement."


    Eira stands by the railing and looks out over the coast. A couple of sailors eat dry food and play some kind of board game. The ship slowly rocks over the waves and the wind fills the sail. I faintly whistle so she hears me coming, and I stand an arm''s length away from her. We look out over the coast softly illuminated by the sunlight that''s reflected in the waves. It seems to be several hours to sunset. After a few minutes I tell Eira to return to the cabin and Iselin. I''ll accompany them in a little while to talk to her. Eira casts a couple of anxious glances at me but nods and quietly walks away. It would have been a bit interesting to hear what they''re talking about, and it would be so easy to leave the MP3 player on record in there, but it would be to spy on them and just feel so wrong.


    After a quarter of an hour to gather myself, I return to the cabin and find Iselin and Eira talking to each other where they sit next to each other. I sit down on my side of the table and turn towards Eira.


    "Eira. I didn''t expect to have a slave right now and I have two, but I need to adapt to reality and unfortunately Iselin''s situation is different from yours. The world is as it is, and I need someone who skilfully serves me well of her own will and that I can trust. So I have tried to find a solution so Iselin can fill that position. It''s up to her to make the best of it so I don''t have to find someone else. I don''t need two maids, and I would have preferred to not have any. I don''t have jobs that require more servants, but at the same time I don''t just want to make you a free woman and throw you out on the street.


    It would be unfair to Iselin and it wouldn''t make your life much better, because you lack choice and skills. The world is hard and unpleasant. Be honest with yourself, and think about this: What is the chance that you would be forced into the same life that Jarl Steinnes tried to force you to? And then you will know you came away from that life once due to luck, and have put yourself in exactly the same situation all by yourself in order to survive."


    Eira''s face and body language are a mixture of insight, fear, anxiety and despair. Argh! I just want to hold her and say everything will be fine! But I can''t. Breathe. Play the role of Sejdmann Arnesson, and be a manipulative bastard.


    "Unfortunately, your history so far is against you, but you have a chance and if you make an effort to serve me well, there''s a chance you will get an agreement like Iselin, but you have to earn it. I won''t yell at you, hit you, kick you, throw things at you, humiliate you or rape you. I will just be disappointed in you, and if you seem completely hopeless, I will give up and then I will sell you or just make you free and leave and forget about you. I don''t know if you have thought of this, so I say it clearly. You have so far not cost me much silver or things in relation to what I have, only time and some food."


    I point to Iselin.


    "You''ve cost Iselin silver. All the silver she had. When she bought you from Jarl Steinnes, she did it with the silver I gave her to buy something she wanted, as a gift to her. It was her very own silver, and she could have saved it for her future. The dress you use I bought new for Iselin. Iselin have so little and sacrificed her gifts to take a chance on you, and was clever enough to make that amount enough to buy you, because she fooled Jarl Steinnes. He sold you cheaply to me because he thought I would torture you to death."


    I just want to hold and comfort Eira as she freeze and stare at Iselin. Yep, she probably didn''t think about it that way. Only the sound of the waves against the hull and the creaking wood can be heard in the silence.


    "Eira. Serve me well. Be faithful to me. Don''t lie. Don''t steal. Be grateful to Iselin and you''re stupid if you''re jealous of her; she is a good person who deserves life to be brighter. Learn the language, learn to write and read. Me and Iselin will help you. Make yourself someone who''s worth feeding, dressing and sheltering from rain, wind and cold. Someone who''s not a waste of time. I''m trying be a good man, and you''ve done nothing wrong so far - nothing - but know I don''t like to be exploited. Intent is important to me."


    I take a deep breath and turn to Iselin.


    "Iselin, what does it take for me to free you?"


    "It''s best to say it in front of a Ting, especially if the Master want the slaves descendants for a generation to be obliged to follow Master''s directive, but it is enough that Master removes the slaves neckring and declare the slave free in front of many free men as witnesses, even if presentation of the slave without neckring as free before a Jarl is more powerful."


    "Thank you."


    I take my pillow and leave the two women and go out on the deck to enjoy the nice weather. I lie on my back on the fore castle and stare up at the sunlit red shimmering clouds. My life has been one big thing after an other for a week. I might as well realise I''m probably in some kind of permanent shock, and I would probably need to ventilate and talk to someone, but there is no one here I can make it too, because who can even begin to understand? My life now includes two slave maids, who are far too beautiful. It certainly wouldn''t have made any difference if they were blondes or brunettes. Not to mention their beautiful eyes. Argh! I''m definitely attract by Iselin''s smarts and creativity.


    The transition to my new life here would have been so much easier if I''d been an asshole and chauvinist pig, but it''s a dangerous path to start walking and I refuse on principle. I must try to hold on and secure what makes me, me. Even if it''s a misconception about myself. There will be more tough compromises, and I will have to harden myself for more tough choices in the future, and realise that I will surely slowly change. This world is harsh, violent, and I can''t count on much help through the law - there isn''t even a neutral police force. But right now I just need to look at the clouds and feel the wind slowly sweeping over my face.


    First unconsciously, and then with a smile on my face and with my foot wiggling, I start humming. I''m a little annoyed that it would be a really stupid idea to used the cell phone and play the real song, but in the solitude of my brain Eric Idle''s positive voice is heard as he sing through the lyrics. Eventually and without thinking about, I start whistling. ''Always look on the bright side of life''.

 Sailing to Borgarsandr - day 8, Free neck & Njahamrar

    Sailing to Borgarsandr, day 8


    Njahamrar (Kristianssand)


    The ship will arrive in Njahamrar some time after noon, but in the morning I go to Danr and ask if he can write an agreement which I explain, and make 4 copies. Of course I pay for the job and the paper. Iselin''s can''t write well enough, and I can''t use runes. I can''t even use a quill correctly. Writing an agreement in a language only I can read would be idiotic. Danr wonders why I need it, as ones word in front of witnesses should be enough, but he knows more important agreements are put on paper and appreciates the clarity it gives the agreement between two people.


    --- Agreement ---


    Between Master ___________________________


    and # ___________________________


    # swear allegiance and shall faithfully and well function as the Master''s ____________________________________________________________________


    until ____________________________________________________________________


    After that, # is completely free, and free from all obligations to the Master except that # must preserve the Master''s secrets for all eternity unless the Master gives exceptions. During the term of the agreement, # can''t lie to the Master. # must not steal from the Master. # must not betray the Master. # can''t have intimate company or sex with anyone without the Master''s permission. # must preserve and protect the master''s secrets. # can''t own slaves, and any slaves given immediately becomes the Masters. Should # by serious violence, or threat of violence, against # fail with the above, the agreement can continue to apply as long as # notifies the Master as soon as possible and have proof. Mistakes or misunderstandings that lead to minor violations do not break the agreement. The Master may consider the agreement to be fulfilled before the specified time has expired, but must sign his copy of this agreement and give it to # or say so without pressure in front of witnesses. If # breaks the agreement, the punishment is to become the Masters slave, and all of # property belongs to the Master.


    <hr>


    When he''s finished writing, I thank, pay and say I''ll fetch the papers when they''ve dried, and ask if Danr has any finer jewellery. Which he of course has some of - it''s part of the luxury goods he sells. I choose a gold pendant with a larger deep blue stone in the middle and two smaller on top, I think it could actually be sapphires, but it''s not like I could be sure. It hangs in a black leather cord and costs 13 ounces of silver, but I gladly pay. I also buy a simpler pendant in silver with a small red stone for 2 ounces, and take the papers with me.


    When I enter our cabin, both Iselin and Eira look out through the window. I ask them to sit in bed, which they quickly do. I mount the compact camera on the mini tripod and aim it at the desk. Both silently and curious watch, especially when there''s dim light at the back. I take a picture and put it on recording.


    I take out a paper and give it to Iselin and ask her to read it aloud. Is slow and stuttering, and as she reads her voice becomes broken, she pauses and tears begin to flow. Eira just sits and watches in complete silence, but hug her to give comfort. When Iselin is done, I show her to sit on the stool. With the agreement in front of her on the table, I ask her to fill in my name, then her own name ''Iselin Vigdisdottir from Kambsnes'' on the # line. She writes ''Personal Maid'' on the next line, and ''5 years from year 24 or Asbj?rn Aeriksson''s reign''s longest summer day''. I havn''t noticed that they don''t count years from a fixed point here, but I should have figured so. It must make history a damn hard thing to keep track of.


    We fill in a copy. She sign at the bottom of both, and finally I sign with completely other letters, which I also write above her inscription of my name at the top. I prick the back of her left hand with my knife tip so that a few drops of blood come out. It''s just idiotic to do it on the fingertip that you constantly use, and have her put a small bloody fingerprint on each paper beside her signature. I hope the bloody print makes it a little more ritual like, and that she and Eira at least in the beginning think it has to do with Sejd.


    I unfold my multi-tools file and take the larger piece of leather, and ask her to lean a little forward over the small table where she is sitting. I fold her beautiful long hair to the side, and placing the leather piece between the neckring and her neck, and ask Eira to hold it in place. Then I quickly but carefully file down the rivet that holds the ring together at the back. Bad soft iron is no match for the file, and I flick the iron filings outside the window. I force the rivet out and force the iron ring apart and carefully bend it off Iselin''s neck. I remove her pendant from the ring, put the multi-tool back in my pocket and place the ring and pendant in front of her on the table. I give her a hug from behind and say;


    "Iselin, you are now a free woman."


    Then I turn off and pack away the camera. Iselin cries with happiness and Eira hugs her, and I receive an intense hug from her when I''ve packed everything down. We just let Iselin enjoy the moment and be happy, but after a while I ask what she wants to do with the iron ring she is holding and looking at. It''s the first time she''s really seen that ring she''s felt for so many years.


    "I want to see it destroyed, so no one will ever wear it again. There are many others, but this one I want to see ruined."


    I take Iselin to Danr and Toke, who are both on the aft deck, and ask them to witness that I have made Iselin Vigdisdotter from Kambsnes a free woman, and they congratulate her.


    <hr>


    A few hours later we all stand by the railing and watch as the ship arrive and docks in Njahamrar which should be about Kristiansand, and after we entered the cabin I ask the women to bring their extra dresses so we can visit a bathhouse. I bring the extra shirt, underpants and socks, then we leave to explore a new town.


    It''s easy to find a blacksmith and ask him to melt and hammer the neckring into a lump while Iselin watches. He understands and shows her as it becomes just a small oblong piece of iron. I discreetly take a picture when Iselin stands and stares as he hammers on the deformed lump of iron. I pay him a couple of coins as a thank you, and then we leave the smithy with Iselin holding the lump of iron in her hand. It was a small symbolic ceremony, but now that part of her life is over. Iselin''s smile just makes my heart go wild.


    We go and find a bathhouse. It was three days ago since the last bath in Kambsnes. The experience is similar to the first and it''s nice to just wash off, and I spend frustratingly many minutes trying to cut the beard on the sides short and even enough. Iselin and the maids directly comment on it, both that I actually cut it, and that it is not particularly smooth, but I''m happy to get rid of the beard on my cheeks. This time, however, I pay the bathhouse to wash the clothes and we put on our extra clothes. We can come by and pick up the clean clothes in the evening and receive an engraved bone piece as a token. Iselin and Eira seems shock that I''m not letting them wash my cloths - it''s their duty - and it probably will be in the future, but not today. After that we just go for a walk in the town, and I buy what seems to be a form of cookies and a bottle of some kind of lower alcohol drink that tastes okay. We find a nice secluded place out on the coastal cliffs with a view. Iselin walks happily and straight-backed, and it''s almost magical how her already optimistic and pleasant attitude and manner have nevertheless improved.


    It feels so damn good, even with the agreement. We sit and enjoy life with cookies and drinks.


    "Iselin, how does it feel to have a free neck?"


    "It''s hard to explain. That weight and the ring have always been there since I can remember. It was a cold hard thing that always reminded me of my place. It have always been a part of me, and the only thing that really was mine, that no one wanted or could take away from me. It feels like something is missing." She touches and caresses her neck and has an absent expression as she speaks, but she ends with a smile: "Now the ring is ruined and the biggest goal of my life is fulfilled."


    "This may ease the feeling. The difference is you can take it off whenever you want, and it''s not iron."


    I show her the necklace I bought for her. It''s really adorable how Iselin''s hands fly up and grab each other in front of her mouth while her eyes dart between the necklace and my eyes. I didn''t think anyone actually did that. Especially not here.


    "This is my first real gift to you as a free woman - I hope you like the color, I tried to match it to the dress you chose. Tomorrow is your first full day as a free woman, and I want it to be free, so until the ship sails tomorrow, you can do whatever what you want as long as it doesn''t break the agreement. If you want to lie in bed all day - do it. If you just want to walk around - do it. Heh, you can run around naked inside the cabin if you want, just tell me before so I''m not there. From now and the whole day tomorrow is yours, it''s your day off."


    Iselin seem to feel conflicted by it, but seems to make the decision to really do something.


    "If you want to sleep in a place other than your cabin bed tonight, do so, but the bed in the cabin is of course available. Just be on the ship before we leave. My goal is that you will have a completely free day at least every two weeks, and hopefully every week. Since I have two maids and don''t need it, you can both switch jobs and help each other. Try to manage it between yourselves, but should any of you be dissatisfied, tell me. Iselin, so you can do something on your first day off, here''s your first salary; your very own silver as a free woman. Just don''t buy slaves, even if you made a really good purchase last time."


    I give her the equivalent of an ounce, 50 coins, while I smile and glance a little at Eira. Eira reacts but looks at Iselin, and a small smile can actually be seen on her lips as well. The selfie photo of us and the two of them, confuses them.


    <hr><hr>


    Eira''s been in the background since Master came in with the papers in the cabin, and she''s been very deeply affected by everything. The ceremony with the paper. When Master himself took away the neckring. When he hugged her and said that Iselin was a free woman, and when he fulfilled Iselin''s wish and the neckring was melted down and destroyed. Eira also wants to experience the same. She really wants to experience it, and not just to become a free woman again.


    She looks out over the sea, then at Robert holding Iselin while she leans against him with a big smile as she feels and looks at her new expensive gold necklace. Eira decides that she really wants the same treatment and status - not just to be a free woman again, but to be appreciated and worthy of being rewarded. She will do whatever Robert says to her, and as good as she can, and Robert''s even better than Iselin told her. That necklace must be worth several slaves, and he just gave it to her to make her happy, even though he had just freed her. Anyone who sees her in that dress with such a necklace will know that Iselin is important. Iselin would''ve given a good stately impression even in Alba''s noble circles.


    It has only been a few days, but Eira has gone from abysmal misery; a tiring starving life in torment and humiliation, raped by creatures pretending to be men, to sitting here on the rocks - freshly bathed in warm water with soap by a maid who helped them. Just quietly relaxing on a cliff in the afternoon sun, in a nice dress with her hair set in braids, enjoying fine cookies and good drink together with a really good powerful rich man and her savior and friend, who has become a free-necked woman.


    If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    Eira hasn''t done anything to make this; she''s just been taken care of in the hope she will get better and be worth it. Worth being close to Robert. She has a lot to repay, but she will do it even if it takes the rest of her life! It''s time to stop being miserable and hopeless Eira!


    A fleeting thought makes her stumble when Robert asks her to do Iselin''s chores, and she thinks about what some of them might soon be, and it strikes her that her first thought was that she''s unworthy of it, instead of being disgusted by the thought. But if Robert wants to have sex with her, she would, even though she hopes he never ask. She''s worried that she might not be able to without panicking. She doesn''t want to fail at anything Robert asks her to do.


    <hr><hr>


    When we''ve finished, I tell Iselin to enjoy herself, and ask Eira to come with me to the ship so Iselin can enjoy her freedom. She need to do Iselin''s chores now that Iselin has her days off, even if there isn''t much to do. Eira, who usually stays in the background, is suddenly very anxious to try to fill Iselin''s place and walks by my side as Iselin usually does. Okay, I did not mean it literally that way, but sure - it''s good that she''s making progress.


    <hr>


    I''m lying on my back in my cabin bed, eyes closed and thinking, when Iselin returns after a few hours. A little tipsy and very happy, but tired, and she returns our washed clothes she picked up. She tells how she have mostly walked around, bought some drinks and honey candy and just enjoyed life. Enjoyed to be free like a lot of the people she''s seen, to be able to appreciate the looks some men have given her.


    I just smile and remind her that she''s has tomorrow too. Iselin pulls Eira out to enjoy the evening sun and honey candy. Her joy is contagious and I just wave them of. Her happiness feels so damn good. It''s felt so good to be able to free Iselin from slavery, even though she''s still bound to serve me for 5 years, which hopefully will be greatly reduced to the next year or two. It''s more intended for that awful ''if''. A short while later, Iselin comes back in and sits down on her bed.


    "Eira wanted to stay out there and watch the sunset from the bow, but for me it has become a bit too much today. It''s been a wonderful day."


    I''m still lying there a little drowsy, with my eyes closed and relaxing with my hands under my head. It''s really been a wonderful day. It was just so nice to sit and enjoy the sun with them on the rocks and feel Iselin lean against me. A bit like sitting there with a girlfriend instead of a friend or worker. It was a nice intimate contact I really appreciated.


    "It''s been nice seeing you so happy."


    "This has been the best day of my life so far," I smile and feel a bit proud when I hear her emphasize the word and understand what she means. "...but now I want to make it the best evening and night too...."


    My eyes fly open when I suddenly feel Iselin lying against me in bed and instinctively lower my arms around her and I feel her naked body. I just see those green eyes staring into mine framed by red hair, while she softly and seductively continue:


    "... but for that I need your permission, so you can have sex with me."


    <hr><hr>


    Eira stands above the cabin and looks out over the glittering waves, but when the seagulls arn''t screaming, she can occasionally hear that Iselin got what she wanted. Freya must appreciate Iselin''s deep faith. A couple of the sailors cast amused glances in the direction of the cabin, but no one says anything. They just smile. Eira just stands there and watch as the sun slowly move, before Eira goes into the small vacant extra cabin that Iselin rented for her for the night. Iselin said that Robert wouldn''t want her to have to sleep in the other bed, and hopefully hear them having sex during the night and morning too, if Iselin gets what she wants. Which was very thoughtful of both Robert and Iselin.


    The bed and mattress feels the same but this cabin is cold and uncomfortable. Eira finds it difficulty to fall asleep, and twists and turns. Although she has a cabin with a locked door and a bed all to herself, she gets no peace. It''s like there''s ants crawling all over her body, and eventually Eira gives up. With her ear to the wall she checks that it''s completely quiet, and she can faintly hear Iselin''s snoring. Eira gently and quietly enters their cabin so she doesn''t disturb them, grateful that Iselin didn''t think of locking, and she quietly locks after herself.


    The sun has set but the sky is still a lovely red. Eira sees them lying embracing, naked with the blanket pulled up to warm Iselin. Robert doesn''t seem to need it. Iselin says he''s so warm to lie against. The clothes are on the table in a mess, and Iselin''s pretty dress is just laid on the bed. Robert''s completely naked and Eira can see the sweat on his body, and his manhood.


    The vision doesn''t disgust her as she thought it forever would, but the smell does. Eira feels disgusted when she notices the smell of sex mixed with sweat, and her memories flash back on her experience to that smell. She almost chokes, but tries to dispel her thoughts, as she still prefers to sleep here than in the other cabin or out on deck. The smell will disappear, and although the smell is nauseating, she still feels better here. In the same cabin as Iselin and Robert. She opens the window a bit more to ventilate, and quietly folds their clothes and lays them on the table.


    Eira quietly lie down in bed with her thinner shorter sleeping dress on and thinks about how much a simple sleeping dress does for her view of herself, and how Robert thought of giving them privacy even in his cabin. How he insisted and how important it was to him. How quickly you can get used to a soft bed. A bed she''s alone in this night, the first night since she came to Robert''s service without Iselin beside her. But Iselin''s light snoring is heard from the other bed and it is soothing. No ants on the body to lie here compared to the other cabin, even though the smell of sex is still here.


    Eira has woken up with a jerk many many times the last few nights. It''s enough for a sailor to walk past on a night round outside, or on the deck above. It creaks in the planks and she has woken up with a jerk. Then it has been difficult to fall asleep again. Afraid of shadows sneaking up on her in the dark. So she has been lying and watching both Iselin and Robert while they slept. Listened to them. Robert usually lies on his stomach and with one arm outside the bed hanging down. It''s funny that he doesn''t seem to have any scars or tattoos, but he has a healthy well-nourished and so very hairy body, so scars may not be visible if they are smaller.


    Iselin have talked about the night they met and the first time they had sex together. When Robert didn''t know she was a slave, and with that rich woman Disa. How it was a revelation to Iselin, that a man could give them sex as both a man and a woman do, and in so many different ways and positions none of them imagined. A man who considers penetrating and playing with her breasts to be just a small part of sex, and also allows himself to be submissive in the act and focused on the woman''s pleasure.


    Iselin wished she had shared his bed every night, because even if they wouldn''t have sex, she wants to feel his body and rest her head against him, while she listens and talks to Robert about everything. It doesn''t matter what, but she says she sees the world in a different way afterwards, and she love when he talks about how things work and really are. Hear about the mysteries of the world. Iselin wants to sleep with him, but doesn''t want to fall asleep. But he refused to have sex with a slave, and just sleeping with her in bed would be too tempting, even when she is wearing her sleeping dress, which Iselin loves to know. Can''t sew them in sacks every night, and none of them seem to see it as an option. Sleeping together but not being able to touch each other would be frustrating for both of them.


    Iselin has talked a lot about trying to buy her freedom as soon as she can, because Robert has been so generous so far, it shouldn''t take a lifetime or many years as usual, and as a free woman she can sleep with and have sex with Robert again. Iselin''s new and highest wish in life is to become one of Robert''s concubines, and be able to give him many sons, and she hopes that he will continue to spend time with her when he marries.


    Eira has thought that Robert was just lying and didn''t want to admit that he considered it below his dignity to have sex with a slave... but now she begins to doubt, as Iselin as a newly released slave is acceptable to share a bed and have sex with, and she''s seen Robert sneeking longing looks at Iselin since day one. With love and longing, more than animal desire. He hasn''t lied about anything so far. Not once. Not about anything. If he''s said something, he''s kept it. He''s a man who keeps his word even to a slave, and Robert promised her that he wouldn''t hit, kick, humiliate or rape her ...


    Robert promised.


    It feels comfortable to lie in this room even though she miss Iselin''s warmth. It was crowded in bed, but it has still felt safer to have someone lying outside who she knows wouldn''t hurt her. A protection against being woken up with one hand over her mouth while they force her arms and legs down, lift up her dress and touch her breasts...


    They weren''t men - they were animals. No better than creatures satisfying their lowest urges. A real man doesn''t have to force himself on anyone. Not use his power to force someone to sex.  Especially not a sleeping defenseless slave who can''t stop them.


    Jarl Steinnes was worse. So rich and powerful with a wife who loves him, and yet he needs two women he forced to become his concubines because their families couldn''t pay their debts. Debts that rumours say Jarl Steinnes caused. They didn''t have much more choice than a slave, because if they had objected, they could have been sentenced to slavery to pay off their debts.


    Jarl Steinnes had sex with several of the slave women anyway - just because he could. Even one of the men to humiliate him. Iselin was smart and made him use her mouth when she couldn''t avoid him, but she was good at avoiding him. She is so pretty she had to be.


    A real man doesn''t pee on anyone in front of others just to humiliate them. Eira tried to take him in her mouth as she heard the concubines and Iselin could do, but he was too harsh, and she hurled and almost vomited the first time. So he hit her several times and peed on her. He liked it, so he did it several times. She learned to persevere and not vomit. But then he forced her to swallow instead, saying it was convenient as he didn''t have to go out and pee when the weather was bad, and she had to take care of her own vomit. Clean up after him and herself. She learned that too. When she started to smell too much, she was banished to stay in the stable and the yard, but at least Jarl Steinnes stopped peeing on her. But that was when they... the creatures sometimes came at night, and Jarl Steinnes had given them permission.


    Iselin said that it felt so wonderful the first night with Robert, even so much better than the woman she had been intimate with before. It must be because he is a man and not a creature like the others.


    Eira''s husband Gregor could make it feel good, but it always ended so quickly, and it wasn''t many months they shared a bed before he became ill. The other ladies said it often was so, and she shouldn''t expect more; if she was satisfied by her husband, that was something to be happy about, but it wasn''t necessary to become pregnant. Being loved or handled tenderly wasn''t a requirement, and Gregor seldom beat her so it was a good marriage.


    Did Gregor go to heaven? Has he looked down upon her and seen how the creatures treated her? What does he think of her now? If only she''d given him a child. Preferably a son. Then his father and brothers would have like her more. Wouldn''t have ignored her. If she hadn''t been so lonely and unhappy, she would have been in her castle and protected, instead of traveling in the forest where the Vikings ambushed.


    They are all creatures. Only interested in sex and sons. To satisfy their desires and to spread their seed, even where it isn''t desirable. By force. No more than animals. They would do it with animals if there were no slave women. Eira''s heard that it happens, especially slave men without a willing slave woman, and it was a common rumor in Alba that men did it with sheep.


    On the other hand... Robert doesn''t. He cares more about the woman than his sexual desire and refrains from sex unless the woman voluntarily wants to, and he believes that even a willing slave has no real choice so he refuses, even when he longs for her. Iselin says that her Goddess Freya considers the woman''s choice to be absolute - regardless of her status - and believes that Robert would refuse even if someone tried to marry a beautiful coveted rich noble daughter to him, because she is forced by her family. Eira knows it would be foolish for a man to say no to such a wife, especially here where a man can have many wives. But Iselin believes in it, and that it''s one of the reasons why Freya blessed Robert so much.


    Eira remembers how Iselin said that she saw Robert become deeply disgusted when he understood that Iselin was a slave; Robert just froze and stood still. Iselin was at first scared and thought he was mad at her, that he would hit her because she was deceitful and send her back to Jarl Steinnes. Robert had been so happy before. So happy with life and happy for her company before he knew she was a slave. Then he was ashamed and disgusted by himself, and Eira realises that Robert saw himself as a creature instead of a man, because it didn''t matter that Iselin wanted to have sex with him when she wasn''t really free. Even when Iselin stated that she wanted sex of her own free will, he said no, because he is not a creature. Iselin said she began to see the same controlled anger and contempt when she told Robert what Eira had been subjected to. How Jarl Steinnes treated her, and Iselin doesn''t know everything, but it was enough and she enjoyed how Jarl Steinnes esteem fell like a rock. Eira likes it too and remember what Robert looked like the first time they met. She had thought it was for how she looked and was, but now she understands better.


    Robert is a man who says no when the woman can''t, and respects and takes care of those under him - even a slave woman. A man. Not a creature.


    Iselin said it was wonderful the first time with a man. Wonder what Iselin will say tomorrow. Eira hopes that her sleeping in the cabin doesn''t spoil it for them, so it''s best that she wakes up early, leaves them alone and then disappears until breakfast. Both are worth all she can do, and so she can show that she is not a burden, but skilled and reliable.

 Sailing to Borgarsandr - day 9

    Sailing to Borgarsandr, day 9


    Njahamrar (Kristianssand)


    That''s still a damn nice way to wake up... Craaap. We really can''t make a habit out of this. Iselin works for me, and that''s just... wrong. I wonder if she really wants to do this, or just thinks she has to do it as a reward for freeing her. Or that I freed her to have sex with her, and she feels obligated.


    Argh!


    Done is done, relax and enjoy that a really sexy and beautiful elf woman wants you to enjoy this moment, and take those thoughts later today. The distraction means that I manage to hold out for quite a long time before the sound changes and I spasm. I''m not happy about how Iselin suffered for her skill, but I appreciate it.


    When she''s done, Iselin crawls up and puts her head on my chest, just like last time. After a few minutes I lift her up a little more, kiss her and just hold her against me when she puts her head against mine. This time the left arm is free. We play a little with our toes even though she is much shorter than me. It''s so nice to just lie there and hold her. I can get used to this. Before I came to this world, it was too long ago. It probably last half an hour where we just lie like that in silence and I try to avoid thinking. Then a thought pops up. Eira. I look over but see no one in the other bed.


    "Iselin, where is Eira?! Did she sleep here last night?!"


    "She''s out on the deck. I woke up when she got up and snuck out - I think she wanted to avoid disturbing us. I used a few coins to rent the other cabin with it''s bed for her for the night so she could lock and feel safe, but it seems like Eira chose to sleep here anyway. I didn''t lock if she needed to fetch something or was hungry. I guess she feels safer here with us, than alone."


    Heh, Iselin had planned it well, and again she''s using something I given her in a way I never intended. I appreciates a woman who is sneaky, smart and makes a plan to get what she wants, but thinks of others. Iselin matches far too well what I like in a woman. Damn lucky she''s not interested in technology, science or is generally nerdy.


    We are lying quietly in bed as we listen to life and movement outside. They seems to be unloading or loading things on the boat. Eira sneaks in with a tray of food. She see that we are awake and puts it down on the table, but just tells us to stay put, and takes out the food accessories. Iselin cuddles up to me, but after a few minutes we have to eat. It''s with a sigh that she crawls out of bed and takes some food. Still completely naked.


    I sit up and look a little puzzled at where my clothes are, but Eira is quick to hold them out to me, and I thank her. Folded and neath. Heh, I''ve not had anyone do that since I moved away from home after high school, and even though I had girlfriends, I wash my own cloths, and we never really lived together. Iselin makes a complaining noise about me putting on clothes, but slips on her dress after a hug. We eat in relative peace and quiet, the sounds from outside don''t really disturb the peace and quiet inside.


    "Iselin; enjoy your day, but take it easy today, you will have more free days where you can do what you want..."


    A cunning and devilish smile spreads over Iselin''s face, while she bites her lower lip and her eyes just look at me. I loose my thoughts and doubt less that she feels forced to go to bed with me, and instead see it as a reward to herself. And me. I still going to be anxious every time my self-control betrays me...


    Ha! What self-control? It has become a remote control she plays with. If she smiles in the right way, self-control is down for knockout.


    Eira takes care of the dishes without us saying anything, and it feels good that she has started to try to be active. I care less about what she does, it''s more important that she feels comfortable enough to come out of her shell. When Eira comes back, she picks up her leather bag, looks at it and then she takes a needle and thread and starts embroidering. Iselin and I look at her, but we say nothing, we just relax and rest a little. I don''t complain that Iselin does it crawled up against me, but Iselin breaks the silence:


    "Robert, if you can, you should hire one or two warriors to protect you and your property. They can even in some situations duel in your place if needed. But it''s important to show ones social status with property, that you have people and warriors under you, and is willing to show wealth in how you spend it. To be able to keep a warrior force well equipped and looking good. Even the King and Jarls need to do this. That was partly why Jarl Steinnes, without hesitation, bought your North Arrow in front of everyone, and walked around and showed it. To make everyone understand he have so much gold that he could do it, and that everyone could see it was a smart purchase of mighty sejd and that he wasn''t cheated. Even though he probably won''t use the arrow, it has fulfilled part of it''s purpose, and the knowledge that he have a sejdish North Arrow is important enough. That is why he organizes a big feast and invited a lot of people. The more people, the better the feast is and the better the guests are, the clearer his status becomes. That you don''t already have guards, can be interpret as no one wants to be it."


    Crap.


    Sure, I can afford it, but I don''t like it.


    "Iselin, thank you for saying this. It''s something I have to think about. As you know, I just don''t like to have a lot of people around me all the time, and I won''t like a couple of beefy warriors who follow me everywhere. Ugh. Even if they swear loyalty to me, I also don''t like that there are such people near you... and considering that Eira just hurt herself on the needle, I interpret it as she doesn''t appreciate it either. Where would I even find them? Will asking around be interpreted as me having to look for warriors?"


    "Yes, it can easily be interpreted that way, and being a Sejdmann will limit who wants to seek service with you. The best would be if you establish such a reputation that warriors voluntarily seek you out and come and swear allegiance to you. Preferably in front of others. Because it will only be a few, the first ones should be skilled and look capable and good."


    "What do these warriors expect me to give them? Salary?"


    "They expect food and housing, preferably the opportunity for rewards or in some cases smaller gifts or equipment. How much silver depends on how good the warrior is, and to some extent how well equipped they already are, and how long they have served. Should someone show up with their own horse and full equipment in fine condition, then they will expect more silver. But 4-24 ounces a year, usually paid in three months interval, but you really shouldn''t accept the cheapest lowliest guards."


    "Iselin, thanks again for saying this. One more thing to try to resolve in the near future."


    Argh! More people near me. But if it''s needed, then it''s needed. How do I get warriors to apply for service? I will need to be out and about, talking to people and being social so that free warriors will find out there''s an opportunity to serve me. I not looking forward to talking to people here, especially men. I''m still so very unsure of that role and what to say and talk about, and it doesn''t help that I suck at the language. It''s still difficult to understand much of what Iselin says even though she has helped me a lot by explaining words and concepts, and she has generally started to stick to simpler words.


    <hr>


    It''s still morning and I go to Danr and ask if there is any non-swimming brave sailor I can ask if he want to test something for me. Danr quickly answers ''Hagan'', gets up and even though I think I know who he is, Danr shows me. I recognize him as one of the two who guarded me in Kambsnes on the shopping trip, and enjoying that hammock.


    Hagan is a larger but pretty much stereotypical Viking sailor. I ask if he wants to participate in a test at the beach - it will look a bit silly, but it''s meant to help someone who ends up in the sea to avoid drowning. It seems to interest Hagan and he''s directly ready, but I stop and says I need a little time to change, and he should be prepared to get wet.


    I return to the cabin and weighs the vest with the help of the weighing scales - the bowls can be taken off so it is quite easy. It''s to check how much water the vest will absorb, so I need to weigh it before and after.


    I also tell the women I have to change, and I would appreciate if they go outside, but if they are to stay, at least Eira should turn around and close her eyes. Iselin has already seen me naked, and I suspects she will try to look anyway. Eira puts away her embroidery and gets a little red but does what I asked as she chooses to stay.


    I unpack my quick-drying shorts and start changing clothes. When I have my underpants left, I look over my shoulder and see two quick hands that close the fingers in front of Eira''s eyes, while Iselin shamelessly looks on with a smile. I quickly step out of my underwear and into my shorts, then put on my shirt and trousers again. I pick up the grey bag with the small microfiber bath towel, and since it''s Iselin''s free day, I ask Eira to put away the embroidery until we''re back, take the bath towel and follow along, which she immediately does. She seems to like to take Iselin''s place and prove she is useful, even though Iselin also chooses to come along. After all; entertainment is entertainment.


    With the life preserver over my shoulder we meet up with Hagan, who is standing in simple trousers and a shirt, waiting for us at the gangway, accompanied by Danr. We step ashore on the pier, and there is a lot of people moving about and it seems like the fish have already been taken in for the day. They don''t seem to have large fishing boats or even huge fishing nets hanging here. I assumed fishing would be a bigger industry. We walk away about 20m down the beach where it''s more free space. The water looks shallow enough. I ask Iselin to hold the life preserver and I take off my trousers, shoes and shirt, and Eira is quick to take them before Iselin has a chance, folds them and puts them in her shoulder bag. There are some elves who react when they see me standing there with my baggy black swimming shorts and hairy body - it definitely sounds like some of those positive shouts are feminine and appreciative. Just something to get used to. Then I go out into the water, dive under and swim around a bit.


    Ah...


    It''s nice with a morning dip. Especially after last night''s exercises. Water is a little cold, but nice once I get used to it. Maybe we should visit that bathhouse again before the boat leaves town? I dive down and stay a little underwater so I cool off and get half a minute with just the sound of the sea.


    I swim back and return up on the beach, take the life preserver and go out into the shallow water. It floats well and when I push it down there''s a lot of resistance that doesn''t seem to subside after a couple of minutes when the vest is soaking wet. Good. I quickly put on the vest and check how it feels and that it works. Seems to give okay buoyancy and the head is held up as it should. I should probably split the neck pocket in two and maybe increase the total flotation a bit there. I return to the beach while I take off the vest, and ask Hagan to test it out in the water. Hagan has already taken off his shirt that Eira holds and the contrast between our bodies are striking. Both in muscles and hair. I help Hagan fasten the vest while I explain.


    You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.


    "I want you to go out until the water is at stomach level and then just slowly sit down in the water. You will notice that your upper body is lifted up and back." And I show what I mean. "Just let it do that and try to float. When it feels good, get up again, repeat, and if you are willing and start trusting the vest, try to move around by kicking your legs and using your arms, but stay in shallow water and follow the beach so you can stand up if you need to. If you seem to be panicking, I will hurry out to help you stand, and I will try to drag you back or swim backstroke with my arms around you."


    Hagan just nods seriously. Then he go out and do exactly what I said. Hagan is a little worried at first and not prepared for the movement, but seems to gradually relax and after a couple of times finally lies and bobs looking happy, and he raise his clenched fists in a triumphant victory gesture towards the sky. Then he starts kicking around and paddling around with legs and arms while laughing. He is not graceful. There are a lot of sailors, warriors, fishermen and women watching as Hagan walks up the beach, radiating satisfaction and happiness.


    "With this mighty vest, I don''t have to worry about the depths of the sea taking me."


    "You are a brave man, and I am proud that you wanted to test my invention. We have enough material to sew another vest, and I hope you will receive the new one as a gift from me to you. Remember that you were first, and that your vest will be the first real life preserver vest. This is just the test, and we will add another pouch on the back and make slight improvements."


    "I would be honored to have a vest like this, and will wear it with pride when I am at sea."


    I turn to the people on the pier and project my voice;


    "Don''t judge by appearance, because even a person who can''t swim can float with this vest and swim around. Think how valuable it can be if you end up in the water on a spring or autumn day, with clothes that weigh you down. How nice it can be with that extra safety in a storm on a small boat. In the future I hope it will become common with such life preserver vests among sailors, fishermen and everyone who is out at sea and on water. It will save lives, and a man can''t feed his children or come to Valhalla if he drowns. The Gods like people who are smart and prepared. If anyone wants to try this life preserver, you are welcome down here on the beach."


    There''s a lot of mumbling and talking on the bridge. I help Hagan off with the vest, and by that time there are two men walking towards us. One is a slave who is wearing a neckring and seems to be sent down by a man up on the bridge. I help both men with the vest and they get the same instructions as Hagan, and both seem to get the same experience out in the water, even if the slaves panic a bit at first but try again. I guess the slave couldn''t swim.


    When they are finished and come back, there is a small queue forming on the beach. Including three young women who smile and seem more attentive to me, than the life preserver - I just laugh. I''m still not used to that. Almost like a reverse booth babe. But instead of good-looking girls to attract men into the booth at a trade fair, this is a slightly fat older hairy nerd in swimming shorts on a beach.


    While I help people, I explain how the vest is made and planned improvements and ways to make it cheaper by eliminating shoulder adjustments and that it can be tied on, and that I want those who are here to spread the information further; this is my gift to all who sail on water and sea - men and women. I specifically point out that the birch bark will need to be replaced and will crack if it gets too cold, which affects the buoyancy, and that cargo can''t be taken. The vest is just to help a body float, and a larger heavier person will need larger pockets for more birch bark.


    All three women actually want to try on the vest. They have pants and I understand why they keep shirts on. The first one is a slave, but the other two are not. The second woman is short with big breasts, and she seems to enjoy my discomfort when I have to tighten the straps. Even though she is short and have big breasts, the vest works okay, although her breasts gets in the way. Good test of a completely different body shape than expected, and as far from Hagan as we could get, but I should be able to make a design more adapted for women like her by making a fold halfway up the bark pockets. It fits okayish as is. The loose strap ends should be pushed inside the vest against the breasts and sides of the body, but when I signal her to do it herself, she just smile and says:


    "Come on and do it right - you helped the men who didn''t do it themselves."


    I feel a little embarrassed, so I get revenge when I look into her blue eyes and with a low voice answer; "And I saw your shirt when I helped you. You will probably soon appreciate the cold water." Then I calmly push down the straps, everywhere and methodically, while I look her in the eyes, and I''m a little surprised that it feels like she has something hard in her nipples - feels ring like. She walks out into the water with a controlled face. Feels like she''s staying in longer than most people do, but maybe that''s just my opinion, and it looks like she could swim. Her blue-grey hair braid hangs loose and dangles when she comes up again. She gestures that she will loosen the vest herself, and I of course let her do it.


    My win.


    Her friend who is next in line looks a little worried when I arrive with the wet vest and a small smile, but when their equipment have changed hands, she expectantly stands in front of me. The vest fits her better, but she is taller and flat-chested. In the end, she goes out into the water just as quickly because she wanted the same hands on service. She''s so much redder in the face, and I was more careful and less feely than with her friend who practically asked for it. She''s waiting up by Iselin and Eira. I can imagine she doesn''t want too many eyes her. Her wet clothes stick well on her body, and from here I can confirm that breast piercings exist in this world, but she has a small nose ring as well, and her friend have several rings in the outer lobes of her ears. I have seen different piercings on other men and women before, so it seems to be common. I''ve just not looked closely on women''s breast. Well, I have on a few breasts. Tattoos seem more unusual even though I have seen some. I''ve also seen someone with a burn mark on their face or shoulder, but according to Iselin that''s a way to mark certain criminals, and the rune says what they did, and might include to whom.


    <hr>


    After more than an hour, there are quite a lot of people watching from the pier and there is still a queue, but I say that I unfortunately can''t help more test today, and there are some complaining exclamations, especially from the older women in the queue. Danr is quite happy and he seems to have done a lot of business with others up on the pier during my show, and of course, I have drawn extra people here. Once we get back onboard the ship, I see some sailors gathered on deck testing a hammock someone in the crew mounted there. A good day. Danr''s really happy, and the ship won''t leave until tomorrow morning, since he''s waiting for animal furs to arrive. I don''t know if I should be happy or sad about the change in plans. Another day. Eh, probably better this way.


    After I weigh the vest, I hang the wet life preserver against the aft decks wall out in the sun on the deck where people can examine it, and we return to our cabin and relax. Eira picks up her embroidery again, and I don''t want to interrupt her by ask her to start sewing the vest for Hagan, and it''s Iselin''s free day. Hagan has earned the vest and he is brave.


    I lie there thinking. Hagan seemed nice during the time he was my guard in Kambsnes, and he seems to like me. Maybe he could accept becoming my guard? But how is he as a person? What does he think about me being a Sejdmann, and what are his beliefs? How is he as a warrior and a guard? Can I trust him? Does he actually want to be my full-time guard or will he be offended if I discreetly ask? Does he want to leave the ship?


    There is a knock on the door and Iselin opens, but the door blocks my view of who it is. Iselin greets, nods and with a smug expression announces that there are two warriors outside who want to go in Sejdmann Robert Arnesson''s service.


    Okay?


    I''m starting to recognize that smug face on Iselin. Outside the door are the two women who wanted to test the life preserver and started the whole ''getting felt up by the Sejdmann'' business. Not that I really complained about that, just a bit uncomfortable with the obvious flirting, and a few somewhat less discrete invitations to continue some place else tonight. But I thought the ship would be leaving and declined. Damn. Both women stand straight-backed, each with a shield and spear, as well as an axe and a dagger in their belts, and seem to have made themselves stately with leather armour and other clothing. The shorter but more confident of them with the blue-grey hair braid, also have a bow and a quiver on the side, and say:


    "My name is Alith. Me and my friend Bodil wish to be in Sejdmann''s service and would like to negotiate."


    Heh, shieldmaidens! I didn''t think about that and I''ve seen other female warriors here. Iselin is wonderfully smart and cunning. She is several moves ahead and sees opportunities where I havn''t even thought about it. Talk about Jarl Steinnes can''t see the difference between diamond and coal. Iselin discreetly whispers from behind:


    "It''s best if you take the meeting outside the cabin. Go a little bit away, but where people see you and talk low. Offer them a two-year service to begin with. Give them three to four fifths of their starting offer."


    A large diamond. If I guess correctly, Iselin has already arranged so they will sleep in the small vacant cabin with a bunk bed next to us. I turn smiling towards Iselin and obscuring my mouth from the shieldmaiden:


    "I''ve already booked the cabin next door?"


    The ill-restrained giggle and contented smile say enough, but the slight nod confirms. Iselin know I can afford it and it''s an excellent solution. Huge diamond. I ask the shieldmaidens to follow to the bow where I half sit on the railing while we talk. They are both shieldmaidens, with their own equipment and can use it. Her friend Bodil hasn''t got a bow yet, but is good at shooting one. They offer to prove their skill, but I say I believe them. It''s not like I would understand. I inform them that the job for me will mean big changes and include travel, as I don''t know where it will end, and it might be far from here.


    But they are willing to swear allegiance for two years no matter where that service takes them, and want 18 ounces of silver each per year. I offer them 12 ounces, which they quickly accept, so I guess I could have gone lower, but I thought they would give a new counter offer and finish at about 15 ounces. Then again, I don''t know what anyone else would offer. They kneel before me, and with their fists on their hearts they swear an oath to serve me faithfully, to protect me and my possessions, my honor, and so on. Yay, more people near me. And more women. What is this? If fate is already written as they believe here, then some God or Goddess seems to like stories with an uncomfortable man surrounded by women of all colors. But then at least a blonde, a brunette and a black-haired woman are missing, unless there arn''t more exotic hair colors here than Alith''s blue-grey and Bodil''s white hair. Actually, I''ve seen a faint blonde green tone too. Or that might just be to much copper in the water. Then again, it might also be the story of Iselin in a ''Edmund Blackadder'' way, with a stupid bumbling boss. But, talk about luxury problems... I return to reality and asks them to stand up.


    "As you understand there will be language problems as I don''t come from here, and you will learn that I do things differently than you are used to, and you need to adapt to this, but I guess you already know that. Do you have any other equipment? Do you need time before we leave town? This ship won''t sail until tomorrow."


    "We have our things with us in our bags against the wall over there. We are prepared for immediate departure."


    So I just nod and; "Then let''s look at your cabin."


    I go to Danr and confirm that Iselin has booked the small cabin on my behalf, to which he answers yes, but we take the payment later tonight when there are fewer people here. Iselin really is a diamond. Who doesn''t want a maid who is so damn good at finding solutions when they arise, and smart enough to think them through and know her boss so well?


    "This cabin is for you to use during the journey. You already know my cabin is next door. Iselin and Eira sleep in there. Once we leave the harbor you can relax. I expect you to take care of guarding and other things by yourselves, and you will find I''m not a strenuous boss. If you think I am about to do something stupid - tell me. I expect you who are better warriors than I, to have more experience. I''m stupid if I don''t take advantage of it." Quieter I say; "Eira can react to men who come close, so if Iselin or I arn''t around, I appreciate if you keep an extra eye on her. Let me get silver for your first quarter salary, and I apologize in advance and ask you to remind me or Iselin immediately when it''s time for the next payment. I don''t really follow your calender."


    They look at each other a little questioningly, shrug their shoulders and after a little quick non verbal communication between them, shorter Alith stands outside my door while Bodil starts to carry their bags. I unpacked my scales and see Bodil testing the beds, and she makes the decision to take the upper one as she obviously finds it a little easier to get up there. I weigh 3 ounces of silver for each of them, and it''s clear they appreciate getting an advance salary and being in my service. It might have been a while for them, which would explain why they quickly accepted my 12 ounce counter offer. Oh, well. Done is done, and I now have two guards. When I close the door behind me, I can only smile and say to a rightly satisfied and smug faced Iselin:


    "Thank you, Iselin. Even on your day off, you solve problems and work. Once again, you have proven how fast you are at finding solutions and taking initiative. Let''s celebrate by eating something good after I have taking a nap."

 Sailing to Borgarsandr - day 9, Ciara

    <hr><hr>


    Ciara continues to embroider her bag. She has nothing else to do and it feels funny, but at the same time satisfying to just relax, and let the needle rhythmically find it''s way back and forth through the leather and let the thread go together with others and make patterns. It''s been so long since the last time. Both to embroider, and to be able to relax day after day in this way. It feels good to make her bag hers, and to see her name again. They say it wrong here, and have always done so. But she is no longer miserable Eira without hope, whose life is misery and torment. She is Ciara again - ''Key-rah'' - and her future is bright as long as she can stay in Robert''s service. The Gods here have given her a chance, and she will do her best to be worthy of it.


    Ciara sits there in the corner of the bed, leaning against the hull of the boat and follows as the boat slowly sways. Robert has taken a nap again, and after he fell asleep Iselin smiled, made signs to be quiet and she took the opportunity to oh so carefully sneak down next to Robert in his bed.


    But Ciara begins to understand Iselin. Quiet and agile as a cat, just as a cat seeks warmth. Robert is like the sun; it''s warm, nice and safe to be close to Robert. His light makes the darkness disappear. Even the darkness within Ciara that Robert talked about has begun to dissipate - still there, but somehow more compressed and everything isn''t dark any more. Ciara also likes to feel Robert''s warmth, but this is warm enough. Ciara doesn''t want to burn herself, even though she wishes she could try to crawl up to Robert with Iselin. It looks nice and Iselin looks so pleased when Robert hasn''t woken up, and just moved a little in his sleep to accommodate her. But Ciara is afraid she can''t do it, and Robert doesn''t want it. Ciara is just a slave.


    Ciara likes that Robert now have guards who seem smart. Alith understood faster than Ciara what Iselin meant there on the beach. Robert deserves it, and Ciara appreciates it more than he understands that he''s thinking of her by taking on female guards. Robert immediately noticed that she stuck herself on the needle, and then men were excluded. Robert thinks that she as a slave is worth so much, that he got female guards for her sake. Robert is such a good man. When he wakes up he isn''t even mad at Iselin. He just looks at her and smiles as he puts his arm around her and relaxes. A good man who appreciates and gives her what she wants, instead of beating her when she take liberties.


    <hr><hr>


    I wake up after an hour or so and feel a body lying against mine, but I''m not surprised when it Iselin''s sweet face on the pillow next to me. How didn''t I notice when she lay down next to me? Sure, I sleep hard and the ship moves - but still. She''s like a little ninja. Always expect Ninjas! The expression makes me chuckle and smile; she is true Grrl power!


    Eira sits and embroiders her bag again. She uses different colors and from here it looks like a work of art. It''s obviously not the first time she''s done such a thing. Not what I expected of her, and must be something she did before she became a slave. May she is a city person and a seamstress who never took care of a farm and animals? Is that why she didn''t have ''any skills''? Because she''s learned in crafts they didn''t let her do?


    I have nothing that forces me up from bed, so I just enjoy feeling Iselin lying against me. Still Iselin''s day off, but I don''t think she''s really understood. Or maybe it''s me who don''t understand what a ''day off'' means to her, given how much time we''ve spent snuggled up against each other in bed so far today. Not that I''m complaining. We''ve had sex twice, but it was so damn nice it''s going to be more times. I may be able to stop myself from approaching or asking her, but whenever she comes to bed stealthily, dressed or not, I doubt I can say no.


    Yay, I lasted a few days. Damn.


    I can almost see a personification of my self-control standing on my chest and resigned gesturing to her - as if I''m asking for a bit too much.


    Change thoughts. Ship? Saltpeter!


    I really should see if I can get more. No fault in stockpiling. I should also set the balls rolling for the future. After another 20 minutes where I know that Iselin is awake, but pretending to sleep, I get out of bed even though I would have like to stay. With a sigh, Iselin follows me out of bed and we all three leave the cabin, and I officially introduce Alith and Bodil to Iselin and Eira. Everyone seems to think it''s funny considering they were standing on the beach talking. I ask if there are any good places to sit and eat, but preferably outdoors and meat or fish, and I want Alith and Bodil to eat too. They both nod and can lead the way - they know this town. I tell Iselin that I will try to get saltpeter this afternoon after the meal, and it''s up to her if she wants to come along as it is still her free day, but we take a couple of ceramic vessels with us, water and other things. The shoulder bags where a really good investment.


    <hr>


    It''s a nice meal, and we eat grilled fish with some kind of root vegetables, vegetables and bread. Alith and Bodil look a little questioning when we all eat the same food and at the same time, including Eira, but they eat quickly in shifts and Bodil starts while Alith is on guard at my side. I almost want to ask them if the shields are really necessary to wear all the time, as it feels like it would be heavy and uncomfortable. But I understand the value of a shield, and I would feel stupid to tell my guards to carry smaller defensive weapons. Many here are armed, and most men have both a knife and an axe in their belt, and quite a lot have swords.


    The afternoon is similar to the one in Dufansdalr when we walk between farms and small talk. Iselin came along and I appreciate it. She mostly seem to enjoy that she got to choose, but she wants to accompany us. It goes less well here, but perfectly okay, and I collect about 0.6kg of saltpeter bushes from four places so I don''t complain. Now that Iselin knows how common it is, she haggles down the price even more. Iselin also tells them the same as I did in Dufansdalr to spread that it is called saltpeter, and someone in the future might come here and try to buy it, so leave it on the walls, if it''s not too far away. Keep it safe from water or moisture.


    <hr>


    It''s early evening when we return from the collection trip and we take the opportunity to eat a light meal again. Barbecue skewers with mixed meat, vegetables or fish in combination with fresh bread is apparently not uncommon, just a little upper price range. I buy a few of each for all of us. It''s practical food to eat since they don''t use cutlery. It feels nice to sit on a boulder next to the sea and eat while we look out over the harbor life. I lack napkins and paper to wipe my fingers on, and Iselin is so quick and manage to suck off a couple of my fingers before I come out of my shock, and stop and thank her. I wash my hands in the sea water and dry them on the grass, while I silently curse that so many of my thoughts go to sex, and her actions really doesn''t help. I would have loved to hold her against me as we walk, and could have spent a few hours just sitting with her leaning back in the grass in some comfortable place.


    Back in the cabin, I can see that Eira''s embroidery is quite advanced, different colors of threads in complicated patterns and the beginning of a work of art. Not finished, but she doesn''t use runes, but letters. Twisted and weird, but letters I can read, and it doesn''t say Eira. Ciara? Giara? I look questioningly at Eira.


    "Si-ara? Gi-ara?"


    Wide-eyed she slightly shakes her head and corrects; "Key-rah."


    "Key-rah". Pronunciation and accent explain why she has been called Eira. "Key-rah. Do you want us to call you Key-rah in the future instead of Eira?"


    "I''m Keyrah, not Eira."


    I can just smiling when she say it so contentedly. Key-rah. Key-rah. It''s important I learn to emphasize it right for her sake, and make sure the others do it too.


    If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    "You''ve done that kind of embroidery before. Before you became a slave. And you''re coming from across the sea to the west. Scotland?" Ciara has nodded and confirms but looks at me questioningly and corrects;


    "Alba. Mountain country. Like here. Ciara Mawr. Gregor''s wife, son to Earl Duncaine."


    "You''re married? You''re the wife of a Jarl''s son and you were taken as a slave?" Ciara shakes her head and then nods.


    "Earl. Not Jarl. Gregor sick, died. Married, half a year. No children. Travel. Vikings came. Then slave Eira. Now Ciara again."


    Ah. Talk about change. Ciara must have lived a pretty good life over there. Must have had her own servants and maids. She will have relatives there who probably wonder what happened to her, and miss her. Although that applies to all slaves. Argh, now I''m getting more anguished. I could release her, and send her back. But can I trust that she will really arrive if she''s sent alone, and what does it cost?  can probably get the family to pay, but it feels cumbersome and will take time. I''m not eager to go to ''Alba'' and find them, but maybe I should take a trip there and see how life and culture are there? I have a guide.


    "Ciara, do you have any relatives you want to go back to? Your husband''s family?"


    Her body twitching, face and rapid shaking of her head show that it does not appeal to her.


    "Ciara is Master''s."


    With how confident and satisfied she says it, it makes it clear what she wants. The again, she is my slave, and she may be worried that I''ll prevent it, because she is quite literally my possession right now, and I''ve spent a lot of silver on her.


    Alba isn''t something I know of to the west, for me Alba is an island in the Mediterranean where Napoleon was sent to stop being a problem. That plan didn''t work, so the next time they took him prisoner, he was quietly sent of to St. Helena in the South Atlantic. With guards.


    But if Ciara was some kind of lower nobility in the west, and apparently accustomed to letters instead of runes, then perhaps it''s similar to England-Scotland? But what about culture, laws and lifestyle, etc? Wait, wasn''t their nobility basically French at some point in the medieval age? Is it even the same language I can a bit of?


    "Ciara, listen. Does this sound familiar? Parlez vous Francais? Un, deux, trois, quatre, cinq, six, sept, huit, neuf, dix." She looks at me questioningly but after a few seconds she goes wide eyed again, and when Ciara jerks her head back the answer must be ''yes''.


    Then she starts to talk, first slowly, but then more fluently, and something that sounds kind of like French but I can''t understand it at all, just a few basic words as we point to things. My own French vocabulary isn''t impressing. I can roughly say that I don''t speak French and ask if they can speak English. Count to 10, introduce myself and say I am from Sweden. Avoid dishes and know words for a few things, and simpler things such as swearing and simple insults. That''s all that stuck after traveling in France a couple of summers or during skiing holidays in the Alps. I havn''t really tried to learn French when I''m there. I have to stop Ciara and explain I don''t understand what she is talking about. But Ciara''s smiling and happy, and Iselin looks surprised at her.


    I lean back and think. Okay. My slave Eira is actually called Ciara and is a former higher status woman called Ciara Mawr, and she''s from Alba, which is probably Scotland, Wales or Ireland as she seems to have a Gaelic-like mother tongue, and she says mountainous country like here.


    I ask her many more short questions and it turns out that Ciara comes from a higher mountainous northern country with green valleys much like what she is in now, so I guess Scotland more than the others, that is apparently called Alba here. Women''s rights are much better here, if they''re free women. Divorce can''t happen there, and only widows can own property and have legal rights. They have a different faith over there with one God. She also seems to know history, poetry, dance and a musical instrument that seems to be harp like. It can be really practical with such knowledge closeby, and I will surely want her to teach me that, since I may need it. I mean etiquette, dance, history and culture, not poetry or playing the harp. It also partly explains why her adjustment was difficult and why she didn''t have ''any skills''. As a woman of higher status, she has had maids all her life.


    I take up the little package I''ve had in my side pouch the last couple of days. The necklace I bought to give to Ciara, but I got side tracked. I would have given her this before, but forgot. That Iselin distracted me is a bad - but oh so true - excuse.


    "Ciara, when we met I asked you to make an effort, to make you worth spending time and silver on. You have shown a very big change in a short time, and you are like a completely different woman. This isn''t for what I just learned about you - I bought this a couple of days ago. I wanted to reward you for your progress, and show that I noticed how hard you try. Keep it up and your future is very bright. So this is yours."


    I show the small package in my left hand while I fold away the fabric with my right. Tears flow down Ciara''s cheeks as she slowly and with shaking hands take the necklace from me, and I gently use the fabric to wipe her tears. I''m a little pleased when she lets me do it without pulling back. Iselin helps her attach the pendant to her neckring. I want nothing more than to hug Ciara and say that everything will be fine. But it might be sensitive, so it''s best if I ask.


    "Ciara, may I give you a hug?"


    She just nods, still with tears flowing down her cheeks. So I lean forward and it feels good when Ciara accept my hug. I hold the crying woman softly and soothingly, and feel her head on my shoulder. She is so skinny. Soon she gently hugs me back and that hug gradually becomes more intense. Not powerful, but with emotion, and she doesn''t let go. We just sit there while my shoulder slowly becomes drenched in silent tears. Eventually she seems to stop crying but she doesn''t let me go. It takes a few more minutes before I feel her start to let go of her grip and I stop hugging her.


    Even with red eyes from crying, she looks happy and beautiful. She looks down and gently feels her little silver pendant.


    "When we bought dresses, I saw how you quickly chose deep red so I tried to find a matching piece of jewellery."


    Ciara immediately bursts into more tears and this time it''s she who hugs me, which I happily answer. This time it passes in a couple of minutes and she starts to gather herself. I leave the cabin to be able to gather myself a little, because that was emotional. I feel like crying. Iselin stays with Ciara.


    <hr><hr>


    Robert is more than a man, it''s as if the Gods sent an angel to descend to Earth and saved her from misery. There is a higher power and Ciara''s many prayers were heard, long after she stopped praying. The time for salvation just wasn''t right and she hadn''t yet passed God''s trial, or the kinder Gods here thought that her trial had gone too far. She needed to sink deeper before she could understand, pass the test and appreciate her future. Understand her purpose.


    That future is Robert. God or the Gods have chosen him as Ciara''s future and brought her to him. The Gods will not be disappointed. It''s as the monk said; we will all go into the light after we die, both poor and rich.


    Rich lazy smug Ciara, became poor miserable raped Eira who wanted to die. But Eira is now dead; her slave clothes are burned, and she''s resurrected as Ciara, for she stands in Robert''s light. This is her life after death. This is her resurrection, just as the Savior rose from his grave. She will live this life to the fullest, and she will stand in the light and rejoice. She will no longer be afraid, because she has already died and resurrected. ''If I walk in the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for the light is with me.'' The tears were her new baptism and purification. She is a newborn woman, and Robert held her so tenderly and after her purification welcomed her into his light and warmth. She is a woman. And Robert is the man.


    <hr><hr>


    Iselin looks anxiously at Ciara as she turns from a woman without tears to a determined face and her eyes seems to glow. Iselin have seen that same glow in V?lva Geiravor when she tells tales about the gods. An intense fervor like that monk who came last year and tried to spread that doctrine from the other side of the sea. He had that fearless, determined look and face when Jarl Steinnes sentenced him to death and stabbed him with his sword. He didn''t even scream. It scares lselin to see that same look in Ciara who sits and stares in front of her, as she slowly gets a blissful smile, and becomes completely calm while she gently touches her new pendant.


    <hr><hr>


    Out on deck, I explain to Alith and Bodil that Ciara''s name is pronounced Key-rah. So that they get it right. I also explain that if they''re hungry when there''s no meal on the ship, there''s a small wooden chest with food inside our cabin, and they can just ask Iselin or Ciara. While they serve me, they should eat a varied diet, it''s better for their health and body. Then I go to the railing and look out over the town. I discretely take a new photo of Njahamrar, and one of Alith and Bodil.


    After a while I return to the cabin and prepare for the night. I want to make it an early evening because they will probably set sail really early, and I wake up easily if the ship starts to sway and there is noise. I would like to use the earplugs, but it feels stupid when Iselin and Ciara will see.


    Iselin ask if it''s okay that Ciara gets the bed alone tonight, and if she can sleep with me - no sex - just lie and hold me. I''m way too weak willed to say no; we havn''t known each other for more than a few days but Iselin has already become a focal point in my life, so I can only smile a little and nod, but tell her that there will be no special awake up tomorrow. I have started to get feelings for Iselin and it''s damn nice to have someone to just feel intimacy with.


    It''s an early evening, but I''m happy to just lie in bed and feel and hold Iselin''s soft body against mine and relax. Definitely a good idea to buy those simpler sleeping dress for both of them. Less sweaty between us and it''s a silly little thought, but it feels like a protective barrier against sex. A dress is in the way for hands that want to walk and explore her body. A t-shirt and panties would have been so much worse, and also sexier.

 Sailing to Borgarsandr - day 10, Human

    Sailing to Borgarsandr, day 10


    The next stage of our journey is long and may take two days, depending on how the wind is, but it is, as it is, and the journey have gone faster than Danr thought it would. At least I will have plenty of time to talk with Iselin. I ask Iselin and Ciara to modify the life preserver and sew a new one for Hagan and Ciara is happy to embroider a simple ''Hagan'' on the chest in runes. Most of the coarse fabric and the bark gets used up when they make a slightly improved model with larger bark pouches since Hagan is a large man, and laced together in the bottom instead of sewn. We have no real use for the rest, but will keep the scrap fabric pieces, and the bark works as a fire starter.


    On the evening we go out on deck, summon Hagan and gift him his own life preserver. He''s proud and happy when he tries it on and there are some positive cheers, although I guess several of the sailors don''t think it''s particularly masculine, and many trust that their fate is not to drown. It''s an interesting discussion I''ve already had with my female company. Most believe that their fate have already been woven by the Nornorna, which are the goddesses that watch over everyone and spins the threads of life. That''s one of the reason they are fearsome warriors. They want to die in battle to go to Valhalla or Folkvang, but they''re trying hard to not die yet and kill many enemies first, since their death must be worthy. They also want to prove that their weave hasn''t run out and that they''re fearless in battle. Some are berserkers that charge ahead and break up enemy formations. Showing fear is a bit of an iffy subject. It''s okay to fear and show fear for some things, but not for others. Since a Viking raid almost always take place over water, they can''t be afraid to sail and be out in bad weather, but it''s okay to fear drowning. Drowning is a pitiful death, and you are prevented from reaching both Valhalla and Folkvang.


    That a life preserver now exist as an option, might turn it into a tricky subject. Trust fate or not? With a Life preserver it might become less fearful to travel by the sea. But cold water far from land will still kill you. At the same time; shields, helmets and armour is okay to use. It''s wise to protect yourself, and you should get good weapons and armour. It will be debated. Hopefully, it will still lead to life being saved and life preservers being accepted as something useful, and that a man sees it as worthwhile to come home to his family.


    Bodil looks a bit interested in the vest, and as we return to the cabin I guess she would actually like one too, but it may be in the future, and I hope there won''t be more long boat trips. It probably will be. I just hope that there won''t. Ciara have finished her embroidery on her bag and it''s impressive considering the time and the limited range of colors she have used. Iselin asks if Ciara can also embroider her name on her bag, which Ciara is happy to accept. It''s probably a good thing she has something to do. I have mostly been lying and thinking and letting time go by. Among the recurring thoughts that I would have preferred to have Iselin beside me in bed, I have come up with some things I have to ask.


    "Iselin, I don''t know how to say this in a nice way, but I need to know..."


    Again I sigh. My life has become full of them and this is harder to ask than I wanted.


    "How is it with pregnancies here? What are the chances that mothers and children will die? Are there contraceptives, that is, things that stop or interrupt the formation of an inappropriate or unwanted child?"


    It seems like big question, and Iselin make a couple of false starts, and continue slowly.


    "There are several ways to stop unwanted children, but it often doesn''t work, and several are dependent on a V?lva or Fj?lkunnig who is available and willing to help. There are many unwanted children - often by the man, but also by the woman. Especially if it is from a rape or with a slave. It''s also dangerous to take certain cures and remedies, and they can go wrong so women die. Childbirth is dangerous. There are many men and women that want sex, but if they don''t pull out in time or use the butt, it leads to unwanted children, and many mouths are difficult to feed. A man might get angry at a woman or slave who becomes pregnant if he doesn''t want it, and a pregnant slave are a bad worker. Sometimes a slave is beaten in the stomach many times after a few months so the child will die. Or the baby is born and... done away with. Especially if it''s a girl. Mothers often die at birth. I can''t say how often, but it''s not unusual."


    Ciara speaks, much less shy than she usually is.


    "Animal gut for men. Unpleasant and wrong to God, but works."


    I didn''t think they had condoms here. I thought it wasn''t until the 16th century that something like this began to be used. Casanova was known to use one, but I believe he lived later. I should probably stop thinking of this as a certain age corresponding to my Earth. Too much is wrong and it''s definitely not a pure Viking Age or even the Middle Ages as I know it.


    "I know a little sejd thing that works for women, even a couple of days after sex, and it works for many years. I guess it would make it easier for women who want sex, but don''t wish to get pregnant."


    Wide eyed and cautiously Iselin confirm:


    "It would be terribly valuable for many women. It would be valuable for the men who have women they want to have sex with, but are afraid of having children with. It''s powerful Sejd."


    "It is, but it''s nothing that a woman can get in place herself - I think. On the other hand, they can take it out, if it''s done correctly and there isn''t a problem. It''s a small sejd thing that must be placed in the uterus where the baby grows, that is through the woman''s vagina. Someone has to help her and it should be a woman. What happens is, that in the first months the woman will bleed a little more and the first days can be unpleasant. How should this be tested and make people understand that it works, and how can I, as a man, spread it? What do you think about this: I will try to create something that a V?lva or other sejdwoman can do, but I must figure out a good safe way. Both to make it work, and so others can learn and safely duplicate it for a woman who wants it. I need contact with women who treat women, and help them with childbirth."


    "Every major village has at least one woman who does this, and it''s no more difficult than asking around for a Fj?lkunnig. This is an very important sejd and something that many women will be very grateful to be able to get."


    "Thank you for your help with this. It''s something I want to test and spread. Iselin, I have another thing I need to talk to you alone about, but I need a little time for myself first. I''ll open and signal you."


    "Of course!" they both cheerfully say. Ciara surprises me. She''s become much more confident and energetic. She might have felt some kind of release when she cried out yesterday, but time will tell. I can only imagine her invisible scars. Anyway, she seems determined to do a good job as a maid, and seems pleased with my little gift. But the gift signals that she''s important to her master.


    <hr>


    I open the door and see Iselin sitting with Ciara and Alith on the bench, but Iselin apologizes and immediately stands up when she sees me looking at her. Bodil, who was leaning against the wall outside the cabin, straights herself up as soon as I opened, but I just signal that she should relax again. We''re sailing, and I think it''s unnecessary they''re standing guard, but they think one of them should, so I let them. If you have guards and pay them to keep you safe - you should listen to them. I tell Bodil that she will probably hear some funny music from inside the cabin, but to ignore it. No one comes in before we come out.


    After freeing Iselin a few days ago - isn''t it more? - , I have decided that I must entrust myself to her and tell her my story, even if it''s only partially. I''ve only known her for a week but she is the one I know best, and she''s smart and have proven to come up with creative solutions. I might as well, because I''m clearly not an Elf, and even if I guess there is nothing but elves in the world - no matter what the people here believe - I need someone who knows my story and can act as my guide to Alfheimr. Iselin is without a doubt the most suitable, and I can''t continue to half-ass my way through this world. So we sit opposed each other on the beds.


    This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.


    "Iselin, what can you tell me about the worlds?"


    Iselin looks a little questioningly at me, like why does she need to tell me this? But not the first time I ask funny questions or do funny things, and she replies:


    "There are several different worlds that are all held together by the great world tree Yggdrasil. At the top is Asg?rd which is home to the Aesir gods, led by the great Odin. Below Asg?rd is our world Alfheimr, home to the light elves. Then comes Midg?rd, the middle world where the primitive humans live. Then comes Svartalfheimr, the world of the black elves who are short, ugly and evil. At the bottom is Helheim where everyone ends up that doesn''t go to Valhalla or Folkvang, ruled by Hel, daughter of Loki, but her home is in Niflheimr. Outside these five worlds there are four more. Vanaheimr is the home for Vanar gods like Freya, Frey and Njord. Jotunheim is home to the ice giants, but they''re only a problem for the humans or the gods - they can''t reach Alfheimr without traveling through their worlds. Muspelheim is the realm of fire and home of the fire giants and is ruled by Surtr. They''re also just a problem for the gods and humans. The last world is Niflheimr, land of the cold fog, where cold-blooded murderers, those who break their word, and other unpleasant people end up. Bifrost connects the worlds and is guarded by Heimdal."


    "What do you know about Midg?rd?"


    "Not much, just that it''s home to the primitive hairy humans."


    I take off my shirt and point at myself with both hands, showing my ears, while I look her serious and meaningful in her eyes. It takes a few seconds then a light goes up for Iselin, and slightly shocked and silent she just says;


    "You''re a human from Midg?rd."


    I nod, and Iselin is just shocked and silent, so I start telling:


    "I am a human from Midg?rd. That''s why I''m so hairy and have round ears without tips. You know when the sky lit up with beautiful colors five days before we met?"


    Iselin slowly nods, still speechless. The Northern Lights is a subject we talked about, it''s been a big subject since it happened. Now she knows more.


    "That was when I came here to Alfheimr. I have more hair than the average human, and a long time ago Midg?rd was primitive, and to be honest some parts still are. But it''s about a thousand years since Midg?rd looked like it does here. Midg?rd have advanced so much much more than here. The world I was born and raised in, is so completely different than here. You can''t understand how much the difference is. I can show you what Midg?rd looks like today, but it''s only if you really really want it, for the shock you feel now is nothing compared to it. It can shatter your world view, and how you look at yourself, Alfheimr and the Gods. So think about it carefully and for a long time."


    Iselin stares and slowly nods, still speechless. She got one hell of a shock. But then again, I got one too, two weeks ago.


    "Do you remember that night in Jarl Steinnes hall? You heard me talk about trying to figure out the mysteries of nature? In Midg?rd, many, many humans have done so in the last thousand years, and there probably arn''t many great mysteries left. Much of what''s called sejd here in Alfheimr, is in Midg?rd primitive facts that everyone know or can easily be read. It''s as given as water is wet. You know that it is possible to extract iron from stones and make tools from iron. It''s what we call a technology. The art of doing something and really understanding why it works.


    Midg?rd technology is so advanced that here in Alfheimr there are no words to describe it. We have so many more words to describe things, like the word technology, and need to invent new words all the time. Every year there are more and more words to describe new things and thoughts. There are two Midg?rd expressions that fit: ''A sufficiently advanced technology is Sejd'' and ''Sejd is just technology we don''t understand''. So, I don''t do sejd, I''m using knowledge and technology. I can give you a little bit of insight into Midg?rd technology that is safe and hopefully not too much of a shock. If you wish."


    Iselin has nodded a little affirmatively but stayed completely silent. She quickly nods and say: "I wish it".


    "You know what music is. You''ve heard it played and sung. I''ve heard you sing and you have a lovely voice. If anyone here in Alfheimr wants to hear music, they have to perform it themselves, hire a musician to play for them, or visit where musician plays. We do that in Midg?rd too, on a scale that is huge and because we want to, but we don''t have to do it. We can get almost any music we want, at any time, and we have so much more choice and types of music than here. So many more instruments with sound like you can''t even guess. Come and lie down here with your head on my thighs, close your eyes at first, and try to relax. Just lie still and trust me. I''m here and it''s just music, but music in a way you arn''t used to hearing."


    I show with that she should lie down on my side and with her head in my lap. Iselin quickly comes over and lies down on my bed, and rests her head on my thighs. I put my hand on her stomach and she grabs it. I feel how she breathes rhythmically, how she closes her eyes and seems anxious but expectant, her beautiful hair spreads out over my legs and the bed. She''s so incredibly gorgeous.


    With my other hand, I discreetly take out the cell phone under the pillow and place it on the pillow where she can''t see it. It''s already started and I have made a playlist with some simpler pieces of music. A piano slowly begins to produce notes and play a calm song that sounds okay even with the phone''s tiny speaker without bass. The cabin is filled with music, as Ludovico Einaudi''s ''Nuvole bianche'' plays.


    Iselin''s beautiful eyes flies open and she just stares at me, as we listen to the piece. The song ends and another begins to play, a piano and a violin begin to combine and play ''Sad Romance''. Feels way too apt when Iselin has her head on my lap and we look at each other; I''m starting to get feelings for her. How can I not? I wonder how she feels about me now. Now that she knows I''m no Elf.


    "I can stop and start, exactly when I want or change to other music and change how loud it sounds. We use the word ''volume'' to describe how loud a sound is. ''Turn up the volume'' means to make it sound more louder."


    Which I show by raising my hand, lowering and pausing. I lift up and down again and start, and I lower and raise the volume. When the song is almost over, I stop.


    "All good?" Iselin nods. "What you''ve heard now are two pieces of music that I chose because it''s more like music you are used to, and I like them. The next two will be more different, but it''s still just music, but more people playing instruments in a way you arn''t used to. Do you want to continue?"


    It''s hard to interpret her face because she seems to have been really touched by ''Sad Romance''. She''s not really prepared for Lindsey Stirling & Peter Hollen''s ''Game of Thrones''. It sounds like there is a whole choir in here with us, and I can see her eyes and head twitch a little but she relaxes after a while. Epica''s ''Canvas of Life'' comes next, but she sees that I sing along to it and obviously knows the lyrics even if it''s in a language she doesn''t understand, and a symphony orchestra that slowly appears is different but gradual and impressive, not to mention the choir that all of a sudden is just here with us. When the song falls silent, the sound returns from outside, and I put the phone away in the corner under the pillow. Creaking wood, wind, faint voices, birds chirping. I just sit there with Iselin''s head in my lap with her staring up at me.


    "Now you know a little more about me, and a couple of big secrets. I want you to be honest with me, and I want to be honest with you. To have to lie or mislead people, and especially someone close to me... it''s hard and hurts. Now you understand why I don''t know how certain things work here in Alfheimr. Why you need to explain some things that even children know. I learned other things in my childhood."


    Iselin is still just lying and looking at me, and I have no idea how to interpret her face. But finally she releases my hand on her stomach, and quickly she has climbed up and sits straddling my thighs, with her hands gripping my head and kissing me, and then she just sits there and her beautiful eyes stare emotionally into mine.


    "You are too good for your own good, but it only makes you more worthy to serve and love. You don''t have to be afraid that someone will understand that you are a Human. It only makes you more special - more mysterious and powerful - but you should still keep it a secret unless someone specifically asks, or should know. In the future I will want to hear and experience more from Midg?rd."


    I''m so damn relieved when she kiss me, that I hardly listens to her.


    "Go out on deck to Ciara and I''ll be there soon. Enjoy the evening sun."


    It''s nice to see Iselin so happy after one last kiss when she climbs off me, straightens her dress and disappear out on deck. I turn off and put my cell phone in my backpack and only then do I remember that she said ''to serve and love''... and it makes me stop and think. Would I mind her as my girlfriend? No, I would be happy. Real happy. Sure, she''s a former slave and I could probably get a girlfriend or wife of higher social status in the future, but I really don''t give a shit about her background. If I''m going to spend my life with someone, it must be someone I feel something for, that I enjoy just sitting next to, and that I know likes me. Personality, intelligence, humour and opinions are also important, and she seem to have them, and that Iselin''s beautiful and good in bed is just a bonus. Difficult thoughts, and something I''m not really ready for yet.


    I go out and see them sitting up in the ships fore castle with their backs to the railing. Alith relaxed with one knee raised and her hands on top of it. Ciara more primly with both legs pulled up and to the side. Iselin sits more like Alith with one knee up and the other leg under it. Bodil''s standing guard and I ask her to go over and sit with the others in the bow. I''ll soon join them. Bodil walks away and sits down with both knees pulled up in front of her with the shield rested against her side, still watching me.


    In the evening sunlight that comes in over the stern and lights them up, it''s a pretty sight, and I take a couple of photos with the fabric covered camera. I really wish that I could paint, so that I could save moments like this, because the camera will die and it''s a beautiful picture with beautiful motifs. It''s been a damn good day.

 Sailing to Borgarsandr - day 11

    Sailing to Borgarsandr, day 11


    After breakfast, I ask to be alone in the cabin, and ask them to come back in only when I tell them, probably around noon, and if they want something to knock quite loudly, and wait for my okay before they enter. Alith stands and guards the door very seriously.


    Time to study. I boot up the tablet and starts going through what documentaries and I have. It feels nice and normal to use something really hightech again. I believe I have a short documentary series about sex throughout history that I put there a couple of years ago before another trip - an unexpected advantage of being normally lazy, for who cleans the computer before they need the space? I use earbuds and jump a bit in videos, and the series turns out to be in three parts. Victorian sex machines, corsets, and that sex has been used as a cure for ''hysteria'' is entertaining, but I jump to more modern times. And there is information I''m looking for. It''s just a quick little picture, on a plastic T with copper wrapped around the parts and a quick animation, but the scale on the side makes it so valuable and it''s worth its weight in gold. I knew the design and principle, but not the exact size. Details matter. The Dalkon shield also shows the dangers of getting it wrong.


    After checking through what other documentaries I have, and confirmed I have a couple I thought, as well as a lot of books that will be valuable, I shut down the tablet and feel so pleased. I thought about starting a game of OpenTTD, but it will just be wasting battery power and time - a lot of time. The battery will last a few more hours, and the powerbank isn''t exhausted yet, but it just feels so wrong to force them to stay out of the cabin by playing a silly computor game. I still havn''t used the solar panel - I don''t want to risk it during the boat journey.


    <hr>


    It''s a lazy afternoon and evening, mostly just spent talking with my company, especially with Iselin, to practice language and learn more about them and this world. I find out that Iselin''s only twenty and a half year old, born at the end of winter a month before the spring equinox, and been a slave all her life until a few days ago. She was born as a slave, but to slaves with more status owned by a Storman (Grand man), which is someone who owns a lot of estate and properties. Her parents are married, which is uncommon for slaves to be and she''s legitimate, and her parents also made sure that Iselin learned to read, write and count so she could become more valuable, useful and have a better life. Anyone who can read and write runes is automatically more respected, not matter how much they use that knowledge. There''s power in runes, and with all their other beliefs I''m not surprised that it''s viewed as something almost magical, and a form of power. Because reading and writing is. It''s just something modern society consider everyone should learn.


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    Iselin grew up on an estate she had only left twice, both on shorter trips. This is the farthest she''s ever traveled. She doesn''t really know where that estate is, where her parents are, or if they''re alive. She knows that it overlooks a fjord, and that her previous owner Storman Eidr gave her to Jarl Steinnes three years earlier and she arrived there by boat after two days. There are many fjords and bays that fit her description within that distance from Kambsnes. Her parents hoped that Jarl Steinnes would be a good man and Iselin would eventually become a free-neck, and perhaps a lover or concubine. But they didn''t know how Jarl Steinnes really was.


    We''ve moved outside to enjoy the nice weather and started talking to Alith about where she comes from etc. Turns out that Alith and Bodil are from neighboring farms and grew up together. Alith''s father was a warrior, and her mother was a shieldmaiden who trained both Alith and Bodil, and gave Alith her strong desire for adventure and independence, and Bodil followed along, even though she doesn''t have the same desire for adventure and to become famous. Alith would like to become a famous and honorable shieldmaiden, but it''s difficult to gain respect and become famous, and without that it''s difficult to join a Viking raid or travel. But there are few raiders nowadays. More trade, but it''s difficult to accompany those too when space is valuable.


    Alith otherwise enjoys just being in nature, hunting or fishing when she can, and also tells us her life would have been easier if she had been born a boy like her older brothers. She would have had more freedom and opportunities then. She laugh a little and says it would also be easier to shoot a bow and hunt if she hadn''t had large breasts that are in the way. Iselin admonish her a bit that Freya gifted her beautiful breasts and that Alith should be more appreciative of her breasts. Alith replies that she likes her breasts, and likes how men look at them, and she''s happy that she has put rings in her nipples and how they feel under the clothes, but the breasts are often in the way and it''s annoying to keep them wrapped.


    It''s good that Iselin has already informed me of what I consider to be a disadvantage. Being a Sejdmann makes women more comfortable discussing such things in my vicinity and saying things they wouldn''t to ordinary men, because sejd''s female and I''m outside the ordinary rigid division between man and woman. I''m sort of in between, and it''s good I have a big circular beard, because the first impression is that I''m very manly, as the second isn''t. But I''m uncomfortable that my female guard so openly discusses her breasts with me, especially when I have them at head height where I sit. I''m thankful when it''s time for the evening meal.

 Sailing to Borgarsandr, day 12, Skiringsalr

    Sailing to Borgarsandr, day 12


    Skiringsalr (Larvik)


    We have arrived at Skiringsalr during the night. Our last stop in ''Norway'' and we will stay here for two days, because this town is big. It''s a city. Largest so far, and definitely not a Nordic Viking village in the style of Birka, or even Hedby. Many complete stone buildings and a small fortress overlooking the bay. Lots of cobbled streets and several piers where many ships are located. Longships, rounder Knarr''s and two large rounder ships with upper aft decks like this ship, that I think are Cogs. Banners of different colors flutter in the wind. Definitely a great trading city, just as my company told me. They''re been looking forward to experiencing Skiringsalr. Well, Alith and Bodil have been here before. I take a few discreet pictures.


    Urgh! I can see slaves tied with rope around the neck and hands in a line being lead along the harbor. In more than one place. I shouldn''t be surprised, but I''ve just not seen the slave trade openly that way before during the journey. But this is the flatter southern part of Norway so surely significantly more population and farms inland. I should see if I can find an alchemist or similar.


    A thought comes to me, and after checking with Danr, I hire Hagan to show both his own and my improved life preserver for a couple of hours during the morning, and tell people about hammocks. I give him a couple of coins even though he tries to refuses to accept them. Seems like he slept with the life preserver on last night in his hammock, and I think he likes the life preserver more than I understood. But, then again, it is a ''magic vest'' that makes him float, given to him by a powerful magician. That he knows how it is made doesn''t seem to have affected that. When we eat breakfast, there are already some who are waiting their turn to try the vest where Hagan stands on the beach and demonstrate.


    <hr>


    We walk around and along the streets and shops, looking at goods being offered and deals being decided. There is a large market on the outskirts where animals are traded. I need to learn to ride properly. I''ve ridden horses before but a long time ago, and it wasn''t far or very long. More like sitting than riding. I''ve sat on a camel in Morocco, but hardly what even I would call riding.


    It definitely makes a difference to have a couple of guards, a gorgeous free woman as a maid and another beautiful slave. I''m treated completely different. Iselin acts as an intermediary and talks to people, asks for saltpeter or someone who knows what it is. We succeed in finding someone who sells what must be basically pure sulfur. Really yellow crystals, and the scent is ''right''. A bit expensive but I buy all he has, it''s just a bit more than a kilogram, and who knows when I will find sulfur again or have such luck?


    I wonder how much of his advice is true, because I don''t know much about dyeing and other things, and the sulfur is probably from Iceland. I can scrap all my plans for extracting sulfur from sulfur ore etc, at least for now. Not that I''m complaining. Now I just need some charcoal from willow or birch. Willow is slightly better if I remember correctly, but any wood works if it''s done right, and I''m not sure what willow actually looks like, and the Elves have different names for many trees than those I know. On the other hand I know birch well. But to quote Clarkson: ''POWER!''. It''s nice, and if you going to do something, you might as well do it properly. Especially with limited resources.


    After a bit of asking around, we can easily get hold of lead, so I buy two kilograms. It''s nice to have so much money that I don''t have to worry, and I need to use the fact that I''m in a trading city. I just can''t start neglecting my economy in the long run. There isn''t any social safety net here, so economy is a matter of life or death, and I have four people to think about.


    We pass a blacksmith who sells weapons and armour. Alith seems really interested and I let her look around because it is instructive and fun for me too. Bodil seems to be used to it. They both lack chainmail and have simpler leather protection on the upper body and thighs, but chainmail is the equivalent of 2 annual salaries for them. I should probably get me some armour. I won''t buy it now, but maybe in the future. I might actually have a need for it. Shit. Don''t they have hardened leather here? I''ve seen leather protection in different types but it doesn''t look like it has been treated with anything except colored. Beside different thicknesses, some have rings or plates sewn on the leather. There are different ways to harden leather, everything from impregnations to heat treatments. I have an acquaintance who works as a blacksmith and makes historical swords, shields, crossbows etc. Unfortunately, we have not talked so much about that as we only meet at events and parties, not privately. It got me to read a bit about it and see a few youtube videos and documentaries. I have made my own knife in carbon steel, with dark wood and brass for the grip, and with a leather sheath covering wooden plates. It was a high school workshop''s project, but I havn''t looked at it for years. I can buy a knife that''s better for 6 Euro''s.


    After a while and an ''Alith'' and Look from Bodil, Alith remembers that she is supposed to be my guard, and we can all see the ''Oops'' when she returns to guard duty, and Bodil disapproving face. I don''t care, because I also got to watch and learn. I ask about leather and there are a few different ways to impregnate leather, make them more flexible or rigid, protect against the weather and so on. Every technique has pros and cons. But leather hardening, it might be something to do, I just need to test it before telling people. Better to come up with a surprise than a hype that fails. I wish a lot of modern companies thought that. I can''t afford to fail at things now in the beginning and get a negative reputation.


    As we walk around, I see someone selling stone things and carved stone. What I react to are the dark blue grey stone tiles that he has lying around as a type of tile or sanded out a pattern on, compared to the piles that seems destined to be for floors. Clearly slate tiles. I buy a pair that has at least one really flat side, the flattest he has, a larger one in maybe 40x35cm and a smaller one of about 30x20cm. They are both quite thin, the small tile is only about 1cm thick. The same seller also has carved white limestone chalk that has been shaped into larger figures and statues. I buy a couple of them too. It will feel bad to ruin someone else''s craft, but I need to be able to make sketches etc. I can''t fill my one and only small block of paper with doodles.


    <hr>


    We return to the ship after a couple of hours. I ask Iselin to take Bodil with her and try to get hold of a Fj?lkunnig woman who is a midwife or similar and ask if she is willing to share some information in exchange for another. I trust that Iselin completes the task in a good way. So I sit on the bench outside the cabins and take apart the figures to make long narrow crayons, while Ciara sits next to me and embroiders Iselin''s bag. The figures legs and arms became almost perfect to use directly as writing crayons. Alith, who is leaning against the wall, looks on in slight shock when I start carving on the figures and divide them into parts. But I''m very happy when I can use it as chalk and write on the board. It''s hardly perfect but useful enough. Both Ciara and Alith look questioningly but understand the purpose, when I wipe away and sketch a T-like thing and another with bows instead of arms sticking out.


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    A roar attracts our attention. Apparently Hagan''s demonstrations arn''t over and we see him run from a pier and jump out into the water. He pop back up and with legs and arms paddle back to the beach. There''s a lot of shouts and cheering. Looks like he''s done that before. It''s entertaining to see a beefy elf with a small thin moustache and long braids having fun that way, but he really shouldn''t do that unless he learns how to swim. The vest or straps might break from the impact.


    <hr>


    Shortly after dinner, Iselin returns with an ''older'' woman in perhaps 35-40 years of age, approximately the same age as me, with bone jewellery pieces and precious stones beautifully woven into her blonde hair, and jewellery and fur around her neck and shoulders. A lot of ''bling'' but she is beautiful enough without, and she has evidently washed and made herself pretty.


    The woman presents herself as Fj?lkunniga Liv, which is someone with a lot of knowledge, including medicine and sejd. Liv, which means life, is a fitting name if she helps women in childbirth, or just general medicine. Iselin introduced herself as a maid who works for Sejdmann Robert Arnesson, and her master has a small sejd creation that can stop children from being created, even a few days after sex, and it lasts for many years, and wants to talk to her about it. Liv has never heard of such a sejd and of course she is tempted to talk to that person, but a respected man who is openly a Sejdmann? It immediately made her want to talk to me, and she dressed for the occasion.


    That I have pants and not a dress like a Seerman surprises her, and she casts long glances at my beard, and I almost want to say ''my eyes are up here'' - just because I can. I''m obviously not what she expected. Iselin joins us when Liv and I go in the cabin to have a talk. At first Liv is a little unsure, but I explain that Iselin may be needed to interpret, which my bad Norse makes obvious.


    We talk and I confirm that I have a thing that should work. It''s a kind of sejd but I can explain it, and my hope is that women who need or want it will be able to get it, but that I as a man shouldn''t help them with it. It should be women. But it is important that this sejd thing is created correctly so it doesn''t hurt the woman or make her sick. It can be unpleasant and deadly. Both listen attentively and seriously. Liv tells me that I shouldn''t worry about what will happen, and yes, there will certainly be women who get into trouble or may even die from it. Most sejd is hard to get right and some people just doesn''t have the Gods favour. But women suffer and die every day because they don''t have this. If this works as I say, it will change so much. Women will be able to choose to not have children and continue to have sex, and if they are raped or just careless, they won''t have to undergo treatment or risk giving birth to an unwanted child that they have to take care of. Many women die or suffer because they have children, where the father doesn''t want it, or where the father is the wrong man and they are forced to marry, and so on. So I shouldn''t worry about what might happen and that a few will suffer. Think instead of all those who won''t suffer and have a better life. It''s all logical and they''re used to people dying, but I will feel terrible. But that is a small price to pay.


    I use the slate board''s sketch to show what it looks like and size and make a simple description of where it must be placed, how it is made and taken out etc. That it can twist, rotate or the threads find their way up. But as Liv start to understand it, she looks sceptically at the sketch, and it''s easy to understand her thoughts on whether it can really work. A little copper wire on something. Liv ask:


    "How can Sir know this works if Sir hasn''t done it before?"


    I''m pondering my answer when Iselin helps me by telling what I''ve already done in front of witnesses. She wasn''t present when I called down the lightning, but she has seen my sejd that made a stone light up a great hall, and the sailors on the ship are witnesses. She can promise I''m not lying about this, and that I want to give it as a gift to all women.


    Liv stands her ground and wisely enough she carefully questions what evidence I have. This is powerful sejd, but she have also never heard of Sejdmann Robert Arnesson. Never heard of a Sejdmann except in Sagas and fairy tales. I can''t show her the documentary on the tablet, she''s not going to understand it anyway, and it''s far too advanced technology to just throw at someone like that. Again, Iselin comes to my rescue and whispers that I should take off my shirt, show my ears, chest and arms. I look questioningly at her, but Iselin turns to Liv and quite seriously says;


    "I know why it works, but I have sworn an oath to keep Sejdmann''s secrets."


    I trust Iselin, and it is a smart move, so I straighten the hair over my ears. I''m still surprised that so few Elves notice my ears, because so far my hair isn''t that long, just a little overgrown on the ears, but who expects some ones ears to be different from what everyone has? Then I stand up, take off my shirt and Liv stop staring at my ears and gasp. This is getting old.


    "I know, but I have no evidence that I can show you here. There is a good reason you havn''t heard about me, because I came here two weeks ago. I think you know when."


    Liv understands my emphasis and starts nodding but her wide open eyes flutter between my ears, chin, arms, chest and eyes. A hand moves slowly forward before it''s pulled back and Liv looks me in the eyes.


    "Yes, you can touch the hair if you want."


    I stand in the middle of the cabin and it''s with almost reverence that Liv slowly moves her hand back and forth, along my arms and looks at my back, which is also a bit hairy where it''s not worn away. It tickles a little because her touch is so light and I get shivers on my body, and it''s cute how she bites her lower lip with lust in her eyes, and it''s with a rather monotonously dreamy voice says:


    "I have solutions to Sejdmann Arnesson''s problems, and I want to negotiate what my knowledge is worth. I would usually have sold this knowledge expensively, but the purpose is more than noble, and Sejdmann have already freely shared his knowledge and I agree: If it works, the knowledge should be spread." There is a pause, and Liv stops in front of me with a small devilish smile while she feels my beard. Ah, I have an idea of what might come next. "... but as Sejdmann Arnesson knows, a price must be paid for everything, and rewards must also be given for deep wisdom that is freely shared between sejd users. I hope we can agree on an arrangement that works for the both of us."


    She gives of a business like attitude and face, but it can''t hide her intentions.


    "As Sir probably knows, there are very few men who dare to take a sejd woman to bed, and it''s difficult to find a man who is worthy to share my bed. I want Sir to come with me to my home and make me enjoy tonight, because I promise to make Sir enjoy it too. If Sir wants, his whole company can come along, but I''m Sir''s center and focus. I promise on my honor - from one sejd user to another - that there won''t be a child; it would be stealing from Sejdmann Arnesson and isn''t something I would do. May Freya punish me if I break my word."


    Iselin directly stands and says that she should come along and we should bring Alith as a guard, while Bodil can stay here with Ciara. I''m surprised and I don''t want Iselin to come along, so I stop her wish, but the rest is a good idea, and I don''t have much choice really. It''s ''so tragic'' when a real Elvish MILF wants to have sex with me, and she''s not my employee or a slave, and the last few days near Iselin have been hard enough. Literally. Poor me.


    Woho!


    I put on my shirt, and go out on deck with Iselin and Liv and announce the plan for tonight, and that I might sleep elsewhere, and considering how Liv reacts to it, it''s likely to be. Bodil, Iselin and Ciara stay here while Alith accompanies as a guard. Iselin looks a little disappointed and it feels so wrong to leave her here, but it would be worse to take her with me, because it would have been difficult to focus on Liv with Iselin near by. Still feels like I betrayal her. I definitely got feelings for Iselin.

 Sailing to Borgarsandr, day 12, Man vs Woman

    It turns out that Liv lives in a fairly large Longhouse on the outskirts of Skiringsalr, with a large herb and vegetable garden and a few animals behind. Her Longhouse has several rooms where the first apparently serves as a herb shop and preparation place, the whole place smells of lavender and much more. Looks and smells just like I expect. A young woman is working on grinding something when we come in, but we just sweep past with Liv saying that she is busy until tomorrow, and to not disturb as long as Jarl Skiringe doesn''t demand it, or someone is dying, but to put forth good food and drink. Extra drink, then she''s going to disappear until tomorrow morning.


    We pass through the common room which is also a kitchen and into the bedroom, which has a fairly large bed, and also seems to function as an office and has a desk with a lot of paper and other things on. Alith quickly looks around for dangers, including under the bed, but then stands at the door.


    "Alith, shouldn''t you guard outside the room?" I say meaningfully.


    "I can''t protect Sir if I''m out there. I won''t see if anything is about to happen, or there is a threat through the windows."


    Uh-hum. Said with a neutral controlled face. A lot of logic in that but nothing like that was said when we got privacy for the meeting in the cabin. It feels like someone has a voyeuristic vein and have learned from Iselin''s way of getting her will through. I have no such vein, but Liv has started kissing my neck and already snuck both hands under my shirt, and before I came up with a clever answer, Liv has managed to get my waistband buckled up and my pants have ended up on the floor. I give up on coming up with something ingenious, and focus on not losing my balance when I''m gently but determinedly taken towards to bed. Damn, she''s enthusiastic and motivated, and Liv''s hungry look has made my cylinders revving hard, and I drag her down with me.


    <hr>


    It''s a nice hour with Liv, and the whole time I only use my hands, fingers, lips and tongue to get her to orgasm a couple of times, and she me once. I''m happy it''s only been oral so far, and feel quite satisfying that I shocked Liv and Alith when I methodically worked my way down and finally went down on Liv who absolutely did not complain. It just feels so wrong that Alith is in there with us, watching from a corner, which, however, made me try to focus on Liv more.


    I''m sweaty and enjoying life with Liv in my arms, when Liv praises me:


    "Do all Midg?rd men do that with their mouths and fingers, or just Sejdmann?"


    Good guess from Liv, but Alith''s shocked inhalation and face makes us both realise that she probably didn''t know that I''m a human, and when I think about it, I''ve never told them. But they''ve only been in my service for three days, and I just recently told Iselin. So I confirm:


    "Yes Alith, I''m human from Midg?rd. When the sky was colored a couple of weeks ago? That''s when I came here to Alfheimr with Bifrost." Since it doesn''t directly matter, I can answer Liv''s question. "There are many cultures and different norms in Midg?rd, and some are very strict - stricter than here - while others like where I come from are more flexible and for example same-sex marriage is legal. No matter what the law and culture says, about one of forty people are what we call homosexual, ie want a partner of the same sex, and a similar amount are bisexual and like partners of both sexes. Then there is an equal amount as both together who can sometimes imagine a partner of the same sex, but primarily prefer the opposite sex. So it''s about about one of ten to one in twenty humans in the regions where it is illegal and strict, who can''t live the life they want. I myself am what we call heterosexual, I''m only interested in partners of the opposite sex - women."


    Liv go on a tangent with an interesting monologue about how the law and men here are just focused on penetrating with their penis, and would never use their mouth the way I just did, and many wouldn''t even use their fingers between a woman''s legs. Liv helps me understand how man-woman sex in general is here, and it is an interesting consequence of the self-image of what is a man and a woman, and how it affects the sex life. A man penetrates and is of course not in a submissive position as a woman. Sex is always a man having sex with a woman, never the other way around. Most men and women will not even see sex between women as actual sex, because neither of them is a man. Sex is a man who uses his manhood to penetrate a woman. Period.


    So a man can get oral sex regardless of the givers gender, and is male regardless of where or who he penetrates, but giving oral sex doesn''t exist as an option in most men''s brains. Because even to a woman, it''s to kneel or lie in front of a woman and give satisfaction without penetration, or use the tongue where you yourself or another man has penetrated before.


    A hand job is on the edge, because the man has been ''cheated'' on a penetration, but can be given or received with married women as it''s not legally a penetration of her body. Even if the married woman''s husband often doesn''t ''appreciate'' it, it''s usually just angry words, mostly against the woman who indicated she had wanted to be penetrated by the man, and being married is the only thing that stops it.


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    Liv confirms a suspicion that when Lova took the initiative and gave me a hand job in the bath, it was a way for Lova to say that she wanted us to have sex and I should penetrate her. Apparently I have misunderstood the scale, because it''s enough for a woman to caress a man''s leg or body near the penis for it to be an invitation to sex, and that she touched my penis was a wish that I would ''take her'' there in the bathroom - which I didn''t understand - and when I let her continue, I gave her an invitation to come to my bed, so I could ''take her'' all night. I definitely gave her mixed signals when I sent her out of the room, and Astrid gave me the same invitation the next day.


    Some women apparently have dildos to satisfy themselves, usually of carved wood or bone, but a man would never use any form of dildo to satisfy a woman, or allow it to be used at the same time, because it would be acknowledging he needs a replacement for his manhood and that he can''t satisfy a woman without help. Telling a man that he does - or need to use a dildo - would be a terrible insult. Blood will be spilled.


    So a woman here can''t even suggest the use of dildos, to receive oral sex or the like, for men will take it as a deep insult to their masculinity, which can have major consequences with duels, feuds and other things. So the possibility doesn''t exist in most women''s brains either except possibly as a very sinful impossible fantasy. Several women would probably look down on a man who does it. The exception might be a Sejdmann, since it''s just a too special status, and a man dedicated to Freya''s aspects is just an unknown factor in their culture. Men have Odin or Thor as their primary role models, not Freya.


    So for a dominant gay man, it somewhat works here, while a purely equal sexual relationship between gay men is impossible, and if it comes out, their reputations are ruined and they become social pariah. However, a lesbian woman doesn''t seem to have problem with sexual intercourse and lifestyle, if she finds a woman who agrees to it. She can use dildos and both give and receive oral sex, especially if she keep it discreet. As long as she doesn''t expect to get married, or most likely have to endure having sex with a man because it''s the family that decides marriage.


    I can imagine that bisexual married women have the easiest and most varied sex life if they have their own homosexual or bisexual female ''maid'', which her husband and their marriage wouldn''t be threatened by. Society simply wouldn''t care.


    I use the opportunity to see how women here react to my opinions, so I say that I consider the attitude here, especially among men, to be idiotic. There opinions are only restrictions on how enjoyable sex can be, especially for women, so why limit yourself in that way? How boring doesn''t sex have to be here, if the only thing men do is penetration in a few positions, and especially in missionary positions or from behind? Why don''t men instead see it as penetrating the woman in several ways at the same time?


    I guarantee there are women here who have tried dildos in secret and like it, so why remove everything when a man comes into the picture? It must make sex quite boring and monotonous, especially if there are two women in bed with the same man. I know that both Iselin and Disa loved to sit on my face and have oral sex while I lay on my back so the other could ride me, and we all played with our hands on each other''s bodies and breasts, and that was far from the only interesting combination we tried and none of them complained about anything. Iselin seem to really love riding me and getting oral sex.


    It''s completely silent when I stop talking and both Liv and Alith have blue screened. Syntax error; does not compute. Liv stammers out that it would absolutely be humiliating for an ordinary man here, but I''ve already done that to her and the others, so I guess I''m pretty much alone in doing it, and getting away with it. Yay for me.


    It''s quiet for a few minutes before there is a knock on the door and a voice says that the food is ready, and that she will spend the night with her parents and return tomorrow.


    Liv asks us to go out and eat and that she will soon join us, so I put on my underwear and after I have washed myself off in a prepared bowl, I sit down at the table. It''s a really good meal with fish, vegetables and fruit, with both mead, wine and some type of apple cider that I prefer to drink. I just take small samples, waiting for Liv, but the meal quickly becomes different when Liv a few minutes later come out and sits on my lap, completely naked, and begins to feed me with her fingers and mouth, while she seductively looks me in the eyes and plays with her hands in my hair and beard.


    After the first distraction with justified reaction she likes, I can feel something hard pressing against the edge of my leg, and when I let my hand explore it I discover what feels and sounds like wood with something sticky on.... she has plug in the ass, and her smile has become diabolical. Ah. Unexpected. I guess she''s trying to take advantage of my liberal attitude. Game On.


    The meal turns into something else and during the next hour, food is used in many interesting ways, and apparently there is a use of something I think is olive or rapeseed oil or something, although it smells of something else as well, and Liv has a surprising collection of wooden sex toys, although she likes vegetables too. We return to bed and notice that Alith is finding it harder and harder to act as a guard, which both Liv and I find a bit of humour in, but it''s not unexpected. I really wouldn''t want to guard something like this. It would be so embarrassing.


    <hr>


    A while later, Liv whispers that she needs to visit the toilet, and that she will wash herself properly and intimately so we can continue in the back without worry and protection. Our break causes us to see Alith standing leaning against the wall, eyes closed, sweating and red in the face with one hand massaging her breasts under her shirt and the other hand inside her pants and a wet spot along the inside of her legs. Her shield and spear leaned against the wall in the corner, and forgotten. Alith gets so embarrassed when she sees us looking at her, and she quickly pulls away her hands which she doesn''t really know what to do with, but hides behind her back while locking her eyes on the roof.


    Liv smiles devilishly as she passes by and says; "Robert, I don''t mind if Alith join us, and she seems to need to experience your head between her legs." Then she closes the door.


    I don''t know how bad an idea it is to have sex with Alith, just that it is bad, but Alith''s look makes it clear that she doesn''t care about ''tomorrow'', and neither do I, so for lack of something else I just say; "Alith, you''re free from guard duty until we leave the house."

 Sailing to Borgarsandr, day 13, Jarl Skiringe

    Sailing to Borgarsandr, day 13


    Skiringsalr (Larvik)


    I feel movement and hands but my brain hasn''t started yet. I quickly wake up when Liv''s lowering herself on to me, and I see her weakly blue toned blonde hair that''s covering her back, swinging in sync with her rhythmic movements. Nice awakening, clearly number two, but doesn''t beat Iselin''s speciality. Liv works methodically to satisfy us, and after just enjoying the feeling and the view, I help her with one hand on her breast and one between her legs, and it doesn''t take long before she jerks several times and I can''t hold back any longer.


    Liv just leans back and lies on top of me, and I let my hands wander and feel her beautiful body while I kiss her neck and shoulder for a while, but she''s not satisfied with just that and gracefully slides down next to me and we share kisses and just lay there for a while. It''s been one hell of an afternoon and night, in many ways.


    After I have now seen and experienced Lova, Astrid, Iselin, Disa, Liv and Alith naked, I''m pretty sure that at least the nordic elf women completely lack bodyhair except for the head and eyebrows. Not even small thin hairs on the rest of the body and I don''t complain, because it makes the act nicer when hair doesn''t get stuck in teeth and on the tongue. I''m quite surprised that they don''t whine that I have bodyhair everywhere, but instead give me compliments, but I should probably cut it down a little even if they mostly seem to like the feeling.


    Liv ends my thoughts when she drags me out to the kitchen and breakfast. Alith is doing breakfast and seems to be sacrificing herself to test that everything is safe to eat for me. She is dressed and normal, but smiles a little that Liv and I are naked. Alith seemed to have decision anguish about how far we would take it yesterday, so I suggested we limit it to just oral sex with hands and toys, and that was enough, and her views on sex seem to have been broadened. Alith was a pretty nice sex partner, and her body is quite muscular and sexy. Alith''s big breasts with their rings were an interesting experience, and there''s a chance that Liv gets her own rings after Alith''s enthusiastic sales pitch and description, even though I''m a bit ambivalent as I''m afraid piercings will get caught in blankets and other things during the act.


    Piercing is definitely not something I''m personally interested in, and the same with tattoos, but it''s for her own sake that she has piercings - she likes the look and feel, and others opinion doesn''t matter. Your own body is the most personal thing you have, and you have the right to do as you please with your body. But you also need to live with how others perceive you as a person due to choices you''ve made. If you choose to pierce, tattoo or do bodymods, it''s your choice, but you can''t demand that I won''t judge your choice, positive or negative, because in the end, your choices say a lot about you as a person. Smear yourself in poop or smell like hell, and most people who have been loud about their right to not be judged for their choices, without thinking about it, will already have condemn you. We''re all hypocrites.


    When I sit there to eat, a thought from last night comes up again, because I think there was something in that food yesterday, as it sure as hell wasn''t as usual. It''s not normal to be so stiff, so easily, for so many hours. It''s a quiet but nice breakfast, and Liv admits that the first food she fed and shared with me was ''spiced'', but says that she gave us a really low dosage so that it hardly should have been noticed, more as a stimulation, but I guess that I as a human react a little differently to the drug. I really don''t appreciate being drugged, and I let her know because it''s serious, which she complete accept responsibility for and really apologize.


    But, well... too late to do anything about it now, and she didn''t mean to really drug me. Intent is important. And Liv is so obviously happy and satisfied with everything in life, and all that''s missing is that she would get up from my lap, and start dancing and humming ''walking on sunshine''. It was nice to be so virile, but I don''t intend to do it in the future. Both because I don''t like any kind of ''party'' drugs - which include alcohol - and because I don''t trust it''s side effects. But; accept reality, learn and move on.


    "For there IUD, there is a type of fishbone that is a bit flexible, and it can also be made softer with sejd so it stays that way for many many years. With a little testing and different construction design it should be able to work as Sir wants. Getting the placement right will be harder. If the described little thing works as you said, Sir doesn''t have to worry about how it will be spread. Sejdwomen and women who want to get it, will travel far to get this knowledge and get it in place. It won''t be more than a couple of years before the knowledge is spread to Fj?lkunniga in all the regions. If it can be completed in sufficient quantity and tested before the autumn equinox, there is a larger gathering held at Tosra''s standing stones each autumn. A large island a few days sailing south of here. There will be richer people, but also a handful of Sejdwomen. It will be the most appropriate way to spread both the knowledge and sejd in the near future. If Sir helps me with some detailed information on the design and manufacture, I can make sure that I have made many, and hopefully started using them on women here. I promise to follow the guidelines Sir told me and make all the implements."


    "Sir? What happened to Robert I heard you practicing last night?"


    Liv just smiles and gives me a sensual kiss before continuing with her head against mine.


    "It''s a well-deserved title, and Sejdmann has never been so fitting. I would love if you could stay here so we could make it more permanent, one way or another, but it''s clear that your journey isn''t over, and your path in life is sadly different from mine."


    I eat in silence while I think about what she said. Did Liv just offer to be my mistress, concubine or wife?


    <hr>


    After breakfast we return to the ship, but Liv was kind enough to give me a small jar of ''spice'' and rules about the right dosage in relation to what we took yesterday, and talked about the consequences of a too large dose. I gave her more information and about keeping the manufacturing and placement sterile. After Liv, Alith seems to be most satisfied with the previous day. In addition to a pleasant time with expanded views, she seems to appreciate Liv''s opinions on how children are most effectively avoided, and during the breaks for recovery, Liv educated Alith in the value of appropriate toys, hygiene and the use of oil with additives. I may have used ''study'' as a little joke in Kambsnes, but I''ve also broadened my views considerably and learned a lot about sex and social norms. A lot of new experiences, and experiences I wouldn''t mind practicing.


    When we get back to the ship, Ciara is embroidering and sitting on the bench outside the cabins, with Bodil sitting next to her and watching. Iselin says that the food supply needs to be replenished, and she asks if Alith wants to join her, which Alith is very quick to say ''Of course'' to, when I signal that I don''t mind. So I give Iselin 8 ounces of silver as a budget so she can handle buying food and other things on our behalf, and to let me know when it runs out. I just whisperingly remind Iselin that she shouldn''t buy more slaves, even if it was good that she bought Ciara.


    Iselin and Alith leave while I wash myself. I ask Toke when we''re supposed to sail but it will be another day and since a good deal showed up and Danr has taken a trip into the countryside. I don''t mind waiting here another day - it''s a city, the weather is nice and warm, and I''d like to go to the bathhouse I guess they have here. But I choose to relax a bit first and just be happy with life. That was a hell of an afternoon, evening, night and morning.


    <hr>


    Iselin and Alith return a little more than an hour later with a lot of food, and a leather strap over their shoulders where some earthenware bottles hang, and on my curious look I get the answer: "I bought some ginger, lingonberry and apple cider which I know you appreciate." True, but I think I see a vessel of the same type Liv had, and that Alith goes into her cabin with another. Maybe more who learned something last night and have spread it further.


    Just an hour later, a guard shows up and greet me. If I want to, I''ve been invited to meet Jarl Myrun Skiringe, who apparently is a famous Jarl, and I get a little worried as Iselin whispers she is a female Jarl. But I just say yes, so after bringing a North Arrow, I''m guided there by the guard, with Iselin and Bodil as company as it is Alith''s turn to stay on the ship and guard my stuff. Shit, that actually include Ciara. Crap.


    I wonder if Bodil knows what Alith did last night. I focused on Liv, but Alith''s sexy curvy body is hard to forget. I just have to make sure it doesn''t affect our professional relationship.


    If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    <hr>


    Jarl Skiringe is a woman about the same age as Liv who took over the Jarl title after her husband, and no one would be surprised if she always were the power behind the throne when he was alive, given what my company says about her. Jarl Myrun Skiringe is a famous name with a lot of respect as a sharp, skilled businesswoman, good Jarl and rich and powerful. One of the most powerful and respected women in the lands. Which means this is a high stakes meeting.


    I take the opportunity to present my company and free woman Iselin Vigdisdotter, which I see that both Iselin and Jarl Skiringe understand the meaning of. Fj?lkunniga Liv has told her that I''m a man worth meeting and getting in touch with, while a maid presents a chair at an angle to her own throne and she signals that I''m welcome to sit down. That feels like quite the respectful gesture towards me - more meeting an equal than a subject.


    In addition to that, Jarl Skiringe has heard about the mysterious Sejdmann Arnesson who''s behind the strange vest that makes people float, and the hammock that seems to be a revolution for seafarers on larger ships. She''s simply heard about me from several directions and she became curious. As a Jarl, it is wise to stay informed and meet people who make themselves known, especially if they are in her city, and a Sejdmann is something new.


    Even if it isn''t sejd, she says that it is a respectable act to think about seafarers and their lives and freely give away such knowledge. I''m not surprised when Jarl Skiringe tells me that she owns several boats that are away on trade voyages, and some of those in the port are hers. She have her own piers, marked with her banner. She hopes to get a demonstration of a North Arrow, even though she doesn''t intend to buy one herself.


    I easily fulfill her wish and she gets to try the arrow, and she is clearly impressed. She impress me when she says it would be really useful if it could be hung in front of the rudder all the time. I can only smile, partly for her quick insight into how it can be used, but also because I myself have the same thoughts, but I want to make a better ships compass with a compass rose. Keeping an exact heading is important.


    "I don''t want to reveal all my plans right now, but hopefully Jarl Skiringe will hear about an Academy that opens in a year or two."


    "An Academy? What is that?"


    "It''s a place to learn things, to gather and share knowledge in many areas, and one of those things is improved navigation technology, and another is safer and faster ships and ways to improve trade. It will hopefully also be a place that makes the technology needed for this and maybe some luxury items as well. Time will tell."


    "Technology?"


    "Technology is the knowledge and of tools, crafts or systems. Simply the ability to make something advanced and the knowledge of how to do it. If you want to make a sword - the knowledge, forge and tools are the ''Technology'' required for the sword to be made. I hope to be able to make a place where technology is raised so much, that a lot of interesting and useful things can be created."


    Jarl Skiringe sits still on her throne and just looks at me. She definitly has a calculating mind. After a few moment she responds;


    "This Academy sounds interesting. Could Sejdmann Arnesson imagine creating this Academy here? Wouldn''t a large town that is already an important trading center be suitable for such an Academy? I have plenty of land and silver for it, and offer my influence to help. A strong contact between the lord of the Academy and the local Jarl would also be an advantage for both."


    It''s one hell of an offer, but I feel a bit worried about her involvement, and I don''t want to decide right now.


    "It is a very generous and attractive offer which I right now unfortunately have to turn down as my journey isn''t over, but I may return in the future, and we can talk then if the offer still stands."


    She takes my decline graciously, even though I guess she''s a little disappointed, though not surprised. I just hope she isn''t the kind of person who won''t accept ''no'' as an answer.


    "I thank you for accepting my invitation and being so kind and accommodating. As Jarl, it is my opportunity and pleasant duty to reward people for good deeds in my region, and what Sejdmann Arnesson has done so far deserves a reward.


    A short distance to the east there is a large bay on the coast with a larger island. On the mainland inland from the island, there is a farm that has a few mantal arable land and forest. This farm, and the other farms in the area, are owned by me, but this farm has no one living there, but the tenants on adjoining farms pay me to use it''s land and pastures. I give this farm and land to you, Sejdmann Robert Arnesson, with associated voting, hunting and fishing rights. Even if Sejdmann doesn''t wish to live there or use the land himself, it is a point to return to, and gives income in animals and goods and of course the right to participate in the Ting. I wish Sejdmann Arnesson good luck with his Academy, but at the same time hope that Sejdmann will accept my offer to build the Academy nearby. If Sejdmann Arnesson has time, I can ride with him and show his new land this afternoon. It''s a short ride even at a slow pace, and it''s a nice day to enjoy nature and the weather."


    I can''t help but smile at how cunning Jarl Skiringe is. The farm and the land are of course bait to try to get me to settle here, and by saying she owns all the land as well as what is leased by others, I find out how much more land an Academy might get or how rich she is. I really don''t know if I want to bind myself here, since a cunning powerful Jarl is both better and worse than a fool. It is a really valuable gift, and I can sell or give it away in the future if I should find a more suitable place, but it is inappropriate and can be taken as an insult by her. So, better to keep the farm and let others use the farm on my behalf, and live of it''s income. But then I have to visit to collect that income. By giving the farm to me, she has already binded a small part of me here. She''s damn cunning.


    "I thank Jarl Skiringe for the very gracious gift, and would appreciate being shown, but I''m unfortunately an inexperienced rider so it will be a slow ride."


    "Then it is decided. I will have two horses saddled for Sejdman and your guard. We will leave when you return from the ship, and I will have them prepare lighter food to eat so Sejdmann has plenty of time to examine his farm."


    I thank her and we leave. I can''t help noticing that neither Iselin or Ciara was offered horses and I doubt it''s because Jarl Skiringe lacks horses. So apparently she wants the two of us alone and with few guards when we visit the farm. I should probably prepare myself for a charm offensive, or maybe more. If she knows Liv, I''ll probably have to be careful about what I eat.


    An ambitious, cunning, powerful and female Jarl with an agenda is definitely dangerous, and she have home world advantage too. I really hope she isn''t ruthless, since I might be fucked.


    Literally.


    In several - and some very unpleasant - different meanings.


    <hr>


    On the way back to the ship, Iselin is a bit absentminded and after a while she cautiously asks if I really shouldn''t accept the proposal to build the Academy here. This city is so much bigger and better than Kambsnes and Jarl Skiringe have much more power, land and wealth. Jarl Skiringe seems to be a much better Jarl than Steinnes. Iselin seems a little worried when she also points out that Jarl Skiringe wouldn''t mind having a more intimate and sexual contact with me, and staying here would make the same possible with Liv. I really didn''t get that from Jarl Skiringe, but Bodil seem to agree so I guess I missed some nuances in that she said. It also seems that Alith told Iselin about Liv''s offer.


    We walk in silence and I start to wonder if Iselin is afraid that I will accept Skiringe''s proposal, and maybe in the future marry Liv or Jarl Skiringe, and push her aside. Most men from here probably wouldn''t hesitate, and would likely do everything they could to make it so, especially Jarl Skiringe. I don''t think she would be interested in marrying me, since I don''t have any real wealth or power. But then again, Skiringe seem have that in spades, and would continue being the Jarl, and also the ruler of our home since women here are. She might just see me as a possibly valuable concubine or something. That actually sort of makes sense with what I understand of this world.


    Marriage here is for alliances, not for love. Jarl Skiringe have to be real careful to marry someone fitting her status, and few would be able to pay her ''bride price''. But even though she would retain her Jarl title and property in marrige, it would be tricky being married. But a male concubine binds that man to her, and she retain every benefit, including raised status if she have a desirable and powerful man as concubine. Like say the master of a nearby Academy which both increase her reputation for having that Academy here, and that she has it''s master as her concubine. Crap. I really don''t want that.


    Even marrige to her might be a really nice offer and possible future, in many ways, but with big downsides and I would prefer to not lock myself so tightly to a person of power and then get involved in their intrigues etc, and I am not interested in such a relationship right now. I really need to learn more about the world first. Even without any kind of intimate relationship with Jarl Skiringe, there''s also problems with neutrality and if Jarl Skiringe''s influence is used too much to create the Academy, and the Academies trade goes through her city and ships, she would probably have too much to say when it comes to direction etc.


    And honestly, I don''t feel any attraction to either Jarl Skiringe nor Liv. Even though Liv''s sexy and really good in bed, I have no feelings for them no matter how much influence, power or wealth they have. I''m starting to get feelings for Iselin that I think are answered, and I don''t want to hurt her feelings, which is a clear proof of my feelings for her.


    So I give Iselin a hug and whisper that I don''t care about Jarl Skiringe''s power and riches or about Liv. Have no feelings for them, and Iselin is more important to me than the two of them. Iselin walks straight backed, proud and happy the rest of the way, and her happiness warms my heart. We just make a detour on the way to buy some paper. Some large sheets that can be divided, but quite good quality and evenness. Actually impressively good paper.


    Back on the ship, I pack down the North Arrow, fill one of my water bottles and put it in my shoulder bag, and take the paper, two ink pens, a pencil and the compact camera. I quickly sketches the described area from the cell phone''s Norway map of about A3 size so I can see and mark where borders go and if streams and lakes exist etc. I wash myself of and change my shirt. I ask Ciara to wash the other while I''m away. Alith accompanies me this time, and she seems to look forward to the afternoon more than I do, but at the same time something seems to grind in her head and Alith''s sometimes a little distracted. I really hope it wasn''t a huge mistake that we where intimate yesterday. I like Alith and Bodil, and even though it''s only been a few days, I usually feel comfortable with their presence.

 Sailing to Borgarsandr, day 13, Alith

    <hr><hr>


    When they came back from the meeting with Jarl Skiringe, Bodil told me that Sir had received a farm as a gift from Jarl Skiringe a bit east along the coast, and the Jarl Skiringe would show it to Sir in the afternoon, and it definitely was my turn to watch Sir again. At first I didn''t understand what Bodil meant, but the look she gave me quickly made it clear what would surely happen on that farm. It made me smile, because Bodil doesn''t understand how to appreciate such guard duty.


    I''m definitely pleased with last night and the enormous surprises, and I don''t know if the biggest is that Sir is a human from Midg?rd, or that he likes to give absolutely amazing sex in a way men here will never do. As Liv said, Sejdmann fits, because sex with him is like having both a man and a woman and more. No woman will be prepared for that. I wasn''t, and I have guarded several times before while Sir or Madam had sex without any problems, and that was before he really focused on Liv''s pleasure and uses wooden things during sex. I want to regret that evening, but I can''t. I almost regret that I didn''t go further, but I worry about how Sir will look at me from now on. How will my service change? Will he expect me to accompany him to bed regularly just like Ciara? Will I be able to say no, knowing how much Liv enjoyed it? How much I enjoy it? Best to avoid thinking about that experience, because it''s a dangerous path for a shieldmaiden to start walking with her master, and I have sworn an oath for two years.


    My thoughts won''t to stop grinding, but I try to focus on my guard duty while we go up to the fortress, take the boat across the river and ride. Trying to show myself worthy of my Sir who in many ways are more powerful than we thought, and it strikes me hard that Sir is even more powerful than that. Sir came here from Midg?rd with Bifrost. He came here via his own sejd, and never in my life have I seen such strong sejd before, never heard of it so strongly except in Sagas. Everyone knows something special happened that day, just not what, and people have been wildly speculating. Who can guess that the man in front of me - who is embarrassingly enough a bad rider and obviously unaccustomed to horses - is the one who caused it. He could be any wealthy man.


    Sir explains that where he comes from, carriages are apparently more comfortable and more practical than horses and most don''t ride, which says a lot about the roads and carriages they must have there. In Midg?rd. Great Oden, it''s a hell of a thing to think about. That is why he''s so incredibly hairy. Humans are supposed to be hairy. But Sir is anything but primitive, and Midg?rd must be the same if they have impressive roads everywhere. How else would carriages get around and be better?


    Bodil told me about our Sir''s plan; to create an Academy that gathers and teaches knowledge and create fantastic things that have never been seen before. We''ve seen his knife, and I doubt its like exists in this world. What sejd can a make a knife blade stay so mirror perfect, shiny and nice, without the slightest rust or discoloration? Sir doesn''t polish or care for the blade other than wiping it of; he just expects it to be clean and shiny and it''s obviously a tool in his eyes. Not a status symbol. Just the grip and sheath is like nothing we''ve seen.


    I''m proud to guard such a powerful Sir, and with his rising reputation and power I too will become known. Both me and Bodil have already been introduced to Jarl Skiringe. Perhaps then I can accompany ships on long voyages or raids. Freya really blessed us when we went down to the harbor, and we happened to see Hagan floating in the water. Bodil wanted to see and test the vest, but didn''t want to go forth to Sejdmann Arnesson by herself.


    Iselin''s subtle remark was prophetic:


    Eventually, warriors will look past Sir''s Sejdmann title and understand how good, kind and easy a Sir he is to serve, but the first who are smart enough to seek guard duty, will have adventures and experiences worthy of a Saga.


    Her compliments and jealous looks on my breasts made me a little worried that Sir would be attracted to my breasts, but his discomfort there on the beach calmed me down, and we really needed the service. Our conversations and even what kind of sex we would have, have calmed that anxiety, and it was probably just real envy from Iselin. Yeah, her talk later should have confirmed that. She do envy my breasts.


    It is a really nice farm of the type I can only wish to own in many years, on 5 mantal fine arable land divided into a few fields with a nice view down over the bay, with a lot of forest over rocky hills and cliffs all the way down to the sea to the south. It even has a small lake up among the hills. Jarl Skiringe certainly knows how to give a valuable gift, and she have pointing out all the other farms she owns in the vicinity. She seems to own all the land we have ridden over since we crossed the river.


    We all looked attentively and surprised when Sir took up an already prepared map of the area and was shown what the boundaries are and he carefully filled in where the stream went, and marked the farm and other things. I''ve heard about maps but it was the first time I saw one, and Jarl Skiringe was really surprised that Sir produced a map just like that, when she herself, doesn''t have one. Just another impressive proof of Sir''s sejd, to be able to see a distant place and draw it before we came here. The little sejd quill he wrote with is like nothing I have ever seen, and is probably just another proof of Midg?rd''s fantastic craftsmanship and sejd, not to mention the little fabric covered box that he says helps him remember exactly what it looks like. I just have to accepting that Sir has so much more secrets than we can guess. It''s depressing to realise that it is we Elves here in Alfheimr who are the primitive ones, not the Humans.


    Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.


    It will be an interesting service in many ways, and it''s already an adventure with experiences worthy of a Saga. Our Sir is from another world. Bodil is so looking forward to seeing Sir''s craftsmanship, and what fantastic things he will created. If I know her right, she will probably want to contribute in some small way. We really have different dreams, but Freya listened to our prayers for a good Sir and adventure, and really managed to fulfill them all. We have to buy some animal to sacrifice to Freya.


    The farm has two nice Longhouses at an angle, and they''re in good condition, especially considering no one lives here and the main house has a nice view down over the large bay and the island. Someone has cleaned it, and prepared for our arrival. It is hard to stay neutral after I saw how the bed had been prepared with several large blankets and pillows. Jarl Skiringe have definitely listened to Liv, and made plans accordingly. But then again, she have to be careful about men in her life. Sir is an exception that only a fool would pass by. Jarl Skiringe is a lot of things, but not a fool. It will be fun to see how Jarl Myrun Skiringe reacts after an afternoon with my Sir.


    I do my duty and guard, but this time outside together with Jarl Skiringe''s shieldmaidens. Me and Sir agree on that. I''ve learned that lesson, and it feels good that Sir suggested it, and Skiringe also sent out her shieldmaidens. The two shieldmaidens are apparently not used to this, and Jarl Skiringe is certainly very careful which men she goes to bed with and when, but a Sejdmann is a Sejdmann, and I wonder what Liv said. The two shieldmaidens are so embarrassed and uncomfortable about the muffled sounds we hear. We only hear Jarl Skiringe, but I can imagine that Sir keeps his mouth and tongue busy and his nimble fingers wander and feel her out. Hard to let go of thoughts of that wonderful tongue, lips and fingers. His eyes looking into mine. The beard that tickles. Our tongues that taste each other while his fingers play with my fingers, breasts and between my legs, and the feeling of his mouth around my rings where his tongue plays in sync with his fingers.


    GAAHH!


    Just standing here listening and pretending like nothing is so difficult, because I know enough about what Skiringe experiences, and my body knows it too. That memory is far too fresh, and I can feel how moist and ready I''m. How the HEL will I be able to continue to be Sir''s guard if I become like this every time? Even if I wanted to leave this duty to Bodil - I can''t. Apart from the fact that she will be more embarrassed than my company out here is, I can''t expose her to this. It''s better if I continue and have to live with the consequences. Learn from my arrogance. It will lead to more sex, and more intimate sex with Robert sooner or later, because I doubt I will be able to say no, especially if he smiles his sexy smile.


    A strained and controlled voice interrupts my thoughts when one of them comes closer, coughs and says:


    "Does guard duty for Sejdmann Arnesson usually involve things like this?"


    I can''t help but tease them and increase Sir''s reputation by saying nonchalantly, and quite honestly;


    "This isn''t special. Yesterday afternoon until this morning, Sir had sex with a woman for half a day, and she was sad that he didn''t want a wife or concubine right now. In Sir''s cabin sleeps his two happy and beautiful young maids who complains that Sir doesn''t want sex more often. Sejdmann Robert Arnesson is a true Sejdmann, and it''s not only incredibly powerful sejd that Freya blessed him with. Sir not only has strong enough beard growth that Sir needs to cut it twice per week, you should see him without his shirt on, for Sir''s whole body are covered by thin fine hair. Right now Jarl Skiringe experiences fantastic sex in a way she never even dreamed of before. It wouldn''t surprise me if Jarl Skiringe will rethink her life goals before we returned to Skiringsalr."


    The shieldmaidens just look at each other before trying to stare out at the surroundings, when we hear a female moan of pure pleasure flowing out through the walls.


    <hr>


    It was quite a long time before we left the farm. Jarl Skiringe is so content and happy when we slowly ride across the fields and through the forest. I just love the faces her shieldmaidens get, when we hear their Jarl wish that she hopes Sejdmann Arnesson will visits his farm again soon, and that she will pray to Freya to protect him on his journey, but hopes that Freya do so that his journey returns here. There are plenty of discreet hints that Jarl Skiringe wishes to have a much closer contact in the future, and when she starts talking about family and children, it''s clear she has started probing for a possible future relationship between them, while Sir''s only friendly and polite.


    I used the time when we guarded to try to think of a solution to my own problem, and only found a half bad one. Sooner or later I won''t be able to resist feeling Robert take me, and if it has happened once, it will happen again. Liv and Skiringe''s reaction proves that, and I''m beginning to understand Iselin''s frustration and dreams. I can only hope that Robert is a better man and Sir than he already is, so that I can continue as his guard instead of becoming something else. So it''s better that we have some what controlled sex, when there isn''t enough time to disappear in lust and he can''t treat me like a lover, in a way that doesn''t risk me having children. I can''t become pregnant with Robert''s child.


    Hopefully in the future I can get that sejd thing he''s doing with Liv, but until then there are other ways, but I should have bought a condom from Liv. Robert needs a loyal skilled guard, not a pregnant shieldmaiden who is a burden and a shame. It would also shatter my dreams of a good reputation, adventure and raids across the seas, and I might be forced to return home as a disappointment and burden to my parents.


    Freya! Please, hear my desperate silent wish. I''m trying to be brave, bold and loyal - as a shieldmaiden should be. It might not be combat, but you''re the Goddess of Love and Sexuality too. Please grant my wish!

 Sailing to Borgarsandr, day 13, Spa

    It''s early evening when we get back to the ship, and I just eat a little and drink water to relax in the cabin, think about the future and think of a plan. It''s so nice that most of the sailors got a day of when Danr is away, and it''s almost empty here on the ship. All except one are in a feast hall further down the harbor, and we can hear it from here. I''m pleased that I don''t have to visit it.


    It was a nice farm with maybe 0.4 x 1km of land, with a lot of wooded hills and cliffs. It could be a good place for the Academy, probably up among the hills by the lake with a view to the sea so that the farm can be used as is and be used for education. Sadly no good place for a waterwheel. Jarl Skiringe is a woman who knew what she wanted, and she was very straight forward and open when we were alone. It was just no strings attached pure sex. Not even a hint about any kind of agenda except wanting to have really good sex, and Liv had obviously told her what I like to do and how.


    I seem to have fulfilled her desires, maybe a little too good. Even I noticed her references and topics of conversation, and it would probably be a good future in a year or two given the world I''m in, but I''m not keen on marriage or children, although Jarl Skiringe certainly is an incredibly desirable wife. If I got to know her more socially and who she really is, it might be tempting, but I care more about Iselin, and I don''t think I''m ready to have a 10 year old stepdaughter and a 17 year old stepson. Skiringe didn''t seem to have anything against more children, but I don''t even know if I can have a health child with an Elf.


    I also don''t know how to handle so much sex in such a short time, with such willing partners. I need to take it easy, otherwise I''m going to die in a couple of years. Iselin comes in and seems quite pleased as she rest on her bed, but Alith has probably informed her that I have avoided Skiringe''s approaches. Ciara is out on deck somewhere with Alith and Bodil.


    <hr><hr>


    Ciara finishes embroidering Iselin''s bag and looks at her craft. Shades of blue, green and red frame Iselin''s rune name. The runes are made exactly according to how Iselin wrote them, and it''s so easy to copy since it''s just straight lines. The colors match Iselin''s red hair, green eyes and that blue dress she usually wears. It''s a pity Ciara has nothing new to embroider. It was nice to have something to do, something to focus on. Bodil wondered if she doesn''t get tired of embroidering, sitting hour after hour and just doing nice detail work, but Ciara appreciates it and likes to just complete it. It''s ... satisfying, when you finish and look at it. To feel a job well done without small mistakes or carelessness and it makes time go by. Bodil understood that. She also likes doing crafts, just not sewing or embroidering.


    Apparently it was a good and educational night for Robert and also for Alith. In several ways. Ciara is happy that another couple of women understand how to appreciate Robert - there are so many who are living in the dark. Jarl Skiringe has apparently seen the light and it''s good that Robert now owns land here, and Ciara wouldn''t mind staying here and serving Robert even if they get married.


    Robert.


    Ciara wish that she could use Robert''s name in address just as Iselin can, but she hasn''t deserved it yet. Robert''s name is such a clear sign from the Gods, that the realisation struck Ciara like lightning when Iselin jokingly said that it sounds like someone combined the word for a person with glory, with the word for light. Such a terribly fitting description of her master, as one last piece of the puzzle for her future. Robert.


    It''s hard to hear exactly what Bodil and Alith are saying when birds or wind sometimes hide their words, and they use words she don''t understand, but she understands that Robert isn''t an Elf but a man from heaven, a better place than here, an angel sent by the Gods here in the north, that saved her on his divine goal of trying to make the world a better place for all. Teach knowledge, gather scholars and make everything better. A noble goal.


    Bodil''s angry with Alith that she went to bed with their Sir, and has several times discreetly admonished Alith, but Alith thinks there was no real sex between them - he never penetrated her but it was absolutely wonderful. Ciara doesn''t doubt Alith''s words, but becomes curious how Robert can give good sex even dressed. It''s the first time Alith has been with a Sir in any way, and that experience was worth Bodil''s annoyance, and the more she thinks about it, the more confident Alith becomes that she would actually do it again, and go further, and just hope that Robert is good enough that she can continue as a guard. Which irritates Bodil more. Bodil is still lost in the dark, but Alith sees the light.


    Apparently brighter than Ciara expected, because when Alith starts telling Bodil about Liv''s experiences and how much Alith learned from Liv, Ciara can''t help get a little embarrassed. It''s probably good that they don''t understand that Ciara can sometimes hear and understand them even when they speak softly. Liv gave Alith a wooden stick of the kind Ciara knows some women make to satisfy themselves, when they don''t have a man who does, but this one is special and is made to be worn around daytime in the buttocks under the clothes. Alith''s there right now. When Alith begins to describe what it feels like to walk around with it, or stand leaning against the wall outside Sir''s cabin with it in the butt, it becomes too much for Bodil who storms off to the pier and the sailor who guards there, while Alith laughs behind her.


    Ciara doesn''t understand that. Why would a woman want anything there? She can understand why a man would force his manhood into the buttocks of a woman, because they are creatures that force it in everywhere and in the buttocks there can''t be children. But why does Alith walk around with a wooden stick there voluntarily? It just hurts and must be in the way?


    Ciara leave those thoughts and just sits there with Iselin''s finished bag next to her, and contentedly looks out over the city. There''s much in the world that she doesn''t understand, but it isn''t important. It is important that Robert sleeps in the cabin again tonight, so everything will be fine. Last night was... anguish. Even in her own bed with Iselin''s snoring body next to her, she had difficulty sleeping. The cabin felt just empty, cold and not as safe as it used to be. She wanted to sneak over to Robert''s bed and try to sleep there, but didn''t dare.


    When Robert and Iselin visited Jarl Skiringe, she lay down in Roberts bed and pressed her head into Roberts pillow and could faintly smell him, and then it felt a little better. But his light and warmth were lacking, and it was just empty within her. Not dark. Just, no light.


    <hr><hr>


    A warm bath would be really nice, and we are in a big city so there is certainly a good bathhouse here. Everyone wants to go to the bathhouse, and it''s been several days since we all bathed, and some of us had a sweaty time, so everyone brings bags with extra clothes.


    There''s more than one bathhouse, so I pick the best one. It''s not just luxury, it''s a circular status thinking thing. By using the best I sort of claim I belong there, and it''s cheap anyway, as long as I''m not paying for penetrating sex with a slave. Actually quite cheap then too. Slave women really is a commodity here, and this is a big trading city.


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    The bathhouse isn''t closing for a while, and as ''honored guests'', the madam says that they will stay open for us if we want to stay longer. It''s almost the same style as the other bathhouses. This one is the largest, has a pond in the middle and a couple of wooden statues, looks like Thor and Freya. Really luxurious. Again, one bathroom each for me and Iselin-Ciara, but Alith and Bodil refuse to let me be alone with them far away in another room. I have said I will take their advice when it comes to guarding so I just accept. They quickly make a plan that they''ll use the public female bathroom one at a time. Alith guards outside my bathroom while Bodil washes herself, then they switch. A good solution, and I inform Bodil to take her time, I like to lie in the bath for a long time, often until the water is cool, so they will both have plenty of time.


    It''s a good solution until Alith of course come in with the maid who is going to scrub me and guards the room while I sit in the bathtub. I really hope I get used to this soon. I can manage on my own, but beside that everyone just assumes that maids will help with simple things, Iselin have told me that I need to get use to it. A man of high status must have maids and servants help him, and refusing or not paying for it will give the impression of not really being rich or powerful. Iselin would love to do it, and bath in here with me, but that would just feel bad and is such a bad idea. Ciara''s not much better even if she just scrubs me, and it''s better if I spoil them with a shared bathroom.


    Why is it more uncomfortable with Alith in there than an unknown maid who scrubs my back and want to wash my hair? Why do I get extra embarrassed and uncomfortable? We have done more than just seen each other naked, but it''s uncomfortable when she stands there with an attentive smile, although it is starting to feel quite good about having her close by, and knowing she cares about my safety, and the same applies to Bodil. Under Alith''s watchful eyes, the maid is thorough, efficient, and fast. When I''m clean and the maid leaves, Alith doesn''t follow.


    "I hope Sir can accept that it must be my choice, and that it doesn''t change my service in the future, but Liv gave me a wooden plug that I''ve carried around for a while and it has been... effective. If Sir lets me wash my groin as fast as possible in Sir''s bathing water, we can quickly enjoy each other and test it''s effect before Bodil has time to return."


    I didn''t see this coming, and it''s starting to get too damn much, and I''m starting to let sex control way too much. How absurdly much sex have I had the last 24 hours? Would it have been easier to resist if everyone had been ugly? I will be dying within a couple of years at this rate. What was it Astrid said a couple of weeks ago? Sejdwomen, Powerful women and Shieldmaidens will be drawn to me like bees to flowers?


    Check, check, and check.


    But it''s so damn hard to say no when she stands there with an anxious, and impatient sexy smile...


    So I nod and with a smile show that there''s room in the bath tub. Alith''s quick to hook the door, get her pants off and join me in the bath, where I help her wash her not-so-private-parts, and she''s extra careful around and in her ass and takes the opportunity to clean the wooden plug as well. It''s funny how erotic it feels considering how fast and efficient she is, or it''s just me who gets excited by the view in front of my eyes.


    Then she seductively and like a sinful goddess steps out of the bath tub, picks up an earthenware bottle of oil I recognize from her bag, and stands a little wide-legged forward leaning against the bench and look expectantly over her shoulder, while using one hand to touch her buttocks. I''m so glad I didn''t say no, and the show and play has definitely made me ready.


    A few short sinful and intense minutes later, Alith quickly gets dressed and stands outside as if nothing have happened, but I saw her pleased smile and how she made an effort to keep the sound down. I wash my groin once more, before I put on clean clothes and go out and sit on the bench outside next to standing Alith. I just take a couple of controlled breaths, and hear a quiet giggle from Alith.


    I''ve just sat there for a couple of minutes when we see Bodil come walking, so we both try to play it cool, and it helps that Bodil panics a bit that I''m already done, but I calm her down and ask her to sit down while we wait for the others. Alith quickly leaves to wash herself - all of herself this time, and also to wash out of her butt again so she doesn''t have to pinch - and I tell Alith to take her time. She has definitely deserved it, and honestly - that feels like a better experience than all the time with Skiringe. Maybe a bad idea, but I can definitely live with it, and respect Alith''s wish.


    I calm Bodil by saying I just couldn''t relax in the bath as usual. So much has happened in the last day. Usually I stay in the bath much longer, which is confirmed by Iselin and Ciara who are also surprised when they show up after a while, since they heard my voice with Bodils outside and hurried up. Alith arrives shortly after, fresh and clean with a satisfied smile. I can''t help but agree; a night is nice, but that felt sinful and intense on another scale.


    My inner nerd gets extra happy when I realise I just had a real life Sexy Spa episode.


    Achievement Reached!


    <hr>


    I take the opportunity to talk a little with Bodil in the evening, and it requires methodical questioning. As I already knew, she has known Alith all her life and she has been trained in battle by Alith''s mother, but in retrospect Bodil knows it was mostly since her friend Alith enjoys it. Her best friend have always been Alith, and Bodil knows she can be a little shy, quiet and often need Alith''s more straight forward aggressive drive. So she tend to let Alith take the lead and handle the talking.


    It''s more important for Alith to experience adventure, gain respect and be known than it is for Bodil, but Bodil also doesn''t want to work on a farm, and one thing she has in common with Alith is that they both just like being out in nature, and hunt etc. Something Bodil otherwise likes to do in her spare time is crafts, carving some wood or the like. Being a guard limits it to small things, but it''s a good pastime on a guard post when there isn''t any real threat, and it''s often possible to barter for a meal or mug of mead or two.


    Her father is a craftsman, mainly woodcarving and builds furniture etc, and her mother is the daughter of another craftsman, so she seems to have it in her blood to enjoy doing something with her fingers, and grew up with crafts around her. She can carve wood and build furniture, and have learned both her father and her mother''s crafts. And of course the usual farming stuff and wool preparation, spinning, weaving and sewing even if she doesn''t like it. Her older sister enjoy that, and her older brother works as a carpenter. They''re both married with children. Bodil have a younger brother too, and he is just 14 years old and a carpenter. Bodil can read, write and count quite well, and seems the best of all of my company, and has tried to teach Alith to become better.


    Bodil is unhappy that Alith went to bed with me, but she is happy that it didn''t involve any penetration, and seems extra worried that Alith will become pregnant. If she only knew what we did, and how Alith avoids that. I don''t have much choice so I try to reassure Bodil that we''re two adults who voluntarily had limited sexual contact with each other, and I don''t respect Alith less for that. But it happened. They are both still my guards and I respect them both just as much. I respect Bodil because she is adamant in her attitude that you don''t do such a thing with the Sir you work for, and I respect Alith because she doesn''t seem to let it affect her in her guard service.


    Bodil is reassured when I offer to swear on which ever god she wishes, that I don''t use galdr - spells - to seduce women, and that it''s important she understands that it goes against my principle of free will. Galdr is a type of sejd I don''t do, and to claim I use it is an insult. But I can''t stop that some women find me attractive just because I am the man I am. I also don''t want to be rude regardless of the social status of others. It costs nothing to be polite, but it can cost everything to be rude.


    Alith obviously wants to keep it a secret that we''re already gone further, and I''ll really try to keep that as a separate thing and never ask Alith to bed or sex. That would just feel wrong on principle. If, on the other hand, Alith wants us to have a sinful moment at some point in the future, I can accept it. I can definitely accept it.

 Sailing to Borgarsandr, day 14, Bad weather

    Sailing to Borgarsandr, day 14


    Bad weather


    The weather has turned bad overnight and when the ship leaves Skiringsalr and heads towards the next stop on the Swedish coast, it''s really rocking, and the strong gusts of wind make the sail beat and it rains. The experienced sailors say it won''t be much worse,  so I just hope they''re right. At least it will go faster. But I don''t look forward to this.


    Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.


    <hr>


    Very prophetic. I get seasick and the whole day is just damn long and painful, while I try to distract myself and pass the time fantasizing and thinking about the world here. It would be interesting to take longer journeys in the future with my own ship and check if things I visited in Midg?rd that are more than a thousand years old excist here. Neolithic remains, monasteries and castles in England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland and France, but at the same time places like Stonehenge, Cer Abbas Giant, the Moors fortresses in Portugal, the Roman Empire or the Pyramids and Sphinx in Egypt. How much is really the same and how similar is it? It would be a hell of a thing actually finding a copy of that here.


    <hr>


    I hate sailing.

 Sailing to Borgarsandr, day 15, Bohusl?n

    Sailing to Borgarsandr, day 15


    Bohusl?n


    I continue to just think as I spend time at the railing and try to distract myself so I don''t vomit, but I stand with the wind in my back if it should happen. I have a feeling I might have had fever too during the night, as I was colder than usual. I usually don''t have to wear cloths in bed, and I should have been sweating. Danr comes up to me, and we talk a bit while the mostly grey coastal cliffs glide by. We are not going that far into the long fjord he describe, but there is a small village further in, which he points out as we turn south. He visited on the way up, but there are other merchants who have better contacts there and more willing buyers and sellers. Many in this region would rather deal with someone from the region who brings goods here, than those who come from outside and sell. It''s difficult to get a good personal contact.


    Danr goes on to say that there are few who live out on the coastal cliffs as there is no arable land there, so often there is only a protected bay with boats and a path or small road to the farms a little further in, for only a short distance behind the coast cliffs, there are many fertile lush valleys divided by cliffs and long rocky hills. Transportation there is difficult and many lonely small farms and valleys have only paths that connect them to either the coastal communities or larger valleys. The sea route is the primary mode of transport for most people who have boats, and many lonely small farms use the sea to get to villages, like that one over there on the north side of the fjord. But boats are valuable, and often several farms come together to have someone live on the coast who can fish, keep an eye on and repair the boats, and so on.


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    We keep talking as we start zig-zagging into really narrow passages between larger and smaller islands. Narrow, and in some places I could probably throw a small rock from island to island, but we sail through without any problems. They have obviously sailed here many times before, and it''s nice to get away from the open sea winds and waves. This route is about half the distance than sailing out by the sea, so even if the wind is weaker, it''s a faster and a more pleasant route to sail. Although that only applies if you know where you can sail. It''s easy to get lost and have to backtrack.


    Due to my nausea, fever and that I stayed in the cabin, I''ve lost track of where we are, and my map is still not detailed enough, but after I discreetly check the GPS maps in the cabin and take a couple of compass readings, I think we are northeast of Orust late in the afternoon. We turn south between the mainland and a large long island, and eventually in the evening sail into a harbor that should be where Stenungsund is. Large islands and looks like where Tj?rn bridge should be. I''ve driven there a few times before.

 Sailing to Borgarsandr, day 16, Finally

    Sailing to Borgarsandr, day 16


    Borgarsandr (G?teborg)


    It''s early morning and I feel better. It must have been quite boring in the cabins the last days for all four women have braided hair, in what appears to be fairly advanced patterns with fabric and other things braided into their hair. They also seem to have talked a lot with each other because they behave a little different and seem friendlier than just a couple of days ago. I''ve really not been paying attention to them at all.


    Yep, we''re in Stenungsund, even though this settlement is called Lysesund, and the islands are called Tosra, Mosra and Orusingen. Now I at least know what island Liv meant when she talked about that autumn meeting.


    Hmm, maybe I should consider putting the Academy on an island? It''s stupid to be on an island, as it requires a boat to and from, but any place that is physically separated from the mainland would be nice, and it doesn''t really need huge areas even if a couple of square kilometers with changing land and decent fields would be good. I would need plenty of water from high ground to use for smaller hydropower or maybe a trompe for compressed air, which should be difficult on smaller islands, but if there isn''t any options a collection reservoir should be possible, if the ground is suitable, but it becomes very weather dependent.


    Skiringsalr might be a good option, and I might convince Jarl Skiringe to let me have the whole peninsula that lies after my land. It''s just a couple of days to travel back, but I intend to end this journey first, both for principle and to see opportunities in the capital and gain more experience in culture, area and just general life. I also don''t want to set foot on a ship for the next couple of weeks. I hate sailing in this era.


    Further south is also further south, and Halland or Sk?ne should be even more arable fertile land. But there are no larger islands along the coast, and too far inland becomes problematic. The coast is probably the most populated area too. Which means harder to buy land.


    It would be interesting to make a longer journey inland in the future to see what it is like, and what they call their regions. The landscape I come from in Midg?rd is called Sm?land, but the word Sm?land itself is the typical Swedish way of combining words to describe things, and basically mean ''small land'' or ''small countries'' and it consist of several older ''small countries'' such as Finnveden, V?rend and others. They, in turn, are modern paraphrases of older words whose meaning have disappeared in history when language changed, and it''s unknown why they were called so.


    A modern Midg?rd Swede would link the word Finnveden to Finns, ie the people of Finland, but the word ''Finn'' may have had an older meaning that disappeared but survived to eventually give it''s name to the modern country Finland. The word ''veden'' in Finnveden is the same as wood for a fire in modern Swedish, but it''s probably more the word ''heden'' historically, which would mean moorland in modern Swedish and part of it might have been. But that wasn''t the old meaning, and it''s sort of been lost in time like a lot of other things. But what do I really know? I think the oldest description of the Finnveden area is from some Latin writing from the 5th century, but people have lived there for millennia before. Considering that settlements are larger here than I expected, there should be more people inland in Sweden too. Someone should accumulate history and descriptions about this culture before it''s eventually lost in time.


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    Lysesund isn''t a metropolis like the last two cities were, and is mostly a coastal village because it is a good natural harbor here, and is a longer days sailing or traveling from Borgarsandr. Lysesund feels a bit like Hildifjoer, ie Eidfjord, where I first stepped on this ship. Apparently Danr have a cousin here and some goods are loaded, and other things unloaded. But it goes really fast and we leave before breakfast.


    <hr>


    It''s been a nice day with good wind and weather while we sailed along the coast, inside lots of islands in the archipelago. Beautiful nature. It''s evening when we stand by the railing and watch the ship sail up through a bay with islands that become a river with fields, animals and small farms around cliffs. After a while we pass a small stone castle north of the river, and then in to the long and large harbor on the south side of the river. It feels very similar to how Gothenburg probably was in the beginning, and so far Alfheimr is a nature copy of Midg?rd, which feels extra absurd. Very practical, but absurd considering geology, tectonic plates, etc. But considering I''m an interdimensional traveller or something by chance, I should just shut the fuck up, and be happy. It could''ve been so horrible.


    Borgarsandr is much like Skiringsalr was in terms of construction but it''s much larger but a little more elongated with many ships and boats lying along quays and piers, many cobbled streets and stone buildings. Lots of people in motion. I can see the larger royal castle further inland along the river, for Borgarsandr is the seat of the royal family and the kingdom''s capital. Iselin, Alith and Bodil are very excited to finally see the capital, and Danr proudly points out what things are and gives descriptions. Apparently the idea of a capital is new, and even though Borgarsandr has been here for a long time, it became the capital just a generation ago. Before that, the kingdom didn''t have a capital. It''s quite a good chance that this kingdom is a travel kingdom, where the King''s entourage travels around most of the time. Most European kingdoms were such until quite late in history.


    This is the furthest any of my company have traveled. It feels pretty absurd when I could drive this whole journey in a day, especially if I started in Stavanger, and I have zig-zagged all over Europe in my car, and almost literally flown to the other side of the world for a few weeks vacation in New Zealand. Quite a different perspective.


    This is the end of two and a half weeks of travel since I got to Alfheimr, which has been a hell of a change from my previous life. A new world, where everyone is an Elf, in some mix of Viking or late medieval era. A new career as ''Sejdmann''. I have a maid and a slave maid who are both young beautiful women. And two armed guards, where someone is always close by.


    In any case, I''m soon back on the Swedish mainland, even if Sweden doesn''t exist. Now I have to do the best of my situation, and create my future. Stay here or continue travelling? It will be a long winter and limited time to prepare for it.


    Even if the lyric as a whole doesn''t fit, I start to hear Iron Maiden play in the back of my mind with Bruce singing the chorus in ''Stranger in a strange land''.


    <hr>

 Borgarsandr - day 1, Quill, ink and paper

    Borgarsandr, day 1


    (Gothenburg)


    Day 19, 15 july.


    I''m awoken by the morning light and there is movement, light and sounds from outside. It was late so we spent the night on the ship, but I''m just happy to finally be here at the end of this part of my journey and to leave this ship. I have to adapt to sailing, because the future will most likely include more sailing, and my small group packs everything we have to go ashore.


    It''s clear that Borgarsandr is the same type of lively trading town as Skiringsalr is. I thank Merchant Danr for everything, wish Toke good luck in the future, and Hagan promises to show his life preserver to people as they travel around which I can only smile and thank him for, and we wish each other good luck in life. Danr gives tips on where there is a good and more luxurious tavern where we can stay.


    It''s funny to see how surprised Alith and Bodil are over my backpack, but they haven''t seen it before, and it attracts surprised looks from many. It''s a big difference to have a bag with a strap over the shoulder, or carrying a wooden chest etc, compared to a modern large green backpack with side pockets and things attached to the outside. Not to mention its buckles, the material itself and more. Iselin and Ciara just walk happily by my side carrying the food chest and enjoy the attention we get, while we all take in the visual impressions, the sound and the smell of the big town. It''s probably the biggest town any of them have seen, although Ciara might possibly have seen bigger, but for me is more picturesque and open.


    Just like he said, it''s only a few hundred meters to the tavern that Danr suggested, and to start with I pay for three days. A larger room with two beds, table and chairs and a view of the harbour, as well as a smaller room with a bunk bed located just a door away for Alith and Bodil. I don''t take the most expensive rooms, but also not the cheapest.


    It feels so nice to be back in Sweden again, even if it isn''t Sweden, and everything is completely wrong. It''s actually a little easier to understand people and make myself understood, but that can also be that I''ve had a couple of weeks to learn. I''ve become quite acceptable at the Norse that my company speaks and I now hear a difference in Iselin vs Alith-Bodil''s dialects. I''ve always had it easy with language, but only rarely been motivated to really learn anything I don''t have a use for like English, and dialect and speech pattern is not something I can control - to the entertainment of family and friends. I can choose a language, but not which dialect it comes out as or way of speaking it. After living in Northern part of Sweden for a few years, I spoke their dialect and use their distinct way of talking when I talked to northerners, and my home dialect with people at home and could switch dialect between sentences depending on who I spoke to. I didn''t notice that I did that and I couldn''t choose one or the other, but for everyone else it was obvious and entertaining. It just happened depending on to whom I spoke with. Linguists call it code switching, and it''s quite common. According to Iselin who giggled at bit about it, I''ve apparently started to do the same here. I talk in one way to her, Alith and Bodil, but have started talking differently to Ciara. I''m starting to speak with her weird dialect and her stilted way when I talk to Ciara, and it''s only been 2 weeks, and we''ve not talked that much.


    We put down the packs etc in our rooms. It''s possible to bathe here at the Tavern, as they have a couple of wash rooms down the side, and we quickly decide to use them instead of finding a bathhouse. We bathe in shifts, first Ciara and Alith, then me and Iselin, and finally Bodil. I enjoy sitting in the bath and Iselin insisted that she should bathe me, and I don''t complain even though it feels unusual and uncomfortable. I just lean back and try to enjoy that she carefully make sure I''m clean, and then spend time trimming my beard growth. She keeps the circle beard shape, but again suggest that I should let the beard grow even more impressive, and preferably also on the cheeks.


    After the bath, it''s so nice to just lie and rest in a bed that is not rocking or swaying, and I''m pleased to reached the first goal for my future, and that the bed is bigger. I really just want to take it easy and relax, because there have been a lot of changes in the last three weeks.


    After brainstorming ideas with my company, the plan is to try to talk to and persuade the King to sell me land to build an Academy somewhere and that it becomes neutral land, protected by the kingdom, but following its own laws and where the kingdom has no influence. Preferably no duty on things, but the place will be too small and it must not be a pure free trade haven. Yes, those are lofty goals that will be hard to reach, but best to set high goals and just not be disappointed when they aren''t met. Leave room for negotiation too. I''m not asking for that much, maybe a couple of square kilometers, but with limited occupancy? Here were there aren''t mountains everywhere, there should be more available land, and although the coast would be best, I expect the inland to mostly be vast forests.


    If I can''t convince the King, I just have to try another place, or way. Do I want to try for Denmark or the continent? Or should I just accept that I will be under someone''s power and travel back to Skiringsalr and take Jarl Skiringe''s offer? Which ruler I''m under will then become important, and the higher, the better, but more so the rulers personality and behaviour. Jarl Skiringe is a really powerful regional ruler, and she might be persuaded to keep it more business like, but I just have to be careful with her agendas.


    I can''t read Norse yet, but I need to check what books are generally available here, and how much information is already available in different areas. I don''t expect there to be a library and books will probably be kept in private hands, so that will be hard. Well, I''ll make a library, but I''ll have to write and make so many books for it to be worthy of a library, and I need to buy books too, and that will be expensive. I need to visit someone who writes and makes books. There should be books printers here. If there are no printed books, that will be a very important thing to start doing. It might be a way to get the King interested as a patron, but instead of funds and influence, I ''just'' want a little bit of land and freedom.


    But what is best to sell, here and now? I can try to find someone who wants to buy my last North Arrow. It''s honestly just a matter of how much I''ll sell North Arrows for, and I could probably get Iselin to walk around and demonstrate to richer people, while Ciara and I wait here, but that just feels like a bad idea. I need to find some secluded place where I can just relax for at least a week and start jotting down all the information I have in my tablet while making plans and checking options. In this room would work, but I need to be able to use the solar panel, and Borgarsandr is on the south side of the wide river, and this room with view towards the harbour mean it is facing pretty much north, so another room with a south facing window is a must, since I want to keep my eyes on the solar panel. And the solar charge per day determines how much technology I can use. I need to buy some blank books or blank pages to tie together into books, depending on what''s available.


    Today will probably be a day where we just go and have a look around to see what is here, talk to people, etc. I really should have thought more about these details during the ships voyage. How the next step should be taken, and not just what the step will hopefully be. Hindsights easy. So; accept reality, learn and move on. Although I might have done that if the last three days hadn''t been miserable. And the days before was mostly sex and dealing with Skiringe and Liv. I probably needed those few days to recuperate from the sex.


    I wonder if Liv is making any progress with IUDs. I gave her as much information and sketches as I could before we parted, including a full-scale model on paper and a redesign based on how two of those fish bones might work, and I can just hope it doesn''t lead to a lot of deaths and problems. No matter what she said about that, it will hurt in my soul. In a way this is medical experimentation done on women. Then again, both Iselin and Alith want to have IUDs, so I plan to melt down and cast some IUDs in body safe plastic I brought with me. It takes so little plastic, and as a modern person I have a lot of plastic with me. Hell, the backpack is Cordura and Nylon, which practically are forms of plastic and will melt.


    Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    I hope to be able to make eight or ten IUD''s without any problems. Then comes the problem of trying to get them in place. I need to get in touch with a sejd woman who knows what she''s doing. Perhaps it is better, that when I''ve made my plastic IUDs, to take a boat voyage back to Skiringsalr, visit Liv and see her progress, and let her do it. I wouldn''t complain if something more intimate happened during that visit as well, as it was a hell of an experience. I just feel a bit conflicted about it. Happy it was good sex with a sexy and enthusiastic mature woman instead of Iselin, but also bad because it wasn''t with Iselin.


    I can only laugh at how my thoughts go on tangents. Relaxing and thinking about how to impress a King and make more money, move on to book making and end up being conflicted about sex and Iselin.


    Huh. It''s actually been 3 days without sex. Since the first hand job and more with Lova up in Eidfjord, this is probably the longest time without sex since I came to this world. But on the other hand, the last day with first a long intense evening, night and wakeup with Liv, followed by a pleasant afternoon with Jarl Skiring and then the bath house a quickie with Alith. That day will reign supreme for a long time.


    <hr>


    The morning goes fast when we walk around and look, ask and buy things. There is a bookbinder and writer that makes and sell paper and ink. It is quite expensive but writing with a goose feather pen, a quill, isn''t advanced, just very unfamiliar and cumbersome. Carving the tip just right with a knife on the other hand, that requires practice, which I get shown and explained to me, and it is also important to keep the quill as horizontal as possible since the inks flow is driven by gravity so the angle determines the flow. But it works well enough to be used for many centuries, and goose feathers are cheap. In any case, Iron gall ink is durable and last, even if I have to remember that it corrodes the paper after a few hundred years, so it can be a problem. The paper isn''t exactly the thinnest paper either, and maybe I will try soot and linseed oil in the future for making books. The iron gall ink is also usually not black, but more dark brown. There are other inks here, such as red and green, but they are unnecessary to buy right now, because they will require their own quills and a good place to use them.


    Large sheets of paper are made, and I would estimate them to be 65x50cm, and it''s common to fold the paper 2 or 3 times and then get something similar to A4 and A5 after trimming. If its to end up as a book, several folded papers are usually stacked into in a bundle and then sewn and tied together to form a dozen pages or so. A book consists of many such bundles sewn together. The books the bookbinder have honestly look much better than I expected. I thought it would be thick tomes with wooden front and back covers, held together by buckles or straps, as I''ve seen in several movies and museums. Trinity college in Dublin has a nice collection of old books, but so do the Gutenberg museum in Mainz. In many places they just don''t like you taking photos, even with the flash off. I get why, but it can still be annoying.


    Here, they apparently moved away from using wood covers a couple of generations ago, when paper became more common, and the paper now contains wood pulp, and not just old fabric. It feels good that paper is made here, as I am a Swede from the region called Sm?land, where paper production and glass blowing is an old tradition. Although that tradition has never existed here, and may not exist because this is a completely different world. It''s so weird feeling at bit like home, and expecting a lot of history, when it is a complete different history here, and that is the future that haven''t happened here. Still, I''m so happy and grateful that I won''t be fucking up my own worlds history. Talk about butterfly effect and ripples through time as I could really mess up history. Here in Alfheimr I won''t have any of that huge burden on my shoulders.


    And yay! Several large sheets of paper that I roll up, three finished small blank notebooks, as well as four goose feather quills and both black and red ink since I might want options. I have to practice writing and to carve new tips, and I need a separate quill for red and for black ink.


    <hr>


    Once back in the tavern room, to get used to writing and drawing with a quill, I just sit and dabble on one of the papers. Writes some thoughts, sketch the view out of the window, and I try to make a sketch of Alith where she stands as a guard. The others are really impressed and think it''s a good picture, but I sure don''t. Argh. Faces and people is hard, so I keep it simple and just get the dimensions decently right and the clothes look okay. It''s so much easier drawing hard physical objects or schematics, than soft people and animals. I got an ''A'' in my Art class in primary school and I''ve made loads of sketches and drawings since then. So many. I usually walked around with two double folded A4 papers in my pocket at work, as a small notepad to have for sketches and notes as my thoughts churned while I worked. Some of it was work related - most of it wasn''t. Some days I fill all the pages in just one day. But drawing people or body parts just didn''t happen that much.


    I''ve never been interested in drawing people as art, and hardly any art at all. It''s always been drawings or sketches of something I needed or wanted to describe, and sometimes of nature. Sit and plan out and sketch a city with surroundings, simple sketches of boats, carriages, castles, houses and farms, with shadows and dimensions right before the role-playing adventure where I am the GM? No problem. A monster, horse or cow? It''s possible to identify what it is. I have always googled and tried to find pictures of people and show them those instead of drawing people. It doesn''t get easier since I''m using a quill and there is no corrections and it makes ink blobs, and it has to dry, etc. I miss my Uni-Ball pens. Yes, I have four UB-150s in different colors in my backpack, but the purpose is to get used to quills, and the Uni-ball pens are going to run out way too fast, and I don''t expect to be able to make some ink good eough to refil with. So it is worth saving them for when I do the final drawing that''s meant to last, where nice details and colors are important.


    Then again, I''m generally very self-critical, especially according to the now four women in my everyday life, because all of a sudden everyone wants to be portrayed. No pressure. I''m just happy that they take turns to sit a little relaxed at the table or stand as a guard, instead of posing naked or something. Many men would probably enjoy having a beautiful elf woman posing naked in front of them to draw, but I had been nervous and annoyed to get all the proportions, body shape and shadows right. More skin and shapes? More problems. But I had certainly managed the erotic tones without much problems once I got in to the craft, because when I focus on something, I tend to miss obvious things, and that is something that''s been entertained my friends, so many times.


    Driving around a city in France to find a parking space one evening to see an old castle? I completely missed that there''s prostitutes, including a couple who apparently were on their way to the car. I was annoyed about idiots who stopped cars in stupid places and got in the way and people everywhere. Only afterwards when my friend told me, did I understand why he was so bad at seeing traffic and cars. As long as the women didn''t try to go out in front of the car or had a direction that intercepted in front of the car''s route etc, my brain just classed them away as uninteresting people in motion I could ignore, including what they are wearing. Or not wearing. Germany have been similar.


    Most that know me are used to this selective attention, and my company here is learning it. I''ve been focused on drawing Bodil standing inside the door, but there have been people walking in front and annoying me, but it is only when I take a short break for hand cramps that I see the other three eating at the table. When did the food arrive? They''ve apparently been eating for a while, and told me that the food is served. I had just replied:


    ''Soon, I just...''


    Bodil and I join them. Bodil is happy with the sketch, and Ciara has started embroidering something on a piece of fabric, and it looks like she has been doing it for a couple of days.  I''ve decided to create a map of the region on a large paper as that will be useful. So once we''ve eaten, I ask Alith or Bodil to guard outside, and the other one to guard Iselin and Ciara when they go for a walk while I use my mobile phone to get measurements and sketch coastlines etc. The work will take up a large part of the afternoon.


    I only draw the places I visited, because I don''t know where there are any more. I draw larger water features that hopefully is there plus large rivers, and simpler hill and mountain markings and peaks. The biggest problem is again trying to flatten a curved surface. Should I care about coordinates, directions or distances? Considering how the map may be used and most of it is sea and coast, I decide that compass directions are most important, and vertical distances are correct, while horizontal are divided into three areas and the two dividing lines each have a separate scale that can be used along or near them. It is not optimal but I assume that no one will be able to measure much more accurately for a long time. It is interesting work and I use a thin pencil to sketch it out, thank goodness for a small ruler and thin 2m measuring tape in my back pack. The slate is very useful as scrap paper and for calculating scale. When I sit at the table and fill in with ink, the others knock and return.


    We talk about life in their regions; what is harvested and when, and how things are stored and other things I need to know before I design my own farm, and the afternoon becomes evening, which becomes night.

 Borgarsandr - day 2, BH

    Borgarsandr, day 2


    BH


    I wake up with Iselin snuggled under the duvet next to me. Ninja. She seem to feel safer and more comfortable in my presence as time goes by, and take liberties I didn''t expect. But since I haven''t punished her or even been angry at her, I''ve sort of brought this on myself. As if I were to complain about it. I should, but it''s hard to complain when I would rather have her here with me even more. And more sex. But no sex this morning, just cuddling and holding each other.


    Iselin have seen them before, but asks why I have underwear, and why I have some kind of runic writing on my underwear, black shorts etc. Underwear is quite easy to explain even if no one here uses it, but I have to think to explains logos. That a logo is a way to mark who made a product, because if its good, more people will want the same. If its a name or special brand on the goods, then people know who made the product and can be sure of getting the same thing, and Iselin sees it as a bom?rke. A bom?rke is a form of house mark, a glyph or special rune as a sign of ownership for a person or a family. Its used on houses, goods, crafts, documents, to mark cattle and so on. Its quite logical that in a time when few can read and write, a bom?rke is used. For everything. But they''re used to it being a single complicated glyph, not a combination of ''runes''.


    I''m in a world without Trademark protection or international logos, so no checks on counterfeits, but it''s apparently a crime to mark something with someone elses bom?rke. It''s dishonest and deceitful, which are really bad things in this culture. Hard to prove that its a counterfeit, but bom?rke are very important. There seem to be trading groups or artisan guilds and I assume that they don''t look kindly on a competitors trying to push their way into their market, so there is a strong incentive to mark things, and some protection if people should notice it being wrong. Well, not ''protection''. More duels, daggers in the dark and feuds that are ''justified''. Justice here seem to involve a lot of steel and blood.


    Maybe I should start stamping or marking what I make with a logo? Something short and simple? Cursive/italic version of ''RobA'' is enough, because they mostly use slightly differently shaped glyphs, and mostly in shapes that are easier to make with a knife or stamp. But cursive style is hard to do in many cases, so I should make it more run inspired. So I sketch on a slate board where I lie in bed with Iselin cuddling up against me. Lying in a bed with a nice, smart and gorgeous woman next to me, sketching things while we talk and just letting time pass. I can get used to this. It''s so damn nice.


    Hum, they have no panties or bras here, and use fabric wraps for their breasts. Maybe I can do something about that. Alith in particular had probably liked it, but maybe also Iselin. Bodil probably doesn''t even wrap, and if she weren''t so feminine to the face and manner in general, she would probably have been taken for a man under more clothes. Why not try to do it today? Ciara seem willing to help me with anything cloth related, and Ciara herself may also need it, as she seems to be quite close to Iselin.


    <hr>


    During breakfast I ask how it is and Alith uses wraps that she''s so damn tired of, but she needs to stabilize and hold her breasts. She really dislikes her breast size when she tries to shoot a bow or try on armour, but she still likes her breasts and is obviously proud of Iselin''s praise for her bust. Iselin thinks wraps are uncomfortable and avoids it if she don''t have to run errands or have far to walk. Alith doesn''t like to run. It mostly hurt if she isn''t wrapped, and it can be difficult to get it right and might need to re-wrap, which is a chore, and can get extra hot and sweaty in the summer with days like these. Ciara and Bodil don''t think much about it, it is as it is and have always been so, and Bodil is obviously used to hearing Alith complain about it. Ciara has never used a wrap, even though she says she has had bigger breasts before.


    When they understand I have a possible solution, and I explain by showing on Iselin''s clothed breasts - where I''m the most embarrassed about it - then it becomes a motivated company when we go to buy things. We find a blacksmith to follow my template and make eight small hook solutions in bronze, really just twisted thicker wire that is properly bent and shaped. We will try both a single and a stretched triple loop chain so it can be adjusted a bit, and we can pick them up in the afternoon as the blacksmith can put an apprentice on it. He will also manufactures thin bronze D rings for adjustment and a couple of large semicircle support arches with rounded ends. We find nice thin linen to sew a couple of prototypes; a more sports-like one that supports and stabilizes, and a more... sexy design.


    If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    Back at the tavern, I explain more carefully, and Ciara with Iselin starts to sew the sports model for Alith first, but has to wait for the buckles so they have time to do Iselin''s as well. It''s primitive with simple seams, but functional for prototypes. Bodil protests a bit with an annoyed ''Alith!'', when Alith quickly undresses on her upper body right in front of me, but she or the others don''t seem to care, and Ciara begins to measure to figure out the shape of the fabric. I give her a sheet of paper to cut templates and prototypes of. I try to sit with my back to them at the table and make the last details on my map while they measure and sew, because Alith is still naked on her upper body. It''s hot both outside and inside, so she is enjoying the coolness.


    <hr>


    Bodil accompanies Iselin and they disappears for a while during the afternoon and return with the small bronze buckles. The design I suggested is without a support arch with the buckle at the back, although I told them it can be in the front between the breasts as well so the buckle doesn''t feel uncomfortable or gets in the way if it''s a problem with armour or something.


    The buckles were the last thing missing on their bras, and after a couple of corrections of the shoulder straps and the back strap, Alith and Iselin both look satisfied. Ciara ask why I called them BHs, which is a good question. I have always only known the garment under that name, or bra for brassiere. But I just say that BH is an abbreviation for breast holder; easier to say and less rude? Who knows, it might be the original in some language, and it even works in both Swedish and Norse. In any case, Ciara and the others bought the explanation. I ask them to try it for a couple of days, then it can be sewn in better materials, and try to adjust the shape a bit if they need it. I suspect that small differences can in the long run make a big difference in comfort, so the first real bra''s will still only be the beta test.


    Iselin doesn''t really like its visibility under her thin dress, and I can admit that I prefer to see her without a bra, but she can live with it, and of course so can I, and if the edge is moved a little and the shape is changed a bit, it will be better. She''s not alone in being satisfied that the bra works well with a deeper neckline, and she really like it when I point out that a small padded cushion can be added underneath. Alith is just happy in the more sporty bra, and she disappears for a short run and comes back happier. Wraps supports a little better, but this model supports well enough for most use, is more comfortable, much cooler and so much easier to put on and take off, although Alith thinks it can be improved a little more. Too bad there isn''t better materials here.


    I explain what the U frames are for, that they should be sewn into fabric etc, to give support and lift up, maybe with a little padding, and steam formed thin wood might be used instead, and I ask them to try with different placement of straps, fabric shapes, where seams are placed, etc. My desire to improve and figure out a better solution means that I soon find myself holding up a U against Alith''s bare breasts while Alith, me and Iselin discuss improvements, relief or uplifting support, and how cutting and size can be changed to become something sexy, and it''s possible to sew small gemstones or jewellery into the fabric or leave parts free. When I realize that I''m actually sitting there with Alith''s breast in my hand, and try to see if thin fabric straps can improve lift and profile, and find myself staring at her breast piercing...


    I take Bodil with me and go out for a walk in the town. Bodil seems to find it both entertaining and tragic that I''m so close and comfortable with Alith and have had hand and mouth sex with her, and I understand Bodil. We talked about it a few days ago, but Bodil really seems to dislike it. I understand if it goes against her principles for how a female guard should behave in the company of and towards the master she serves, and that the master might take the guard as sexual partner more than a guard.


    That I tell it to Bodil seems to calm her down a bit, but at the same time both me and Alith are adults, and I don''t look down on her or Bodil because we had that limited sexual contact one evening. Bodil doesn''t like it but accepts it. Bodil doesn''t react, so she certainly doesn''t know how far it has gone between me and Alith. We laugh a little at the fact that I technically look down on Alith all the time, because she more than two decimetres shorter than me and there are no high-heeled shoes here, although there are a bad form of wooden clogs. Clogs are just terrible for a warrior to wear. Maybe I should introduce classic Swedish Tr?skor? Wooden sole but with leather tops. Or a form of Crocs?


    <hr>


    The rest of the evening is spent on the women cutting, sewing, measuring, adjusting, etc. Ciara, Iselin and Bodil help while Alith is on guard duty. I don''t know how much they sew, just that they run out of buckles. I take a couple discreet pictures when they are lively and discussing how the seam should be laid. In the end, Ciara has also been measured and given a bra, and she seems to be more busty than I thought, though I avoided more than quick peeks. Ciara''s far too skinny body probably needs 10kg or more. Hopefully she will be better over the next half a year or year as she eats more and better food, and does less hard work. I''ve tried to avoid looking too much at her body because she would feel uncomfortable, and she seems dissatisfied and ashamed with her shape and skinny body in front of the other women.

 Borgarsandr - day 3, King Asbj?rn Aeriksson

    Borgarsandr, day 3


    A Kings proposal


    It''s the third morning in the capital and after breakfast, when a messenger comes from the King who wishes to meet me.


    Ah... yes... right... The Academy etc.


    Ahem, I got slightly distracted there, but when I get focused on a project that is not uncommon. I often forgot to eat for a whole day, often enough that some friends learned that when they call and ask if I want to go for a pizza or something on the evening and I don''t immediately reply, its because I''m thinking back to when I last ate. The answer is usually ''the day before'', and then when I think about it I get really hungry. I can almost hear the personification of my stomach rolling his eyes and throwing his hands in the air ''Finally someone is listening to me!''.


    We bathe and put on my nicer clothes, bring the rolled up map and the North Arrow and head of to the King''s castle with Iselin and Bodil.


    <hr>


    It is a nice castle, with a large courtyard after passing a moat and up a small hill. Surrounded by thick walls and buildings completely made in stone. We don''t wait for long before I''m being guided in and presented to King Asbj?rn Aeriksson, and I also present Iselin and Bodil who where allowed to come in, but had to give up weapons and shield. It''s a large hall, and there are a few people here; seem to be a few nobles, more powerful warriors and of course guards, servants etc. The throne room isn''t that impressive, but it should be according to their culture. Guess I have another scale for impressive.


    Once again, my rumour precedes me. Hagan has demonstrated the life preserver in the harbour, and hammocks have started to spread. A ship that was in Skiringsalr when we were, made a couple of hammocks and that was apparently a huge difference when they sailed here and the weather was bad, just like we experienced. It kind of sucked that I as the hammocks creator, had a bed and not a hammock. So hammocks has started to spread between ships big enough to use it. The king has also heard about the magical ''North Arrow'' and appreciates if I would be able to show him, which I do. I don''t try to approach the King, and they seem a little worried and jumpy by me even being this close with a magic thing, so I show it to a man (adjutant?), who tries it and shows, and confirms that it always points north. A lot of curious faces and mumbling.


    What surprises me more - but probably shouldn''t - is that the King says he heard from Jarl Skiringe about my plans for an Academy to study and manufacture things, and she recommended the King to meet me, since I have made a strong impression on her and people she trusts. Feels like I have more to be grateful to Liv for starting it all. It was probably Jarl Skiringe''s boat that was the one with the hammocks, and she has probably already made some life preservers as well. She''s a smart and cunning woman, and even I get that this is political and there''s probably more intrigue behind the curtains. Since she knew I was travelling here, and she obviously have a better grasp about this world than I, informing the King is the smart move. Shows allegiance and so on, and not informing when it''s a good chance the King learns about something being held back, might be taken badly.


    So I take the time to describe my idea and plans. To establish an Academy. A learning center that will be open to all; regardless of Kingdom, religion or gender, and teach knowledge that can make the world better and safer for everyone. A place for knowledge and crafts where no one should be afraid to visit and share what they can and learn from others. A place where knowledge can be gathered in books so that knowledge isn''t lost or forgotten, and where books are made and disseminated.


    The Academy will also research tools and techniques, to manufacture and sell things to finance itself, but also to spread these things. A place where skilled master craftsmen can calmly work to get better at their profession and make things possible that otherwise couldn''t be done, and train apprentices to both take over and eventually spread the knowledge to other places. I myself will learn from craftsmen and teach them certain things they probably don''t know. No one is perfect, because there is always more to learn in life. I will most likely introduce a few new crafts too.


    A lot of what will be manufactured will be pure luxury items, or too special and valuable for a farmer or ordinary person to benefit from it. Precision navigation instruments will be manufactured and sold, while knowledge to make farm work easier or to get a better harvest will be spread freely. My plan isn''t to get rich or gain worldly power, it is to make life better for everyone while we figure out some of the mysteries in the world and learn to use them. It seems to interest the King and those present, but now comes the hard part that they may have missed. This will not be popular.


    "I will describe why, but in order to make it easier for the Academy to achieve its purpose, and to protect the stability of the kingdom and the area in which its located, the Academy needs to be neutral and unbound."


    I can hear a lot of snorting and faint exclamations, but the King just silences them with a few glances or a hand gesture, so I continue;


    "It will give the Academy more respect, and people will be more willing to send their older children or younger adults there, if they know that children or people don''t have to swear allegiance to follow a certain leader or relative. To be able to educate the next generation of Scholars give prestige and its own power, because people tend to have respect for the place they were educated in, if it was a good experience. At the same time when the Academy eventually gains a reputation as a center for knowledge, scholars and crafts, many will want to be able to say that they have visited the Academy, or been there and studied. It will be family prestige and attractive among the rich to send their children there, and the knowledge and contacts they bring back are valuable."


    I still hear questions about why the Academy should be so special? It can still be on the land of the kingdom and serve the kingdom. But the King glares more intensely at a couple of the louder ones, and they fall silent as soon as they notice it. I wonder how much of this is an act?


    "Compare it with a farm where valuable things are made and have valuable knowledge. Especially if some of this can be used militarily. Say a farm that only makes better weapons and expands trade and power unilaterally over the region and kingdom. It will make the kingdom stronger at first, but many will want to either own the farm, be able to steal the knowledge, or steal what the farm produce. Both from outside and inside the kingdom. It will mean power for the family that controls this farm, but there will be many who want to sabotage, steal or kill that which helps the enemy, and how many enemies are there? Only one can control the farm. The rest become more or less enemies. The farm and those who control it are targets."


    Several already seem to think about how they can benefit from such an Academy, and I see plenty of calculating glances and faces.


    "But an Academy that everyone can benefit from? Especially if there are many rulers in different regions or kingdoms who are all happy with what is manufactured and can''t be obtained elsewhere. Admittedly, everyone will desire to control, but they also don''t want anyone else to have full control over the Academy so they themselves are prevented from enjoying the fruits. The Kingdom will gain respect for having an neutral Academy at its border, and more will be willing to leave the Academy in peace. The kingdom and the region get the benefits, not a single family, and the Academy is safer."


    More thoughtful face''s and eyes, but there''s some nodding and mumbling as I continue.


    "The advantage for the kingdom this Academy is in, is more long-term and in the form of prestige, influence, wealth and power.


    Prestige in its exclusivity - it''s difficult to call someone uneducated or barbaric if they demonstrably can do things and have knowledge you don''t have. If you need to send your best to learn from someone else, it''s prestige for those who kindly receive them and educate them.


    Influence in that those who spent time at the Academy, will have made friends nearby and experienced the culture and so on. It easily becomes strong trade contact with a kingdom where you already know merchants or the rulers. Where you already have a personal contact and know the language and culture. It''s inevitable that the Academy will have more students from the country it''s located at than all outsiders. This provides an advantage in influence for the kingdom more than anyone else. At the same time, there is a greater chance of marriage between students and the population in the country it''s located at. So it''s an advantage if women also study at the Academy - both from the country and those who come from outside - for an educated wise daughter with knowledge and contacts becomes more valuable, both for the man she marries, and the family she leaves. Everything gives influence, contacts and secures the kingdom as well as helps the stability of the monarchy.


    Wealth simply follows through increased prosperity and trade. Who doesn''t want to feel healthier, buy things of better quality or buy things that aren''t found anywhere else? And if you sail all the way to the Academy to buy something you can''t get your hands on otherwise, you might as well to take goods from your home country and try to sell it, and ships will try to fill the cargo space in the vicinity and bring other things to sell when they return home. More trade makes it easier to get hold of exotic goods here, and at the same time becomes cheaper because it''s more common when more ships are attracted here. The kingdom''s merchants and ships have an advantage from the beginning, and which merchant doesn''t want to get richer? Trade also leads to increased tax revenues. Life gets better, more comfortable and richer. For many."


    There are a lot of people who seem to like what I said and nod in agreement.


    "Finally: Power. The three preceding points lead to this. Influence explains itself. Wealth to be able to afford a larger fleet and more warriors, and these warriors will be better equipped and more knowledgeable. The ships will be able to navigate better and safer, and improved health, health care and increased food production give a stronger larger population, which gives more production, more warriors and more taxes. It''s true that anyone can buy from the Academy and learn this, but those who have wealth, can make better and greater use of it. This is my suggestion and they are the big four things, but there will be many small things with immense value and information that strengthen the kingdom, which, however, are difficult to explain or show. Some should also be kept secret."


    Stolen story; please report.


    There''s quite a lot of discussions in the background, but the King silences them and thanks me for the proposal and say he will come back with an answer in the future. But if the answer is ''Yes'', what does Sejdmann Arnesson need for the Academy to become a reality? What does Sejdmann Arnesson expect from the kingdom? I give my prepared answer;


    "A place that''s protected from the worst of what the sea can do, but along the coast so ships can reach and leave. There needs to be a clear demarcation between what''s the Academy, and what is the Kingdom, so an island, peninsula or the like would be most appropriate, with water that divides in the form of coastline, lakes or rivers. Of course, fresh water is needed and higher altitudes so certain knowledge can be used and certain things can be done. A small amount of arable land, partly to try to become self-sufficient but above all to be able to test different ways to improve agriculture and animal husbandry. Experiments take time and space, and if the Academy will train students or people, there must be land for them to practice on.


    In order for the Academy to be built, craftsmen are needed at the start; several carpenters or wood craftsmen, and a couple who can do good stone work as well as some general workers. Materials in the form of logs, stone, mortar, iron and glass for windows. My hope is that the Academy''s buildings themselves will be the start of new types of construction and improved housing. There''s nothing wrong with what already exists, but everything can always be improved, and who doesn''t want to be able to live more comfortably?"


    There are consenting mumbles.


    "A boat to carry things back and forth with, especially if it is an island. When the Academy''s premises are ready and there''s room, some skilled craftsmen are needed in several different crafts. A good smith who can cast. Carpenter and wood carver for crafts and constructions small and large. Preferably a bookbinder and writer who can do paper and ink manufacturing. A skilled seamstress for sewing crafts. A skilled navigator and sailor. A medically knowledgeable person and preferably a woman. A skilled warrior and tactician. An alchemist or person who knows such mysteries. A glassmaker. Simply knowledgeable people in scattered areas who are curious to learn and teach. But they''re not needed immediately but gradually, when the Academy starts, and I hope the Academy''s reputation and comfortable lifestyle will attract these artisans there. A whole bunch of servants and maids, but it needs to be increased gradually, and something I can easily hire myself."


    The King is thoughtful but replies;


    "It''s quite a bit to ask for, for something that the Kingdom doesn''t own, on land that is no longer the Kingdom''s."


    "Correct. It''s a lot of work and costs to clear a field of stone, to plow and sow, and it takes months before the payment comes. But once the job is done, crops from the field can sustain itself, and give a profit. If you want food, you have to grow, hunt or fish.


    Of course, the agreement between the Kingdom and the Academy should stipulate any tax on things sold, but the hope is that the Academy will be self-sufficient in food and silver on what is produced and sold, because it will cost a lot of silver. Especially in the beginning and the first years will be expensive until a production and sale starts. To be the one who does something first means many attempts and failures that a lot cost, and it''s not even certain if it will work out or just be wasted time and silver.


    If you want to develop technology for, for example better swords, there will be a lot of iron, work and tests that ends up in the rubbish heap before it pays off, although the Academy will avoid making weapons. But once the knowledge has been found and learned, it''s valuable for all time to come. Then you can recreate it, and gradually it will be cheaper when more people learn the craft, and it''s improved. Small-scale tests can only be done to some extent, and eventually, for example, you have to make a ship or two in full size, just to try if it is better, and that isn''t cheap and takes time. The idea is that the Academy''s creations will eventually pay for other creations, and when things can begin to be manufactured in quantity, this job will be given to craftsmen nearby, which probably means craftsmen in the Kingdom. Which increases trade, wealth and influence.


    If someone want to study and learn at the Academy, it will cost, but there will be a scholarship where the Academy pays for this to any really promising person who can''t afford it. It''s important for the future that certain knowledge is spread among the population. The size of the island or peninsula automatically limits the size of the Academy and the number of students and the areas of knowledge in which the Academy works. The Academy doesn''t need the right to vote in Tings, and probably shouldn''t have it since it''s not part of the kingdom. The only warriors the Academy has will be those who are trained and those who protect its properties, ships and people.


    It can be a great advantage for the kingdom if this place is say, one or a maximum of three days away by ship or land from here. Separated but close. If it is an island, then a trading place is needed close by, since the Academy doesn''t want to be the trading place. The village that will be formed on the mainland and in the kingdom will be the focus, and there the Kingdoms taxes and imports applies according to the laws of the kingdom. The village is likely to increase in size to a future town, since ships that come there to buy or sell important equipment must do so somewhere, and this will be in the kingdom, so close to Borgarsandr will probably be in the kingdoms best interest so the trade goes through here.


    But it is extremely important that the Academy is neutral. That whoever wants can travel there or from, even through the Kingdoms sea. One way to control this is that the Academy has two or three ships that travel around the nearest sea, to different kingdoms and can pick up and drop off people and goods for those who don''t dare to enter or harbour in the Kingdom, for these ships are also neutral and sail with the Academy''s flag. Those ships security and peace must be absolute. These ships will also be used to train navigation and seamanship, and thus have important people on board, and will try ways to improve ship technology and experiments to make ships better and safer. The ships will set off on longer mapping and exploration expeditions, so more are needed. Hopefully, agreements can be reached with other rulers and nearby kingdoms that these ships are protected in their waters too, but that no ship except the Academy''s may fly its flag."


    The king sits thoughtfully and thinks, and he isn''t alone, but eventually he replies:


    "A lot to think about, but it is a well thought out proposal that covers a lot of the pros and cons of such an Academy. My answer will not be today. However, I am curious about that roll that Sejdmann''s maid carries."


    "Your Majesty, its a map and I would like to show it." I hand it over to the man who comes forward. He gets a little surprised when he rolls up and see it, and shows it around to everyone, but the king calls him forward and closely studies the map.


    "This doesn''t look like the maps I have seen before and own. I guess Sejdmann Arnesson says this is better and more correct?"


    "Yes, Your Majesty. Its based on information I have and is confirmed correctly according to measurements from the marked villages and towns. With this map, a North Arrow and knowledge, you don''t have to follow the coast to navigate right. You don''t have to have sailed there before. You can go straight out over a rolling sea, with gray sky without sun, and expect to hit your target with sufficient accuracy, and be able to determine which side of the target you are on, so you can sail correctly.


    There are several ways to determine for example how far north or south you are, but these are examples of knowledge that the Academy will teach, and manufacture the tools so that it can be used. It is not easy. I hope to make the North Arrow better, more durable, more accurate and more practical in use and cheaper. The Academy''s ships, but also people sent inland will be able to draw accurate maps in the future, but it will take a long time, depending on how accurate the end result should be. Good maps are not only valuable for marking boundaries between properties, that can be saved to securely determine inheritance and property rights, but also to plan the relocation of troops and stores. Good maps and the knowledge to use them are hugely beneficial in military operations."


    The King has a lot to think about and seem to be a person who does it methodically. But he responds fairly quickly.


    "I have an offer to give Sejdmann Arnesson, and is of course free to accept or refuse without consequences. I want to buy a map like this. I would also like to buy maps of the world that are adjacent, say a total of eight sheets in this size which together covers a larger area east, west and south. I also want to buy three North Arrows. Can this work be done in two weeks?"


    "Yes, Your Majesty, but I can not guarantee full accuracy on maps without travelling around and confirming certain fixed points, which two weeks isn''t enough time for, nor can I draw out where all villages and towns are. Only nature created by the gods can be recreated with sufficient accuracy. However, that map is drawn with unconfirmed information I then confirmed is correct, so I''m certain enough that I can fulfill the work I have undertaken to do. If I can get a look at a couple of maps it should make it easier and so that I hopefully can use them to mark larger towns and villages."


    The King nods and answers:


    "Two weeks, and for the work I''m willing to give Sejdmann Arnesson 100 ounces of gold. What does Sejdmann say?"


    There''s some exclamation and excitement over that deal, and not just from behind me. It''s a hell of a lot of money, 2.8kg of gold, and it would probably be stupid to try to ask for more on the principle that you never take the first offer. Besides, if he knows what Jarl Steinnes paid it is quite reasonable. I am the only one who knows how simple work that is, but then again it''s magic, and in this culture you pay for magic to be done.


    "Your Majesty, if I can have a teacher of language, culture and a little history, as well as a place nearby for my entourage where I can work in peace and quiet, I will accept."


    "One of my farms is an hour''s travel from here on this side of the river. Its a larger farm that has several houses, one of which is nicely separated. Sejdmanns entourage may stay there during his work for me, and until I can give Sejdmann answers about the Academy. I can also send a learned person to help Sejdmann with the requested. Does that sound good?"


    "Your Majesty, that sounds great, and on those grounds I accept the assignment."


    "The we have an agreement, and I look forward to seeing Sejdmann in two weeks."


    A man is summoned and told to accompany us to the farm, apparently the man knows where we are going, and the man also gets the map from the king and gives it rolled up back to Iselin, who ties the bow back on it. I bow and thank the King and leave the hall, and we leave the castle and walk down in the town. That went better than expected. Much better and easier than I hoped. Maps won''t take long, a couple of days, and the North Arrows about an hour. There will be plenty of time left over. Now that I''m a ''resident'' for at least a couple of weeks and there are craftsmen nearby, I should plan to build more things, both for practical things and to try to see what opportunities there are, and what they can manufacture and to perhaps be able to impress the King with something.


    The man is waiting outside the tavern while we go up and inform Alith and Ciara, and Alith''s so impressed that we met and talked with The King. Alith is really jealous that Bodil was allowed to come along in, meet and has been introduced to the King. They apparently drew straws to see who would come along. I promise that Alith will be allowed to come along when I present maps etc in two weeks, and she actually starts to bounce. I swear I heard a low squee too, and it feels so out of character for her. Then again, I''m the only one who don''t seem to see the King as a big deal, when he really is. He literally is the ruler over a big nation. Also lucky that the King was here, for the Royal entourage usually travels around. He might have been gone for a month or more. Is that why he gave me two weeks? Because he will be leaving? Might help explain why he want those maps too. It would have been quite different if I''d performed as I did in front of Jarl Steinnes, and the King had been present, or I didn''t want to stay here a couple of months and continued and so on without meeting the King.


    We''ve already paid for another night but such is life, and I can get a little back on what I paid for the rooms, so we leave for our new accommodation. When we come out of the tavern, a wagon is waiting to take us where we are going, and it''s nice to not have to carry things or walk. Or ride.

 Borgarsandr - day 3, Farm life

    With the wagon, it only takes about 40 minutes before we reach the farm, and we look at workers who are harvesting hay half the way there. Hay smells pretty good, but what a damn toil it must be, and I had been sweating like hell to do it in this heat. If it gets more then 25C and I do physical work, I tend to go down to dehydration. The heart rate in rest goes up to 110-120 bpm and I feel dizzy and have a headache. During 30C summer it has happened when I was resting at home. 42C dry heat in the shade is just horrible, but 32C with 98% humidity is the worst I have experienced. My body simply can''t absorb enough water and it feels weird to drink 12+ liters in a day, and still feel weak, dizzy and not having to pee. I would die if I had to work in weather like that, and probably get beaten.


    It''s quite obvious that the work a field takes to cultivate, limits how much land can be cultivated by a certain amount of people, because there is no point in cultivating something that you don''t have time to be harvested in time, and rain can ruin a harvest that haven''t been brought in when you had the chance. As a modern human that''s used to seeing machine handle enormous fields, it is quite sobering to see all the people here. Iselin just whispers that this is the first harvest season in her life that she isn''t working until she can hardly walk, day after day. I should really try to make labour saving machines for agriculture as early as next year. For soil preparation, sowing and harvesting. Increasing the amount of food that a household can produce would definitely improve life, but must be economical as well, and not too complicated.


    <hr>


    It is a fairly large farm located on a hill quite close to the sea - maybe half a kilometer away with a nice view - two larger longhouses, of which one is more a barn that is half open and two separate small longhouses on one side, one of which is a little further away and is quite picturesque against the sea view and will be ours. The man who drove us introduces us to the farm''s master, we greet and he tells us that my maids can talk to his to get food etc, and arrange if I need extra maids, and we won''t be disturbed more than necessary. I should come directly to him with any complaints, etc. I just thank and then we check on the house.


    Lush greenery all around, with high fences where climbing plants and shrubs have entangled themselves in the wooden fence that gives the longhouse a small garden. Door in the middle of the house and with two small glass windows on each side on the front of the house. The front door leads into an open room in the middle that goes through the house with a door on the other long side out towards the back. There is a large fire pit almost in the middle of the room that have a stone floor, and there are long wooden platforms along the sides with tables, benches and shelves.


    There are two rooms at each short end of the house, one towards the front, one towards the back. On one side is the two bedrooms, the front one with a bunk bed and two single beds, and the room towards the back have two regular larger beds along with a table and a couple of chairs. On the other short side, the room towards the front is a storage room for food and other things, and the room towards the back is a small laundry and bathroom. We check out the sunlit garden, and the shape of the hill means that we can look over the rear garden fence to the sea, but there''s still protection from visibility from someone outside the fence and the nearest hundred meters. The land towards the sea is cultivated fields mixed with trees and rocks, and the slightly wild garden has some fruit trees and a table with chairs and seems cozy. Against the longhouse outer wall there is an outdoor toilet. In addition to the coarse wool fabric, the outdoor toilet also has a small pile of paper!


    Toilet paper!


    WOHO!


    It exists here! Sure, its hardly modern nice quality but feels okay and it is toilet paper! Okay, I definitely want to live close to here. Sponges, sawdust, wood shavings and even coarse woollen cloth can not match up to toilet paper. It is good to be the king.


    I''m in such a good mood when we get back in that it''s a bit ridiculous, especially considering I wasn''t this happy over the deal that will give me 2.8kg gold, but I haven''t seen the gold yet. The hassle of sleeping arrangements are easily resolved. Of course they expected the same as before, but I need more solitude and a workroom to be able to use technology and so on. So Alith, Bodil, Ciara and Iselin can all share the front room where Alith and Bodil take the bunk bed, and I take the back as my own room where the extra bed in my room can be left empty, or moved out to the great hall if someone can''t stand the others. Pushing the beds together to get a bigger bed is unnecessary and they have high wooden edges around each end, so it just gets silly and not a real double bed.


    I would have preferred if there was another room, but it is as it is, and works for our small company. It is clean and tidy, someone has cleaned the floor not so long ago, and I guess the King often uses this place for some guests.


    Toilet paper!


    We make ourselves at home and I start to make plans. I have a table and two chairs in my room that I can work on, the position to the Southwest makes it brighter inside during the day, especially if I open the window. Thank goodness it''s summer. There is also enough gap in the window for me to be able to pull a cable through it closed without any issue, which may be needed as it is a Scandinavian summer that can be cold, windy and rainy. Just because it''s hot and sunny now doesn''t mean it will be the same in two days. Or tonight. So I attach hangers for the the solar panel to the roof and get it charged, just three weeks after I came here. I show the solar panel, and to my company it just looks funny, but they accept that it shouldn''t be touched. If the solar panel seems to slide or is about to fall down, save it but be very careful with it, and come get me. If it seem that it will storm or be really windy, take it down or remind me. They really like the small carabiners, but anodized aluminium is just magical. I''m not particularly worried about it actually falling down as I strapped it down in all corners with durable paracord, but the solar panel is too valuable to not do it properly and make arrangements to save it.


    I shouldn''t be surprise that Iselin can cook food and wants too, and so does the others and doesn''t seem to mind helping, but the main farm will do most cooking for us and my company will just do small extra cooking or food preparations. I leave it entirely to Iselin and Ciara; just arrange good food three times a day and I''m happy.


    It''s still only around noon so I''m going to start on the maps, but before I start, I do a bit of unpacking and see the wrist watch, and it takes a moment before I react to the date and that it''s actually my birthday. Today I became 36 years old.


    I''m not someone who really celebrates a birthday, I honestly don''t see much difference from other days and I''m not a person who thinks a birthday is a great reason to organize a party and celebrate, so the last 18 years it hasn''t really been celebrations, just a nice meal with parents and maybe siblings or friends. I think it partly comes from the fact that I always had my birthday during Sweden''s industrial summer vacation, so most people are away, and nowadays I''m often away on trips myself. I''ve had birthdays in all sorts of places. However, this one is more different from the others, and one of them was partly spent at the Auschwitz Museum. Should I even bother to do anything special today? Or even tell them?


    I need a lot more paper as there will be mistakes, and want to use our time here to do other things and more maps. So I ask if the bras are comfortable and it''s worth making bras in better materials etc and leave the work to a seamstress, which they definitely appreciate, so I say I will pay for it, and Iselin is tasked to buy paper, an angled wooden drawing board so it will be more comfortable to draw, and get the large slate stone put in a wooden frame, and if she can find get two more in the same size or a couple of small ones with a better surface. They can probably borrow a wagon from the farm. There might be something else that is needed now that we are going to stay here for two weeks, so I give her 10 ounces of silver so she has a margin and she can take Ciara with her, whom not unexpectedly turns out to have better knowledge of fabrics and quality.


    I also say that I realised it''s my birthday, and that I became 36 years old today, so if they can arrange something extra good to eat, it would be nice, preferably some good grilled meat with some freshly baked bread and vegetables. Everyone''s quite surprised by my age, as they didn''t guess I was even 30 years old. Thanks for the compliments. I just hope they don''t think I''m an old man and that Iselin no longer wants to have sex with me. I am after all almost double her age.


    <hr>


    About half an hour later, I''m in deep thought as I use the small slate tablet to try to figure out how to distribute the maps, and in what scale and coverage it will be, when there is a knock on the door, and Alith shouts she has a problem and wonders if she can come in. I hide things and make sure everything is okay, before I say it''s okay to come in. She steps in wearing just a tunic with a sexy smile and leans against the door showing that jug with special oil, before slowly walking towards me.


    "So I''ve been wearing my wooden toy, and is effective.... " Sensually Alith straddle my lap and start caressing my crotch and with a sexy smile she looks me in the eyes. "So... your birthday..."


    So we take the opportunity to inaugurate different parts of my room while we solve her problem - and the one she just gave me. This time Alith wants us to take our time to enjoy each other as the others will be away for at least a couple more hours - they probably just got back to Borgarsandr. There''s a burning sinful fire in Alith that sometimes needs to be quenched, and I''m not a big enough idiot to say no to a charming, sexy, curvy woman with confidence and intelligence. Alith moans and look unfocused up at the ceiling as she lies on the table in front of me. She is playing with her clitoris and a breast ring and while I play with the other breast and kiss her leg going over my shoulder, and the breasts rhythmically sway as I pump again and again. Right now it''s hard to see her as the same person who is one of my guards. Alith spreads her legs in a wider V shape so I can push more and deeper, and as I lean forward I''m rewarded by stronger moans that, like magic, switch my brain to more primitive thoughts.


    Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    A very good birthday.


    <hr>


    Everything is as usual when the others come back, and we have washed ourselves and everything is normal. I wouldn''t have minded to help Alith wash thoroughly, but after the sex was over, seductress Alith and the intimacy was just a very nice memory, and the professional woman Alith was back. Definitely time to respect her implied wish and ignore what happened, and I just hope that seductress Alith will be back some time in the future. After Iselin, Alith is definitely my favourite sex partner. It just feels more sinful and special.


    Iselin has once again taken an initiative. There are several craft guilds in the town, and one concerns clothes and other sewn things. Iselin has brought an agreement with her that I just need to sign, if I agree. The guild is free to manufacture and sell bras and I get 1/6 of the income because I came to them first and won''t sell the information to others. Which, of course, I accept. The guild has already taken measurements and started manufacturing models in different materials and sizes for Alith, Iselin, Ciara and Bodil''s different needs and wishes. During prototyping we have discussed that its really about the size of the chest and the size of the cups, and they have measured each other well with a home made paper tape measure. The women will apparently get one each of the different bra models in colors they wanted, and Alith happily accepts their choice when she finds out what Iselin and Bodil said she probably wants. Another surprise is that the guild will also embroider a small brand name, RobA.


    Damn.


    I need to give Iselin more responsibility. Since this is from her initiative, I decide that of all the silver that bra sales drawn in, 1/10 will belong to Iselin. I should have given her more but may need the silver, and quite honestly they all live on my resources anyway. There are some surprised exclamation from everyone, and I hope it might make Iselin some silver, at least until other organizations or women start making it themselves. I also gives Iselin the day after tomorrow free, and only regret that there isn''t much to do here, but the town is close. They have got raw materials and accessories for really good honey grilled ribs, freshly baked bread and some vegetables etc, and since the weather is nice, we will all eat a nice meal in the garden, serenaded by the chirping of birds.


    <hr>


    In the evening, it''s clear that Iselin wants to give me a similar gift as Alith did, and get a reward for her initiative, and she has prepared it since Liv in Skiringsalr. Using a condom made from animal intestine is unusual and a bit impractical, but works, so we spend a long evening and night together, and I''m pleased that Alith didn''t wear me out. When Iselin does something good, I''m rewarded in more ways than one, and I''m happy that neither Iselin nor Alith see my age as negative. At least Alith seems to see it more as a sign of my masculinity and virility.


    When I fall asleep with Iselin beside me, it''s the end of the best birthday I can remember.


    <hr><hr>


    It has been a changing and difficult week for Ciara. First on the ship when Robert was ill. Ciara didn''t feel so good either, so Iselin took care of them both. It is wrong that Ciara is taken care of by Iselin who is a free woman. Ciara should take care of Iselin and Robert. She have a lot to repay and just fails. As always, Robert was right when he said that he didn''t need two maids. Robert only needs Iselin. Ciara isn''t needed. The last few days have just made this clearer.


    It was Iselin and Alith who gave Robert the idea for the bra, the BH. Weird name, and when Ciara asked why, Robert stared at Ciara and said it was an abbreviation for breast holder. Robert is smart and wise, and Ciara is so stupid who don''t understand the obvious. Sure, she could sew and help with bra manufacturing, but so could the others, and they were much better at discussing improvements and more. Ciara just sat there and was silent. A useless slave. There is hardly anything to do as Robert''s slave, or ambott as they call a personal slave woman. Robert mostly lets them take care of themselves, if he doesn''t come up with things to involve them in, in unexpected ways.


    When they were alone during the sailing, Ciara spoke discreetly with Alith. She asked why Alith had a wooden thing in her butt. Alith was at first a little frightened and very embarrassed that Ciara knew, but then told her that it can be really enjoyable back there for the woman if you prepare, and the man is skilled. Maybe that is why creatures try to force themselves in there too, and not just because they want to avoid children. They enjoy themselves, but don''t care if the woman does, or they enjoy more if the woman suffers. Jarl Steinnes liked that the woman was suffering.


    Alith didn''t ask if Ciara wanted to hear more, and just kept telling that she thinks it''s sort of nice to walk around with the wooden plug sometimes, even if it''s not to prepare herself because it feels so sinful and enjoyable - a secret she knows that no one knows. Alith also explain that her brest jewellery provide pleasure when fabric rubs against them. Ciara has never thought of ways to have sexual pleasure without a man before - it just wasn''t something a Lady did - and she has had too much to do since she was abducted, and tried to avoid everything with sex or be attractive.


    Ciara has almost nothing to do nowadays.


    When they went to meet the King, she asked Alith a little more. Ciara promised not to say anything, and Alith confided that she and Robert quickly had sex in the bathroom in Skiringsalr without anyone knowing. They were still finished long before the others. Ciara had no idea. She had just enjoyed the warm water. Alith knows what she wants and is smart enough to get it. Just like Iselin. Iselin who took the initiative to seek out a guild to sew up bras faster than a person could do, and then where smart enough to quickly learn and use it to Robert''s advantage. Robert will earn silver because Iselin is smart and clever. Ciara just mostly sit still and is quiet and embroiders without purpose. Iselin will be well of, since Robert is such a smart kind man, and he knows how to reward, and this won''t be the only thing Iselin is rewarded for. She can hear Iselin getting the reward she hoped. Ciara is just lying here in bed by herself, hearing Bodil''s muffled snoring, but she can no longer feel Robert''s light and warmth.


    Ciara goes out to sit and watch as the stars begin to appear. She is just a burden. A useless slave that Robert still provides with clothes, feeds and gives a comfortable living. She notice herself feeling her pendant and looks down at it feeling sad. She hasn''t deserved this, and she still thinks about it when Alith joins her a short while later.


    Ciara admit that she is useless as Roberts slave and she doesn''t know what to do. Alith says she is not useless but Alith doesn''t understand. In an attempt to cheer Ciara up, Alith leans closer and says that she and Robert had sex everywhere in his room when the others were gone, and that Robert likes her body and breast rings, and she loves to have occasional sex with Robert and understand them.


    Alith doesn''t understand that it just makes Ciara feel even more useless, and makes the day even worse. As Roberts guard, Alith is already important and fills an important duty. A purpose. She both protects Robert and makes others see Robert has well-deserved status. But now Alith has found something more that she can do to make Robert''s life better. Ciara can''t stop the tears. Alith and Bodil came into Robert''s light later than Ciara, and Alith does several important duties, just like Bodil, and she didn''t need anything else. But she has already found another. Alith is so smart.


    Alith tries to comfort her, and insists that her sex with Robert isn''t important, they have no feelings in it - it''s just sex. Really nice sex, but just an outlet they both appreciate that can''t be very often. She''s not trying to take Iselin''s or Ciara''s place.


    That only makes it worse, so with tears streaming down her cheeks, Ciara say that Robert has never had sex with her. Never. He has barely even touched her except to comfort her when she cried, and he never even looks at her that way, and she''s so thin and ugly. He refuses to have sex with her because she''s a slave.


    Just a useless slave.


    It surprises Alith who thought that Robert often had sex with Ciara, that they shared a bed in the cabin, and that is why he doesn''t have more sex with Iselin. That is why Ciara has such nice clothes and such a beautiful pendant. Ciara cries more, because now Alith knows she doesn''t deserve them either.


    Ciara says that Alith doesn''t understand how good a man Robert is, because he refuses to have sex with someone who doesn''t want it of her own free will. According to Robert''s belief, since Ciara is his slave, she can''t really say no, so he says no for her, because Robert isn''t a creature. Ciara tells what Iselin thinks about Robert refusing even a beautiful young noblewoman with land and power as a wife or concubine if her family tried to force her. He doesn''t force himself on anyone. He avoids even trying to suggest that he would want to have sex with anyone - even Iselin. And Robert loves Iselin. Women always come to him of their own free will and initiative. She can''t even accompany Robert to bed, because nowadays she wishes she could at least do that - even if it included sex with penetration, because Robert would never hurt her.


    Never.


    Ciara also wants to feel Robert''s light; to feel embraced and loved, satisfied and happy. All women seem so happy and content after having sex with Robert.


    Ciara tells how her life was before, how Jarl Steinnes treated her during the last months. How Jarl Steinnes humiliated her, and things she don''t think Iselin knows. How his creatures used her. How she slept scared in the stable. The fear of being awakened in the dark with one hand over her mouth while other hands hold her. To have to continue working the next day and fear for the next time. Fear of becoming pregnant and being beaten even more. How she tried to hide under hay and other things. How she had a knife in the dark, ready to take her own life, knowing that she was condemning herself to hell, but stopping for fear that hell would be the same but worse. Forever.


    Ciara tells how Robert and Iselin are sent by the Gods and saved her from that misery, and how Robert took her into his light. Got maids to wash her in a private room. Shared his own food with her, from his own vessels, made sure they ate together so he knew she ate, and she could eat in safety, peace and quiet, and told her to eat healthy and well. Bought a chest with food so she knew that her next meal was always safe, and that she could eat whenever she wanted, of whatever she wanted. Expensive food he didn''t like, because she might like it. So she would be healthier and not so ugly. Gave her nice clothes, just hoping she would get better, knowing she was someone. Gave her the pendant to show that Robert appreciated her progress. How Robert happily hired Alith and Bodil because Robert refuse to have male guards near her or Iselin. How Robert so thoughtfully always whistles faintly when he''s afraid to scare her - so she knows he''s coming. He never touches her without asking, and at most gave hugs after he asked if she wanted one, and so she would have a shoulder to cry on, because Robert wanted to comfort her. She really wished Robert would let her hug and cry at his shoulder right now.


    If Robert had a job to give her - he would. Robert is such a kind and honest man, and he gives her such gifts without her doing anything for them. She died in Jarl Steinnes service and was resurrected by Robert''s light. Robert has given her a new life after death. Robert is the light and warmth of Ciara''s life, and she needs him nearby to feel safe, at peace and sleep well. Robert is life and she would do whatever Robert asks, without hesitation. Anything, and pray to the Gods to do it well enough. But she can''t even sleep near him any more. Not sleep in his room and hear his movements or quiet breathing and know that he is there. She wish that Robert had snored.


    Ciara just falls further and further away from Robert''s warmth and light, down into the emptiness and cold darkness. Where there isn''t any light.


    Alith has nothing to answer to that, but just stares out at the evening sky while Ciara continue crying.

 Borgarsandr - day 4, Chess & Usefulness

    Borgarsandr, day 4


    Chess & Usefulness


    Iselin wakes me up in her the usual way and then crawl up and rests her head on my chest.


    "You don''t have to that. I appreciate it of course, but a little variety is better. So don''t do it next time, okay?"


    Iselin nods, and her cute smile becomes devilish, and as she rest her head on my chest I hear her whispered and pleased reply: "Next time."


    Yeah.


    I just feel at peace and happy. I wonder how far it will go before I really start to consider marrying Iselin, because I would already like to have her as girlfriend and fianc¨¦e more than maid slash personal assistant. Someone who is my equal. I need pastimes. Games etc. There are of course games here, and I need to try them. There seems to be some chess like game where one starts in the middle and the other along the sides, but I won''t try to pronounce it again. There are dice here, but they aren''t very accurate. They can definitely be improved, and with rounded corners so it will be harder to make deliberate throws. Need to let Alith and Bodil train with weapons and I too need weapons training. I need to run a couple of times a week. It sure won''t be fun but I need to stay in better shape.


    Games. Why not introduce something like chess? Bodil has said she likes to carve wood, and here it can be done compared to a rocking and boat. Maybe I can get her to do the chess pieces. She and Alith seem to be bored a lot. I sure would in their line of work.


    Iselin, Ciara and Alith take a trip into town to leave the contract and pick up the slate etc she ordered yesterday. So in the mean time I describes my chess idea to Bodil, and she eagerly agree right away. It will of course be her game but it would be fun to teach them to play it. I am not so good myself, but enough to be interesting. So I sketch on the small slate board, and describe the shape of the board, how it is made of wooden blocks that are glued together, etc. Bodil is very interested, and asks questions, and she disappears out to the yard to what wood is available and I work in my room as Bodil starts to work outside the front door.


    I look in on Bodil''s progress and she will get sawn wooden blocks in two shades that can be made lighter or darker a little oil or paint, and is working on other parts of the board. The glue needs to dry and finally it will have to be planed and leveled. It was good practise to sketch the different figures on paper, and Bodil looks happy when she sits leaning back on the bench outside, while carving a horse.


    <hr>


    The others have been back for a while. I don''t know why Ciara looks so miserable, but best to ask, so I ask her to come out into the garden so I can talk to her. I gesture for her to sit on the bench next to me and speak out. She looks ready to cry. I haven''t seen her this miserable last week and thought she seemed to get better and get some drive and motivation in her. I asks if she wants a hug, and Ciara throws herself at me and hugs me as if her life hangs on it. Maybe memories. Given what she''s probably been through, I wouldn''t be surprise if it bubbles up when she least expects it. Hopefully, time will heal those wounds. Ciara confess that she isn''t useful - that there is nothing she can do. Everyone else constantly finds new things, gets new tasks and are useful. First Alith and now Bodil. I can''t figure out what Alith has to do with it all, so I ask.


    It is so embarrassing when I understand that Alith has talked to Ciara about our sexual activities, but Ciara''s experiences make her distort everything, and now Bodil has also become more useful. Ciara looks me in the eyes and declares that she would do anything I ask - anything - and would like to try to fulfill the need Alith does, if I just allowed her to share my bed or sleep in my room, and Ciara looks so dejected when she says she know I don''t want to have sex with her. I wonders if Ciara really understands why I can''t have sex with her, and I really don''t want her to believe she''s only useful if we have sex, or worse - that she''s only useful for sex. I also have to try to keep some of the principles that make me, me.


    Argh. I must try to come up with something Ciara can do to make her feel useful, but first I say it''s good that she''s found someone to talk to. Someone to trust. I tell her that it isn''t always about being special and several can fulfill the same tasks and chores. Ciara doesn''t have to have a niche just for her, even though I understand that she wants it. I ask if Ciara believes me when I say something. Without hesitation, she replies: "Absolutely!" And I have no doubt she means it. I say that she will fill a valuable niche, especially at the future Academy; it''s just not the right time, and she must try to endure a long time. It haven''t even started to be built yet. The Academy won''t even be among the first buildings built.


    In the meantime, I make Ciara fully responsible for food - that we eat regularly and well - and she knows how important I think that is. If we need to buy some food, she should ask Iselin to help her do it. Ciara looks much more collected and more relaxed, and asks if she can help make food too. If she want too, she can. I hold her against me and as we continue to hug she gets a content smile. She hasn''t stopped hugging me since she started. I ask if she wants to sit on my lap instead, so it will be more comfortable, and she happily jumps up in my lap and continues to hug me with her head against mine and her smile becomes wider and she start to relax. This just feels really weird. I asks if she wants me to give her a kiss on the cheek from time to time, because I don''t do that with anyone and she quickly and enthusiastically nods. Ciara really shines when I give her a kiss on each cheek.


    Eventually I have to work, and Ciara understands that but say she will be fine. When I leave Ciara, she straightens her clothes and looks happily towards the horizon and the sea with a determined face. I have to make sure I really find something she can do at the Academy, and preferably before.


    <hr><hr>


    Ciara just sit there and thinks for a long time. Of course Robert has had something planned for her at the Academy. Robert is such a kind smart man, and he thinks and cares about her. She should have trusted him and not doubted. Not been weak in her faith in Robert. She let Robert down because she was short-sighted, gave up and didn''t believe in him. Just as she gave up praying to God last winter and stopped believing. She will do her best to never let Robert down again. Never waver in her faith in Robert, no matter what trials she faces. Robert has given her a purpose and she will take care of it well, so she can feel the warmth and light. She is so looking forward to the kisses and hugs, and it was absolutely wonderful to sit on his lap and feel embraced by Robert. She could have spent all day like that. Just warmth, light and happiness.


    Ciara''s satisfied smile grows as she understands that she can fill a niche that someone else is already doing. She can''t guard, or carve wood. She can obviously never fill Iselin''s duties. But she can partially fill Alith''s niche. Alith learned from Liv and Ciara can learn from Alith. If Robert eventually wants it, she will be ready.


    <hr><hr>


    Bodil sits leaned back and carves on the second wooden horse when Alith comes out, and say Sir wants to be alone with Ciara in the garden. Bodil has a half grin when she wonders why Alith isn''t looking on through the window.


    Bodil cuts herself when Alith hiss at her with a hard and angry look. She stares annoyed and questioningly at Alith as she sucks on her finger, who sighs and slowly and discreetly begins to tell what Ciara told her the night before, and what Iselin confirmed. Never touched Ciara? Gave her everything and treated her so well for no reason? Refuse to have sex with a slave because they can''t say no, even when the ambott is willing and fanatically devoted to her master? Would refuse a rich beautiful noblewoman? Sent a willing naked free woman from his bed, just because he suspected that she might have been pressured by her master or mistress? Bodil just stares at Alith who deeply sigh before she sits down on the bench next to Bodil and continues;


    "Bodil, think of what Sir is like. Look past the fact that he is incredibly powerful, rich and masculine and what that usually means. Think about how he behaves towards everyone and what he says. Think back over the past two weeks that we''ve been in his service: During that time, has he ever made hints that he would like to have sex with someone or asked for it? Have he hinted at anything to you? Last night I contemplated that, and can''t think of any occasion, even when we were alone and even though we''ve been intimate, which we both loved. Since that evening he has made no suggestions towards me, and he doesn''t give me lascivious looks as most men do, and when he happens to look at my breasts he is disappointed in himself.


    Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.


    We both know that if Iselin got what she wanted, they would share a bed every night, with or without sex, because she is completely in love with Sir, but he doesn''t want that because she works for him. He has power over her - even though he''s obviously in love with her. Iselin''s necklace must be an annual salary for us, and it certainly wasn''t given to entice her to warm his bed. You saw how quickly and without a doubt he gave her a tenth to reward her for the deal. He cares about her, and rewards good work. He is a generous man. They''ve had sex once in a while, yes - he is still a man who needs an outlet and they''re close to each other day after day - but it''s like a reward when Iselin has done something good and really wants sex. You''ve seen how he treats both of them, and how he treats us and others we have encountered - like the slaves on this farm. He''s kind and polite whether he''s talking to a slave or the King. You said so yourself."


    Bodil just stares at Alith and forgets to suck on his finger. Sir has never done such a thing, and it''s spot on for Iselin, as well as his behavior towards everyone.


    "Do you remember how Sir took us aside the first night, and told us to protect and keep watch on Ciara from the beginning? It wasn''t like we assumed because she is his bed slave and he wanted control over her, and so no other man would touch her. It really was to protect Ciara from men who can assault her without real consequence because she''s a slave. You do not want to know what her last year was like - don''t ask her because she might tell and you don''t want that memory. Just her tone and face when she told me... I had nightmares last night. Nightmares just from what she experienced, how her life has been. Ciara has been about to kill herself just to escape from that, aware that her God would punish her with eternal suffering, and she believes that Sir was sent by our Gods to save her.


    We as Shieldmaidens were largely employed instead of male warriors, so that Ciara would be protected and feel safe. Remember Iselin''s words about how Sejdmann Arnesson was, so we would seek the service, and just think about how we sleep here compared to the ship or tavern. Sir would never allow any man to sleep in the same room as Ciara or Iselin. They slept in Sir''s ships cabin so he could keep them safe, not because they had sex, and he gave them sleeping dresses so they had privacy. Should any man have to sleep here in the house one night, I''m convinced that Iselin and Ciara immediately would move in to Sir''s bedroom, even if it meant letting them sleep in his bed. Ciara only sleeps well in Sir''s presence, whether we are there or not. She wish that he snored, so she at least could hear him and feel safer."


    It''s just to much for Bodil. Who does something like that for an abused and raped slave woman? Many wouldn''t even look away but instead participate, because it''s ''just a slave woman''. Many women think that they''re the lowest slave too, and the Gods wouldn''t have given them such a fate if they didn''t deserve it. Such lives usually continue in misery until they happen to die, or until they take their own lives. They are not saved and treated like noble women by powerful men.


    "By the way, have you heard of Iselin''s agreement?"


    Bodil has not heard of any agreement, so she just slowly shakes her head.


    "Iselin quickly mentioned the agreement, as she wanted me to know. Apparently she was also a slave until the days before we met - born slave, and also in the service of that swine Jarl Steinnes in Kambsnes - you sleep better not knowing, and just be happy that we never went and sought service there. But Iselin was so much better off than Ciara and was given to Sir as his reward for that impressive sejd we''ve heard about."


    All that hate towards Jarl Steinnes makes Bodil curious, but she trusts Alith.


    "But Sir wanted someone to trust as his personal maid, who could protect his secrets and who could help him with the transition to life here. But a slave can be beaten, raped, etc, by others and it will only be silver for it legally, if something even happens. You know how it can be even with free women, if there is a powerful Storman or Jarl involved. We both remember Mildri. So Sir wrote an agreement with Iselin, where she agreed to serve him well for 5 years, and as if it weren''t short enough can be shortened by Sir - which he certainly will - and then Iselin is a free woman without reservations for all time to come. No ordinary free-neck, whose children are still in debt to the old master, must obey and vote in Ting as the master, and so on. Not Iselin, and not even during the agreement. He freed her so that during these 5 years she could have the protection of the law from others and from him. He made sure she have a document he don''t want to know the location of, as to guarantee her protection against himself. Have you ever heard of something like this?"


    Bodil can only slowly shake his head - it''s a lot to take in. What man in power would weaken himself so much because he cares about others, especially slave women? Unfortunately, several powerful women don''t differ much there either.


    "I just realised something. There is a really important part of that agreement. Iselin isn''t allowed to own slaves while serving Sir. They instantly becomes his if she buys or gets one. Considering all the rest I believe that the more power Sir feels over someone, the more responsible he feels for their well-being, and the more protective he becomes. We''ve never seen Sir do any kind of real sejd, and he avoids it. You''ve seen how controlled he is, and you said he didn''t show the least bit of fear or worry standing in front of the King. I think Sir really didn''t see the King as powerful, compared to himself. He might be kind to everyone because to him there isn''t much difference between a slave and a King in power. I think he''s so controlled because he has to be, because he is too powerful. He might be afraid of what his power could do if he got drunk, or started to use sejd because it was the easy way, so he won''t abuse any power. That''s why he doesn''t even touch Ciara without asking, and that might be why he wants to start that Academy. He feels responsible for the future of all Elves."


    That is one hell of a scary thought, but it becomes clearer to Bodil why Sir wouldn''t use Galdr with such an attitude. To spellbind someone would be contrary to Sir''s core principles, and it''s no wonder that Freya really blesses Sir. Bodil doesn''t have to worry about Sir looking down on Alith because they were intimate, or will lure her to bed. She needs to worry about Alith giving herself to Sir, because she is very well aware of her outspoken friend''s beliefs, dreams, fantasies and what she''s attracted to when it comes to men.


    "So, I don''t want to hear any comments that Sir is a lustful man and that he would force himself on someone. We swore an oath to protect Sir, his property and his honor, and you have unknowingly just insulted it. We both have. We''re guilty of that, in several ways, against our Sir. But Sir is a better man than we knew, and I will protect his honor and glory even against you."


    There''s an unpleasant silence between them, and Bodil can only agree. They have both had preconceived notions about Sir, for who would guess the reality? They stare out over the farm, the fields and the people who work. Many slaves and some free men and women. Finally, Alith breaks the unpleasant silence between them, with an unpleasant thought:


    "During these two weeks we will be here... How many Sir''s, guards or just general men do you think would have forced themselves on one or more of the slave women who work here? How many times will it happen while we are here by others on this farm?"


    The silence continues for several minutes while they watch the life and movement of the farm. Finally, Bodil asks:


    "Why doesn''t Sir just free Ciara or give her the same agreement as Iselin, and give Ciara what she dreams about?"


    None of them come up with an answer to that. After several minutes, Alith sighs and a little hesitantly and resignedly say:


    "Maybe he''s just blind to the obvious like many men, and just haven''t thought about it?"


    <hr><hr>


    That guild really know how to sew things, and seem to have many who work for them. I didn''t expect to see four different models - one or two yes - but apart from a sports bra for work or for warrior women, there''s a ''normal'' everyday bra in linen, one in really nice silk or something like that, with small embroidery, lace, ruffles and patterns. How did they get made it in a day? They must have had prepared ribbons and fabric they could use, but then again, it''s probably something to do while waiting for work. The last bra model Alith''s rightly proud of as a design proposal from her, but Iselin says that they where many women who collaborated when they understood the purpose. Front opened and made to make women feel luxurious, and men to drool. Alith proudly says that she named it ''Valhalla'', because the man who sees it thinks he got there, and unlike wrapped breasts, there is an easily opened front clasp.


    Iselin happily model a fine model in dark blue, and it''s a revelation to see her in it, matching the gold necklace with blue stones that she normally wears, and framed by her beautiful long red hair. Her intense eyes are drilling into my soul, and I''m happy that I''m sitting down. But Iselin then switches to the everyday model, just like Ciara. Alith and Bodil are happy with sports bras. I''m happy that it works, and that I''ve hopefully introduced another good thing in this world for women that can help relieve back problems. If it helps with future sagging breasts or not, I have no idea.


    <hr>


    I sit leaned back and think about how to puzzle between the maps, exactly what covers what, when Alith knocks and ask if she can have a quick word. Sure. So Alith comes in, and leans back against the table with a sinful smile and a bare upper body with only her Valhalla bra in bright red, framed by her blue-gray braid hanging down in front over her shoulder.


    Damn. They are perfect at my eye level and I can only stare as I appreciate the view.


    "If it works that well on someone who has seen them before, it might cause shock death in other men. Maybe I should have called it Hel instead...". Alith puts on her tunic again before she goes out to the others. I just look after her, and there may be something in it. It''s again lucky that I am sitting down.

 Borgarsandr - day 4, Kari

    It''s shortly after noon, when Bodil who is sitting outside carving another chess piece, comes in and say we might have visitors. Three horses are arriving to the farm; two shieldmaidens escorting an obvious high status woman. I have had time to look out the window and see a well dressed woman who gracefully slips off the horse and starts walking towards our cottage. Now what? Iselin and Ciara have straightened their clothes and are ready, so with Alith behind me I go out and receive out visitor. Tall stately woman who is definitely of high birth, with good posture and impression, and I who have no real idea over etiquette here. Should I talk first? Will she? Should I bow?


    "Sejdmann Robert Arnesson?" I nod. "My name is Kari Alfgeirsdotter and King Asbj?rn Aeriksson has assigned me to be your teacher in language, reading-writing, culture, etiquette and other subjects." she says, making a graceful nod and curtsy.


    "Welcome Kari Alfgeirsdotter, I''m Robert Arnesson. Hope you excuse my honesty, but I have no idea what the protocol is here and would immediately need a lesson in how to receive a noble woman."


    "Sir has a higher rank than me, and is a Sejdmann, so Sejdmann Arnesson doesn''t have to do anything special other than be polite and hospitable. Eloquence is appreciated, but it''s not necessary."


    She may believe I have a higher rank but she definitely has the attitude, the knowledge and the nice words that are difficult to understand.


    "Then I ask Miss Alfgeirsdotter to come in." She''s surprised when I hold the door open for her and show her in, but goes in first without sitting down. This will be frustrating before she teaches me enough.


    "Let me introduce Miss Iselin Vigdisdottir, Miss Ciara Mawr, and Shieldmaidens Alith and Bodil. Am I making an error if I ask you to sit down on a bench?"


    "It''s not an error, but since Sir has a higher rank, I sit after Sir. Sir is the one who sits first, eats first and so on."


    So I sit down at the bench on the other side of the table and gesture for her to sit down. She does everything so gracefully and elegant.


    "Shouldn''t your guards come in?"


    "No Sir, their orders are to return to the King''s castle."


    "Pardon me, especially given the purpose Miss Alfgeirsdotter is here for, and I hope I don''t make a huge etiquette faux pas, but I would appreciate a more straight forward simpler way of speaking until I''ve started to learn. All etiquette and rules of address easily become distracting and we have no other guests here, and those in my company have learned I prefer it more informal. You won''t make me angry or annoyed if you would give me factually sharp criticism, and I also need to learn the words."


    Obviously, Kari thinks this is entertaining, and knows that I''m way out of my depth. She have a charming smile and seem to hold back from laughing.


    "Sir''s educated, but I understand this is all very new."


    "You say I have a higher rank, but what is my rank?"


    "Sir has declared himself as Sejdmann Robert Arnesson in front of many powerful witnesses including King Asbj?rn Aeriksson. This means that Sir is outside the usual noble ranks just as V?lva and Gothi. In some situations, the King will be the lower title, but it is unwise to claim so within the borders of his Kingdom, so Sir should always address or refer to the King as just ''the King'' or King Aeriksson, in his vicinity Sir should always address the King with ''King Aeriksson'' or ''Your Majesty''. If King Aeriksson adress Sir with only Sir''s first name can Sir do it back since Sir is a Sejdmann, and it would be a great favour to get that honor. In general, all sejd users are women, and this is the first time anyone knows that the King has honorably referred to someone as ''Sejdmann'' repeatedly before witnesses, and that makes it indisputable. Sir is Sejdmann Robert Arnesson to all the Kings subjects."


    Geez, talk about I didn''t get that. Our discussion drags out as we get to know each other a little, and I get to learn the words and the way of how to address a higher or lower noble woman and noble man, and also a free man and woman. How to know which is which? It''s just something you need to know. Using wrong and addressing a higher with a lower is an insult, and addressing a lower than oneself with a higher rank shows reverence and one considers the person worthy of a higher rank. Someone with a really low rank, as most slaves, shouldn''t talk to one with too high a rank without good reason, or in certain situations. Easiest and safest for me is to address with their title and last name, but given my own special rank I can use only last names for Jarls or lower, but I don''t need to if I''m there as Sejdmann, especially not if I''m called or ''required'' to come, as sejd users that are called or requested to a home have special status. I can then use only first names straight off, and possibly do a little head nodding. It''s always best to use title and last name, and I need nothing more than that due to my status.


    So nice! Everything just became so much easier.


    Keeping track of everyones rank and status is very difficult, especially if you haven''t met them before, and it''s quite common to have a servant or personal maid stand a little discreetly to the side and whisper in your ear. When I ask if it just isn''t easier to avoid nobility as much as possible, Kari gives her first cautious laugh.


    Since we will be spending a lot of time for so long, I ask if I can use her first name Kari to make it easier, asking her to use my Robert. It''s a bit too familiar because we''ve just meet, but Kari understands adapting to the situation, which is part of the etiquette, and as the higher status I can ignore and dismiss such rules between us. Had I been lower, she would have had to take the initiative to do so, otherwise it''s rude of me, but if we are the same rank, anyone can take the initiative. And so on. It also depends on formal or private setting. But my title as Sejdmann allows me to call her by name directly, especially in private, as sejd users are outside the social structure, and this also applies to the King, but stupid to do so as long as the King doesn''t take the initiative. Again about respect and statuses etc.


    Argh.


    But good.


    I like Kari, and she''s charming, but I''m very suspicious of her. She''s nice to talk to, charming, educated and seem to have a nice personality. She''s also another in the long line of beautiful Elf women, maybe a few years older than the others but it may just as well be that she''s taller, but I have always had a hard time guessing women''s age. It''s ridiculously difficult, and not made easier when they''re Elves, but the advantage is that people seem to age faster here. I assume it''s malnutrition, harder life, out more in nature and so on.


    Kari has long blonde hair, almost golden, that reaches her buttocks and is held in place by a gold hair band. Deep blue eyes in a beautiful face. Longer than the others and only about 8-10 cm shorter than me. Graceful body shape, not muscular, fat or slim, but only good proportions and normal sized breasts and doesn''t seem to have the muscles and body tone that Alith, Bodil and Iselin have. Kari has probably never done any physical work. Her clothes seem to be excellent quality; a nice patterned light brown dress that ends just a few centimeters above the floor. Embroidered collar with black and gold thread, with a deep wide V-neckline that makes the most of her breasts and the dress doesn''t rest much on the outer parts of her shoulders.


    It wouldn''t be possible to wear a bra under that dress without it being visible, and she has a much larger neckline than what women here usually wear. It''s more common with a circular rounding than a deep wide V, but that might just be so for nobility and among the rich. It''s probably a fashion thing. She has a gold necklace with small black stones, with a larger stone in a pendant that tries to attract my eyes to her cleavage with contrast and movement, and matching earrings. A discreetly decorated waist belt blends nicely into the dress in terms of color, and shows her body shape. She is color-matched to hell and gives a very elegant impression where she sits with her hands on each other in front of her and completely straight in the back. Definitely a Lady, and Iselin seems a bit awed and embarrassed by just being in the same room.


    When asking about Kari''s schedule, I expect to hear that she will be coming back here every day, but no. Apparently she''s going to live here. Not on the farm. But in here. With us. I''m blanking out a bit as there''s only two bedrooms. Of course, she can''t sleep in my room, nor can I ever let her in there because of my things and I have to use technology.


    I explain the situation with bedrooms and there are only two, but there is an extra bed inside my room so if we move a single bed from the front room and place it in the large common room, Ciara can sleep there, and Kari can sleep in the larger bed in the front room. I don''t know how we will solve it otherwise, without someone sleeping in my room, which probably Iselin or Ciara would do, but isn''t desirable.


    Kari says it sounds like a great idea, but she''s probably too polite to say if it weren''t, so we move a couple of beds. Which to Kari''s surprise and slight disapproval, I help with, instead of getting Ciara to fetch some workers on the farm. Kari''s packing has been unloaded outside, and gets carried in. A nice wooden chest that finds a place in the front room as well, but it''s quite crowded there now. I bring Ciara with me out in the garden, and I have her sit in my lap as I hope she understood why there was a relocation, which she of course does, but she appreciate I''m assuring me of her well-being and she''s happy that her new sleeping place is closer to me. I kiss Ciara''s cheek and give her a hug.


    We have dinner and I introduce Kari to the same rules as everyone else, and if she doesn''t mind, she should eat the right, varied diet.


    <hr>


    I spend a bit of the afternoon talking to Kari out in the garden, sitting at the table in the shade of a tree. Looks like apple but could be something else. I''m not a garden person. We talk about a little of everything, partly to get to know her, but above all to get to know the Kingdom I am in. I use the small slate board and she looks curiously when I scribble on it. So I explain that I needed something temporary to scribble on so I arranged this. A surprising but appreciative look and she tries to take notes and draw on it herself. We will use a couple of bigger ones in a wooden frame for my languages and writing lessons, which I really need to learn. I''m too dependent on the others. I also hope that Kari doesn''t take it badly, but I wish that Iselin and Ciara can participate in the lessons, but if Alith or Bodil wants, it''s fine by me. Iselin''s reading and writing also need to be improved, which Kari easily accepts as she''s at my service. I excuse myself for having to work on the maps to King Aeriksson and we will talk again a little later when the light isn''t suitable to work in.


    Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.


    <hr>


    In the evening my lesson gets side-tracked as I introduce Midg?rd numbers for all of them and why they are better to use than the usual system here. I''ve already brought it up to Iselin when she went through their system to me. It''s quite easy to show how to divide something, or add fractions easily, and count up and down in decimals when they begin to understand the worth of a positional value system. The basic four arithmetic methods are easy to show. Alith''s the one who seems to have the most difficulty with it, but she has probably done well enough before in life with just a little easier plus and minus, and not really noticed the problems. As a craftsman''s daughter, Bodil might having seen the problems before, and she''s better at math than any of them. I probably should introduce an Abacus since they don''t seem to have them.


    <hr><hr>


    Ciara feel quite good about herself, and she tries to learn and be more of a use to Robert. It''s hard, but every little step helps. Being in charge of the food means that she has something important to do, and she tries to make it a little more special and improve what''s cooked for them from the farm, even though she has never been good at cooking. Ciara retrieves when the food is ready and gets help to carry it from the other maids there, a free woman and two slave women. Even the free woman is careful and respectful in Ciara''s vicinity, but she understands that. They''re the Kings guests, and Sir has such a high status that Ciara automatically gets status as his slave, because her necklace shows that Sir obviously considers her important, and her everyday dress is finer than most free women''s.


    She talked to Alith and asked about those wooden things, and Alith showed it to her with a smile, gave instructions and also how hygiene must be maintained. Ciara doesn''t want to become sick and be a burden again. She also learn about oil or saliva, preferably the right oil with the right additives. But they have such oil so Ciara can use it. Alith helped her make her own wooden thing and the little wooden thing in the back feels... different. She doesn''t get the pleasures Alith says she gets. But Ciara intends to persevere in using it for a while every day. She won''t give up so easily - she has learned that. She will be ready.


    Ciara doesn''t mind being moved out to sleep in the common room as it''s closer to Robert even if the wall is thicker, and she will know if Robert leaves his room. Kari is so beautiful, well educated and elegant. Even when Ciara was a Lady and the wife of a Earl''s son, she wasn''t that elegant. She looks forward to learning from Kari, especially together with Robert.


    <hr><hr>


    Kari lies and thinks. A Sejdmann confirmed by the King, and a really powerful one, even though he look so normal. The world has changed. Mostly for the better, but still. She has never liked V?lva, Seerman and Gothi''s. Fj?lkunniga and Medicine of course, but much of the others predictions, advice and information are obviously wild guesses and as vaguely as it can be, so it can be interpreted either way - especially afterwards. If it''s all lies, what''s the truth? She has often begun to think about whether the Gods are real in recent years, because in other parts of the world there are other Gods or just one. Why are there different Gods everywhere? How can people believe in different things and everyone be right? How can people just start believing in completely different Gods all of a sudden?


    Sejdmann Robert Arnesson. She has only known him one afternoon, but thinks that the King and his councilors have been too quick to place Sejdmann in a comfortable known category, because he seems to be a much better man, and he is completely different than expected in appearance, but above all, in manner and views. No one who sees him can imagine he is a powerful sejd user. He looks like a really tall stately masculine man, and he has more beard and hair than she has ever heard a man have. Hair on the arms and legs. She had expected him to be a dominating and lustful man, because he had two maids who slept in the same room on the tavern and during the boat trip, and only two shield maidens as guards. As if he wants a woman available all the time, or doesn''t want men around him.


    Kari understand the lack of men, for all men will look down on a Sejdmann as unmanly - ergi - a deep insult that can easily lead to a duel between two men, but not as serious as ragr. Sejdmann is automatically ergi, because sejd is a female art, and men wouldn''t want to serve a Sejdmann because they themselves can be perceived as less masculine or be tainted by the sejd. Like most men, male guards had probably tried to rank themselves, like wolves. Without male guards, Robert is automatically the male of his flock.


    But Kari no longer believes that to be the case. He seems too kind, respectful and caring towards the women, regardless of the status of the woman, and out of sheer habit he also thanked the slave woman on the farm who left the food. He seemed uncomfortable just sitting there and being served. It''s also as if he''s more comfortable around women than other men, apart from the sexual overtones. As if he has nothing in common with men, but he also has very little in common with women. Maybe he sees himself outside of everything? He''s a Sejdmann and how has his life been? When did he become a Sejdmann and how was his childhood? He may be used to being alone, separated from both men and women.


    On such a voyage, most men would have sought mead and female company in every port, but he already has plenty of the latter. Even if he was only in town for a couple of nights, how many men wouldn''t after a long voyage - even with female company - want to go out and meet other men, to drink mead and feast? At least visit the one of the feast halls. They always ate in his room, and even the guards tended to be in there most of the time. A charming and stately man, with power and wealth, who spends most of his time in a room with four unbound women who enjoy his company and likes their master. That should be a simple conclusion, especially considering how his two maids look at him.


    It was completely unexpected that he created a new and funny, but practical, garment for women. His name is on every bra, a cursive discreet RobA in foreign runes, as if he has signed his work or put a hand on each woman''s breasts. Maybe it''s a discrete way to brag, so that every man who sees such a bra in front of them will know that Sejdmann Robert Arnesson was there before them, and that they should be happy - see how attractive it can be. Especially with a Valhalla. I can see the benefits and will buy one to try. Iselin''s padded one really makes a difference, and she''s glad of her improved cleavage.


    They will sell quite a lot of them. Padded for those feeling unblessed. Unpadded for the too blessed. Sport for the active. And Valhalla to the rich. Valhalla will probably be the hardest sell, not because of the price, but since it''s wealth that won''t be shown. Then again, enough will be shown or hinted at by dresses with the right cleavage, and that would be a way to show wealth. Showing that it''s there, just mostly hidden by the dress. Because the woman is wealthy enough to have such clothes, without needing to show it off. Valhalla might change what is fashionable.


    Sejdmann Robert Arnesson. His name has spread among seafarers in the harbour like wildfire, and male seafarers are beginning to see Sejdmann differently. In addition to the fact that he has made and shown North Arrows - which is a powerful undisputed sejd - both that life preserver and the hammock are his creations. Hagan was very proud of his vest and couldn''t praise its creator enough. How can a man just sprout ideas that way? Like that slate and chalk crayons he casually showed, which he seemed to have invented because he needed something to ''scribble'' on. It would revolutionize so much, and Robert knows about it - he just hasn''t spread that information yet. How many times has I not seen slate and chalk as art, on buildings, floors or carved, but never thought about that use? How many other ideas has he just sprouted out in a short time?


    Not to mention those numbers. It will take some time to get used to, but I can see the benefits, and Robert was so fast in adding a long list of numbers, not to mention all the other methods, and he obviously knows a lot about math, but is accustomed to other dimensions and length units. I wouldn''t be surprised if his number system is what is applied in trade, crafts and nobility within a couple of decades. Especially if he sell that simple counting contraption too. How many ideas does he have? Most of what he does isn''t sejd, it''s something anyone could do, it''s just that no one has seen the possibility. Robert sees the possibilities. Is that why he is a Sejdmann? Because he sees possibilities and paths no one has seen before? I wonder what possibilities he sees in Sejd.


    How do I get him to see the possibilities and value in me?


    It won''t be easy to seduce Robert when he has this kind of company, and is so controlled. He seems to be a kind and good man. Rich and will get richer, but he doesn''t seem to have ambitions of power or even wealth. Just offering my body to him will only make me lose, and he would probably be disappointed. How can I make him want me to be his?


    I have to convince a good man to want me. Someone that might ask the King for my hand, or be important enough to be given a gift. It should be easy to get some man to covet me, maybe love me, but it have been hard as I am kept apart. Getting a good man to give me a good life, and as I cherish to call mine, and maybe even marry me, is so much harder. It''s been impossible the last few years, because the King has made sure of it. Robert is the first in many years that I''ve even had a chance to spend enough time trying to seduce, and I haven''t even been able to practice it. The King has just kept me isolated most of the time. Free to visit the town, and shop for his family and friends, but always guarded and forbidden to spend time with men. Sentenced to be given to some rich powerful man whom the King wants to reward or bind to himself. It''s hard to understand that I, who turned 22 a few weeks ago, wasn''t given away several years ago, and I should''ve given birth several times by now.


    Children.


    My future has always been as a concubine, whose main duty is to give a powerful man pleasure and children, whose wife may be barren, who will surely hate me, especially if I produce a male heir who doesn''t bind her family to the son via blood.


    I always feel dread when I''m introduced to a man at a feast, especially some men. Women talk to each other, maids like nobility, rumours go, and I know that some of those men are nasty pigs whose wives want nothing more than to avoid them, but have no choice but to endure, and they prefer that their husbands take concubines or mistresses just to avoid them. Someone like me. I don''t want my first time to be under some drunk fat pig who barely knows what soap is, who lacks most teeth and with a breath that makes me want to hurl. I shudder when I think of such things, because I have to play along and pretend as to not offend my man''s masculinity, and thus be a bad gift from the King. An insult instead of a gift. Or my first time might be as an exotic bed slave in some faraway country, being used and thrown aside until the next time. And I have to pretend to enjoy that too for the rest of my life.


    He didn''t say so, but the Kings choice of me as Sejdmann''s teacher, obvious means that he wants Sejdman Robert Arnesson to covet me and maybe try to force me to become his, while I seduce and spy to find out his thoughts, purpose and secrets. In bed or not. If I fail, the King will surely give me to some unpleasant man as punishment for my failure, and as a warning to the younger ones.


    Robert is only a bit more than a handful of years older with a long well nourished physique, charming and he seems to really care about those around him, regardless of background, and that might be a way in. I don''t doubt he has a well developed mind behind those gray-blue eyes, and he has a comfortable playful way that appeals to me. No dominant, violent or tightly controlling man, but there''s certainly a lot of will behind those eyes when he so desires, because as Sejdmann, his path through life must have been difficult and special. He has walked alone through life, spiritually and physically. He''s so much better than expected, and this will be my last chance to have some influence for my future and for a good man. It will just be difficult to seduce him...


    Perhaps I instead can make him see a value in my continued presence by his side? Make him care about me, about my future? When I am his woman, it won''t be hard to get him to take me to bed, and mead and wine loosen most morals.


    I may have less than two weeks, and I absolutely must succeed before any powerful Storman or noble family manages to bind Robert to them. They will throw their daughters at his feet and offer good proposals to secure a marriage when they understand his value, especially if the King gives him that land for his Academy, and had they known that Jarl Myrun Skiringe has carried out a good discreet plan to attract Robert''s Academy to Skiringsalr and Robert to herself, they wouldn''t think for long. She haven''t made any known moves toward a man for herself since her husband died all those years ago.


    That made me start to re-evaluate Robert before I even met him. It''s only through Hagan that small, but oh so valuable, information has reached here; that Skiringe has given Robert a farm and an offer, for Robert has said nothing, and that information seem to be missing in Jarl Skiringe''s letter to the King. An Jarl loyal to her King, but who doesn''t hesitate to strengthen her own region, power and family if the King don''t take the opportunity. After meeting Robert, I''m surprised that she let him leave, and that should be telling about his power. She could have easily made Merchant Danr an offer or similar to hold the ship there a few days or a week, but she didn''t. That is not like Skiringe. She has a reputation to be cunning like a fox, and ruthless when it suits her.


    Something made her back off, and be careful.


    Either way, my future is either with Robert, or really unpleasant, and the days are few.


    I must succeed.

 Borgarsandr - day 5, Day off & MP3

    Borgarsandr, day 5


    Day off & MP3


    Rain. Yay for Swedish summer. Either 15C and rain, clouds and wind, or 30C and sunshine and dry. Sometimes it''s a nice day in between. Once a long, snowy winter; another year with barely a single day with minus or snow. Or it is an all-gray sky where the sun can''t be detected, even temperatures hovering just above freezing and only light rain for weeks with maybe only a handful of sunshine hours in a month. There''s a basis for the fact that Scandinavians often talk about the weather because it varies so much, and from place to place over short distances, especially compared to many other countries.


    Rain is smattering against the window and I''m just tired of everything. I would just like to stay inside today, read, watch old movies or TV series, play something slow and long like OpenTTD or ''Heroes of might and magic'', all which I technically can do, but it''s a bad idea.


    Cuddling with Iselin...


    ...maybe a little more than cuddling.


    Iselin''s free day.


    I really don''t trust Kari. Yesterday, I discreetly told everyone to not leave Kari alone in the house or give her free access to my room. She''s pretty much guaranteed to report everything to the King. She may be the nice person she seems, but there is something iffy with her, and even if she''s just as she seems, she might still report everything to the King, so I can''t let her find out anything valuable at all. Well; valuable that I''m not planning on freely giving away like positional number system.


    It wouldn''t surprise me if she''s really some type of courtesan spy, and some form of honey trap to bind me in some kind of legal trouble or other political ploy with sharp hooks, perhaps against the King. What woman of rank - especially nobility - would quickly say she has no property? No family. Why isn''t it a male teacher? Why is she so well educated and quickly accessible? Feels iffy.


    Had the King been interested in protecting her, the guards would have stayed, and a woman like her shouldn''t have been left with an unknown man like this. Nor does she seem to be the King''s own courtesan. Why would the King keep a woman like her available with short notice if she has no purpose? Something pretty to look at? She''s not normally a teacher. Sure, there''s a chance that the King is trying to lure me to him with honey and by taking away the guards subtly mean: "Have lots of sex with Kari until neither you nor she can walk."


    But she doesn''t seem as seductive as what I would expect if that where true, and guards could still have been here as a sign of her worth. Although, that may be true, but that she thinks I''m below her dignity to have sex with, because I have to seem like an uneducated clumsy older foreigner to her. Perhaps I was considered a sex symbol in southern Norway, but here in the capital''s aristocratic circles, the song may be different, and it wouldn''t be entirely wrong to avoid the complication of powerful noble women in the future. I won''t deny that Kari is a damn impressive and charming woman I could imagine going to bed with, but I would rather spend time with Iselin - or Alith - instead of having to think about whether Kari''s forced or not, and live with the consequences that she is a honey trap. So it''s easier and safer to say ''no''. Not that I suffer from a lack of bed company, since I came here I hardly lived in celibacy without female company for several years.


    I should get out of bed and start working, but I really don''t feel like it. How my parents are doing? And my sisters? There''s a chance that time here move slower than at home. There''s also too much that''s the same, so it can''t be completely random and completely separated history. Say that, for example, year 600 or so was the same, but 1400 years have passed since then for the earth and an estimated 400-500 years here. It''s factor 3-4. In that case, I''ve now been missing up on Hardangervidda for two months. Any hope that I would be alive is gone. If they even could search properly. Who knows what chaos and misery such a huge solar storm could have caused on electrical systems around the world? The West World can look like some Sci-Fi series, and that is not a good thing. Societies quickly crumble when power goes out, because we are so dependent on it, and it''s just days for big cities. Many people also get irrational panic because they are never prepared for anything outside of everyday life. Longer power outage for storms are bad enough, so I can only imagine a pandemic or war.


    But it doesn''t help to think about it. I have to accept that I will never return to Midg?rd, but my only chance to even have a chance to return, is to try to get in touch with more educated people, and more cultures. And for that the Academy will be useful. A place that attracts this knowledge and people. Just wandering around the world and asking funny questions feels too dangerous, and too difficult, although it would probably be faster. But I really don''t want to spend my life travelling around in this era. So I rather build as comfortable, safe and technologically advanced place as I can. If I can help make life here better and easier, I want to. There''s also the question of money and food.


    I need to decide what I will name the Academy, something more is needed than just ''The Academy''. I could name it Academy Midg?rd, in order to spread hints about where any humans who come here can turn to. But how many humans will even understand they''re in Old Norse mythology and even know what Midg?rd is? It''s more likely that they think ''The Lord of the Rings'' or similar. Maybe I should name the Academy something cool, but the name will hopefully live on as long as the Academy does, so I need a more neutral name. The classical option would be to name the school according to a certain direction, like the teachings of Plato, or the person who sponsored its founder, or its founder. Academy Robert or Academy Arnesson just sounds so silly and ego tripped.


    It annoys me that my family will just have to live with me just disappearing without a trace. Me, who always have a backup plan and try to be prepared. They will probably doubt ''natural'' reasons, and would probably have been better off if it had been a weird accident, because then they could at least have know what happened. A fate to accept. Not fun, but the uncertainty is gone. At least the rent will be paid for the rest of the year. But to eventually sort out all my stuff and clutter? Sorry? Although it can be interesting auctions on the net. I''ve go so much weird technological stuff, which few will have a clue about the value of or consider it worth it. I will probably be many trips to the recycling center. Really a pity I didn''t bring a Night vision monocular or Night vision adapter lens for the camera as on a couple of other hikes, but they take place and weigh so I didn''t bring them, since it''s not really night on Hardangervidda anyway in the middle of summer, and I could take a long shutter time photo in color with full image quality. Or a thermal camera. Damn, I should have brought a quadcopter kit on the hike, so very valuable parts. But that too weigh and is that issue with charging the batteries after use.


    Aeh, fuck it!


    I need a day off.


    Ciara gently knocks on the door and inform me that breakfast is ready, and asks if I want to eat in the room or with the others. I chose the room, so soon she comes in and puts the food on the table. I give her a kiss on the cheek and say thank you, and her smile makes my day a little better. I just ask Ciara to come back and get it in a while. Ciara seems to switch between a few different emotional states, and I can''t really get a fix on her. Although she does seem genuinely concerned and worried about me. I just say I''m a little unmotivated and feel lazy today. So just like Iselin, I''ll take a day off. I could cuddle with Ciara, but just cuddle, and I don''t know if she would take me asking badly no matter what she said.


    I just want stay in my shorts, a t-shirt and do nothing. Heh, maybe I should enjoy myself and mess with them a little, by putting on that black t-shirt... How Kari will react? It looks to be excellent quality and as a consequence expensive. Okay, that decides it. If someone methodically has arranged a game board in their favour, and tries to force you to play, you can happen to kick it.


    As I eat, my melancholy diminishes.


    <hr>


    It''s entertaining to see their reactions, and I can''t hold back from smiling. Really black t-shirt and shorts, with white/blue/gray print and the text ''Don''t follow me! I''m crazy and lost! '' both front and rear, but the back has a picture of a snowboarder going down a steep snow covered mountain. They don''t even see my back print when I come out, only the front, but text on clothes is unknown here, and its not sewn or embroidered. I sit down and declare I will take this day off, and there''s a good chance nothing important will be done today; I need to mentally relax and do something silly. I apologize to Kari that the first day of lectures will be ruined. Since it''s only about half a kilometer to the beach, I will go and swim a bit.


    This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.


    "But it''s raining..." I hear Alith say in a questioning tone. Like; why would anyone want to do that?


    "Yep, but it''s not really cold, the water will be warm and I''ll still get wet and clothes dry. So, which of you two wants to come along?"


    Alith grins at Bodil who just sighs and dejectedly looks at her clothes while she softly say; "They''ll take so long to dry." But she takes a breath, and accept it just needs to be done, as Bodil knows that someone must come along. "I''ll get the hood and coat."


    "You don''t have anything that dries quickly?"


    Bodil just shakes her head. Isn''t there a type of oil coat or water proof fabric here? As far as I know, wool should be good against light rain. I can''t just ask it openly as Kari is sitting in front of me. Oh well, I have a solution, but again I would rather not show it, but it''s quite harmless as it just is an unknown material and style. Same as my clothes.


    "No worries Bodil, I have something you can borrow that will protect you quite well. Iselin and Ciara, can you pour me a hot bath until I come back? Bodil, when are you ready?"


    Bodil looks up in surprise but says she is ready now, and it becomes entertainingly quiet behind me when they see the back print on the t-shirt as I go into the bedroom. I pick up my rain poncho for hikes etc, which is a US woodland camouflage model, and I prepare my gray micro fiber bath towel, but I leave it just inside the door of my room. I''m gonna be soaking wet when I get back and linen towels is something I have to buy. I check so Bodil doesn''t have any sharp points etc that can get stuck or make holes in the poncho - it''s a bit worn but it has no holes and doesn''t need to get it. Then I unfold the poncho, hang it over her and help her tie it around her waist. Their faces are glorious. Partly the design, partly the material and partly the print. Welcome to the world of military gear and camouflage. They all stand and just gently feel the ripstop material and try to find the joints in the colour of the camouflage pattern.


    I have to make an effort to not giggle. An Elvish Viking Shieldmaiden with a spear, shield, and an axe and knife at the waist. In a Woodland Ripstop poncho. I can almost hear the whine about that in some contexts in modern times, which only makes it more fun. So absurd. I quickly throw off my t-shirt and pull on a regular shirt and just happily asks Bodil if she''s ready, to which she absently nods.


    I grab the compact camera and open the door with Bodil coming behind me. She stops for a while just outside the door, to see how the rain just flows off the poncho after the drops have hit it, and the door is quite crowded. Bodil''s quiet as she accompanies me, as I walk barefoot and whistling and humming with light dance steps and occasionally pretending to play a piano, through the wet grass and along the slightly muddy path down to the sea. Sirenia''s ''Seven sirens and a Silver tear'' works fine in rain.


    <hr>


    The camera takes a nice picture from the water where Bodil stands on a cliff and looks out over the area. It''s tragic I don''t have access to a color printer here, and it''s only a matter of time until these pictures are lost in time. I pick up a couple of mussel shells and a couple of rocks before we leave the beach a short while later.


    "Sir, this is a fantastic garment. I''m completely dry, and if I were to crouch down among some branches or bushes I would be very difficult to see from a distance. At the same time I can fight in it reasonably well because it is so loose and thin, and I also hear well even with the hood up. It even becomes very small and light when it is folded."


    "It is more useful than that. You can carry a small backpack which is then also protected. Also look at the shape, the snaps and the tied lines at the ends. Stretched out, it will be longer than you, so it can be hung between two low tree branches or stretch over two standing sticks, to make a small roof and you get a sleeping area that''s rain protected, hidden and with some wind protection. If the cover follow the terrain and you choose the spot well, it will be difficult to detect even in open country. It''s also possible to snap several together at the edges for a larger cover. Since it is completely water proof, you can also make a small bundle and put things in it that won''t get soaked if you swim or wade across a river."


    While we walk back through the rain up to the farm in silence, I''m wondering if I can make something useful from mussels. Too bad there are not as nice as New Zealand P¨¡ua, but those are special for that region. Still not really useful though, except in art. Is there any use of a shell that isn''t jewellery or art?


    "Bodil, have you ever seen pearls? Usually small round gemstones in white with a nice special shimmering surface, sometimes in colors, but most commonly white and often beads in a row as jewellery?"


    "I have seen a piece of jewellery like that. We meet a seller in town that had a necklace of such beads. It was very beautiful and valuable."


    "Do you know where pearls come from?", as expected, Bodil shakes her head, so I hold up the shell.


    "There are certain types of mussels like this that make them. In Midg?rd they are called pearl oysters. A small parasite, pest or grain of sand enters the oyster shell, and to protect itself, the oyster forms a layer of pearl around it - that''s what this surface right here on the inside is called - and gradually layer upon layer is added, and it becomes a nice little pearl when it''s finished, but it takes several years. Fishermen pick up the oyster, open it and if there is a pearl, they take it out. Isn''t it fascinating that a natural process where the oyster just tries to protect itself and isolate what irritates, causes it to form something as beautiful as a pearl? The pearls that are new and sold in 10 years or so, don''t exist in the world today. So pearls differs from ordinary gemstones or metals when it comes to jewellery, because the pearl grows in an oyster, and doesn''t lie in the ground waiting to be discovered."


    I throw the shell to her as we walk into the longhouse garden, and in the bathroom I wash off the sea water, get clean and dry and change into normal clothes. Ciara hangs up the towel and the wet clothes, as well as the poncho.


    <hr><hr>


    Bodil enthusiastically tells Alith how amazing the ''poncho'' was, even though everyone could see that she was completely dry except for her feet when they came back, while Sir was completely drenched, but didn''t seem to care at all. How well it also protected from the wind, follows the body and dries in no time at all. It doesn''t absorb water, it just falls off.


    Bodil explain about all its usage and they both realise that Sir''s obviously done such things which surprises them both. Who has he fought against and in what way? Why was it so important to not be seen? Alith stood with the others and looked after them as they left, and the poncho made Bodil difficult to see. They''ve seen his green backpack, funny green hat and the sturdy funny boots, and it hits that Sir''s prepared to disappear into nature and manage there regardless of the weather and be able to hide, and they know he came across the high mountains inland. Was he afraid that the Elves would chase him? Why didn''t he bring a weapon?


    But there is no doubt how practical such a poncho can be when you''re on guard duty outside in the fall or spring. Or how good it would be on a raid with many of these, or out on a ship. Dry and protected from wind, and thus warm. Nobody likes to be wet, cold and miserable, and if the weather is too hard, wool can''t withstand it, even if it keeps its wearer decently warm even wet. It can be so heavy and strenuous to move in, and take so long to dry. Ponchos would make it harder to be spotted, and also lighten the load. The material and the color are just another proof of how primitive they are compared to Midg?rd, as Sir expected them to have better clothes for any weather. It''s like someone painted the fabric, but it''s so perfectly done that there are no mistakes or variations at all.


    All Sir''s Midg?rd things are perfectly done.


    But when Bodil tells about where those white pearls come from, Alith doesn''t believe her. That just sounds like a wild story and she''s trying to deceives Alith, but Bodil just answers;


    "Has Sir ever lied to us? Why would he start with something so unimportant?"


    <hr><hr>


    I just take it easy and talk to them a little, think a little about unimportant things, or lie on the bed and listen to the MP3 player.


    Iselin asks if she can join me after dinner, which she of course can and I honestly hoped for, but when she sees the MP3 player she wonders. So I ask if she wants to hear more music from my world. I warn her that there will be much more variety and music like she never even guessed exists, but she really want to hear. My desire to always be prepared and have a backup pays off again, when I plug in the Y splitter and she gets her own pair of ear buds, both from the tablet case. We just lie next to each other in the slightly cramped bed, and listen to music.


    Iselin is so damn adorable when she smiling cuddles up towards me and rests her head on my chest and hugs me, as I have my left arm around her and we listens to music no one has ever heard in this world. I quickly jump to next when I hear the start of a song I think will be too much for her, but that annoys Iselin and she wants to listen to them all. Some seem to shock her, others I can feel she seems to like. She likes something with a good beat, but Epica, Within Temptation and Floor Jansen seem to have gotten a fan they probably didn''t expect. But how many are prepared for ''Ghost Love Score''? I didn''t expect C64/Nintendo remixes would be something she appreciates, but I guess its funny but simple sounds make it receptive.


    ''Ich will'' is the first German phrase she learns and I explain the text to her while we listen to it three times. My heart completely melts when she makes cute little ''ooah'' in time with Attack''s ''Ooa hela natten''. She doesn''t seem to understand how loud she actually does it because the ear buds muffle the ambient noise. We move on after hearing it twice. Iselin hugs me more as she smiles and gets happier. I wish I could take Iselin from here to my world and show her all the wonders we have, and I realise that I''m really in love with her. We stop listening to music after we''ve listened to Magnus Uggla''s ''Ska vi g? hem till dig (Shall we go home to you)'' for the second time. Iselin''s intense green eyes just stared at me and with an ''Ich will'' from her.... we go home to me.

 Borgarsandr - day 6, Clothes

    Borgarsandr, day 6


    Clothes


    Of course, Iselin would follow my wish to not be woken up as she usually does after we have spent a night, but I should have expected her to turn it to our advantage, so instead I wake up to the vision of a sinful smile when she see I''ve woken up, and she have just started putting on a condom. She just smile and continue, before she gets comfortable and starts to ride me, staring into my eyes while we kiss each other as I help in her rhythmic movements and I let my hands wander on her body. She really loves riding, and I really don''t mind letting her.


    Christ I love her.


    <hr>


    The day is otherwise about what I expected with a few of hours of work to finish the maps to the King when the light is good, but much time is a lesson where Kari use my large wood-framed slate board as the classroom blackboard, and she has an attentive class. Some of us need to learn the runes, because both me and Ciara are used to other letters and the others read but not particularly fluently although Bodil is the best. I take a lot of notes in my own Swedish language, which Kari understands. I think Kari understands more than I would have preferred. She definitely seems to be using the gray matter between her ears, and she has received a lot of knowledge and lessons.


    Kari brought two books with her, and it''s a good exercise to try to sit and read. Not only how runes are different letters and they are all the same size with bad spacing, but also how the pronunciations are different. Not to mention that words and phrases are harder by the fact that most things are written as they are pronounced, and people have dialects. This will take ages.


    The world I come from has lots of modern words that they obviously lack, but they have many words that I don''t have, and with several different pronunciations. There''s no option but to memorize. To make that easier I write a vocabulary of words to pronounce, and I use paper. Plenty of paper. Ciara seems to learn a bit too, and when the lesson is over, it warms my heart to see Alith try to continue to help and give Ciara extra studies while Bodil helps them both. It feels good that they seem to have a growing friendship. I should create a Norse dictionary, not only to explain words I introduce, but also to serve as a reference for spelling words and meaning, because it''s a ridiculously big problem when people spell as it sounds, and so many dialects. Yay for standardizations. If I can do a printing press and mass-produce books, it will do a lot to standardize the language and writing. Dialects will still happen, but the spelling might become the same.


    I give another lesson in numbers and math. Many lessons will be needed, but there''s only ten different symbols to learn and easy rules how you combine them, then you can read or write any number. Their system is so much worse, and they only have fractional values and no decimals. Both fractional and decimals have their usages, and they''re so impressed with better numbers, and especially Kari seem really focused on learning it. I will introduce power of ten in the future. I actually found a Math book in the mobile phone but it''s much higher than the basic math where we are, and they''re still learning positional math.


    Most unexpected, however, is Ciara''s question of what the text on my t-shirt means. When I manage to explain the words and what the whole expression means, I''m rewarded by Ciara''s first real giggling laugh. We''re both far away and lost, so the absurdity of it seems to resonate with her as well. I also had to explain what a snowboard is. Real slalom or carving skis with their boots are probably impossible to make, but a snowboard might be made. A simple horse driven button ski lift should be possible to make. Ciara stares at the t-shirt and reverently touch the print, and I offer Ciara to wear it until we go to bed. Ciara gets a little embarrassed and insecurely starts to loosen her dress and I don''t understand why, until I see Alith''s meaning look while intensely pointing at her pants, and I realise that Ciara of course doesn''t have any, because everything she owns I have bought her, and it''s not much. She was going to walk around naked in my t-shirt. Damn, both she and Iselin only have a couple of dresses each. I curse my brain a little when it jumps on a tangent that I''m surrounded by a world full of beautiful elf women, who all ''go commando'', and dresses are the norm. Stupid brain.


    Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    I give Ciara a kiss on the cheek while I stop her with a hug, and say she can borrow the t-shirt tomorrow night instead, when she will have a pair of her own pants, because tomorrow they will all buy more clothes in the town. We have bathed in our own bathroom so we doesn''t have to go to the town for that. I ask Kari about what clothes cost, and if its not rude, what a garment like her dress costs. 3 ounces of silver is no joke but I should have expected something like that, and the looks from the others underline the value. It''s 12 sheep or more than one cow, and three months salaries for Alith and Bodil. I ask how much clothes Alith and Bodil really have and if they don''t think its rude, the quality. Would they each like a dress, or do they prefer pants? As guards, they prefer pants that you can fight in, but both have dresses too. Dresses are too restrictive and long, and there pretty much isn''t any short dresses since they don''t protect the legs from branches and such, and will be cold most of the year. Apparently most dresses are long, and if you as a woman only have a few dresses, it kind of makes sense, especially in a Nordic climate where the summer usually isn''t warm or long. Since they also usually wear an apron style dress over it fastened with a pair of brooches, it can be quite warm. It''s also a fashion thing, and between the brooches they might have a necklace and they might hang things from it since they don''t have pockets. It''s an older fashion, but very common.


    Aha! To the batboard!


    <hr>


    It becomes an interesting evening where I explain how a dress can be mobile without being wide, what underwear is and it can also help to keep something absorbent in place certain time of the month. Apparently there is no taboo at all in showing legs or even complete nakedness, just the fashion and lack of underwear that made it the way it is. Tradition says that shieldmaiden and certain other women as sailors should have trousers, and women with status have nice dresses and jewellery, and while cleavage is very okay, they don''t expose their female parts to the rabble, which of course has sunk into the lower social classes as everyone wants to give the appearance of having a higher status. Clothes is of course an expression of wealth.


    A high slit dress will immediately attract attention since it will show thighs, even though it won''t be considered shameful or vulgar, and can be cooler in the summer. We discuss how the placement and height of the slit affects how the dress will move during different movements, and that overlapping fabric can mean that there is no big display of legs if desired, and how tight and body-flattering a dress can be with a slit slightly above the knee and lacing in the back, front or sides that some already have. Buttons are basically unknown because they use brooches or buckles, but it is easy to show on my pants and clothes how practical it is. Iselin and Ciara have also seen and heard my zippers on the backpack and its pockets, but I don''t show that. Iselin just loves how magical zippers are.


    Had someone told me three weeks ago, that I would stand on a Viking farm and explain to a group of Elvish Viking women, from slaves to nobility including shieldmaidens, what panties and small absorbent things (with wings) are... Crazy had not even begun to describe it.


    The rest of the linen fabric we have is used for a couple of prototype panties. Lack of stretch fabric in this world is a problem, they have something that is a bit stretchy according to Kari which may be enough, but it is possible to design around the material problem. Thongs are an option that they themselves bring up if the purpose is just to keep something in place and protect the vagina, and we talk about a bikini solution with lacing on the side, but I can imagine it''s uncomfortable, especially for a shieldmaiden with a belt that can make the knot a pressure point. But the knot can be moved.


    Wonder how big my perverted side is, since I have to admit that with the right fabric and a little different cut, ''Valhalla'' has a companion. Each side is a string or thin flat fabric that runs across the hip, loops through a loop on the front piece and is tied together with the other side string, or with itself, so there will be one or two small bows. It''s also possible to make a strap lock of two small rings of the same type the life preserver has, or just a fabric version of it. I may see it as sexy but since the bikini covers instead of the woman being naked as normal, they see the creations as quite chaste. But they seem to think that about the thong too.


    Tomorrow when they go shopping for food, fabric and clothes, they will also go to the seamstress guild again and try to make an agreement on the design of dresses and underwear. It''s with confidence that I leave it to Iselin to negotiate that, and they all come up with their own ideas and suggestions about dresses and underwear. I kind of want to giggle each time I hear ''the seamstress guild'', since I can''t avoid thinking about the Ankh-Morpork version.

 Borgarsandr - day 7, Shits & shopping

    Borgarsandr, day 7


    Shits & Shopping


    It''s morning and Alith is in a really bad mood since she has diarrhea and is vomiting. It started during the night and she sits a lot on the toilet or outside with a bucket. I force everyone to scrub their hands after toilet visits, give warnings to Alith that she must not touch food or run around and touch things, and they should all avoid touching the face or the eyes etc, and Alith needs to drink water, which Ciara is boiling for her first. I too will just drink boiled water. Alith''s vomit vessel will be thoroughly cleaned before using it for anything else, and they will leave it out in the sun for a few days so UV can help kill bacteria or viruses after being scrubbed with salt. One of the farm''s slaves is tasked to clean the toilet etc, while a maid helps to clean the house''s common areas, scrubs most surfaces with salt and washes the bedding. We check the food, but can''t find anything wrong. There isn''t much left in the food chest, so I ask them to throw it away or give to some slave, and then scrub the food chest too. It''s all a bit incomprehensible why I want them to do all these things, but I say I will explain in the future.


    So there is quite a lot of activity and scrubbing going on, and after that the others will go to the town and shop, visit the guild, etc. Alith becomes even more unhappy when she realise she can''t come along, but I promises that they can shop for clothes for Alith in a couple of days when they will have to return to the guild. Bodil feels conflicted between staying here to protect me, or accompanying Iselin and Ciara, but I send her along to protect Iselin and Ciara. I''m pretty safe here, and even sick, Alith would probably defend me if there is a threat, which Alith eagerly nods to as she sits outside the open door. Kari offers to stay and teach, but I don''t want her here alone when Alith is distracted, so I ask her to go with the others.


    I increase Iselin''s ''cash budget'' with the small fortune of 8 ounces of gold, and tell Ciara and Bodil that they can shop clothes for 1 ounce of gold each. I expect to see some nice clothes but also at least two better everyday clothes and if they need something more durable get that too, as well as some kind of trousers for Ciara so she can borrow my t-shirt. If they want, they can include some small piece of jewellery or the like in their total, but I want them to spend the gold. Alith and Bodil are quite shocked that I just give them 2/3 of a year''s salary to spend on clothes, and I do pamper them, but it''s important to me that my guards look good, and they have sworn two years of service. Iselin can shop for 1.5 ounce of gold and she is flabberghasted and quite speechless, but very happy. I expect them to be back sometime in the late afternoon, and not before. Take their time.


    I look forward to being alone in my room and being able to use technology, watch some documentaries and start filling the already purchased books with information from the tablet''s PDFs. The tablet has quite a few books as PDFs from authors like Tolkien, Pratchett, William Gibson, Asimov, Gaiman and others, and many lesser known authors and pure fact books. I mostly bought the tablet to be able to read and use PDFs so it is quite well stocked with books, data sheets on components, wiring diagrams, etc. Quite a lot that isn''t ''useful'' here, like the Apollo project, Stuxnet analysis, lots of graphical novels, computer books about programming, TCP/IP, Linux, Zombie Survival Guide etc, and many that can be it useful as Sun Tzu, Clark''s Ignition, Formula collection, Bowditch The American practical navigator, Perry''s chemical engineering handbook, Math books, Swedish military survival handbook etc. Thank goodness I have a habit of saving something I once needed something from, simply because I might need it again. Books take so little space compared to video or even photos. It will take a long time to actually write down the useful ones. I also need to read through Perry''s which I only used for certain specific things, but it is 2600 pages of chemistry even though much are tables... the shiver through my body is a good indication of my dread for that project.


    Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.


    <hr>


    It wasn''t long until I found Alith pretty much completely knocked out. She must have had a far worse night than she admitted. So I helped Alith to her bed and ordered her to sleep, which she did most of the day. That was actually quite good since it gave me an opportunity to unpack my tent and let it air, wash some hiking stuff and hang it all up in the gardens sunshine to dry, before packing it down again. I checked in on Alith and woke her up as promised, but after 5 hours instead of what she asked me to, and ordered her to drink more water and take it easy, and she seems to be recovering. Alith feels a bit a shamed that she failed in guarding me and I took care of her, but I just said that''s nonsense - she was sick and her body need to recover, so I let her. She will recover faster that way too. Neither she nor Bodil shall feel bad for missing their duty when they are sick, and I reminded Alith that they also can ask me for days off when they need to, but I don''t want them taking days off due to being sick. Sick days are sick days, and days off are days off. I also promised her that I wouldn''t tell the others that she slept.


    It has been a productive and nice day as I got almost 8 hours just for myself before the others returned late in the afternoon. I consumed a lot of battery power but everything was fully charged before, and the solar panel has been full for days.


    Beside other work, I''ve also started sketching on a simple stabilized ship compass, and I hope I can find a place that can cast parts in brass or bronze. Otherwise I will have to do it myself, and the more I can off load to a craftsman, the better and faster it will probably be. There are so many things I''ll want to have created it''s ridiculous, and brass is the most practical, and I know that exists here. I also know that there are different alloys where copper is the main part, and different metals as additives, and that bronze is copper and tin, while brass is copper and zinc. I think that a few percent lead makes brass more machining friendly, but that will hardly matter right now. Alubronze are copper with about ten percent aluminium, but aluminium is probably unknown here and an bitch to produce from ore. Alubronze would be valuable in the future. However, I find a reference in a PDF to red brass used for weapon parts is Cu85, Sn10, Zn5, and marine brass is Cu60, Zn39.2, Sn0.8. I just hope that if I find a craftsman, and that he''s good enough in getting it right.


    My company is over joyed with today''s shopping. Iselin has as expected brought an agreement to sign, and negotiated 1/6 of the income from the sale of panties, and that they will get sewn models. Iselin has negotiated 1/10 of the income from dresses with slits, because they are much more expensive and more work to manufacture than bras and panties. Since everyone was involved, I give them 1/20 part each of the income, including Kari, which surprises her greatly and she declines, but when I insist that it is only fair, she accepts. It will become a little tricky when she leaves us in two weeks, but it can be solved by giving the guild the task of keeping it for her. I give Iselin the task to make sure that everyone gets the right share, and keep an accounting book of income and expenses, in the new number system so she can practice. If anyone complains, they should come to me.


    <hr>


    As a good student, I practice language, read runes and do tests on words in the evening. I also get a lesson in the history of the kingdom, important noble families and we use the maps I made to try to place where they are, etc. So overall a good productive day. I have been able to use the tablet and the MP3 player. Iselin and others have arranged more income for me and some for them, and I have been able to make them happy and feeling spoiled. Ciara looks so happy and cute while she walks around all evening in simple pants and wearing my t-shirt. XL is so big on her skinny body, and although it is a bit sexy I don''t dare saying that to her. Luckily I stopped her until she got pants, because that would have been sexier.


    In the end, only Alith have had a shitty day. Literally.

 Borgarsandr - day 8, Microorganisms & fieldcraft

    Borgarsandr, day 8


    Microorganisms & fieldcraft


    I complete four North Arrows in the morning, so the King can get his three and I have two left. I need to sell them so I get more silver, but I will focus on ship compasses etc in the future. Will make a better handheld compass too. So with the Maps and North Arrows finished, there isn''t much to do. Well there is loads but not work. Ciara would probably appreciate having something more to do than the taking care of the food, so why not letting her try to copy one or two maps? I want to keep these original maps for the future, so I mark the originals and will keep them so that all future copies are made of the same originals, instead of copies of copies.


    Ciara loves the offer and start to the work as soon as I show her. She gets to practice a bit with a quill on a sheet of paper first by copying some of my sketches and texts, then move on to maps. If she makes an small mistake and is unsure what to do, she should ask me, or just take a new piece of paper and start over if it is a big mistake. But she has to prioritize her other chores first.


    Alith''s feels normal again and had an okay night even though she feels a little weak. She should eat carefully but well, and it''s better with less food at once, and more often, and continue to drink water. It feels like it would be a good idea to teach them a little about hygiene and microorganisms, without scaring them. Why water should be boiled or purified, cooking and heating meat and fish, washing vegetables, the value of water and salts etc for the body should be healthy. I could continue with disinfection, sterilization, sanitation, cleaning of drains, infectious insects, rats, coughs and snot, and why soil in a small wound etc is dangerous.


    I say I have important information, which I will write down in one or two books so it spreads properly in the future, but what I say is true and I hope they believe me. It may sound unpleasant, but they and every generation have always lived in this world and this life and situation. But this is a mystery that has been uncovered and they just haven''t known about it before. The world is exactly the same as two days ago, they just know more about the world, and they are safer because they know more. I can prove it, especially if I have some time to make some things.


    <hr>


    It becomes a several hour long lesson on everything, where we go back and forth a bit through topics and methods, and touch on topics such as healthcare, wound management and why bread rises or things mold etc. If I didn''t already have such authority, it would probably have been difficult for them, but even Kari seems to take the information very seriously, and eventually I understands that medicine is seen as sejd, so it''s logical for them that I know a lot. Kari asks many questions that definitely prove her intellect, even if everyone has more or less good questions, and questions leads to other important information and topics, including a few I have to avoid, but I manage to steer the conversation away from them.


    They also understand why I was fussy, meticulous and gave strange work yesterday. They have a hard time understanding that there are small organisms everywhere, and that some of them can make us sick. Why some remedies hurt more than they heal because they may fix one problem but introduce a worse one, and why some wounds make people sick and die. They definitely see cats as more valuable, and not just for preventing rats or mice from eating food.


    <hr>


    Iselin need to return to town and leave the newly signed agreements to the seamstress guild, and hopefully pick up clothes, but we decide that everyone except Bodil will go to town. Bodil stays and guards the house, and my equipment. I need to visit a blacksmith or similar, as well as a glass blower or someone who works with glass for lenses etc.


    Iselin points out that we are starting to get quite a lot of equipment, bags, wooden chests, etc, and it can be a good idea to get a horse and wagon, partly to facilitate the future move. We don''t know if future will include another long boat journey, but she is absolutely right, so it''s a pretty substantial sum that I''ll take with me; 30 ounces of silver and 10 ounces of gold. We have a good idea of what the horse will cost, but not of the wagon, and when it comes to forging and glass? We borrow a horse and wagon from the farm and will buy our own last so we don''t have two to keep track of in the town.


    Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.


    <hr>


    This is the first time I''m back in town since we came to the farm, six ... no, seven days ago. Once in the town, Kari guide us to the area with finer craftsmen, and as it turns out the seamstress guild is only a couple of streets away, so we go there first. Since Alith can''t be split in two, we stay together.


    We''re well received by the guild and they show us much respect, which increase when they see Kari following behind me and Iselin. They have sewn two pairs of both panties models for every woman in the group and started on the dresses, including for Kari, though they apologize that they didn''t know it was for Miss Alfgeirsdotter. Kari might lack property or family, but she obviously has status and is known. Well, it depends on what she counts as ''property'' too. Her collection of clothes and jewellery is probably worth more than small farms, and they are still hers after a wedding or divorce. The fine dresses will take longer but will be ready in less than a week, and they will work hard to make Alith''s ready by then.


    I just inspect the craft a bit while I let Iselin take care of everything. It gives Iselin better status and it''s experience for both her and me. Of course, I need to gain experience myself, but it helps to start by looking, listening and learning how it should be done, and I will do it myself elsewhere. It takes about an hour while they also measure Alith for her clothes and they discuss fabric and try on clothes, where Kari gives Alith tips on some material or solution. They all seem so happy about dressing her up, so it''s no wonder they took their time and were happy yesterday.


    If I understand the matter correctly, they pay about half the normal price, because we''re ''honored colleagues'' that they of course doesn''t want to start going to others, so I guess there''s more guilds which Kari discreetly confirms, and since there isn''t any middlemen, for 5 ounces of silver Alith gets the equivalent of cloths for 10 ounces. I can only imagine how much Iselin must have enjoyed herself yesterday, and she make a couple of changes to her order since Kari apparently wasn''t with them most of yesterday, so I guess she reported on me. Some indication that she is a spy, but a slight failure in her fieldcraft. I too try on some clothes and I need to buy more, so I let the women choose what''s appropriate for me, although I veto a couple of things. I completely agree with Edna in ''Incredibles'': No Capes!


    Alith chooses a real nice high class dress; a nice cloak with a hood; something I would classify more as a beautiful battle dress, plus one identical dress in shape but cheaper which she can use for everyday or work out in; a set of pretty shirt/trousers for 2 ounces and another set of better everyday tunic, under tunic, trousers, apron and a few nick-nacks like pretty gloves and so on. In the end, she has 3 ounces left to buy shoes and bling for, which is a quarterly salary.


    After I pay and we leave, I praise Alith for her choice. A nice dress for social events and future weddings, a nice ''work dress'' for social events, clothes to practice and normal days, and more like what she already has. Alith looks so proud and very happy, but she has also just ordered clothes for 2/3 of an annual salary. That is something few women can do.


    When we walk along the harbour, I recognise Danr''s ship, so we make a detour and say hello. With a laugh Danr wonders if we want to travel back up to Skiringsalr or maybe even Hildifjoer, because they will leave in 2 days for a new trip along the coast and will return in 6 weeks. I just chuckle and say no, and that I hope to avoid long sea voyages for the near future. However, a though cross my mind and I wonder if he can leave some letters for me? Four envelopes to leave in Skiringsalr, Kambsnes and two in Hildifjoer respectively? Yes, of course he will, for 1 coin per letter with personal delivery. There''s a small chance they want to answer, so if he seeks me out I will pay for it upon delivery, but I don''t know where I will be in 6 weeks, hopefully nearby though and it shouldn''t be too hard to find out, which he just smiles at and agree. I will deliver the letters to the ship no later than tomorrow evening.


    Before we leave, Hagan see us and comes forward to greet. He respectfully greets both me and Kari, and it''s obvious he recognise her. So Kari did gather information about me before she came to the farm. Smart, and what a planning spy with an agenda would do, so just further proof that Kari is not an ordinary teacher. We small talk and just reminisce about the trip; we didn''t talk much, but it is still nice. I probably should make more male acquaintances.


    When we leave we see a woman waving to Kari, and Kari apologises and asks if she can talk with her friend Hillevi, which I of course let her do, and she says that Hillevi will escort her to the glass maker so we can meet there, so we don''t have to wait for her.

 Borgarsandr - day 8, J?rmungandr

    I see Hillevi waving to get attention, and not unexpectedly, Robert just calmly says that they can wait, until I persuade him that we will meet up at the glass maker instead. I don''t want Robert waiting and watching this conversation. Hillevi looks happy to greet a friend, but I have known her for many years and see the facade she has put up. We greet and walk until we''re more secluded on the pier. Open and nothing to hide, but no one will hear us among the sounds of the harbour, the wind in our back out over the water and the seagulls screaming.


    "Miss Alfgeirsdotter, nice to see you. You are all right?"


    "Hillevi, we''ve known each other for so many years that your mask is obvious to me. We''re private enough here, and as long as the impression seems right from a distance, just use my name. How are you and Gunhild?"


    Hillevi relaxes a bit but keeps the mask while she draws a discreet deep sigh.


    "We''ve been so worried for you, Kari. Has Sejdmann tried to force himself on you or made any indecent proposals? Gunhild has barely been able to sleep and tried to focus on chores the last few days."


    "Sejdmann Robert Arnesson hasn''t made any indecent remark or behaviour towards me, and if he didn''t needed my knowledge, he would have kindly but definitely preferred to see me return to the castle. He seems more uncomfortable and suspicious of me, which I understand. I''m an intruder who disturbs the sphere he has created around himself, and he has secrets he obviously doesn''t want me - or anyone else - to know."


    "It''s not right that the King forced us to leave you isolated on the farm without protection against such a man. We swore an oath to the King and to you, to protect you and your virginity. An oath that our service to the King now prevents us from upholding. I don''t understand why we were forced to leave you; it would be better to show your worth by having guards. I apologise for being presumptuous, but you know how I am. Have you made the King angry or disappointed? It''s been a few years since the last time."


    "As far as I know, the King isn''t angry, disappointed or annoyed with me, and don''t worry. I''m convinced Arnesson won''t do anything indecent to me, and he won''t try to bed me. The last days I''ve learned a lot about him and the women around him, and I think most have got the wrong idea about him. They see a rich powerful man who surround himself with women and he avoids men. But it''s not because he has sex with them and doesn''t want other men to intrude. You saw Ciara; the red-haired slave with the pretty red dress and a silver pendant in her neck ring? Everyone would take her clothes and pendant as an indication that she is his bed slave, but he has never had sex with her and she has never been in his bed. Yes, I know it sounds funny, but prepare yourself for bigger shocks. Much bigger shocks.


    Sejdmann agree with Freya and the right to say ''no'' is sacred and absolute, and they''ve discreetly made it clear that they will take offence if anyone suggest he would force himself on a woman. He won''t even accept bed company from someone he suspects might have been forced, and he apparently have sent naked free women away. Ciara is fanatically devoted to him, but he refuses to have sex with her because she is his slave and as he sees it, she can''t really choose to say no. He doesn''t love or lust after Ciara, but it is obvious that he cares deeply for her, and have commanded her to eat well so she will be healthier, and just to make her happy he sometimes gives her a little chaste kiss on the cheek or a hug, which makes her shine like the sun. But nothing more than that.


    The other woman, Iselin, is probably a free neck he released. She is in love with him, and it''s at least partially answered, and it only strengthen her faithfulness that he''s the best future she could have, but they have sex from time to time - when Iselin manages to persuade him to reward her. He is so controlled and careful that he seem to avoid to even suggest that he wants sex with Iselin."


    Hillevi is silent for a while, and after she looked around, she hesitantly asks;


    "Maybe Arnesson is the kind of man who prefers men or boys instead? He''s a Sejdmann so he might want to be taken as a woman?"


    "No. Definitely not! Don''t even joke about it! ... although I don''t think he would take offence. He''d probably laugh. I don''t think he even noticed some of the slaves or free men who work on the farm, but he has noticed the women who come with the food, and if Iselin walks by or happen to press her bossom against him?


    I''ve seen how he appreciatively looks at me. I''ve several times caught him looking at my cleavage or body. It''s entertainingly easy to bend forward to look at what he has written and just ''happen'' to give him a nice view of my breasts. That is partly why I''m dressed like this, with a pendant that draws his gaze to my breasts.


    He''s also not incapable of having sex, and he''s apparently man enough to be able to satisfy two women at once, and keep at it for an evening or night, and he has had more than one woman in bed several times. Just not since arriving here. There are a couple of men in the nobility who have similar rumours, and you know how many women they are said to have had intercourse with, and how they are towards slaves and others. But I don''t think they''re close to Sejdmann if he wanted to, because if I have understood it correctly, he satisfies a woman both as a man and a woman does. He likes to use his mouth, tongue and fingers everywhere on a woman''s body, like he just can''t get enough, and he likes to crawl down between a womans legs, taste her vagina and get her to an orgasm with just his tongue and fingers, before using his manhood. But Arnesson avoids sex except in some cases, even with a willing woman, and I don''t know why."


    Hillevi have to take a moment to regain her composure.


    "Truly a Sejdmann, but Kari; be careful how you tease him. Everyone has a limit. Snakes are dangerous to tease - they slip away, but can strike when you least expect it. If he has such self-control, it might be because he loose control if it goes too far. You have to be careful, especially when he drinks mead."


    "That''s another thing. He doesn''t drink mead unless he is forced to, and seems completely uninterested in wine, beer and similar beverages as well. He prefer water, fruit or berry drinks or milk. The others drink mead or beer, but not him. So unfortunately mead, beer or wine won''t be a way to make him more careless ..."


    Hillevi raises her eyebrows when she in a far too loud voice replies; "Unfortunately?!"


    I discreetly look around and make sure there is no one close, and that no one can see my lips before I speak again. Hillevi immediately reacts when I speak, because she has seldom heard this tone from me.


    "Hillevi, calm down and listen carefully. I''m convinced that the King prevented you from guarding me as you have done for the past six years, and ordered me to sleep in his house, specifically for Arnesson to start to desire me, or rape me. Just to force Arnesson to bind himself to the King''s service in some way, and you know that I have no real choice - I can''t go against the Kings standing directives. So after token resistance I would let him, even though it might end up destroying the Kingdom. It is a horribly bad plan by the King, and I don''t mean that I might become Sejdmann''s concubine or taken every day - the King would consider it a very cheap price. We both know that unwilling wives or concubines are common, and I have no choice but to pretend to enjoy whatever my future becomes, and make the best of it. But forcing Sejdmann to do anything is a horrible idea.


    I highly doubt that the King knows about it, but I know and have begun to understand why Jarl Myrun Skiringe immediately began planning to attract Sejdmann and his Academy to herself, but at the same time didn''t dare to use the slightest pressure, influence or threat. The King should have used the same approach. Given what I''ve got a glimpse of so far of Arnesson''s secrets - and he seems to have an insane amount of them - if the King had known what I already know, he would have made Sejdmann Arnesson a Storman and given him everything he wanted, and tried to given him at least one of his daughters in marriage. That would be a cheap price to pay for an alliance and friendship."


    Hillevi is speechless, but makes a few entertaining noises in protest. I enjoy it for a few moments, before I silence her and continue.


    "Realise that Sejdmann Robert Arnesson is extremely dangerous. His sejd is not mysterious predictions, ambiguous information about signs in bones and don''t require the collaboration of all the women in a village, or the sacrifice of animals to the Gods in hopes of a better harvest. He is no V?lva or Gothi, and something completely different from a Seerman. His sejd makes a small piece of iron from a thread always points to the north, and anyone can use it without any sejd or prayer. It just works. Which he made with short notice on a random beach in less time than you eat a meal, by calling down Thor''s lightning in a small modified nail. He has completed the King''s North Arrows without anyone even noticing.


    He is a man who just picked up and held an ordinary white stone crystal in his hand and it shone up a hall with a bright white light. Between his hands. Without melting or burning. No fire, and the stone was as usual afterwards. He just made the stone shine. He just went ahead and did it without preparation, ceremony, sacrifice or any special invocation of the power of the Gods, because an unthinking Jarl wanted to see something mysterious and entertaining. Then Sejdmann Arnesson returned the stone, sat down and flirted with a maid. For him, it was a simple little thing he improvised, and nothing special, while everyone who saw it was in shock. For him, it really was just simple entertainment.


    A couple of days ago I saw the same man completely carefree declare he needed a lazy day, and then he went and bathed in the sea when it rained. Barefoot over grass and gravel through the rain, like a child in a man''s body and he didn''t care how the world looked at him. He lent a ''rain protection'' cloak to his guard Bodil just so she wouldn''t get wet. He just casually took out a small package, not much bigger than my fist, and unfolded a garment larger than a blanket that became a form of cloak with a hood. Thin as a hair, of weird fabric and quality I have never seen even in the finest dresses with strange patterns in green, brown and black. Then they left. I could easily see Arnesson all the way to the beach. But I lost Bodil several times. Without trying, Bodil became invisible in that rain cloak, and she was completely dry when they returned, as if she had been standing indoors, and the rain beading on the surface quickly dried, most of it had just run off. When Sejdmann says ''rain protection'', he means it, and he himself was soaked. But happy.


    This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    Why has no one ever heard of Sejdmann Arnesson before? Most people seem to miss that he have round ears - not pointed - but he doesn''t draw notice to them even if his hair is short, and those in his company know, but doesn''t say anything and change the subject. But I''ve been able to put together small pieces of information, and it tells a frightening Saga. A true Saga.


    Sejdmann Arnesson seems to have just walked down from the high mountains up north a couple of days after the colored sky a month ago; speaks very weirdly; lack knowledge that every child should know, but understands several languages I have never heard about; he can read and write better than anyone, and I don''t think there''s anyone in the Kingdom that can compete in using numbers - he is just not used to our language, runes and numbers. He have round ears and a lot of hair on the body. So much hair everywhere.


    Sejdmann Robert Arnesson isn''t an Elf. He used Bifrost and comes from another world, perhaps Midg?rd.


    Everyone saw his arrival here in Alfheimr and clear proof of his mighty sejd - we just didn''t know that it was him. Everyone knows something special happened, but no one has known what, and we both know the rumour that a V?lva told the King that when the Gods use such incredibly powerful sejd, no predictions can interpret the signs or say what happened. That was Sejdmann Robert Arnesson arrival in Alfheimr. Such lights are usually weak and during winter nights and usually far north, when and where the barriers between worlds are weaker. But in the summer? Have you ever heard of anything like this except in Saga''s, fairy tales and legends? It has been so many generations since the last time, that it is legends. Many generations ago since someone with truly mighty sejd did the same thing. Could do the same. How many have not lived in this world since then? Normal people just can''t use Bifrost, all the V?lva and Gothi agree on that. Sejdmann Robert Arnesson did."


    Hillevi is just staring at me, completely in shock. I know that feeling, it hit me quite hard too, but I was alone when it did.


    "That just begin to explain the mystery that Sejdmann is. Yesterday I came here to shop with Iselin, Ciara and the guard Bodil - the other guard Alith was vomiting and stomach sick. He''d given them all an ounce of gold to buy clothes for, because he thought they should have more and nicer clothes, even the guards. One ounce of gold. He gave Iselin one and a half ounces of gold. Sejdmann Arnesson thought he was alone for the next few hours, and he didn''t want me there with him. I came up with an excuse and hurried back a short while later and silently sneaked back in. I had poured sleeping extracts into Alith''s water - you know the same trick that noble women sometimes give their husbands - and she slept and snored lightly in bed when I returned.


    Sejdmann thought he was alone, and I heard faint music from his room that can''t be explained, voices that spoke in languages I didn''t recognise or understand and all sorts of funny sounds. There''s a small loose wooden plug in the wall boards between the rooms that I was told about, and I saw him have things on the table in front of him and standing among them something I can barely describe. It was like a window into some amazing reality, and he could move around the window without the back of the window showing the same thing. The frame and back was black as the night. Thank goodness that pure shock made me silent. I don''t want to know what he would have done if I had been discovered. After watching and listening in shock for far too long, I silently returned the plug and left, and later returned with the other women and pretended as nothing. I had too, and that was hard.


    Sejdmann Arnesson''s sejd, things, knowledge and skills are beyond all explanation. I''ve never heard, read or seen anything even close. No tales from poets or bards have even touched on this, except in Sagas or fairy tales about the gods, but I don''t think he is a descended God, because in our descriptions of them they blend in with us and are almost like us until something small reveals them, often afterwards. Sejdmann Arnesson is far too special, and he doesn''t care to completely blend in or what we think of him. But I believe that only the Gods possess more knowledge, because it is as if Odin himself descended, and should Sejdmann Arnesson want power or just see someone suffer and die, I don''t think anyone could stop him, or even prove he is involved if he want that. Accident, spirits or just like a lightningbolt from a clear sky - someone will suddenly be dead. As a punishment from Thor, who seems to respond as soon as Sejdmann calls, and who knows what friends Sejdmann has? He doesn''t wear any Gods symbol, and doesn''t pray to the Gods - but who would pray to their friends? The King and all his warriors are probably no more a threat than rabbits to a dragon if Sejdmann really gets angry.


    Sejdmann Robert Arnesson isn''t a resource to exploit and enslave. He is the most dangerous man anyone has heard of outside the tales of the Gods, and probably the hero in a Saga written and blessed by Freya, and the King and his advisers think it is a good idea to try to force that man to end up in a bad situation, or so he can be sentenced to become a slave - just so his knowledge and sejd can be used without paying for it. The King and his advisers are running towards the edge of an abyss without seeing it, because they''re almost the hero''s antagonists in a Saga written by Freya!


    So yes, see Sejdmann Robert Arnesson as a snake, but not a copper snake, grass snake or a viper. J?rmungandr. He doesn''t seem to have much temper, lust for power or greed, but if someone annoys him too much, I think most people will believe it''s Ragnar?k. The end of the world."


    Hillevi just stares at me. As I talked she has become more and more shocked, and begins to realise what is really walking around in Borgarsandr, pretending to be a normal person in the crowd, but is actually something much more frightening. I make her react by bumping into her and pretending to point at something.


    "That is why the King would probably be wisest to give him the land and Academy he wants, and take advantage of the opportunities it provides, as well as make Sejdmann Arnesson like the King and the kingdom, and get benefits that way. That is Jarl Skiringe''s plan, and she probably hoped that the King had left so her letter would have reached him too late, and that Sejdmann would have return to her by free will, since she obviously want him as her man, and his company in bed. The King should distract and attract Sejdmann Arnesson with something shiny he wants, just not here in Borgarsandr, and absolutely not in Skiringsalr. That Academy will make everyone''s life better and our kingdom so much stronger to have such an ally, because he is very kind and generous to his friends and people he cares about.


    So, I mean ''unfortunately'' that Sejdmann Arnesson deliberately avoids my charm, although we should all be grateful that he isn''t a lustful, greedy man that takes what he desire. It may be a dangerous future, but it takes someone skilled and intelligent to be an attentive protector between him and the rest of the kingdom, and it need to be someone he want by his side, that doesn''t have family or any other agenda. But such a man? Enormously powerful, rich, honorable, protective, kind, intelligent, generous, caring, tall, charming, masculine and who likes to satisfy a woman in every creative way he can think of? I will happily be his concubine or lover, for what woman wouldn''t want such a man?"


    We just stand there quietly for a few minutes and look out over the river, boats and the birds chirping. I let Hillevi escort me to the glass maker where we find Sejdmann Arnesson discussing glass and grinding with the master. He wants something special made and looks intensely at glass samples through a small black plate with blank metal and a piece of glass in it. I thank Hillevi who try to avoid showing how scared she is, and hope that the King gets the information from her.


    Hillevi will talk to Gunhild, but their oaths might prevent them from informing the King. But I expect the King to have someone watching the farm, me, Hillevi and Gunhild. If he asks her, she is obliged to talk, and she will want to tell. If the King feels he has received information behind the curtains and forced it, then he will take the information more seriously. I didn''t lie, and I meant everything I said, although I could have used other words. My report to the King next week will reinforce the impression, but I expect to find that the wind has changed before then. Offshore wind, away from the King, but with greetings and loaded for an enjoyable voyage. No one wants to be an antagonist in a Saga written by the Gods: That''s when kingdoms fall and the world is reshaped. The King won''t knowingly let such a powerful man fall under someone elses influence, especially not in Jarl Myrun Skiringe''s bed. That will probably mean a change in the ruling family in the future. Considering what Robert apparently said when he gave the King his proposal, he must have understood a lot of this, and hopefully the King reaches the same conclusion, and I hope that Queen Haera will return in time to guide him. The difficult thing will be to prevent the King and Queen from finding some way to marry one of their daughters to Robert, or maybe both, just to stop anyone else from doing the same. That Princess Sefa''s betrothed recently died might be taken as a favour of the Gods, so that she would be free to be married to Robert. Actually, it''s better to hope that the Queen and Princesses doesn''t return until after the King has hopefully made his decision to support the Academy and given me to Robert.


    I''ll just have to make sure I''m on that ship with Robert, but it can be difficult to do via Robert himself. Can I convince the King to give me to Sejdmann Arnesson, as part of the well wishing? Maybe, but Robert won''t like it as to be forced to accept me goes against his principles, and it can hurt Robert''s relationship with Iselin. He would probably suspect that I was at least partly behind it, and that leads to Robert disliking me and the King.


    But being given as a concubine might work, if the King gives me as a valuable concubine for my knowledge and not for sex, as part of their business, so I can continue to teach and Robert can use my knowledge, although the King probably wants me to steer Robert away from dangerous thoughts or situations. It would be very rude to say ''no'' to a gift from the King in connection with such an agreement, even if Robert doesn''t want me, but I need to make Robert understand that I really wish to be his. A teacher and valuable friend who has no choice, but also wishes it, that Robert may feel compassion and empathy for, and it will be easier for me to slowly but methodically make Robert care for me, just as he seemed to care for all other women around him. A friend who will hopefully become a trusted confidant and lover, and in the future, perhaps even a wife if what they said is true, for the woman''s desirability as a concubine or wife seems totally irrelevant to Robert. But it is extremely important that it doesn''t threaten his relationship with Iselin, or push her away, and best if it avoid hurting Ciara too. He is far to protective of her, so much that it doesn''t make sense. I need to prepare a foundation and as gradually as I can, build it up in the next few days.


    I also need to come up with a way to make Robert understand that I, as his concubine, will be completely faithful to him, and no longer to the King. Even without an oath, I would have to be, because otherwise he will freeze me out for a long time, possibly forever, and I can''t allow that to happen. He doesn''t really trust even Iselin or Ciara, so I will have a steep path ahead of me. Robert doesn''t seem to be a man who accepts betrayal or treachery, or forgets it. He might forgive, but not forget.


    Maybe I can do it by an intermediary, just like with information to the King? Can I give any of the others enough information? Say I admit to Iselin I''m jealous of her that she''s found a man like Robert to love, who loves her back? Tell her about how my lot in life is to be given to someone to strengthen an alliance, whose sole purpose is to give an unpleasant man pleasure and children, no matter what I desire. That there are no good candidates for me, and that I''m worried as my time is running out - which it is. 22 years old.


    Tell her that Iselin is so lucky, and should do anything to hold on to Robert and never let go, because she will never find someone like him, not least because he seems to ignore her past. Iselin must have understood that already, but I can say that I hope to hear that Robert asked her to be his wife. It''s like a Saga written by Freya, the Goddess of love. The slave rescued by the mysterious mighty stranger, who turns out to be the perfect Prince who gives her a happy life in wealth and honor, and makes her his Queen in his own little kingdom. Since that might actually happen, it makes it even more likely that Freya really is writing his Saga. How does my own story fit in that narrative? Would Freya consider me worthy? I need to pray to her.


    Guess I just have to be bold, brave and honorable, and fight for my right to love, sex and a life with a good man.


    It makes me happy to see Robert''s fascination with everything. I don''t know what he is about to make, but it will be interesting to see. I really wish to hear Iselin say ''Yes'', preferably as a witness and be able to congratulate them.


    ... so that I might be able to say ''Yes'' to Robert.

 Borgarsandr - day 8, Parts

    Eventually I manage to explain what I want, an the glass maker will make some lenses for me, and some that I get to polish and grind. He will make molds according to specifications and can then finish the surfaces and polish them. The glass maker has a bit of what appears to be clear enough glass, without small gas bubbles or large pollutants that most glass has, and especially his yellower glass looks good, but if I want colour yellow won''t do. We talk and he will try to keep it hot for far longer to see if that help the micro bubbles rise and disappear. He have basically made window glass, and blowned or cast simple shapes before, so light transmission and working speed have been more important than optical clarity.


    Getting a good convex lens shaped correctly feels like it will be hard, and it will be a bit of trial and error, and I ask him to try. A total of 20 lenses in 2 different sizes and one convex and a concave of each. Two somewhat matching lenses with a fairly short focus in a smaller size and two with a longer one that has larger 30mm diameter. Sure, I can calculate lens specifications in the future to get it better with diameter and focus, but it''s enough for now to get something that works and get experience and knowledge how hard this will be. I also convince him to try to make six 90 degree prisms. He showed that he basically cast simple shapes and use forms to get uniform sizes for some glass mugs and vessels that he blows, so I want him to try making prisms. Stuff in low quality is better than no stuff at all, and I need to find out his skill and if he''s willing to try my ideas.


    The idea is a microscope and one to two binoculars, and the lenses can be grinded against each other in sets of five and five. I reckon there will be fails on some, hence making extra and different designs so I can use the best.


    I''ve always had that principle when I built things. If I need one in the end, and some steps are automated - say sheet metal scissors, laser cut, rolled, welded, press brake machine etc - I start to manufacture several and expect faults, mistakes etc and because I started with many, I will then get a useful one at the end, and if I have several, I can chose the best one. They''re simply reserves, and setting up the machine is usually most of the time and work, and it might just take a few minutes to do a couple of extras. Starting over at the end is significantly more work, time and frustration. Not the same when it is all handcraft, but it helps to have more, if it''s not that much more work or waste.


    The glass maker have different types of polishes and abrasives, which is like ''liquid sandpaper'', but then again; sandpaper doesn''t exist. But how do you get the lens shape right? I know how to hand grind a lens by starting with two flat glass pieces, but I can''t get any of it here. In addition to grinding and constantly rotating the lens and the template in different directions and tempo, another way to get the correct shape, is to use several lenses and let the errors take each other out, but the end results is less predictable. That is why there is five of each lens and both concave and convex, so he will switch around so every lens affects every other lens. A classic example is how to make a flat hard surface. You use three pieces and touch two against each other with a thin layer of paint on one to see where they touch each other, but you change which two it is. Two may have the same error that cancels each other, but a third that is combined against both? Then the error is noticed. I have my small lens in the Swiss Card, so I show him how a convex lens are supposed to give a sharp focus without distortion on a piece of paper with text and straight lines. Concave is harder to test, but I have to accept that.


    It will be fun to see how good the lenses will be. It will take a few days, and I guess his apprentices will hate me. Also I buy some flat glass scraps, ie leftover discarded glass plates, and they also have quite a lot of stained glass. The usual clear glass has a faint green tone, so I presume it is contaminants or chemistry that do that. He also have green, blue, turquoise, ruby red, yellow, orange, milky white and finally very dark red and black opaque glass. I don''t think I want to know what they use to color the glass, since it is probably lead and other unpleasant things, but is as it is, and as long as I don''t eat it or inhale fine abrasive particles or fumes, it''s no big problem what is in the glass. I think.


    <hr>


    Since Alith was sick, I''ve thought about medicines and first aid, and we want to buy a few things that can be practical for the stomach, head ache, wound healing, etc. I will probably cut myself or similar when I start really building things, and I want to avoid using my hiking first aid kit.


    As it turns out, Alith has a pretty good knowledge, but both Iselin and Bodil know some cures and remedies. I should have realised that warriors generally suffer more injuries during training and activities, and if you move in the wilderness or hunt, you might as well try to collect herbs to sell if you find them.


    The place we find has so much more, and unlike Liv''s store, this feels more like alchemy is the primary focus instead of healing herbs, and perhaps it shouldn''t be surprising that those two areas are mixed together in Alfhemr. I asks the seller to describe her many different goods. Apart from something that seems to be pure drugs, I skip love potions and also virility and fertility potions. The first I don''t believe in; the second I already have something that I hope to avoid using, but that obviously worked; and the third just sounds like more nonsense. But she has bottles of liquids and small crystals that seem interesting, although I doubt the medical usage she says some have. I don''t think diarrhea, vomiting or stomach pain will be helped by swallowing some rock and looking through the poop to set it on fire. As she describes some liquids and their use, I think some are acids, but the concentration, purity and exact formula, etc will be fuzzy.


    I still buy five bottles, expecting that I need to do tests to see if it is something I can use, and hopefully ''Bettrell'' is hydrochloric acid because along with some zinc it will provide ''killed spirits'' which is something I can use to clean metal from oxides prior to soldering. It''s an old trick but is suppose to work well, and I wouldn''t be surprised if it do. The dangerous and unhealthy chemicals usually is good for its purpose. Of course there is another uses as well depending on purity and amount.


    Then there are several liquids she calls colors of ''Vitriol'', so I guess they have something in common. Blue vitriol seem to contain copper, and it might be copper sulphate or something. Looks a bit like what is left after etching circuit boards, and according to the seller, it''s used for glass staining, preventing insects from eating glue in books and fighting fungal build up on things. So it sounds like copper something. Green vitriol is used in textile dyeing, on food against diarrhea and in ink production, so it might be iron sulphate? Oil of vitriol might then be sulphuric acid, which would be the most practical and useful. White vitriol is used in textile pickling, dyeing, preserving skin and leather, and I don''t really have any idea what it might be. She had more things and variations, but it is unnecessary to buy too much of things I may not have any use for, although I buy some pitch and what seem to be a red rosin. I really should try to make soldering equipment since I''m likely to use it sooner or later.


    What I really wish is that I had a book with the history of Chemistry and how things were made, but I need to read Perry''s. Not looking forward to it, as I have been avoiding chemistry since school, well, besides specific chemistry I have needed to use. Also except reading about ''interesting'' stuff like Chlorine trifluoride, and stupid things I only remember because of its joke like name like azidoazide azide, or things I need to learn about due to work, like Hydrogen Fluoride, which is very nasty shit.


    If there are Gods here, can you please make so that a chemistry professor, fascinated by its history with mineral exploration as a hobby, and who have taken music lessons since childhood will show up at the Academy, and with whom I can talk? English as a common language is okay. Doesn''t have to be a sexy woman. K? Tkx! Bai!


    <hr>


    There are bricks here, but they''re not used for whole houses, even though it is said to becoming more common across the sea to the south. I guess wood is simply too easy to get, cheap and practical here, and considering the huge river and vast forests covered hills and mountains upstream, that should be damn obvious. But bricks in combination with clay and good vessels make me want to try making crucible steel. There is a small, simple smithy at the farm to do the simpler work a farm needs, and I can hire someone to help me, but I will need to make a couple of bellows. Unless I can buy some. Or borrow. There is that smithy on the farm.


    We find a potter who can sell me some really thick clay vessels, about 30cm high and a couple of clay plates of the equivalent size as tops. I buy a couple of buckets of finished clay, ''just add water'' and some fine sand of two different varieties. At this point, the women in my company seem to be very curious at what the hell I''m up to, but they do expect me to come up with something magical or practical. Being a Sejdmann means I am pretty much expected to do weird shit or sejd.


    <hr>


    With a little asking around where both Kari and Iselin again helps a lot, I find a craftsman who make things in brass, copper, bronze etc. Silver is really good for its persuasive ability, and I get him to make brass plates that are hammered through disc forming tools to gradually form small cups. Really long and narrow is a problem, but since he just happens to have done it a couple of times before to make candle holders, I just accept and live with the dimensions of about 14mm wide and about 40mm long. As far as I know, many muskets were somewhere about there in diameter, and even if I had preferred a smaller diameter, it should work well with a heavier lead projectile at a slower speed, than a normal modern bullet. A long narrower pipe for the barrel will certainly be more difficult to manufacture here than a wider, so 14mm is probably a good choice.


    The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.


    It appeals to me that the cups where for candles, and that it may make people confused about my usage. He has several different alloys of brass and bronze, and he recommends one that works well for this particular drawing process. So I ask him to make 20 ''cups'' for me. Hardly optimal, but useful and it will be the prototype. He also has a form of tall copper vessel with a lid even though he doesn''t manufacture household utensils. I still have copper wire in two different thicknesses, but I buy a little more. Copper wire is useful.


    I also take the opportunity to buy a copper rod and two oblong copper blocks and 4 ounces of tin from him. I think it is tin. Hope it is, because then I can do something close to 63/37 tin-lead solder. No need to worry about RoHS here, but I have to be careful in the long run with the lead fumes. I wonder how pure that tin or lead is, and I just need to accept that there will be small contaminants in all materials here. Soldering stuff would be practical, and with these buys, I should I have something I can melt together to make solder, and something that can be improvised into a soldering iron or add heat.


    It is possible to get something cast in brass, copper or bronze, both larger and smaller things. So I quickly sketch out gimbal slash gyro rings where the outer one has an arm to attach it to something or make a shock absorbing suspension, and a puck shaped jar for the middle with a small pillar in the center, and an edge to put a glass plate on top.


    I am impressed with his tools, and when it turns out that he will sell me tools, I get so enormously happy that it''s hard to describe. He have properly manufactured case-hardened iron files, and some even for fine work in different shapes and sizes. There are also chisels, scribers, punches, awl, a pump drill with 4 different diameter drills and interchangeable tips, grindstones, two different hammers, a couple of pliers, small saw blades in two sizes, a small anvil, a form of simple vice with wedges and clamps, blueing agent etc. A complete small workshop for working in brass, copper and the like. I almost starting to cry as I can just buy it. I was prepared to start making everything myself the hard way, and have seen enough of, for example, ''clickspring'' videos about his watch making and his construction of an antikythera device to have a decent chance to do it myself, but I''m used to using ready-made tools and machines for my construction projects. I have not looked forward to the extra work and time to make the tools.


    What I buy is expensive, but I''m so damn happy with these tools that I don''t care about the silver. I don''t have to make the tools, and I would probably not be able to make something this good. Just the files have to have been a hell of a lot of work. Craftsman Digraldi see that I''m moved and happy, and as I praise the tools and craftsmanship he seems to sell me more than he probably would to most, and he include a couple of leather tool rolls, and I also buy some brass plate in three thicknesses, rods in a few different diameters, etc. No larger diameters or dimensions but better than starting with blocks.


    We''re on a first name basis when I leave, and I promise Digraldi that he will get many interesting future jobs from me if I stay in Borgarsandr, which he seem to be looking forward to, and he really like my praise that I''m motivated to stay close by just to give him work. Most of the jobs he gets are probably quite boring and repetitive, and many seems to be artwork or castings. I don''t doubt that Digraldi will be the most important craftsman in the town for me, until I can get my own craftsmen who work for me.


    <hr>


    When we walk over to the jeweller a couple of buildings away, it''s the women who becomes interested and eager, and me who become quite indifferent. My mind is mostly on my tools and projects. Kari looks quite neutral and calm in here, but I guess she has seen a lot of jewellery and is difficult to entice, or just better at being calm, but the others have decision angst. Kari''s presence makes a difference in how we are treated, and that she defers to me affects more. It is practical to have her company here in Borgarsandr, at least among some craftsmen. Iselin and Alith are quite entertaining to watch, but it''s probably the first time anyone of them spend so much silver on jewellery, and they doesn''t even have to have a bad conscience for it. I am ''forcing'' them to spend it.


    Does Alith even have any proper jewellery besides piercings? I can''t remember seeing anything, and Bodil only has a small pendant in silver beside her ear piercings, probably to a God, much like Thor''s hammer. Maybe something for Freya? I probably should get a piece of jewellery for myself, but I''m not interested in wearing jewellery just because. Although a ring in gold, where I can fit a 20x10x3mm neodymium magnet on the inside - ie the magnet is against the skin and can''t fall out when the ring is in place - might be useful. So I quickly sketch and ask the jeweller to make me a wide gold ring with engravings around the band for me, and make room for a ''stone that gives me luck'' on the inside. I use his own measuring tool and translate by using the scale on the side of the Swiss card.


    One advantage of having bought a large amount of something and used the same in several constructions and project, is that I sometimes remember such measurements when they are commonly used or have annoyed me enough, such as the measurements of common battery types and a high variety of switches, electrical components and more. I have a fairly large file with just measurements on the phone, according to the principle that if I have needed it once, I may need it again. There are good reasons that the file is quite large.


    On the outside of the ring he can mount 3 precious stones. He has some blue stones I think is sapphires, and a larger star sapphire that hasn''t been put in anything yet, but that is huge and necklace size, so it will be three of the small sapphires. Even after a little bargaining, the ring feels a bit pricey, but gold weighs and is literally worth its weight eight times in silver, and the sapphires may have come from a long way. Most likely, the gemstones were in some silver or gold that was brought here as loot, where the silver became payment and the gemstones were sold. Unfortunately, I need bling to show I''m rich, and should get a sword or wizards cane as well. Show, don''t tell. The ring should take a week to manufacture since he do have other work to do.


    <hr>


    We continue to ask around and easily gets hold of some nice dry birch in a round shape, ie young and a couple of centimeters thick. I need it for charcoal.


    When we buy food, I realise I forgotten a couple of things, so I buy a mortar in stone, and a couple of strainers. A slightly coarser with about 1.5 mm holes and one really fine for flour that is maybe 1/4 of the first. The merchant seems to want to sell more and introduces me to a type of small hand-driven grinder that has two stone surfaces and the grounded seeps out along the edge. A new thing from the south for fine pastries or something. Not sure how good it is for my intended use of black powder manufacturing, but if I don''t have to crush it by hand in a mortar it will be nice. Maybe it gets better too or at least more consistent. So I buy the grinder and a small precision scale with small weights, where I estimate the smallest is 0.12 grams and the largest is 56 grams in the usual steps up and down. Got them in a nice little box too.


    A blacksmith turns out to be able to produce a miniature cannon in iron fairly quickly. About 30cm pipe with a tiny hole in the back top, and the back plugged, but a nice even barrel is important and I try to get it in about the same size as the 14mm ''candle cups''.  The barrel is attached to a plate that acts as a stand and to stop it sliding back, with three options for angle setting. It can be finished tomorrow, but it probably won''t be picked up until the next day. I need to make the powder first. I also buy some iron scraps for the crucible. I don''t need fine finished iron and the fragmented small parts will melt faster and the goal is of course that the iron should melt and become homogeneous. I buy about 5kg, and two bellows. Silver is cash, and cash is king.


    We will buy a horse and a wagon another day, as we will be back in the town in a couple of days. On the way home, I mostly sit and think as we roll through the landscape. Things take time to get made, so I need to start several projects at once, and the black powder one I started a couple of weeks ago. I have saltpeter and sulphur. Now I will make the charcoal, grind everything separately, weight, mix and then corn it.


    <hr>


    It''s early evening when we get back to the farm. A lot to unload and carry into my bedroom, which is now more of a workshop than a bedroom or study. Food has been waiting for us, and is warmed up by Ciara. We need to buy more spices, but a lot is as expected quite expensive here. Salt is one of them. I have visited the Wieliczka Salt Mine in Poland, and know how important salt has been... is, so maybe I can establish my own salt production at the Academy from seawater? Boil it away with sunlight, or fire. Should be well worth it considering the insane prize of salt. I can probably forget about pepper, since that is from India.


    Maybe it''s possible to build a greenhouse for spices or medicinal plants? Expensive with glass in that amount, but may be worth it. A spice garden at the Academy is definitely a good idea if I can find someone who wants and can take care of it, because I will be too busy with other things a lot of the time. I won''t be able to do all the work on all the projects myself, so I have to prioritise, and I''m selfish enough to take the interesting, fun and easier work, and I also have to focus on doing the most important or secret things myself. I have to train others, and trust the skills of others and delegate work.


    Bodil is working on the last pieces for the chess board and she rightly looks satisfied and pleased. She has painted the dark pieces, and is rubbing in some oil on the light ones. We can test it tomorrow when it''s dry.


    There''s a shorter vocabulary test and lesson with Kari, only about two hours, but I''m eager to start my experiments and excuse myself and stay in my room to sketch and think, I also need to write those letters. I definitely can''t let Kari see the process for making black powder, but I''ll try tomorrow when the light is better. I would never do something like that indoors using light from a candle with a flame, and I don''t want to use my LED flash lights either.


    My thoughts are interrupted when Iselin comes in, close the door and casually take off her dress and shows her green Valhalla with matching panties, and her eyes just twinkle as she crawl in to my bed and lay there looking at me and say a playful ''Ich Will'' ...


    Sketches and plans can wait until tomorrow.


    <hr><hr>


    Ciara sits and look out over the sea at dusk. Robert has given her more work to do, and she like that it is important and precise detail work that Robert otherwise would do himself. An important job that only she does. A niche just for her. She doesn''t learn the words, spelling or reading as fast as Robert seems to do, but she is learning. She is getting better even if it''s slowly, and Robert has given her praise. He doesn''t care if she learn fast or work fast, as long as there is progresses and it''s correct.


    She just wishes she could feel something from the wooden plug. She has used the wooden thing in the butt a couple of times, she has tried another in her vagina at the same time. She''s tried everything Alith said she could do. But she doesn''t even get excited when she tries to help with her hand - just sore and reddened. She will talk to Alith when Alith is going to help her get piercings in her breasts. For Ciara is afraid that she can never have those feelings again, and to be resurrected sacrificed her ability to feel pleasure. Or that it is a punishment, since she stopped believing in God. Everything has a price, and she is afraid that she is never going to be able to enjoy Robert as Iselin or Alith do. That he won''t be able to feel joy in giving her pleasure.


    But the biggest dread that she tries to suppress her thoughts about, and the reason she looks out over the sea instead of sleeping, is that she won''t be able to give Robert sexual pleasure when he finally take her to bed. So she will be cast aside - forever locked outside in the dark and cold.

 Borgarsandr - day 9, Karis gambit

    Borgarsandr, day 9


    Kari''s gambit


    It takes a while for my brain to catch on that I went to bed with Iselin, but she isn''t here now, and she didn''t try anything erotic. I both appreciate it and not, and it also makes me a little worried for next time. I didn''t even notice when Iselin woke up and left the bed.


    Ninja.


    I hear muffled voices and through the window I see Iselin talking to Kari out in the garden. Huh... I think someone is trying to get instructions and training in posture and etiquette, because Iselin is sitting like a copy of Kari. Good initiative by Iselin. There is a great chance we will have to spend time with nobility and upper class people in the future, which is honestly why I asked for someone who knew etiquette. I take the opportunity to sketch a little more. I will hopefully be able to make the first batch of black powder today, and maybe try to make crucible steel.


    <hr><hr>


    I smiled inside when Iselin asked if she could get lessons in etiquette, posture, way of speaking, etc. She is so worried that Robert will be ashamed of her, and really hope to be worthy enough that he will take her as his concubine. I guess it''s just too hard for her to imagine that he might actually marry her, especially as his first wife. But I''m glad that she takes such things seriously; it is useful to immediately achieve a certain respect and dignity when you enter a room. This also gives me the opportunity to have a conversation with her for my own sake, so I sit facing the house so I can see if anyone else comes out, but we are alone. Iselin gives me such a nice opening by saying I''m so blessed in life, and I draw an honest deep sigh and let the mask fall enough. The change in me is so abrupt, and as expected it surprises Iselin. Time to take action, and be bold and brave.


    "Iselin, you don''t know enough about life in the upper classes, of nobility and women there. Yes, some become powerful and prosperous, but that is often just the outwards part you see. The part they want you to see. Closed doors and privacy hides so much ugliness, which I think you can understand - you have worked for the rich.


    I am not blessed.


    Yes; I eat good food, own and wear nice clothes and these jewels. I am educated and have lived in the castle all my life, but my life has never been my own. Many slaves have more freedom than me. My name Alfgeirsdotter is completely made up, and I have had more time to study history and talk to scholars than most, and there is no one with that name in nobility, and it sounds made up. You probably know who your parents are. I don''t, but I guess my father is a powerful man who had a child with a lower but still important enough woman, who after birth didn''t want to acknowledge the relationship as I was a daughter, and my mother couldn''t acknowledge her illegitimate child to be more desirable for marriage, or my mother died in childbirth.


    The royal family took care of me, and I belong to a group of women who, from birth, are shaped to become the perfect concubine for someone in the nobility. Most often, women like me become gifts to someone in the royal dynasty, or to some powerful man whom the King wants to reward or bind against himself. We are valuable. There are currently six other women and girls like me. I''m the oldest with a seven year margin, the second oldest was given away a little more than four years ago, when she was 16 years old. We grew up together and she was my only real friend, and I have since been alone. The only ones I have been able to really talk to are my guards Gunhild and Hillevi - they have protected my virginity. The other six are between 3 and 15 years old and the oldest will probably be given away within two years. I''ve helped teach them.


    From birth, our future is decided by others. On my fifth birthday, I swore allegiance to the one who rules the Royal dynasty until I am given away, and I have repeated that oath each birthday since. It has repeatedly been forced into us to be completely faithful to our Lord or man. To serve well. To obey. To cherish our man no matter what, and be happy to give him children. When I am eventually given to a man, I will serve him well and obey. I don''t have to be happy or love him to serve him well, but I will try my absolute best, or pretend to even in private. Which man it will be, as for many women, isn''t my choice, but I can''t oppose the King''s choice even if it is the worst imaginable cruel man. I can''t be a bad gift. I will serve well, and obey and at least pretend to love that man, whatever he might do to me, while I give him children, and help him become successful, for the rest of my life.


    My future has long been unstable. Every time I have been summoned or introduced to a man at a feast or event, I have wondered if this is the time I''ll be given away. If this is my future man and master, and I have heard rumours about how unpleasant some of them are.


    Iselin; for a woman like me, I am old. I turned 22 just a few days before we first met, older than any woman like me have ever been, with a three year margin, and I should have been given away five or six years ago. As I get older, my value decrease and I have also become more jaded as I fear for my future. One thing we are trained in, is to be able to subtly work behind the curtains, cover for gaps in our man''s knowledge and plan for our man''s well-being, and I believe I am too good at this. But that makes it harder for the King to give me to someone close to him, or who is powerful or greedy for power. You don''t give a knife to someone who will use it to stab you in the back. The King knows this, and has kept me isolated from him and those with influence around the King, because I am not a knife - I am a bow.


    So I expect to be given away to someone far from here, probably to nobility across the sea to the south, because I have been taught the language there and what I''ve heard about life there, it isn''t something I want. But far from the King and more exotic, and more valuable. Where a new exotic concubine who might birth a son would be appreciated, or where an exotic mistress for the bed would be welcomed. Where my knowledge or mind doesn''t matter.


    My first time with a man will be when I am raped far away from everyone I know, and I will serve well, obey and be faithful to that man. I will do my best to love him and give him children. That''s my destiny, and I''ve known it since I was eight."


    Iselin seems shocked and looks for something to say but she remains silent; she has probably never imagined a ''noblewoman'' as I would be in such a situation. We sit there in silence and hear birds chirping in the sunshine. I decide to go a little further, since if nothing else, it won''t really change my situation negatively, but it can make it very positive, and probably gives an answer to the question I have been thinking about: Is Robert a stick, knife, spear or bow - and can he accept victory with restrictions?


    "Iselin, I''m here as your teacher because I fill the need and was available with short notice, but I am also a woman and not a man, and I am trusted by the King. I have no guards so you will be less on your guard against me, and so I can sleep in the same house as you. So I can discover some of Robert''s secrets or weaknesses and report it, while I try to seduce him. The King certainly hopes that Robert will desire or rape me, so he can force Robert to either become a slave or force him to serve the King. But in his zeal the King has grossly misjudged Robert, both in his interests, integrity and sejd. I expect that Robert from the beginning knew why I am here - beside as a teacher - and I believe that you all have been given discreet orders to not leave me alone in the house, or let me see his things.


    You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.


    I also believe that Robert would never force himself on me, even if I walked around naked and all the rest of you were away. I hoped to be able to seduce Robert to change my own future and become his, but already on the first evening I had understood the situation and the dynamics here, and started to understand Robert. Iselin; I would never want to go between you and Robert. That is a loosing move, and if I tried to seduce him, you all would loath me, and Robert would end up rejecting me.


    But I am a bow, and I don''t need to have contact with the King or his closest to be able to reach him, and in his zeal the King has made the mistake of giving my quiver a couple of arrows. I''m convinced that Robert''s Academy will be supported, because I have subtly chosen to present a certain impression and via intermediaries given the King second hand information, so that it becomes more credible. Hillevi, the woman I spoke to down in the harbour yesterday, has been fed to reinforce this angle, and I will reinforce it in a week when I give my report. The answer Robert is supposed to get, is that the King supports the Academy, and the King will ensure that there is plenty of manpower and resources to speed up the construction a couple of days from here. To not bind the Academy in any way to the Royal dynasty, but rather put up protective barriers in between and try to enjoy the profits from a distance, and prevent someone like Jarl Myrun Skiringe from claiming the Academy or marrying Robert. It''s the best for everyone in the long run. For Robert, you, the King, the Kingdom and the World."


    Iselin''s face is quite entertaining to see; I guess she never really thought about things like this, but I''ve not had anything else to think about for many years, and fortune favours the bold.


    "I want to know that I have contributed to something good in this life, and not just been another exotic toy that gives birth to children. Robert is such a wonderful good man, and you are a wonderful woman. You look so cute together - so happy and in love - and I want you to have a good happy future together, and Robert and his Academy will make the world better. It feels good to be able to contribute to this. I also hope that no matter where I am, that a rumour reaches me that Iselin Vigdisdottir has become Robert Arnesson''s wife. Then my life has had a real meaning."


    When they call us in to eat, Iselin still hasn''t said anything to me. I hope I didn''t give her too much of a shock, but the world is as it is, and if she is to become Robert''s companion, she must learn to help him navigate social circles and intrigue. Hopefully I will be there to help them.


    <hr><hr>


    I don''t know what Iselin and Kari talked about, but considering how Iselin has behaved since then - I''m worried. It is as if some of Iselin''s joy and energy has disappeared, and it''s clear enough for me to react to it, and I see the glances she gives Kari, so I choose to talk to her after eating. Once inside my bedroom, Iselin tells me what Kari said. I ask Iselin to tell me everything as thoroughly as she can. I imagine that Kari formulated it better than Iselin does, but on the whole I was right about her. I shouldn''t be surprised that such women are ''cultivated''.


    However, that she would choose to use her ''arrows'' against the King is unexpected - if it is true. It may be a ploy, but what does she have to gain from telling? She seems far too skilled for it to be a coincidence or a mistake. I don''t think she is lying about big things, if even anything. The best truth, is the truth told more favourably, but not boastfully or with lies. Just tell the truth advantageously. The King shouldn''t have gotten her to say all that, but she has something to gain from it. Partly by showing her skill in several ways. Partly by taking some of the credit for the King''s decision and benevolence, no matter what he intends to decide.


    DAAAMMN!


    This is just one long ''I know, that she knows, that I know etc''. I hate those. Kari has the benefits of time spent, home turf, home culture and knowledge. The only thing I can do in such a game, is to reduce my loss; because the chance of a full win is small, and there are really big losses and certainly pitfalls I probably won''t be able to see. I really don''t like such games about our future, and especially not when I don''t know the rules or what gives points.


    And I still have to play it just to figure out her angle. Damn it!


    The most logical thing is that Kari wants to show her skill, her usefulness and her knowledge to impress - which means she wants something for it. Which, if what she said about herself is true, is probably a different future. A future with me, where the King will give her to me as a concubine or wife. I guess the King won''t just release her from her oath. Then she is close to him and others and free to act, and as a propertyless woman without family, she has nothing to lose. Killing her would always be risky, as she is skilled and planning enough to be able to arrange something really unpleasant, and it''s probably a sunken cost fallacy too, since the Royal dynasty spent 22 years raising and educating her.


    So the King probably prefers to bind her to someone, someone with no ill will against the King and the kingdom. With me as her man, the best thing for the King and the kingdom would be that she actually uses her skills for my interests. I trust her, she works towards my goals and protects the Academy. They win, I win and she wins.


    It would be best to ask Kari, but I can''t trust I''ll get a honest answer. Seeing her talk to Ciara makes me a little worried. Ciara already have problems but is getting better, and what can''t a master of manipulation do there? But if Kari is honest, she will only try to help Ciara. Kari sees me when I walk out and ends the conversation with Ciara, and Ciara gets up, gathers courage and gives me a quick kiss on the cheek before she goes in, so I think Ciara got a hint from Kari that we should talk by ourselves, and that I wouldn''t mind. I just casually sit down opposite the table from Kari, and looks at her briefly. Not a hint that something is different between us; no expectation, worry or curiosity, and she must have played out the upcoming discussion in her mind. Way to good poker face. I''m so fucked if I try acting against her.


    "If you are, what you give the impression of being, I have already lost in the intellectual duel that took place between me, the King and you - where at least I didn''t know that you played for your own victory. So, I just wish you give me an answer, even though we both know I can''t trust it to be true."


    "Ask and I will answer." That may be the first real smile I''ve seen on her face. It may be the first honest smile anyone has seen this year.


    "The King won''t just free you from your oath, as you have nothing to lose, and in the future you want to be my wife. Although we don''t have any feelings for each other, it is something that both of us and others benefit from. You probably hope that as we spend time with each other, feelings of friendship or love will eventually grow, which honestly is quite likely from me, since you are a charming lovely woman. But at the same time you understand that for me right now; Iselin comes first, and I don''t want her to feel pushed aside. So you want to be my concubine, and in the future rise to wife after Iselin hopefully have become so. Whether I want to get married or not, I need to do it since the law and culture here is as it is, and for her and mine future, and I love her enough to ask her.


    You''ve also figured out that I''m ''not from around here'' and unlike almost everyone, you realise that I could be dangerous if I was forced, and given the opportunity. You will be faithful to me because you have everything to gain from it, and I''m sitting here now confirming I understand your skill. With your solution, everyone wins something, but you of course win big. Where I come from, there are several expressions that can be summed up as: ''The key to victory isn''t to choose a path to victory, but to choose so that all paths lead to victory.'' So, my question is; do you want to reward your presumably future husband with a kiss, since he at least appreciates your skill and accept defeat?" I end with a resigned little smile.


    Kari has a really satisfied and happy face as she calmly rise up, straightens her dress, walks around the table, gracefully sits on my lap and her eyes bore into me as she wraps her arms around my neck, and then gives me a really intense kiss, and after my tongue seeks contact with hers, she invades my mouth with so damn much tongue that I almost choke.


    Oof!

 Borgarsandr - day 9, Black powder and Crucibles

    A few minutes later, Kari lets me breathe, and after making a deep content sigh and a quick final kiss, she just calmly leave my lap, and gracefully walks back and sits down on her own chair again, and with the exception of her smile, everything is back to normal. The game isn''t finished yet, and she is still a spy with duties and obligations, but hopefully she''s now a double spy working to ensure her victory, so I inform her that I will be working in the garden for a while, and that I want her to accompany Iselin to the town. I stand up and return back in where everyone is standing by the window, and they have obviously seen everything.


    "We need to continue just like before, and the same rules applies for Kari because the game ain''t over yet. Kari have just already won, and since I figured it out and accepted it - she rewarded me. Iselin and Ciara, you don''t have to be worried, because we all win too, but you should all continue treating Kari as before. I can explain in a week. I''m going to work in the garden, so Kari will soon come back in. Iselin, take Kari with you to buy a horse and a wagon, and see if any clothes are ready. Please go by the smithy and see if my little iron pipe project is finished. I will also have four letters to leave with Danr, and you can also advise him to buy some bras and panties to sell on his trip."


    The letters doesn''t take much time. They are not fluently written, but Bodil helps to make sure it should be understood. It is completely unnecessary to write these letters, but I want to do so. It just feels right.


    The letters to Astrid and Lova in Hildifjoer are basically the same, a ''thank you for the information'' and that they helped me when I was a lost man. I wish them a good life and hope they will be happy. I write that I''ve fallen in love with a good woman, just so they shouldn''t try to seek me out, and that they will hopefully be hearing rumours about an Academy within a couple of years, and know that they have contributed to something that have made the world a little better. To make their world a little better, I will include some gold. It''s just equivalent to around 2 ounces of silver, and gold keeps the weight and volume of the letter down.


    To Disa in Kambsnes, a ''thank you'' for an absolutely wonderful night, and that I have continued my investigations of mysteries, which has also led to deep ''studies''. I write that I made Iselin a free woman after we left Kambsnes and that Iselin now works for me, but to keep it secret from Jarl Steinnes. I hope she hears about an Academy in a year or so, and then knows where we ended up. I''ve made a couple of innovations and she can ask Merchant Danr for bras and panties.


    To Liv in Skiringssal, I write that when she gets this, hopefully the King has decided to let me establish an Academy somewhere close to Borgarsandr. It''s going to take a couple of years to get started, but I''ll keep her updated on progress, and hope that she keeps me updated of her own tests and results, good or bad, and if nothing else, I hope to be able to meet her in a couple of months at the Tosra Gathering, although I can''t promise I''ll be there. I''ve made a couple of innovations about clothes, and she can ask Merchant Danr about bras and panties.


    I thank Bodil for her help, tape the gold down, seal the letters and write the recipient name and ''address'' on the outside. Kari has moved to the front porch where she is talking with Alith, and as Iselin comes out they all leave. I go into the garden and start making charcoal. There is an area with sand and with loose stones where there is a small fire place that I will use.


    I bring the axe with me outside and cut the birch branches into reasonably long pieces and fill the copper vessel. I make a small hole in the lid, and smear some fine mud on the brim and tie everything together with copper wire. Then I put the container on top of the small fire I''ve lit. I''ve pretty much done a charcoal kiln but tried to avoid contaminants by using a copper vessel. I just let the fire burn out as I grind the other ingredients, and plug the hole when there doesn''t seem to be any woodgas escaping. The container cool as I continue to grind. For safety''s sake, I use the polycarbonate sunglasses as eye protection, which they are, and I am actually glad that I accidentally dropped my other sunglasses and accidentally stepped on them before leaving, so I instead took one of the extra pairs from the car with me on the hike.


    I make a batch divided in small portions with the mortar and another batch with the grinder. It is clear that the grinder makes finer powder from nitrates and sulphur than the mortar. When I''m done, I clean and just start to grind the charcoal too. When I have decided which method seem best for producing black powder, I can start working to optimize different mixes, and right now I use 100 parts by weight of saltpeter, 20 parts of charcoal and 10-13 parts of sulphur. In the small quantities I have made, it''s complicated to measure with high precision, and the sulphur can be hard to get for future production, so I should be keeping it slightly lower.


    I end up with two piles of black powder, each a bit more than 1 ounce in weight, at about 32 grams, but the grinded one seems to have a slightly smaller volume, which I think is better as it means finer particles, which should have more surface area to allow more air in between and ignite more easily. I add a little water to dissolve the nitrate into the charcoal and sulphur and make it stick together. Water also makes it a safer paste to handle as I granulate both batches by pressing them through the sieves, and let it dry in the shade. I''m quite please for a couple of hours of work. I expect to use two to six grams per shot, but I''m very unsure of the right amount and what will be good enough. I need to test it, and for that I need the ''cannon''. But those tests will be tomorrow.


    <hr>


    I prepare three crucibles with the pottery I bought, and I hope the pottery is suitable for the heat they will be exposed to. I did ask for something that might handle it, but it will be more heat than they experienced when they were fired as pots. I clean and divide the iron evenly in the three crucibles, so 1.6kg in each. Then I weigh up some of the charcoal left over from the black powder production and add about 11g in each, since I don''t know how much carbon there already is in the iron, and I''m aiming for about 1.0-1.2% carbon in the steel. Although I remember all I need for this crucible run, I''m definitely cheating because I have the ''Secret of the Ulfberht'' video on my tablet and I go according to Richard Furrer''s way and hope it will be good, although he doesn''t mention the carbon percentage. I just hope it will be good.


    The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    However, I won''t forge it myself. I have worked a lot in different steels, aluminium, copper and brass etc before, but with machines, hand tools and welding - not hammers and fire. Forging by hand is a completely different thing than using a machine, and I need a craftsman for that. So I will try to persuade a good blacksmith to do the job, and just give clear instructions on how to handle it. I expect that even a good blacksmith might fuck it up with this material, hence three crucibles. I''m not really going for swords and armour - I need knives, tools, springs and other things. But of course I want a Viking sword. What boy didn''t pretend to be a knight? I actually bought a machine-made Viking sword copy a few years ago, and its quite good at hacking stuff to pieces. I didn''t plan for it to be a Viking style sword, but it just felt right considering which country I''m from.


    I add some sand and glass pieces on top to bind the slag, and seals the crucibles with clay and put them beside my black powder to let it to dry. Moisture will be bad. I build the furnace by myself from clay and bricks in the back garden, although Ciara helps a bit which makes her happy. I have sketched and planned to try to get it right, and I might have oversized the furnace. There is charcoal on the farm, and after asking I can take what I need. But the burn will be tomorrow.


    When I get back in, I check the black powder and sift away the dust from it and store it all away in folded paper. Now, it''s time to teach Bodil how to play chess. I make sketches on paper to explain how the pieces can be moved.


    After half an hour it starts to get easier for her, and she start to understand the game, and enjoy herself. Whether she will think it''s a nice game or not is another matter.


    <hr>


    It''s afternoon when Iselin, Alith and Kari return. In addition to the farms horse and wagon driven by Alith, there is a new wagon pulled by two horses that are in better condition and appearance that Iselin drives with a big smile on her face. Everyone of status or nobility and those who can, ride horses, so wagons are all pretty basic with stupid designs for passengers, and almost all wheels are massive without spokes, but I''ve seen a couple, and that''s the type they have bought. And it does look better. There are two detachable benches on it so up to six can sit, so quite good considering this era and our need, and it is possible to put our stuff under the benches, or hang it on the sides and back. There are holes for ropes or straps. I hadn''t expected two horses, but the wagon is made for that to pull a heavier load and be quicker and travel longer during a day, and two horses also means that two can take a ride. I really need to learn to ride and practice it. I need to make a riding helmet.


    My little cannon was ready so hopefully tomorrow will be fun. In more ways than one. I realise I need to make a small mold to cast lead balls, so I make one in clay, slightly undersized for the cannons barrel. Not beautiful or perfectly round, and one ball at a time, but close enough. In the future, and if it works, I will do much better, but unnecessary to spend time on it, and the cannon will only be used for the earliest tests. Future barrels will require other bullet molds. Argh. Those barrels will be difficult.


    <hr>


    In the evening, I ask Kari how it is seen if we ride such a wagon instead of horses, and there''s really no problem from a status viewpoint - it is a nice wagon - but it is problems in convenience, comfort and speed. Wagons are slow and uncomfortable even on good roads and with light loads. I understand that considering the wagon lacks suspension, has pissy steering, no brakes and most have massive wooden wheels without even iron reinforcement rings. I sigh, because I have to learn to ride, and buy more horses. And absolutely build a nice carriage with iron-shod wheels, wheel suspension and seat suspension with cushions as well as better steering and braking, etc. Probably a collapsible roof too, since this is ''Scandinavia'' and it will rain. But that is in the future.


    Bodil''s Chessboard attracts players and I explain the rules of the game and I play a simple game with Bodil, and Bodil''s work is quickly appreciated by everyone except Ciara, who doesn''t seem to be a game person. She really doesn''t seem to have any interest in playing. Kari and Alith on the other hand... I will bet on Kari, as it will probably be a game that suits her. While they''re busy playing, I fetch the crucibles and store them in my room.


    <hr><hr>


    This is the best day of my life. My future is a big step closer to being secured with a wonderful and powerful man, who already cares about me and who I will get to love and cherish me. He''s already accepted the idea of marrying me. For Robert, the woman as a person is the only important thing when it comes to marriage - not her property, background or family. He really sees marriage as the obvious future, not that we should stay as concubines. He really plans to marry Iselin - because he loves her and hope that she will be his first wife. As if she would say no, especially after his Academy become a reality. Few women will say no then, and I will have to be on guard and protect us. There are far too many women that will try to bed him, and try to become pregnant, or do what I just did.


    Robert probably thought about that! He didn''t like to hear how powerful men have to have several women to show their manliness - that he couldn''t only have Iselin and be faithful to her - and by accepting me, he fulfill that need too. Robert was so quick to realise the benefits and see the whole weave, in detail, and he wanted me to know. We both knew he hadn''t really lost because he has a week to act if he wanted to, but he accepts a safer win, so he don''t have to worry about any setbacks and so that I will help instead of hinder, and I didn''t realise I would solve that problem too! People will assume he''s having sex with a concubine like me, just like everyone assume that he''s taking Ciara to bed. He actually used my win, to win even more. Oh, how I love is mind! And his question... Ooff!


    Again something we both won, and I made sure to enjoy my first real kiss, as much as I could. I look forward to being able to sit on his lap and kiss him like that in the future, and feeling his hands on my back and his hunger for my lips, and I''m really looking forward to my first night with him.


    He truly is an incredibly powerful man from another world, and I so crave to be his and be worthy of knowing his secrets, but until then we have to continue playing. Until then I will be loyal to the King, and I haven''t seen or heard anything that force me to act to keep my oath. I have even managed to seduce Robert to desire me, just not the way the King expected, and I didn''t expect to be seduced by his mind and charm. He doesn''t appreciate the game, but he can play it even when he doesn''t know the rules. In the future I will do my utmost to protect him, and I will play for him....


    I have started to love him.


    Robert is a dangerous man; his knowledge and sejd only make him more dangerous. After I''ve been given to him, I will sacrifice something valuable to Freya, and if everything is correct...

 Borgarsandr - day 10, Crucible Steel

    Borgarsandr, day 10


    Crucible Steel


    It''s nice to see Alith and Bodil try their new everyday dresses as they spar and try to move in them. Obviously not like pants but less of a problem than a normal dress, and at least Alith like that its airier, and that it shows her nice legs is a bonus. They use wooden sticks to simulate spears, and not unexpectedly have Alith a wooden practice sword. It''s pretty sexy when they practice, and maybe I should watch their workouts more, and Alith is a bit of a show off. Almost feels like they''re duelling for me even though I know they''re not. Crap. I need to start exercising and running. Just forgotten it. Well, best to wait until after the King has made his decision. Has absolutely nothing to do with it being damn hot and sweaty.


    Ask Bodil to carve a couple of small elongated rounded wooden bowls, and make a wooden bow frame that holds them, but only if she really wants. I again sketch on the slate board and show that they are meant to sit over the ears and muffle sound. Just a bit different shape due to their slightly longer and pointed ears. She just shrugs a little, and says ''yes''. Hope she''s not bored with my assignments. Check up on the job Ciara does with copying the maps. Good job and she might finish them today, and I reward her with a little kiss on the cheek and thank her for helping me so I can do other important stuff.


    The furnace for the crucibles have dried, so I lower the crucibles, and fill it with charcoal and seal the top with bricks and clay. Charcoal costs more than wood, but it burns hotter and with much less smoke and sparks. In this case I only need that coal burns hotter, since the main difference with Crucible steel vs normal iron in a forge is basically three things. A normal forge won''t be hot enough, and a furnace is needed. A normal forge doesn''t contain the heat and stay hot enough for enough time. And the final thing which makes it crucible steel is the crucible, and its main purpose is to contain the molten steel and control its content so whats inside mixes or floats correctly. When the crucible is sealed, nothing will contaminate the inside. This is important and I want to keep this process secret, which is the reason Kari isn''t allow into the garden, and that the furnace can''t be see from the windows. Sure, she probably looked at it during the night or morning, but then the top wasn''t sealed, and she don''t know about the crucibles. It wouldn''t look that different from a furnace. But I need help, and having no other choice I let Iselin, Ciara and Bodil help with the bellows after lighting the fire, and we all alternate, while Alith plays chess with Kari out front. Soon the intense flames emerge from the low open channel into the middle, and we patch up a few holes in the top where smoke escaped, although a few tiny tendrils remain.


    I stay there, just working the bellows and watching and prepared to act if something happens. Ciara comes out with food for us, and she even make sure we have chairs to sit on, and I reward her with another kiss on the cheek before she takes over the bellows.


    It''s so damn exciting to do something like this even though it''s just hard work and waiting right now. It''s satisfying to just build and test something, and even if it doesn''t work I will know it doesn''t work, and I can improve it or decide to drop it and move on. I hope I never get too busy with boring stuff in the future. I can probably count on having two really capable wives to do administrative work and taking care of the household.


    Two wives. It just feels so very wrong, and even more wrong that one of them will be a planned marriage that I didn''t really choose. I will be ''forced to it'', but it will be good for me, and Kari is a competent, intelligent, nice and beautiful woman. I should feel honored to call her my wife. I just don''t have any feelings for her. Do I really find it so easy to accept that future?


    Of course it is not something I can directly fight against without it having bigger consequences, and I would rather have Kari as an ally than an opponent - but still. No matter her title, I will go for a friend that I respect first, possibly sex later, and wife when I in trust her in a couple of years. I might have had sex with several women, but it just feels wrong now that I''m starting to really love Iselin, and I''m afraid that if we start to have sex, it will be harder to stop. Then there''s the fact that by Law, the first marriage night require sex between the husband and wife. With witnesses. Kari will probably be patient, as long as our relationship slowly progress. I hope Iselin can accept Kari in our lives, but she seem to expect that it won''t be just the two of us, and it''s probably easier for her who grew up in this world, where powerful men have several wives and concubines. The more powerful - the more women, although marriage alliances and customs usually limit it.


    <hr>


    It''s afternoon before the furnace goes out and we''re all quite happy as our muscles are sore, and it''s time to knock down the furnace walls. My relief is palpable when I see the yellow shining crucibles. No one cracked and they seems good. I carefully use a pair of borrowed tongs to lift the crucibles out, and place them one by one on the remaining bricks. The crucibles are radiating a lot of heat. I let them cool down a bit while I disassemble the furnace and pile the bricks. I will crush the crucibles too before Kari is let out in the garden. When the crucibles are dimly red, I knock apart the first and see an almost yellow-shining piece of iron, and the others are the same. I have three fine lumps of steel. That is a lot of heat.


    It''s one thing to see or read about something, but when it does work? Endorphins. ''I feeeel good, da da da''. James Brown sings it with feeling in my head, and I almost want to sing loud and dance. I''m so damn happy right now, and I kiss Iselin on the mouth and Ciara on her cheeks. They don''t know why I''m happy, but they know it''s important, and they like that they could help with something important and ''sejdish'', and all three seem to think is been ''fun''.


    Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.


    The smithy''s hearth is already lit, and the free man usually working it have been forewarned, and he is waiting with a slave as we carry the still hot lumps over on an iron grill. I roll the hearing plugs between my fingers and push them in while I watch the lump turn hotter, and I gently hammer the first blow on the steel. No large sparks flying from the orange-red lump. It really is steel.


    The free man as well as a slave, take over to hammer the material for the first shaping. I tell them it will take the rest of the day to heat that lump and gently hammer it into a more elongated flat shape, but when it gets too dull red they have to start heating it again. It will be strenuous for a long time, but they seem accustomed. However, they are amazed at how hard and different it is from normal iron. I warn them to do it slow and do it right, since I don''t want it to crack.


    <hr>


    The rest of the day the hammering is heard more or less constantly, but it''s not to loud, due to the walls and the location. They actually start hammering out another lump of steel fairly quickly because it takes such a long time to reheat one of them, they can hammer on the other in the meantime. I don''t want to disturb their hammering with bangs from my little cannon, so I decide to delay those experiments for another day. The fact that it starts to rain and the wind have picked up has nothing to do with my decision.


    Meanwhile I study with Kari; vocabulary, language, reading and more, and I refresh math for them. Repetition, repetition and repetition. Iselin understands that something has happened between me and Kari, but seems unsure of what, but both she and Ciara also take lessons in posture, etiquette etc. Kari advises them that during the next few days they should try to practice it against each other, to help each other, so it becomes more natural and easier.


    I tell Ciara to make a small personal symbol in the corner of all the maps she made, as a small signature to mark and indicate that she thinks they''re worth it. So I ask her to think of something personal but special. So she do, and explain that the pointed square its a sun, and I see the R in the middle with a C around in it. When she has drawn it on each, I whisper to her:


    "The copies you just made? These are the ones I will give to the King. The king will admire your craft, proudly show it to others and pay dearly for it. Yes, you copied my maps but it is your skill that makes it hard to see a difference without your little symbol in the bottom corner. So be proud, and in the future you will get other important jobs."


    Ciara really shines with happiness, and gives me a little kiss on the cheek that makes her happier, and I thank her again for her hard work helping me with the bellows. I tell her that if she wants something to do, she can start making another set of map copies at her own pace.


    <hr>


    I check on the progress in the smithy at regular intervals. They''ve got the feeling now, and while I''m still there, I make a simple little vessel to scoop up the lead and pour it into the ball mold and I do test castings. It takes time for the lead to solidify before I can open the mold and pick out the ball. But it gives me time to remove the pouring channel and smooth the balls edges. I am so happy that I have a dozen hearing plugs in my backpack in this damn noise, and I have them just because I usually sleep with hearing plugs when hiking, or sleeping in the car. It''s especially nice if I''m in a cabin or similar and others are moving around or being noisy. I have a set of nice Surefire ear plugs, but they''re not nice to sleep with, and all I brought here are the cheap kind in long yellow foam rubber that are meant to be replaced after some use.


    Finally, at maybe eight o''clock in the evening, they are finished and I reward them with 2 coins each. That doesn''t sound like much but is a very good daily wage and they''re very happy and pleased. I too am pleased as I have two oblong pieces of steel that can become two swords. I store all the steel in my room during the night.


    <hr><hr>


    Ciara is lying in bed, and her breasts are so sore. She hadn''t expected it to be this painful. Not enjoyable yet. Just pain. Alith warned her, but she still didn''t expect it. But the pain will decrease, and they will become less sensitive over the comming days even if the fabric now feels rough. The soft fabric of the bra doesn''t move, and is better so the blanket doesn''t rub against her nipples, but it will take many weeks before it is completely healed. But the pain is nothing as long as it helps her feel anything in the future - anything at all. And Ciara like the look of her thin gold pieces, and she can''t help smiling when she thinks that her breasts really are worth gold, and in the future they will get gold rings just like Alith''s, so Robert appreciates them. Ciara saved the rest of the silver instead of buying something else, and she will continue saving so her rings will be bigger. She hopes that her breasts grow back to their old size now that she eats properly and doesn''t work. She misses her old body with bigger breasts and wider hips. Ciara''s body. A curvy body more like Alith''s. A body that Robert can like and be proud of.


    Kari have somehow nestled into their group and Robert have accepted her. The way Kari just walked over and gave Robert such a kiss, and how they enjoyed each others lips. She wishes she could do that, but she dared to give him a kiss on the cheek, and Robert smiled when she did. He liked it! She has even given him more! It''s obvious that such a smart and educated woman as Kari, would quickly see Robert''s greatness and see his light. It makes her own part of Robert smaller, but his light is strong.


    If Robert thinks she''s worth it, she will be allowed to share his bed, and she hope that he will be able to enjoy her well enough to continue sharing his bed from time to time, just like Iselin. He will then enjoy her at other places instead of Alith, and she will do it more often so he doesn''t need Alith. Alith is kind, smart and Ciara''s friend - but Alith doesn''t need Robert.

 Borgarsandr - day 11, Ballistics on the beach

    Borgarsandr, day 11


    Ballistics on the beach


    Before breakfast I do my daily morning repeat of words and phrases, and I ask Kari if there is something I can do, should do, or not do, to secure the future she planned. In addition to the obvious like actually ask to be given her hand, she asks me to do something that is impressive and proves my sejd, but discreetly so it is not overly clear that it is to impress. The timing is so damn good I wonder if she can actually predict the future, because today I''m going to test my mini cannon and try different black powders. I would have done it yesterday but the weather was unpleasant - I mean; I didn''t want to disturb the initial hammering of the steel lumps. So I ask Kari to stay here in the garden and enjoy the view and sea, while we go down to the beach.


    So I ask Alith and Bodil who is the least afraid of sejd, and loud bangs. Seems like both are equally unaffected by it if I''m the cause and just curious, but Alith has nothing to do and spent a big part of yesterday playing chess, so this time Bodil will stays with Kari in the garden. So I have Iselin, Ciara and Alith as company and spotters. I can''t help think it''s damn primitive that there is no wheelbarrow on the farm, so a couple of slave will carry down a handbarrow with stuff and then return, and I load it what I need for the tests. As we walk down to the beach, just like yesterday, I tell everyone that what they will see is secret and they will keep it to themselves as much as possible, and not talk about it where someone might overhear. They all nod with a serious look and confirm. Alith is the only one I think might talk, but she seem to take this very serious. In the future I will be more open to her and Bodil, but now is not the time for that. Ciara is leaning a little forward and looks sore, but she says it will pass in a couple of days, and she seems to have messed up her back, and I feel bad for asking them to help me work the bellows yesterday. Best that I let her have the less mobile duties on the beach.


    The idea for the shooting test is that with the same black powder weight, and the same size and weight on lead bullets, try shooting on the flat long beach and see where the first impact is if the bullet bounces, and to make 4 shots with each black powder, and switch during testing and try see possible difference in average distance and spread. I must of course scrub the barrel clean and dry between shots, as well as to try and have a consistent angle and placement, which is the reason I stand the cannon on a small cliff. Range gives an idea about the velocity and thus the energy in the ball. To protect us from explosion or mishaps I fill the emptied handbarrow with sand, so it act as a small sandbag thing between us and the cannon.


    I pace up distances on the beach, stick branches in the sand and make a small cairn with rocks, writes numbers and mark a shooting range in 25m intervals. We also removes debris and rake some parts with a leafy branch so it will be easier to spot new disturbances. Ciara has to crouch quite far away behind some low cliffs to see a possible impact at that far range, Alith about halfway behind another cover, and Iselin next to me. My sunglasses are used as eye protection once again, and both me and Iselin have earplugs to protect against the noise.


    I start with one gram of black powder, and use a long wooden stick with a rope tied to the end to light the fuse, and I light the rope on a small fire Iselin started. Ugly solution, but works. Everything works above expectations and the shot is almost too much for the length of the beach. So much fail on me. I should have realised that a slightly lobbed bullet of course goes much further than a classic musket shooting almost straight ahead, and I can only lower it another step but that should be horizontal. Iselin makes a shocked face and stare at the cannon. No one sees the impact, but we find it as we walk along the beach in a line, and seeing Alith reaction is quite fun too. Aiming sideways will be difficult here, and the cannon barrel is quite short.


    So I switch to a basically horizontal angle and reload. Eventually we get a routine and it''s mostly Ciara who sees the impact and with a small cloth flag on a branch stands at the impact and waits for us to measure the distance. Since everything hits far away, Iselin accompanies her far over there and keep record on a slate board how far each shot went and signals with different hand waves. Alith stands close to me, to protect me from the mini cannon and keep me safe, and she''s got Iselins earplugs. As expected, some shots are simply gone, but already after 16 shots it''s clear that both black powder works well, but the grinded powder is slightly better with more distance than the mortared, so that is the method that will be used in the future. More power is better. Then I gather everyone, as they might just stand here because I will shoot some more powerful loads and they will probably shoot too far or miss the beach.


    We hear some lead bullets hits cliffs and rocks at the end of the beach. I increase the load step by step and shoots one last shot with the last of the mortared powder, so about 6g right at a tree just 6 meter distant, and I stand behind the sand filled handbarrow with Iselin and Ciara further back in the protection of a couple of tree trunks and boulders. Although the cannon is mostly behind a lot of sand, with a couple of big rocks on top they insisted on, Alith also insist on standing right in front of me and protect me with her body and shield.


    There is quite a large impressive mark on the tree. Alith seems scared of the little cannon, and she seems to understand what would happen if, for example, she stood in front it and even behind a shield.


    I confirm that yes, this can be used as a weapon, but in this form is obviously impractical. Even improved it will be bad in a regular battle. A bow, spear or sword are more practical than this. But if Alith and Bodil continue to work for me, in the future they will learn to use special weapons based on this sejd. For hunting. But they will see when we get there, because it is a lot of work, and I don''t want to spoil the surprise. That seems to drive Alith mad with curiosity. Which just makes it more fun. However, I get a little worried when she discreetly and with a sexy voice whispers that she can probably ''persuade'' me to tell her, as she discreetly let a hand slide along my leg and crotch.


    Ciara fetch the slaves as Iselin helps me pack the handbarrow, and when we eventually arrive back at the farm and I have unloaded the handbarrow, I go out to Kari and Bodil in the garden. Kari gives me a small silent applause and a beautiful smile. So I just bow as I stand on stage after a performance. On the way in, Kari rewards me with a kiss on the cheek, and I don''t know if I should complain or not.


    <hr>


    Everyone except Alith accompanies into town. I take my three crucible steel lumps with me since the goal is to find a skilled weapon blacksmith who can turn it into something useful, and Kari have said there is a well-known master here.


    The master blade smith we meet is a confident older man named Olafr who is obviously good, and his craftsmanship is just beautiful. But what I like above all is the precision, and the details on the handles. Not flashy if it isn''t in demanded, but smooth, fine and exact. Precision more than flash and bling. As an excellent tool more than blingy fashion accessory. I tell Olafr, that I want to get something forged from a very special iron called steel, and it will be a challenge for him as the steel doesn''t want to cooperate as common iron, but instead fight against being worked. If he takes the job, he must follow certain specific guidelines. Other choices are up to him as a master blade smith, but warn that even a skilled master smith as he, can fail with this material. I notice that he doesn''t really want to reveal exactly how he does things, but when he notices I understand a lot of the steps, especially the thing with inlays and acid, and asks about his liquid for quenching and tempering, he is willing to go a little further. I am treated more like an exotic colleague with an interesting challenge, than a customer to be impressed. I really appreciate that.


    In the end, Olafr is instructed to try to make a sword, with a tapered tip etc. What I consider an ordinary Viking sword design and he has a couple of, which he agrees is a good sword with the right balance and weight. He will also try to make an inlay in the blade with a text of ordinary iron; triangle, ROB, triangle A. I must give some homage to +ULFBERH+T swords, which apparently doesn''t exist here, and the triangle is a more powerful symbol than the cross. And I don''t want it to be associated with religion. The second lump can be a sword or knives and the third lump is the backup reserve. Should the blade crack he shouldn''t try to forge it back together again.


    If everything worked and he''s crafted a good sword, he should make knives of the other, preferably four, but save smaller steel parts, since I want to make tools and other things from the material. The knife design I want is basically a copy of the Mora knife I carry with a rounded 12cm blade with a bevelled tip, and where the knife blades tang run through the entire length of the grip and have a hole for a lanyard at the end, and a small anti-slip guard before the blade. With a wooden grip that is riveted on. I would have preferred to do with riveting at the back of the grip for durability, instead of a lanyard hole, but I prefer this, and it is easier to change the grips if they become crooked or rivets get loose and so on.


    Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.


    I know he is a blade smith but if he can and wants, I would appreciate if he can make some precision files and drill bits from the last little of material because the material is special. It''s not a priority or a requirement, just a wish he can refuse. He is hesitant, but say we will see when he made the sword, and he doesn''t directly refuse.


    Olafr asks for a week to learn the material, see what it is like to be forged etc and try with the sword, and then we will see. He thinks it might take a couple of weeks as I don''t want a lot of special mounted jewels or fuss. The price for everything depends on how successful he is, but since I supplies the material, it will be 3 ounces of gold for the sword, and 3 ounces of silver per knife. Seems like he likes the challenge more than anything, and he can be a good contact for the future if he manages to do the job well enough.


    <hr>


    A trip to the glass maker shows that the lenses are ready and looks okay, and Craftsman Digraldi who makes my ''candle'' holders also turns out to be finished with them, and parts for my gimbal slash gyro suspended compass. Why does it feel like my work is being prioritized by the craftsmen? Because I pay well? It doesn''t feel normal that I always get everything so quickly, as they should already have jobs to do. Maybe the King have discreetly influenced them to give me preferential treatment? I tell Craftsman Digraldi that I will have another job for him, so I will return in a couple of days.


    <hr>


    Back at the farm, I announce that I want to be undisturbed for the next few hours, and sit down and start taking notes how the log buildings for the Academy''s buildings are to be made. I use the documentary on the tablet for how they in Finland build a traditional log house in the old way, but I will modify it. Both for my needs are different and I want to incorporate some lessons from other old wooden houses that have had a long life, and the most important thing is that wood doesn''t stand or lie directly on the ground, but on a stone foundation.


    So I sit there with headphones, sketches, and makes drawings. Pause, restart, etc. There will be a lot of drafts, but in the end one of those empty books will be filled when I have a clear idea, both on construction method, details, and plans. It feels like the builders will start on a house like the one described in the documentary, but I need to modify it a bit so it includes a stone fireplace with chimney, so the builders learn how I want that built, and get some experience of the building technique before the larger and much more complex building that will be my home. This first building isn''t wasted and will have later use, and it is faster and easier to build. A small entrance room with narrow ladder up to the crawl space attic that will be a storage area for food and other things. Then a door in to a living room with fireplace and cold storage under the floor, and with a door in to the bedroom in the back corner. The back of the fireplace will spread some warmth to both the entrance room and bedroom. In total the house will just be about 6 by 4 meters, and it might become a common small extra house. Quite a good chance that people will use it in a similar way as houses like this were traditionally used, where the living room is used for everything, including sleeping in, and the bedroom more becomes the classic chamber and storage. There will be windows even if there is heat loss there, but thin white curtains can probably help a little and still let light through, and I might as well let the rooms have low ceilings to make heating more efficient. If the Academy and my land become as I intend, it will be a small, scattered community with various craftsmen and a village with their families, and I want good houses for them, as well as premises and buildings for their respective crafts. Better living standards will probably attract more skilled people.


    However, my own main building will have an extra outer wall outside the log walls with planks as a facade, and additional insulation between in the form of sawdust or planing flakes/chips. Plus a whole hell of a lot of other solutions to make it more comfortable, safer, modern etc, but the principle is the same as this small timber building, only far larger with two floors and a cellar.


    If I go according to the documentary, maybe I can get enough timber felled and transported during the winter and the main building finished sometime in the summer of next year. Maybe I can buy ready-made dried timber, but I will have trouble transporting it, and the size of the building will require a hell of a lot of timber. I can hardly transport logs longer distances along the road, and if there is a water route to use, letting it float directly on water waste that it is dried. Construction time depends on how much building material and manpower I can gather, where it will be and how much it will cost. I will have to make calculations how many logs are needed and really think about unpleasant ''oops'' to avoid, such as changing the direction of the ends on the logs at each layer so that the building becomes straighter. I need someone who is a builder and makes decisions on the spot, and understands how to read my drawings and sketches. I could probably do it, but I have no idea about building something in this era, or to handle all the builders, so better to hire someone competent to do it. However, I can live with it taking a year, since even with the gold I have and from the King, I will need time to collect more silver and make plans, but we need somewhere to live this winter, and have food, and it should probably be here in Borgarsandr to get access to the craftsmen. Some specialized tools probably need to be manufactured as well. I might have to try and buy a house somewhere, or I might have to try to be a court magician or something over winter. Oh, man. That will suck.


    I continue to do a rough sketch of what will probably be my own future house, my farm. Gradually, it has grown into a large rectangular log building. Two floors with an open part in the middle with stairs up, a corridor in the middle out to each end on both floors and rooms along each side of the corridor so they can have windows for light, with a single-storey wing for kitchen, bath, indoor outhouse style toilets, laundry room, storage room, basement, and servant quarters. Overall the building get an L shaped look. I have to accept that I will need many smaller bedrooms, because the first student might live there, even though I don''t want to, and later we will get guests who will need to live there temporarily, and it is designed to be a more modern house with a modern layout, which means separate bedrooms for everyone. No longhouse where people sleep on benches in the great hall. The plan is now 5-6 guest rooms in different sizes, but it makes a difference if you have a single bed or several bunk beds in the rooms. The overall design and placement of rooms and walls are affected by the length of the logs, the location of the chimneys to give most rooms a heat source, and the layout of the lower floor and load bearing walls, affect the design of the second floor and the size of the rooms there. Tricky.


    If necessary, there is plenty of space in the attic of the wing for people to sleep, although I want part of it and the north side of the main buildings attic to be a cold and dry storage. The attics will not be luxurious or private, but will work as a sleeping spot and it won''t be pitch black since every attic will have windows in the ends. I should probably add a few gables too. It will certainly be good if there is room for other things as well, because I would like to have a hobby room workshop with some machines and other things. However, that should be a little secluded and not right beside someone''s bedroom. There will be annoying sounds from that hobby room sometimes, and I hope to be able to make a few electric machines in the future.


    I take some inspiration from a fantasy fortress I designed several years ago and include an roof covered patio that can act as a training area and feast space. Large rectangular surface, with posts holding up a roof. As windbreaks and ''walls'', there will be canvases or sailcloth that can be drawn close. I can also hide a small crawling escape tunnel from the basement under the patio walkway to the other side of the patio. I can explain it as a drainage tunnel during construction, which it will also work as in case of flooding in the basement. The stair and crawl tunnel will probably be slowly angled down, because I need a basement, and it''s better to build the house on a slope so that the main building doesn''t get an unnecessarily large basement that takes time to dig and build, and the basement need a somewhat level entry with lower land a few meters away for drainage. I want the main building entrances hall to the north, so the backside is towards the south, to get the maximum amount of light into the middle of the buildings great hall with the staircase, so the corridors and south facing rooms gets more light. It can also be a nice space by the patio and the house''s basement for a future greenhouses where the building is the north side of the greenhouse, and it''s stone foundation will work as a temperature stabilizing ''fruit wall''. If I can grow spices, vegetables or something exotic, yes please, but I need to find someone who can take care of it too, but I can let the future maids help. Glass is expensive, but may be worth it for the future, and the greenhouse can use cheaper bad glass, especially in the roof.


    There will be a basement under at least a big part of the wing - for storage, food storage and more. Some of my ideas need a lower level basement. I contemplate a bit if I should start the tablet and sketch the house in Sketchup that I have installed with add-ons, because I often used it to create simple things for 3D printing since way back. It just barely feels worth the effort, because I still have to draw it on paper in the end. The main benefit is that its easier to try different things to find something I like. However, I generally have no problem doing plans on paper and thinking in 3D, and most things on a building can be easily recreated in layers. If I get plenty of time, it might be done in Sketchup, and then drawn back on paper.


    I think I will focus on improving navigation in the autumn and over the winter, make a globe, ship compass, sextant and speedometer, possibly anemometer with direction for a larger boat to calculate movement and compensate. Plus making compasses and charts. I will probably have to go out on a couple of sailing trips just to test and map where towns are. A travel sundial can also be used on ships if it is designed correctly. Add life preservers, hammocks, water purification / storage, etc. It won''t work on a ship, but I would love to make a pendulum clock and mechanical clock, and at least pendulum clocks are relatively simple.


    <hr>


    I really want to lie down and just hold Iselin and cuddle, so anxiously I ask if she would like to spend the night in my bed. I should have guessed that the answer would be a very happy Iselin, and I get very happy by her enthusiastic answer, and internally I draw a sigh of relief. I just have to accept that I''m completely in love with her.

 Borgarsandr - day 12, Iselin

    Borgarsandr, day 12


    Iselin


    I wonder if Iselin knows the concept of behaviour training and positive reinforcement, because I feel really positively rewarded right now. It was wonderful to wake up, on my side with one arm under the pillow, and my other arm around her stomach, and Iselin cuddled in like the little spoon. Her hair is everywhere, and I lie there smelling her faint fragrance. It turns out that she woke up quite a long time ago, but didn''t want to get up, so she cuddled towards me to feel me holding her, and feel embraced by me. Iselin say that when she moved, I reflexively pulled her closer to me, took a deep breath and just contentedly sighed. This is better than morning sex, and we lie and listen to the rain outside and are just happy to be in each other''s arms.


    How long have I known her now? Three and a half weeks?


    Less than a month ago, a too young but smart, charming and adorable goddess came into my life and gradually became the most important person in my entire life as an adult - old life included. I''ve had girlfriends I loved, but not like this.


    Or is it just time that made me forget the feelings from back then?


    Probably. At least I haven''t though about them for a while. It annoys me a little that she is so young - only 20 years old. In the beginning it was unimportant, as I tried to keep it more businesslike and she was a maid. To me, she isn''t that any more, and honestly hasn''t been for a while. She is more a personal assistant and mistress that I didn''t want to admit to myself that I am in love with.


    Sure, here in Alfheimr it''s not uncommon for a 40 year old man to have a 15 year old wife, but it is looked down upon a bit here too. More importantly, I look down upon myself because I am 36 years old, and I want this 20 year old woman as my fianc¨¦e, but the heart ignores what the brain thinks. This has hardly been a normal healthy relationship - she is my ex slave and still in my service. So much for my morale. She works for me, but at least she''s not a slave any more. I really don''t like the agreement we have. It was a reasonable idea back then, and logically it still is, but it''s felt more like a burden as the days goes past.


    It''s too early to truly think about marriage, as at least I seem to be in the ''love struck'' phase. My brain probably sees everything in a pink fuzzy shimmer, and quite frankly I care too much about her to want to force her into marriage. At least that is how it feels to me - as if I would be forcing her. I think everyone else would see it differently because of the difference in our statuses, and I''m worried that Iselin will see it that way too. I want her to love me for me, not for my status or future status. But maybe I should plan to propose to her the coming winter or something, or probably better next year, when the Academy might be nearing completion.


    I''m starting to understand all those powerful men who marry a young woman. At least I have no family, wife or girlfriend that I betray. Just myself. I, who haven''t had a girlfriend for a decade - have fallen hard for Iselin. So damn hard. I need to terminate our agreement, but I''m worried she''ll be leaving me. I don''t think she will. Logically or emotionally. But the insecurity is there inside me like a little evil demon who whispers that I don''t deserve her. I''m too old for her. She can find someone better. I probably can''t make her a mother if she wants to, which is something all other men here can do. If she left me, it would break my heart. If I marry her, and she becomes distant and jaded as I can''t make her a mother and give her a good life, and as we grow older ... It will be worse.


    I''m beginning to understand Kari''s attitude and desire for a pure business like partnership without feelings - positive or negative - that can grow into something stable and comfortable. Emotions and inner demons are a damn combination. But right now its not the time to tackle this. I need to wait until after the King''s decision.


    Ha, what a fucking coward I am! Postponing the decision and have anxiety for days to come.


    Man the fuck up!


    "Iselin, what Kari set in motion for our future probably means that she will be given to me as concubine by the King in a few days, which I won''t be able to say no to, as it''s supposed to happen in connection with the King giving me land for my Academy, and she will be a gift. Kari knows that you are more important to me than anyone else, including her, but she got a chance to choose me as her man instead of the future she was heading for - so she took it - and I can''t fault her for that, in view of her probable future. If she was honest about it. That she choosed to tell you so early, gave me time to try to prevent it, and I can only interpret that, as she has prepared something that would hurt us if I didn''t accept her solution.


    It will be good for our future that she is on our side. I simply need her knowledge, so I have accepted her in my future instead of taking the risk of trying to force her away. That''s why she gave me that kiss a few days ago, as a reward for figuring it out and as a ''thank you'' for her likely future as my concubine. But just because she is probably going to be my concubine, I don''t have to start having sex with her, although people will probably assume that we do. But eventually we will have sex. Kari is loyal to the King, until he announces the decision and she is given to me as a concubine. But she is smart enough to not get between you and me. I just hope that you can accept all of this."


    Iselin looks a bit unhappy, and I''m not surprised that she doesn''t like that Kari wiggled in to our lifes, but at the same time she gets a smile so I guess she likes that I talk to her about it and that I think she is more important. I hope the next part makes it even better. I won''t tell her that Kari''s actions hastened it, since I don''t need to make Iselin grateful to her.


    I hope that she wants to be grateful.


    So I ask if Iselin wants to listen to some music, and she nods. I say I have a song I want her to listen to, but that she should stay in bed as I fetch the stuff. I take the folded agreement out of the backpack and discreetly sign over it with one of my pens, while I pick up the MP3 player and the earbuds, and it''s fortunate that she''s facing the wall so she doesn''t see this. Discreetly I leave the agreement on the table within reach, and crawls back down under the covers with her. I ask her to turn around and she puts in the earbuds. My heart is really beating when I choose the song, but I can''t really deny it. We lie there and I look into her eyes as the owl call in the introduction to ''Cecilia Vennersten - Det vackraste (The most beautiful)'' makes her react. The song is slowly sung in Swedish which have a lot of word related to Norse, and when she begins to understand it''s meaning, it is so adorable. It seems to hit her emotions, just like she has done in mine. Especially the end, as there are tears in her eyes. Finally, Iselin asks, with a hope tone;


    "Again?"


    Cecilia''s sweet voice starts playing again and this time Iselin really seems to listen to the lyric from the beginning and understands more. Especially when she actually crawls close on a couple of occasions and gives me a little kiss, and she has such beautiful tear-filled eyes when I hug her. I don''t know how much she really understands but I ''sing along'' to the last little phrase in as good Norse as I can.


    ''You lay here next to me, and I feel how you breathe. To be loved by you, is the most beautiful thing to me...''


    The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    I gently remove our earbuds and give her the agreements folded paper, which she begins to open as I say;


    "Iselin, I love you. The agreement just feels like a heavy stone and the agreement is fulfilled. You are now a completely free woman, with no obligations. I love you. I hope you love me back and want to stay with me, and that we together can create our future, but you''re not forced. You are free. Where I come from we have no concubines, and only one wife, but we have something we call ''engagement''. You can think of it as the man and the woman is each others concubine, and equal in the relationship. It is a pre-stage to live together and see that the pair function as a couple, before maybe getting married. Iselin, do you want to be my fianc¨¦e?"


    Iselin looks at me with tears running down her face and I hope they are tears of joy. She barely even looks at the agreement paper after seeing what it is. She just drops it on the floor and hugs me and kisses me while the tears flow and she tries to nod ''yes'' at the same time as she seems to have lost the ability to speak, and lightly headbutts me instead. We both laugh, but it doesn''t stop us.


    "I love you Robert, and I have for weeks. You''re the ''most beautiful to me'' too. I''m overjoyed to be your fianc¨¦e, or concubine, and I''m so honored if you in the future ask me to be your wife, but there''s such a huge difference in our statuses and you shouldn''t feel compelled to ask me. That sejd thing women can get that prevents children? I want it, so so much. I want to feel you in me often and intensely, without anything between us and whenever we want. And when you''re ready, I want to give you children. I want to share your bed every night so I can fall asleep in your arms, and wake up every morning with you, so you are the first thing I see."


    Our kissing becomes more intense, and she moans in my mouth when my first finger finds the right spot, and she starts to eagerly massage my penis. Time is irrelevant, but it takes a long time before we leave the room. The others congratulate us when we tell, and both Ciara and Kari give me a kiss on the cheek.


    <hr><hr>


    Kari is really happy for them. She had hoped Robert would make Iselin his concubine in the next few days, because they seem so in love with each other, and there are few couples who can build a life based on love without family involvement, and she hopes it ends as the Saga it is. It also makes her own position as Robert''s future concubine a little more secure, because he must have told Iselin before they became a couple. That Robert asked her to be his ''fianc¨¦e'' instead of a concubine is telling of how he sees her, and how much he values her, because being a concubine wasn''t good enough for Iselin. None of them seem to care that ''fianc¨¦e'' isn''t a status enshrined in law, while concubine is, but Robert walks his own path through life, with rules and laws governed by his heart and the Gods.


    The only thing that can ruin her plans now is King Asbj?rn Aeriksson. For the King isn''t as smart, logical and rational as Robert, and the King has a history of brusque harsh decisions against those who act against him, or for some reason makes him angry. Kari can only hope that the days that pass give the King time to accept her goal. Whether he understands it is her goal or not.


    <hr><hr>


    I have a hard time focusing on anything other than Iselin who is constantly on my mind, and now I don''t have to be ashamed of it, or push my thoughts away. I would have liked to spend more time in bed with Iselin, but the weather clears up and I manage to test lenses and they''re better than expected and the prisms too, although I will have to grind and polish them myself. Need to build the binoculars and test distortion when finished, although it technically will be a monocular since it''s only for one eye.


    I probably should ignore the prism design because there are many imperfect glass surfaces that distort the view and small micro bubbles in the glass which scatter light and distorts the image, especially in some parts of the prism. But now I know and have them, and since the light will be focused to a smaller beam it will only go through a smaller part of the prism, so it might still work okay. I try to hold up the lenses and get them in focus in front of my eye and it gives a magnification of about 5 times, without too bad color spread and image quality if I polish them more. It''s hard to keep the lenses stable enough for a proper test, but I need to measure the distance between lenses. The image is of course rotated 180 degrees, but that is what the prisms are to be used for. Sure, a single roof prism or similar would be better than two 90 degree prisms, but that is much too difficult to manufacture correctly - maybe in the future if I can precision cast glass and have grinding templates.


    Now it''s time to make a suitable body to keep everything in place, and make the focus adjustable. There are several ways to do it, and as long as it doesn''t need be 100% moisture-proof, it is not that difficult. I will also need to be able to disassembled the monocular, to clean and remove condensation on the inside. This won''t hardly be a modern binocular with coated color corrected doublet lenses and nitrogen or argon filled interior to avoid condensation.


    I takes all the physical measurements of the lenses, distances and takes notes, then I make exact copies of the diameter in thickest paper as a template, and make sketches for the cast body for prisms, but I might as well bring the lenses with me too and a couple of prisms. I also makes a couple of sketches and diagrams with cross-sections to see if Digraldi can shape something in brass for the body.


    Bodil says she has finished with that hearing protection I wanted, and of course it dampens a little but not so much it feels worth it. She has also rubbed in some oil to protect the wood and make them nicer. So I explain that they''re not finished yet, and ask Ciara to sew a padded tube with other fabric in it, preferably something fluffy, to which Bodil suggest padding material for armour but just thick wool blankets should do, and then those tubes will be glued along the edge. They will probably have to scrape the oil threaded surface of so the glue sticks. At least Ciara and Bodil will have something to do when we leave for the town.


    <hr>


    This time, it''s just me, Iselin and Alith heading in to town for another shopping trip. It is a beautiful day; the sun is shining and the sun beams are shimmering through the trees, and there is a bit of beautiful fog rising over the fields and among the trees. We see a rainbow further away and the birds sing and play. I wish Iselin didn''t need to drive so I could hold her and just enjoy the day, but Alith as our guard should be free and be ready to act. Iselin and me manage to give each other a couple of kisses anyway, and we are both happy and enjoying the day.


    She''s my fianc¨¦e!


    <hr>


    Digraldi is happy to see us, and after welcoming us, we dive into my project. Brass can be soldered, and is quite nice to work with, so it will be made in that. I wasn''t expecting to find anything that might fit, but he does have a couple of scrap tubes that works for the ocular lens, but that will have a focus mechanism, so not ideal. So I explain the design and ask him to make three tubes, the large one slightly conical, and how I want it attached and tube in tube solution with an angled groove with a pin so that rotation moves the rear part in and out. He offers to do most of it today if I am willing to accept apprentice work, which I am, but say it can wait until the casting job is finished. I need everything at the same time, so no need to have just a few parts. He will cast the body parts in brass, and I give him the sketches and template on prism sizes etc so it should be correct. Slightly too large is also better than slightly too small, and I have to add brass or wood pieces to hold the prisms in place, so I can adjust for each one. One complete prism monocular will be made of five larger parts with smaller lens fixing rings, and he will make parts for a simpler mono tube monocular. Apparently it''s no major work, and since I don''t care about a nice outer finish, it might be finished tomorrow afternoon.


    <hr>


    I want to give Iselin a new necklace. She became my fianc¨¦e today and I want to give her something special, so we visit the jeweller next door. I''m thinking about some kind of gemstone and gold. We look at his necklaces and gemstones, and he has a few green emeralds looking stone that Iselin adores and they match her eyes. The jeweller takes me a side and show a large one that is almost heart shaped with nice clarity. That is special enough for Iselin, but its setting isn''t at the same level - silver and quite plain with a few other smaller gems not really matching - which the jeweller agrees with. It isn''t his craft, and after a bit of persuasion I manage to have him remove the gemstone and use a finer wider gold necklace that Iselin liked. We negotiate the price so Iselin and Alith won''t hear, and I tell him to add the smaller emeralds on each gold segment, at 2 and 10 o''clock, one or two on each side in line with the gold necklace before the necklace chain take over. I ask if it is possible to get it finished at the same time as my ring. Four days is short, but he is willing to try as he already have the necklace. Quite expensive, and he wants half in advance so I give him 3 ounces of gold.

 Borgarsandr - day 12, Ciara

    We''ve more than halfway back to the farm, when Alith just says Iselin''s name and give her a meaningful look, and Iselin nods, drives to the side and stops the wagon and say we need to talk, so this is apparently something they discussed and is taking seriously. Crap! Iselin must know about my intimate moments with Alith, and now that Iselin is my fianc¨¦e, there will of course be no more, and they want to clarify it. But my thoughts come to a screeching stop when Alith starts talking about something completely different.


    "Ciara told her story to me, in more detail that I wanted and what Iselin probably know; about how Jarl Steinnes really treated her and did, but I won''t tell you about it since it is not my story to tell, and I''ve gotten nightmares from it. Ciara comes from another faith, and with deep religious tones, she see it as she died in Jarl Steinnes service and was resurrected by you. Robert, you are everything to her. Her light and warmth. You, as a human, is the only man that exist for her, and Elf men are not truly men any more but ''creatures''. Animals."


    Iselin continues: "Ciara looks so much better, but there is pain and suffering inside. Her experiences broke something in her soul or mind, and we don''t understand it, but Ciara suffers since you are not letting her be close, like she isn''t sleeping in the same room as you any more. We all know Ciara have often sat outside and looked at the evening and night sky and cried when she thought no-one would see it."


    They keep talking, and it feels very uncomfortable when I understand that Ciara has placed me on a pedestal and sees me as some Jesus figure or descended angel, and she''s apparently is almost religiously devoted to me and how dependent she is on me. Sure, I have understood a bit, but not at what level she meant it. I remember Ciara''s declaration that she would do whatever I ask her to do. It hurts inside when I hear how serious they are, and I suffer partly with Ciara, and partly because I didn''t really notice it. I''ve been busy with so much else that I neglected Ciara, and I thought she would manage until the Academy was built and she got a valuable service and future there. She has looked happy, but she seems to have pretended.


    Alith goes on to tell how Ciara believes that God punished her because she doubted God and her resurrection required a sacrifice, and it was her ability to enjoy sex, because she can''t feel any pleasure when she tries to masturbate. Iselin tells how intensely Ciara tries everything possible to feel any pleasure at all, both wooden things and recently put piercings in her nipples - which explains her posture - but Ciara can''t feel any pleasure or excitement. She just gets sore and it hurts. It''s unpleasant to hear them tell me that more or less everything Ciara does is for her to have more purposes in my eyes. To do something for me. To be closer to me. Be worthy enough. Find something she can do, even sexually. Hence the wooden things and why I think she is trying to imitate Alith, so she becomes more attractive and desirable in my eyes.


    I don''t know how to answer it, but I thank them for telling me, and I need to figure out how to help her. I might have to let her sleep in my room from time to time, and I should probably make her a free neck. It''s not like I want to have a slave. Iselin squeeze my hand hard and puts me straight, and Alith just nods in agreement as Iselin talks.


    "Robert, you''re a wonderful intelligent man and I love you above all else, and I apologize for what I''m about to say - but sometimes you are so blind and stupid. We no longer have an agreement, but Ciara desire an agreement something fierce. So much I doubt you can understand it. If you make Ciara a free woman, she will feel that you are throwing her away. That she is no longer valuable or desired, and is only a friend or someone who can work for you. You can''t do that - it will crush her soul and hope. Ciara need to know and feel that you really care about her. That she is special to you, and that you let her live and sleep close to you. That she can give you something that no one else can do, and preferably fill some sexual pleasure and niche just for her. Which she can give to you. So you want her close. So you desire her for yourself. It might not be right or what you wish, but that is how she sees it - that is how she is.


    If Kari becomes your concubine, it will make Ciara''s situation worse, because you will have another woman in your life that you already value, and you two will have sex sooner or later. Ciara is so scared that Kari who is so smart, stately, confident, beautiful and ''pure'', will push her away completely, and take over all the ways that Ciara tries to find to make herself needed, beautiful and coveted by you. Her niches. Just that Kari have kissed you on the cheek a couple of times? Ciara interpret that as Kari is taking it from her. Understand that in Ciara''s eyes, Kari isn''t doing anything wrong if Kari pushes her away to get more of you for herself. In Ciara''s eyes, there is something wrong with every woman who doesn''t want to be in your light, and want a bigger piece of you for themselves. Or doesn''t want to accompany you to bed. Ciara believe she is not worthy, or else you would have wanted her. Not smart enough. Not beautiful or desirable. Because you deserve the best, and Ciara ''know'' that she is not good enough, and ''defiled'' and she might not even be able to have sex with you without panicking.


    So offer Ciara an agreement, but not for 5 years; makes it much longer for her dream is that it lasts forever. Describe her as your concubine in the agreement, so she gets paper proof of her value to you, so she know you need her and that she is special to you. Let her have the same ceremony I got, because she really wants it, and let her use your name. Let her sleep near you even if it''s not in the same room most of the time, because Ciara needs to know that you, her light and warmth - her everything - want her close by for a long time to come. You don''t seem to be looking forward to having such a relationship with her, and no-one knows if she can even have sex, but she still wants to be embraced and accompany you to bed. You may not be able to give her pleasure or orgasms, but for Ciara it is far more important that you can enjoy her. That she can give you pleasure, even if it has to be with her hand or mouth. You may not love her, but what she feels for you transcends love.


    So give Ciara what she so desperately wants. If she can; have sex with her from time to time, and do your best to ejaculate no matter how it happens, and try to be happy and avoid showing disappointment if she can''t let you take her. Eventually she might. Let Ciara love and worship you while she lives near you, and show that you appreciate her and that she is special to you."


    I''m quiet, and Alith swaps places with Iselin and gets the horses to pull the wagon again after she''s agreed with Iselin. I say nothing, for what fuck should I say? Iselin hugs me and holds my hand while she comforts me;


    "I understand you both, and I know that relationships are different in Midg?rd. That I am now your fianc¨¦e and that you are my fianc¨¦, shouldn''t prevent you from having other women, and especially not Ciara that I gave you. If you give up sex with others because of our relationship, you reject Freya''s blessing and your masculine side, and it is only with marriage that changes. It is especially important for you as Sejdmann."


    I should be happy about that declaration, and feel honored that my fianc¨¦e gives me all that trust and open relationship, but I''m worried that it will still change our relationship more than I wanted. At the same time, I know I will have sex with other women sooner or later, as I''ve already accepted Kari as my future special girlfriend, and it feels like I''m betraying Iselin. Betraying our engagement. As if our relationship is just a false mask in front of others. A game for the galleries. Pretending. Dishonest. Dishonourable. Meaningless.


    As we get closer to the farm, I can''t help but reluctantly agree that Iselin''s solution is probably the best, no matter what I want. They hadn''t taken me aside like this and clearly told me, unless they didn''t see it as the best solution. And if it hadn''t already gone too far. I''m really blind in some areas, and have to try to improve, especially if I''m going to have two... three girlfriends. The tragic thing is that I think they''re right, and I do care about Ciara, so I just have to accept reality. Learn. And move on. But I have the opportunity to shorten the agreement duration and can cancel it if Ciara ''gets better'' and wants it.


    Damn it. The same day that it felt so good that I terminated the agreement with Iselin and she became my fianc¨¦e, Ciara will become my official concubine, probably for many years to come. I just sit there quietly and hug Iselin during the continued journey back to the farm.


    <hr>


    When we have eaten, I go in to my room and look for the extra agreement papers. I was planning to light a fire with them tonight and have a nice evening with my girlfriend as we grilled pieces of meat and vegetables. I have just freed Iselin from her chains and I had hoped that I would never force anyone to sign again. But we have different wills and I will bow to Ciara''s wishes, because I do care about her. After staring at the papers for far too long trying to find another solution, but where the brain is mostly blank, I call for Ciara so we''re alone in my room, and I ask her to sit down on the bed next to me. She gets such a happy little smile from just sitting next to me, and the smile increases when I put my arm around her back and lean her against my shoulder. That it has been so easy to make her happy, has been explained.


    "Is it true that you have tried to feel sexual pleasure, but couldn''t, and you think it was sacrificed for your new life with me?"


    Her smile is gone and it is with big, scared and sad eyes that Ciara looks at me and slowly nods. I almost tear up in how resigned she immediately has become, and she is probably scared that I don''t want her because of it. I shouldn''t have formulated it in such a careless way. I just hug her and she lightly sobs against my shoulder.


    "I''m so sorry I haven''t noticed how you suffered. I am a stupid blind man sometime. As I''ve been told, what you want more than anything else, is to get the kind of agreement Iselin got - more than just becoming a completely free woman."


    Her weak nodding on my shoulder gradually increases in intensity. I just make a slight gesture, and she quickly climbs into my lap and hugs me. Intensively. It feels like she is hugging me for the same reason a drowning person hugs a lifebuoy. Because it''s a lifeline and a vital need. Not love or intimacy, but security and salvation. Damn it!


    "Are you trying to make yourself more sexually attractive to me, so that I will covet you, think you''re more beautiful and want to have sex with you?"


    More nodding on my shoulder.


    "Are you trying to imitate Alith?"


    More nodding.


    Fuck. She''s really pierced herself and is suffering in the hope that I''ll find her more desirable. No wonder she''s afraid of Kari''s cheek kisses, and sees it as Kari taking it from her. Because she''s trying to take from Alith. I must tell Kari to stop. I feel so sorry for Ciara, and it hurts my soul to know how desperate she has been, especially when I realise that she still has to have damn sore nipples, and still press herself against me. I can''t push her away from me, so I just sit there while we hug.


    "If you''re in pain from your breast piercings, it''s important to me that we stop hugging so hard - so you don''t suffer."


    Directly and quickly, she lets go of her hug and separates us a little, and her "Sorry" when she avoids looking at me is so damn heartbreaking. As if she have failed and disappointed me again, because she wanted to hug me and thought it was worth the pain. I have to think about what I say. I lie down on my back, and make her lie down next to me so she can lean against me and I can gently hug her from behind, but so she lies comfortably. We just lie there for a few minutes while I make sure of what I have to say, change the wording and practice it in my head. Her fingers play a little with mine while she holds my arms against her.


    "Ciara, I have suggestions for you, and you don''t have to decide today. Take all the time you want even if it takes weeks or months. I have three options, but you can make suggestions or changes, because you are important to me.


    This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    I offer you to become my concubine, and that is something I''ve never offered a woman to be before. But you have to understand that for me a relationship is not about sex and children, so for me, a concubine is a woman I enjoy spending time with, who I want as mine and who is special to me, but it can mean that I maybe just want to lie in bed and feel you beside me much like now, or sit with you on a bench or go for a walk in the woods. Sometimes I will just want to be close to you, or give you a hug and kiss, and other times I need to be alone. Sometimes we will have sex in some way. I expect you to try to be honest and show me your feelings, good and bad, and say your opinions and wishes to me, because as my concubine you are special, and not just for sex. If you want to cuddle like now, have sex etc, you can show it, ask or say so, and I will try to be fulfill that, even if its not always possible or long lasting. As my concubine, you will be forbidden to have sex with anyone except me, unless you ask before.


    The choices I give you are as follows, but you can come up with your own choices, and when we have agreed, we declare it to the others as witnesses.


    Option one; I free you, and you are a completely free woman.


    Option two; I free you and you become my concubine.


    Option three; an agreement similar to Iselin''s, but where you become my concubine instead of a maid, and when it is signed, I free you... "


    "Three!" she interrupts me, and before I''ve had time to finish.


    "Ciara, please let me finish. When it is signed, I will free you, just as I did with Iselin. Should you ever want the agreement changed or considered fulfilled, you can ask for it, and I will do it, because you is special and valuable to me. Your will is important to me."


    It''s quiet, and Ciara is obviously waiting to see if I''m done.


    "Three!"


    Ciara turns around, and looks at me as she happily, resolutely and eagerly says "Three!" again. She kisses me on the cheek, and says "Three!". So we go out into the large room where the others are waiting. I briefly tell what happened and clarify what is going to happen, and that they are witnesses. I ask Ciara what she wants; to become a completely free woman, that she becomes a free woman and we declare she is my concubine, or an agreement as my concubine, where she becomes a free woman.


    "I, Ciara Mawr, daughter of Aonghus Mawr of Mair, want an agreement as your concubine more than I wanted anything else in my whole life. With all my soul and heart. Forever and all the future."


    That apparently surprises none of them, and I can''t help that it is with a faint sigh I fill in ''concubine'' and ''Forever and all the future''. Ciara''s hands shake when she slowly, with Iselin''s, Alith''s and Bodil''s help, stumbles her way through the agreement. So that every woman that she trusts verify its contents. Ciara gathers courage and asks if we can delete the part about proof, and replace the word ''slave'' at the end with ''Concubine'', so that even if she breaks the agreement, her punishment will be to continue to be my Concubine. She is really desperate to be my concubine forever - so I do. At least she didn''t ask to delete the whole part that I can shorten the duration or consider the agreement fulfilled, but she seems to have wanted to. I suspect she just didn''t dare to ask about it, and I sign both papers.


    Ciara''s tries to stop her hand from shaking as she practices writing her name correctly and clearly on another piece of paper. Then she writes, with both letters and runes, and it is happy tears from her eyes that she does everything to wipe away so they don''t defile the paper. She holds up her left hand, and it is only with a gesture from Iselin that I remember that we put bloody fingerprints on each document, so I repeat it with Ciara. I tell her to keep her copy in a place I don''t know about or give it to someone she trusts. I ask her to sit down and wait there while I fetch my multi-tool and a piece of leather. I think it''s actually the same piece of leather I used while removing Iselin''s necklace. Ciara expectantly sits on the bench and has pull her hair away from her neck and leans forward. I file down the rivet of the ring and break it apart as I remove it from her neck, remove the pendant and place them on the table in front of her, kiss her free neck and give her a hug.


    "Ciara Mawr, you''re now a free woman and my concubine. What do you want to do with the neck ring and the pendant?"


    "I wish to have that ring destroyed and melted down, and to have my pendant on a leather strap instead, and hope to get a new necklace in the future that shows that I''m Sir''s concubine."


    She says the last thing a little more cautiously and quietly, but of course she will get it. Until then, I have leather straps, one of which is suitable as a necklace strap, so I fetch and cut a piece while the others congratulate her, and I put her pendant on the strap and make a necklace that I lift over her head and straighten her hair over. I squat down next to her, look into her adorable purple-blue eyes that twinkle with happy tears and say;


    "Ciara; you never have to call me Sir or similar, and I appreciate if you use my name Robert. I can take you to the smithy here on the farm, or a blacksmith in town today so you get your neck ring destroyed and it''s your choice what happens to the lump, or if you wish we can use it the next time we make steel and destroy this ring beyond all form. It can be mixed with other iron scrap and turned into steel, gone forever, or you can do something completely different. It''s entirely your choice. "


    "Shining steel, and gone forever! But now I wish to accompany you in your bed, Robert." Ciara looks at me hopefully, and I don''t think she means to cuddle. Everyone nods or smiles in the background, so I take Ciara into my room and close the door.


    I ask if she means we should try to have sex, and she smiles a little uncertainly and nods while she says "Yes, Robert.", and gives me a little chaste kiss on the lips. Damn, Iselin became my fianc¨¦e today, and I''ll be unfaithful to her just hours later. I''m a swine. But we sit down on the bed, hug and cuddle a little and I start to gently and tenderly touch, kiss and caress her, afraid that she will be scared or get back nasty memories of how she has been treated, and I focus on her face first. Trying to be attentive for any sign of discomfort, but without showing it. She loves to kiss, but it''s much chaster than Kari was. It feels like we''re fumbling teenagers. I''m afraid I can''t give her sexual pleasure, which doesn''t get easier when I can''t touch her breasts or nipples that must be really sore, and which also complicate or prevent a lot of positions or pace.


    We quickly discover that Ciara isn''t the least bit afraid of my fingers and mouth, but loves to feel them, and I consciously move on by gently kissing her body and legs and approaching her vagina, starting by going down on her since no man will ever have done that, and I am in a more submissive position where she is half lying on the bed and I am kneeling outside. I''m grateful that Iselin earlier told Ciara to take a bath.


    Her screaming moan of pleasure makes me jump and my anxiety peak, before I hear and understand that it is due to pleasure followed by an orgasm, and it''s like a bursting balloon. With her following equally loud vocalisations, everyone can hear that her sexual pleasure wasn''t sacrificed for her ''resurrection'', and she is so happy.


    The first penetration happens when I ask her to try to ride me, so she is in control, and we cautiously proceed and try several positions, but not the missionary or anything I think feels forced. Difficult; especially considering her breasts, but we have a sensual and intimate hour, and I don''t have a problem coming. Ciara is so blissfully happy, pleased and in complete peace. I don''t want to disturb her peace but instead make her feel more special, so we just lay there in the aftermath and cuddled while I recover a little.


    "Ciara, if you want, you can stay while I work. Because you are special and mine." Followed by a kiss, I pull on a shirt and shorts and sit down to work, and she lies in my bed with a happy face and just looks at me.


    I guess that no matter what I do, Ciara will like it, but I want her necklace to be really special, so a mix between drop and diamond shape where the upper part is an open ring with a gemstone below the ring. Her old pendant can be attached to the ring parts but it will look better without, and I don''t want Ciara''s necklace to cost more than Iselin''s. I don''t want her first necklace after her slave neck ring to be metal, and a wider gold link will probably be really expensive considering what Iselin''s cost, even if it was silver. Silver also feels wrong and a risk, since I don''t know how pure it is. Ciara will probably be wearing this all the time. Instead of some kind of braided wider leather band, and I come up with the idea of a finely embroidered silk ribbon with a clasp at the back. Less durable, shorter lifespan and harder to keep clean, but it can be washed and replaced.


    I realise that I seem to have been inspired by some of Stjepan Sejic''s creations, as it is a mixture of a choker, a fetish collar and a necklace. Thankfully not a fetish slave necklace in leather with a ring, because even though there already are similar wide leather chokers with metal decoration here that free women wear, I''m uncomfortable enough with the agreement as my concubine, and don''t want to start seeing Ciara as something else. I would prefer to see her as a close female friend.


    Argh, I miss Ravine & Death Vigil; will he ever continue them?


    Ciara gives feedback on the design and the necklace even though she doesn''t get all the details, and she loves every second of it. I cut out and together we try out a suitable and comfortable shape for her that she likes that I recreate on paper. A little distracting when she sit and model in front of me; adorable, happy and in just a bra, and I take the opportunity to give her a few more kisses and sensually caress her skinny body, while I actually begin to understand that I will probably have her as my special partner for the rest of my life. I hope her almost contagious happiness over that lasts, but she now know that she can ask me for things and I will try to fulfill them. That is why I agreed to the changes in the Agreement. I told her that I would let her change it, and now she know that it is true. I hadn''t just imagined changes in that direction.


    As I will take another trip to the jeweller, I can make a template for my magnet and bring it, which is quick and easy in brass. Then I start figuring out how to finish the ship compass and if I need anything else. So I fit the parts together, fix the gimbels so they rotates easily and bodge on a lump of lead at the bottom of the compass puck so it stays more horizontal and uses the movements of the gimbal slash gyro arms. Works well, so I must attach the lead lump properly and rivet it in place, and complete the compass disc. Ciara is still sitting and watching what I do with a blissful smile.


    <hr>


    It''s late in the afternoon when I, Iselin and Bodil go back to the town. I just sit there beside Iselin as the wagon rolls along. I need to learn how to ride and build a proper comfortable carriage. We will have spent hours just back and forth to Borgarsandr today, and I''m tired of seeing the fields with drying crops.


    Digraldi''s craftsmanship is clearly better than mine, but I expected that. Then again, I didn''t even really try to do it nicely. Then we visit the jewellers shop, for the second time today. After talking to the jeweller, he will make Ciara''s necklace with the star sapphire he has and it still fits her a bit as the star sapphire is dark blue, almost black, but there is no doubt that it is exclusive. I ask the jeweller to make something prettier than my sketch but keep the general idea, and I get him to contact the seamstress guild for the ribbon and use the template. It is important it is pretty and well made in matching silk or similar with embroidery and almost layer effect if they can. It should be comfortable, exclusive and subtle elegance, so it''s up to them. They are women. If they can''t do it then some kind of beautiful matching braided leather band or something will work. He will try to rush it in 4 days, but can''t promise it will be finished in time with my ring and Iselin''s necklace, and it depends on the seamstress guild as well. I give him the advance payment anyway to seal the deal.


    <hr>


    Once home, we ready a pick-nick basket and with Ciara accompanying us, we walk along the coast, and have a little pick-nick looking out over the sea. Partly cloudy, but mainly dry, sunny and warm. Bodil stands a short distance away and eats the two cookies she received, and she understands to not disturb. Iselin and Ciara sit on either side happily cuddled up against me, and both with their heads against my shoulder when I have my arms around them. It just feels so wrong to sit here with them this way, but I am also happy about it. I can''t really completely relax as I want to show Iselin that she is more special, while I don''t want Ciara to feel like the third wheel and excluded. I would have liked to sit here and just cuddle and enjoy the day with Iselin, but I can''t ignore Ciara. I should have let this day be Iselin, and given Ciara tomorrow, but I suspect I would have been distracted today by knowing, and Iselin was right in telling me so that she and Alith didn''t keep it to themselves.


    My life is complicated and will become more complicated, since I will probably have a fianc¨¦e and two concubines in just a few days. This is a hell of a change. How the hell am I supposed to balance that and will I be able to do it right? Will they put up with each other''s company in the long run, or will they fight and hate each other or me? I should be grateful that at least Ciara is supposed to have faith in me, because I will surely be an unthinking moron sometimes. The positive thing is that the future problem that I have to have more women due to my status, has already been solved. The child problem can be partially solved with adoptions, but it can still be a problem. Damn laws and culture.


    I really need to let them know that I might not be able to make them pregnant. That will be a hell of a conversation.


    <hr>


    I do some work on fixing the compass, cast a lead weight and grind a glass plate as a lid on the puck, and grind a hole in the middle for a brass needle to hold the compass disc, make the disc and engrave its compass rose.


    But when it''s getting late and after supper, I put the work aside, sit in the garden and enjoy just sitting there with Iselin, and then just crawl in to bed, feeling happy to have done a good job, with my wonderful fianc¨¦e next to me and try to just be happy. Occasionally my thoughts wander to Ciara on the other side of the wall. I can''t let her sleep in here every night, and better that neither Iselin nor Ciara have their beds in here.

 Borgarsandr - day 13, Photos and videos

    Borgarsandr, day 13


    Photos and videos


    Iselin''s special way of waking me up is still appreciated even though it is hardly needed. I hope that she doesn''t feel any performance anxiety or so since Ciara became my concubine and how loud she was. The wet sound increases and I wake up, become drowsy and relaxed at the same time. Then we''re just lying there, as we hug each other. Some day I need to wake Iselin up in a similar way since she loves when I go down on her, but she is a morning person and I''m morning zombie the first hour, or two.


    I will try to keep sex between me and Ciara to once or twice a month or so. It will be more complicated when Kari becomes my concubine as well, but it will at least take a while before I have sex with her too. I hope. I don''t really trust my ability to say ''no''. I haven''t told Ciara about Kari, and I don''t think anyone else has either, but I don''t think it will be a big problem for Ciara, because she was first.


    Ciara will know that she was special in that way, but it feels a bit dishonest that she is honored to be the first that I have offered to be my concubine. I can guess the reaction that modern Swedish women would have had to such an offer. But Ciara now has her position secured, and I have a concubine - forever. I suspect she really means forever, and for the rest of my life, Ciara will always be there - always available and willing. No matter what. It might really mess my head up, and the chances are high that I will have two wives in a couple of years.


    No pressure.


    Polygamy plus. I know it''s a lot of my upbringing and the world I grew up in that makes me dislike it, because we''ve all been indoctrinated by our upbringing. But upbringing sets the standards and it can be difficult to break. Polygamy also exists in my world, and here it is the norm among powerful men and women. A rich or powerful man should have at least two wives or a wife and a concubine, to show that he is rich or powerful, and I should be grateful that I already have met the minimum and we''ve had time to choose each other. But social rules and norms ingrained since childhood are deeply set.


    Humans birth is about 50/50 men-females, and there are several studies that make it clear that one man / one woman is best for social stability, and for the stability of the region when all men have a chance of a woman and family. Then there are also studies whose result are politically incorrect that explain why it tends to be distorted, especially in a world like this without a social safety net or food for the day. It is generally the average woman who wins in a polygamous relationship in a resource-poor, uneven society. The average man looses and goes without a wife, or gets a less desirable wife. Polygamy also increases violence in society, and violence against women, when other factors are removed. The unpleasant truth is that men have built and ruined civilizations, created masterpieces or done amazing things and great feats, largely driven to it so that women will say ''yes'' to them. And if that don''t work, or they have low morals? Violence.


    Not everything is influenced by modern media, and both women and men here dye their hair blonde and try to look good, probably to appear younger when the rest of the body is covered in unflattering clothes for large parts of the year. Long hair on the head is attractive because it grows slowly and is a sign of something that takes time to care for, and has luster if the person is healthy and young. Light coloured eyes are easier to read if the person seems interested and attracted. It is not the narrow waist in itself that''s important, but the body proportions to try to assess a woman''s fertility by eyesight. Large breasts don''t produce more milk, but they will be more affected by age and hang more, as well as provide better body shape proportions. Female fertility symbols from ancient times often have excessive body shape and large breasts, while males have excessively large phalluses, ie the penis. Tall big strong men find it easier to get a partner because it feels safer and more secure for the woman regardless of reality. There isn''t as much cosmetics, any plastic surgery or opportunities here as modern Midg?rd, but both sexes do the best they can to look attractive. Here, however, is the addition that a little body fat and obesity is seen as well nourished on both men and women. Someone who has plenty of food for each day, but excessive obesity is looked down upon. So I have that working in my favour.


    There are many studies in Midg?rds modern world, with women in modern times, that many women would rather be one of several women who share a desirable man, than have a less desirable man as their own. It is suppose to be a combination of attractiveness, ensuring their own position and rich life, make it safer for their children to grow up prosperous and achieve success, and so on. If it happens to include other women and their children - so be it. There are of course exceptions and everyone is individuals with their own opinions and feelings, but successful men often have wives and children, as well as mistresses. Clich¨¦s are clich¨¦s for a reason.


    How many such men have not been found out? Even leading religious men and politicians who should put the family first and have strong values? The same little animal instincts that make us afraid of darkness and heights, poke them in the back of the head and make them look for mistresses or other relationships. Because they can, or because women are attracted to them or their status, which gives them opportunity. Those men know it''s idiotic and political suicide, but hormones and instincts control more than we want, and in a world like Alfheimr without the mass media and religion saying no, I''m not surprised. Honestly, society here push in the other direction.


    I haven''t dreamed of having a threesome - which may sound weird to some men - but to me it sounds difficult. It is simply about performance anxiety and fairness, because can I really satisfy two women at the same time and can I be fair and give both the same attention? How big is the risk that two women will be disappointed, when a single woman otherwise had been satisfied? When my deep-rooted attitude to fair play and being fair mess with sexual fantasies, most men would probably want to give me a slap in the back of the head, followed by a ''Man the fuck up!''


    But we are, who we are.


    I didn''t think I could relax and just indulge in lust. Which I can''t, but it was easier than I thought it would be; the night with Iselin and Disa showed that, but it helped that they both helped each other. I can''t expect that in any future threesome, so it''s better to keep sex separately, and more privately. It isn''t like a threesome was that much more awesome than with the right enthusiastic woman. My continued philosophizing is interrupted when Iselin wants to hear more music, and how could I say no to that?


    The group Era''s old songs will probably end up among her favourites. Iselin doesn''t really know how to react to the variations in Jinjer ''Pisces'', but growling is definitely not to her taste, and she has a hard time understanding a woman can make such a sound. I almost want to showing her the video so she can see it really is the same woman. Oh, man! Talking about posting Iselin reaction videos on Youtube would have been entertaining. An Elvish woman from the Viking Age.


    ''Hells Bells'' seems to work quite well and she likes the guitar sound and the different voice. Sissel Kyrkjeb?''s ''O helga natt (O holy night)'' in Swedish makes her stare in surprise at her arm, which becomes lumpy and she have a beautiful smile, so I pretend to sing along in some parts and play the fool to make her smile more. I wish I had more songs in Swedish or Norwegian with me, as she do understand some of it. Evanescence ''My Immortal'' also appeals to her but doesn''t give the same reaction. She doesn''t understand lyrics but she likes how it sounds, and I know that feeling because I have lots of songs where I don''t know the language but still like the song. However, I have often googled the lyrics and meaning and read translated lyrics.


    ''Ohne Dich'' she recognized as the same singer and language as her favourite expression ''Ich will''. I explain that ''Ohne Dich'' means ''without you'' and a bit of what the man sings. I don''t know all the German words myself, but the lines I can interpret hit her hard. Come to think of it, I probably actually have that video on my tablet. I don''t have many music videos on my tablet but I do have about 20 older, or sometimes newer as I dump the video to MP3 a song. I also think ''My immortal'' might be there. Maybe that is a good way to show Iselin a little from my world. Good song and video without crazy modern things in it. A standard pop or rap video? Nope. So much Nope. So I tell Iselin that it is common for those who are musicians to record a performance, a small theater show, which she doesn''t know what it is, so I explains it is a type of saved musical performance. Some are just so the musicians want to show off being cool, brag or so, but some tell a story with pictures instead of with text in a book, and ''Ohne Dich'' is one of them and I think I have it with me.


    Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.


    Asks if she wants to see a little of my world, and she furiously nods. First I take out my little compact camera, and she recognise it. So I use it to show how it saves memories. She is so shocked when I take a selfie of us and show it to her. She turns her head and gently turns the camera, and I show that it is possible to zoom into the image. We take a couple more. I put it in film mode and she is even more impressed, and there is a short explanation why she doesn''t sound as she her herself, while I sound like she''s used to hearing. Then I show her some of the previous pictures I took, and go back further and further. Some I should have remembered that I took and of whom, but she just smile a little and get embarrassed. She likes several of those I took on the boat and our journey and recognises the places and occasions, especially the one where they all sit in the bow and she understands what I mean by saving memories.


    The pictures of her and Disa give her a sinfully wide smile, and she definitely likes and understand how pictures keep memories alive. She understands that I continue to go further back past where I met her and Disa, see the ship and the north arrows on the stone when I made them. Hildifjoer. The mountains and nature, and see me lying in my tent. Pictures from the hike I did. I show that there are short recordings when I talk into the camera. Aurora and the colors of the sky. The approaching storm. She hugs me and just lies and takes in everything, with eyes that are moist with tears as I continue showing her pictures and recordings of my hike, making food and the nature.


    I show a picture of Dyranut where I started and she sees the funny road going far across the high lands, big houses with big windows and the strange carriages with people in the background and I quickly explain roads and cars and Iselin understands why I can''t ride. That Midg?rd has such roads over mountains and where they wind their way up ravines and through huge tunnels! We continue looking and see a picture when I sit on a bus and take a picture backwards that shows it is otherwise empty. She comments that the bus is so incredibly big and comfortable, and has a hard time understanding that it doesn''t have horses pulling. There is a short movie and pictures out of the buses front window. It''s moved by sejd and goes so incredibly fast. I took most pictures with the DSLR camera so I know there will not be more before the first time triggering selfie at my car when I was waiting for the first bus. I stand there with my backpack in front of my Volvo. You can see the village and the houses on the mountainside in the background. Different but not too different.


    I kiss and hug my fianc¨¦e Iselin and asks if she wants to watch that music video and she nods. So I pick up the tablet, boot it up as she looks at it in amazement and I show the black plastic backside and so on. Iselin wonders who the woman is I have as a background image, if it''s an old girlfriend, which I didn''t consider. It''s Scarlett Johansson''s ''Silken floss'' from ''The Spirit'' movie I edited a bit and removed the text over her cheek and so on. It is only a part of her face you see, most of the background is completely black and along the sides for icons. I''ve used it, or a blue-purple variant of ''The Matrix'' screen with shapes instead of characters, for the last 20 years, because there are almost always lots of windows open in the middle and I want good contrast on icons and text. I dislike having programs in full screen mode, unless it is a game. Those to pictures have just become the norm, and normally I just change the background for Christmas where I have often had one on a troll who clubbed down Santa and stolen the Santa hat and presents, or a couple similar with silly Christmas themes.


    So I just reply that it''s a picture I like the look of and how her face fades from the darkness. Iselin jerks back as she tries to touch Scarlett''s face, touches the screen and things happen. I shouldn''t laugh but I can''t help it. So I explain that you can control the tablet by touching the screen and have to explain what glasses are that Scarlett wears. Iselin thinks Scarlett''s so beautiful, and no matter how she moves her head, she seems to look at her all the time. Since she seen the camera, I shows that it is possible to take pictures with the tablet too, and she loves to see herself and makes faces and smiles at us, and plays with the small delay the picture has compared to a mirror. She gets completely stunned when I show that I have recorded us and she gets to see and hear herself again.


    I start the ''Ohne Dich'' video. She sees other men like me; hairy with similar packing for a hike going up into the mountains. The cuts to change scene is strange, and require an explanation, but they''re not too bad and she accepts that it is a way to tell the story faster and from different views. Iselin screams when Till Lindemann falls backwards and lies there, so I pause and lay down the tablet on the screen and I say it''s just theater, they pretend, it is not real.


    Alith comes rushing in with a drawn axe and looks for threats, with Bodil close behind, but they see us just lying there in bed. I comfort Iselin that everyone is alive, no one was hurt, it''s a fictional memory, but it ends a little sadly. It didn''t really happen. They pretend for the Saga. That confuse Alith even more, so I say everything is alright; Iselin was just scared by something and she confirms, so a little hesitant Alith leaves the room after looking around one extra time, including checking under the bed and out the window.


    As the moron I sometimes am, I hadn''t considered that Iselin would interpret it that way. She has only seen what I call memories of my own journey and those pictures and movies happened, and it is too reminiscent of the video. Of course she would think these are memories from Rammstein''s hike, from something that happened. So I hug and calms her and eventually ask if she wants to keep seeing. Should I start over? Iselin nods, and say ''yes''. Iselin silently cries through the second half of the video and clings to me and looks sideways at the screen, and I also slightly weep because I too connect with the story. Sometimes I''m too sensitive, and empathy is a damn feeling. A few minutes later she asks if we can see it again. This time it''s far easier, but it doesn''t help that I translate some of the lyrics. I think it''s her favourite song along with Cecilia Vennerstens. Luckily, or sadly, I don''t have any other Rammstein videos on the tablet, and she''s only heard ''Ich will''. So far.


    I discover I have Within Temptation''s ''Dangerous'' and ''Memories''. Dangerous with wingsuits is not suitable but Memories is a song she has already heard. To prepare her, I explain that it too is a sad video, but warns her what the video contains from what I remember of it; that it is about an old woman who returns to the house where she was in her youth, dreams back to her time as a young woman and sings about how she misses her husband who is now dead. That ''memories'' she sings about means that it is her memory that keeps her dead husband alive inside her heart and soul. Everything is made up and pretend, but it will look like sejd when broken things become whole again. But it is a beautiful song.


    Iselin so badly wants to see it and promises not to scream, and bites the blanket. I didn''t even consider that there is a bit of title text etc that appears but it makes it easier for Iselin to accept that it is made up. She comments that Sharon is ''so beautiful'', and loves her clothes, and draws her breath when things fall backwards and become whole. Iselin is so impressed by the huge mirror and hugs her own necklace when Sharon gets her necklace in the video and holds her necklace for the rest of the video. She kisses me and mumbles that no matter what happens in the future, she will always remember this, and I can''t help thinking I am much older than her and will probably die long before her, so she will be like the woman in the video. Stupid choice of video. Stupid tears. But she wants to see it again, and the second time we cry together. Iselin still have not let go of her necklace, but she comments that the men aren''t as hairy as me - a couple are bald and one has only hair in the middle - as she caresses my beard.


    I need a better video before we are both crying wrecks, but ''Lok st?r n?r de andra faller (Lok stands when others fall)''... Nope. Thank goodness I have ''Shadows'' with Lindsey Sterling too, and it works better, in part because it''s black and white, and soon Iselin is lying down but still trying to dance to the music. She really likes the beat and the violin. Time to stop for today. Well, after replaying Shadows once more.


    Iselin seems to really want to be able to dance like Lindsey and try after she gets out of bed, while she hums. That is a memory I will have for a long time, and I quickly film a bit. Iselin is naked with her long hair flying about, as she tries to dance like Lindsey. She realises it doesn''t go well, and is a little annoyed that I have a hard time not laughing, but we embrace and kiss and when I work my way further down and go down on her, my apology is accepted, even if most of the sounds from her mouth turn into unintelligent sounds and she hugs my hair between her fingers. This is a good morning.


    It''s a hassle as usual to fill the bath barrel with water, but we bathe together, which is nice even if the bath barrel is small. Iselin likes when I clean her and takes time with her hair, massages her back and neck and soaps her in, and in the end it becomes a mixture of cleansing, tickling of feet and sensual caressing of legs and other body parts with a lot of kissing involved, but it doesn''t becomes more than that. Very good morning, and when we get out she puts her hair up in two long ponytails much like Lindsey had, but far longer.

 Borgarsandr - day 13, weaponscane & monocular

    Once back in my room after a morning of lectures, I start making proper drawings for my first firearm, instead of just sketches. It will be something unexpected, and something for self-defense. A V?lva always has a staff or larger walking stick, and as a Sejdmann I should have something too, but I don''t want a boring ''wizards staff'' since it will just be in the way and a bother to carry, even though I could hide a lot of ''magic'' in it, like a luminous rock crystal or so at the top, and maybe a tazer thing and fire source too. I could probably really trick a wizards staff out, but no. What I can make and bother carry around would be a cane. A special tricked out cane, partly in steel.


    Straight lower tube part, a short 120 degrees angled section halfway up, and then straight up ending in a horizontal grip. A bit funny shape, but properly designed, it is a single shot black powder weapon with hopefully primitive cartridges instead of muzzle loading, where the bottom tube is the barrel, the angled section is the pistol grip with hidden trigger with safety, and the upper part with the cane hand grip as the shoulder stock. The plan is to let a master blacksmith make most things with good excuses for shape etc, but that I do the secret parts and final assembly myself. The lower part will be detachable, bayonet locking with three locking lugs, and it is actually a detachable barrel about 40cm long where I have a cartridge loaded, and I can bring extra cartridges with me, even though reloading kills a bit of the mystery. If I need to reload, the fecal matter has hit the air circulation device, so then it is about other priorities and saving my life. Mysticism is secondary to survival, although the dead don''t talk.


    The ignition will hopefully be piezo electric, as I plan to try using the extra piezo lighter for my gas kitchen. The high-voltage miniature blue-white plasma bolt should be sufficient to ignite the powder, and it doesn''t require a battery. It should also be quick ignition without much visible movement like a flint lock on the outside, and it should hopefully be done with a hardened steel needle that pierce through a small paper covered hole at the back end of the cartridge to finer ignition powder. The cartridge case is the second electrical pole, and it will hopefully work well, which includes long storage time in different climates, so I want to prevent moisture from entering the black powder charge with a wax seal and so on. Maybe I can skip the sulphur as then it becomes almost smoke-free black powder.


    If this ignition doesn''t work, I will have to solve it later, and there are other methods for more discreet ignition like current through a thin metal strand or just higher current, even though it requires batteries and the ignition will be slower. I should be enough room in the handle for a small 6V battery pack, or I just use the shoulder stock tube. I''ll get the blacksmith to make a couple of extra barrels and also put a small outer bayonet lock lug at the end for accessories like an ice tip for winter and a four-leaf clover tip to hike over rocks and hills. Those accessories are a diversionary measure and is never intended to be used as such even though it may be practical, and I can take the ninja-flex top from one of my hiking poles instead to make the cane tips softer. The locking lug at the front can also function as a front sight, although on the ranges and speed that the cane is likely to be used, careful aiming is likely to not happen. The two long parts are steel tubes, connected with a steel reinforcement in the angled grip section, because steel is relatively light, stiff, looks cool and the barrel isn''t questioned. I can also hide things in the tubes, which I intend to have as a reason why they are detachable if anyone is wondering, but I sure as hell won''t fill the barrel with something.


    As I make the final drawings, I realise that in addition to the firearm which is the middle and lower part, I can hide more in the upper shoulder stock section. I have a small tear gas spray bottle in the backpack as emergency protection against animals that I draw a holder for and a hidden protected release for. It''s only good for one to maybe three short sprays, but why not? Better to have and not need, which is why it has been in the my pack for several years. It is also possible to make the handgrip of the cane detachable via similar internal bayonet locking lugs, and I can fit a 25cm long rhombic blade with a sharp tip. It can be useful and something the blacksmith might like to do. It''s also classic as hell with a rapier in a cane, even if this will be much shorter with a slightly stupider handle and only useful as a stabbing weapon or for parrying; but as an unpleasant unexpected surprise against assholes? Oh yeah.


    In the end: I want to do that because I can, and I like to have backup plans. It also moves the center of gravity up.


    <hr>


    After dinner we go into town to get the parts for the monoculars, and on to the blacksmith Olafr and try to get him to make the parts for my weapons cane. Iselin, Ciara, Kari and of course Alith join me.


    The monocular parts are very nice and won''t require much work on my part to be finished. Since there isn''t a word for it here, I might as well introduce the Swedish word for binoculars or monoculars to keep it simpler, which is ''Kikare'' - ''peeker'' or ''looker'' because your peeking or look through it. It doesn''t matter if it is a monocular och binocular, you just add those words to specify if it is important, and the same with modern electro-optical equipment as night vision or thermal, and add sight behind and it means a telescopic weapons sight. Languages where you can just string words together is quite nifty.


    Olafr is happy to see me, and almost crush my hand in excitement. He is very impressed with the steel I gave him to forge, and seem to be enjoying himself. I was absolutely right that it is special to work with and he is so eager to see what the end result will be, because he is convinced that it will be very special.


    I show him my sanitized drawings on the weapons cane and ask if it''s possible to use the third lump to make the parts for my cane. He becomes worried and hope I don''t already have problems with my back or walking, so I calm him with I want to be prepared and every Sejd user needs a staff, cane or a wand, and I prefer his craft over wood, even if the grip surface itself will be wood as metal is cold in winter. He completely understands if I want and need to do a little on it myself, he just feels honored and proud to help forge the only known Sejdmann''s cane, and he likes that iron is so much more manly than V?lva''s, Gothi''s or Seermann''s wooden staffs. A man carries iron, not wood.


    There are exact measurements and I brought a small brass container to show what diameter I want on the inside of the tubes, since why not store things in it as candles or something else. Olafr looks at my measurements and doesn''t really understand them, so I quickly recalculate them after using his own measurements. I really need to standardize measurements and measuring equipment. Everyone has their own, and it might work for a lot of things, but not precision tools and where parts need to fit from different sources.


    This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    Returning to the cane, I point out that details that don''t appear to be so, are important, so I want it to be exact, and write a small guide in a corner. We discuss the manufacture and it''s clear that he is thinking through all the steps for the manufacture, hardening and tempering of parts. He has questions, and I answer. I explain the replaceable parts and that I also want him to make 3 straight bayonet sections (weapon barrels), as well as a detachable ice tip and four-leaf clover tip. I also point out the handle with it''s simpler bayonet mating with a locking tab, that needs to be pushed in, then the grip rotated and pulled out to uncover the dagger. Olafr just nods approvingly at it with a satisfied smile, and of course it appeals to him as a blade smith that I have a hidden dagger in my sejd cane.


    The tubes shouldn''t be a problem, but their precision might be, so I have included a sketch of a simple turning machine/lathe and a brotch that can help to smooth the outside or inside. I ask him to prioritize my cane, which he only slowly nods to confirm while studying the drawings. He really seem to like this project. Not something he is used to seeing, but he seems to understand the drawings after all the explanations. He also understands the value of doing something after a drawing with plenty of sketches. He estimates around a week; if he prioritizes the cane then 3 days for those parts and then another 4 days for the first sword should be ready, and maybe a knife too. I tell him to make the extra cane tips last.


    <hr>


    It is a lot of work but easier than I thought, to assemble the monocular telescope ''kikarna'' with the cast prism housings. Soldering is more difficult as I am unused to the tools and they''re not practical soldering tools, but in the end I get something together that seems both correct and stable. I have used rivets and pressure deformations as well, so everything doesn''t depend on my solder. Braces and belt. Wish I had screws too. I''m going to miss screws. I attach the front section and its lens, tries to get the distance fairly right to the eyepiece and measures out its length, and shorten the tube down until its good so I am guaranteed to get focus on distant objects. I attach a leather strap that can be untied to separate the kikare''s parts for cleaning, and also works as a neck strap, so the kikare can be hung around the neck, or the strap can be wrapped a couple of turns around the wrist to secure the grip.


    I''m quite pleased when the monoculars work and can be focused between infinite to relatively close. A lot of color separation, a lot of distortion and blur, and not exactly a 180 degree rotation in the image and the line of sight isn''t exactly in line with the body either, but clearly useful monoculars and it works. It''s early evening but okay weather and the sun will be up for hours, and Iselin is sitting on the edge of my bed looking curiously at what I''m doing, so I let her try the first kikare out the window while I finish the second.


    It''s funny as she''s seen how they are built - it''s just a little glass and brass - but it just works. I confirms it is not sejd, just application of knowledge in an area called optics, and works by a similar principle that makes an angled branch in water appears to be at a different angle under the surface. She stands there and looks alternately through and out beside the kikare, moves her hands in front and seems to be quite fascinated by at least optics. So I offer to teach her what I can about optics in the future, and she immediately accept.


    <hr>


    When I have finished the other kikare an hour later, we go out into the garden and on the way I ask everyone to come along, including Kari, and then I let everyone try the kikare slash monoculars out in the garden. It''s very entertaining, and they all look from the reverse way as well after Kari and Alith tries. I just barely stop Bodil from fucking up her eye.


    "No! Do not look at the sun! It is dangerous and you will go blind. Never look at the sun through Kikare, monoculars, telescopes or any lenses. You all know how warm the sun''s light feels on your skin right now? Let me show you what happens when that heat is concentrated to small point." Then I light a leaf on fire. "You do not want that to happen to your eye."


    Bodil suddenly looks scared to look at anything through the kikare, but after a while with the assurance from me, they all understands that only the sun is dangerous, and Bodil doesn''t even look in its vicinity. Fire, candles and torches won''t damage their eyes, but they have much more respect for the kikare. We go on two shorter evening walks so that they can use the kikare as much as they want. Two walks, so both Bodil and Alith can accompany on different walks and so each get more time to play with the kikare.


    After a while, Kari seems less fascinated by what she can see through the kikare, and more by the kikare itself. She knew there are magnifying lenses, and considering how she shows how they''re used, it looks like she means magnifying glasses. She has seen a person use such things to read a book or look closely at something. The king has such a lens in a wooden holder, although he doesn''t use it. Obviously she understands that there is a lens at each end but she doesn''t understand how it is possible to see through it as the big lump in the middle is in the way and the tubes and lenses aren''t in line.


    "Robert, can you actually explain why this works? Because this isn''t sejd - it''s what you once called technology?"


    I feeling my smile widening. "Someone has been paying attention. Yes, it''s technology. And yes, I can explain why it works, and why, for example, things look a little funny where they get mysterious shimmer of colors through the kikare. I can also explain what you can do to reduce and also prevent it, but it is very difficult. Everything is knowledge in a much larger area which in Midg?rd is called optics. Simplified it is the knowledge of light, lenses and substances, and how they interact with each other. Optics explains why a branch put in the water seems to be angled, and why the rainbow is always the same 42 degree angle from incident light and is the same reason why the kikare work. It would have been possible to make a kikare of ice if the ice is clear enough. You can actually light a fire with ice and sunlight in the winter by having clear ice and using the warmth of a hand to shape it into a lens, and focus it as I did on that leaf. I can explain what light is, what colors are, both when it comes to fabric, leaves or just the rainbow. How a mirror works, and why you can see a reflection of yourself on a water surface or in a window, while being visible underwater or from the other side of the window."


    "Can you explain the rainbow? This is knowledge you will share at the Academy? Aren''t you worried about how it can be used as a weapon or similar? If anyone understands how this works, they might be able to make their own things. Maybe better than you."


    "Yes, it''s not that hard to do something better, I just saw this as good enough and an experiment to see what I can make here right now. I expect it will be made more and that knowledge will be spread around the world. It unfortunately has great use as an accessory in war. To better see a battlefield, identify troops and ships, and discover things from a distance. But it isn''t a weapon that kills if you don''t club someone to death with it. The value is greater outside of war. Because you can look at things in nature and the sea. See stars, and the moon. It helps to figure out the world and its mysteries."


    <hr>


    I sketch a little more but I lack motivation right now and it''s starting to become too dark in the room anyway, so I just lie down in bed and think. I hope the parts for my weapon cane, sword or knives will be good, and that is my last thought as Iselin comes in, undresses and crawls down and joins me in bed. It is so much nicer when she''s my fianc¨¦e. I like her personality and initiatives, but I''m aware that I like smart and competent women with their own will and humour.

 Borgarsandr - day 13, King Asjb?rn Aeriksson

    It has been several ''interesting'' weeks and being King isn''t always easy, and apart from everything else, Sejdmann Robert Arnesson appears out of nowhere and tells about his plans for an Academy. Powerful people always cause problems, and Sejdmann is a problem without equal, but thankfully Robert Arnesson seems to lack power ambitions, and also seems to be a much better man than most understands. It truly seems like he really just wants to live a good life and enjoy life while making the world better, and I don''t doubt Kari''s words that Sejdmann is from another world and the main character in a Saga written by Freya. It just confirms my growing suspicions since I first heard rumours about Sejdmann, and before Sejdmann was invited to the castle, Merchant Danr was summoned. Danr, who with a meaningful look said that Sejdmann had boarded in Hildifjoer a couple of days after Bifrost lit up the sky, and he came down from the mountains. Where ever his journey started, it wasn''t from any of the settlements on the other side. I can feel another cold shiver down my back from that though. Danr didn''t say anything more detailed about his passenger beside confirming his good character, but it was clear that Danr knew that Sejdmann had come with Bifrost. Sejdmann must had made Danr promise to keep quiet, and Danr had made sure that the crew kept quiet about it as well. That Sejdmann doesn''t want to spread that knowledge is both humble, cunning and something to respect. Only my closest and most trusted have been told.


    Such a dangerous man with the gods on his side... a wise King would have tried to get him far from himself and his kingdom, for who knows what might make him angry or what the gods have planned? At the same time, I can''t force him away, because who knows what the gods have planned? But there are many many stupid men who think they are powerful, abuse their power and don''t understand that they have just stepped on a giant''s toes. Why can''t they understand my hints about how incredibly powerful his Sejd really is and that Sejdmann is cunning and wise? Just his presentation of his Academy made that clear, and the reports I have received confirm.


    A day with constant thunder on the beach where Sejdmann was. No lightning, just thunder at regular intervals and something struck, but it wasn''t lightning. The slave who have carefully spied on Sejdmann had moved around to avoid being discovered. But understandably the slave didn''t dare to go closer, but instead moved further back when something hit the ground not far from where he was, and he was further away than a bow can reach. He swears he heard something whistling over his head when he got further away. He ran for his life all the way to the castle, and he no longer dares to spy on Sejdmann. He didn''t even dare to return to the farm. He barely dares to leave the castle. Sejdmann Robert Arnesson, a man who uses his sejd and knowledge to help others, but knows dangerous things and can call down Thor''s lightning without warning, even on a sunny day.


    A man you want as a friend, not an enemy.


    The Academy is a really good idea, and probably doesn''t cost much. Of course I could just give the land and Robert Arnesson would surely have been happy with that, but it''s better to get such a man grateful. Although that must be done in a way that doesn''t make people spread bad rumours. Better that rewards are given gradually as others start to better understand. A cheaper variant would be if Sejdmann could end up in debt to the kingdom and establish his Academy instead of being convicted to be a slave, or just sentence him to a slave and force secrets from him. At least that''s what two of my moron councilors think, and why they believe Kari was sent there without guards. Just the kind of morons who would happily stomp a giant on the toes and mock, but even after all these years, they still haven''t understood that the only reason they''re near me is because they have influence I can exploit, and for us to be able to keep watch on them and prevent them from making big mistakes.


    Morons - but useful morons.


    Myrun Skiringe isn''t a moron, and Kari is absolutely right I can''t let Sejdmann fall in her hands.


    Kari. She hasn''t disappointed me. Every man should appreciate having such a woman standing next to him, and I hope that Sejdmann understands to appreciate her as his concubine and that she in the future will become more than that. Kari will work for that, and she wants to be his. I''m glad that I finally seem to have found a man who seems to deserve her, so I can do right by her, and she gets the life she deserves. That Freya finally answered my prayers.


    It has been so hard to see her grow up to be the stately woman she is and to be reminded of my own short-sightedness 21 years ago, when I angry and so stupidly sentenced an innocent child to the life she lived. My own niece, and the only thing I have left of my brother. She would have become such an excellent princess. No, she would have been an excellent Queen to rule a region or country in the future. Much better than my daughters. I spoiled Sefa and Ulfarna far too much. Didn''t spoil Kari at all. Hardly gave her more than jewellery and clothes.


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    I''m a little worried about what Hagthorn will do when I die and he inherits the throne. His newly wed wife Sunnifa isn''t the sharpest knife; but loyal and good for tying stronger ties to the family in the East, plus she is beautiful. I''ve panicked a bit when Hagthorn a few years ago wanted Kari as his concubine, unaware that they''re cousins. It''s good that he saw her value and not just her appearance, but they''ve seen each other all their lives. Kari had been excellent at Hagthorn''s side in helping to rule the kingdom - but they are cousins. A disgrace to both, and bad for the blood.


    I took Kari''s name and future from her. Kari Arildsdotter. Daughter of my brother Arild and Arild''s secret mistress Iona. But Iona and her father were snakes and my brother were stupid. Tried to poison me and take the throne, and Iona had ruled with her father Storman Skarde as councilor. Discovered it. Stopped it. I was angry and short-sighted. Got my own brother poisoned so he died of ''illness''. I forced Storman Skarde to kill his only son with the same poison they would use on me, and with his bare hands strangle his daughter in a ''riding accident'', after I forced Storman Skarde to sign a confession. A confession in which he give his word to not have any more children, and grow old alone without descendants to inherit him, and to give the me his property when he dies. I prohibited all contact with his only grandchild Kari. Young and stupid, I told Skarde her future; that she would never find out who her parents were or what they had done, and he would live knowing that his granddaughter and only heir would be given away to some unpleasant disgusting man as his punishment. So his bloodline and legacy ended.


    Angry, short-sighted and so stupid.


    With Haera''s help, I eventually learned to control my anger. Learning from my mistakes, although there were more mistakes. Taught me to think before acting. Most of the time.


    But Kari grew up near me. She was an innocent child, not even a year old, and how can a man hate an innocent child for what her parents did? She is still my niece. Of my blood. She was such a beautiful child, and has become such a magnificent woman. I wish I had done things differently 21 years ago and let Arild live with his daughter, after he completely renounced his claim to the throne before the Northmen Ting. That would have been the smart move. The good move. Less angst and regret. I should have changed Kari''s future when she was still a child, when I started to regret it, instead of letting the years go by until it was too late. In the end, it just became agonizing to see her as she lost her joy more and more as she realised her future, and it hurt to be constantly reminded of my own stupidity. I''ll never forget her birthdays, and every time she swears loyalty to me, it''s like a knife slowly gutting my soul. At least it helped me learn. Only me, Haera and Skarde knows what really happened. Who Kari really is. The rest have died - naturally, or less naturally. Skarde should have died years ago, but that grumpy evil old bastard is too stubborn to die. Even Hel doesn''t want him.


    It has been so difficult to find a good husband for Kari, because she deserves a good happy life as a replacement for the future I took, but I wanted Skarde to die with the uncertainty, but the years have passed. Several of my advisers have become more emphatic that Kari should be given to someone, preferably them, as she is starting to become too old. Morons, and they don''t deserve Kari. I really hope Robert Arnesson is as good a man as Kari seems to believe. I need her to be happy, but if a man dedicated to Freya can''t give her the love she deserves, then no one can.


    I feel like a proud father about how well she has maneuvered as soon as she got some options, but it''s tragic that she thinks so low about me. I can at least try to make Sejdmann really value her, and maybe make her re-think her opinion about me. It would have been better if Skarde had been dead, but that may be why the Gods have kept him alive, so that Kari could be given to Sejdmann. Perhaps Freya was tired of feuds and suffering, tired of hearing women''s prayers about their husbands and sons, and she chose to sacrifice Arild so that I could learn to be a better King. To teach Hagthorn to be a better King. So that the kingdom became better, more stable and more secure. An end to feuds over the throne, and now Freya brought Sejdmann here to make the kingdom better, and create a more secure future and life for everyone. That seems to be Sejdmann''s goal. And Freya made sure that Kari wasn''t sacrificed - but educated, trained and shaped to be what Sejdmann needed, and he was rewarded with her, while Kari was rewarded with becoming Sejdmann''s woman!


    Now that is a plan worthy of Freya!


    No point in dragging out the time. Kari has already let me know that Sejdmann finished the job a few days ago, and the decision is obvious.

 Borgarsandr - day 14, The Kings decision

    Borgarsandr, day 14


    The Kings decision


    After the usual morning lectures with Kari, I am polishing the third kikare monocular and Ciara and Iselin are sewing a couple of monocular pouches in leather with a neck strap and belt loops - when out of the blue, a royal messenger escorted by a couple of guards, shows up and announced that King Aeriksson has made his decision about the land and Academy, and wish the whole group can come to the castle in the afternoon, and if possible, that Sejdmann Robert Arnesson could bring the agreed goods. The King would also appreciate seeing something of what Sejdmann Robert Arnesson recently built. Kari Alfgeirsdotter will follow them back, but should leave her things as her agreed time to help Sejdmann isn''t over yet.


    After I of course said yes, I talked to Kari who confirmed that it was unusual how the messenger conveyed the message. More a meeting with an equal than someone who was far below the King and who needed to know his place, which is a good sign. So Kari quickly make herself slightly more neat and changed into other nice clothes. Her simplest everyday clothes seem to be the fine clothes for many others, but she would probably look divine in fishing nets. Maybe worth challenging her in the future. As I say goodbye to Kari, she leans forward and whispers that if it goes completely wrong today, she wants to thank me anyway, and almost begs me to ask for her hand if she isn''t given, then she give me a quick kiss on the lips to the surprise of at least one of her guards. Kari is understandably worried, because a lot is at stake today. A ''No'' will only lead to me continuing to search for a home elsewhere, or perhaps return to Skiringsalr much richer and I can start building my Academy there. For Kari, her future will be decided in a few hours.


    We eat, and will wash and tidy ourselves up and put on our fine clothes. I prepare the maps with a leather piece around like a string, pack down the north arrows and will take with me one of the kikare monoculars I built. The second best. Hopefully all the nice clothes from the seamstress guild should be ready, so Bodil ride to pick them up with Ciara while we take turns bathing.


    They return and Ciara have also collected my finished gold ring from the jeweller, but their new jewellery wasn''t finished. I have another thing to thank Kari and Iselin for arranging a nicer set of clothes for me. They seem to understand I prefer gray and dark natural colored clothes. As long as I don''t wear a hat, staff and robe, I probably won''t be called ''Robert the gray''.


    <hr>


    I feel uneasiness as we sit on the wagon as it gets closer to the castle. Anything might happen and we need to be prepared for that. I have tried to warn the others, and I really hope shit doesn''t hit the fan. I don''t think it will, be I really don''t know. As we enter through the castle gates and step of the wagon, I''m reminded that with nice clothes, hair properly style and so on, all the women around me are a very beautiful sight.


    Alith and Bodil both look good in matching fine new dresses with spears, shield, axe and dagger in the belt, with necklaces and in Bodil''s case also ears ring in gold. Bodil''s hair is gathered in small braids and as usual Alith''s hair is in a larger braid, but in a complicated pattern. Ciara is a beautiful sight and her purple-blue eyes are almost mesmerizing with her dark green dress with black embroidery along edges and its wide collar, and some black lacing on the arms. She is way too skinny but it has only been a few weeks, and she at least looks much healthier.


    Iselin undoubtedly takes first place in a dark blue dress with gold embroidery similar to the one Ciara has, but with a nice discreet pattern in the fabric. I may be a bit biased, because my heart rate always quickens when I see Iselin, and dressed like that my heart doesn''t want to slow down. Iselin have also been a quick student of Kari and give a completely different impression than she usually do. Not in the natural effortless way Kari does, but give her six months or so and they will give the same impression. When Iselin wants. Kari seem to do it without thinking, but Iselin doesn''t. Kari has also taught her a bit about discreet make-up around her eyes, which she also applied to Ciara.


    Ciara is strangely enough the calmest of us. She just stands there carrying the rolled up maps with a calm face. No worries. No expectation. No curiosity. To some extent it helps calm me down. We hardly wait at all, and it can''t be more than 5 minutes before we are called in, but it really surprises us all when Alith and Bodil are allowed to keep their weapons, and we soon walk through the royal great hall. There are people here, just like last time, but no crowd. More like the nobles or councilors who always hang in the Kings vicinity, advising or perhaps as witnesses to the king''s decision. There are some who seem to cast admiring or planning glances at us. I''m the least elegantly dressed, and my only piece of jewellery is my pimpy gold ring. Let the show begin!


    "Sejdmann Robert; Welcome." Greets the King. Ah, Robert. Not Arnesson. Time to be bold and use what Kari though me.


    "King Asbj?rn; Thank you for the invitation." I say and bow a little, and there are a small but noticeable increase in the background murmur, but the King looks pleased.


    "What elegant company Sejdmann Robert has."


    "King Asbj?rn, let me have the honor to present my fianc¨¦e Iselin Vigdisdottir, my concubine Ciara Mawr, and Shieldmaidens Alith and Bodil."


    They curtsey as I present them. Both Iselin and Ciara are extra happy as they have been confirmed as my fianc¨¦e and concubine before the King of the Northmen, and Alith try to look calm and worldly, but is probably bursting with pride. Being presented confirms that she is someone special, and not just an ordinary nameless guard in the background.


    "I guess what Miss Mawr is carrying are the agreed maps."


    "King Asbj?rn is correct." An attendant walks forward and receives the maps and shows them one by one to the King, who signal him closer before they are handed over to a maid.


    "Sejdmann Robert. It looks like excellent work, and I like their simple clear information without embellishments or decorations. Intended to be used and practical, and not to decorate someone''s wall. I look forward to testing the maps."


    "King Asbj?rn will discover that it is easier with these. The agreed North Arrows." I take out the small bundles of fine fabric and show the north arrows, one in each small package, tucked in a simple flat leather pocket with a belt loop. Again, the same attendant comes forward and receives the arrows, shows them and demonstrates them after I have given the same rules as usual about handling and care.


    "I''ve heard that Sejdmann Robert has had a couple of active weeks, and has been doing things that I think his desired Academy would do more productively. Have there been any interesting successes from that?"


    "Yes, King Asbj?rn. Time has been short and its mostly been the first tentative steps together with craftsmen from the town. This is one." I pick up and show the prism monocular kikare. The funny shaped brass thing doesn''t look particularly impressive. No engravings on its body or flashy inserts, not nicely brushed or excellent exterior work. Just some brass parts with a leather neck strap and some glass. Quite ugly. People are interested but not particularly impressed.


    "This is a ''Kikare'', of a type I call prism monocular. It''s to make it easier to see from a distance. Can I demonstrate by the open windows over there?" The King nods and I go there, while he signals to one of his councilors to attend. I go to the window, look at the houses in the distance and quickly set the focus. Then I hand over the monocular.


    "Look through the Kikare on the houses on other side of the castle wall like I just did. It''s important that the eye ends up close and in exactly the right location. Take your time and don''t be afraid. I can hold the Kikare for you, but steer my hand where you want to look."


    The man curiously looks through the monocular, but doesn''t touch my hand, until he makes an exclamation and backs away. Then he gently takes my hand and really starts looking through the kikare. Amazed. He looks through the kikare and outside, and I show him how to turn the focus to see sharper. It''s entertaining to see his reaction, and the others in the hall who become really curious and ask what he sees, and the man just try to explain with phrases as "Everything is closer" and "It''s bigger, with a beautiful shimmer". After a couple of minutes he reverently thanks for the demonstration as he looks on the kikare in awe, and I ask if King Asbj?rn has anyone else he wants to try.


    "Yes." Then he gets up and walks forward, so I hand over the kikare and he looks through as he saw me and the other man do. The King''s eyes fly open and he too looks in amazement through and beside, and try holding up his hand in front. Closer and further away, playing with his fingers and try to focus. The King is definitely not stupid, but curious, experimenting and observant.


    "Truly a powerful thing. I can see many uses for this...?"


    "Kikare. Prism monocular is the version. Kikare mean that it magnifies what you see and you ''kikar'' through it, and prism is the shape and how it does this, and monocular just another word for only for one eye. Kikare is useful to identify people or banners at a distance. See what really happens further away as it makes you see details better, see the little bird more clearly and be able to identify landmarks at sea at a longer distance. This is one of the things I plan to manufacture and sell from the Academy, and improve. Clearer image is a difficult improvement, but it can be done with more time and effort. The craft and appearance is another but much easier improvement. I just didn''t have enough time to make something pretty, and the first of something never is. Function before form, although this could be made prettier with a lot of work engraving and polishing."


    The King smiles as he stands looking at the kikare in his hands and look at more things. He turns and looks at something much closer inside the hall, so I remind him to turn the eyepiece to focus and he contentedly looks at a couple of guards at the bottom of the hall who seem a little worried.


    "Like the maps, made to be used, more than art. Approximately how many different things like this ''kikare'' has Sejdmann Robert planned to do and sell?"


    "King Asbj?rn, I don''t know. It takes time to do each and some depend on other things and tools that must be done first; if you want to forge, you need a forge and the tools, not just the iron. I will have to make the forge and the tools as well. But most likely there are dozens of different things within the next few years, and hopefully hundreds over my life, but many things won''t be a luxury item like this. I plan on improving wagons, farming tools and so on too. There will also be more special things at the Academy itself, since all constructions aren''t suitable for sale, have limited use outside such an environment, and many are just complicated tools to make useful things that can be sold. Then it depends on how fast an Academy gets started, and what craftsmen, materials and alchemy I get hold of and can produce. It is a very long way to walk through unknown terrain and obstacles, but I can see the goal on the horizon far away, but I also know that there will always be another horizon when I get there. What I do in my lifetime will be continued by other people after that, and I will teach and train those people."


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    "Thank you for the demonstration. Sejdmann Robert has fulfilled his part of the agreement and it is my turn to fulfill mine."


    The King hands back the kikare and return to his throne, and on the way he signals to someone and I return to my company and put down the kikare. Several servants arrive, and I''m shown to a side table where scales are set up. A 10 ounce weight is placed on one scale and prepared sacks of gold are poured into the other bowl, one by one, showing that they contain 10 ounces each, before being poured back into the leather sacks. 10 bags. 100 ounces of gold. 2.8kg gold, worth 800 ounces of silver, enough to equip 20 warriors with weapons, chainmail and a horse. 400 cows. 130 female or 65 male slaves. When I have confirmed the sum, the King walks forward and we make an arm grab that confirms the deal. The gold sacks are placed in a wooden chest with a lock and I signal Bodil to come and get it, which she does with reverence.


    "Sejdmann Robert, you are an impressively wise, knowledgeable and now rich man, and I look forward to future discussions, meetings and business between us. I have decided that this Kingdom will benefit from such an Academy, especially in the long run and over generations, and that it will also attract merchant and scholars from all over the world. But just as you said two weeks ago, the Academy affects its surroundings for better or worse. One to two days trip north from here along the coast is the small village Lysesund, and in the sea west of it are the two large islands of Tosra and Orusingen, and infinitely many smaller ones. In the same protected waters there are many islands, but there are a couple of islands called Ackerek lying next to each, protected from the sea by Orusingen and Tosra, and each is a handful of mantal. There are a couple of farms, and the farmers lease the land from the Royal family."


    One of the maps that the King just bought from me, is rolled out and he is very pleased as he points to the two small islands west of Lysesund. Then he signals to that attendant again who starts to read out a prepared proclamation. It is more or less exactly as I suggested. The two main islands, and some small islands and shallows within 300 fathoms, about 450m, measured from the shores of the two main islands - will in the future be known as the Academy''s land and it will become its own little Kingdom with me as the ruler. No longer a part of the kingdom along with the people living there. The Academy may protect itself and its property and ships with warriors and guards in its service. The Academy has the right to have ships larger than 30 ells length, about 15 meters, which have the same rules and neutrality as my islands if they are marked with the Academy''s future banner, and they have free movement inside the Kingdoms water. So those ships will be sovereign territory, and floating embassies.


    Should any third party attack Academy''s islands, its property or its ships, the Kingdom will assist with up to 300 men; quantity depends on severity and need, until the situation is resolved. The Kingdom''s law is copied to Academy''s property until I have written down a new law book in two copies; one book for the Kingdom''s register in the royal castle here in Borgarsandr, and one available to everyone on the Academy''s land, or until the Northmen Ting next spring when the Kings decision will be widely spread and this agreement read out.


    Goods from Academy property that are imported into the Kingdom, except for food, should preferably go via the village of Lysesund on the mainland, where there will be a tax and customs official. All imports to the Kingdom, except food and gifts, receive a toll of 1/20 paid by the buyer, and are required to be reported by the people of the islands to the Kingdom''s official in Lysesund within 3 months. So for each 20 ounces of silver worth of goods, the Kingdom earn 1 ounce, ie 5%. Goods may be exchanged for goods, but the common price applies to toll calculation for the kingdom.


    There will be many many small income streams that will become a rich waterway. It''s also obvious and practical that it is the buyer who pays for the import, as the islanders can be honest, and the King''s tax men can demand payment from their subjects, compared to the other way around, which isn''t possible. It''s up to me to put a tax on imports or exports to my islands, but as long as I don''t do it, it costs nothing extra to buy things from the Kingdom, so the silver goes there instead of elsewhere. The official tax and customs officer who monitors that everything is done correctly, will also act as an intermediary if the kingdom wants to buy something from the Academy if the King doesn''t do it himself.


    It is entirely up to me what the Academy charges for education or what prices the Academy sets for goods. The Academy may sell to whomever the Academy wishes, but the Kingdom has the right to match the cost and buy half rounded down, regardless of what it is, and it is calculated between midwinter and midsummer, each six months separately. If, for example, the Academy wants to sell 9 North Arrows, the Kingdom must be offered to buy 4 of them. I suspects that King Asbj?rn wants to ensure that they in principle can buy more than any other nation, but I can sell only one of something in each six month period to avoid offering it to the Kingdom.


    Pure gifts are the exception to the rules, because they are an important part of the culture, and should I as the Academy''s ruler, give an expensive unique gift to Jarl Skiringe, it''s iffy for the King to demand toll on it, not at least since its value can be difficult to calculate. Especially when the same gift to, for example, a Jarl in another nation may not have any toll from his King, at least until an agreement is hopefully signed with other nations. If I remember correctly Kari said that the closes King rule over the huge islands to Southwest, what I think of as Denmark, and he is named Magnbjorn. There seem to be a lot of bad history between him and King Asbj?rn''s linage. It will certainly be a future stumbling block if large expensive ''gifts'' are exchanged to avoid toll, but gifts are tricky and it is an important part of society here, so I understand that the King doesn''t want to be forced to get involved. It may be better to accept a small financial loss to be socially smart, since those effected will be richer and more influential people.


    More rules in the agreement ensure that the Academy cannot expand its land within the borders of Asbj?rn''s kingdom, but the Kingdom can offer to increase and make additions to the Academy''s property which is then covered by the same agreement, and the Kingdom can never take anything away that it has added. Should someone in the Kingdom donate land to the Academy or to me personally, that land is subject to the laws of the Kingdom, and gives the rights and obligations that accompany the property. So would I personally buy land on the mainland, it''s the same as if anyone else owned it, so my farm outside Skiringsalr is counted as part of the Kingdom with the obligations and rights it entails.


    The King allows me to have some privacy so I can read through the Academy agreement, and Iselin and Bodil helps. It is concise points and clear. Not many pages or over complicated, and even easier because the agreement states the order in which everything takes place. First I personally get the land and they''re named Academy lands, followed by the title of Furst as the lands ruler, then the right to make new laws on this land, and rules about import-export etc, to finally the last part of the agreement that separates the land from Asbj?rn''s Kingdom. I can foresee a small problem as I may be obliged to create and maintain a small force of warriors due to property in the Kingdom in the future, but according to the agreement they only need the same equipment that everyone else gives their warriors and the Academy''s Rulers or residents can never be called in to fight for the Kingdom due to land within the Kingdom''s borders. Still, it will be interesting future problems for another generation.


    Of course I will say yes to this. According to the agreement, I will be a Furst, a title that King Asbj?rn thinks is appropriate and is used by some rulers of small kingdoms to the south. Not a Jarl or a King and special up here in the north. A Furst without allegiance, with right to make laws and rule, with my own little fleet and army - basically a King in all but title. I won''t call myself a King because it would be arrogant to compare myself with other Kings who rule great kingdoms, and I think that is one of the reasons King Asbj?rn chose to give me the title of Furst to make it clear to everyone; both within and outside the kingdom.


    An interesting addition is that the Academy''s ruler, spouses and children are allowed to bring their warriors on a journey in the kingdom as personal protection, and the ruler and spouses may also bring ten guards in the King''s vicinity, which is a clear proof of King Asbj?rn''s over confidence for the future. I guess that is why Alith and Bodil weren''t disarmed. The Academy''s ruler with spouses is also considered foreign dignity and must be treated as such within the country. Should I die, the position of Furst of the Academy will be transferred to my spouse or heir or appointed persons in order, so I need to appoint some quickly for security reasons since the King of the Kingdom otherwise appoints a new Furst if there are no blood ties. The Academy will never return to the Kingdom, and will be separate for all time to come. Unless war bring the Kingdom or the Academy down or something.


    I talk a little with the others about the agreement, and it is interesting to see how Bodil reverently and vigilantly protects the chest with such an enormous wealth, and she is not alone in revering its wealth. No one has anything they see as negative with the agreement, and especially Iselin and Alith gush over all the positive things. I would really like Kari''s opinion and cool head, and it proves my need for her person and knowledge about this culture, but above all about laws and customs. After a while, the attendant comes over and asks if I have thought about it, so I nod and take the agreement with me.


    "Sejdmann Robert, what do you say about my proposal?"


    "King Asbj?rn, this is a proposal I am happy to accept."


    "Excellent."


    Another copy of the agreement is produced and after I''ve checked they are identical, we both and three witnesses sign, I under ''Academy founder, Furst and Lord''. I keep one of the documents, and an arm grab finalize the agreement. Cheering and congratulations, and I now have my own little Island Principality. In fact, it has much more land than for example Monaco or the Vatican City, and probably more than some island nations in the Pacific Ocean. Definitely higher above the waterline than many of them. The king takes me aside a little and asks me in a low voice;


    "Sejdmann Robert, any questions?"


    "Only one, King Asbj?rn. Kari?"


    The King smiles a little slyly, seems pleased and whispers that he isn''t finished yet. Then he returns to the throne but doesn''t sit down.


    "Sejdmann Robert, it is my honor as King to be able to support projects, either on behalf of this Kingdom or personally. I know that you will use the riches you just earned to be able to establish your Academy. But I do not want you to do it alone. This Kingdom will have great joy and benefits from your Academy, and as you said two weeks ago, a field must be sown and managed before it can be harvested, so the Kingdom will support the Academy''s construction for the first year. If you accept it, I will recommend a skilled master builder and several skilled craftsmen for stone, masonry, wood, carpentry and more, and add 60 slaves for general work. Shiploads of cement, stone, timber, tools and food will be made available and shipped there for its constructions. Sejdmann Robert has to decide with the master builder where it will be built, and what will be built. I expect it will be built fairly quickly."


    "King Asbj?rn, I am very grateful."


    King Asbj?rn gestures, and from the side Kari comes walking out with her guards, and she stands next to the King. Then he takes her hand and walks forward with Kari, and she lets her happiness show when he puts her right hand in my left hand while he say:


    "In addition to the above, I personally wish to give Sejdmann Robert a precious gift. Kari Alfgeirsdotter as your concubine, and there are two guards who want to accompany her to Sejdmann Robert''s service, so they can continue to serve as personal protection to the end of the year, for both Miss Kari and Sejdmann Robert. Gunhild and Hillevi; I now release you from all oaths to me, and wish you a good life. "


    What else can I say but; "King Asbj?rn, a big thank you for such an excellent concubine, and allow me to give a simple unworthy counter-gift. I hope it will bring you joy." I give him the kikare, to the King''s surprise and appreciation. "The moon is interesting, but never look at the sun - it will forever damage the eye. There will be moisture inside in certain weather conditions, but the strap can be loosened and the kikare can be disassembled and cleaned and carefully dried. It''s not that hard to put it back together again."


    Kari starts talking, because she has taught me that she too must declare her status before witnesses, and she beams when she proudly and loudly says;


    "I, Kari Alfgeirsdotter, am now Sejdmann Robert Arnesson''s concubine, and I am honored to serve my husband."


    The King contentedly nods, bends forward and whispers to us;


    "Sejdmann Robert, I just hope you take good care of Kari, and make her happy. I believe you understand how worthy she is, and I am convinced that she would be an excellent Furstess. Kari, I wish you a really good future, and I''m sorry it took so long to find a man worthy of you. I know you will serve him well."


    With a smile, the King then goes back up and sits on the throne with the kikare in his hand.


    "Sejdmann Robert, I wish you good luck for the future and hope we will meet many more times. Enjoy the rest of the day and evening. The day after tomorrow you will be visited by the master builder. The house you have lived in is at your continued disposal until the end of the year, and I look forward to visiting your Academy and Furstdom in the future. I expect it to be a very special place, and look forward to the coming years. Until next time, live well."


    It''s obviously time to leave, so; "King Asbj?rn, thank you for everything and may your future be bright."

 Borgarsandr - day 14, Kari

    We walk out of the throne hall, and I find a little spot to the side. I need to breathe a sigh of relief as I let go of the role as Sejdmann. That went ... excellent. Iselin kisses me to celebrate, closely followed by kissing and hugging from Ciara, before Kari try to force her tongue down my throat. Holy moley. As Kari lets me breath again she hug Iselin and Ciara too, while promising that she won''t get in their way. She is just so happy to be given to me, which they both seem to understand. Gunhild seem surprised and embarrassed by Kari''s display, and I notice there is a maid beside her that seem to be slightly awed. When the maid notices our attention, she tells Kari that Miss Alfgeirsdotter''s chests will be delivered to the farm, and the same applies to Gunhild and Hillevi. I don''t really know what to say or do, but Kari does:


    "The most appropriate thing is to return to the farm. Accommodation has already been arranged for Gunhild and Hillevi elsewhere on the farm. Gunhild. Hillevi. This is your new master, Furst Sejdmann Robert Arnesson. Their service is paid to the end of the year. If you then wish it to continue, you will then have to negotiate about it."


    Hillevi and Gunhild go down on one knees and swear an oath to protect me, my honor and my property etc. Same as Alith and Bodil did. Feels like a standard oath. I welcome them and ask Alith and Bodil to inform them about how I prefer things to be done in my vicinity. Then we go out into the courtyard and to the wagon, where I realise there isn''t enough room for all. But horses are prepared for Kari and her guards; a gift from the King to them. One horse each for their faithful service, which apparently Hillevi and Gunhild already knew and they confirm the Kings gift to Kari. Kari''s horse is really nice and has nice bridles in silver. The king is not quite as I expected and it feels like Kari hasn''t been completely honest about him. She might have played me. Again. It actually makes her even more valuable to have around me, and I like cunning women who know what they want, as long as it isn''t unpleasant for me, and others around me.


    <hr>


    My mind is occupied with thoughts about construction and what I remember from seeing my Islands from a distance. We have just left town when Kari that is riding beside the wagon, say that the King''s behaviour surprises her. He is wiser and smarter than she realised. She begins to suspect that the King has isolated her from himself for some reason, and it might be so that she wouldn''t discover how the King really is. His game against her has been much deeper than she thought the last six to ten years, and the King won against her before she even knew they were playing.


    "Kari, everything isn''t a game and intrigue. You don''t have to try to interpret and manipulate everything."


    "Robert, that''s where our opinions differ, and why I will play for you now so you don''t have to." She says with a smile. A smile that widens as she continues; "I may have forgotten to say that it is tradition for a given concubine to be taken by her new husband the first night, in order to bind her to her husband, and so the man shows that he appreciates the gift. But I understand if Robert doesn''t want to hurt Iselin''s feelings, although I will admit that I''m going to be disappointed, as I''ve been look forward to it for a while. I''ve heard the stories, as well as you in the next room."


    I feel my face becoming neutral when I hear that. Oh yeah, the games will never end with Kari, even if she thinks it at such a low level that it doesn''t count. Don''t know if I should be happy or unhappy. I accepted her as my concubine yes, and hopefully with friendship and respect to grow between us, but I hadn''t intended to have sex with her for a long time. Which she of course understood, because she didn''t mention anything about that. ''Forgotten to say''...


    Bullshit!


    If we''ve had sex once, it''s likely to happen again, because I don''t give much for my self-control now-a-days when the woman is willing, and I think everyone knows that. It started to fall with Astrid and Lova, and has gradually fallen since then. It''s not negative yet, but I don''t dare to look too closely. It really doesn''t help that the woman is my legal concubine and damn good looking, and that we will be living together, probably for the rest of our lives. I will definitely not give her bad uncommitted sex - it would be worse and more disrespectful than just saying no. Iselin leans towards me and too loud for my taste so that everyone hears her, say;


    "The bed is too small for three, and since this is Kari''s first time, Kari deserves a special night. So this night is Kari''s, and I''ll sleep in the front room."


    Here where everyone shares a room it may not be a big deal, but I don''t like the idea that I''m suppose to have sex with another woman, who I have no feelings for, when my fianc¨¦e that I''m in love with is in the room next door and will hear.


    Oh fuck!


    "Exactly how much is actually heard between the rooms? I also want to apologize afterwards if I disturbed any sleep."


    Alith is so understanding when she answers; "My Lord doesn''t have to apologize - it''s part of the job - but quite frankly it has sometimes been difficult for Bodil, as she refuses to take advantage of it."


    I become more embarrassed and I know Alith will be smiling over her victory, which Iselin almost matches, while Bodil glares arrows at her. Yep, my life is a sexy comedy, and Alith have apparently used our sounds to satisfy herself. I can imagine it appeals to the voyeur in her, especially when I obviously haven''t really thought about it. I need to lend earplugs to Iselin and the others tonight, because otherwise I''ll just think about that. When I''m having sex with Kari, something I mostly feel anxious about. Why do I feel anxiety for Kari, but not for Liv or any of the others? Is it because I can''t just see her as a ''one night stand''? Well, I like to try to give a woman sexual pleasure so up to proof.


    Fuuuccck! Its will be Kari''s first time too!


    There are many men who would pay huge sums to have such a beautiful and stately woman, Elf or not, as his concubine and take her virginity. But I''m just anxious. Moral anxiety, performance anxiety and situational anxiety.


    <hr>


    The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    The ride back becomes more friendly, and as we all gather in the longhouse and are presented in more detail, I ask Alith, Bodil, Hillevi and Gunhild to solve guard duty and other things between themselves. If, on the other hand, they have a complaint or something, just come to me. I''m not like any master or lady they have served before, and I prefer to not be called anything involving ''Lord'' in private. Robert or Sir is fine. They all disapprove of that. Just the looks from all seven women makes me want to find some place else to be. ''Man of the house''... ppfff! So... ''prefer'' it is, and the guards can call me ''Lord'' if they want too. I give Alith rank over the others, because she has seniority with me, and Bodil prefers that Alith take the leading role between them.


    Their luggage arrive, and we hear a gasp from Kari as she finds a unfamiliar pouch in hers, with 10 ounces of gold and a note from the King wishing her a good life. She just sit and stare at the gold, completely speechless. Eventually she wonder if the King have always secretly given gold to every concubine he gives away, or just her? And in that case, why?


    My guess is he always does it so they can be their best for their new man, and it''s just a nice bonus that it will mess with Kari''s head.


    <hr>


    I give Iselin, Ciara and Bodil earplugs and show them how to use it, and possibly shorten them a bit if it is really uncomfortable. Their pointed ears are quite cute and easier to grab the top of and lift, but the earplugs fit well, and apart from Iselin, the others haven''t tried it before. They think it feels funny but understand, and they make a lot of amusing faces, act like goldfish, and speak loudly when they hear themselves muffled and sound different. So I give a little lesson in why, where I include that one''s own voice doesn''t sound like you hear since the speech travels via the jawbone and the head directly to the ear. Iselin and Alith have already received that lesson. I show Bodil that the earmuffs she made can be combined with earplugs to dampen more and I let her to borrow them as well. Alith wonders why she isn''t given any earplugs and I just look at her. Alith giggles and admits that she would take them out - of course only to be alert and aware of dangers.


    Yeah. Sure.


    Even though Alith have tested before, she try to have earplugs just to be part of the shared experience, and this also applies to Gunhild and Hillevi who have a separate room in another building. Everyone try eating crispbread with earplugs. The funny yellow foam rubber that the plugs are made of is very interesting to them.


    We eat a hearty feast with plenty of grilled meat as supper, as the farm has prepared it for us on the King''s orders.


    <hr>


    The anxiety hasn''t really subsided in the evening. I try to postpone going to bed, and finishing the kikare and their pouches, but I have a hard time concentrating. Fucking anxiety. Hehe. For fucking. But I have washed myself thoroughly, tidied up the bed, prepared drinks and tried to sit and sketch houses, which I now know will be constructed and certainly much faster than I thought. I''ll need to focus on completing the drawings, and I hope I don''t do any terrible mistakes for things I haven''t thought of. I''ve had to make quite a lot of changes already to include things that life here requires. Not least large stores of food and other things. We won''t be able to take the car and go shopping for food a couple of times a week.


    However, my distraction ends when Kari knocks and steps in. I can''t deny she is a stately divine woman and she stands there expectant with a small smile, and I rise to meet her. She is wearing a beautiful dress, without earrings, but with a bracelet, necklace and gold headband. I take her hands and hug her. It feels so very strange and a little uncomfortable. Then I kiss her, and have to hold her back to ask if she really wants to do this tonight. I feel like a complete moron when I hear myself, and thinking back on what she said on the trip and that I just had to hold her back. But she just nods with a big sinful smile, and ask me to undress her.


    I choose to start with a little tender foreplay she definitely appreciates - which we both appreciate. Not as fumbling teenager as it was with Ciara, and increasingly like horny teenagers. Her enthusiasm and hunger really gets my engine revving. Then I see her black set of lingerie and the most luxurious Valhalla to date, with golden embroidery and a black gemstones hanging in a beautiful gold buckle. It matches Kari and her existing necklace perfectly, and after continued foreplay, I feel deeply honored as I open the buckle.


    <hr><hr>


    When Robert went into his room and Kari started bathing to prepare for her longed for evening with Robert, I made sure to take Hillevi and Gunhild outside in the garden so we could talk and inform them about important things. As the Captain of the Guard it was my duty now, as the highest ranking guard. My respect for Robert increased a little more because he knew someone needed rank, and thought I was the most suitable. Although I feel quite a lot of pressure since they have been Royal Guards and are more experienced and older than me. It feels wonderful to be able to call my Sir ''Lord'', and I am a true Lords ''Captain of the Guard''.


    I inform them that their new Lord is very special, and I''m pleased that Kari has given them clear information about Sejdmann and the groups dynamics and situation, so they won''t disturb anything, and instead enjoy the next six months. They are still Kari''s friends, but she''s made it clear that her husband Robert now comes before friendship. I can just imagine how much Kari enjoyed saying that to them. Her husband Robert.


    My Lord, Furst Sejdmann Robert Arnesson. I like that.


    Kari have also tried to prepare them for what a shock it will be when they eventually will stand there, and experience something they before thought impossible or unthinkable. But it is my job to really make them understand, and the yellow earplugs have helped, so I let them look and test a borrowed kikare and a North Arrow. They are mightily impressed to hold and try something that only the King otherwise has and they understand the Kings reaction.


    I confirm what Kari has said, and also that their new Lord really is a man from Midg?rd and arrived with Bifrost this summer. I have to make it absolutely clear how important it is to think about our Lords honor and not offend it, and what is important to our Lord. Bodil and I will protect his honor against them if needed. Our Lord won''t beat, scold or punish them in any of the usual ways as withholding pay, even when they take liberties they usually shouldn''t, as I did during the wagon journey to the farm. Do it right and in private among those closest, and our Lord will instead appreciate it and be grateful, for he is so uncomfortable with his high status here, and being a Furst will make it worse for him. The fact that he don''t like to be called ''Lord'' is proof, but we need to make him used to hearing it, and we need to get in the habit to call him that. But, he will appreciate and be more relaxed in their company if they treat him like a friend when it is private. It''s easier to see the service as being with friends at home, and only in service outside the home, or when there are guests. It also helps our Lord to begin to trust them. Our Lord has many, many great secrets, and I doubt we even understand how enormous.


    They will certainly be involved in his project and I explain for them how we all have already earned so much more from our service than we expected, and our Lord expect us to be cleaner than ever before, and nicely dressed. It''s not to boast, or because we''re Shieldmaidens. It''s for our health and so we feel more respected. They should bathe every third day, and wash thoroughly every day. Our Lord does it without thinking, and wash his hands and face several times a day if he''s been working, and have several times mentioned missing better baths, washing facilities, and toilets. Among the first things he gave Iselin and Ciara where a soap, a towel and a comb. They need to adapt.


    They will surely receive gifts just because our Lord is generous and wants them well, and they will learn how generous Sejdmann Robert Arnesson is towards his surroundings and friends.


    And they will see the future before everyone else.

 Borgarsandr - day 15, Complications

    Borgarsandr, day 15


    Complications


    Muted bird song from the outside wakes me up and I almost want to join them in singing as everything is wonderful. There is sound and movement outside the room, but for me, right there and now, it''s just peaceful and I am deeply happy. I am now a woman, and lying next to me is my wonderful husband Robert.


    Robert tried to be so careful and tender, really assured himself that I truly wanted us to have sex and that I didn''t feel forced, and then he focused on making my first time really special. My husband is a tender and skilled lover who really cares about me, instead of a conqueror who takes what he wants, and then throws me aside. Freya will have a great sacrifice.


    Robert really appreciated my underwear and they felt so luxurious, and it was so satisfying when he helped me take off the dress and saw the underwear. His eyes and face told me everything and they have been worth every ounce of silver, and I was right that Robert would like the black color, but it was expected considering his shorts and t-shirts.


    Robert took his time to kiss me and caress my body, cover me with small kisses and gently touch me as he methodically explored me with his hand and fingers, mouth and tongue. Enjoyed every inch of my body and made sure I enjoyed the sensations. It is interesting that adult human women in Midg?rd might still have what they call hymen, but it''s unusual among Elven women except when they''re very young. I loved that he asked, and that he was afraid that my first time might hurt or there might be a little blood, and he used his fingers to make sure that I was ready, and didn''t take me with force.


    My mind is flooded with the horrible memory of all the terrible panic and dreadful shame when I reached climax, and to my horror realised that I peed on his hand. I had made sure to go to the toilet and washed thoroughly before, so nothing would disturb our night! I will never forget Roberts eyes. His surprise and how his whole face changed when he understood my panic and dread, and instantly hugged me and tried to calmed me down. He wouldn''t let me go, and prevented me from fleeing the room while he said that it was normal. Human women sometimes do the same, more or less vigorously, and he explained about squirting. With a calm voice he repeated over and over that it was normal, and just a sign that I was enjoying sex, and that it isn''t something that I could control. That I shouldn''t feel ashamed of it, or afraid to have sex. The reason I''ve never heard of it before is probably because no-one ever mention if it happens - since they''re ashamed of something completely natural that they don''t understand.


    Eventually I stopped trying to escape, and he made me promise to stay in bed as he left to take out his thin gray towel, wiped us off, and put it underneath us. Then he continued to make love to me. Hold me. Kiss me. Continue to touch me body everywhere and satisfy me as if nothing happened, and without caring that it might happen again. It did happened again as he lay on top and from the wonderful feeling of him inside me, and stronger than the first time, but I just had to accept that my body will do that, and Robert barely reacted, focused on making sure I knew that it wasn''t something that would prevent us from enjoying each other. Enjoying sex. Robert accepted me for who I truly am, and what I can''t do anything about. In that moment I knew I truly loved Robert, and much deeper than I had expected to do in a long time.


    My wonderful husband is lying there on his stomach next to me, with his arm outside the bed and his head in the pillow. I gently press my body against his, to feel his warmth and skin against mine. Just enjoy lying in bed with my husband. Gently I feel the hairs on his body, while I think about how it has been a much more wonderful night than I ever imagined. What I''ve feared for many, many years would be my first experience, and it could have been so much more horrible than I ever imagined.


    I can''t imagine that many men would truly accept and be happy for a woman like me, and I will forever cherish the memory of how Robert held and comforted me when my mind filled with horrific thoughts of what a gross insult I am: A Concubine given by The King, who pees on her husband when they have sex.


    Robert might be the only man who would truly accept me, and he wasn''t content with hugging, kissing and taking her - he skillfully used his mouth, tongue and fingers between my legs, aware of what might happen, and saying that I was worth the risk. My enjoyment was worth the risk. I will never forget those eyes. Such a wonderful evening and night, because my wonderful caring husband is who he is, and I love him so much.


    I just wish I was more than a friend and concubine in Robert''s heart - just like Iselin. Iselin who let the man she rightly loves above all else, spend a night alone with me, so my first night made me feel special. Truly a glorious gift, and I do feel special and blessed lying beside my husband''s warm body and hearing his calm, almost silent, breathing.


    The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    I will do my utmost to prevent Iselin from ever feeling pushed aside, and I will try my best to avoid feeling jealous of Iselin - or Ciara - but they are no real threat to my future with Robert. Ciara is likely to always have a special connection to Robert - anyone can see that - and I completely understand why Ciara wanted that agreement, and did everything to make herself more desirable in his eyes. I will try to avoid what Ciara feel is her niches.


    I will also slowly try to get Robert to marry both Iselin and me at the proper intervals, and I will pray to Freya so that it can somehow be more socially acceptable, even though none of us are desirable wives, and absolutely without Robert feeling forced to marry us. Becoming Robert''s wife is a wonderful dream, but above all, my soul and body are the only things I truly value. Truly mine. My soul and body are the most precious gifts that I can give to Robert, as a thank you for my future life with him.


    But, on the other hand, if any other woman tries to have something more than just a night of carnal pleasures with Robert, or threatens our little group or push herself in between us and Robert... then she will have to pray to the Gods for mercy, for I won''t have any, and Robert''s status and knowledge will keep my quiver full of arrows.


    Robert is OURS.


    <hr><hr>


    Time goes by like in a trance; there are adjustments both for me and the others, and after requests I am more than receptive to, I will order a new larger bed, with the best possible mattress, pillows, duvet and bed sheets. Three sets. Every time Kari accompanies me, a set will need to be washed.


    I hadn''t anticipated that disadvantage, and it came as a horrible surprise for Kari, but it''s so important that I down play it for her and our sake. There is nothing she can do, and she looked so horrified and tried to escape from the bed, and probably the room. My thoughts went wild while I held her and tried to calmed her down, for my empathy, compassion and protective instinct had immediately struck, and struck hard. The only thing that mattered was to comfort, make her feel safe, and ensure that it doesn''t become a huge issue in our relationship and future together. So I did my absolute best, and I will continue to do so, and I realised that I had immediately accepted that it will sometimes be unpleasant. But that matters far less than Kari''s happiness and that she feels safe. Everything else is just problems to be solved, or minimising the impact of. Maybe we should try to have sex in the morning instead, so that we don''t sleep in a wet bed, or try to have sex in places other than the bed, like on the floor, against the walls or on furnitures.


    It''s quite ironic that my empathy, compassion and protective instinct have led to me having more feelings for Kari, and that I''m motivated to continue having sex with her, so she know that her squirting it''s not a problem, than if we just had sex and enjoyed each other - like with Alith. Alith is still just a friend, and time will tell if that include occasional ''benefits'', while Kari immediately became something more due to an unexpected complication that makes me try to ''fix'' the problem, wanting to help, comfort and make everything well - no matter how it affects myself.


    I''m slight annoyed with myself, since I no longer see Kari as just a friend, even though I don''t love her. Feels like what happened with Ciara when I understood how she was treated, after she became mine. I know this is a personality problem, but I can''t really stop it. Thankfully, rational logical thinking helps in most cases, and I don''t need to save others like some kind of addict needing a ''high'', but I do avoid putting myself in situations where empathy might strike. But if it has struck? It has. And the greatest risk is when it happens abruptly and unexpectedly, like with Kari.


    Accept reality, learn and move on.


    I actually avoid watch nature documentaries where animals suffer, fully aware of the laws of nature and the harsh reality. Very manly of me.


    <hr>


    It is an ineffective morning, as nothing really is done, and I just accept that this will be a lazy day. So I try to relax, enjoy life and go for a walk with the wonderful woman who shares my bed. But with three women sharing my bed, and in the company of four female guards, one of whom I have occasionally shared it with, it mostly feels... oppressive, and difficult to be fair as I only have two arms. It helps that Iselin and Kari take a trip to the town to shop, so I can spend some alone time with Ciara, before focusing on Iselin and Kari. It was nice, and we all enjoyed eating cookies, fruits and fresh baked buns on the coastal cliffs in the sun. Kari''s starting to influence Ciara too, or Ciara has just started to regain lessons from her own upbringing, and it is impressive how dignified she looks while sitting on a small rock, eating a carrot.


    In front of the others, I give Alith the third kikare, due to her position as my guard captain. It''s not Alith''s personal kikare, but she decide who can borrow it depending on how the guards are distributed. But it is theirs to freely use, and they behaved as if I''ve given them a child to protect. There''s hardly any difference compared to my own in image quality, but I can rank them. Bodil is water and wood forming a pair of lens covers in leather that we''ll attach to the kikares intended mounts tonight when they are dry.


    One thing I have noticed is that Gunhild and Hillevi have nice looking chain mail and swords. Not surprising since they worked for the King, but I will give chain mail to Alith and Bodil as a ''thank you'' for their service so far, all three weeks of it. The reality is that I need guards who are well equipped to prove my status, especially now that I''m a Furst, and I prefer to raise Alith and Bodil instead of pushing them aside to prioritize Gunhild and Hillevi. Gunhild would probably be the best Captain since she is more than five years older than Kari, and have been a Shieldmaiden for almost 14 years. But I trust Alith more, and logically it''s the smarter thing to do, to keep her loyalty and appreciation.


    Damn all this status thinking, but it is hugely important here so I just have to adapt, and it would be stupid to ignore Kari''s lessons about it.

 Borgarsandr - day 15, Plans

    As we eat the midday meal, I roughly explain my plans for the houses, our mansion and the Academy, but without going into details. I show my drawings and sketches first on the basic 6 by 4 meter house and explains that it is intended to be a standard house for small families or simpler craftsman. I call it a 6x4 house since that is the house dimensions in meters. It is much smaller than a longhouse, and basically a very small two-room apartment, but it''s not intended to have animals indoor or a huge family with many slaves, where 10-20 people will live in the same longhouse. My intention is to combine with a separate barn or a barn built as an extension of the house, which is the reason that one short side doesn''t have any windows. It''s also possible to mirror another 6x4 house so they share this common wall. This small house will be much brighter since it will have proper windows, and have built-in fireplace with chimney. I explain the small hall with a ladder and hatch to the attic, the living room with a small cold storage under an insulation floor hatch, and finally the bedroom or storage room. The attic crawlspace will be separated in two spaces so that the chimney only heat one area, so that half is slightly warmer during winter, and the other half lack insulation so it can be a dry cold storage for fruit and other goods during winter. This building have no roof insulation, just thick ceiling insulation under the attic''s floorboards.


    With the King''s building support, a large number of workers will have to be trained in new building style and technology, so my idea is to have two building teams that each will build a 6x4 house as practise and to learn. If necessary, we can live in these houses while they build our mansion, since the workers will live in tents. I hope our mansion will be finished before winter, but I can''t count on it since it is big, and only when these two small houses are ready will they start building our mansion. That also gives another team time to clear the ground and prepare the mansions foundation, since those will be a lot of stone work. Then they will start building the Academy''s mighty school building, although there will be other buildings in between, as we will need a barn for our horses and the other animals we must have. We might start moving in to the mansion before every room is finished, and live there while they finish the interior and everything is upgraded. Time will tell, and as soon as the wing is finished it should be quite comfortable, since the main building is basically just rooms. Far more comfortable than our longhouse here.


    Hillevi and Gunhild are especially surprised by my sketches, since they probably expected either a large castle-like building, or a more common feast hall longhouse. No-one expected what I designed. I still haven''t told them about the amenities I plan and really hope will be good. Iselin want to know, but she wish to be surprised more, and she mostly think about practical matters for food storage and animals. Ciara don''t seem to be curious at all and completely trust me that it will be good, and she assume that I know more about buildings than her. Kari respect Iselin''s wish and she too want to be surprised, and I think she don''t want to give the impression of being less trusting then them, although she do try to give me all the information I need to avoid any cultural errors. Which is pretty much to make it impressive, think about servants and that I should have a impressive separate room, and that a couple more rooms for future wives, concubines and children would be good. She really have no idea. I''ve got plans, Oh yes!


    Of course I want to build something that will hopefully lead to better houses for everyone when the technology and style becomes known. The smaller buildings doesn''t have to be expensive to build, it just requires a lot of logs, work and time, which many houses already do. The more special and tricky part is the fireplace and chimney, and the truly expensive part are the windows, but it is possible to reduce the windows size or remove one of the big windows in the living room, and of course take the loss in insulation and not use double windows. During the winter months there isn''t much daylight anyway and a couple of layers of thin white curtains might be pulled in front of the windows to give layers of air and increase insulation.


    But the design I chose for our mansion is special; spacious and with privacy in the form of many rooms even if they are smaller than most western humans would like. The whole building will be extra well insulated with hopefully plenty of amenities, and also relatively high security. I don''t want to live like the Vikings or like in the Middle Ages, nor am I looking for a castle or have with a ballroom, etc. My goal is to live like the higher middle class did in rural 19th century or later. Preferably later.


    Our mansion won''t be the Academy, it is our home, but it might be the Academy until the rest is built. I really plan to avoid it, so that our mansion will feel like our home, not a public place. I really need it to feel like my home, and that means privacy. As much privacy as possible and only for me and my girlfriends, even with guards, servants and guests. The Academy''s buildings will be scattered on the islands, so different needs are fulfilled. It''s more effective to spread some parts out, but the focus will be on a craftsman village with the big main knowledge center and school building just outside, and whatever else pops up. I must plan for flexibility, and expanding in stages.


    When our mansion is finished, I hope to build an almost similar one as the knowledge center and Academy main building with two wings in U shape or long L shape, which is adjacent to the craftsman village, and it will probably be a boarding school for every age with dormitories on the third floor. I also intend to establish a smaller independent primary school where children, or everyone, can be sent to live and learn basic reading-writing-arithmetic and other basic knowledge. Well, what I consider really basic knowledge. Once they''ve learned that, they can start taking other courses or crafts. I guess that the primary school will have a six months focus, like October-March, so the children can be at home and help parents with farm life during the summer. Primary school is intended to be cheaper but everyone isn''t supposed to send their kids here, it is for the local area and mainly the Islands inhabitants, as I hope it might inspire more primary schools in other regions, and an increase in literacy in the Kingdoms regions. On the other hand, I hope to be able to give the islands children free education, and hopefully the adults as well.


    Primary school include overnight stay and a few days of living in the school or adjacent building, so that students doesn''t have to travel very far every day, which will include boat trips which might be problematic, and there is also winter weather. It''s much more effective use of time if they stay there, and I can also then ensure that the children eat a more varied and healthy food during school days. If the students are from a larger area it just make sense to make school weekly, where two classes change at the end of each week, so six days of study, one day to travel back home, six days at home, and one day to travel to school. Maybe I should make that five days school, and seven days at home, so the teachers get a bit of free time too.


    They really like my idea of teaching everyone the basics, and educating the common people. And most of them aren''t surprised that I plan to abolish slavery on my Islands, so I do mean everyone. I really don''t like that slaves will be building our home and Academy, but it would be stupid to say no to the Kings very generous offer, and he might be offended, but I plan to make it better for the slaves there. I also need to see reality here and how they work and live to try to improve it.


    They''re correct that most won''t need to be able to read and write, and might not need what I consider ''basic'' math, but it is a status boost, and it is quite easy to convince them why reading and writing is useful for common farmers and workers too. They have a hard time understanding that I plan to make a library available for everyone, and that it will be filled with books in a lot of subjects that even the common person will find useful. It will take generations to really change the region or the Kingdom, but it need to start somewhere. There will also be a lot of brilliant people or people with good ideas and a fascination for science hiding in the general population, and they need to be found and educated. People like my fianc¨¦e Iselin. Education will give people hope, pride, more worth, and increase social movement. Industrial revolution will also require educated workers, engineers and managers.


    They''re curious about my own education, which is a tricky question to answer, but I tell them that I''ve had 16 years of education since I was 7 years, and where I come from, every child gets at least 9 years, and the Kingdom use taxes to pay for it. It is free, although we don''t live at those schools. But they should also know that children usually have preschool kindergarten for a few years too, since both parents usually work and kindergarten combine childcare with playing and teaching. I will be trying something similar too, and involve the elderly, so there will be a stronger community and shared work, but kindergarten will be a very local form of smaller ''rain and shine'' preschools, so not much difference from how they do now, just more organised and with more subjects taught.


    The discussions go quite wild after hearing all of that, but I bring us back to the subject and tell them that I don''t expect us to be attacked, and our mansion won''t be built as a defense structure, because I don''t want to live in a castle. Hopefully the Academy and I will be so respected that nothing happens, both because we don''t make enemies and because most people will actually like us, or just value us enough. On the other hand, there is a chance that people will try to steal things or silver from us, which can be like an attack if it''s basically a gang doing it. The mansion will have more defense than it seem to have, and some nasty surprises, and hopefully a couple of escape routes, but if someone lights it on fire, it will burn like hell since everything is wood, woodchips and sawdust, and there doesn''t seem to be anything to use as impregnation for fire protection. I don''t tell them that a lot of the defense is honestly because it is interesting to design and build. It is cool and practical.


    If they stay as my guards, I will trust them more in the future, but some of the security things will be installed or modified after it is completed by myself, so that builders and workers don''t know about it. It''s not included in the drawings, and some things that are prepared are incorrectly described. But the mansion will have so much special design and technology that few should react to it.


    If, on the other hand, something do happen, I will have to set an example, instantly and harshly. I''m not looking forward to that, but I have no choice as I have to show myself strong so that people will respect me, or at least fear my anger. Fear what I will do. Hopefully it won''t be needed, but unfortunately the world is full of morons, and some of them are powerful greedy assholes. Just think about how ''stupid'' the average human is, and realise that half the world is stupider.


    <hr>


    The weather is nice, so I lie down on a blanket in the shade of a tree and enjoy the day, and of course I have company. I''m starting to appreciate that Ciara seems to be completely content to just lie next to me. To just feel my embrace or she hugs me, without there being any uncomfortable silence or need to talk. Not that I''m whining that Iselin and Kari are also here, but they''re sometimes too lively, enthusiastic and curious and want to talk about everything. I answer, and it is nice - just not the same peacefulness.


    In general, the plan for amenities in our mansion is taken quite far. We will have servants and maids, which I''m ambivalent about, but unfortunately I need them because I don''t intend to take care of our animals, prepare the raw food, cook, bake, wash, clean etc, and the house will be big. I also must have servants simply due to status. Definitely a big downside that my now high status means that I should have a personal servant or maid and it is really culturally, socially and just generally wrong to let Ciara or Iselin act like it. Having a servant who is just waiting to be of service feels so very wrong, but I have to accept it will happen eventually. It''s not really much worse than having a guard standing and doing her job. But a future problem, and we can''t be too many while we live here. Also the farms maids help with cleaning. However, I have planned that my own part of our mansion is as far from the staff as possible. Just to avoid the noise, running about, and pressure of them being there. To feel more calm and in solitude. Sure, I myself will have the farthest to the toilet but I can live with that, and I sure as hell won''t use a chamber pot.


    Amenities include a laundry room, two dedicated bathrooms and a sauna. Everything in line on the outside of the wings corridor, and one bathroom is twice as big. I''ve prepared so that most of the rooms in the bottom floor of the wing can be converted to wet facilities, and most have drains, even the servants bedrooms. In the far corner there will be an indoor dry toilet, with three toilet cubicles with toilet lids and attempts to separate urine and poop and make composting toilets. I think it is better for the compost to separate urine, and the poop smells less when its dryer, and composting toilets have drains for a reason. Urine is also more useful than I expected. Since there will be three separate toilets and composts, we can try different things, like adding sawdust to one after each visit, and lime to another after each visit, just to see which works best. Separated good ventilation for the room and the compost, sealed lid and two doors with insulation between the toilet and the corridor, should keep the smell to a minimum. Compost, poop and urine are emptied from a completely separate basement room. A bonus is that should I need to use urine to make nitrates or experiments with explosives, it is available, and if they let urine stand for a month, it can then be used as an ink or stain remover, or just to make homogeneous fabric from woven fabric. I assume the urine is converting to ammonia, so that really have to stink. In the future, especially if it doesn''t work well, the toilets may be converted to modern wet toilets, and the entire section between the toilet cubicles down to the room below will be prepared for it.


    The mansion will have a water system. My servants won''t have to run and constantly fetch water in buckets. It''s unnecessary work and I like taps more than jugs because someone has to hold a jug, and if I want to wash myself taps are better, so I easily can manage it myself. Hot water is nice, especially because it gives a short time from when you want a bath until it occurs, or a shower. I really want a shower, and it uses less water and save a lot of time and work compared to a bathtub. Also avoids the need for servants to help with water and other things. But bathtubs will be available if anyone would want it, and it''s kind of nice to share a bathtub with my girlfriends.


    The principle for a water system is really simple. Container with water up high, which flows down pipes and out of a tap and down into a sink, and on to a drain. As long as I designed so that everything with water requirement is close to each other in the same wing, and with a big attic, that part was easy. It''s the details that gets tricky. So, large water tanks in the attic, which the walls can handle since they''re somewhat oversized already and with thick roof beams, log walls, a couple of masonry walls between wet areas and two chimneys. All will help to take the weight without any issue. I also have enough silver that I can make the water system in copper. I will use the old principle with an inside copper-clad wooden barrel, so the barrel contain the weight and for stability, while copper inhibit microorganisms and make waterproof connections for pipes easier. The insulation will initially be an outer layer of a lot of sawdust or wood shavings, as will most other insulation on the buildings.


    So four to six large tanks of water, probably around 300L each, two for hot water and two to four for cold water, with valves so we can choose if both are connected and which one gets emptied. It is all so that hopefully they can be serviced or repaired alternately, and one of the hot barrels might not be hot. Multiple tanks are easier to make and install, can spread the weight on the beams, and use both of the kitchen chimneys for heating so that at least one barrel is always warm. Honestly, the water doesn''t have to be particularly hot, there''s no real need for 60C or more, and what I want to avoid are cold showers, baths and laundry, and 30-35C is enough. I usually wash hands and face in cold water but I suspect most will appreciate the option, and a warm shower or bath that isn''t scalding hot is preferable. Warm water heating using waste heat from the kitchen chimneys won''t be particularly efficient, and the fireplace design isn''t really energy efficiency from start, but it should work. In principle, a hot water barrel encase the chimney, and thick copper plates pass through the flue. It will make it way harder to sweep the chimneys, but I just have to make a better chimney brush, and the flues are straight but tall and thick to take some abuse and transfer heat better. There sure as hell won''t be chimney boys climbing in chimneys on my property.


    Getting the water up to the water tanks is another problem, but I hope to be able to use external pressure from a higher reservoir or a pump from a well, but it all depends on available fresh water sources on the islands. Alternatives are wind power that pumps up all the time, and a return flow pipe if the tank is full or a simple valve that stops or disconnects. No matter what, there will be a simple crank wheel or hand pump to use at the well as a backup. Using manpower to pump would be easy and having someone pump up water once or twice a day to fill the tanks isn''t enormously time consuming, and if the water pressure is enough, there will be no major problems. I want clean water so a covered well is better, and it need large capacity because there will be high water usage in the mansion. Also don''t want any birds to shit in our drinking water. It might be an good idea to create some type of water filter from the well, and make sure there are no livestock nearby where the run-off flows towards the well. I already plan to construct all buildings on terrain that is bad for farming or rasing livestock, as that just makes more sense. To build housing on good farmland is stupid.


    Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.


    But drinking water is extremely important, so I want a backup plan, and the mansion will have a water collection system where rain is collected via the roof gutters. The gutters will be there anyway and their flow handled, so I have designed that some will be diverted to fill large masonry reservoirs in each end of the basement, where the water is gradually replaced when it rains so they stay full. The primary reservoirs will also be copper clad. Those roof parts where the roof gutters are hard to use, the flow will just be diverted away from the house and foundation, but I might as well have it fill rain barrels, or a pond. Maybe I should make a small pond on the south or west side? Could look nice too. But that depends on the terrain where the mansion is built.


    I hope the insulation will be good enough and last well, because insulation keeps warmth inside during the winter, and outside in the summer. I might try to install ceiling fans, but I am not sure how to power them, but it might be wind power or steam power, maybe electric if the mansion gets a proper electrical system, and I can make efficient enough electric motors. Lots of if there. I wonder if I could use the steam boiler system to circulate cold waters from a buried reservoir during summer and again powered by wind turbines. Not sure how much difference it will make in indoor temperature, but in this case quite a high flow pump is important. I just really dislike something that might fuck up the boiler system, since heat is more important than cooling. So my first plan will be to try sucking up cool air from the basement into the house a really hot summer day, so there will be prepared ducts for that. Having options to try are good, and so much easier and not a lot of extra work if done right from the design stage, instead of trying to add it after the mansion is built.


    We also need heat in the house, and I don''t want fireplaces everywhere. A fireplace and stove will of course be in the kitchen, and there will be two. A combination fireplace with separate bread oven, hotplates etc, and a fireplace with hooks etc to be able to grill something large, or just boil big vessels and it will be closer to what they''re used to. But I don''t want fireplaces lit everywhere in the mansion, so my plan have been to try to combine scattered heating so that there is a fireplace, the back of a fireplace or a warmer chimney in most rooms, and where fireplaces also serve as strengthening pillars for the upper floor and the house as a whole, without being a fire hazard for the walls. But fireplaces might make sooty, smoky, smelly rooms, and dry air irritate my nose, lips and throat. I don''t like fireplaces, and they must also be maintained, monitored in use, take lots of firewood, etc. My mother likes fireplaces, wood-fired bread ovens and such - not me. I feel uncomfortable to have fires everywhere in a wooden building, and for carbon monoxide poisoning.


    That''s a thought; fire. Fire extinguisher. I should definitely build and place simpler fire extinguishers as well as fire blankets, and fire escape ladders. I will have to test which material works best, and have to try with a really thick wool blanket first to smother the fire. Ooh! A Lightning rod!


    Crap! Everything really is wood, sawdust etc. Is there even something I can impregnate it with that doesn''t make it more flammable?


    Anyway, there will be quite a few fireplaces, and the plans have seven chimneys and sixteen flues, but hopefully I can make and install a working steam boiler system, and this can then also heat the hot water tanks and every room, so the kitchen is the only place using the fireplaces, and the kitchen will have a stone floor. Two ways for heating living spaces and water are better than one way. I like flexibility and backup plans. It might be that if it gets really cold the steam boiler might not be enough, so fireplaces can help, and the steam boiler might break down in the middle of winter.


    The plan is a boiler room in the basement corner between the wing and the main building. Wood intake through the basement with a sizeable storage for wood in the boiler room and basement. The mansions design require a sloping ground, so that the wing can have a basement. The steam boiler will probably be a rather primitive vertical design with a water tank that stands on top of a fireplace, with channels for the smoke to heat the water. Preferably a more efficient model with a bundle of pipes so that the smoke is led up through the water and where the fire is surrounded by metal walls with water outside. It is more efficient in heating the water, or at least has thick coupling plates that reflect and conduct heat to the water instead of heating stone, or warming the air for the crows.


    The system need to be low pressure considering the material and the joints, so probably large diameter main line to increase steam flow, which also requires a larger steam boiler that provides steam volume, not high pressure as for a steam engine. One steam line that goes out to the end of the wing, and two that go to the main building, one for each end, so they all cover about the same room area, which should make it easier with temperature regulation. From these mainlines, side lines go out to simpler heating radiators on both floor, and then the recirculation back to the boiler, which is easy as the boiler will be in a basement and lower than everything, so condensate will collect and flow to the lowest point which will be the water tank.


    I need to create manometers, safety valves, control valves for heat control, sight glass for the water tank, main vent, a ''low water'' valve that shuts of the air to the fire, thermometers and so on. And a steam whistle. Just because it''s fun, and can be handy for signalling something. Or just scare the residents nearby, but I wonder how much it will sounds with low pressure. I might have to go with a high flow whistle instead of high pressure.


    For ventilation, the plan is mostly passive and I hope it''s enough. All windows have small air intakes in the upper edge of the window that can be closed. Then there are chimneys and fireplaces spread out, and some rooms have ducts that go up through the ceilings or that go outside, as well as in the light tunnels to the basement. Install a pair of dampers, shutters and presto; ventilation. It should be sufficient and provide good enough ventilation for the rooms and attic, otherwise I may make some of those roof turbines that rotate when the wind blows, and the air is sucked up and out. It is mostly toilets, kitchens and wet areas that I am worried about for various reasons; the smell of toilets, the heat from two fireplaces in the kitchen and the moisture in wet areas.


    Room light and illumination is a big problem. Glass windows are the first and best way to make a room brighter, and there will be a lot of windows everywhere, but windows only work during the day and in the winter there is only 6-8 hours of light, and those days are often gray and dark. We might not see sunlight for weeks. Lanterns and candles will need to be made and used. I really dislike any open flames, always have, and especially in a large wooden house with dry unprotected wood. Definitely no torches on the walls or small fire baskets I''ve seen larger halls have, but of course our mansion won''t have stamped earth or even stone floors except in the wing, and the rich often use candles even though I doubt it is paraffin candles. They don''t smell like paraffin candles.


    For the basement and where there is no outer wall to make a window in, there will be light tunnels down through stone and wooden walls. Not perfect, but low light is better than no light. The best would have been planned light paths with real light tunnels, or with prisms and mirrors to efficiently bounce light, or a type of fiber optics, but it is too cumbersome, expensive and impractical to do with their technological level. So I will try to whitewash the stone and wood so the light bounce down better, and if that don''t work I will put brass plate on the inside. They have paints here that adhere well to wood and stone, and paint must be cheaper than brass plates, and might be better in the long run than metal that oxidises. There should be some cheap lime sludge paint to slab on, and I just hope there won''t grow mold or so on it. Maybe I could mix some copper in the paint? Maybe lead white is better in the light tunnels? I could paint most of the spaces in the basement so they become whiter and reflect light, instead of dark stone on walls and ceilings that absorb light. I can also paint the interior walls in some rooms such as the kitchen to make them become brighter and easier to keep clean and as moisture protection, but it needs to be paint.


    What would be really nice is electric and electric lighting. But that is a damn big step. Huge. If I make the steam boiler system work, a steam turbine or steam engine with an electric generator can be an option, or a Stirling generator, but it requires finely made parts so it will take a while. Varying loads when it is switched on and off is a problem, so maybe a battery-powered DC system with, for example, 24V lead batteries can be better, so the generator keeps them topped, and voltage is stabilized. But I''m happy if there will be a few LED lights in the corridors and some rooms, and preferably a couple of work lights for me. The real problem is actually the light source - not producing electricity - and I only have a few LEDs I can use, so not many LED lights or a lot of light for a whole huge house. Light bulbs etc are their own problem, and it is no small problem.


    I plan to build a water wheel for the future smithy, with a power hammer, rotating grindstone and fan system, and it is intended to use the lake that the smaller island hopefully has here too. Else I will have to make a dam. If I can solve a rainwater reservoir on high ground with extra pumping of wind power, maybe occasionally electricity via hydropower can become available even without a steam-powered generator. But voltage regulation is a bit iffy, and I wonder if I can make a slightly self-regulating generator, either in speed, or via electromagnetic control. Eh, it is a future challenge and problem.


    I actually have a compact multimeter with me, a small lightweight Uni-T UT120C in the ''fix it kit'' along with bit set for my multitool etc, and so useful when I start working with electricity. Above all, I can use it for calibration of a moving coil instrument I will try to build. I could have done that without my UT120C, but it is practical. I can also for example use 5V USB outputs or new batteries as a form of reference until I have arranged a better voltage reference from for example the radio or something else, since ''close enough'' is enough for most usage, and a new standard AA Energizer has about 1.6V and an AA lithium at about 1.85V, if the load is low. Moving coil instrument isn''t that hard as long as the sensitivity doesn''t have to be high or the measuring current too low, but I doubt it will have a full range of even 100¦ÌA, but 1-10mA is still okay for a lot of use, and I can make simpler resistors, capacitors and coils. Even if I couldn''t directly calibrate the scale, a wheatstone bridge style meter would work to make something better.


    In a few years, I hope to actually be able to try to make a simple amplifying vacuum tube, but it will be a very, very long way to go. So many machines and other things must be created and it is still only the beginning as there are also material problems to get usable lifespan and performance. If King Asbj?rn really understood how advanced machines I will try to manufacture to even be able to try to reach some my goals? Talk about shocking.


    My dream is to jump about 700 years ahead in a lot of knowledge and industrial development. Hubris? If there is an actually production, even if it is small and by hand, of Alfheimr vacuum tubes, lead acid batteries, electromechanics and copper wire etc, when I leave this world one way or another - I will be quite please with my life here. Above all, they can then begin to have radio contact, or at least telegraphy.


    If I know myself, it''s only a matter of time before I have set up a simple intercom system, since an electromechanical telephone system with cranks, bells and dynamic microphones and speakers isn''t particularly complicated. It only requires fine mechanics, lots of fine copper wire, magnets, brass, glass/ceramics/porcelain and wood, although it will certainly be manufacturing problems I haven''t thought of. I would prefer it to call servants instead of pulling a string with a bell and the service system will only be from certain rooms, three to six or so, and a maid would probably prefer to run once with something instead of first asking what is desired. Have I built a working system within the house, then maybe a short distance phone system to parts of the island could work, but is it useful for anything? Building something just because I can will happen - and probably a lot - but I should of course limit a lot to practical stuff and not just because it is interesting, or a challenge.


    I really don''t want a maid just standing there waiting to be of service. Urk! It''s bad enough that Iselin, Ciara and Kari act as maids for me now, because how hard is it really to pour my own drink? But they have seriously told me I must let servants help me in the future, and above all Kari has methodically explained that my status requires that I have someone to do it, because even if it is not actually needed - it is needed. What I do behind closed doors is one thing, but if we have higher status guests, it is important, so if we only sit at the table ourselves in the future, I need to use maids or waiters for many meals, so it becomes routine for me. All that ''Lord'' nonsense is the same.


    Although I guess Iselin, Ciara and Kari would really like to be called ''Furstess'', or ''Lady'', and I want to make them happy. Yeah... Woe me... ppffh!


    We''ve had discussions about that when we''re in bed, but just because we''ve fucked each others brains out doesn''t mean I will give in to some things. I basically already compartmentalize things to my Furst Sejdmann Arnesson persona, and I just have to learn to try making that act seem real when we have guest or are in public places. The problem is those things that isn''t something to act, and Kari has made it clear that in the future when I probably marry Iselin, she can no longer do certain things she''s done so far, because as a wife with high status she should have maids who do it, and I get that it affects Kari as a future wife as well. Ciara as my concubine shouldn''t do some things either. Argh. It would have been better if I offered and Ciara had contented herself with being my personal maid with sex, than my concubine, but done is done and she is so damn happy to be my concubine, so worth it - and I should just shut up and appreciate my partners. Again.


    But I''m so fed up with this damn status thinking all the time, even though I totally agree that washing clothes, cleaning, cooking, taking care of the house etc should be done by staff.


    I am not looking forward to having to set up a real farm with animals and everything around it, and growing food and taking care of the animals, but it is needed since it is idiotic to buy everything we need when I have plenty of land and can grow it myself. The point of owning land is to support one-self and provide food, firewood and other things.


    Unfortunately, a lot is connected in this world. We need animals for food, work and transport. But animals require food themselves, so we must cultivate fields, which the animals can help with. But we need many different animals and different crops and vegetables to get all the varied food we need, and animals have different purposes. To take care of all these animals, we will need people who work for us, because it will require a lot of manpower, which requires more food and buildings. Then buildings are required for certain productions as well, such as dairy, brewery, bakery etc, and everything need minimum support work like a smithy, and a wood working shop. So there will be many cultivated fields scattered over the islands with lots of people and buildings, with many different crops, and chickens, ducks, geese, sheep, pigs, cows, oxen and horses.


    To go back a few mental steps, producing electricity is a problem, but a manageable one as I can live with inefficiency and limited power. Delivering electricity is another that is also manageable, as long as it is low currents or shorter distances just across the islands. Production on demand won''t really be available, so storage is another problem as the current won''t be produced when I need it, or in the amount I need it, so in the end the electric system needs to be direct current (DC), which means that rectification becomes its own problem to solve, and another problem is charging the battery. Electricity use will at least in the first years be simpler electromechanics things such as telegraphs or telephones that should be manageable problems, and electric motors are likely to be the primary electric power consumer in the future.


    Electric lighting is the biggest problem and also so enormously useful - the problem is converting electricity to light. The principle of a light bulb is simple, but making a tungsten filament lamp is so nope. I don''t remember all the steps to make tungsten soft and pliable, but there are so many and so carefully controlled, and I don''t even have tungsten. What does tungsten look like in nature? How can I even reach the high temperatures it needs? It''s so damn complicated to make tungsten useful. I''ve watched an Engineering Guy video about it, and it''s on tablet, but all the requirements all those steps have? No. That''s just absurd in this era. No point in even trying, but it is the kind of knowledge I can write down and save for future generations.


    The only thing I can practically do right now is a light bulb with a carbon rod or charred string and some inert gas like nitrogen if I can''t create a good enough vacuum. Maybe with CO2/nitrogen, but I don''t know if it is worth it for longevity, brightness, etc. A good light bulb is complicated and the details are fucking important if you want good brightness, longevity and practical to manufacture. Tungsten is used for its high melting point, but I can forget that, and things like a double spiral filament are ''difficult'' if it is a charred string instead of metal wire. I don''t want to spend my whole life solving just those things, but if I know myself there will be one or more electric light projects in the future when the overall electrical technology level reach there, and I don''t have anything more pressing to do. Or I just get completely feed up with candles or lanterns. Since I at least will have LEDs it might be a while.


    Fluorescent lamps can also be ignored due to gases and coatings. In the future I might possible make a mercury arc lamp, but it is not much simpler than a light bulb with the technology here, but it is probably the only powerful electric light I can make. Nernst lamp that uses a ceramic element that glows and works in the atmosphere might have worked, but how the hell should I make that ceramic element? It''s not just any ceramic, and I don''t remember which it is, but I have a small ceramic knife blade in the backpack that might work. The problem is I can''t recreate it for mass production, and it require higher voltage and current than I''m comfortable to feed it with, and I must create an electrical load to it as well. Maybe the ceramic blade will become one or two Nernst lamps, and they might be more worthwhile as a physics experiment because the ceramic only conducts electricity when it has been heated enough, and it is an insulator before.


    But avoiding sooty oil lamps, candles or fire would be so nice, much safer, and so much more convenient to be able to just turn on and off with a switch. High voltage light arc also feels ''nope'' as room illumination, but maybe fun to impress people.


    FEAR MY LIGHTNING! MuuhahaHAH!


    Will I become a mad engineer? A Frankenstein that the people fear? Feels like a lot of my projects aren''t necessary but... Fun? Eh, be honest with yourself. Because I can or want to see if I can, is more likely. I suspect I will annoy and scare people with projects just because it''s interesting or it''s fun. It is good to be the king!


    I mean Furst.


    <hr>


    In the evening we have some lessons, me and Ciara in vocabulary and most in reading / writing, and all in numbers and math. To learn the new numbers and interpret them for Gunhild and Hillevi, and to count for the others. It''s starting to move forward, but there will be a lot of lessons back and forth.


    It''s so nice to go to bed, and discover that Iselin is waiting for my company with a seductive smile. Yeah, life isn''t so bad after all.

 Borgarsandr - day 16, Pedr and Steel

    Borgarsandr, day 16


    Pedr and Steel


    It is morning when Master builder Pedr shows up, and after presentations, I show him my plans for the two 6x4 houses for practice, and our mansion, as well as most of the drawings, and give him the instructions book for how it is built, with pointers and important things. He has seen many log buildings before, and built a lot of them and log fortifications, but nothing that resembles this style and design with flattened logs, insulation, floors and ceilings, glass windows, storage, chimneys etc. I recognise what he describes he have seen, and quickly sketch to confirm what he mean, and I have of course seen such houses before as some are preserved or simply still used in the 1800s-1900s out in the woods or in the countryside. There''s quite a lot of reconstructed buildings too in Scandinavia and Europe.


    I am somewhat surprised that Master builder Pedr don''t know what a chimney is, but when I think about it, they don''t seem to have them here and I had to explain to the others as well yesterday. It will be fun to see everyone''s reactions if I can make everything work as I intend with heating, water, sewage and light. Here there is usually a stone lined fire pit in the middle of the room with a hole in the ceiling, especially in longhouses, and some doesn''t even have a hood over the hole to protect against the worst of rain and snow like in this longhouse. Although I did see a type of smoke hood high up the wall in the king''s throne room. It was quite common in rural Scandinavia during 1800s for workers and woodsmen to make small log huts and cabins without windows where the hole in the ceiling lets light in and smoke out, and where small ventilation holes at the bottom of the walls let fresh new air in. Efficient for heating, and easy, fast and cheap to build. A few skilled woodsmen with only and axe and saw might build it in days, and they where very common as outlier farm buildings or recreational cabins, although they might then have been upgraded with a little window or two.


    There''s plenty of log buildings left in Sweden, Norway and Finland, and hundreds that are older than 500 years. There are so many that at least in Sweden it is an unknown number, and most haven''t been dated. It''s quite a lot of work since the only way to date them is to compare tree rings, since the building might be 150 year old, or 600 year old. And it doesn''t help that a good log house can be taken a part, moved and reassembled in another place, or partly reused. Well built and at least partially maintained, a good log house last, and Master builder Pedr understands such things as a stone foundation is required for the house to last a long time.


    He is very fascinated and likes the idea of a masonry fireplace and chimney even if he doesn''t really understand why yet, and he definitely doesn''t understand why some things are very important such as even good sides in the chimney and trying to get good air circulation and draft in the chimney. Pretty much all chimneys will have a damper in the chimney so it can be closed, and will be prepared to accept a spark arrestor in the top, which just feels like a very good idea since most houses will have a wooden or some even a thatched roof. A spark arrestor also prevents birds from making nests in there.


    Then the fire will be on a grate, raised or not, so air can come in from below or from the ground / basement. There are differences between the fireplaces I designed for pure heating, and those for cooking, since the cooking ones have a simple arm to hang pots from, hooks to hang pots or meat in, barbecue skewers, and a couple of iron bars to hang meat for smoking up in the chimney etc, or like the stove that is just completely different with a bread oven and hot plates. In the future, I hope to be able to make a lot of improvements with better heat exchange and radiation to rooms, but even these have angled heat reflecting sides, simpler air ducts so the room''s air is heated and so on, and in the future there may be classic Scandinavian round ceramic stoves for just heating, commonly known as ''Kakelugn'' in Swedish. It basically translates as ''tile oven'' since it have tile on the outside. But those are trickier to get right and require skilled craftsmen, and they affect the room design too.


    In the future I will try more modern concepts such as fast burn stoves that reach high temperatures, and have large thermal mass, but it gets tricky with materials and construction. Mostly in high temperatures or cost, as for example iron is expensive. There don''t seem to be any cast iron here at all, and everything is forged in a smithy from lumps, and banged out into plates and shaped. There isn''t any metal scraps to make easy rocket stoves and such, so I will have to be creative, both in materials and design, since it will have to be serviceable too.


    More than most of what I do or will do, improvements for cooking and heating, both in better use and fuel efficiency, are something that can improve life for so many people. Especially here in Scandinavia it will do a lot and reduce wood consumption for the future. Less tree felling for heating and cooking is good both for nature and for the amount of work saved to procure and transport fuel, and they seem to have been clearing quite a lot of forest already. Unfortunately, an open fire in a small space without a chimney or window is more heat efficient than the chimney that conducts half or more of the heat straight up, but the chimney cuts down on smoke indoors, which makes the air better and thus improve health, and a heated chimney radiates heat after the fire have burned out, which is the point of a large thermal mass. A stone lined fire pit can be made by anyone, cost basically nothing and material is everywhere, compared to a masonry stone, brick or iron stove. Pros and cons of everything, so when I introduce something it needs to be really practical and good.


    Pedr seems really excited, but I can imagine it''s fun to build something new, and his impression of me probably rise a little as I can answer the construction questions he has, and the description book shows a lot of detail, especially important small details such as how the chimney also becomes a stable load bearing element for walls without being a fire hazard; how the joint between the roof and the chimney is to be sealed; and how the doors and windows are fitted. I''m glad I included other examples of axes and special knives, because some of them are new to him, and they might be for the carpenters too. I wonder how good their axes are at felling trees?


    In any case, Master builder Pedr knows what a plumb line is and understands that I want things straight, at the same height and in line, and keep the dimensions of windows and doors the same. The buildings will of course gradually settle down and lose how straight everything is, but it is best to start with everything straight, and standardisation simplifies the construction of windows and doors so they can be mass-produced.


    He gets a simple meter measurement bar with burn marked half centimeter graduation over the entire length, and with milimeter graduation of the first 50 mm. It''s a bit interesting that milimeters are easier to use and understand than meter, since everything will be a whole number, and far higher number than they''re used to using so there is less confusion, instead of a decimal value that they aren''t used to using. Adding 0.025m with 0.123m is harder for them, than 25mm plus 123mm, and decimals can''t be written in their number system anyway. They''re use to fractions, not decimals, but it''s quite easy to just use plus or minus with a measuring bar. The idea is that he will use the measuring bar as a template to get others made for everyday use by the craftsmen. In the future I should probably make a burn marked wooden folding rule, and start selling them. By burn marking them from a metal template, they will all be the same and the markings more durable.


    The drawings and descriptions for our mansion are more detailed and especially for certain parts such as when it comes to the iron frames for windows and their protection, special exterior doors, etc. It won''t be a fortress, but the fastest way to get in - if no one lets the enemy in or use explosives - will probably be to tear a window away from the wall with the help of a lot of manpower, or chop through a wall. Which takes time and isn''t quiet.


    He''s very interested in my ideas with amenities for water, and tanks for cold and hot water, sewer, heating, and the ventilation. Most of it is secondary and some of it will probably need to be trial and error to some extent. I am not quite sure that it will work as I intend or when it is finished, but the scattered fireplaces combined with load-bearing walls have decided a lot of the design and the floor plan.


    Water can always be carried by hand and heated over a fire, but builder Pedr really wants to see everything work and takes it as a challenge. We will revise the building plans gradually when a problem is discovered, because there will be mistakes and misunderstandings, so it is important that he understands the purpose and why something is done, more than exactly follows the drawings. He need to determine if it seems completely stupid, or something should be done another way. We have a long discussion and he really like my slate tablet and want to get his own.


    We decide that tomorrow we will sail to the islands, and over the next few days we will walk around and scout out locations and decide how things will be built, and then return to here. I tell him that I will probably visit the Islands every two weeks and I trust him to know his profession - the visits are more to satisfy my own curiosity. I will also take a trip to Skiringsalr with my entourage in the near future, and my Islands are on the way.


    Master builder Pedr thanks me and give us information how we will find his ship tomorrow. It''s another Cog with a couple of cabins, and he will arrange everything so my whole entourage can come. However, I intend to leave Bodil and Gunhild here. It''s obvious that neither Iselin, Ciara, Kari or Alith want to leave my side, so I don''t even ask. Of course they all want to see our future home, and my little Furstdom.


    <hr>


    In the afternoon there''s another trip down to the town. Alith, Gunhild, Iselin, Kari and Ciara come along, and I ask them to help me with a gift for Bodil. She has done really good wood carving for me, both for the chess game and the hearing protection and I want to reward her. She is after all my guard and not a wood worker. Alith immediately knows what Bodil wants and a nice bow is bought with a quiver of arrows, which is a good idea as she is a good shoot, but haven''t afforded a bow since her last broke, and Alith knows what Bodil likes and usually talks about. The bowyer can mark her name in the frame and finish it, as long as he gets a couple of hours. I so miss watches and accurate time scales. So I pay and promise to return.


    The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.


    We visit an armor smith, and Borgarsandr has enough trade that there are several ready-made chain mails and more, some even larger in the breast area, and Alith is very surprised but overjoyed when I ask her to choose chainmail armours for herself and Bodil. They have ''deserved'' it, and in addition to the fact that a better appearance of my guards is important for my own status, my guards should have proper protection. It would be stupid to die just because I have skimped on my guards protection. After a few small remarks from my girlfriends and guards, I try one out for myself, even though I won''t wear it very often. I buy a helmet too. Still, better to have if I need it, and I will use the padded helmet when I start taking riding lessons. My suggestion that my girlfriends should use riding helmets too, rewards me with those looks again. They appreciate my concern, but that would mess up their hair.


    So.


    Subject closed for discussion.


    After a bit of haggling, I pay less than expected since I still use the prices that Danr gave me weeks ago. It seems to be slightly cheaper prices here than in the wilderness out in the country, or Danr understandably gave me merchant prices - not directly from the maker in the big town without middlemen. It is quite interesting considering how much more work it must be to make a riveted chain mail, compared to a sword or similar.


    I makes everyone promise to not say anything until I''ve give the bow to Bodil, and they will only get their armour afterwards.


    <hr>


    I leave Gunhild and my girlfriends outside as we visit blade smith Olafr a few days earlier than promised, but I am eager to see his progress with the parts for my weapons cane and my crucible steel sword, and Alith seem to drool about everything involving those weapons, and is awed by being in Olafr''s presence.


    Turns out there have been ''problems'', but he is so fascinated by the projects and especially the steel. Unfortunately, the first sword blade cracked during hardening, which obviously is a painful and embarrassing memory for Olafr. He has reworked it into five knives and two are actually finished which he proudly presents to me. It kind of feels like he wanted something to show after the sword blade cracked.


    The knives are so worth it. Each is a small work of art with shiny even blade with inserts of the same triangle ROB triangle A that I asked for on the sword, with his little craftsman mark at the bottom. The wooden grips are made in a beautiful patterned wood that I have no idea what kind of wood it is, riveted in place with small steel rivets. Each knife comes with a nice leather sheath. Simple but functional with beautiful impressions on the outside, and impregnated with something to protect the knife. These knifes could have be made in modern times. How the hell has he managed everything?


    Turns out he has a couple of really good apprentices he put to work with grinding and other work, and they have all worked long days. I praise him for his skill and craftsmanship, and I make sure to personally thank the apprentices as well.


    Olafr says that as far as he knows, these two knives are unique within the borders of the kingdom and as far as he knows outside too. There are a handful of knives of similar exceptional material within the borders of the kingdom, and slightly more than a dozen swords, all of which have the same steel that are like sunlight on water, which I think mean Wootz or Damascus steel. But all of them have come a long way from the east, and are owned by some of the country''s richest or most powerful men like the King. These two knifes do not look as special as the other blades, but these have really impressive steel and are at least as good, if not better. And these are made here, and will have siblings. The new sword he started will be just as special. These two knives are worth so much more than their weight in gold. If he were to sell them, he would easily get 50 ounces of silver, per knife, which makes me feel a bit ashamed considering the price I pay him, but it is the steel that is special, which I provided him with. I''ll still need to give him a bonus.


    Olafr feels honored to do something like this after such a long career as he has had; to discover new iron. I understand that he very, very much wants to ask how I got hold of this ''steel'', but I can''t really tell him, and he understands to not ask. Craftsmen have secrets, and it is a Sejdmann who gave him the steel. I tell him to make himself a knife. He is definitely worth it, and I hope to be able to sell such material in the future. That makes his eyes light up, and I''m pretty sure I''ve got an ally for the rest of his life.


    I tell him that in a while he will hear about an Academy that will be built a day trip north along the coast, and that it will be a place to learn things, gather knowledge, figure out some of the world''s mysteries and make things that no one ever done or seen before, and forging and steel is a part. I''m the master of this Academy, and more steel like this will be made there. Olafr is shocked when he understands that I have made the steel, and that it isn''t bought from some far away place. But I go on to say that far into the future, I expect that many blacksmiths will be able to make this kind of steel and it will become more common. But right now there is only this. Right now this is unique and those knives will always be unique, because they were the first, and they were his craft. He was the first to forge it, and his name and craftsman''s mark will live on. Forever. Olafr''s reaction to my praise, and that his name will live on, are just glorious, and it looks like the smoke in here is starting to irritate his eyes.


    Olafr fetch some of what is left of the sword that cracked. It has only received a little treatment to make it knife-like. Olafr looks at me while he say that this will be his blade, and I just nod. I ask if he wants to show my curious shadow Alith the steel, and how special the material is and he gets a wide smile. Olafr asks her to watch as he casually takes out an ordinary knife and shows how easily he bends and breaks the blade and how the iron cracks and Alith gets quite distraught - it was a good knife. But Olafr just shakes his head and shows what a really good knife is.


    Olafr fetch my weapon cane parts and it is the same fine exact craftsmanship on the finished parts, even if the stiletto blade itself hasn''t been finished or attached yet, but can be until tomorrow. An excellent job on the cane parts, and it shouldn''t surprise me how nice everything is and good and stable the bayonet lock for the barrel is. It has a really satisfying click, and I give him more praise. The wooden parts have also been made to fit perfectly, although I have to shape and attach them myself. I guess it is cherry tree or something as the wood have a redder tone. I ask him to continue with his excellent work, and I will collect the rest another day as I will travel a round a bit in the near future. I ask to buy a piece of the same wood, and he fetch a block of wood for me. Since there is only Alith here with me, I take Olafr aside so she won''t hear and quietly asks:


    "Would you consider forging a few more things for me if I supply another five lumps of steel? Can you then make a total of three swords and six more knives, identical to these, as well as a small set of precision tools. Files, chisels, simple small drills bits for machining steel, where I need the tools first."


    "No problem! There will be plenty of material left over if the lumps are as big as before, and I can make the tools right now." That is a very different attitude compared to when I first asked him. "What should I make of the rest?"


    "Whatever you want if you accept it as payment, because then it''s your material." That answer makes him very happy, and he is really looking forward to that exchange. He definitely has a hell of a lot of strength in his hand and arm. That really hurt! I''m probably going to bruise.


    I''m not surprised, because if he makes swords or knives out of them, they''ll probably be worth about 200 ounces of silver. But I think that the biggest joy is because he wants to work more with the steel. The pleasure of being able to make something so good. I wouldn''t be surprised if he spends months doing something exceptional, and to procrastinate on its completion.


    <hr>


    When we leave the town I have put the boxes with the knives in my bag together with the weapon cane parts, and in the wagon I have 10kg of scrap iron, 5 ceramic crucibles of a similar type as before, two buckets of clay, three chain mail shirts, my helmet and Bodil''s new bow and quiver.


    <hr>


    An hour or so later I find Bodil playing chess with Hillevi. I ask how it goes and if I can borrow Bodil for a few minutes. Hillevi is quick to say that she doesn''t mind. Hillevi seem to want more time to try to figure a way out of her predicament, and Bodil''s smug smile says a lot. Hillevi seems to be fucked, and it is just a matter of time until she have to accept defeat. Bodil follows me out where Alith and Gunhild wait with the bow and quiver.


    "I bought a new bow today and I wonder if you can shoot some arrows with it and give me your honest opinion. No one has shot it yet as we thought you should be first."


    I have put a layer of electrical masking tape over her name so it isn''t visible, even if it looks a little strange if you look closer. Bodil takes the bow, looks at it admiringly and I point to the target that has been set up some distance away with hay bundles behind as arrow stops. Bodil shoots four arrows and there''s no doubt that she is good.


    "This is a good and beautiful bow. It will serve my Lord well."


    I receive the bow and peel off the electrical tape.


    "Bodil, you said the wrong word. ''Me'', not ''my Lord''."


    "What?"


    "You should have said ''It will serve me well''. Bodil, this is your bow, for all the work you put into carving things for me and following my ideas." I hold out the bow to her and show her engraved name. Bodil isn''t the most talkative in ordinary cases, but now she is completely silent, and just gently touches her name. She looks at Alith and Gunhild that nods.


    "Thank you very much my Lord. I will cherish and value it."


    "No Bodil. It''s I who thank you. You''re my guard and not my craftsman, even if you''re skilled at that too. I want you to understand that I see you as a good guard, and I hope this bow shows that, but hope you only need to use this bow for fun and hunting, and I will let you hunt on my land. You have contributed with more than your service. I have one more thing but this is for the both of you. Alith. Bodil. Your new chain mail armours. Thanks for everything so far - you protect me and I want to make sure you are properly protected as well."


    <hr>


    I prepares the steel crucibles, make and grinds coal with the grinder and seals the crucibles with clay and store them in my room so they can dry, then prepare for tomorrow''s ship voyage. It''s going to be an early morning. I pack paper and note materials and pack a couple of changes of clothes, my little bath towels and shorts. I prepare a high-resolution maps of the islands according to my hiking GPS and mobile, but I suspect differences in land rise makes the waterline slightly higher than the maps show and the flattest parts might be under water. I also draw an overview map with both Orusingen and Torsa. I wonder if there is something more I should bring while I start building my weapon cane and do testing fits and some finishing touches etc, but all such thoughts disappear like an illusionist''s trick when Iselin hugs me from behind and says;


    "It''s time to go to bed."


    "Isn''t it a little early to go to sleep?"


    Her voice is so sexy and playful when she whispers in my ear;


    "I didn''t say anything about sleeping..."

 Creating something new - day 1, Going home

    Creating something new, day 1


    Day 35, 31 July


    Going home


    Ugh. Far too early. Far too much sun. I really dislike early mornings. But must eat breakfast, then endure the wagonride to the city. I really miss a comfortable, nice car with air conditioning and reasonably quiet cabin. Fucking Seagulls!


    Still half zombie when we leave the wagon and board the ship the trip up to my islands. Should atleast make it there during the day, which is the reason for the early morning. Will be gone for 4 or 5 days. Is everyone morning persons? How can Iselin be so damn energetic? Youth?


    And now I feel old.


    Fucking Seagulls!


    <hr>


    Its somewhere around noon when I wake up from my extra morning nap. There isn''t really anything to do on the ship for me, so might as well sleep away some time. The ship glides well through the water, and with good wind we have reached quite a good distance along the way. Southwesterly winds, and the ship handled them well. Lay there in a cabin, just staring at the ceiling. Should have ''invented'' folding deckchairs before we left. Even with a big ship like this Cog that have a deck and aftcastle, they havn''t understood the value of such things. Then again, except for the few paying honored guests, most work on a ship, and if its a smaller Knarr, even paying travelers are expected to help out.


    Kari gives more advice on how I need to behave so I give a dignified impression, especially so I give a good first impression tomorrow infront of my new subjects. Guess I didn''t do well this morning.


    I really should be more positive and expectant, because we''re on our way to look at literally my islands. My little micro nation. My future home. Where we will walk around and see where large amounts of manpower and resources will be invested in my new mansion. My Academy. Why am I not happier?


    I want to see the mansion and the Academy finished, but the construction phase itself and everything before is just something that doesn''t interest me that much. I want to use the finished building, and the the construction itself its just something that will take time. Atleast a big loghouse should be relatively quickly built, but it''s not a prefabricated house raised in a couple of days. I suspect its partly because I can''t build it myself, and spending everyday overseeing the construction will be boring, tedious and pretty much a waste of my time, compared to stay in Borgarsandr and doing other work. So it will be better to delegate the construction, and I won''t know all the small hidden details. I like working with my hands, figuring out problems, coming up with solutions, doing a job carefully when it interests me, and I dislike leaving small things. Everyone else will never know or notice it, but I will know about it. And it will annoy me.


    Maybe that''s why my female partners havn''t had much to complain about so far, from what I have cautiously guessed. I like to figure out what they like best and try different things. I guess thats why so many of my thought over the last month have been about sex more and more, simply because I have a lot more sex now than before I came to this world, and there''s so few things to distract. Had someone two months ago predicted that I would have a fianc¨¦e and two concubines and have had sex with several other women? All sexy beautiful women, and most young adults in their twenties? Ha! Yeah. Bullshit.


    I would have told them to fuck off because it would be such an blatant lie. Or well, I hadn''t really done that. I would have been more diplomatic, and I would probably say that I don''t believe them, since it would be so unlikely. But I was certainly going to think to tell them to fuck off.


    And there we go on another tangent. Stupid brain. I need something to do; too much free time here without distractions. MP3 player FTW. Just took a while before I figured that out. I must also save on electricity, but my solar panel is fully charged, and the battery bank has also been charged if I need the tablet etc, which is also included in the chest under the bed. I should update the diary log so I keep track of what happened and when.


    Really need a way to charge the tablet and phone that isn''t sun dependent, as it will only get worse and worse for the next nine months. The fall and winter might have weeks without a visible sun, and an ordinary gray winter day the solar panel might charge with 1/10 of the pace on a sunny day, and combine with only 6-8 hours of sunlight compared to now, which is closer to 16 hours. I also doesn''t want the solar panel hanging outside the whole winter. It doesn''t matter that I built it to be waterproof and the fabric is durable cordura, it will eventually fail due to handling or environment, and I''m worried about water finding a way and ice forming.


    Of course, the solar panel is quite good for a hiking panel, and its another of my DIY projects I''m quite pleased with. Sure, you can buy all kinds of solar panels, but I never found any that I really liked. Too big, too small, no internal batterybank, stupid mounting options, untrusting of performance - especially since most are China made - or just worried about something cheap and how it was built. Especially China made, nomatter where it was assembled. Even buying parts can be hard, and I always test what I buy. I''ve gotten so many refunds, and some things I''ve just stopped trying to order from all the common shopping sites. It takes weeks to arrive, and then it quite often doesn''t work as advertised, and I have to spend time testing, getting my money back and find someplace else to buy it from and having it shipped, so I might just do that in the first place and save time and annoyances.


    The problem is when I can''t really find it anywhere else. Of course there''s good stuff too, but then it will probably cost almost the same as from Europe or Sweden after shipping, toll and taxes have been added. That might add up to quite a lot, and with the newer ''handling fees'', it might be quite ridiculous. A pack of ten surface mounted parts might cost about 1-2 euros posted in a small letter weighing less than 10 grams, but then there is a minimum handling fee of 8 euros, so that the nation might get its 0.2 euro. For a palm sized letter way below letter weight limit. And some things just can''t be bought in Europe. The market is too small for European companies to store it. Add up five of those packages and the total cost in parts should be about 5-8 euro, plus 40 euros in handling fees. Then the project just isn''t worth doing, or it might be cheaper or less frustrating to buy a new one if its used to fix something, since the part arriving might be ''china quality'' or something completely different than ordered. Getting a refund only return those 1-2 euros, not the handling fee.


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    I''ve literally talked about this with the Swedish Customs Office, and they know the problem. They just don''t care about edge cases, and in this I''m at the edge for all those buying junk stuff they actually could buy from Europe or Sweden. EU should renegotiate the postal agreements with China.


    I''ve also bought a few things for my projects directly from manufacturers, since there sometimes have been just a couple of manufacturers in the whole world. It''s quite fun to read those ''yeah, we can send it too you, although we normally only work with companies so you have to do it this way'', and unless they ask, I can almost always hear the implied ''what the fuck do you need it for?''. Its quite fun to receive toll inspected big box mostly filled with empty standard foam inserts, since that might be the minimum box the company ships to its normal customers. I wonder what the toll guy thought when he inspected it.


    Anyway I built a foldable solar panel, so I atleast could test the parts and know how it was made, and not cheap out on material, waterproofing and taking stupid shortcuts. Its a fold-out with four panels of a total of 10W, with its own battery bank of 3x5400mAh lipo with MPPT charger, and two 3A USB outputs. And it will charge with uneven sunlight or if a panels in the shade. Of course it will be slower, but it will charge, which is what I need if I hang it on my backback and walk around. The panel need to be towards the sun and be mounted well enough that it won''t bounce around, but I seldom use it when walking. It only works well in open terrain and as long as I''m walking with the sun mostly in my back. For shorter hikes its just better to bring batteries or powerbanks for the same weight, and much less space and problem.


    My thoughs are interrupted by Ciara wanting to cuddle in the shade out on the deck, so I end up on the bench outside, with Iselin and Kari too. Its a bit awkward. Kari avoids taking my attention from Iselin and Ciara, but she seems to want to cuddle too. Or more, as she seem to love kissing. So she awkwardly sits beside - there but not intruding. Iselin knows that I would prioritize her, but she wants to let Ciara have my attention, and she also want to include Kari so she doesn''t feel left out. So she mirrors Kari''s distance from me, and pose. Ciara seems to miss a lot of those subtile interactions or she just doesn''t care, and she just want to spend time with me, while making it awkward for all of us by sitting in my lap - happy and completely content with just letting time go by. Oblivious to the world. She''s so skinny and light, but atleast that means that my lap won''t be numbing as quickly.


    A hydroelectric power plant require suitable falling or running water, so it will probably have to be a wind turbine, but we will continue to live on the coast and its generally a windy climate. I probably won''t finish the power plant before we move into the mansion, so I might as well start planning and building. The wind turbine will attach to the roof ridge, probably on the east side where the wing meets the main building, and only be about a meter above the roof. It needs to work well in normal and lighter winds, so I have too design it for that, but I can prepare so that in strong winds, the guards can just open the attic window and pull a handle to stop and block the rotation. Want to avoid that the power plant destroys itself in a strong wind. Alternatively; I can put it on parallel arms so the wind turbine can be raised above the roof, and also lowered to shelter in case of too strong wind and its also handy for maintenance. That''s probably the most practical solution.


    The only thing that really matters is that the wind turbine works and provides power, but I want it to be waterproof, handle snow, ice and rain, and I also need to keep the complexity down and how many slip rings for the power transmission there are. So even if I preferred a horizontal wind turbine it will be a less efficient vertical wind turbine.


    I accepts inefficiencies in wind handling, mechanical and electrical, if its easier to manufacture, service and its more reliable. Only two bearings, two sliding connectors to convert so it gives DC voltage out, as I expect to have to charge a battery bank, and I can forget about rectification on a larger scale until I might manage to make a rectifier in the future. Probably no choice but to use thin fabric, paper or paint insulated copper wire for coils, and many coils that I stacked together in a circle and many bad magnets above and below that''s moved by the turbines wind blades. Electromagnets would probably be more efficient, but it would mean more coils and more slip rings, so I''ll have to live with this design principle, and I would honestly be happy if I get 10 watt on average from the wind turbine, as it will be about 2A charging current at 5V that a USB use. 10 watt is more than enough for my main need considering how few things there are to charge. Literally only a low power tablet, phone, MP3 player, a couple of cameras and ''keychain'' flashlights, and most won''t see much use.


    Just have to design all parts and hire carpenters to make the actual aerodynamic blades for a vertical wind turbine and other wood parts, and then do the other parts in copper, brass and iron magnets by myself.


    <hr>


    Its meal time and we eat in the cabin where there is atleast a small table. It''s nice, and a bit like when we were on the first boat trip along the coast of Norway. Just the three of us in a cabin, plus Kari. After the meal, Iselin and Kari return out to the deck, as I fall back into my thoughts. Ciara says something, and after my first distracted "Huh?", she repeats that she needs help, and turns around while pulling up her dress over her waist and leaning forward, to stand there wiggling her butt with its plug in the air towards me, and looking at me over her shoulder with an expectant smile. What happened to the meek and modest Ciara? But this is the first time she''s done something like this, and she has such a sexy playful smile...


    Its a short but quite intense time, with Ciara holding the edge of the other bed and partially pushing her head down into the bed to muffle her pleasure-filled moans from being heard all over the ship. We kiss and just relax a bit, and I would have like to stay like that, but she just takes a deep content breath to calm down and gather herself, wipe me of and calmly adjusts her dress and walks out satisfied and smiling from the cabin as if nothing had happened. A few minutes later when I myself have managed to recover, I follow outside and see Alith and Hillevi guarding my door. Alith discretely giggles, and Hillevi with a slightly too controlled face. Alith barely even tries to hide what she thinks, and I guess that might have been her idea - as it''s something I could expect from Alith, not Ciara. But in this light and profile I also see two other things faintly through her armor, so before I go out on deck to just relax I whisper to her;


    "Alith, you look cold. Go out in the sun and warm yourself up." Alith stops giggling and looks down. Then she resume giggling as she follow me out into the sun.


    <hr>


    At dusk we''ve anchored between my islands, and I understand they''ve talked when Kari just joins me in bed, while Iselin and Ciara use the other bed. They all understands that there won''t be more than sleeping - it''s just too uncomfortable for me, and then there''s the complication that Kari might squirt and she doesn''t want others to know. I wonder if Iselin and Ciara knows. But it''s nice to feel Kari against me, and she seem to like feeling my hands and arms caressing her body and I don''t mind doing it.


    Feels weird when I realise I''m literally the ruler of this land and water we''re currently in. This is my future home, and I will probably spend most of my life on these Islands, so I will have to make it as nice and pleasant as possible for me and my girlfriends.

 Creating something new - day 2, Little Ackerek

    Creating something new, day 2


    Exploring the first island, Little Ackerek.


    Hillevi stays on the boat to guard our things, and apart from my group Master Builder Pedr and his right hand man, and a man who apparently is the tax collector from the King will be the team who inspects the Island. One or two locals will probably join us as guides. The taxman is here to inform the locals about their changed life situation, and that the land where they live no longer belongs to the kingdom, but to me and that I rule, and this winter they have to negotiate with me about new lease agreements for the comming year or years. I just assume that the Taxman also comes along to report everything to the King.


    We''re rowed in and there are quite a lot of people waiting for us when we get to the beach, and the beach on the other side of the strait have spectators too. It''s the locals. The ones who lease the farms or work here. Talk about an unwanted experience for them to find out the leased land they lived and farmed on for years now belongs to a new owner, and they at the same time isn''t living in the Kingdom anymore, and is now part of my Furstdom. In any case, they don''t have to pay taxes to the kingdom, all though they will probably pay some tax to me in the future.


    After introductions theres a bit of official followed by small talk and the head of the family leasing the farm here and his son, accompany us on our day as we explore Little Ackerek, or as they also call it ''the western island''. As I thought, the waterline is higher than my maps show, but I can easily correct them as we walk along. Actually less water rise than I guessed there would be, maybe a meter or something. Could have been 10-20m and then there would have been problems, especially with arable land for crops, so I''m very happy that there should be lots of opportunities on Big Ackerek. Maybe there isn''t a difference in land uplift here, just a difference in the polar ice caps?


    The sometimes steep and rocky terrain is a bit hard to walk in but the pace is deliberately quite slow so we can really look and take it all in. Its a nice day and we do enjoy walking in the deciduous forests and meadows. So much is oak. Primarily pine on rocks and cliffs, spruce in the northern parts, but primarily oak everywhere else. There are however elements of various other trees, some spruce where the pine is found, and birch, maple, rowan, aspen, hazel, juniper etc on the deciduous forest parts. But mostly its large oaks, with grass or evergreen shrub on the ground. European blueberries, aka bilberries, and lingonberries, but also blackberries, raspberries and others. I think we will appreciate that in the coming years. We all taste the berries, and as expected it is simply far too much blueberry and lingonberry for the islanders to be able to pick it all during the harvest season. Pretty much a fifth of all land in modern Sweden is covered in shurbs like these, and seem to be the same here. Iselin points out herbs and flowers and she''s very enthusiastic about how rich and varied the plant life here is, and seem to be overjoyed that all of this is my land and that we will live here. Kari is more dignified, and so is Ciara, but they too like this nature. And it is very nice and pretty, and would be worth a lot in modern Sweden, considering that is prime real estate in the archipelago north of Gothenburg.


    There are three small lakes on Little Ackerek, and only one can really be called a lake as the others feel like ponds. The lake is about 200x100m with a small stream down into the valley, where it turns to southwest and ends in the long but shallow bay. In the past someone have clearly dug and cut into the ground so that the flow will be down to the valley and to the arable land there, instead of south between the hills where there is a bit of a dam thing built. Its mainly a low and wide earth bank slightly overgrown with bushes and trees. Not a resent job, and will probably last as there isnt much water pressure and its only a bit more than a meter high. But its a good fresh watersupply for the cultivated land and the farm, and I will keep it as such. Will have to make sure to keep this lake water as clean as possible, and avoid things that might contaminate the water from its surrounding area, and thus the fields and people using it, so I must consider everything I build here, sewage, and where animals graze.


    But its quite a large lake, and much more than man deep in the middle, they just havn''t measured, so I should be able to put a small hydropower plant here or atleast a waterwheel or two for a forge, mill, stamper, saw and so on, as its probably a 10-15m drop over a short distance, and seems to be around 20m down to sea level.


    But then I don''t want my house right next door, and especially not if the forge must be here to have a power hammer, and the hammering on iron from the forge will be annoying. Water will be needed for several crafts, and will have to take that water from the same lake since large bodies of water or streams are few. Maybe use the same waterwheel for two crafts and just not load it from both sides at the same time, or make an intermediate pond for additional water wheels further down, as 2-3m is enough to get a lot of power with less flow. But I want to keep my mansion away from the craftmen village, and don''t want to build it on the rocks and cliffs across the valley in the west either, because all that noise will still be heard on the other side, so it doesn''t matter that the view should be really nice from there. The valley''s just a couple of hundred meters wide, and is likely to have much more arable land than there already is.


    You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.


    The hill south of the lake could be a nice location for the Academy''s large school building, and building on rocks and cliffs doesn''t waste arable land and it will have a nice view both south over the sea, west over the valley and north towards the lake.


    There is a small banana shaped pond in the middle of the island and a short distance north of the lake, where there should be a field according to my map. Maybe 100x60m, and its really shallow and according to the islanders you can easily walk from side to side in the driest summers as it shrinks a lot, so maybe a maximum of 2 meters deep in normal cases.It has a small outlet down the shallow ravine in the southeast between what my map says is Fl?jelberget and J?rnberget. Those peaks doesn''t really have a name as far as the locals know, more than the ''big top'' for Iron mountain. The locals havn''t found any iron here, and it seems to be the wrong rock type. The small stream have about 25m to slowly drop down to sealevel, but it is so slowly sloping and small volume of water that I doubt its good for anything except possibly hydropower with pipeline down to a Pelton water wheel. Maybe if I dam and raise its level and volume, and then at the same time use the raise to get the drop I need, but it can''t practically be raise by much unless we make a dam in the other side too, since the water will start to flow down there. There probably isn''t sufficient level and inflow to make waterwheels practical. It can only be a compliment to wind power, and in limited use, so might not bother with it unless as a prototype or teaching tool.


    The last pond is just very overgrown and on the ridge to the west of the valley, maybe 90x35m or so, and it is possible to cross it even in a normal summer if you are tall. Not worth the work as it isn''t deep but it can be picturesque in the future if its cleared up and made into more of a mansion garden, and replace the normal birch trees with hanging birches planted on parts around the edge. It would be fun to build the mansion here for the all around view and then have a small rowing boat I can paddle around in with Iselin, Ciara or Kari sitting at the other end with a silly little umbrella as sun protection. The cliff side down to the valley is pretty much vertical along the west side of the valley.


    The location for the mansion is really about finding a fairly southern location with a nice view, and where the courtyard will be to the north, where there is a good freshwater supply without livestock fields above, and a suitably large area and slope for basements and the mansions size. Stables and such doesn''t have to be right next to the mansion, and I prefer if it isn''t for smell and noise, even if its less practical. I would gladly had the mansion at the top of a mountain, but then watersupply becomes problematic and it will be windy, and a little shelter from the west side and the ocean on the other side of the outlaying islands isn''t wrong. I also prefer to avoid shallow water around, if the mansion is on the coast.


    Will have to clear some forest and build a road across the island, as there is only walking paths here now.


    <hr>


    Late in the evening we''ve found several suitable places, partly for my mansion and Academy, but also for the first houses, craftsmen, forge etc. Feels like one of the guessed places on Little Ackerek, the large cliff south of Iron mountain according to my map, is probably the most suitable for my mansion. There is nothing there and south of it is a larger bay with meadows and deciduous forest where no one lives, although there is a few semi-cultivated fields. The craft village could be built about 700m west, around or below the lake to gather the village in one spot and take advantage of the possibility of hydropower and waterwheels, and every house need a fresh water source close by. It would mean that I have access to the Academy and craftsmen without taking a short boat trip across the strait to the other island.


    We have quite a lot to think about during the evening, and we have plenty of discussions so everyone can give their thoughts, and they can begin to understand what things need, like a waterwheel that none of them have seen, although some have heard of it. Guess that when slave''s are used for every hard work, there havn''t been much influx of work reducing inventions. That the general level of education is low doesn''t help. I really should introduce windmills, waterwheels and horse driven farmingtools and try to spread it. Pedr seem to take it as a point of pride to build everything I talk about, as well as he can, and he really want details and sketches so he can build it right.

 Creating something new - day 3, Big Ackerek

    Creating something new, day 3


    Exploring the second island, Big Ackerek. Decisions.


    The big island is about 5km2, and about twice the area of Little Ackerek, maybe a little more as I only made a rough estimate. Guess the locals talked yesterday, and the masters of the households for the two bigger farms act as our guides, and seem to want to give a really good impression of themselfs, their farm and the land.


    The northern part is again mostly spruce covered mountainous terrain with wetlands in the low laying areas, and bilberry shurbs everywhere. The middle and south are mostly oak forests, meddows and places where it is possible to have much more crop fields. There''s quite a few crop fields, but the land isn''t really efficiently used. Not much water, but there are a couple of ponds and a few streams. There are basically two farms on this island, with a couple of smaller longhouses spread out that belong to one of the two bigger farms, and they have scattered fields around them. One farm lies north of what my map call Flundrevik and is called the eastern farm, and the one that overlooks the strait is called the western farm. They have a serious lack of imagination, but then again, its leased land and farm so its practical and descriptive, and might not have been their choice.


    Both farms have cows and horses in the fields closes to the farm and sheep, goats and pigs that more or less roam freely in other parts, combined with chickens and geese on the farm. More crop fields will work well here, and in ten years it will probably be a completely different distribution and with roads here, either in a large circle or a road meandering north to south with side branching roads. In the future I need to build dams to ensure fresh water supply in a draught and might use a few spots among the northern hills for that, and then make irrigation pipes to the fields. If I get a bit of water pressure its even better, as I can make mechanical nozzles that move and spray over a larger area.


    There is a really good spot for a small harbor in the south, but if feels a little silly to have a harbor here if the Academy is on the other island, but here on the big island there is deeper and far more suitable waters on all other sides, and its only the strait between the islands thats a bit shallow along the sides. According to the hiking map, there should be a harbor or anchorage in the east part too.


    <hr>


    As we eat our midday meal, we decide to use Little Ackerek to be the focus for knowledge and craftsmen, and Big Ackerek will be for farming and animals. Buildings for crafts will be built to minimize the impact on arable land, as it is idiotic to take productive arable land for buildings, which is a big problem in Midgard''s modern world. For our mansion, I''ve sort of fixated on that place on the cliffs south of Iron mountain, and I like that that side of the island is pretty much empty, which feels good for privacy and not messing up someones farm. Yes, there are several places that can be good, or better, but well... I like that place, and my girlfriends seems to agree. That decision will surely come back to bite me hard in the ass, but later in the afternoon we return to Little Ackerek and choose a specific place for the the practise 6x4 houses and the mansion.


    A road will start in the strait where a more suitable place for a harbor for building materials can be built. The the road will slowly climb up and round south of the iron mountain with its impressive rock wall which must be 30-40m high, more if you count the sloping ground underneath. The road follow around the cliff where I intend to build the mansion, up on the other side and follow the small stream toward the middle pond, turn northwest between the south side of the middle pond and the other peak, round and go southwest down to the lake and the crafts village and the meadows and fields in the valley, to turn straight north around the valley and to the islands farm there. On the east side of the valley will be the first 6x4 houses, and the start of the village.


    Returning back to the cliff south of Iron mountain, where the road will turn off up towards the middle pond, an intersection will be made and the road follow the best and least steep path up on the cliff and to the mansion.


    So we return up on the southern cliff of iron mountain, and really look thoroughly and discuss the plans. The trees are in the way to really see everything, but we just have to accept that. There will be some stone and bedrock that needs to be leveled, and we roughly step out the buildings and Master Builder Pedr and I discuss how I wish everything to be. The main building won''t be exactly in east-west direction, and more 75 to 255 degrees. Would have prefered straight or slightly rotated the other way to use the sun more, but its quite unimportant and nitpicking. However, I need to mirror the mansion to fit well here, as the service wing need to be on the west side, so the cellar can use the cliffs shape to be more easily built, and accessed from the east side. The whole courtyard will be more convenient, but it means that I will get morning sun into the bedroom, and the bedroom balcony will be in the shade instead of the evening sun, but the view compensate and I''ve already accepted that I will have to become more of a morning person since there isn''t any electric light.


    Except the courtyard to the north, there will be 3-10m drops around the sides of the mansion, although its more in stages from the south. It feels quite nice and awesome. Not the top of a mountain or a hill - but close. The large roofed outdoor area, the terrace, only has about 40-70 degrees of sloping rock faces to a probably around 2-4m vertical mortared side so that the terrace floor will be flat, but it is unpleasantly steep and difficult to get a foothold on these cliffs. Part of the west and south side will also be hard to avoid slipping on most places, but the east side of the courtyard will be a shear drop of about 6m. There is a funny looking rock extension with a small gnarly tree in the corner of the Terrace, so we have to see what the exact floor plan will be when the rock has been cleared of trees, although Pedr promises to leave that tree for now. I don''t care about lawns or gardens, its just something that need work, but there is space to the south on top or below the cliff, especially on the east side, for a garden, but that will need to be terracing.


    South of the cliff beyond the future road, is mostly meadows and young deciduous forest, mixed with grass-covered cliffs with mostly oak all the way down to the southern end of the island. The long sweeping waterfront is mostly grass down to the waters edge, but its too shallow to swim, and the residents warned to avoid all the shallow muddy places around the islands. Its far better and safer to anchor or bathe from the cliffs.


    There should be a really nice view from the windows on the second floor, especially my bedroom balcony which is now facing southeast, although its a corner balcony and will have 270 degree views. Should be high enough to get a nice view over the treetops of the strait and the mountains on the southern part of the other island.


    Ask Pedr what is most suitable to do first and he will have them dig a really deep well on the west side higher up in the ravine where the small stream flows, to check that there is good water supply and that the water is good quality. Wells are apparently unusual, and most farms are placed beside running fresh water and fetch water in buckets directly from a stream, river or lake, which is probably one reason why there are so few farms and cattle fields on the islands. The grazing animals also need fresh water.


    They will start clearing the ground too, and leveling the ground and the cellar. The cellar will be larger than expected due to the rock shape and nature. The whole wing will probably have a cellar, although some of the inner parts towards the courtyard will probably have to be cut down a bit into the rock, but that parts intended to be the cellars vaulted storage rooms, and its better to have more space for the future and its stupid to not use it. Better to have and not need, than the other way around. Could get a pretty good size cellar on the southeast side under the main building, especially if the building is moved south a few meters. Less ground to build up and more space is just nice, although the building with all its floors should be around 650m2 - cellar not included. I still have to redo the drawings as everything is mirrored, and it is quite easy to edit so there will be a cellar under the front of the main building, although with different floor levels to adapt to the cliff, where the middle will be higher, and a longer room to the east and a corridor to main cellar that will have even more space in the corner between the main building and the wing.


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    Hmm... I can make the eastern cellar as a secret room with access from the library and my bedroom if I add an extra wall in the combined meeting room / dining room. A little difficult route down from my room, probably have to climb a ladder on the back of the fireplace, but the secret cellar room can also be reached from the library on the first floor, or the dining room if I make a door in the extra wall, and they can use a steeper staircase. Might be practical with a secret room for valuables.


    Yeah, right! Truthfully I''m going to have that simply because I want a secret room and a secret hallway in my house. It''s just cool.


    Feels like it''s a better idea to separate the cellar into two cellars, where everything under the main building is more or less secret. It appeals to me to make a hidden door under the stairs in the great hall into a secret cellar room, which has a hidden door to the west that goes to a secret cellar vault via a longer corridor, and a hidden door to the east to another larger secret cellar room that will probably be split in two due to the load-bearing wall and the stairs from a hidden path up to the library above. But in the hidden path there is a hidden section that leads down from my bedroom''s screened walk in closet. The parted cellar room can then be separated by a hidden door to an extra secret room. Secret Room Inception!


    That will be added to my mansion plan, because I''ll regret it if I don''t. It''s not difficult to wall up the hallway behind the secret door if I should regret it adding these cellar rooms - it''s far easier than regretting and try building it afterwards. Also easier to hide during the first construction. There is also a fireplace above in the meeting/dining room so that must be extended down anyway, and I can add a small fireplace down in the cellar. The back will warm the eastern most part, and it should ensue a better ventilation too.


    The only real problems is - as usual - light into the extra cellar rooms, because I havn''t planned to have windows there, and if it is to be secret, the cellar rooms can''t have large windows visible either. There can''t even be small windows. I can tunnel in some light quite easily, but it will be dark, and I can''t count on electric light. The only idea I can come up with is to discreetly lead down some light into the secret passages and rooms from the windows on the second floor and camouflage it - slightly taller windows on the outside than the inside - and the rather absurdly thick outer walls enable a flatter but wide light tunnel in part of the space for the extra insulation outside the log walls. It will be dark in the secret cellar rooms, but a little light is better than no light. If I divide the absolute easternmost part into its own secret room, it will basically be completely dark in there as there isn''t any good windows to use since it will be more noticable from the outside, even if the ventilation might be okay. The only possible light is through two small ventilation ducts with nets in front to keep out mice and rats. I could add two or three more ''ventilation ducts'' without attracting attention to them, and those receive a small window a bit inside the net keeping vermin out. I should also add a drainage channel as this room will be the lowest point, and it''s practical if you have to sweep the floor or clean. It will be quite cool in those cellars, and I won''t be able to use the normal planned heating without getting really creative, and forcing warm air down from above is hard without electric fans.


    The Master builder is instructed to make two cellar vaults for safekeeping, the secret basement vault to the west of the new secret corridor, and the smallest of the cellar vaults in the wing cellar. They share a wall, but there isn''t a door connecting them. A locked cellar vault in the wing that has the vault divided in half by a strong iron bar grid with a strong lock on both the vault door and iron bar door seems like a good idea. Layer on layer security, and makes it possible to more easily make an alarm system and react if a possible thief has to get through two doors, which will involve some delays.


    At the same time as the work on the foundation, they will start building a road across the island, which rounds south of the mansion''s cliff and winds its way between and over the mountains via the pond in the middle down to the lake and craft village which will be between the lake and the valley. Considering that I want a good longlasting road, and that the bedrock is probably close to the surface, they will make a road in Roman style by digging down to the bedrock, laying coarse stone, followed by finer stone on top and then a cemented stone surface thats slightly angled outwards with drainage or ditches on the sides. Drainage pipes under the road will be where it seems to be needed so that water won''t accumulate. An anchorage and harbor will be in the strait between the islands about three hundred meters away from the mansion. Its mainly for all the building materials for the mansion and village houses if they can''t make a good jetty closer. It seems to be very shallow water with unpleasant muddy bottom around much of the island, not even suitable for Knarrs or Longships, which is saying something. They will try the cliffs in the southwest, but they''re sceptical.


    In the meantime, the house builders will be trained by building three 6x4 residential houses on the east side of the valley. Four to six slaves will help each building team of two to four craftsmen, as they simply can''t be too many on each house. The animal part of the mansion will be between the harbor and the farm, where there is suitable meddows and open forest. They will have to create a small vegetable garden and there is a streach of already quite open land to about 100 meters east of the cliff so the garden will get a lot of sunlight, and they will plant some winter hardy vegetables so we have some vegetables the comming winter, and they will also need to build a couple of pastures and fenced areas for pigs, sheep, cows and horses. In the future, they will also have to build a barn with stables, hayloft etc. Honestly, they can start planting a larger orchard in the ravine beside the road as well. There are already a couple of apple trees here, and more on the big island where there''s pear trees too, but it''s a good idea to have more, and the tree''s will take years to grow, so they will plant more here, and protect the plants from rabbits with simple covers form braided branches.


    I ask Pedr if more slaves will help and apparently not so much. The first week will mostly be spent getting the workers, equipment, food, tents for accommodation etc, so no point in being back until two weeks from now when they''ve manage to do some work, and I can then give him the updated drawings for the mansion. I give Pedr an initial budget of 30 ounces of gold, and I expect to see a book what it was spent on afterwards, which Pedr says will suffice for everything we talked about with a wide margin. Apparently I don''t have to think about timber, stone, cement, tools, workers food etc, because the kingdom will supply that, but windows, copper pipes etc, I have to pay for myself, and have to get it. But it doesn''t seem that I need to sell things to keep the construction alive. So with all these decisions made, we return to the boat. Everyone is quite tired after two days and many, many kilometers in quite difficult terrain, and I collect the women where they''ve been relaxing and sunbathing on the rocks.


    I probably should buy a propper ship as soon as possible. Partly for my trips here and partly because the Academy is on an island in an archipelago. We will need a larger ship with cabins sooner or later, so I might as well buy one and hire a crew. My girlfriends agree completely. Wonder what a ship costs, and how easy is it to buy one?


    Iselin and Kari inform me that they have made a small agreement. As my fianc¨¦e, Iselin will spend 2-3 nights in my bed, before Kari gets one night - but it''s not a hard schedule, and they understand if I want nights alone. Ciara wants nights as well and will probably have the same amount as Kari, but didn''t want it scheduled unless she could get every night, which the others funnily enough didn''t agree to. They''ve really started to stake out and claim their parts of me, and I shouldn''t be surprised. As long as they agree on something I like, I''ll avoid to interfer, but there will be nights when I just want to be alone in my bed.


    When we get a bigger bed, I will sometimes have company of two, but I won''t expect that it will involve a threesome. Iselin might be game, but I don''t think Kari or Ciara is, and to be honest I kind of prefer to focus on them individually. Easier to make them feel special, and they deserve to feel special.

 Creating something new - day 4, MP3s, camera and video

    Creating something new, day 4


    MP3s, camera and videos.


    Bad day. Too much wind, but it could be worse. It can always be worse. Choose to stay in the cabin, and that Ciara and Kari leave for a bit so I can talk to Iselin alone. Tell her that I think I need to show and tell Ciara and Kari a bit about myself and Midgard, so I can use technology when they''re around.


    Kari already knows that I come from another world but doesn''t understand that it is completely different, and I think the same applies to Ciara. But I want Iselin''s opinion and I want her to feel special, so I won''t play Cecilia''s song for them, which she''s happy about and I won''t play ''Ich Will'' either. Those two are ours. But I will probably need ''Ohne Dich'', as well as ''Shadows'', because I have videos for them, which Iselin agrees with. So I''m going to use the same solution and introduce music first, and then the camera and camera pictures, followed by music videos.


    So after warning Alith and Hillevi that they might hear funny tones etc, I, Iselin, Ciara and Kari sit in our little cabin as I explain to them. The same explanation I gave Iselin about the world, technology, accessibility to music etc. Modified playlist this time.


    I come from Midgard, a completely different world. I came here when the whole sky was colored a month ago. We are hairier as their legends say, and we have round ears and not really as many hair and eye colors as Elfs have, but especially hair we can color in so many colors they have nothing to compare too, and women even have several colors in patterns on their hair. I know there is some hair coloring here, especially bleaching as blonde hair is considered most attractive, but that is probably because younger people in the north are often blonde and get darker hair color as they age, and its the same for Elfs. Vanity and the desire to look good is nothing new.


    Continue explaining that large parts of Midgard is very advanced and its about 700-1000 years since it looked like here, but they can''t really understand how much Midgard have advanced in that time. Few mysteries remain, and they''re not that huge. I explain what technology really is, and when I do certain things here, it''s something most people can easily find out in Midgard. But since so much of the knowledge and technology steps between are missing, its really difficult for me to do things here. Take for example a compass, a North arrow. Show my own hiking compass and explain that this can be bought for a part of a daily wage from the richer part of the world I come from. My black tshirt is about double the cost. But we have ways to find our way in nature they can''t understand, it will simply be too sejdish, and I can''t show them that it really works, because here it doesn''t.


    But they can understand music. The can understand how huge the difference is in Midgard in accessibility. So I ask them to listen, it''s just music, but in a way they''ve never heard before. Just like with Iselin, I try to prevent them from seeing the cell phone by sitting at the head end and letting them lie down next to each other on my bed. Both Kari and Ciara are quick to follow my directions. Then I start ''Nuvole bianche'' and they''re surprised when the music plays and the notes fill the cabin. It ends and ''Sad Romance'' start up, and I show that I can pause and start.


    They have now heard two pieces of music that I chose because they are close to what they may have heard before. The next song is for Ciara to see if she reacts, and its Aoife Ni Fhearraigh singing ''Mo Ghr¨¢ Th¨²''. Beautiful for the rest of us, but Ciara just lies there crying and holding me. Apparently it is close enough for her to understand the meaning of the text, and is the first time she has heard anything resembling her native language in a year. I didn''t know it was a religious text. It makes me sad but she interpret that the music is about me, and explains how she understands it;


    "I love you, my Lord. You are my strength. My rock to hold on to. My shield and salvation."


    I start to cry as she thanks me deeply for letting her hear that song. So we play it again. After it end and as we''ve started to gather ourselfs, Iselin tells them that I made similar mistakes with her, and that I don''t really understand how they will react to some things.


    There is another change in music with ''Game of Thrones'' by Stirling & Hollens. But I can see that Iselin enjoy the music, but she has heard so much much more. ''Canvas of Life'' also gets a similar reaction from Kari and Ciara as it did from Iselin, surprised by the choir and the music that emerges. It prepares them a bit for Two Steps From Hell''s ''Enchantress''. Kari more than Ciara, is really shocked by the music and she wants to see how I produce it, because she understands exactly how impressed it really is, and say so. She has many times heard musicians and groups performing for the King. But nothing have comes close to this. Nothing. Probably doesn''t help when Iselin with a smug smile inject, "You havn''t seen anything yet." and Iselin want us to move on to the camera. I promise to show Kari how the music is produced another time.


    So I show my compact camera. Iselin helps me take a picture of us. It was something we talked about that shows it is not my sejd, but something Iselin has seen and can use. When they get to see the picture of themselves... The shock is once again greatest for Kari, as she has seen simple paintings or sewn fabrics of people or events. Where persons can barely be recognized, and this little mysterious box has just done it - perfectly. Immediately. And the picture glows instead of having to be illuminated. But I tell them that it saves a moment, that''s all. We take a few more pictures. When Iselin photobombs with a silly face, I love her just a little bit more. Then I start flipping back and soon come to the picture of me and Iselin when she saw herself for the first time. Ciara sees herself from the first boat trip, and they both really understand how it saves a moment. Keep scrolling and Ciara and Kari also understand my journey, just as Iselin did. How different my world is, but still familiar.


    Asks if they want to continue, and I play some of the movies I''ve recorded. They both become even more shocked, but Ciara just seem to accept everything as magical, while Kari want to know how the hell it can work. How the hell can this box remember stuff it seen? I promise it isn''t in anyway alive, no trapped spirit or anything. Its just really advanced technology, but very common in Midgard. This is something people take for granted, and most have something that can take pictures and record.


    To distract Kari from her focus on learning everything, I ask if they want to watch what is called a music video. Ciara just nods, while Kari say "YES!", like it it should be obvious and I''m wasting time. Explains more accurately what they can expect and Iselin helps a lot. Things she herself reacted to that I didn''t think about. Like the first one they see is in black and white, without color. For music videos is a fictional work of art, not a memory.


    Take out the tablet which they curiously inspect, but I have a suspicion that Kari has seen it before, so she must have spied and I wonder when she could have seen it. When I ask how much she''s already seen of the tablet, she gets a bit embarrassed and tell me about when she happened to look through a hole in the wall. I don''t think she''s completely honest since I can''t remember using it when she was there, or that it was a coincidence. I won''t pressure her, as I know she will be honest if I ask, so I just say: "Kari, its okay, I won''t force a loss.".


    Makes her slightly embarrassed, so it was probably just based on the truth.


    There''s now a picture of Iselin''s sexy playful face as a background when the tablet booted up, and Iselin is really pleased about it. Start the camera on the tablet in selfie mode so they can see themselves, and again I take a couple of pictures and record. They have a hard time understanding that the image they see is not a reflex, because the camera is sitting on the side and the movements are wrong, and it''s cute how they try to look into the camera, and want to see the image and how their eyes flutter between looking in the camera and on the display. I think Kari and Iselin could spend hours in front of the tablet, and Kari takes the opportunity to see what her faces and expressions look like, so she''s seems to be quite good at pretending. But she also make sure that her hair looks good, and so on.


    This time I start with ''Shadows'', which is a hit. So I play it again. Iselin is very thorough in explaining what will happen before we start ''Ohne Dich''. That its pretend, that even though it looks like what I showed on my camera, this is fabricated and acted. This is just a very advanced way to tell a story like a Saga, so no one dies or is injured. ''Ohne Dich'' hits hard anyway, and I think this is the second time I''ve seen Kari crying. Iselin also cries and she just looks at the screen from the side while she quietly tries to humm along.


    I lay down the tablet, but Ciara wonders if I have more songs with her language and I confirm I have about ten. She asks if we can listen to them, and of course I won''t say no, so I make a playlist of them, but ask Kari and Ciara to move, since I''m starting to feel leg cramps. So on their suggestion I lie down and both Kari and Ciara half lie on top of me. Cramped but comfortable, and it feels nice to hug them as the music starts.


    So we just lie there in the cabin and listen to Gaelic folk music while the ship sails towards Borgarsandr.


    <hr>


    An hour later it''s quiet. Ciara kisses and hugs me and she''s so grateful and happy. I comment that it''s a beautiful language to sing in even if I don''t understand the lyrics, thats why I have saved these songs, and I''m very happy about that. Kari and Iselin completely agree that it is a beautiful language and music. None of them seem to know what to say, and they''ve had a lot of revelations today. Iselin got it in stages. Ciara needs more time to process it all, so Iselin gestures to Kari who accompanies her out, and Ciara snuggles in more comfortably and just continue holding me. Ciara doesn''t seem to want to let me go, so I just lie there and let her, and it might be thats she''s thinking about her life; her old life, life as a slave, and new life with me.


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    She asks if she can hear ''Mo Ghr¨¢ Th¨²'' again, so I do as she asks. When the song ends and before we join the others outside, she asks if I will ever walk back to Midgard. Good question, but very unlikely. She really doesn''t like even that little uncertainty. She crawls up and with her intensive purple-blue eyes staring at me, she pleadingly say:


    "I beg you! Promise me that if you ever even suspect that there''s a chance you''ll leave Alfheimr, you must bring me along. Must!" She kisses me as if her life depends on it, then stares into my eyes again. "Must! We have an agreement that I will be your concubine for forever and all the future, so I must follow you wherever you go, and no matter what, you can''t abandon me here! PLEASE!"


    "I promise!" She''s still staring at me, to make sure I mean it. "I promise!"


    Ciara almost collapse upon me with relief. She kiss me, say "Thank you." and then rest her head on my chest. "Life without you isn''t life, its just eternal pain I don''t want to experience, and I will follow you no matter where you travel, no matter how that life will be - in this life or the next."


    It hits me hard. Both how the most important thing in Ciara''s life is that she''s never separated from me, and because Iselin has never asked or said anything like that.


    <hr>


    We eat the midday meal and since Ciara still havn''t made any move to leave me or my bed, we eat in the cabin while she leans towards me. Just the thought that I one day might just disappear, seems to have scared the hell out of her. Its only when she eventually needs to pee that Ciara regrets that she can''t stay, as she can''t hold it any more. Tell her that she can come back after peeing, which she gratefully does. I''m grateful that she washed herself since she want sex when she returns, and this time it feels different. It''s not the shorter and more buisnesslike ''we should have sex'' way she normally is, and more like a woman making sure her man will remember her, and be satisfied before a year long trip. She want us to enjoy her breastrings, but they''re only a bit more than a week old, so I ask if we can wait another week or two so they''re really healed up, and she do enjoy that I care about her and her health.


    <hr>


    I just lay in bed, pretty much completely spent after I don''t know how long with Ciara, and I realise that its about one month since I first saw her, when she became my slave Eira, and she still way to skinny. But she looks healthier, and she is happier.


    Ciara say that nowadays she also understands what Alith meant by those tingles from the wooden thing she sometimes have in her butt, and she looks forward to when we can appreciate her rings too. Feels slightly wrong to give her such a gift, but maybe I should make a special little thing for Ciara. Wood is so primitive, difficult to keep clean, and can cause wounds and splinters. I want her to be healthy, and a splinter in there must be bad. So tonight I will sketch it after we arrived back at the farm. The jeweler isn''t far away. I''ll also have to sketch the wind turbine parts and flesh out my plans to make electricity. Tomorrow we will hopefully melt crucible steel and I can get someone to make a small mold for a couple of things.


    <hr>


    Its a bit late, but the sound makes it clear that Bladesmith Olafr still works, so I can pick up the last weapon cane parts, tools and so on, on the way back to the farm. Olafr is rightly proud of the sword he finished and its so damn beautiful that my eyes almost tear up. Absolutely excellent craftsmanship. Not a lot of useless or over the top decorations, just some discreet inlays in the cross guard and pommel, and a beautiful steel blade with inlaid triangle ROB triangle A on the blade and a black leather grip. Olafr is pleased with how I appreciate his craftsmanship and quality, instead of focusing on ostentation.


    They have had to do a lot of work and hand sharpening the last few days to get the finish and edges where they are, but I guess someone has been working on the sword almost all available time the last few days. Its scabbard has also been finished and its beautiful, but not ostentatious. I like that he made a small winding decoration and inserted it into the upper edge of the scabbard, and the scabbard has its own beautiful belt but can be moved to another belt. I immediately strap on the sword so he can see how it looks on me, and it feels damn nice. I give him and his apprentices praise for their work, and they all have that satisfied look of craftsmen who know that they''ve made great work, is proud over it and doesn''t really need my praise to know it, but appreciate a customer who understands and value their work.


    Olafr talks me through the selling points of the sword, the balance and show how it flex and chop. Alith''s gaze as she looks at the sword is so entertaining and satisfying. But it is also magical how the blade can bend instead of break, and since they''re all better at sword handling than me, I let Alith and Bodil try it out. I can see Alith eyes as she and Bodil try a few swings and chop somekind of beetroots in two. How Alith slowly caress the blade and the inlay with her fingers. Damn luck that the sword is too dangerous to have sex with, otherwise I think Alith might try. A few mental images pop up in my head, but the swords pommel is too big.


    <hr>


    During the trip back to the farm, I think about the sword, cane and those knifes. I''ve already decided to give Iselin one of those knifes, and I might as well do it tonight. Gunhild welcome us back to the farm, gives a report that nothing really happened, but my new bed have arrived while we where away, although its out in the main hall. No-one have been in my room.


    In the privacy of my bedroom, I give Iselin her knife. Iselin gently looks at the knife and as I tell her how special it is. That these two right now are unique and there are only these. There will be a few more in the near future, but these two are the first and will always be special. Made in the same fire, from the same batch of steel that she helped me make. She''s shocked when I inform her of its value, and that I still want her to use it as her regular everyday utility knife. Its not to brag, its ment to be used. It doesn''t help when I say that the only ones who have something similar are the most powerful men in the kingdom, but not like these. Theirs is visually different, but these are more valuable. But for me, Iselin is worth so much more than this knife.


    To say I''m totally in love with her is no exaggeration. I want to give her the world, and Iselin''s pride when she poses with her new knife is wonderful, and I love seeing her shine.


    <hr>


    Gunhild feels quite satisfied and is quite convinced that she''s about to defeat Bodil in chess, but she has had time to think about the game and practice playing against herself in the last few days. But when Iselin and Sir come out and show their new knives, the whole game and her strategy disappear when Alith, obviously envious, tells them what blademaster Olafr told them the last time they were there. How unique those knives and sword are, and about the other special swords that exist, but that they arn''t like these. Gunhild looks at Hillevi who meets her gaze as they have the same thought. They have seen those swords that Alith speaks of, for the King has such a sword and knife set he''s very proud of, and they know what he paid for them, and even two of the councilors have a pair or a sword. Sir now has his own better and more unique set, and Sir himself has made the special sejd iron, because if Bladesmith Olafr says it is, its true, and Sir has given Iselin such a unique knife - as a utility knife. Not even the Queen has a similar knife to show off, although her other knifes are ostentatious in their decorations.


    Gunhild seeks Hillevi''s eyes again and they just look at each other. They''ve seen how their Lord gave Alith and Bodil expensive chain mail, without ceremony or witnesses. They also know how many years they served the King before the King gave them each a horse. They have both used the ''kikare'', the guards monocular. It begins to really dawn on her what Kari and Alith meant when she said that Sir was generous, and Gunhild doubts that they really understood how generous he is. Gunhild so desperately wants to be involved in Sir''s project, because it''s not only interesting, fun and fascinating - it gets rewarded. Hugely rewarded. Bodil made the work because she liked it and wants to do more, and Sir think that the chessboard is hers. Still; he gave her a nice bow and a quiver with 20 arrows. Great Oden!


    But she fears for her future a little more, and no longer just because she is getting so old and that her dreams of being married and having children are becoming more and more distant with each passing year. Now Gunhild fears if she will be able to leave and work for another Sir. Their life and service for Lord Robert is so easy, interesting and they''re treated so very well. Kari was right when she warned them that their new Lord is dangerous to be close to, because he isn''t like others and its such a seductive environment to live in and experience. So true. So very true.


    She''s happy she''s sleeping in the other longhouse, so she doesn''t have to hear the sounds. It''s easier to ignore Sir''s beard and hairy body because he''s human, but the rest cannot be explained and ignored so easily. Kari''s action since the first night, and the sacrifice of several animals as thanks to Freya says a lot, especially considering she has never sacrificed anything living since they were assigned as guards for her all those years ago, and barely seemed to worship the Gods. Kari looked forward to becoming the Sir''s concubine, but nowadays she''s a woman in love, and it warms Gunhild''s heart that Kari truly love the man she was given to, and who doesn''t see Kari as a trophy or just for sex and children. Sir accepted her for her mind, knowledge and personallity, and it shows.


    But they know how Sir like to have sex, and the misses talk a lot about sex too. Ciara was apparently heard all over the boat, and for such a long time that Hillevi felt embarrassed but proud of their master, and Hillevi also saw how Kari wished it had been her in there. The know how powerful Jarl Skiringe reacted after half an afternoon in bed with Sir, and how difficult it is for Alith to just stay in the background and guard. They''re all grateful that Alith takes those watches, and understand that she fell for temptation the first time when she wasn''t prepared. Gunhild suspects that they''ve been more intimate than Alith wants to admit, given how women with much more self-control than Alith have been affected. Which in itself makes her continued guarding more impressive, because even though Alith now guards outside the room, they''ve all noticed how she is affected. It was certainly not a joke that she has satisfied herself to the sounds of Sir having sex with Iselin.


    But Gunhild likes that their Lord actually doesn''t seem to look at Alith differently - well, atleast not for any sex they''ve had - and its clear that Alith is the guard Captain because Sir trust and rewards those in his vicinity first, and Bodil really doesn''t want to be Captain.


    <hr>


    Since my new bed, with mattress, sheets and duvets is in place, Iselin and Kari show me the benefits of that purchase. Just sleeping since Ciara really wore me out, but it is nice and comfortable, and the fabric is much nicer. I, who usually sleep on my stomach with my feet outside the bed, suddenly appreciate trying to sleep on my back with my arms around a naked woman. Or two in this case. As usual Iselin puts an arm around my waist and rest her head close to mine. Kari presses her back against my side with her head over my arm, and I put my hand on her waist until Kari softly kiss my hand and hugs it against her chest instead. A bit weird hand placement, but Kari adjusts her position so it will be more comfortable for both of us and easy to feel that she appreciates the hands placement. Can''t completely avoid playing with my hand on her tit, but she discreetly enjoys it and use her own hand to caress and guide my hand.


    But Ciara''s declaration is there in my head as I fall asleep. Her gaze and seriousness.

 Creating something new - day 5, Window shopping and more

    Creating something new, day 5


    Window shopping and more


    Wake up with Iselin''s soft lips pressed against mine, with light that faintly plays between her hair while protecting my eyes from the most of it. I embrace her and answer her kiss, until I feel that another part of me also have lips around it. Kari may not be as good as Iselin is, but she intends to be. Kari seems uncomfortable with a three way threesome, and considering how wet it might be, it''s not something I will try to have with them, but I can ''sacrifice'' myself to be her practise subject when she practices oral sex. Hard work, literally right now, but someone has to do it. Poor me.


    Iselin''s lips are wonderful, but it''s her other lips I become interested in tasting, which I know she likes, and when she comes, so do I.


    <hr>


    The morning is spent preparing crucibles and building a furnace for them, and preparing a burn in the afternoon.


    I let it dry a bit before we light the fire, and I take one of the old dried lumps of clay and spend an hour methodically carving and forming a model. Small and graceful with soft shapes and space for a piece of polished glass in the base. There is a type of really nice ruby red glass that could be used, as real jewels is unnecessarily expensive and they probably have no one even close to big enough. I want it in Sterling Silver with 5% copper, but Rose Gold would be fun, and I''m not sure how pure the silver, or gold is here anyway. Nickel allergy rash in the butt must be unpleasant as hell.


    Sketch and prepare a mold in clay for a lead bullet for my future cartridges, basically a minieball with grooves around the side and holes in the base so it can expand and become more stable when shot, and recessed edge so it can sit on a brass casing. Add a completely unnecessary top that acts as a pour guide and camouflages its purpose. I will have to cut it of and file the shape after its cast. Cut off the top of a brass containers and make a ring to use as a diameter template, and ask the craftsman to make the minieball fit on top of it. Don''t think my sneakyness is needed, but who knows.


    In addition to trying to build a wind turbine, I have made the decision to make a sextant and a drawing compass. Not finished with the ship compass yet, but everything takes time. Also need to make sketches on a strong brass net for the ventilation holes so I reduce problems with rats, mice and possibly snakes in the house''s basement and basement spaces. Don''t know what is good but smaller is better, and better to err on the small side, so maybe a thick 200x200mm square with about 7x7mm square holes; easier to cut down or wall in, and a little more light in for the sneaky windows.


    I already have the lenses for a monocular, concave-convex set that works - lower magnification than prims monocular and a little too long for sextant, but in line and less distortion as there are no prisms, which is a bonus if it is to be used at night against stars as 4% of the light is lost for each glass-air passage which quickly accumulates. Polished brass works as mirrors and I have colored pieces of glass that can act as light filters. Not perfect but probably good enough. I can get Craftsman Digraldi to cast the arm and the sextant frame itself. With what I have access to now, it can be useful if I am careful with everything and the scale, because I hope to get below a measured resolution of 20-30 km, but I will not get the precision I really want which is a couple of kilometers. It requires so careful manufacture of everything, especially all the glass and mirrors, and fine adjustments or really long arm. An updated version is for the future, but requires a lot of improved manufacturing. Small errors accumulate. It will be problematic to get the math right, because Alfheimr earth probably has a similar shape to Midgard, and it is neither a perfectly round ball nor in a perfectly round path to the sun.


    The drawing compass is easy to make. But oh how I miss being able to buy screws. It''s my biggest problem building things here. Riveting and soldering often work, but to be able to tighten or loosen something? More difficult. They use wedges. Screws are a big reason I want a lathe, but a lathe can build itself, and will make other tools and machinery too. However, I have come up with a solution; making molds off screws I already have with me, and casting them in brass. Not perfect but a solution that might work, and I have removed some longer M4, M6 and M8 screws from things in my pack. I have M3 and M5 too, but it feels like too small and an unnecessary intermediary size. I just have to see if I can make decent nuts or taping tools. Material shrinkage is a problem I can''t really do anything about, but everything should shrink the same amount. Will ask craftsman Digraldi to make molds and if it works mass produce screws. Each screw might require some finishing, but the thread pattern should be correct. Don''t think that M3 will be good, its just too fine threads, but I hope that M4 will be usefull as the smallest and work well. M6 will then be the standard screw, and M8 for larger things that require more durability, maybe can cast those in iron as it should be more durable. Do they even cast iron here?


    I also want to make that mobile little ring sundial, and a larger sundial. So I make more drawings of parts that need to be cast for a small collapsible mobile ring sundial and a large sundial. I really hope that all the markings on the small parts for the ring sundial are correct. Engrave a few latitudes on the arms, like the Borgarsandr and where a couple of other places are located shouldn''t be difficult. Many parts, but it''s the months in the middle of the ring sundial that I''m a little worried might be wrong. Or that there is some error in manufacting with wrong dimensions. I really need to introduce vernier calipers etc, so that I can specify dimensions exactly.


    None of the sundials correct for the sun''s analemma, its figure 8 movement during the year, which is caused by the earth''s orbit around the sun not being exactly round. But I don''t know it, although I should be able to measure and calculate it in the future. If the sundials up to a quarter hour wrong a few times a year, I can live with it. Doesn''t matter much if everyone use the same suntime. It can be fixed in the future.


    Might as well try to start with the improved carrige project as well. Every trip to the city reminds me of that, and I quickly sketched a ''modern'' wheel with spokes and steel straps.


    Its quite late in the afternoon when we start up the furnace to make crucible steel and without asking I get the same help as last time. Iselin, Ciara and Bodil are happy to be helpful, and quite pleased that I trust them enough to do the right thing when I need to make a round to the city where I take Kari, Alith and Gunhild along.


    <hr>


    It will take time to manufacture all windows so it is best to place the order as soon as possible. 90% of all exterior windows will have special iron frames with the lead lattice diamond pattern copied in 10-12mm iron bars just inside the window glass and against the lead lattice, and the same with the vertical section between the window halves but thicker and stronger. So should somebody smash a window to break in, they can''t just climb through because the iron bar lattice will block and be strong even with the bad iron they have here. The windows that sit lower than 2.5m above ground can''t be opened at all, and will be firmly attached by the iron frame in the log wall, when the log wall has settled enough. The windows above 2.5m can be opened towards the middle but only about 20cm. The window frame on these will also have an iron arm that protudes 15cm out past the hinge which goes into a gap in the log wall that can be blocked. Its hidden by the facade and a extra locking catch from the inside, and also for a central locking of some of the windows, so someone can''t just smash a pane of glass, push their hand through and unlocking it with the normal latches. Along with the sliding limiters through the iron frame, it also helps against trying to pry the window more open so that some thin bastard can try to squeeze in.


    The windows will not have external shutters simply because most can''t be accessed and closed, and the upper windows on the south side are almost 7m up so they are not easily accessible from the outside and outward opening window doesn''t help, although I would have liked to have sun protection shutters in the summer. It is possible that there will be shutters that can be maneuvered via a link arm from the inside, or awnings, but that is for the future. Winter is comming so not really a priority.


    The window craftsman who received the order for all the windows are overjoyed, and thinks my protection idea with the iron lattice behind the glass is very interesting, even though it will be much more work and much more expensive. I can live with much more expensive. The windows should last a long time and the mansion will contain expensive and valuable things, and this is a violent world. I order 12 windows without iron lattice to the three 6x4 houses, where 6 are smaller windows to the hall and in the bedroom/chamber. Then 94 windows in total to the mansion to get single glazing windows everywhere, and most are quite large, so very expensive, of which 16 are mosaic stained glass with motifs, although 9 of them are half mosaic / half glass for the mezzanine and east side windows in the dining room and my bedroom. The mezzanine windows are huge, 2.7x1m, but the rest are smaller or narrower windows. 16 windows are ''smaller'' 50cm square with deliberatly inferior and bubbly glass and some have built in ventilation for light tunnels to the basement and toilet. The rest of the windows are a mix of different sizes. The window maker will try to collect the best glass panes with the least distortion in important windows, and in the middle of these windows, in eye height or lower. The sky doesn''t really matter.


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    I can add inner windows later, but that will be another 50 to 74 windows, so I will contemplate about investing in it for every room window, including the wing and the staffrooms, but it is likely. Double windows will do a lot for overall insulation and the need for heating will be lower. Quite unnecessary to have over-insulated 40cm thick exterior walls and roof, if the biggest heat loss is the windows, and double windows reduces fogging and condensation.


    The order of delivery is first all windows to the three 6x4 houses, then there is a list of batches of about 10 at a time depending on size and quality requirements; the mosaic stained glass windows are included by prioritization and he gets the sketches of the motifs. I decide to increase the order with all the windows for the greenhouse. 42 windows of the 120x120cm model, which is expensive, but it will be done sooner or later, and those windows have low demands on quality and bubbles. He can use the worst panes for those instead of scrapping them. The question is mostly whether the greenhouse windows will be finished so we can benefit from the greenhouse this winter or not.


    Urgh. I must order the exterior doors as well, followed by interior doors. I need to make drawing and sketch on them too. There is so much to think about when building a house where nothing is ready to buy from a construction buisness.


    Craftsman Digraldi is very willing to make prototypes and then make cast copies of everything. He also begins to appreciate my clear sketches and drawings. He is a little surprised by the scale of the arches of the large sundial, but the large bow arm can be made. Apparently cooling in the mold is a problem on long narrow things, but there are ways - it is just complicated and cumbersome to do. Say that he can make them thicker or wider as long as the curvature, markings and frame are right and fit. I again specifies the corrosion resistant model of brass. Not much difference in cost, so why not? I ask him to make 5 pieces of each, but 40 of the ventilation grilles, and of the screws I want ten sets of each size, and also cast some ''screws'' in iron but extend the shaft, beveled tip and with cutting flutes, ie threaded taps and shows on the sketchs. He understands how they should be hardened etc, when I explain that they should cut in brass after a hole have been drilled. Digraldi''s quite fascinated by the concept of screws. Its completely new to him but he sees the potential. He really like playing with the screws and bolts I give him to use. He asks to have a week to do everything, but he can prioritize so I can pick up some parts after four days, so I asks him to make the mold for the lead minieballs first and if he can have it finished by tomorrow, if it goes well, and make the big sundial and the drawning compasses last.


    I take the opportunity to buy pretty much all of his copper wire in a couple of different thicknesses and asks him to manufacture much more, one kilometer more, of which 100m should be the thinnest wire he can make. It pretty much makes his mind boggle. Like, what the hell am I going to use it for? No real point in even trying to explain. I buy copper and brass plates too, since he has made some in a couple of different thicknesses, and I order 60 10mm brass balls so they can be used as ball bearings, and I stress that its important they''re in the same size and round so a mold is best, and add two ball tracks with 200mm diameter in brass as well. I can almost see him rubbing his hands in delight over all the orders I give him, even if the silver in his hand stops it. His apprentices seems to have a delighted but ''oh boy'' look on them. Guess they know what they will be doing the next couple of weeks.


    When we visit the jeweler a couple of doors away, it surprises both Kari and Alith that I don''t want to buy anything, but instead pick up jewelry I ordered. When they see the necklaces, Kari is actually impressed. Iselins with emeralds is very beautiful and obviously expensive with all the gold. But they are almost more amazed at the other, with its incredibly finely embroidered black lace necklace with inlaid pattern in gold thread and gold details that end in the gold pendant with the dark star sapphire. I too am surprised at just how good it turned out, and didn''t expect the gold thread etc. I ask him to relay my appreciation to the seamstresses, and the jeweler''s quite proud over how good it looks and our reactions. Kari have never seen jewelery like it before - it has been all metal or a leather strap, and she gently touches the pendant and its lace necklace.


    I''m pretty sure she wants a similar one, and I realize that I havn''t given her anything since she became my concubine. Bad Robert. The question is if I should give her that one, as she likes and look real good in black, as it is meant to be special for Ciara, but I''m going to give Ciara something even more special, so why not?


    I take the jeweler to the side and ask him to make a similar necklace but with another jewel, and when I ask him what he''s got, he smiles and tell me that he has bought more jewels just a couple of days ago. I find what I think is an amethyst, and its beautiful deep purple-blue color reminds me of Ciara''s eyes, and personally I think it looks better than the star sapphire, so I ask him to use it and do something similar with a color-matching necklace with gold thread etc.


    I also ask him to make something special, but its no jewelry, so I discreetly show the buttplug template I made. I''m most worried that Alith might see it, because she will understand. I want to two copies made, hollow so they will be both lighter and cheaper. Both sterling silver with an inserted polished glass crystal, ruby red. Specify that it is very important that the silver is as pure as he can make it, and then add 1/20 in copper - no other metal. If he can, I would appreciate if one can get a thicker layer of red-toned rose gold, which he says can be done. After that polished the surface, although it doesn''t need to be mirror perfect. The jeweler is understandably quite surprised and wonders what they''re for, but I just say is a special decoration for home. His craftsmanship so far has impressed me, so I hope that he can do this too.


    Flattery and money goes a long way, so he agrees to it and asks to have two days for the plugs and four for the necklace. It is not a really advanced design that requires enormously fine work, but it also depends on the seamstresses. I can live with two sextoys for five ounces, even if I don''t really know what to do with the other. Maybe Ciara want both, but its probably better to have one in case of ''games''. I take the opportunity to order two matching rose gold rings for Ciara''s pierced nipples as well. She has not asked for it, but I know she wants it, as she has said she''s saving silver to buy it in the future. Her mind seems to be set at copying Alith, but if she actually like it, a future gift might be something prettier than just rings.


    I should probably get better at negotiating and bargaining, but as long as I have the amount of money I have, I''m far more interested in the time factor and willingness to help me quickly and that they do a good job.


    We buy a lot more paper, and some books I need more. It''s time to start writing down everything in books, including a book in math, and ''save'' the world map with coordinates etc. I need to make a large globe, but its impractical to make and move. Can''t count on the tablet, cellphone etc to work forever. When they break, they''re broken and all the information is gone. So I need to spend a lot a lot of time in the near future and just jot everything down and save as much as I can in book form. I just wish I could have saved the pictures of my family, the music and more as well.


    We find a carpenter / furniture craftsman who accept the work on the wind turbine parts. I show him the sketches for the parts, and they''re very strange things but he will do as I order even if he doesn''t understand what they are for. I''m a bit worried that he will make something really wrong, but I expect to improve this too in the future. Something that works okay over the winter is good enough.


    The same wagon maker - aka wainwright and wheelwright - who sold the wagon to me is happy to try to make two steel clad wheels with differently thick outer frames, and if it seems good enough, will make three more of the best. He has made wagon wheels with spokes before, but not thought of heating an iron strip in a large fire until it turns red and expands, and then quickly fit it over the wheel, quickly hammer in a few nails to keep it in place and quickly cool it all with water. He will use well-seasoned dry wood and try to do it with a thinner outer wooden frame than he''s used to. The hub is also a bit special as I want steel straps on it as well, and space for holes as I intend to try to attach a drum brake to in the future.


    It gets even more complicated as I want him to try and make the wheel with slightly angled spokes so the hub isn''t centered vertically and ends up a little inside the rolling outer diameter of the wheel itself. The shrinkage of the steel strip should help, and the point is to take the lateral forces in a turn better. It design can also be used to set the wheels at a slight angle to the horisontal so that the lower spokes are straight down, while the upper part of the wheel slopes outwards and thus the wagon can be a little wider at the top without making the wheel width wider. A better modern horsedrawn carriage will be a step-by-step process that might take several years.


    But wagon construction is a future subject and we discuss templates and ways to try to get it as symmetrical as possible, and subjects like steam-shaped wood and different types of woods. I would have liked to have a bearing in the hub as well, but it may be a future upgrade, and the diameter of the oak axle will be quite large anyway, so the hub should accomodate a future bearing and metal axle upgrade. It will be interesting to see how good the wheels will be, how durable, etc.

 Creating something new - day 5, The Beach

    Once we''re back home on the farm, I relieve Iselin, Ciara and Boild and help with the crucible steel production. This time, Kari''s allowed to be with us when we take out the crucibles and thoroughly disassemble the furnace. I''m so fucking happy when we break the crucibles and take out the shining lumps of steel. Gentle blows with the hammer show that they give the same response as the last time, and no large sparks. I''m so relieved that the first time wasn''t a coincidence.


    <hr>


    The weather is good, warm and sunny, and it''s no problem that it''s late in the afternoon. We need a break after all the shopping and the success with the furnace, so I say that those who want can follow me down to the beach and swim in the sea, and we bring some food and will spend a couple of hours there. I ask Bodil if she wants to try to learn to swim, and she is a little hesitant, but after Alith poked her, she agrees to learn, and Ciara also want to try and learn it. Hillevi will guard the house while Gunhild will accompany us as a guard on the beach. To make a buoyancy aid, I take empty water bottles and whats left of the birch bark and push it into a waterproof packing bag, which I put in another waterproof packing bag. Not perfect but better than nothing, and we also take the prototype life preserver with us.


    I havn''t really thought about the fact that there are no swimwear here. My quickdry shorts are probably the only ones in the world, and the fabrics they have arn''t suitable for swimwear, but they also don''t have the same view on nudity, although some string bikinis in Midgard hardly makes any difference. I suggest they bring panties and bras but everyone looks at me weirdly and ignores it. The water really doesn''t cool enough, and I''m happy about my swimming shorts, until Iselin and Kari think it''s unfair that I have something to cover myself and my ninja fianc¨¦e frees me from them while Kari''s tongue in my mouth distracts me, and Iselin throws them to Ciara that walks in an lay the shorts on the beach. Accept reality and make the best of it, and they''re not really wrong even if it was their choice not to have panties.


    Many can swim, but it isn''t something they really practice or do much for fun, so I quickly understand that I am by far the best swimmer. So I decide to start from the beginning and give some basic lessons such as muscles weigh more than fat, and it is the total volume of the body in combination with the weight that determines how much you float. Breathing in and filling the lungs with air doesn''t make you lighter, but the body volume becomes larger, so you float a little bit heigher until you exhale. I don''t bother with facts like what percentage of the body consists of water because it doesn''t contribute to anything right now. Remove a waterproof bag, put a small stone in and push out the air. They see that it sink, so I pick it up, inflate, and the bag floats on the surface. They''re quite fascinated that the bag really is water proof, and that the air doesn''t escape.


    I warn them that just one lesson will not make them good swimmers. It must be practiced just like everything else. Show them there are different ways to swim in addition to treading water and floating, and shows more or less effective swimming methods such as dog swimming, breaststroke, backstroke, crawling, and even a little butterfly swimming even though I am quite bad at it. We practice standing on land, and I take them out into shallow water one by one, and they all first learn to crouch down and keep their heads under water and avoid panic. To hold their breath and learn that it isn''t dangerous. Bodil, who seems to be quite scared, gets to use the buoyancy aid as extra security in the beginning, and I tie the short string around her wrist.


    Then I show rescue technique. How to swim with someone who is drowning, and warn how difficult it can be if they''re in panic, and that they might drag the rescuer down with them. Its hard to not panic if you believe you are drowning. Panic by definition means that its not logical and calm thinking. It is therefore better to have something between you and the person you are rescuing, and in Midgard a lifebuoy, rescueboy or torpedo bouy is used for this.


    I show them how to put someone unconscious but breathing, in a stable side position, or a recovery position as its also called, and they all get to practice it because it is important even outside swimming. Someone who is too drunk can be suffocated by his vomit etc. I explain and show how chest compression and the pace you need to keep while I hum to Bee-Gee''s ''staying alive''. It is important to keep up with chest compression for a long time and use enough force that it can break the ribs, and it is often necessary to be several persons to relieve eachother. They can''t really practice this or spend time on it now. But they should know and in the future practise on a dummy. Another project to make. Although it is less important than chest compression, I also show them the mouth-to-mouth method, which of course gives reactions and comments.


    You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.


    I am not an expert in lifesaving, but even a little knowledge and technique is better than none at all, which is the case here. I give them a short lesson and explain that the body can''t be considered dead until the body is hot and dead, and slow warm-up with body heat, blankets and so on is better than fast warm-up by a fire if the person is too cold from being in the water for too long. They hardly believe me when I tell them that there are people who with the right technology and luck, have been revived after half an hour or more in cold water. So don''t give up too fast.


    Ask those who claim to be able to swim, to show what they can do in shallower water, and I try to help them improve their technique. Then we move on to try with the buoyancy aid and where I hold them under their stomach so they can practice the movements as safely as I can make it. It is difficult to try to be focused and serious when I hold their naked bodies, especially when most of them ''happen'' to touch my manhood during the swimming movements. Iselin is the first to realize the possibilities of trying to crawl, but not the last.


    I only gives Bodil a pass, because she''s just trying to do breaststroke, and obviously panics and clings to me, until she panics because she''s presses her naked body against mine, and lets go, falls into the water, panics again, so she graps hold of my hips and press herself against my stomach and groin, etc. When I finally get her standing and back on the beach, everyone is trying to avoid laughing while being embarrassed. Iselin gives my shorts back to me with a small kiss as sorry, and say that she will apologize tomorrow evening.


    But the swimming lessons move forward for everyone and in the end, Bodil can also take a few swimstrokes without immediately panicking, and they have all learning treading water to stay on the surface.


    I''m even more happy about my shorts when they let the sun dry them on the rocks. Oh my GODDESSES! Hard to avoid looking at them, as they position themselfs around me, so there isn''t a safe direction. I can at least avoid ogling Bodil, and Alith isn''t completely discreet in making sure I happen to look at her where she is beside Iselin. But Iselin also looks at Alith''s body and breasts, and gives her compliments, so I feel fairly safe. Definitely the most ''sexy beach episode'' in my life, even without sex.


    We''ve had a nice couple of hours before we decide to leave the beach to avoid sunburns, and Bodil and Ciara have started to learn to swim. I did bring sun lotion with me to this world, since you will get a sunburn while hiking for 10-14 hours on even overcast days, and I have it with me here on the beach, but I quickly decided to not mention it. Its was hard enough without them asking me to rub it in.


    While we gather out stuff and walk back up to the farm, I understand that there are quite a few who will try to visit the beach in the coming week or weeks; for sunbathing, practise swimming and just relax. They''re not really use to doing it here, but they did enjoy it. Not really suprising as three of them are used to long workdays and are from ''Norway'', and a lot of those lakes and rivers are cold even in the height of summer. Hell, there''s mountain lakes where the ice can be half a meter thick even at the end of summer. The runoff from those lakes isn''t really warm. I explain the benefit of taking short baths even during winter, and they probably will try to do it.


    An elongated lifebuoy filled with birch bark will be sewn, and given a long rope, and Bodil will sew her own lifepreserver as well. I make them promise that they must be at least two, preferably three, when they go down to the beach, and that they stay in shallow water and only when its not too windy. Practicing swimming and keeping your head under water doesn''t require deep water, and I showed them that I could swim in knee-deep water. They also have to be careful with current and waves. Only bathe on calmer days until they are better swimmers.


    <hr>


    The evening is again filled with language lessons, words and practice reading books for me, Ciara and Iselin. Then I teaching them numbers and math.


    There is atleast a couple of chess games each day between some of them. We''re also so many here now, so I give Bodil, Gunhild, Iselin and Kari a day off tomorrow, and Alith, Hillevi and Ciara gets the day after that. I take Alith and Bodil aside and apologizes that I havn''t really given them days off, but the next couple of days I will be doing important tests and I trust them both more. Alith and Bodil both smile and say that most days with me as their Lord are more like interesting lazy days off, and considering this afternoon, there is probably a lot of truth in that.


    Before we go to bed, I surprise Iselin with her new emerald necklace. She sits and watches when Alith and Kari play chess when I sit down, and looks at her necklace, which makes Iselin react and gently touch it. She really likes her necklace and is proud of it. Most women would be, regardless of here or in Midgard.


    "Iselin, your necklace is beautiful, but as my fianc¨¦e I want to give you a new gift." and I put the piece of cloth with the new necklace in front of her. Alith and Kari have already seen it, but the rest react when I open up the cloth and the necklace is shown. I don''t complain about the kisses Iselin gives me. No matter what happens in the future, Iselin now has two necklaces that are worth around 40 ounces of silver together, and a knife that is worth more, and it feels damn good to know. It can give her a small farm with animals and a couple of slaves. Hell, just the knife could be traded to a Storman for a small farm.


    I get a gift when I later go into my bedroom and see Kari lying seductively and waiting for me, and this time we try against the bedroom walls and on the furniture and floor. Its really good that she has stowed away a few towels under my bed.

 Creating something new - day 6, Weapons cane test

    Creating something new, day 6


    Weapons cane test


    Its a productive morning, where start with writing down information from the tablet, but end up working on all the parts for my weapons cane. I take the time to do the job carefully, so it will work as it should and be nice to look at. Most of the time this cane will be a fashion and statement more than its true purpose as a weapon, so it must look nice. But when I need its weapons, they MUST work, as my life will probably depend on it. It also need to be safe so that I don''t activate anything by mistake or it fall apart by mistake, while that safety doesn''t prevent it working reliably. Most of this are design problems that should be fixed, but there is a lot of fiddling about since its all handcrafted. I do a simple test that the piezo lighter can ignite the blackpowder in a casing now that it has been modified and assembled into the grip. Another test that all detachable barrels and its attachments work correctly, click into place, doesn''t rattle or come loose and feels good and crisp.


    Bodil returns from leaving the crucible steel lumps at Bladesmith Olafr, and picking up the mold. Apparently Olafr tenderly touched the lumps like newborn babies. Olafr''s really looking forward to the coming weeks.


    <hr>


    Cast lead bullets and make crude cartridges, and in the afternoon I bring Alith with me down to the beach to verify that the piezo ignition works. But only from a distance where we stay behind rocks as cover and using a pull string. It works. It really works. The string flexes, but its short and the ignition seems more direct as a primer had triggered the cartridge, instead of a flintlock. Which is what I wanted and hoped for. A flintlock trigger release a mechanical movement that strike sparks down into the pan that ignites the finer blackpowder there, which then burns into the shot. Its fast, but still a delay compared to igniting inside the casing with a high voltage arc. Wonder if its the arc that ignites the particles, or the blackpowder conducts the current through the particles, heat up, and ignite? Regardless, it works, and after a few shot its clear that it works very well.


    Alith understands why I swore her to keep this secret, to keep my canes functions secret, and why she''s with me every time I try blackpowder. So only she knows. She really appreciates that I trust her, and that I forced her to borrow hearing plugs again. She doesn''t really know what to say, when I tell her that in the future I hope to be able to let my guards use a new type of weapons, firearms, which is based on the same sejd. I hope I can give her her own musket eventually, but I say nothing about that. It''s not really a good gift unless I teach her about making her own blackpowder at the same time. Without blackpowder a musket is worse weapon than a club, and there doesn''t seem to be anyone else producing blackpowder in Alfheimr. Good for me, but that means I''m the only source. Its a bad gift if she has to depend on my goodwill to use it.


    I like and trust Alith enough, but we havn''t known eachother for a long time and some secrets are too big to just give away like that.


    But it is rewarding to see her bounce in place while she eagerly drums on her shield with an expectant smile. She''s definitely a weapon fangirl, especially if its shiny or impressive. I wonder what she would say about a cannon, or explosives. She feels more like a person roaring ''Wo-Ho! Fuck Yeah! '' with her hands in the air, than a ''Cool Guy'' who just turns around and casually walks away.


    <hr>


    Once back at the house, I''ll finish building my cane. Still a bit of fine detail work to make it prettier and overall polishing to do, but it can be used.


    It has both a trigger guard to protect the trigger, and a simple mechanical grip lock, and it seem to work just fine as a gun. I can also lift the cane vertically under the handle / shoulder support and spray someone with tear gas via the recessed wooden button for it. I think. I don''t really want to test it because of how small the container is. If I grip the handle to use as a stabbing weapon, there is a conveniently placed latch I can push in and then turn the handle clockwise, and the upper tube separates in two about a decimeter below the handle, to give me something resembling a classic medieval stiletto. Its probably quite bad for fencing with, but its 220mm long and 13mm wide diamond cross section blade looks nasty and is probably an effective stabbing weapon, as it will go deep inside the body and I can easily put a lot of force behind it. Since its steel, it should be more durable than many people will believe, and it should penetrate will and deep even through chainmail or leather armor. Its also an emergency weapon, and I can use the rest of the cane for parrying. With the pistol grip in the hand, the tube is quite good along the underside of the arm. Atleast its better than just using my arm to block a blade with. I can also poke enemies with the barrel end. If the ice tip is fastened, it will be a bit unpleasant as well. I will need to practice fighting with this, for it to be useful in an emergency. Its a fairly impractical melee weapons combo, especially against the common sword and shield, so I hope I never have to rely on it.


    This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.


    Typically me, I''m almost done with the cane, when I start to think about modding it or adding something else. Bought that wooden block, and I think it would be nice to add a small flashlight or a tazer as well. I can fit the flashlight without problems, as I have two Nitecore Tube flashlights with me. They give good light and one is modded with a screwed on PETG diffuser which I usually hang in the tent as a unfocused ceiling lamp because its short, lightweight, lo/hi brightness, and hangs higher up compared to the Maglite. Its light output is low 1 lumen lasting a couple of days, or high 45 lumens lasting an hour. Would be nice to have that with me in the cane. Both to see in the dark, signal with and ''sejd''. I can hide the flashlight in a slightly thicker handle, where the button can be pressed with another recessed wooden button piece, a bit like the tear gas canister, and I can make a recessed jack on the underside to access its micro USB charging port, although I will have to use something long and thin to pull out its rubber cover.


    I sketch and will start shaping the important inner parts for the flashlight, before I can let a more skilled carver do the outside. It needs to be pretty. I might ask the same craftsman doing the wind turbine parts if they''re good, or maybe Bodil who seems skilled enough.


    For now, I ignore the Tazer idea, because the problem is generating high voltage when I don''t have any suitable electronics. It won''t be small. Having to use a crank feels so wrong, and doesn''t give the same practical fast effect in use, and high voltage is a big problem with the lack of insulators and possibilities.


    I will probably disassemble my dualband walkie-talkie in the future and try to reuse the components, especially simpler semiconductors as diodes and extremely valuable transistors, which I can''t build here. That radio has a lot of signal amplifying semiconductors.


    Huummm...


    That radio has two output stages for radio energy, 4-5W VHF/UHF, and I have the electrical schematic in the radio models folder on the tablet, and probably on my phone, because I have replaced the output mosfet on this model once, and needed to find out its datasheet. I also cut the TX/RX LED traces as they might give away my position in nightgames. I''ve repaired a couple of other radios too for acquaintances, and made a small volume of mods etc on others. A burned final stage mosfet easily happens if the antenna is damaged or missing, and I know a group where 4 out of 8 radios after a while could no longer transmit due to carelessness, ignorance and burned final stage mosfets. But broken displays, mashed buttons, damaged headset jacks and controls have happened too. And I''ve been the one to fix it, or just been given a damaged radio when they bought a new one. I have quite a collection, not atleast since the cheap walkie-talkie market have exploded the last 15 years, and its handy to be able to lend out when there''s newbies attending.


    Anyway, if I simplify and modify then I should be able to build an amplifier and speaker, that can be used with my MP3 player or phone. Music!


    ... or maybe a two-way radio?


    Wouldn''t be wrong if I could build a radio link to my future ship. A radio feels much more useful, and in the extremely quiet electromagnetic environment Alfheimr must be, I should be able to reach far on low frequency and power, and maybe I can build more than two practical radios depending on the design. A regen receiver doesn''t require many semiconductors. A few radios somewhere within 2-10MHz would be nice, whether it''s morse code or voice. Probably morse, since range is more important and morse is much more effective, and requires fewer components.


    Building radios will be a really interesting challenge. So much harder to build a radio when you can''t just buy ready-made components and order custom circuit boards. I''ve built a few simple receivers and transmitters before, for different frequencies, but in the last ten years I''ve mostly used ready-made radio chips or modules of some type. It should be fun and interesting due to the challenge. Not that I need it to build radios, but I have a whole pile of schematics in that same radio catalog, but most of them will have ICs, crystals and ready made filters. But oh so nervous it will be to solder surface mounted components with a heated copper rod or clamp. I will miss my desoldering stations and soldering irons. If I just had my yellow toolbox from my car, but then it wouldn''t really be that hard. But I have to prioritise my projects, so radios is for the future.


    My work on the flashlight handle comes crashing to a halt, as Iselin hooks her naked leg over my shoulder, and let her hair fall down infront of my face when she kisses me on my head. I decide that thats enough work for today. I kiss her leg when she softly and sensually reminds me of those little T things for women, and she really wants one, and I totally agree.


    Playing with my cane, flashlight handle and thinking about radio when there is such an important project for my fianc¨¦e.


    Bad prioritization.


    Bad Robert.

 Creating something new - day 7, IUDs & Boomstick

    Creating something new, day 7


    IUDs & Boomstick


    After getting up from bed, I make a T template, and carefully verify its dimensions according to the information I have, and make a T-shaped two part mold in clay around the template, with a built-in melting chamber and channel in the mold. The mold is flat and thin so it dries and harden fairly quickly, and weak heat helps. Since I don''t have any fire inside my room, I''m doing this work out in the longhouse commonroom, and I have quite a lot of curious eyes on me, but no-one say anything. Iselin just take everything in, and I do give her bits of information when she asks.


    I shouldn''t heat the mold much, only about 180C, and while the mold heats up I locate suitable HDPE plastic (recycling triangle code 2). Cut pieces and fill up a portion of the chamber in the top of the mold, and then presses down with the wooden stick I used as a template. Some plastic finds its way into the needle-thin end channels, and out between the two part mold. Sandcasting would have been nicer, but this is easier and faster, and I can reheat the plastic to fix flaws, unlike casting aluminium or bronze. I miss my casting silicone and all my other stuff for making mold and casting, but I mostly 3D printed. Well, there won''t be anymore of that, so my design and printing history will end at about 600 3D prints. Its kind of ironic that I have all the software I need on my tablet, and I should be able to build a crude 3D printer in a couple of years. I just can''t make the control board to connect that printers motors and mechanics to my tablet, or create plastic filament. I really wish I hade experimented and make bioplastics at home.


    When the mold cools down and I take out the finished little plastic T, I''m really pleased and quite impressed with how good the quality is. I immediately start heating up the mold for the next cast, while I cool down the plastic T in a bowl of cold water. Test how durable it is, and that it bends and flexes as it should and that it doesn''t have any sharp edges or is dangerous. I am so nervous that something will go wrong with this whole project. That something I have done will harm the women around me - my girlfriends and friends. Just that thought is really unpleasant. That''s why I chose HDPE plastic. It is the best plastic I know of and have with me, and shouldn''t leach anything unpleasant, be carcinogenic or degrade and fall apart. It is HDPE that is used in pill cans and many toys for toddlers, and food containers, which should mean it is safe enough for being inside their bodies for years. Its also HDPE plastic that''s used in the fresnel lens for heat detectors as the non colored version is IR transparent. A big advantage of 3D printing stuff and many different projects over the years. It have taught me a lot about plastics, not least things that can be printed or should be avoided due to gases and other things, and if you can''t easily buy the plastic but need it, then you have to improvise. I''m quite good at that. Iselin''s been staying at my side all this time, and she''s really fascinated by the whole process, and white plastic. Ciara, Alith and Bodil are also curious and excited about it.


    When the next T is cast, I carefully trim the edges and clean it up. Heat up a needle and melt a hole in the bottom of the T for the string. I carefully wrap the T parts in copper wire and make sure the ends are rounded and tucked under. It should be done. I make six more. Make a small giggle as the number six in Swedish is sex, and its spelled and written the same as the act of having sex, and these are to make sex safer. Sometimes I''m so childish and easily amused.


    I have enough HDPE plastic for many more, but I postpone it for the future. I only have seven women around me anyway. Check that the finished IUDs fits in the brass tube I have, and flatten the tube a little while I bend it a bit to make insertion easier, and then I make sure that all edges are rounded and there isn''t anything sharp. Iselin entusiastically fetch a thin branch we debark and can use as a push rod, and cut it and mark its lenght.


    They''re all gathered here, and have been watching my work, so I shows them the little IUDs I''ve made. Kari, Gunhild and Hillevi are completely mystified over the others excitement, and I remember that I told them when we where in Skiringsalr during our first trip to Borgarsandr, but Iselin is quick to ask if she can tell them, and when I nod she enthusiastically informs them that this little sejd thing prevents a woman from becoming pregnant. It is inserted with this tube in where the baby grows in the womb, and the woman never gets pregnant at all. And this can be done a few days after having sex, it still prevents the pregnancy. I confirms to Kari that this is sejd from Midgard, and it reduces the risk of pregnancy to about 1 in 200. So if we have sex on the days that are most ''dangerous'', before the woman bleeds, this will lower the risk of pregnancy to about 1 in 200, and it works for maybe 5 years or more. We have to test that duration, but the plastic can be reused, so don''t throw it away. I will save the mold. The woman can pull it out with the help of the string, and have a child a few days later.


    Kari''s eyes glows as she stares and carefully inspect the IUD. I should probably be worried, as she seems to like sex but I may have missed how much, as its all so new for her - its basically a week since she was a virgin. I too am tired of using condoms made from animal intestines, and I so miss disposable latex condoms. They''re so much better and more practical.


    I inform them that I intend to buy a ship, because we and the Academy need one, and that we will go to Skiringsalr where I have a project with a sejd woman - Fj?lkunniga Liv. She''s trying to create IUDs from materials available here, and to test that it works and is safe for women. Then the knowledge will be spread to other sejd women. I want Liv in Skiringsalr to be the one who insert the IUDs in those who want them. Which quickly - and expected - are all three of my girlfriends. Since I''ve made seven, the guards are whispering, and Alith wonders if that offer extends to them as well, and I confirm that I don''t want to treat them differently in something this important, and they thank me for the offer and accept, except Hillevi. She doesn''t want an IUD, but she feels honored that I offered it to her. I tell her that I''ll save her IUD, and should she regret it in the future, just let me know. We will visit Skiringsalr in the future, or they could learn how Liv does it.


    <hr>


    The women are all distracted, so I starting casting lead minieballs outside. I don''t want lead fumes inside. There isn''t even a chimney to help pull the fumes outside. The lead minieball falls through the barrel, so when the rear end expands from the pressure, it should be good and make a good seal. The cast bullets also match nicely with the brass sleeves and require just a little filing before they can be gently tapped into place. When I have cast 30, I return to my room and start making my first batch of cartridges.


    I cut the brass cups to the right length for the blackpowder weight I have chosen, drill the hole in the bottom and seal it by gluing on a thin piece of paper on the outside and seal it with lacquer. While I wait for them to dry, I shape a wooden rod to match the back of a minieball. When they''re all dry I put on my eyeprotection and start with finer blackpowder for safer ignition, and hold it in place with the thinnest little piece of toilet paper I had with me, pour in more blackpowder and pack it gently in place with the wooden rod, press the ball in place, and gently deforms the brass edge into the corresponding recess in the lead ball, and add a thin layer of lacquer to seal the minieball to the brass cup. I want them waterproof.


    My first cartridge. I sigh with relief. Nervs. This might literally blow up in my face.


    Improvise a leather face protector that I hang from my ears. Then I carefully make 20 more, of which 4 with sulfur-free blackpowder. I quickly improve my craft, and mark numbers and what is what with my waterproof overhead pen on the outside of each cartridge. The sulfur free also gets a small mark in the brass cup before I add the blackpowder. They all look so beautiful lined up in front of me. Their purpose isn''t beautiful, but I''m happy to be done with them. I really hope they work, and work well.


    I use a few pieces of thick wooden planks to make a square shield for the first shots, with a jack I can let the stock tube of the cane go through, and a hole to see the sights. As long as I keep my head away from being in line with the barrel, should it explode, the thick wood can protect me from most of the effect, and I have my polycarbonate sunglasses as eye protection. To protect my hand I use a thick piece of leather with a cutout so it can fit around the grip, and rest it on top of my hand. Decide to bring my thin hiking gloves too.


    I have tested the canes durability and function before, but I didn''t hold the weapon in my hand. Holding and firing the gun for the first time will be ... ''anxious''. Even though it''s her day off, Alith entusiastically volunteer to accompany me down to the test area on the beach. She knows what I''m going to do, as I told her yesterday. Its nice, since I don''t have to postpone the test for tomorrow. But then again, she gets to see a dangerous weapon being tested, so its probably what she likes to do on her free day anyway. Bodil also joins us, but must stay just out of sight and keep an eye out so no-one approaches, and we again use the protected little slump with some trees to direct the sound out to sea, and cut down on the chance that someone might see what we''re doing.


    <hr>


    My weapon cane is so wonderful and so dangerous, and it''s not just me as its proud creator saying that. After a while - and many jealous glances and actual drooling - I let Alith shoot two shots, and she has found something more desirable than my knife and sword. She''s shaking with adrenaline as she gently returns the cane to me. She''s really giddy.


    The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.


    It really feels like there''s no delay in ignition, and I guess the short 40cm barrel means that the blackpowder doesn''t completely burn, because there is a big could of smoke and a bit of flame. Or I just that I never fired a blackpowder weapon before. I hardly fired any real weapon before. I try the sulfur-free cartridges and they all work too, with almost non-existent smoke. I will use sulfur anyway. It should be functionally safer and give a slightly higher output speed. Its impressive muzzle effect might be useful too. I can bring a couple of sulfur-free cartridges with me in a future cartridge holder if I need to shoot at a distance, and be more covert.


    It also works well to shoot through the weakened wooden protective plugs. The protective plugs protects the barrel, and mean I can use the cane in mud and snow without plugging up the barrel or damaging the barrel against stones. It will also stop the barrel from making ugly marks in my mansions oak floorboards, because that would only annoy me. I don''t plan to fire through the plugs, but in an emergency its good to know that I can.


    Is a bit of work to clean the barrels, but I should be able to fire at least 4 shots before residue buildup will become a problem. It seems that the lead ball scrapes away the previous shots residue quite effectively, and the minieball shape is partly for the bullet to expand to the barrel. It can be fired with residue in the barrel. Replacing the barrel also works well. After I fired a shot, the brass cup seem to have deformed to the barrel, which I should have expected, but I can quite easily get it out with the edge and the gripping pits I''ve made. I also try to flick out the spent cartridge cup, which doesn''t really work without trying a few times, but I will try to polish the cartridge position better. The spent brass cup is warm, and with all the inspecting and testing the rate of fire is low anyway.


    The bayonette lug for accessories in the front, works well as a front sight, although its slightly off on one of the barrels, so I won''t use that one and will mark a black line to use instead. The rear sight works, but I correct it a little with my multitool.


    The barrels arn''t rifled and the precision at a distance is poor, but I can hit a wide tree about 20 meters away with all 3 shots I try. Good enough. We can both hear the bullet hit a cliff about 200m away when I test, and Alith is even more impressed. I could force a simpler rifling brotsch/reamer through, or make a simple rifling tool to carve rifle groves in the barrel in the future. It would stabilize the ball in flight, and thus decrease spread and making it more accurate and give it longer practical range. But this isn''t a hunting rifle - it is for defense and surprise at close range. I can''t really test its spread anyway, so I save three cartridges, and will reload a few more tonight, including a couple of sulfur-free cartridges.


    My weapons cane can be considered done, tested and proven, even if it will be modified and added to.


    <hr>


    When we return from the beach, I''m glad to see Iselin, Ciara and Gunhild waiting go down to swim and practice swimming, and I''m especially glad that Bodil shouts that she will quickly leave her gear and join them, after I give her okay to do so. She seems to have overcome her fear of water. Alith seems quite happy to have a moment to herself in their bedroom.


    I reload some cartridges, fix the rear sight a bit, and add that black line to the barrel. I polish the cartridge position, and decide to make two simpler strap mounts. It feels so wrong to walk around with a cane in my hand, and it will sometimes be in the way or I might just want to have both hands free, so I want to be able to hang the cane on my back by giving it a simple variant of a rifle strap. I make a strap bracket just below and covering the grove where the tube separates, so the stiletto can be removed and the seam is hidden by the bracket. As a bonus, the cane will hang a little higher up as well. I make a ring clamp behind the bayonet lock in the front of the barrel. When I''m doing this I realise that I will only have this on one barrel, so I add it on the one with a faulty frontsight lug, and add a small frontsight on the clamp. I will need to add some form of quick release in the future, to facilitate barrelchanges. I cut a narrow leather strap and sew it as a simple adjustable rifle strap. It will do for now, and I should have a craftsman make a finer strap in the future. My cane should look nice.


    They return from the beach, so I gather everyone and show them my new Sejdmann cane. I say its dangerous, which Alith''s strong nodding and big eyes confirm, but they probably hadn''t doubted that, considering how it sounded from the beach, the faint smoke they also saw from here, and Iselin and Ciara was there when I tested my blackpowder mini cannon. Hillevi takes a couple of steps back from the cane. I say I also built another thing and show a cartridge and say that these too are dangerous. Don''t hit them, don''t expose to fire - leave them alone. As long as no one sees me reloading, they won''t know that there is a cartridge in the cane. Only Alith knows that secret.


    It''s so tragic I can''t say what I really want, but they don''t deserve it and the situations wrong too. They wouldn''t really understand. So damn tragic. Quoting ''Ash'' would be awesome. But in any case, I now know what to call my cane, and it is groovy. Can I have it engraved or etched in the metal on the upper tube? Maybe on the side of the grip? Argh, I would like to say:


    ''Alright you primitive screwheads. Listen up! See this? This .... is my BOOMSTICK!''


    Bodil is honored to carve the flashlight grip for my Boomstick, so we discuss patterns and make sure its going to match.


    <hr>


    Kari lies in her bed and thinks, as she''s listening to Iselin and Robert trying to be quiet in his bedroom, but it makes the whole thing a little cuter. She also hears faint sound of moving fabric and other faint sounds from Alith''s bed, and this isn''t the first time. But Alith is discreet and considerate, although Kari is a little worried that Alith with an IUD will be tempted to have real sex with Robert, because she has noticed how Alith sometimes is when she''s close to Robert, and how Alith behaved on the beach. Alith probably wouldn''t say no to becoming Robert''s concubine if he offered, but at the same time she seems to take her guard duty seriously enough.


    Kari is a little jealous of Iselin and wishes it was her in Robert''s bed, and preferably without any other woman in his life so she could have all his nights and all the sex herself, but she has patience and she will get her fair share of Roberts nights. Something that will be even more enjoyable and more intense with the extra security that that funny little white T with copper can provide. Kari really want to feel Robert without anything between them. Without anything else complicating their sex. That such a small thing can be such powerful sejd.


    Wrong. Technology.


    Of course, Robert is absolutely right. A sufficiently advanced technology is sejd for others, the difference is that technology works every time. Do everything right, and the results are almost guaranteed. Technology can also be improved and understood, although she doesn''t understand why it works. Robert probably does, and when he trust her enough; he will tell her. She is impressed that Robert has had the IUD project running for so long, and before he even met her. How quickly he realized IUD''s value and how it will change so much, for so many women, both for the better and for the worse of course. Kari just wishes that Robert wouldn''t give away such enormously valuable knowledge completely free. It would have been so incredibly powerful to control, but it will still be beneficial, and further peoples belief in believing Freya brought Robert to Alfheimr, and increase their belief in his power and might.


    She finds herself smiling wickedly as she thinks about how it could be used to stop some womens ambitions - or their fathers. Or powerful men who won''t produce heirs. If the women around the man don''t have children, it must be because of the man, or that the Gods have cursed him. If only it could be inserted without the women''s knowledge ...


    ... which it really can without much difficulty. Its no more difficult than drugging someone''s wine or mead, and insert the IUD when they''re unconcious, as it apparently shouldn''t really be noticed and it suppose to go quickly. Without the pull-out string. Or use a trusted sejd woman to do it. It tickles Kari when she thinks of all the possibilities. Robert has inspired her to start seeing opportunities.


    She needs to talk to that Liv and find out if Liv is willing to cooperate, but she seem to be a close friend with Jarl Skiringe, and Kari don''t want give her that idea. The most discreet option is probably that Kari tries to be helpful and learn, so that she can help Hillevi if she chose to have an IUD in the future, and then teach a maid here in the capital to insert IUDs. A maid who is willing to listen to certain suggestions, and who could be given special work from time to time. Kari could probably get the King to invite suitable men with his wives, concubines and mistresses to a banquet or two. Preferably a big one where there''s many attending and much feasting. Robert has already given her powerful arrows to her quiver and he is such a wonderful wonderful man in so many ways.


    Kari just have to be careful so Robert never follows the idea back to her. Never. Just that the idea comes from her would be a betrayal, and he will probably not forgive more, and her future with Robert is more valuable than anything else. That future is everything. Probably best to not take that risk, and forget the idea.


    Kari doesn''t worry that Robert - like many powerful men - will sometimes order a maid to his bed if she wants to keep her job. But its still a double-edged sword to ensure that future female staff have IUDs inserted, so that all women around Robert become safer and don''t accidentally, or deliberately, try to become pregnant from him. Unfortunately, IUDs can entice Robert to have sex with their staff, but the biggest risk is probably that some of the staff want to have sex with Robert. Many lower maids or slave women see the bed as a good way to become free-necked, or gain status and favoritism from their master or Lord. Sex is a means many women use to their advantage if they can - even if they don''t like their master - and Robert will be a target. He''s too desirable, attractive and fantastic in bed, and with Iselin and Ciara he has proved that he doesn''t care about a woman''s status to make her his concubine or wife, and give her a life of honor and luxury.


    But in the end, Robert can still have sex with the staff - with or without an IUD - and a small white T with copper make that safer from consequences. It''s her duty to make sure that Robert doesn''t have unwanted children when he is a little careless, or falls for lust. It is her honor to give Robert children. And Iselins. Maybe Ciara too.

 Creating something new - day 8, The Ship

    Creating something new, day 8


    The ship


    After breakfast, Iselin desired to just crawl down in my bed again and listen to music with me. A desire I happily fulfilled, and it''s so cute to have her lying there and listening to one song after another. She surprises me when she wants to hear more Rammstein - and her pronunciation of that group is so cute with her norse dialect - but I warn her that many have a faster pace or harder sound. She takes it better than I thought. When I feel her feet and shoulders weakly move in time with the beat in ''Du Hast'', and she after a while starts singing along to ''Du. Du Hast.'', I begin to suspect that she''s starting to like some modern harder metal music, and ''Ich Will'' wasn''t a coincidence.


    <hr>


    Iselin, Kari and Gunhild help me ask around for a ship thats for sale, that would suit my wishes. I need something large and fast that can use beating well, which I believe is the technical term for the zig-zag course by tacking against the wind, and with preferably two masts. The ship should have cabins, and preferably only need a small crew. There are quite a few ships for sale, but mostly Knarrs and Longships. We find a ship with two masts that just looks funny and what must be a stupid design that I immediately become hesitant about and move on from, but also a large single-masted Cog with cabins that can be sailed with only 4-5 people. This type of Cog feels quite standardized among the larger ships, because both Danr and the Masterbuilder Pedr''s ships are of that type and very similar to each other. I begin to realize that there probably isn''t many alternatives, and I''m just spoiled thinking about all the different kinds of ships the world have had over a couple of millenniums. At least a Cog is better than an open Knarr, although the Knarr is apparently much faster and better at handling winds. Not suprised as its a big sail on a shallow draft boat that glide over the water, instead of a Cog plowing through it, with worse sailarea vs water cross section.


    But we might as well continue, and we manage to find another Cog in slightly better condition. After a couple of references, and a half joke comment about an impossible goal, we''re given directions to a laid up ship with what seems to have a really huge lateen sail if I go by the boom and the masts stay lines. It even has two masts where the rear is smaller and above the stern castle, and it has a keel and isn''t flat-bottomed like the Cogs. I wonder if its called a Caravel, or was it the Carac that was smaller? I really should have studied boats and boat history more. My knowledge comes from documentaries, tv series, and computor games. Its patchy and weirdly specific.


    Whatever that design is called, it doesn''t feel like its from here, and I mean the North in Alfheimr. When we manage to locate the owner he confirms. The owner is an older merchant who owns two ships, and the laid up one is a completely new type thats inspired from far away seas in the southwest. They''re rare there too. He sail on one, and studied another carefully when it was built, but this is a little fatter proportioned to be able to take more cargo. The laid up ship was newly built by hired craftsmen with himself, his son, a boat builder friend and a boat builder slave from southwest as designers and engineers. They included all the most advanced shipbuilding knowledge they knew or learned on their travels. It was built for his son Arn, so they could sail together before Arn was suppose to take over his buisness. But at the end of the construction, Arn fell from the mast and hit his head. He never woke up from his sleep, and eventually died. Arn never saw the ship he was suppose to own be completed. The merchant completed the ship, saw it sail wonderfully, but had lost all desire to sail. He didn''t want to be reminded. The ship was dragged ashore last autumn and has been laid up there ever since. The merchant have stayed ashore in Borgarsandr, while his Cog is sailed by his crew. They do all his trading for him. Several people have asked to buy his ship, but he has refused to sell the ship that was suppose to be his sons life, and instead took it.


    I tell him that if he sells the ship to me, it will be used by me and my Academy, and that its name will be known far across the seas. The ship will have a glorious reputation, and a beautiful ship like that deserve to glide through water instead of rotting away on the shore. The ship will mainly be used to transport people and goods to and from my Academy, but it will also be used to map the world. It will be used to train the next generation of navigators and try new equipment and solutions for sailing my Academy will develop, and its name will live in people''s memory long after the both of us are dead. I show him a Northarrow, and explain about my future ships compass, and combined with what I plan to name it, it appeals to him enough to sell me the ship. It appeals to him that the ship he built for his son will have such a noble future, and it would be a shame if it slowly rotted away on shore.


    I couldn''t resist naming the ship ''Millennium Eagle'' in Norse, for Arn means Eagle in Norse, and hopefully the ship will technologically be a thousand years ahead of others ships here. It has absolutely no connection to the fact that I as a nerd like a certain SciFi trilogy.


    I never really thought about the fact that my own last name Arnesson is a modern spelling of the old Norse ''Eagle''s son''. We have plenty of people named after animals in some way, like Bj?rn (bear), and Ulf (wolf), and most never think about their names meaning or history. Names ending in ''son'' is so common in the Nordic countries, and it was common with name ending in the different languages version of ''daughter'' too, but the tradition of being named after your father stopped a couple of hundred years ago. Its all family names now, but the tradition still live on in Iceland. I wish that the rest of the Nordic countries had kept it too, but it makes it really hard to keep track of a large population, and who is related to whom. Iceland still have only about 360 thousand inhabitants, but their church books and lists of their population is next to none and go way back.


    My new ship needs a thorough scrubbing as it has been collecting dirt and bird droppings for the last year. It also needs to be ventilated, given a new waterproof coat, checked for leaks, the rudder is lubricated, and that all the ropes and sail is good and so on.


    I own that ship. Feels so good. I hope they don''t find any huge problems with it, but I can''t help to wonder how long it will be until I try to have a new ship built. Something more modern from 1870-1950s. I need to find competent good shipbuilders.


    I was advised to create a written notice about my wish to employ seafarers to my ship, and put up notices on the bulletin boards outside of three perticular taverns, and to hire a Town Crier to travel around and shout it out. There are people that do that as their work, and it does work in a society where few can read and write. They go around, blow their horn to get peoples attention, and yell out whatever someone payed them to yell. The local ruler pays them to spread news, rulings of Tings and so on.


    So seafarers will come to us instead of us asking around for a willing crew. They are to gather at the laid up ship in tomorrow morning. Short notice, but I don''t want to spend too much time waiting, and the crew will have a day to get the ship in order and in the water, unless they need more. It needs to be seaworthy.


    Kari writes the notices, as she is by far the best at writing and have a beautiful style. Its runes, so not cursive and hard to read, but skill still matter. One win for runes, although they''re slower to write. She also knows how to hire two Town Criers, and they will ride around and shout it out in the closes villages during the day.


    <hr>


    I need to get the parts made for my future mansions security doors etc. So many parts, but many isn''t very critical in the tolerances - atleast what I consider critical - but they need to be in thick iron, because the iron here is bad. It just feels wrong to try to make the internals of the doors in crucible steel when it is unnecessary. I followed Olafr''s recommendation for blacksmiths, and the blacksmith I gave the order for the doors and all its parts liked the idea. He looks forward to building them and not unexpectedly the payment he will receive, and he guess that the job will take 3-4 weeks as he needs to do all the iron work and get everything working, and then he need to deliver them to a carpenter to do the wooden surfaces.


    I''m still slightly giddy that I own a large ship, that isn''t a Cog, and I can''t help thinking about upgrades. So many upgrades. I will probably need to build a new ship just to incorporate them all. That will be expensive and take time. Urgh.


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    Digraldi has done a nice job, and we''re just standing there, looking at the parts and molds for shipscompasses and sundials. We''re just two men appreciating the craftsmanship of well-made things in good material. Two men with the same interest and attitude. With a little filing and polishing the parts will fit into each other as they should. Pay for what he has done so far, and say I look forward to the other parts that I will pick up in a couple of days, the morning when we set sail for Skiringsalr. I wonder if its okay to pick up some more parts tomorrow afternoon instead, as I''m going on a trip and will probably be away for a week, so he can take his time with the rest.


    We discuss fiting parts together and I realize that I need lubricant, and wonder if he has any suggestions for an oil that lubricates brass, that can be out in the sun and winter, and preferably doesn''t dissolve iron gall ink. Apparently a simple answer as he just smiles and gets a big clay jug with oil in it. It smells weird, like something petrolium based more than plant or animal based. Well, petrolium is plants, just far far older and compressed since the dinosaur age. Its very dark, so I can forget to use this inside the shipscompass to dampen the disc. I guess its more than half a liter, and he say he use less than he expected, and he still have another unopen jug left, which is more than enough for his own need for several years. For now, this is more than enough for me, and even if the oil is quite expensive, I should expect that if its imported from far away, and I suspects it may actually be petroleum based. Which probably means its form somewhere in the middle east. This jug has traveled far, and I should try to buy more from merchants, and refine it for different purposes. Another future project.


    I also buy some paint that will adhere well to metal especially thin copper, and not crack, so I can try to make coils and magnets for the wind turbine. Since I don''t care about its color and prefer something thin, its quite easy, although it will crack if its hit with something hard. He only have four good colors, so I end up buying a jar of each. I will probably need it.


    It would be best if I could finish a shipcompass and a sextant before the trip. It''s my ship so I plan to work on the trip unless the weather gets too bad. One thing I have learned is that boat trips are boring if I have nothing to do, and I will introduce more board games. But boardgames doesn''t work well if the ship is rocking to much. Its also annoying that there isn''t any weather service I can easily access via mobile. Man, I miss all those small things.


    <hr>


    I make my girlfriends stay outside when I visit the jeweler, and he''s done with his part of the jobs and show me the pair of plugs, where one has a really nice surface in rose gold, but both have been polished so I can see my distorted reflection in them. Looks like excellent work. The rings for Ciaras breasts matches nicely. Ciara''s new necklace should be finished by tomorrow night, atleast thats what the seamstress told him. They didn''t have anything matching in color or style, and have been making it. I buy a ten really small rubies, just a few millimeters in diameter and cheap. I hope they''re rubies. I need something hard and durable, and hope it will work well as a bearing for the ship compass needle. I would have worked with sapphire, emerald and a few other precious stones, but he have plenty of these, and I do mean plenty, and gemstones are really weirdly valued here, and as we leave I talk with my girlfriends about it.


    Large is good, and cut, carved and polish is good, but among the larger there''s everything from amber, emeralds, just polished rocks, rubies and on and on, and there isn''t a really big difference between amber, rocks and rubies. Sure, gemstones are ''stones'' but very different and far less common. A lot of smaller gemstones seems to be undervalued as hell, but that applies to the bigger too. It seems to be tradition to value silver and gold and how decorated and intricate the metalwork is, more than gemstones, and considering thats their economy and payment it makes sense. Few will actually know if a gemstone is valuable or just a piece of rock or glass, but everyone understands silver and gold, especially if its intricate work. A big gemstone is nice, but the same size and more intricate piece in gold would be more impressive, and give more status. Gemstones are the parts for intricate decorations in silver and gold, instead of viewing gold and silver as something that holds and display the gemstone. It seems to be linked to the fact that Northmen historically raided and brought back looted goods, and the gemstones were sold of cheaply, because they didn''t really know what it was. And they still don''t if go by how the jeweler price and present his goods.


    Then again, I bought rubies because they''re aluminiumoxide and very hard, not because they''re gemstones. I couldn''t care less about their cut, clarity and color. I wanted something hard, small, with a good surface, and easy to mount.


    I wonder how they value jewelry down south? According to Kari they value gemstones by their ''light''; how they shine and different colors. Gemstones also have different ''powers'' and purposes, like warding of evil, increasing health, cure deceases and so on. Gemstones are mostly domed or grinded flat, and I guess I shouldn''t be suprised considering what the jeweler showed me. They probably don''t know about how faceted surfaces can redirect light and sparkle more. Kari doesn''t really know much more than that, and they all needle me, more or less, to give my view about their purpose. Well. Damned if you do, damned if you don''t.


    I just say that if someone can scientifically prove an effect, I will believe them, otherwise its all in their minds, but you shouldn''t ignore the power of the mind over your own body. Really believe that a cure will work, and it have a bigger chance of succeeding, if its something that the body might do. If you lost a leg, its gone. If you really believe that the wearing a special ring will make you healthier, you might feel healthier even if you''re becomming sicker. Same as wearing something for good luck. If something good happens, obviously it works. If something bad happens, it might have been worse if you didn''t have your lucky charm. Elves and humans seem to be the same in a lot of things, and there have been plenty of research of the mind in Midgard.


    I give them this to think about: I claim that Dragons are afraid of sejd users, so they''re not where I am. You might respond with: I''m not a sejduser, and I''ve never seen a Dragon. To which I reply: See! Its working, because there''s always a sejduser nearby that scares the Dragons away, and they''re really afraid of sejdusers.


    That claim is obviously wrong, and not proven just because I say so. Lack of evidence against something, doesn''t prove its correct. To actually scientifically prove my claim, I have to find Dragons and prove they''re scared of sejdusers in a blind test, where the Dragons wouldn''t know if the person is a normal Elf or Human, or a sejduser, and that the Dragon isn''t scared for any other reason, like that its being tested. Unless I can prove this and remove all other factors to a reasonable degree, I can''t claim its correct.


    If you make an extraordinary claim, you have to prove its correct. Its not for everyone else to prove that its false. So, gemstones are just pretty, or useful for perticular purposes.


    That opened up a can of worms. So many questions, from all of them. And no, I don''t believe in a lot of things, including Dragons. Especilly not flying Dragons. When I have proof of Dragons existences, then I will belive in them. And someone telling me they''ve seen one doesn''t count. People believe they''ve seen all kinds of things, and people also lie. The mind is easy to fool, and we generally see what we expect and interpret things wrong. Thats why witnesses to things is a tricky subject, and its usually not that hard to discredit a witness or make them believe they saw something else. Midgard have whole professions ment to do that, or trained to avoid it, or just trying to fool people for entertainment.


    We get sidetracked a bit, as we come in to other discussions and questions, and Kari whispers to me asking if that doesn''t apply to the Gods too? I just smile and wink at her. Its called ''belief'' for a reason.


    I managed to stop their questions as we reach the wheelwright/wainwright, and I can focus on his attempts to make a better wheel. His first attempt is skewed, but he is impressed with its durability, and he is working on a new one where he is more careful and precise. I suggests that he can otherwise try to make a wider hub where the struts go alternately to one or the other side, so the wheel becomes stronger for forces in both side directions, and the alternating struts might keep the wheel straight.


    We buy more linen and other things, and when we walk around and talk, I realize how surprisingly many craftsmen there are here, but Borgarsandr has many thousands of inhabitants, probably more than ten thousand accordning to Kari. Neither Kari nor Gunhild know for sure. I should probably ask the taxman. He, if anyone, should know.


    But there are no large factories here that mass produce things, and no Ikea to buy everything the common home needs and more. Many people make everyday things for themselves, but its quite natural that cities have a large concentration of craftsmen and craftswomen. Cities have customers, merchants, travelers and raw materials arriving in the same place, compared to out in nowhere in the countryside, where goods have to be transported long distances to markets, or there''s limited amount of customers. Then there is the fact that not everyone owns enough land to grow all the food they need and raise animals on, so they invest in making handcrafts or doing a service and buying their food, or trading for stuff they can''t make themselfs. Except in the city center itself, most seem to have some form of garden for vegetables, chickens and a couple of pigs, and as you travel further away from the city center, the houses become fewer and meadows, fields and groups of trees becomes larger, and small villages appear.

 Creating something new - day 8, Ciaras Jewel, Shipscompass and Sextant

    When we return to the farm, I announces the news about the ship, and if the restoration goes well, that we will sail to Skiringsalr in two days. They all already know the reasons for the trip, and several of us are really looking forward to the primary goal of the trip.


    I take off my sword and change my belt as soon as I return to my room. Walking around with a 85 cm long and 1.2kg piece of metal hanging in a belt, quickly becomes annoying and cumbersome. Sure, I''m unaccustomed to it, but it sticks out and I never liked tight belts around my waist, and neither does my stomach. And I have to tighten it up, because my waist isn''t slim, although its not overly fat. I will have to get used to carrying a sword, but I will probably only carry the sword on special occasions and when I need to. I can''t really use it, and prefer to rely on my Boomstick instead, and it can be beneficial that I look unarmed. My Boomstick is pretty much the same length and weight, but I can change hands, hang it on my back, and move it around or lean it against something, so overall the Boomstick feels less in the way. I need to get swords and other combat lessons from one of my guards, because walking around with a deadly weapon in the belt without training to be able to handle it, is both stupid and disrespectful. I have honestly practiced more with my Boomstick than with my sword, and I''m far more comfortable handling a firearm too.


    Before I sit down to work on the ship compass and sextant, I decide to give Ciara her presents. Make sure we are alone in my room, and sitting on the bed, I tell her that I will give both her and Kari knives in the future, and new necklaces when they are finished, but Iselin got the first knife, which Ciara agree is propper. But I wanted to do something special for her, so I start by giving her the two rings in rose gold. She gets so overjoyed and wants me to replace them for her, so soon I sit there with Ciara naked in front of me, and very carefully and tenderly I replace them after cleaning both the rings and her nipples in hand sanitizer gel. Her piercings seem to be healing well. Her face is so adorable when she happily plays with and shakes her breasts so the rings wiggle, and she admires her breasts and her new rings, and I get several happy tender kisses. Why does it still feel like we are fumbling teenagers?


    Asks if she''s carrying her wooden buttplug, but she shakes her head and says it shouldn''t be worn too much. Sounds good, so I ask her to only carry it when she wants, but I want her to know that she is special to me, and that I wish her to feel special and luxurious. I take out the small piece of cloth, unfold and give her the little rose gold buttplug.


    Ciara''s whole face focuses on it as she reverently picks it up and examines it, move to the windows to see its shimmer and how the glass crystal is sparkling in the sunlight. Ciara have a similar face and look that Alith had when she examined my sword or Boomstick. Without a word, she fetch the oil bottle off the shelf, and hands me both with an expectant smile before turning around, bends and grabs her ankles to position her butt in front of my face. After I kissed and caressed her body, buttocks, and clitoris for a while, Ciara gets her new anointed jewelled plug. In a loud orgasm, she loses all strength in her legs and collapse in my lap, and I hold her and lay us down in bed, while she pant and calm down. I feel pretty good too, because I think it was the preparation, and how I enjoy her, that made her orgasm, more than the plug itself. She seems to mostly enjoy that we can give each other sexual pleasure, and that I enjoy having any sexual contact with her. I just try to remember to keep my mouth shut about how skinny she is.


    I kiss her neck and we cuddle a bit, and I gently poke and wiggle her plug a bit while we do, as her smile and happy face is really gratifying. We share more kisses. I tell her that the plug isn''t solid gold, but instead hollow silver on the inside to keep the weight down so its not too heavy, but gold is prettier and much easier to keep clean. Ciara is happy that I thought about that too. That I thought of her.


    Ciara says its time for her to prepare and fetch the food, so I get one last kiss, before she steps up and puts on her clothes, gives me another tender kiss, straightens her dress and goes out.


    <hr>


    When I go out to eat just a little while later, I''m not surprised to see Alith with a crooked smile on her face, because the whole farm probably heard Ciara, and Ciara walks around with a happy smile. I feel that I need to take some high ground in the verbal duels between us, so when I sit down beside Alith I just whisper with my own confident smile; ''I only used my fingers and mouth.'' Alith''s smile falls and she just stares in front of her, before regaining her composure. I won that round.


    While we eat, I mention that I need sword lessons, and general combat lessons, and hope that one of my guards might volunteer to teach me. It turns out that everyone is, and they start discussing who is best for teaching what. I almost get worried when they reckon I need to learn the sword, shield, knife, axe, spear and bow, in that order, and above all learn to fight in duel form. I hadn''t really considered that I might need that knowledge here. How many modern North European Midgard men have ever considered having to fight with swords and shields in a duel to have the law on their side? Thank goodness I''m a Furste on my islands.


    In my head I do my best Stallone ''Judge Dredd'' voice: "I am... the LAW!". That movie was so stupid. ''Dredd'' with Karl Urban was much better, and he played Dredd better.


    <hr>


    I finish building the first ship compass. There isn''t much left to do, just assemble it together, and I complete the compass disc. The disc have deep grooves and sixteen directions with 360 degree markings on the outside. I fill them with paint. As it dries, I take out the piece of iron that is the compass needle itself, and I file a little until I can push a ruby into its small conical hole. Make the last fit and adjustment, magnetize, and then rivet the compass disc to the iron piece with brass rivets, and balance the finished solution on the needle in the puck.


    Spinn the compass disc and it rotates freely, and long, before it stabilizes, and I can read the bearing from the small metall arrow pointing on the scale. Of course it has quite a bit of mass in motion and the magnetic force is relatively low. I can move the mounting arm and the gimbaled puck stays fairly stable and the ringmounts works as it should. I carefully heat the whole puck and with a stick I put some melted pitch on the whole edge around and then quickly but carefully place the cleaned ground glass plate, and make sure its lined up and gently push the plate down on top so its goes down toward the compass disc but doesn''t touch the compass discs middle dome. The lid is to prevent the compass writing from jumping off in the event of violent shocks and to provide a closed container, and the needle/dome is so that the disc can move a little at the outer edge without hitting the glass or bottom of the puck.


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    I will try using it as a dry compass first, and then fill it to see the difference and whether it is worth doing in the future. The bottom of the puck has a threaded hole in the bottom so a small M6 screw with leather gasket can seal and to make filling possible. Filling liquid can''t be water, as water will freeze and organism will grow in it, but it could be some kind of oil or alcohol. The last thing I do is to clean the outside and lubricate all arm joints. It will be fun to test this shipcompass while sailing.


    The rest of the afternoon and evening is spent putting the sextant together, and my girlfriends just have to accept that I sometimes prioritize work rather than, for example, swimming with them. This need to be finished. Its a lot of work, but the only thing that really takes time is the exact engraving of degree lines. I mark to whole degrees, but engrave a small nonie/vernier scale for tenths. No so easy to get it right. If I have to make many, I should make an accurate angle guide in metal I can use, with a long arm to increase precision. The monocular part and the angle measurement should work fine, if I get it good enough, and minimize everything I can think of introducing faults, and I need to finished the sun filter glass. I have focused on glasses that dampens light the most without diffusing light, and have the least distortion, so dark red and blue. I probably need to combine them so that the eye isn''t damaged by IR or UV radiation, but double filters give double distortion. The brass mirror do affect the light spectrum by removing a bit of bluer light, but I don''t know if it limits UV enough. I should probably silvercoat the mirror in the future to help with light transmission, but then they will oxidize. I wonder if I can nickelplate them? Its not that hard if I could get a hold of reasonably pure nickel. I just need to have vinegar in a jar, add a couple of pinches of salt, and a low voltage DC power source to electro disolve nickel. If it turns green, its ready, other colors and its not pure Nickel. But the next step is electro plate copper or brass in the solution. Another future project. And then I have the bigger problem of making a halfmirror. How do I silver glass? I know there is some kind of chemical etching process to add silver, but I don''t remember any more than that. My halfmirror is a glassplate with a thin brass mirror on top. Not ideal.


    Well, its easy for the mind to wander when I''m doing something boring like drilling holes in glass by grinding down with a modified drillbit. Heh, boring. Its just tedious and time consuming. Its equally boring, to polish the glass as flat as I can, to minimize distortion effect on the measurement, but the filters are placed as close to the joining mirror as I can without being in the way, and folding out of the lightpath. I wonder how well the mirrorfinish will stay mirrorfinished. Nickelplating them would really help, especially in a marine environment and using stars. Atleast metalmirrors are first surface mirrors. A normal glass mirror with the reflective surface on the back wouldn''t really work.


    But my brass cast screws and taps work surprisingly well, even if they need a little love with a file. M4 is thankfully useful, and M6 / M8 works fine, so I use M6 for the glass filters, to hold the arm against the sextant frame, and also mount the monocular against the frame and as a clamping solution. I should probably try and replace the sextant monocular with a simple aperature sight system in the future. It might work well enough and it would make it cheaper and easier to build. Also easier to maintain, and aperature sights doesn''t fog or mist up. I doubt that I will have enough precision and light gathering in the monocular that it actually matter. A larger aperature might work well enough even with stars.


    I''m not sure that this sextant works exactly right, or what precision it will have, and I will need to correct the angle of everything, especially the mirrors to reset the sextant to zero. While waiting for the sunset, I prepare for the sextant calibration by measuring the exact distance to the barn with the help of a long straight pole, and calculate the angle from the barn roofs skyline, and the ground where I place a light colored paper. This will be my reference angle. I will probably verify it much more carefully tomorrow after the crew is hopefully employed. I reset the sextant by using the horizon just after sundown, when the contrast between the sea and sky is higher and very visible through the two mirror surfaces. Then I measure the barn reference angle.


    YES! It works! I let Iselin and Kari try my funny contraption, and with my description they arrive at the same angle, although I have to read the scale for them.


    I spends a large part of the evening thinking out the trigonometry and tables for correction for time of day, day of the year, angle size of the sun, etc. Urk. I will need to measure to make the right correction for the sun as well, and eventually measure and calculate a celestial sphere and a lot of stars zenith position. But thats in the future, and probably after I make the sextant good enough to use stars, and as long as the measurements are close to each other on a daily basis, it will be less of a problem for this first test. What is really important is a measurement in Borgarsandr, one at the Academy, and last at Skiringsalr, so I can partly see the error and partly decide if the sextant is useful and correct. Improvements will come later. I should order more lenses and monoculars casings tomorrow, since even if I don''t use them for sextants, they can be sold as monoculars. Ciara is also finished with the ship''s maps, so a good day with good progress.


    <hr>


    Ciara is so happy when shes lying down to sleep while feeling Roberts embrace. This day is number three in her life after the unbeatable day when she became Robert''s concubine, and the second is when she became Robert''s slave. This day only became better by ending here, in Robert''s bed and embrace after they had sex, and he came twice. She made his day end well.


    Robert made her day so very very good. Robert has given her something so much more valuable than knives and necklaces. A wonderful little jewel in warm red-toned gold. Just for her. Specifically for her. The only one in the world. Because Robert thinks her health and pleasure is worth so much, and a piece of wood isn''t good enough for her. Robert even made it as luxurious as he could with a small red glass jewel, while thinking about its weight and make keeping it clean easy. A small plug with a red jewel for her with only one purpose, and Ciara loves that she will always have the opportunity to feel a small part of Robert inside her. It feels naughty to have something so valuable there, and even more naughty that she carried it all afternoon.


    She loves the matching breast rings, and that they are slightly larger and thicker than Alith''s. But now, not only is her breasts decorated with special gold, but her butt have its own special decoration, and its so much more valuable. She have shown Alith. Shown how valuable and special Robert thinks she is.

 Creating something new - day 9, Crewelty

    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 requirements. 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 Asbj?rn 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 Asbj?rn 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 behaviour 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 defence 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 travelled 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 travelled 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 rock formations 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 someone''s 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 skill set 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 copper clad 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.


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    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 some kind 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 approach 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 questioned, 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 in front 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 a man wants to be taken by other men. In the rear." Shit. Pun not intended. Kari continues: "It''s hardly ever said any more. 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 realise 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 honour 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 armour or a helmet, only cloth. Often large light coloured 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. At least that he knows of.


    "I apologise 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.


    <hr>


    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 barrel plug - 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 misunderstanding."


    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.


    <hr>


    When I open my eyes I''m a murderer.

 Creating something new - day 9, Aftermath

    BANG!


    I''ve heard those bangs in the distance before. But it''s a completely different thing up close and I grasp Iselin''s hand hard as I''m not prepared. In a fluid smooth motion, Robert shifted his body in a funny way while lifting his ''Boomstick'' and pointed at the man. BANG!


    Everyone react! Some jump and scream, some throw themselves on the ground, others crawl terrified backwards and many runs away terrified. A large white cloud is directly between them and billows towards the man, who takes a few steps back to avoid the cloud and collapses. That''s when I see his blood spreads out on his chest and slowly seeps out from under his body. He lies there and grimaces a little, surprised at the pain as he sees the clear blue sky. A little blood from his mouth as he gargles, and his body just relaxes while he stares in the sky. He is dead. I can still faintly hear the bangs echo between the buildings and across the river. Everyone who is left stares at Robert and the body on the ground. Robert just stared at the body. Robert stands there with his cane lowered between his hands and just stares at the body. As he turns and starts walking towards us I see tears begin to flow down his cheeks.


    I have seen men fight in duels many times before. Usually there are injuries, but they survive. I''ve seen people die - in duels or executed. But nothing like this! I remember how I once described to Hillevi what would happen if someone angered Robert, if he wanted them dead. Like a bolt from a clear blue sky. It''s almost clear skies today, but Robert made his own thundercloud. If I only knew how I foresaw the future. This situation must be handled. Now!


    I shout orders: "Hillevi! Guard the ship and follow Robert''s instructions. Bodil! The wagon! We''re leaving!"


    Iselin reaches Robert before me and we take Robert to the wagon and he climbs on board. Tell Hillevi that the voyage will probably be postponed, but make sure the ship is finished. We may have to go to the islands. Bodil drives us out of the crowd, and people rush out of the way without her having to do anything, frightened and staring at Robert. Robert just looks at nothing in front of him, or on his Boomstick in their hands. Or us. I will never forget his eyes.


    There will be legal repercussions on this, but with so many witnesses, I''m not worried about what Robert did or us, or if the man has relatives. I''m worried about Robert. For a long time he have known that he would have to show his power set an example, and Robert knew what would happen as soon as the man refused to accept an apology or fine. I saw Robert''s eyes as he looked at us and understood that he had no choice. Then his gaze didn''t let go of the man until he was dead. His Boomstick really live up to its name.


    Robert barely says a word all the way home to the farm, but he stops crying as we leave Borgarsandr. Midg?rd is a different world than this, and Robert is not a Jarl or King who with habit, ease or cruelty sentences someone to death, torture or executes them himself. He doesn''t like violence, and thinks it''s uncivilized.


    Robert just goes straight into his room and lies down on his stomach in his bed, where Iselin and Ciara accompany him. They just hold each other. Alith is furious when she hears the news, but along with Bodil and Gunhild they all handle it better. They prepare for battle and guard. Waiting for what will happen. They''ve all seen blood and death before. Contributed to it, especially Gunhild who killed in duels and in battles.


    I want to help my husband, but someone needs to manage the household and Iselin agrees that it''s better for me to do so. She''s too involved with Robert. I find it easier to distance myself, and at the same time I try to avoid blaming Robert for not directly behaving like the Furste he is, but even I didn''t think about it until it was too late, and then I didn''t dare to interrupt. I can''t stop blaming myself for failing to teach Robert to behave like a Furste, with all that entails, at least when we''re out in public. Admit to Robert that he was right that the man had insulted Robert''s masculinity and honour first, a Furste''s masculinity, honour and power to his face. I''m such an idiot! A complete idiot! He trust my knowledge, and my mistake could have cost Robert his life, and our future together! The future of the world! I almost got my wonderful man killed, and then I would have deserved what ever that man would had done to me.


    Ciara wants to kill that animal again, because of how hurt Robert is. When she fetch water and food, she curses the animals whole life and parents, and prays to all gods that he will be tormented forever, wherever he might be. For what that animal forced Robert to do, so that Robert''s light was diminished. So her light was diminished. The look, seriousness and intensity Ciara has when she wishes she could have killed that animal, just so that Robert didn''t have to do it, makes me careful. She sees it as killing an injured animal that is only dangerous to itself and others. Not to kill a man. Iselin and I must be watchful of anyone who seems to put Robert in a similar situation, because Ciara might act directly and without mercy. Ciara will not care about any consequences for her. We must make Ciara understand that Robert doesn''t want her to do that. Make Robert tell her that, and make Robert understand so he doesn''t accidentally say things like he wants someone to die, so that Ciara might hear it. For his word is her law, and Ciara might do anything to prevent something similar.


    Ciara just wants Robert to be like before, and I walk in when she desperately tries to distract him, and I try in vain to get her to stop. I didn''t know that Robert given her a small plug made in gold to make her happy. Robert barely reacts as he lies on the bed while Ciara stands crying and despairing with her butt shaking in the air with its red crystal by his face and tries to get him interested in sex. Begging him to take her, and crying because he has never ignored her before.


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    Finally, Robert just grabs her by the waist, pulls her down to him and hugs her. Tenderly hug her while he seems to try to sleep. None of them care that she is completely naked, or that she lies with a red crystal between her buttocks for all to see. I just pull the blanket up over them and let them lie there and hug each other. Iselin doesn''t need to know, and I can stop her from going in there for a while.


    <hr><hr>


    Alith is worried about Robert. She knows how children and slaves from abroad can react, when they see death and violence up close for the first time. When they have to see how this world really is. But this is their world. She and the others have all grown up in this world, and they have all seen suffering, violence, killing, executions and sacrifices during their upbringing. It''s their way of life. But not Robert. It''s not his way of life.


    She doesn''t know much about Midg?rd or his life there, but at least she know that - because Robert told Iselin, and she overheard. They have no duels, executions or sacrifices, and she thought it was wrong that they''re not allowed to defend their honour properly. To demand justice. But now she have a better understanding of what he meant that willingness to use violence doesn''t prove honour or who''s right. A careless word without ill intent from another language that he did not mean, shouldn''t put him, the Academy and his women at risk. There wasn''t any honour in what happened, just a man''s greed and lust for his women and power. It fouled the whole purpose of a duel.


    At least Robert believes that violence is only acceptable in order to defend yourself and protect innocent others, which is what he did. But she''s still worried about her friend.


    She knows how people can be the after they''ve been in a life and death in a battle. When that rushing feeling in your body - that makes your heart beat faster and you''re alert and on edge - just leave. When for those who get it, the anxiety comes, with tremors and a need to vomit. When some realise how close they''ve been to death, and that Valhalla or Folkvang might not be waiting for them, and for others that they haven''t deserved it yet. Robert got that feeling before, because he knew. They could see when Robert understood what the situation meant. That he must kill the bastard. When the joyless, calm and controlled Robert took over. When he tried to get the man to accept his apology so that the bastard would live, because otherwise Robert would execute him. But the greedy lustful bastard didn''t understand, so Robert executed him, and along with it his own innocence. Robert is now a part of this world.


    And she was not there to prevent it. Not there to protect him! The one time he needed her, and she was relaxing in the sun! Oblivious and carefree! She was so angry with Bodil that she didn''t just wound the bastard for offending their Lords honour, to prevent it to ever come to a duel. At least threatened him with it! It would have been the best option.


    She could''ve at least offered to fight in their Lord''s place!


    But Alith knows that Robert couldn''t accept it, and he wouldn''t have, as it was an insult to masculinity, and for Robert to hide behind a female guard would be a higher insult and might be taken as a proof of his unmanliness even if Bodil won.


    But Alith want someone to blame. Someone to hurt! She thanks Freya for making Robert finish his Boomstick in time, because he would have been died or at least been gravely wounded, and that wouldn''t save Ciara or Kari. He''s so useless with a sword and shield.


    Alith just wants the kind, happy, playful, flirtatious Robert back. She has no interest at all in becoming anything more than they already are - none of them have it. But Robert is more than just the best Sir or Lord she''s ever served. He''s a good friend. Maybe her best male friend ever. A friend who could have died due to this worlds cruelties, and now suffers. And she couldn''t do anything. Can''t do anything. She can''t even comfort her friend or hold him. Can''t help him through this. She can just wait and hope while she guards outside his door.


    Alith steels herself and gets ready when three riders finally arrive, one of whom Gunhild identify as Councillor Efi from the King''s Castle. It doesn''t matter who they are, they will NOT take Robert!


    Councillor Efi immediately accepts Kari''s explanation that Roberts praying to Freya, and seems quite relieved and say that he won''t disturb, and just ask them to let Sejdmann Arnesson know his message, and that Town Criers will spread it around. King Asbj?rn Aeriksson has confirmed that the witnesses are unanimous. Sejdmann Robert Arnesson did everything he could to stop an unjust First Blood duel, both by apologizing and trying to pay the fine, after an unintentional insult due to another language. But the man refused and wanted Roberts to prove his sejd and harm him from a distance, before using weapons in a duel. Sejdmann just pointed, and all of Borgarsandr heard as Thor''s thunder struck the man dead on the ground, only then did blood start staining the ground.


    <hr><hr>


    Robert is starting to recover, but a bit of his optimism and joy for life died today. He doesn''t have that zest any more. He doesn''t build anything and doesn''t seem to think about problems and solutions, and he''s not interested in anything. He barely eats. He mostly just sit and watch the world and us. Just single words and short phrases. Iselin and Ciara are never far from him and he is never alone. I too stay close to Robert, and try to make the most of the moment when he wants to hug me, and we lay there on a blanket under the tree looking out over the sea and sky, as I fear he might shun me when he learns of my horrible mistake. As they all learn of my mistake. I just hope and pray that they can forgive me. Hope that I can earn his forgiveness.


    Iselin and Ciara will both slept in his bed tonight, and I will use a sleeping pelt on the floor beside Alith. Even since Councillor Efi left, she''s been guarding his bedroom door, or staying a couple of meters beside him if he''s outside. She insisted on spending the night in the corner of his bedroom. Just as a precaution. I guess she too feel like a failure, as we both sighed with relief when he accepted that she do.

 Creating something new - day 10, The day after

    Creating something new, day 10


    The day after


    When I wake up, I feel Ciara and Iselin''s bodies in bed with me. My two red-haired goddesses and cornerstones. Now their cornerstone is a cold-blooded murderer. Knowing that I had no real choice doesn''t make it much easier. We''re all quite selfish when it really matters. And I chose myself and them. I justify it that way. A future with me in the world is better than a future with him. I''m very sure that it''s true, but I have to live with it. But I can live with it. Live. Live with Iselin. Live with Ciara. Live with Kari. I need them all and I need to make our life right for them. I need to ask Iselin to marry me. Wait an appropriate amount of time, and ask Ciara and Kari too. If they want to have children with me, I will do what I can to fulfil it, and just hope that any children grow up healthy, or hope that they can accept adoption.


    My stomach growls, but I need to stay in bed and feel their closeness and warmth. That I am needed. That they need me. That I''m not as useless as I feel. Makes me understand Ciara a little better. Knowing and understanding are not the same. Predicting and doing, isn''t the same either.


    I try to puzzle together a mental list of things I missed, heard and registered but not yet dealt with. I wonder what they all think about me. How I handled it all. I wonder what the crew thinks. I need to pull myself together and talk to them all. Man the fuck up! Move on. Fetch things from the craftsmen in Borgarsandr etc. Prepare to sail. Bring tools and work. Process everything in the future. Accept this new reality. Been good at it before. It''s time to prove it.


    So I say ''Good morning'' to Ciara, and Iselin wakes up when Ciara starts furiously kissing me. Kisses that I return which makes her cry with happiness. My wonderful Ciara. They both hug and kiss me. I say I''m hungry, and Ciara storms out to solve it. I greet Kari and Alith too.


    I pretend everything is back to normal. Goes surprisingly easily. Accept reality. It has happened. Learn. Adapt. Move on. Repeat.


    I check my stuff, and I did reload Boomstick and covered the barrel with the same protecting barrel plug from my pocket. I mark the used cartridge standing on the table. I will never use that cartridge again, but I have many more. I hope it doesn''t get any future friends. I should have finished building Boomstick a couple of weeks earlier, even though it would have been made out of iron and simpler. Should have built shotgun cartridges to maximize the chance of hitting and wounding, because it is still a close combat weapon and most people here don''t anything protect their head. But, better that the man is dead than alive, scarred, and vengeful. Better that no-one finds shotgun pellets in the wounds. I hope he doesn''t have relatives that will come looking for revenge. Apparently they all think that won''t happen, but I''m not so sure. People are assholes, and I guess that includes me.


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    I''m really happy that I''ve been avoiding people and gatherings. Raggar is one word that I didn''t expect to have that effect. I can just imagine me casually saying that to someone slightly drunk, and the immediate violence that might create. I did the right thing in avoiding people and feasts. Yesterday was one of the few time I''ve actually talked in front of a lot of people, and it ended badly. What other pitfalls might I step into?


    The day is quite easy, even though I mostly sit and stare at the view. Pat one of the farms cats for a while. It''s a normal mostly black Swedish ''Skogskatt'' and came to me while I sat here yesterday, and they all take it as a sign that Freya approves of what I did and that she likes me. Guess they don''t understand cats. You don''t have a cat, the cat have a human.


    I''m a cat person. I always liked cats, and grew up with cats and have had one before. This one probably just like to be patted and found me lazing about with two free hands. I probably shouldn''t have feed it my food when I wasn''t hungry yesterday. They don''t see it like that. Cats have a strong connection to Freya, and her chariot is pulled by two cats. Men have dogs, and apparently a few here even have bears if they''re really trying to compensate. That I like cats they just take as another natural sign of my connection to Freya.


    I can''t help but think that most men here would probably like their women to be like obedient subservient dogs, while many women are more like cats - the lone hunter with hidden claws, that just stay due to food, warmth and comfort.


    Iselin, Kari and Ciara''s all hovering nearby. And Alith. But, she''s more like the overwatch, in the background and ready to furiously pounce on anyone intruding on my peace with my girlfriends. I hope she will accept there isn''t anything she could have done, and start to relax soon.

 Creating something new - day 11, Life as a murderer moves on & Duel Law

    Creating something new, day 11


    Life as a murderer moves on & Duel law


    I eat breakfast. Fastens my sword belt. Travel in to the town with Kari, Iselin, Ciara, Alith and Gunhild. They all refuse to leave me. I understand. We visit the ship. There is a dark red spot on the ground after the man''s body. Don''t know his name. They pushed the ship into the water this morning. Its in very good condition. Newly painted hull. The crew has great respect for me, and seems to have done their utmost to get everything in top condition. Hillevi says that the crew is six, because one didn''t dare to be near me. We can sail with the crew we have.


    Asks them to prepare for sailing tomorrow, get food and other things needed, but its apparently already arranged. Dry food and salted, so ready to cast off, but will be supplemented with some vegetables, bread and fresh water. Asta has taken a side cabin and I have the Captain''s cabin. She seems really competent and Hillevi likes her. Everything starts to go a little easier again, and I feel a little more normal. Accept reality. Move on.


    We visits craftsman Digraldi and he has even more respect than before. He has of course heard the big news: A fool caused and forced an unjust duel with Sejdmann Robert Arnesson, because he wanted to take Sejdmann''s property and women. Told Sejdmann to do his worst with sejd, and Sejdmann just pointed with his cane. All of Borgarsandr heard as thunder like Thor''s immediately struck the fool, and he was dead on the ground with half his back missing. Sejdmann mourned the man''s foolishness, and that he doubted his power.


    I just confirm that everything is true. And Digraldi did hear the bang. In a week everyone will probably say they heard it. Digraldi has finished casting everything, so I pay and load our wagon. Looks like fine workmanship as usual, and I thank him. I perticulary like the copper wire. Order parts for fifteen more monoculars, but with a nicer exterior with patterns, and since I now have screws, some extensions so they can be screwed apart if need be, for example if they are completely filled with water or cleaned from moisture. Order more screws as well, and I give him my sacrificed real M6 and M8 screws to make molds for threaded M6 and M8 rods. He marvels at their excellent finish, and seem to feel slightly awed by their quality.


    We visits the jeweler and picks up Ciaras necklace. Its beautiful with almost color matching ribbon with gold thread, and it will suit her. She''s worth so much more than a silly necklace. They all are.


    Place an order for many glass lenses for prism and straight monoculars, and better ready-made glass filters for sextants.


    Easy to convince a leather worker to make finished covers for the monoculars that are water protected, and make pretty straps for them. Include lens protection caps. Buy different kinds of leathers. Remember to order a nicer carrying strap for my Boomstick. It so deserves it. My Boomstick saved my life.


    Buy a couple of beautiful wooden chests with locks so I can store and transport more things with me, and Iselin and Ciara get to choose one each as well. For their own possessions. They''re so happy when I give them their keys.


    Visit a stone craftsman and trying to see if he have slate and chalk. There is a masonary guild, but thats not what I require. I need more writing boards. He doesn''t really have anything at home that fits, but can arrange dark gray-blue slate and I ask him to make them as flat as possible on both sides, thin and get them mounted in wooden frames. Prefers rectangular models but the shape and exact size are unimportant. Ten in about 25x35 cm, and three large in 60x40 cm format. He doesn''t see any problems as its pretty much roof tiles except the flatness, but it will take a couple of weeks together with 50 chalk crayons in little finger diameter. I explain that the chalk crayons are to mark on the slate board and he understands what I mean, as they use similar to mark where to grind or cut stones. He''s apparently missed its usefulness as a notepad. It really annoys Kari that it''s already known.


    The last visit today is to bladesmith Olafr and he has finished two knives and his own. Still very beautiful craftsmanship. He''s shaping the swords and will then make the last six knives. He''s proud when he sees me carry my sword and my Boomstick. In the future I must always carry my sword outside my home. In this world, threats exist everywhere, and I need to get better at preventing them, responding to them and taking action before I have to kill again.


    <hr>


    Once back at the farm, we pack and prepare for our trip. Pack down the IUDs and their tool first, as it would be foolish to forget them. Same with the updated drawings for my island mansion. I pack tools and some materials to work with, including glass, brass and parts, leather etc. Include Paper, books, inks and pens to draw with. The slate boards and chalk for the same reason. As well as the maps, two North arrows and my own monocular, and my Midgard binoculars. Then the ship compass, sextant and parts for another sextant, and the parts for ring sundials and a large sundial. I don''t plan to use everything, but who knows what might happen or what delays might occur? Almost forgot the ventilation grilles to the basement.


    The others pack a lot too, but I have the most with quite a margin. Not unexpected, by anyone. Hillevi returnst to the farm to pack and I ask if she would like to stay and guard here while we''re away. So I don''t have to bring all my stuff. It should take about 1.5 week, and she can try to see it as a little vacation from the rest of us. She havn''t changed her mind about an IUD, and I would prefer if someone guard here. She''s happy to accept and wants to make sure that I know they really like to be in my service. I can give them orders, but I always ask if they want to do something. She appreciate that I care about what they think, and listen to suggestions. Just ask her to not let anyone into my room while we''re gone. Hillevi return to the town to replaces Gunhild, so she can pack.


    <hr>


    Think about my sword, and if I can carry it more comfortably. I will have to carry it all the time during our trip. A shoulder strap, a baldric, could help take the weight, and its probably a working but slightly uncomfortable idea, so maybe I should try hanging the sword on my back instead, even if it means I have to design a new sword scabbard to be able to draw it faster. It would also be nice to not need two hands to draw, as I pretty much need my left hand to hold the scabbard in place, although beltloops can be used, if I have pants with them. The normal pants here have a string.


    Eh, fuck it. I''m going with RPG style for now.


    I try hanging the sword over my right shoulder, but as expected the sword is too long and its not practical when I draw with my right hand. Try to hang the sword over my left shoulder instead, so I will have a longer draw movement and be able to draw the sword more easily. As long as I hold the scabbard with the left arm so that it doesn''t move, it works perfectly fine. I can even use the scabbard and belt as it is. I just don''t like to draw from my left shoulder. The sharp sword edge feels too close to my face, but I have to practice drawing anyway, so I try angle the blade so the flat wide side is towards my face and with enough practice I''ll get used to it. Try tying the sword belt to the beltloops on the right side. Seems to help prevent the sword belt from slipping around, and makes it easier to pull. I''ll make a better and quicker solution with a buckle. I have some from my backback. Hell, I have simple finished loops with 10mm quickrelease buckles to hold my hikingpants to my boot lacings to stop them riding up. Not much use for hiking, but excellent when crawling around, especially with suspenders.


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    The guards look at me funny when I try different combinations and practice, but they accept that it is easier to carry and less in the way, even if they think it looks weird.


    <hr>


    During the evening meal, I thank Kari and tell her how much I appreciate that she took charge and brought us back to the farm after the duel, and that she took charge of the household when I wasn''t in a state to do so.


    After the meal and in the privacy of my bedroom, I listen to Kari''s sad confession of failure, guilt and shame, and I forgive her and thank Kari much more intimately and thoroughly so she knows she''s forgiven.


    I gather them all and I give Ciara her concubine necklace with the nice amethyst that matches her eyes, and then I give Ciara her own knife after I dried her eyes and she has stopped hugging me. Kari gets the star sapphire necklace, and she seems to think I planned it before she became my official concubine, and its only good that I get small victories in her eyes. I presents her with her own knife as well, and she really appreciates it, even if she still feels unworthy. But it makes her feel a bit on the same level as Iselin, more than just its value, and these are my first expensive gifts to her.


    Later, Kari goes through the law with me, but there''s probably some obscure parts she doesn''t know or think about, and she really fear being wrong or missing something important. But who the hell could tell and explain every law a country have to someone else?


    The Law here feels damn primitive, but men have it easier because they can use duels for a whole bunch of things, although duels can be a more ritualistic variant where the fighters take turns striking out blows or using blunt wooden weapons, or fighting unarmed. First Blood duels are special.


    The most common duels are serious insults and disputes where both sides have a legal basis; as two brothers who both have the right to inherit their parents, but the inheritance as a farm or ship can''t be divided, or it might happen if brothers doesn''t tolerate each other and the parents die without declaring infront of a Ting who the main heir is - as daughters doesn''t count, and they should have been married off, otherwise they become their brothers ''property and responsibility''. A man can have a champion if the man is old, weak, injured etc, which is an advantage for me. Sejdmann are unmanly, so I can have a champion, but shouldn''t have it when my masculinity is questioned. As a Furst, I can also use that my high title will leave few considered worthy to fight against me personally, but its better if most consider me a good duelist, so its just not my title. But I can use it against everyone of lower status, and they all wish I do so until further notice. Gunhild and Alith are the best duellists.


    A good thing is that the law was changed a few generations ago, so it is no longer possible to challenge a man at random to take his property or women as profit, especially if they have nothing to loose, and a man who demanded First Blood duel three times without strong legal grounds probably will be namned Niding by a Ting, and branded. Niding means that the man has no honor, automatically loses disputes, and can''t duel, participate in Ting, inherit, marry, etc. I can imagine that that limits skilled warriors from dueling for everything, or forcing an unnecessary duel for profit. Only the King or a Jarl can revoke and clear Niding status after the person in a public way has earned it, and only during a Stor Ting so the change becomes known and spread, and it gives that Nidingen the right to publically receive another branded addition to his Niding branding that declare this. Should that person become Niding again, he will be executed. His chances in life are over.


    The man I murdered had fought in two First Blood duels before, but on good legal grounds, and won both times while he seriously injured his opponents. So no suprise that he felt self-assured. I should probably be happy that the outcome makes my position as Sejdmann more secure, because as the only known Sejdmann, there are already rumors that only an fool challenges a Sejdmann in a duel. Only a fool challenges a man who so clearly walks through life with Freya on his side. The Goddess of War and Death.


    It''s more of a problem if a woman is one party in a dispute or duel, and if it''s too gross for a fine or the fine can''t be paid. She can choose to use a champion, or fight herself. A man must endure a certain amount of milder and more subtle insults from women, including Shieldmaidens, but if a woman really grossly accuses a man in front of witnesses, the man has the right to demand First Blood where the woman''s husband, brother or son may be a champion, and has the right to demand to be champion. Which is one reason why dissatisfied wives who are forced into marriage can be problematic. However, the woman''s husband may choose to divorce his wife before the duel, but this may offend the woman''s family because he says she and the alliance arn''t worth fighting for, and the brother or son may renounce the relationship, which affects their reputation and inheritance.


    One problem, however, is if the woman''s husband, brother or son is away traveling, because the duel can''t be postponed for more than a year, and the accused can demand that the duel must take place within three months.


    If the woman shows up but refuses to fight and lacks a champion, someone can lend her the fine or she will be sentenced to slavery for a certain period of time, if its a lesser crime. If the woman has any property of her own, they can forcefully be taken to pay the fine to the accused. If she loses the duel or lost via champion when it is a case of questioned masculinity, then the man should spend at least one night with the woman to prove his manliness to her and others. Even if she is married, as long as she has lower or equal status. And her possessions belong to the accused. Which can be a hell of a homecomming for her husband, brother or son.


    Should the perpetrator not appear for the duel, the accused has the right to name this person as Niding and demand that person''s property, and if it was gross enough to get the person sentenced to Niding / Nidambott if the person is caught and brought before a Stor Ting, Jarl or the King, and the right to brand the culprit on the cheek or shoulder. Either with the Niding symbol, or her new owner''s symbol if it''s a woman forced to Nidambott.


    For a person to become Niding its bad, as the person basically becomes lawless, but it feels worse for a woman who becomes Nidambott. A Niding who knows and trusts some powerful person can try to place him/herself under that person''s protection and have an okay life, even if it is absolutely the lowest on the social ladder. The Niding is of course still practically lawless, but there is a chance to do something very good and get back life and status, and that option feels a bit like the movie ''The Dirty Dozen''. But a woman who is branded Nidambott becomes, in principle, a branded life-sentenced property and slave without any rights, protection or opportunity to come out of that life, and a Nidambott''s purpose is usually to work and have sex with those that her owners want for the rest of her life, and there is some expensive sejd that some V?lva do that takes the woman''s ability to have children.


    A Niding or Nidambott who has committed a crime and is captured, is always properly tortured in public and suffers a very prolonged painful death in public. This is to prevent them from exploiting their lawlessness status for crimes, or that their owners exploit them for assassinations and other things. A Nidambott has an owner who can be sentenced to a fine or other if the Nidambott commits a crime, so in general they hardly have any freedom at all, unless their owners trust them very much. The Nidambott is often chained to a suitable place. If the Nidambott has young unmarried children and lacks a husband, these children become slaves to The Nidambott''s owners, and can be used as pressure to keep the Nidambott under control.


    I shouldn''t even be surprised when Kari tells me that at least a couple of noblewomen are suspected of having got a woman they disliked to be convicted and branded as Nidambott. Quite simple really if the noblewoman can influence witnesses and Ting, and the woman has said a careless thing to someone else in front of witnesses. Then the noblewoman has hired someone to kidnap or drug the woman so she couldn''t show up for a duel or defend herself, or lack a champion. After a suitable time, the woman has been ''caught'' and brought before a court where she is sentenced to Nidambott. The noblewoman has then bought the Nidambott from her owner to torture her, or give her as a reward to slaves or be forced to have sex with animals as entertainment. Damn culture. But, sadly it could be worse.


    I have a lot of questions, especially about edgecases, but Iselin and Ciara make us end the discussions and insist on joining me in bed, and Kari gives in. Ciara seems to feel a real need, and I appreciate the company even though it gets a little hot and crowded. I might need them there to sleep well, and what ordinary man would whine, even though we just want to sleep.

 Creating something new - day 12, Asta & Ring Sundial

    Creating something new, day 12


    Asta & Ring Sundial


    It''s a bit embarrassing when I wake up and realise I''m lying on my side with my arm around Iselin and my head pressed against her breasts. But I feel her hand starting to caress my scalp and she doesn''t seem to mind. We have done so much more so why am I somewhat embarrassed about this? But it''s so nice just holding Iselin. My divine fianc¨¦e.


    Ciara press herself against my back even though there are a bit of problem with her arm around me. Apparently her breasts are no longer sore, as I feel them against my shoulders, or she just doesn''t care that its sore to be able to hold me. Ask if it''s time to get up, but Iselin says it''s early and I can just fall asleep again. I almost do that, until I realize what I have in front of my face and mouth, and I just can''t help myself. Ends up as a very nice morning for all of us.


    <hr>


    Its still morning as we board my ship ''The Millennium Eagle'', and set sails from Borgarsandr. The ships compass works well, but a dampening spring would be nice to keep the compass needle more steady. I take the sun height at noon with the sextant, and try to calculate what the sun height should be, try to correct the formula and it matches up quite well. I need to be in a fixed place for the last correction.


    It will be interesting to see what has happened at the Islands, its only been 9 days since we last saw it, but since we''re in the neighbourhood...  ...passing we might as well visit. I really need to learn to say things correctly and use the right expressions for their culture. Its so damn easy to use familiar expressions no one understands, but it helps that their language has such different words when you leave the basics. Their language lacks so many words I just take for granted, because if the word ''energy'' never existed, how can anyone be energetic, deprived of energy or saving energy? To say that the compass needs a spring gives me weird looks when there are no mechanical springs at all, and the Swedish word for spring is the same as feather, so they think of bird feathers, or pillow stuffings, and dampening for them is more padding of clothing or armor. I''m going to introduce so many new words I''m a bit sad that their language will change, and they will have a mix of Swedish and English words.


    As far as I can tell, Asta does a good job as Captain and Navigator, and I try to avoid putting her in a bad social position in front of both the crew and my company. She is very careful around me - respect mixed with fear. But she''s hardly alone in that, I bet most of Elves in Borgarsandr is the same. I don''t like it, but I accept that reality. We talk so I can get to know her and try making her more comfortable, and she cautiously wonders if I chose her as Captain because she''s a woman, and if her continued position as Captain will require bed company as well. Of course, she hasn''t missed that my company is only women, and she heard what the man said. Most did.


    I directly reply that I don''t want her company in bed - that was not why she was hired - and my careless way of saying it, force me to clarify that it has nothing to do with her looks, size or general desirablity, but precisely because she is my Captain. I avoid having sex with anyone working for me, and that include my guards and future maids as well. I explain that Iselin is my fianc¨¦e, a precursor relationship based on love for a possible future marriage. Ciara''s highest wish was to become my concubine. Kari was given to me as concubine by King Aeriksson, because she really wanted it and I needed a capable and socially knowledgeable woman like her in my life. All the guards are Shieldmaidens because it is smarter to have important women protected by women, instead of men. Its a bigger chance that male guards will lead to problems, especially since I''m a Sejdmann, and I try to avoid situations like the one that led to the duel. Alith and Bodil was the first Shieldmaidens to seek service for me and protect me, but also Iselin, Ciara and now Kari too. Hillevi and Gunhild protected Kari before the King gave her to me, and they chose to come along to serve me, and the others.


    I explain that Asta is the first person I have chosen for an important position, but for me it has nothing to do with her being a woman, except that she probably wouldn''t have been available to seek work for me if she were a man. If Asta were a taller muscular man with exactly the same knowledge and apparently 22 years of age and other things, she would probably already have had a good job on a ship. So that she is a small woman and thus misjudged by others, only gives me get a good Captain and Navigator. The fact that others havn''t been able to see beyond her sex and size for a position where it doesn''t really matter, means that I can get a competent person as Captain. I try to base work on merit, and as Captain she usually won''t help with the sails, anchor, cargo handling and so on. She just seems to need a chance from someone to prove it, and a boost in selfconfidence. But other Captains or Shipowners mistake, is mine and her gain.


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    She is very curious and fascinated by the ship compass I attached on the mast infront of the rudder, and she''s impressed with my knowledge about navigation. She has many times been on ships lost in fog or had a hard time keeping the course on a cloudy rainy day. She''s quite proud to show me that she has a ''sun stone'' in a leather cord around her neck, that she use to find the rough position of the sun on even a cloudy day as long as the weather isn''t too bad, and she quite confident in her skills at navigating after the sun and the stars. The weather is good, but she lets me try using her sun stone, which is a fun experience, but it only gives an approximate position on the sun. However, it would have been useful enough with an okayish clock if there was no compass. Its kind of fun to try something I''ve only heard about before. I can''t help but smile as I again think of the graphical novel ''Sunstone'', which is about something completely different.


    Asta managed to buy a few sun stones when she visited what I think of as Iceland a few years ago, as they''re more common up there, and they are useful. The sun compass is another development that has extended further south in use, but only among the seafarers who cross the seas in the north, and as with sun stones, they''re a bit of secret among the Norse. Not much use of either down south as they mostly follow coasts, or east where they follow rivers and lakes, and the sea there is easier to navigate if you know what you''re doing and have area knowledge. But, then again, that applies to most things.


    I show Asta a map of the region, and I can see how she tries to interpret it and follow how she has seen coastlines and find landmarks as I explain. I manage to pull her off the map when I show the compass rose at its top, and she understands more, so I let her use a North Arrow. I again explain that this ships purpose is transportation and cargo, but it will also be a training ship and eventually for experiments. In the future, ships will be built to specifically test something, or just test a completely different shipdesign with a different sail solution. If she continues to be my Captain, Asta will need to train people in both sailing, handling different ships, sails and everything life onboard include, as well as train future Navigators and Captains. And probably test completely new types of ships. I let Asta use the North Arrow and my monocular for the rest of this voyage. I shows her my sextant and we begin to discuss how it is intended to be used.


    When she really understands what my future plans include, like more things for easier navigation, maps etc, she becomes ecstatic. When she realise that I want her to learn everything first, so she can educate the next generation in the most advanced techniques and accessories... I do believe that she will be quite loyal to me for the rest of her professional life, as her name will be famous and synonymous with the one who teaches others. Talk about revenge on everyone who ignored her and didn''t even want her on their ship. I think she and the crew might be even more loyal when they eventually see my plans for their life, and the relative comfort they will have most of the time.


    Too reinforce her commitment I tell her that if she does her job well enough, if she one day want to become a mother, she will be able to live on the Academy''s islands and teach the basics in a classroom instead, and on the immediate sea around the islands, because someone has to learn the basics for beginners. Just because she leaves the ship, she doesn''t have to leave the seafarer life. Do a good job. Be an efficient, skilled and a good Captain. She has a lot to learn, both a new and more advanced math, but also handling instruments I make and help me improve them.


    I ask Ciara to make two more copies of all the maps, as her previous copies will stay on the ship, and I ask her to continue marking them with her symbol. It feels like I''m using her, but she''s so happy to do it and she wants that niche just for herself.


    I sit down and start assembling three ring sundials. So I file edges and build while Ciara starts working on the maps. I think we both appreciate the other is there, but each working by ourselfs. A special closeness. When the first ring sundial is finished late in the afternoon, I try it out, and I can read that the time is about 1710. Compare with the wristwatch in my side pocket and its only 15 minutes wrong. On a slightly rocking ship with north taken from the ships compass and from a handmade portable sundial. I''m pleased with that. Sure it can be improved, especially with better maps with magnetic correction and better knowledge of the suns movement and so on, but right now this is completely ''okay''. So I start building two more. Iselin and Kari doesn''t seem to understand why I am so happy all of a sudden. Ciara, on the other hand, begins to understand me, because she wants to help me finish the last two ring sundials. She can''t really make maps if the ship rocks and sways too much, and she wants to do something instead of just watching or being social on deck.


    <hr>


    Its late in the evening when the ship anchors off my islands and we see several ships that are anchored or pulled ashore and seem to have been unloaded, and the workers. I explain that these islands are mine, and home for my future Academy. This is my furstdome, and this ship is part of that. If the crew didn''t understand before, that should make it clear that I didn''t joke about being unbound.

 Creating something new - day 13, The Academy islands

    Creating something new, day 13


    The Academy islands


    Asta looks really tired and worn out, and she hasn''t slept enough. After a while I understand that its because Gunhild last night, with almost sadistic joy, told her exactly how many North Arrows and sets of maps there are, who has them and how much King Aeriksson paid for his. That there are exactly three monoculars, and apart from their two, only the King has one. So, I understand why Asta slept badly when she knew the equipments value and rarity, and that I let her use it completely freely and it was in her cabin. Its several times more that what I paid for this ship. She just have to learn to accept reality too. Gunhild has of course gleefully told her that the ship compass is completely unique; handmade by me and the first of its kind and an improvement of the North Arrow. Asta asked if it was true, and I just nodded, but said I will make more, and they will be sold. But she and the crew should expect that this ship will test everything first and try out improvements, and I want feedback and suggestions, good or bad. I saw her standing and looking at the ship''s compass with the small North Arrow lying in her hand. She probably wondered how much more the ship compass is worth.


    Even though I''ve already given her and the crew directives, she makes all the crew be extremely careful with the ship''s compass, and along with the shipbuilder in the crew, I quickly help fasten a mounting bracket in her cabin so it can be stored and mounted there when the ship is in harbor.


    <hr>


    Masterbuilder Pedr is waiting as we go ashore, and we great and inform him that we are sailing to Skiringsalr and were just curious about how it is going.


    All the workers are so damn respectful when we walk by. That will quickly get old, and I will try to have them relax a bit in the future, but I have to live with people standing up and taking off their hats or bow when they see me - it''s part of my future life. This is my own little Furstdome, I am its Furst and legally a King, and many are slaves so they''re low on the social ladder. My company doesn''t really lessen that impact, since they''re dressed to impress.


    Pedr is very happy with the construction so far. No big problems, good weather and a lot of resources to work with. They have cleaned up and widened the a path across the island. The cliff for my mansion has been cleaned up which makes it so much easier to see the shape of the cliff and they are completing the well. They''ve found a good water vein but its not deep as they''ve hit bedrock, but they made a shallow hole in the bedrock to collect water, and the well will be quite wide to compensate that it isn''t deep. It is quite high up in the depression, but I prefer that as it means that the pipeline will be longer, but the pump pressure will be slightly lower. Still gonna be about 7m water height from the waterlevel in the well, so the waterpipe will be quite narrow to limit the amount in the pipes. It will be a lot of pumpstrokes to fill the pipe before water reach the watertanks. As futureproofing and giving options they will be laying double pipes, since I might want a return feed and one might burst due to ice in the winter. I don''t think ice will be a problem since the pipes will be buried about 40cm under ground, but I like backup plans. They''re paving the walls of the well, and will start making on another well east of the cliff, just as I asked for, but it ends up far from the mansion due to the rocky terrain.


    Given where the road will be, that well will be for the barn, and since it too will be shallow, I decide that it will have a counter weighted bucket system. The animals will need quite a lot of water, and it need to store enough for shorter droughts, so they will use the shape of the terrain and make a much larger special well that can collect rainwater from a wider area of the rock faces, with a sedimentation pit and a braided branch grid to reduce soil, leaves and other things finding their way into the well. To make it easier to transport that water to the animals troughs, they will use the fact that the well is slightly higher than the barn on the other side of the road, so they will make four pipelines under the road. One pipe for outside watertank, one for the inside watertank and two extra pipes to just take the water under the road. Again future proofing. The special well is given a counterweight arm with a bucket to lift the water to the mouth of the pipelines, where you pour it out depending on which pipe you want the water to flow. Maybe this well will have a hand pump in the future, but a counter weight bucket is simple, fast and efficient. The point of the pipelines is to save time and work compared to carrying the water in buckets between the well and all the troughs. That will probably still happen, but I want to limit it as much as possible.


    The three 6x4 houses mainly intended for practice, have surprisingly begun to be built. Sand and stones are in place and the first logs, and they are transporting the rest there. Give Pedr the updated drawings for the mansion and the cast grids that he will ensure are mounted in place in the masonry foundations. Everything feels good. I ask if there is anything I can do, but Pedr just says no, and in a week or two they will have more to show. We will return on the way back to Borgarsandr, probably in a week or so, and asks if there is anything he wants me to get for him? Skiringsalr is a large trading town. He might personally need something?


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    But it seems that Masterbuilder Pedr has prepared for a few months; this is far from his first construction project, and he has several large tents and other stuff. He has spent the last few years building fortresses and fortifying larger villages south of the great ridge to help the Counts there resist the Daes hopes of expansion. The Daes Kingdom seems to be most of what I call Denmark and maybe a bit of Germany, and The Kingdom supports the Counts with a lot of resources and manpower, and let them stay in power instead of forcing Tings, because if both sides of the strait become part of the Daes Kingdom, the Daes King Magnbjorn will surely demand toll from ships that sail through to the East Sea, and the strait is a vital trading route east and south. Seems smart as exactly that actually happened for centuries on Midgard, and was a major reason why G?ta Canal was built. Similar things also happened on the G?ta River earlier in the Middle Ages.


    Pedr really likes the Academy project so far. Its new, different and interesting. A bit like a holiday from building fortresses, digging earthen ramparts and making moats.


    <hr>


    Shortly after noon, we cast off, and The Millennium Eagle leaves for Skiringsalr. I''ve managed to take a sun height at noon. The results seems to agree with my calculations. I let Asta try, and she seems to understand the simplified basic principle, but can''t follow the math for it at all, which isn''t suprising since its other numbers she can''t read and equations. I of course let Iselin, Kari and Ciara try too. And Alith. And finally Bodil and Gunhild too.


    Ciara has done good progress on the maps during the morning when the ship was anchored, and its quite smooth sailing here between the islands.


    Eventually we reach the open sea and sail north along the coast, so Ciara helps me finish the two remaining ring sundials. Of course it took longer with her help, but I''ve never had a girlfriend before who was interested in something like this, so I don''t mind the extra time it takes. Ciara isn''t used to metalwork but she is very meticulous and follow my instructions, so even if one of the sundials has a bit more play, it doesn''t affect the function. I realise that I see Ciara as a close friend with benefits, instead of a concubine. But what do I know about the historical meaning of the word and how their lives really where?


    I give Ciara a kiss on her cheek and a hug, and shes happy for my attention. I need to remember to do that more.


    <hr>


    I show the Ring sundial and let everyone who wants try using it, including the rest of the crew. Most don''t understand why time can be practical to know, but that is unimportant. Discuss navigation technics with Asta and it is interesting. She is good at practical experience and know the surroundings, shallows and safe anchorages and where communities are located, but also how much it blows by reading signs of wave peaks, estimating her speed, finding direction via stars, etc, and I explain how to measure the ship''s speed and calculate winddrift due to wind direction on the open sea where there isn''t any landmarks, and that we need to find out how it effects the ship in different directions and winds, and when I start to show my numbers again, the discussion escalates and Asta really wants to be able to follow the math, so we could go deeper.


    Iselin seems to feel slightly ignored, as I first worked with Ciara and then spend so much time with Asta. Iselin has nothing to do either, so I walk over to her up in the bow, and hug her from behind. We just stand there for a while, chatting about the future, music and I tell her that I will trust her with more information in the future, but it is important to me that she doesn''t feel forced to like what I do, or participate in it. If it''s uninteresting, it''s okay, and I prefer if she spend her time on something she like doing.


    She has a wicked smile as she turns, kiss me, and whispers that we havn''t ''inaugurate'' the ship properly, and the previous owner certainly didn''t, so I''m quick to follow her to my cabin, and Alith''s face show loud and clear that she''s very well aware of what we''re about to do, and she goes first into the corridor and holds up the door before we get there. I try teasing her a bit and tell her to be careful so she doesn''t ''feel cold'' again. Alith wins this round with the answer "Sir doesn''t have to worry, I''ll make sure to stay hot..."


    <hr>


    We spend the evening lying in the cabin, just me and Iselin. Listen to music. Talk about Midgard; about our cars and ships. Their size and performances. Show a photo of ferry with small people at the railing, and arriving in Picton, New Zealand where you can see a ferry and the tiny houses in the background. Videos filmed from my car. Show humans have machines that can fly, and show photos I took from airplanes flying over mountains or countryside, and that the sun always shine above the clouds. Explain that we could have flown from the farm in Borgarsandr to the Islands and on to Skiringsalr in part of a day by helicopter, but that we could drive the same distance with a car in one day, and stay comfortable, warm or cool with the climate control.


    She''s totally fascinated by flying, especially that something so big and heavy can fly, and then it can fly several times faster than the fastest bird and much higher. She''s so sad that she will never get to experience wonders like that. I will definitely build a free-flying glider model and let Iselin be part of that construction. Spruce, pine and paper should work well and be light enough to get something. And who knows? In a few years a person carrying glider could be made if I find somewhere to fly it, and if I ever manage to build somekind of engine thats efficient, light and powerful enough, some kind of aircraft should be possible. It would probably have to be a vegetable oil diesel, or an alcohol driven engine. That will be an insane project and I have to make so much other machines, and then find solve all those problems too. About the easiest flying thing I could make thats interesting is a cross shaped boomerang...

 Creating something new - day 14, North, colors and symbols

    Creating something new, day 14


    North, colors and symbols


    The wind have really picked up over the night and even worse is that the wind is heading in the wrong direction so bad sailing during the day. We make progress towards Skiringsalr, but its a lot of tacking which makes the actual average speed quite low. Exactly the same thing happened last time between Skiringsalr and Lysesund.


    I can feel myself close to seasick as the ship rocks, but apparently the seafarers arranged proper hammocks during the extra days after to the duel, so they slept much better than us in the cabins in this weather. A bit ironic that I, as the hammock ''creator'', slept worse because I have a cabin with a fairly large bed compared to the crew under the deck. Asta has apparently had one prepared and attached it in her cabin and really likes it, and that it can be removed during the day. Lucky for her that she is short otherwise it would have been harder to fit. But Asta made sure to arranged material for 12 extra hammocks for future passengers, and they''re completing them. I put up the first two in my cabin.


    I can''t work in this wind, and my slight nausea makes it an easy decision. I''ve found a disadvantage with the hammock; harder to share with someone and hug. It can be done, but impractical. Lie there rocking, with my arms around Iselin thats lying half on top of me, and with Kari sitting on the bed and Ciara in the second hammock, and we discuss the future of the Academy and mansion, some of the amenities, the distribution of time for studies and different education levels. We discuss a flag, logo and colors. Turns out that lighter blue-green-yellow-red-brown scale and gray are the most durable colors. Cloth takes those colors better, and doesn''t wash out as fast, or fade in the sun. Natural-colored beige is good uncoloured fabric, but its often look dirty. Black, purple and darker blue and red are harder and more expensive, but there are many really expensive colors, and they have had fun with my two pairs of purple underpants in thin fine fabric, but I also have gray, black and red with me.


    For visibility, I should probably choose a large red flag with a blue or yellow logo on it, but red isn''t my favorite color, and since I am Swedish, my proposal is a blue flag with a large yellow A framed by a triangle as the Academy''s symbol. Checkered red and blue are also the pattern the royal family is known for, and red with broad green lines is Daes King''s color. Red is the color that means strength, kinship and danger, so I shouldn''t be suprised. Yellow is the sun, light and fire, so strongly means life, and knowledge, which is very fitting, especially combined with blue for the sky and sea; fertility and pure, stability and everlasting. Since I plan on conqurering the sea and hopefully the sky with knowledge and colonization, its very fitting. Well, atleast among the Norse. Colors mean other things for other cultures.


    Its really quite interesting how words for colors have emerged in all the languages of the world, and if I remember correctly, white and black are the first colors that are given words in language after light and dark. Red is third, probably due to blood. The fourth and fifth word for colors is green or yellow in some order probably due to nature has green and yellow tones of the year. The sixth is generally blue and the seventh is usually brown, then comes some order of gray, purple, pink and orange. However, some languages may have a color that we in the Western world call green, but that they use their word for blue, or they use the same word for both colors - think the Japanese have had that phenomenon. But when does a color change from being called green to being called blue? When does green turn yellow? Huge color palettes are a relatively late invention, and in some languages there are no words for colors, only light or dark, which feels funny to know as a modern human being with our huge color palettes and colors everywhere. Norse language here doesn''t come close to the amount of words for colors that modern Midgard has, simply because the exact shade and name of colors is quite unimportant in most lives, and they are content to combine words, much like modern Swedish usually does. Light red, dark red, bluer red, orange red, deep red, etc.


    We continue to discuss a logo and a true A isn''t a rune they have even though they have a similar with the left side vertical. My girlfriends like what we come up with, its clear and unique. Alternatively just a large blue A in triangle on natural white beige. But they prefer the blue flag, but big blue A can fit on white-beige sails. However, its probably not too expensive to color the sails light blue, and it is important to show wealth...


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    Actually, it is the logo itself that is most important, not the color. Bomerke, House marks in English, are still the norm here, and was so quite late in Scandinavia. A symbol of some shape that is a signature or a symbol of a farm etc, that can be marked on a person''s property to tell who the owner is, and branded on animals and other things. I need to have a forged branding iron made in a couple of sizes, and should probably make a personal symbol for me too, maybe a R in a triangle or something. I need to check what people nearby have so no one already has such a symbol, but most Bomerke are made of lines and maybe a curved section, and neither Kari nor Iselin know of any Bomerke with a form of rune inside a shape.


    <hr>


    Asta seeks me out and we discuss more about navigation, ships and sails in the afternoon, and the talk about signal flags turn our discussion to a real flag. She asks if she should try to arrange it on the sails when they arrive at Skiringsalr and I give her the go ahead. She will also try and have a couple of larger flags made and we discuss measurements. I let Asta, as the ship''s Captain, also have a small ring sundial, and Gunhild gives her the silver Hillevi kept, to use as the ship''s cashbox. I give Asta the task of keeping an accounting book, that she as a literate merchant''s daughter, can do. I will have to create a list of signal flags in the future, but it is one of those things that will take time to introduce, and without binoculars it has quite a limited viewing distance.


    <hr>


    I trying to complete one of the big sundials. It''s actually just to fit the parts together and assemble it, but I feel that I''m starting to get nauseaus again, so spend more time just lying rocking in the hammock and bored.


    Ciara manages to get me in a better mood by showing how much she appreciates her jeweled plug and together we discover that certain specific positions works in the hammock if you balance and doesn''t take the sex too serious. Ciaras looks healthier, even when she is naked, but she still needs at least 10kg but has gotten a little better, and she can eat normally, which is impressive in a month. That she no longer works in the same way, likes honey and that I let her spread it on crispbread and she eats it as sweets, certainly contributes.


    I don''t like that she pierced herself in the belief that it would make her more ''attractive'' to me, but quite honestly, her breasts and their rings that slowly rock are quite nice and attractive, and she seem to enjoy them. I mostly like her facial expressions of sexual pleasure, and how she happily closes her eyes and sometimes tries to pinch her lips so that her moans arn''t heard all over the ship, and how she occasionally fails miserably and gets embarrassed, and those beautiful purple-blue eyes when they intensely looks at me, filled with desire. I just enjoy the sensation and view, while playing with her clitoris and kissing her legs, since they''re by my face. When we''re done, I don''t want her to leave, so we just lie there, under a blanket I janked from the bed, while I hold her and feel our bodies rock from side to side in the hammock while we listen to the sounds of the ship and sea. She doesn''t care at all that at least I''m a little sweaty. There is a second round about half an hour later when I lack self-control over where my hands wander, and Ciara quickly and happily answers under my exploration. This is a reality I can accept.


    <hr>


    Its quite late in the evening when we arrive at Skiringsalr, and too late to do anything but moor and sleep. I can at least sleep in the cabin bed again and cuddle with Iselin, so we listen to some music again with headphones and I show her how she controls the MP3 player, and what different things mean. When I understand that the song she''s asking for is ''Asche zu Asche'' it surprises me, but it''s so obvious that she likes its ''sharp sound'' and tempo and tries to move her body to the beat while lying in bed, and she wants the volume loud, so I let her have the MP3 player by herself and tell her to dance if she wants to. Soon I have an adorable sight as Iselin tries to dance to the songs in the cabin''s limited space, while wearing a nightgown with her red hair fluttering to the music I can faintly hear from her earbuds, when its not completely drowned out by the creaking of the ship or the sound of the sea and wind.


    She may not be able to dance like Lindsey, but that seems to suit her better and it''s sexier. I don''t complain at all about the energy that Iselin has built up when she enthusiastically and happily joins me in bed. With my own earplugs connected via the Y splitter, she slowly gets in to position and sinks down on me as we listen to the calmer intro to ''Feuer Frei'' where she just smiles and slowly grinds his abdomen waiting for the song to really start, and then her ride gets wild. My life has become so damn absurd, since she''s an Elf in a Viking world, but its so damn wonderful too.

 Creating something new - day 15, Skiringsalr - IUDs and shopping

    Creating something new, day 15


    Skiringsalr - IUDs and Shopping


    There is a messenger from Jarl Skiringe waiting for us, with an invitation for a small feast this evening where I and my company are the main guests, and there will just be a few other locals and merchants currently visiting Skiringsalr. I just thank, and accept. I need to learn to appreciate such invitations or at least not see it as a burden. This is my first time here with my new title, social position, reputation and celebrity, and this will be a natural part of life unfortunately, and I want to keep a good friendship with Jarl Skiringe and other powerful people, especially those close to my home. I even get the question if I want to sit up next to Jarl Skiringe where Liv usually sits, or with my own company, but I choose to sit with my own company to distance myself a bit from Jarl Skiringe.


    I hope Jarl Skiringe doesn''t try to get me to show some Sejd, but I must do something discreet and way less flashy if need be. Unless I can think of anything else, I''ll just have to fall back on my old plans. Maybe put the magnet in my gold ring and use it in some way? I know I can pick up an iron knife etc, as long as the iron touches the magnetic side of the ring. I can affect a compass at longer distances but not heavier iron without contact. But thats for tonight, and I might think of something else until then. Now we have a trip to Liv, and apparently Iselin sent someone last night to check that she is home and knows we are coming. I didn''t consider that Liv could have been away somewhere. That would have messed up our plans a bit. They''re all motivated to visit Liv, and I know that Iselin is really looking forward to us not having to use a condom anymore, which I agree with, even though condoms are likely to continue to be used when someone wants anal sex. It is more hygienic, and slightly less risky for their health.


    But we will first visit the bathhouse here. Too many days since our last bath. However, it is funny how much my girlfriends stress about quickly getting to the bathhouse, and Iselin isn''t alone in giving me hints that a shorter bathing time than usual would be appreciated. I really have more intimate female company in general nowadays compared to the last time we were here, even if that day is hard to beat. I realise that we should visit my farm too after being at Livs, to show it to the others.


    <hr>


    Liv is really happy to see me, and us. She talks vividly about her successes with IUDs, and show four that she has made. Nice little designs. You can see it is two bones and they''re not as flexible as plastic, but feels close enough, with nice round ends so it shouldn''t cut into the flesh. The copper wire is wound in a good way and holds together and should the bone break at the bend, it should be held together by the copper wire instead of separating into pieces. There are already 12 women wearing them, and it has still only been about 1 month so too early to have any real data, but no one seems to have had any big problems, just one has had bleed a little more than usual. Three of the IUDs are in women who sought her out after having sex and didn''t want children, two of whom are slaves that have been here a few times before, and she sold the idea that should they still turn out to be pregnant, she will give them a free dose to terminate the pregnancy. She asked all women to keep track of monthly bleeding, and how often they have sex and so on, and keep her updated. Too early for real data yet, but so far it seems really positive as a whole. Liv is looking forward to the Tosra meeting which is a month and a half away, so she hopes to have more results until then, but it will take a couple of years before we really get good data.


    I havn''t really thought about the Tosra meeting, and I can only smile when I tell her that just northeast of Tosra on the mainland side, there are two smaller islands, Ackerekarna, and they are now mine and my own little neutral Furstdome, and I will establish an Academy there this winter. They''re building our mansion and more right now. Liv congratulates me and say that Jarl Skiringe told her about my plans, and she did know about the construction, although she''s a little disappointed that I didn''t accept Jarl Skiringes offer to build here. But she is happy the Academy is being created, and only a couple of days sailing away, and she looks forward to visiting my Academy in the future and hearing about all the sejd things and knowledge that will to come from there. She also hopes I will visit Skiringsalr and spend time on my farm here in the future.


    I ask Liv to think about whether she wants to come and live on the Academy''s island in the future. If she is willing to use her sejd and knowledge for medical purposes as the Academy doctor, but also to be able to share knowledge or sell herbs and so on. The Academy need knowledgable people in all kinds of crafts, and Liv is already a person I respect and we have a common craft, but there will be a lot of focus on plants and medicine. She can of course continue to keep this property here, maybe let someone she trusts take over. I''m already talking to my fianc¨¦e and concubines about it - Ha! Asking my fianc¨¦e and concubines sounds so absurd. Iselin and Kari doesn''t really look forward to having Liv near me, especially not as she has already declared once that she would like to make it more permanent, but they accept it for her knowledge. They seem to consider it unavoidable that there will be free women in my working periphery, and that I will have sex with a few of them, and perticular with whatever Sejd women there are. I don''t see it that way, but I probably wouldn''t say no to the occasional rumble with Liv, although it won''t happen in our house.


    The offer really appeals to Liv, and from her smile and eyes I guess in many ways. But I interrupt her that it is a future decision, as the Academy''s buildings hasn''t really started to be built yet, so probably next spring. Hopefully we''ll move to the Academy''s island this autumn before the Tosra meeting, and if so, she is welcome to visit, even though it might be crowded and maybe we can only offer a sleepingpelt on the floor.


    But we are mainly here because my company wants their own IUDs, and I show Liv the ones I''ve made and the insertion tube, and wonder if she has any improvement to make on them, or see any problems and if she is willing to perform that procedure. Liv carefully checks my craft, thinks and tests one. She has never seen material like them, and is fascinated by the plastic, but they will work well. I''ll take two of hers with me pretty much just to have them, and I might come up with a test or something. I might just save them for a museum.


    When they start discussing order etc, I apologize and take Bodil with me out to Liv''s shop. I have given them exhortations to keep their eyes open on the procedure, because even though I trust Liv''s skill, there may be agendas and I want them to protect each other, which they appreciate. Kari appreciate every time I have thought about our healths, and that I don''t completely trust people outside those closest to me.


    I like Liv''s store, it really is what I expected a medical and herbalist''s fantasy store to look like. I hadn''t expected to ever stand in one, especially not in a world filled with Elves. The smells and impression just makes it a different experience with that knowledge, and it is nice to visit her shop again. I would like something like this on my islands. I should probably design nicer and more fantasy inspired buildings. My buildings are boring and form follows function and material, and I won''t make something stupid just to be pretty, but it is possible to add nicer wooden details on the outside and extensions that could help with the overall feel.


    <hr>


    After a quarter of an hour, Alith comes out and change guard duty with Bodil, and she has a happy face even though she seems a little uncomfortable. Alith insisted she was first, so she really protects my women that way too, which is brave and I respect her a little extra for that, and say thank you to her. I continue looking at the shelves and try to read what labels there are, quite a few have weird symbols, when Alith in a sexy voice whispers behind my shoulder, while her hand wanders towards my crotch and starts massaging;


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    "Robert, I have your handcrafted IUD inside me, and a wooden plug in my butt. I would really like to feel you in me at the same time. This is a blindspot from the entrance and the inner room door, and they will be busy for a while. Its been a month since the last time, and this is the first time I can really feel you in me... "


    Oh, damn, thats an effective way to get me to react. When she seductively continues to massage my willing manhood as she moves around, and gracefully jumps up on the bench while she sinfully smiles...


    Game over, man! Game over! Damn. My moral probably is at a negative value, but right now? I don''t care.


    <hr>


    We have a slightly stressful and anxious moment, as someone from outside or the inner room could enter the store, but that only makes it more adventurous. I hope I won''t have difficult-to-explain bruises on my hips, because Alith has leg muscles and is more focused on not making any noise and being somewhat aware of the surroundings. She obviously loves to feel me and her wooden plug at the same time, and my hands under her chain mail and between her legs takes her over the edge. Thankfully I have short hair and she has short nails, otherwise I would probably have blood running in my hair. She really force our mouths together.


    It is a bit annoying and hard to admit to myself, but these short moments with Alith appeal to me more than normal longer moments with, for example, Kari.


    Danger! Danger! Danger!


    It''s a bit awkward afterwards, where we both try to behave like nothing happened, but neither of us regrets it. We both make sure we look okay, and I go and look at things, and Alith is just my guard again. I can help but smile, and take another calming breath, as I look at Alith that can''t help a small wicked smile and giggle - a joke we both understand.


    Its about half an hour before Bodil, Iselin and Ciara come out, and then we''re normal, and I sit on a chair and relax. Apparently the procedure itself is fast, but the sterilization of tubes etc in between takes time. I like that Liv have absorbed that information and the lessons, and that she reassured every woman. They were only two inside for each procedure, and Kari made sure to monitor so everything went right. They behave as if they''re all part of some sisterhood. Which they are, and they''ve just had an embarrassing initiation ritual. After another 20 minutes, Kari, Gunhild and Liv also comes out.


    Liv thanks for the letter, and tells me that she is wearing a bra and panties. They fit nicely, and are very nice, but now is not the time to show them, maybe in the future. I''m a little surprised, but not disappointed, and it would be hard to be motivated after my moment with Alith. Liv gives me a kiss on the cheek, and we leave for some shopping.


    <hr>


    We spend some time shopping, but I find nothing that really interests or appeals to me. Obviously, my name has started to spread across the kingdom, and I am a celebrity, even if people doesn''t recognize me. There is always a reaction when we greet someone and introduce with names, and they like using Lord Sejdmann Arnesson. In my world with all its paparazzi, internet, television and newspapers? I wouldn''t want to be a celebrity. But here? Not so bad. Definitely gives benefits, although it''s a bit annoying how some people seem to look at me with fear, but its hard to determine your reputation if you don''t put a lot of energy into it, and here it gives respect to have prove your manhood and honor by killing someone in a duel, and especially when I used sejd for it, althought that seem to be a very new rumour as its noticeable who have heard it and who havn''t. I just have to accept that fame too, because actions have consequences, and actions need to have consequences. Hopefully, no one will ever want a duel with me again. I really hope so. I still need to learn to use sword and shield. Eh, be honest with yourself. It will be hard, sweaty and a lot of work, but interesting and fun.


    Hmm... maybe a shield with a small blackpowder charge like shotgun shells or a mini claymore in the middle or just above the middle, that can be triggered by the wearer. Shield walls will get a different meaning then. Surprise!


    However, it will probably fuck up the balance of the shield, weight a bit more, and it will be an unnecessary cost etc. No, its better to continue to use a regular shield and instead add a pistol that is more flexible. I might take it up with Alith; she has begun to understand the basics of firearms and she is a Shieldmaiden. It should probably wait anyway until the first flintlock pistol is completed.


    I realize where we are, and I remember what it was like last time, so when we pass the place where Alith forgot to be a guard and looked at weapons, I can''t help but tease her a little:


    "Alith, arn''t you going to go in and have a look? We have time, and you don''t have to worry about neglecting your guard duty."


    Bodil coughs and Alith glances at me, but smiles and responds with playfulness;


    "No, my Lord, it feels so mundane. I''ve seen better things than this. What I have is nice enough, and I also have nice chain mail now." which she caresses with her hand. Alith makes a deep sigh and continues with played longing and sadness in her voice; "What I really would like to have is probably not sold here either, and I couldn''t afforded it anyway, but if my Lord sees one of those jewels with a red crystal, please let me know..."


    Huh? I don''t get it, but as I look around I see Ciara adjust her dress over her hips, and I get what Alith means, and I also see that Kari reacts. Oh, thats right. Kari was in my room  when Ciara tried to comfort and distract me. So Kari knows about Ciaras, which shouldn''t surprise me, but she probably don''t know that Liv and Alith started everything and we still have sex but rarely. Figuring out who knows what, isn''t worth the effort. It is as it is, and not particularly important.


    We move on, and a while later the others look at wood and ceramic goods for households, which is something I have to buy, and I stand in the background with Alith and watch as the women in my life lively discuss the pros and cons, of wood that is most common and cheapest, or ceramics that are finer and cleaner, but more expensive and worse for a knife to cut on, and whether it is worth buying here, and whether they like the pattern or not. Even Bodil and Gunhild have become involved. I can''t stop myself from giving Alith another little jab;


    "Alith, we probably won''t find a gold plug with a crystal for sale here, and they are quite expensive. But I have seen one in silver in my bedroom back at the farm. Pretty thing with a red crystal. Just lying alone in a box without an owner to give pleasure. Very tragic."


    Alith''s face as she stares in front of her, says that I won another round between us. She regains her composure and starts thinking about guard duty again, and Alith is pretty quiet the rest of the time we go shopping. Maybe a problem in the future, as its too expensive to give it to her, but right now that was so worth it.


    The wooden plates they where looking at made me realize a wooden frisbee might work, and we locate a wooden dishmaker. On his simple fot operated pole lathe, he can relatively quickly form two disks of the profile I draw. I might call it damn simple, but he''s very proud of it. Kari whispers that it only became common a couple of generations ago, and most households have few bowls. Making them as thin as I wish is one problem, and he reminds me that the durability will not be good, but I let him try to make them in spruce, and he will also try make one in harder wood, and he will send his son to deliver them to my ship.


    We also manage to find a furniture craftsman who has a fairly thin narrow spruce plank, which I buy and take with me directly. They don''t really get why I specify spruce, but its the lightest wood I know. There isn''t any balsa here. Bodil is eager to help me shape what I sketch, and it''s not difficult. I could have done it myself, but it gives her something to do when we sail home, and she seem curious. Then again, they all seem curious after I explained that the cross shape doesn''t have anything to do with religion. Its just easy to make and should be more durable.

 Creating something new - day 15, Jarl Skiringes Feast

    We''ve taken it quite easy and just enjoyed the weather, gone for a walk and relaxed. Jarl Skiringe''s start late in the afternoon, and when we arrive there we see that the feast is relatively small, and just two rows of two tables with the fireplace in the middle, and perpendicular to the Jarl''s table. A quite close U shape, and the hall is big and wide enough that there could have easily been five times more tables if needed, and still not felt crowded. Two musicians are playing in a corner, and there is a corner tabel for a few of the Jarls guards, and a few maids are serving drinks and arriving with bread baskets. The feast feels like a calm affair, pretty much just people talking and eating together. Liv is sitting on Jarl Skiring''s right side, and the Jarls young 10 year old daughter Siri is sitting on her left side. I blame Apple for remembering her name, although Kari have given me information, and Jarl Skiringe has an adult son, Refr, but he is apparently not here, or he would be sitting at his mothers left side. Jarl Skiringe''s reputation seems to be equal measures of respect, fairness, cunning and power, with a bit of fear in the background. She''s a very well respected Jarl, and seem to have her peoples loyalty, partially because she doesn''t tax them much. She finance herself with landownership and trade.


    The feast has started but probably not been going on for long, although we are among the last. I can see that a table has been saved at the front on Jarl Skiringe''s right for us, and a little closer than the other tables. Its a small but probably not by accident. I present my company, including our guards, and greet Jarl Skiringe and Liv so people understand we''re already familiar. Jarl Skiringe obviously recognize Alith and Bodil since our last visit, and I know they tried to offer her their service about a year before, but were rejected.


    One of the advantages of my rank is that I can always bring armed guards wherever I go in this Kingdom, and its even expected that I bring along a small number. They can participate in the feast if I so wish. Since there is a whole table available, I ask everyone to sit down and have a nice feast while they are guarding. Kari, Iselin, Gunhild and Alith have given me information about that too.


    I sit closest to the end towards Jarl Skiringe, so I can easily see and talk to her and Liv, with Iselin on my right followed by Ciara and Bodil. Kari sits opposite Iselin, and Gunhild opposite Bodil, and I have Alith opposite me so she keeps an eye against threats from behind me, and just like the other guards they can more easily act from the table ends, and they have their shields available, and leaning against the table short end. Those who sit with their backs toward the middle are ''lower rank places'' and it is not intended that they should be able to easily talk to the Jarl or others. Kari''s etiquette rules arn''t completely wasted. Should the tables be along the sides with the ends facing an open center, similar rules apply depending on who is sitting facing whom, and the owner of the house. There is more about how important women, family and guards should sit and behave etc, but, according to Kari, as long as I keep track of myself and know where I should sit, I don''t have to worry about the rest. When she said that, I embraced it so quick and began ignoring the rest, that she seems to have become more careful and methodical with other information she gives me.


    <hr>


    There is general small talk while we start to eat and drink, but the tempo is low. I''m grateful there are low alcohol drinks, and not just mead or wine. There is also water but I don''t drink it since I don''t really trust it, although Alith mostly drinks water or lingonberry drink. I again realize that I simply have a hard time talking to people here. I have no direct topics of conversation. Agriculture? Not much clue. Trade? No clue. Animals? No clue. Religion? Bad topic and no clue. They don''t have sports here, but I rarely watch sports. Games? Their game pretty much suck, and isn''t much point in talking about. Politics? No clue. Recent events? Very limited knowledge and even worse understand of its meaning. Weather? I probably can more than most, but stupid to talk about. Children? No idea and have none. Women? Yes, maybe, but not when my women are sitting next to me, and in front of a female Jarl. However, Jarl Skiringe has heard about my Academy has started to be built, and about the agreement and she is looking forward to when it is all finished. I wonder if it will ever be ''finished''? I explain about my plans without going too deep, especially so that other guests will know and can start spreading the rumour, as I already gave her this information about 5 weeks ago. Which she knows. There''s probably a lot of levels to why she arranged this feast, and I can think of a handful, and she quite loudly states:


    "I want to congratulate Furst Sejdmann Arnesson on an excellent agreement, and I now understand why you declined my own offer; for what is a Jarl''s power and resources against a King? But when the islands is your land and completely under Sejdmann Arnesson control, with the right to your own laws, warriors and ships, and under no obligations or liege? Isn''t Sejdmann Arnesson a King in everything but name?"


    "I thank Jarl Skiringe for the flattery, but I''m not a King and I don''t rule a Kingdom. Just my own place for my Academy, a center for learning and doing impressive things."


    "Perhaps not a King but a man worthy to rule, and a worthy Furst. Here''s to Furst Sejdmann Arnesson!" and she raises her stoup and everyone cheers for me.


    There is a lot of small talk and Jarl Skiring''s son Refr is traveling with one of her ships, so old enough for it, although that doesn''t mean much here. Some of the men here are traders, one of whom has come across the north sea from the Kingdoms in the west, so probably somewhere on the British Isles. He''s norse language is decent enough that I understand him, even though its obviously not his first language, but he has a dialect reminiscent of Ciaras. We talk a bit and he politely asks if what he thought he heard in our introduction is correct? That one of my beautiful female companions is namned ''Mawr''? I confirm, and Ciara rise up and introduces herself;


    "My name is Ciara Mawr, daughter of Aonghus Mawr of Mair, Concubine of Sejdmann Robert Arnesson." She also repeats it in her mother tongue, followed by a graceful slight nod.


    This is apparently something he recognizes as he raises his stoup to her, and say that the next time he is in that area, he will congratulate her father that his daughter has become such a stately beautiful woman, with such a powerful man as Furst Sejdmann Robert Arnesson, who she obviously loves. Ciara thanks him and has a big happy smile, as she reach for my hand, which I take and I kiss her hand before she sits down. I really don''t mind that Ciara''s family finds out what happened to her, and that she''s having a good happy life. I just hope they don''t try to persuade her to come back with them, if they ever come here. I believe that Ciara will refuse, and I am a little worried that they will then believe that I''ve enchanted or spellbound her.


    Another merchant sitting a couple of seats way from him looks a little puzzled at me, and with a clear foreign accent that makes him more difficult to understand;


    "Sejd man. For me new. Only women sejd?" which is an indirect accusation that I am female and an insult to my honor and manliness, but obviously he doesn''t means anything with it. He''s just curious, and not aware of the culture and with language difficulties. Just like I had, only worse. We have people between us and he said it in a loud voice to be heard over the feast murmur, which pretty much instantly dies out, and is replaced with whispers and many look carefully at me and the confused man who doesn''t know why he is on thin ice. I reply slowly and clearly, with a smile and in a good mood;


    "Good Merchant, sejd isn''t just for women, and especially not my type. But you have to learn to be careful about how you say things here in the North, as even accidentally calling someone unmanly can have tragic consequences. Make sure to tell your friends, and other merchants."


    It is almost quiet in the hall at the end of my answer, and only the musicians are faintly heard from the far end as they too have kept their ears and eyes open for my reply. I have already raised my stoup and we toast, even if the man is insecure and give questioning looks on all the others in the hall, and Jarl Skiringe. The background murmur of the feast rises when there are many small conversations around the tables, and some guests seem to relax and take deep breaths. The men at his table are probably telling him exactly what such an insult can lead to, and what I did a week ago, and I can see when he understands. He gets quite a lot paler and sober, but I raise my stoup and toast once more with a gentle smile to him.


    <hr>


    Jarl Skiringe''s daughter havn''t had the peace to sit still for a long time and have been away and come back a couple of times already, and had some kind of doll she played with. Children are children. What child can sit still for hours during a boring dinner party? I guess Kari as a child probably did; calm and stately all the time as a little well-behaved princess or something. Iselin, Kari and Ciara''s childhood probably sucked in different ways. Honestly, I also wanted to leave as this just feels too drawn out, and short breaks outside isn''t a problem and I''ve taken a couple. Not atleast due to the wooden benches, thats oh so common. Without cushions. Benches might be practical, but man, my butt is aching, and no back support. Ergonomy is another unknown word. Cushions - Hi-tech shit.


    All of a sudden I discover Siri standing next to the table and looking at me. In that innocent but close way children tend to do, to their parents anxiety and embarrassment.


    "What kind of sejd can you do? Visions? Gladr? Medicine? The only one I know who can do sejd is Liv." I just smile and laugh a little, because how can anyone be angry at that?


    "Yes, I can do sejd, but mine is different from Liv''s, and I don''t do Galdr or what you usually see or hear about being sejd."


    "Is that why my mother, Liv and so many other women think you''re attractive?"


    I hear an annoyed ''Siri!'' from Jarl Skiringe who tries to avoid being embarrassed, but most havn''t heard what Siri said - she isn''t loud - and I just reassuring Jarl Skiringe with my hand that its okay and calm down, while I smile at Siri. Children rarely have filters between their brain and mouth, and don''t really whisper. It can be embarrassing enough when it happens to others, even if Siri is many years older than the children who are most embarrassing, and sometimes its a disadvantage that they generally seem to teach children to be honest, brave and honorable, and Siri''s just curious. I stage whispers a bit conspiratorially to the girl while I watch Kari, Iselin and the others.


    "No, it doesn''t really have anything to do with sejd, but there are some women who would probably say a night with me is sejdish." I give the girl a quick wink, and she starts to blush, and Kari and Iselin just smiles while Ciara happily confirms when Siri looks at them. When I pick up my stoup, I ''accidentally'' move my gold ring with its magnet towards a serving bowl with a fine twisted iron fork that directly sticks to my ring. I pull the fork with me sitting on the outside of my hand, drink out the stoup and put the stoup back with the other hand. It''s amusing how Siri just stares at the fork that hangs on my hand.


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    "My sejd is different from what sejd women do, but I have no idea why some say I''m attractive."


    I raise my ''fork hand'' and make a faint gesture to the guest with a questioning expression on my face;


    "Anyone have any idea why some say I''m attractive?"


    There are many looks on the fork hang on the outside of my hand, and elbows and less discreet movements for their table neighbour to see, then I support my chin on my hand with the fork just hanging on the outside, right in front of Siri''s face, still without looking at the fork. She just stare with a gaping mouth. I pretend to discover the fork, roll my eyes, and remove the fork and give it to Siri.


    "Sorry, it''s so annoying when that happens. Unfortunately, its not only women that finds me attractive."


    Siri just stands there with her mouth gaping and staring eyes while holding the fork with both hands.


    "I think your mother wants you to go and sit down. Be a good daughter and do as your mother Jarl Skiringe wish."


    Siri stares at her fork, her mother, curtsy and hurries around the table to show and tell her mother and Liv. As if they''ve missed it. I give them a quick wink too, while the feast continues and the conversions slowly gains volume again. I have a hard time keeping myself from laughing and I try to avoid smiling while I discreetly under the table take my ring off, remove the magnet, put the ring back on, and push the magnet down in my pocket. A maid walks cautiously forward, curtsy, and puts a new fork in the bowl in front of me, but leans it towards Kari''s side.


    "You don''t have to worry. That fork has attitude and is unpleasant, it doesn''t like me at all." I smile, roll my eyes and just nonchalantly with a shrug say; "You know how forks can be."


    That rewards me with a little giggle, and not only from the maid, and the maid rewards me with a smile as she curtsy and leave. Damn, I''m good.


    Siri carries around that fork, and tries to get it to stick on her and others hands and jewelry, including my ring at one point and I let her try. Deceiving a child; does it make me mean, sadistic, or just entertaining?


    We stays for a while more and it has been a good evening even if it is a bit tough, long and hard on my butt. I have managed a social get together without major incidents, has not received a new slave or had to duel with anyone, and Ciara''s family may find out what happened to her. A good evening. I''m starting to learn to act the right way during social occasions, but I will still avoid them.


    <hr>


    The evening becomes even nicer with Iselin back on the ship, when she with a wicked smile agrees that it is almost sejdish, and she doesn''t mean that we can have sex without a condom. Self-confidence? All time high! Iselin also saw a resemblance with the feast where we met, but this sejd was subtile and less shocking than the white shining stone crystal. I''m glad that Jarl Skiringe didn''t try to give me a slave woman or similar, but I think she knows better, and considering she didn''t ask for the sejd and it was a spur of the moment discreet little thing, she didn''t have to give me anything for it either.


    <hr>


    Kari is happy. Everything seems to have gone well with the procedure at Liv''s. No incidents, and Liv seems skilled in many ways. She understands why Robert thinks that Liv would do good work at the Academy, especially now that Liv comes there without special expectations. Before they went out to the others waiting in the shop, she made it very clear that they accept if Liv and Robert have sex from time to time, but if Liv tries to make herself an too important or permanent part of Robert''s life - she will regret it.


    Kari is still worried about Jarl Skiringe, because she is clearly interested in there being more than just friendship between her and Robert, but they''re unlikely to marry in the future. Jarl Skiringe doesn''t want to abandon being a Jarl here, and she''s hopefully not ready to leave all that power to her son yet, and Robert will not abandon his islands when he has had it built as he wants, because he dislikes sailing, and a long-distance marriage seldom works well. And it''s not just the marriage status that Jarl Skiringe wants. She wants Robert. But it was such a clever and skilful ploy by Jarl Skiringe to give that farm right at the beginning, and she plays well. It''s stupid to not be careful and attentive with such a cunning player, so Kari will pay attention for them. It will be interesting to visit Roberts farm here, the farm that Jarl Skiringe tried to attract and bind Robert with.


    If Robert has sex with Jarl Skiringe a few times a year when he or she visits, its no real problem for them - it only strengthens the friendship with a strong and powerful Jarl in the region, in a way few can do. Jarl Skiringe is smart enough to understand and take advantage of the benefits, and Liv has probably already informed her about the rules.


    Kari is really happy that Robert saw through Skiringe''s allure with the farm and more, and continued his journey, because otherwise she would never have become Robert''s woman - not when Jarl Myrun Skiringe was so close. It would have been an interesting future for the kingdom, if Jarl Skiringe had Robert as an ally instead of the King, because even if Jarl Skiringe has generally been a loyal and faithful ally to the King over the years, it is bad if the balance tips too much from the King. Which is probably one reason why the King havn''t offer one of his princesses hand in marrige to her son Refr.


    The King here in the north doesn''t rule because of his bloodline or conquest as the Kings to the south do, and not only through power and influence. The King rules through trust, honor and being a good wise leader. If the King loses the trust of the people, then another strong leader who the people trust is elected King at the Northmen Ting, so it is important for the King to maintain that trust and make sure to ally well through marriage and make sure that powerful allies come to the Northmen Ting. But if the trust in the King is too low among the public, then someone else in the royal lineage will try to take the crown. Both because they can, and to retain the power of being the royal lineage, so that the people don''t lose confidence in that lineage, but too much infighting will be bad for the peoples trust. Crown Prince Hagthorn will need to gain the trust of the people and the powerful to keep the crown, it is not enough just being King Asbj?rn Aeriksson''s son.


    No one knows how Robert will affect the balance of power in the coming years, but if Robert becomes as respected as Kari thinks he will be, he will wield great influence, and its wonderful that King Aeriksson made the mistake of creating their small Furstdome only one day from Borgarsandr, and how he formulated the agreement. Admittedly, Robert could have gained more power and influence over a more remote region, but now Robert will have all his influence in the vicinity of Borgarsandr. Robert''s influence is maximized in the region where the Northmen Ting takes place, and it is easier for Robert to spread his teachings and creations far and wide, which will give more respect. The royal lineage is strongest in the north eastern parts of the kingdom. Not in Borgarsandr.


    That King Aeriksson made him a Furst and that Robert is only one step below an elected King is important, but Robert isn''t elected, and if he treats his inhabitants well, rules well and takes care of his property and makes the inhabitants prosper, then will it give a lot of respect. If his teachings and knowledge help the public to also prosper and live better?


    But Robert is also the only Sejdmann, and that comes with its own respect now that he has proven it several times, including in a duel, because all sejd users are respected and a bit feared, but Kari doesn''t believe that most men really realized how influential it can be on half the population. Men always underestimate the influence a woman can have over her husband, and most men will not admit to other men that his choices are influenced by his women. They will justify their opinions and decisions as their choices. Kari is really looking forward to helping Robert gain as much influence and respect as possible.


    Asta also knows her place, without even having to say anything. Iselin was a little worried about Asta, but Kari explained that Robert only found someone with the same interest and appreciation for the things he built. Her gender has nothing to do with it, and Kari doesn''t think that Asta is stupid enough to try anything, because he is their Lord, she sees them in his vicinity, and she probably respects the ranking of a ship. But Asta will be near him, and the will spend a lot of time together, because she have to learn everything Robert knows about navigation and ships. A common interest binds their friendship together, but it will probably not include sex. Robert seems to dislike having several women as his deep in his soul, so even though his male side loves it, Robert is happy that he now meets the ''social minimum''. They also know that Robert dislike having sex with someone who works for him, and he doesn''t look at women as many men do. Kari enjoyed walking in the city and see how other women looking at him, tried to entice or flirt, but Robert was just kind and respectful, and barely let his eyes wander on any of them.


    Kari was a little worried at the feast when that brusque man started talking, but Robert understood that he didn''t mean anything offensive, and took it with humor. He himself has had such language problems, still do, but he is good at learning and he has improve remarkably much over the last month. Give it a year and no one will be able to tell he''s not a native. She also likes how Robert reinforced the impression of his power, and he do have power, no matter what he says.


    Jarl Skiringe looked a little pale, but mostly embarrassed when her girl talked to Robert, but he was charming and as always kind to children, and that sejd with the fork was just elegant and nicely done. She doesn''t know how Robert did it, nor do the others. She has never before noticed that his ring had such a reaction to anything, and when she herself discreetly tested a little later, it did not react to the iron fork she tested it with. Robert didn''t even notice. He may say that most of things he does is technology, but her husband has his own very special sejd, and it is powerful and unpredictable. He never invokes the gods, makes gestures, uses words, potions or bones, so no one knows when his sejd will come or disappear - its just there when he needs it, and disappears just as quickly and without a trace. He only does impressive things, and she really wish she had experienced when he made that stone shine. The way people talk about it, it would have been something out of this world to experience, but she hasn''t dared to ask him to repeat it for her.


    Kari is annoyed with herself that she is jealous of Iselin, who is with Robert right now. Eventually, Robert will learn to love her too, because he already cares for her, and tries to treat them all equally, but he cuddles so much more and has much more sex with Iselin. Kari is also annoyed at her lot in life because she ''squirts'', and that Robert doesn''t think there is anything to do about it. Kari asked Liv before she told her about the rules for future sex with Robert, but Liv didn''t know of any way to stop it, and just felt sorry for her. That Robert reacted as he did has only earned him even more respect in Liv''s eyes. But the fact that she squirts is a problem when they have sex, compared to Iselin or Ciara, and she wishes there had been some way to avoid it. But she just have to accept fate, and move on - just like Robert so often have said - and their sex is nicely creative.


    Without thinking about it, Kari smiles when she thinks about how much she likes to be taken over a table, pressed against a wall or on the floor - both tender or rougher - and then they can both clean themselfs off, and she can lay down in bed with her husband. She doesn''t share Robert''s bed for sex and is just allowed to stay there afterwards, or sent out of the room when he''s satisfied. She share his bed because he wants her there. To hold her and feel her presence. When she discovers her smile, Kari realize that she actually likes that their sex becomes more intense and is a completely separate experience from when they lie and cuddle in bed. In bed she is his ''elegant concubine'' and friend, and their sex is pure sex, where Robert can be anything from a tender lover who takes his time, or a conqueror who just pushes her down to the table, spreads her legs and forcefully takes her until they both quickly comes. Kari doesn''t know which she like the most, so they need to keep varying and experimenting until she knows what she likes best. Kari''s smile is wide on her face as she thinks of another thing she heard Robert say; ''It''s a tough job, but someone has to do it.''


    Kari is looking forward to really feeling Robert take her, and it''s soon her night. She is also looking forward to the completion of the Academy, so that Robert will want to have children with her, but she doesn''t mind that it will be next year, because when she is pregnant they won''t be able to have sex for far too long, and that will be a torment she never thought of. Atleast it gives her at many dark long winter nights for experiments, and time to figure out what Midgard thinks about sex with pregnant women.

 Creating something new - day 16, Sundial, Farm and crane

    Creating something new, day 16


    Sundial, farm and crane


    We''re just enjoying the morning, when a guard and Jarl Skiringes personal maid arrive with a precious gift from Jarl Skiringe to Sejdmann Arnesson. A nice wooden box, and on its cloth-covered inside is a nice set of ten forks and spoons in silver. I can''t help but laugh. I get why the knives are missing, because everyone here uses their own knife from their belt for meals, and most people eat with their hands, and a spoon is pretty much the only real cutlery people, and there''s those that drink soup from their bowls instead of using a spoon. At the feast yesterday, there were forks but was something most people didn''t use except to cut a piece of meat from the common piece and bring to their plate. My company are definitely not used to eating with cutlery, even Kari, and that''s something I would like to change in the future, but I won''t force them. Cutlery is practical for more options in dishes, warmer food and far less messy. It was a topic we talked about yesterday, so I guess Jarl Skiringe scored another point there. I can probably get a silversmith to make proper matching knives. As far as I know, cutlery with knife and fork was originally forced by some king, so his guests wouldn''t have their own sharp pointed knives in their belts and in his proximity.


    But it''s a very nice gift, and must be quite valuable with all that silver and craftsmanship, so I ask them to thank Jarl Skiringe for me, and say I also have a gift for Jarl Skiringe, but it''s a device that shows time. I show size with my hands and say it is made of brass and should be permanently mounted in stone and cement, but a thick wooden log works. However, it must be outside and open to the south and have sunlight most of the year to be useful. Also an advantage if its easily accessible. Unless we hear otherwise I''ll bring it in a while. It would be so much easier if I just could give a time. The maid thanks, curtsy and leave.


    Iselin put Skiringe''s gift in the cabin, while I finish the last work on the sundial. I use the punch and carefully tap the Academy''s logo in a dot pattern at 12 o''clock, since its an advantage to mark most things that the Academy manufactures in the future. It will make the logo and the Academy better known. I check that all edges are filed okay, and rivet the sundial together for the right latitude and polish the parts and put it together completely.


    <hr>


    Its about 10 o''clock when we go to visit Jarl Skiringe. Gunhild proudly wears the sundial on a leather strap over her shoulder, to make it easier and prevent it from being dropped, although its a bit awkward. It can be straightened if it is deformed, but unnecessary work. They think its funny that I always try to make everything easier to carry and more comfortable. At least Bodil seems to have changed her mind about my way of carrying my sword, and thinks it looks cool. It also matches how I usually wear my Boomstick, although I''ve started to carry it over my other shoulder so they don''t interfere.


    Someone have noticed us approaching as Jarl Skiringe meets us outside, accompanied by Siri standing next to her looking very curious. We greet each other and I show my creation and explain that it uses the sun to show how time methodically passes over a day, because everyone knows the sun''s path across the sky. I explains that I''ve divided the day into 24 equal parts called hours, and each hour is divided into 60 minutes, and that can further be divided in seconds, and I start counting about the right tempo for a second. I realise that I should make some form of sign that explains this for the future, or just on the sundial arms themself, and that a sundial isn''t time equation compensated.


    Jarl Skiringe inspects the sundial, and I explain that a sundial, clock or watch, all methodically measures the passage of time. But sundials arn''t truly accurate, and the real time will slowly oscillate around 10-15 minutes from the exact time, but a sundial is close enough, and with the time equation it can be determined to a higher accuracy, as long as you know the day of the year. If everyone only use sundials, it doesn''t matter in most cases because everyones sundial will show time with the same fault.


    Measuring time allows you to plan events more accurately, or measure how long a job takes to perform. Limited use of course, but it is important in some situations, and its practical if many use time indications and have watches. If she already had had a sundial, I could have said when we would arrive, and arrived at just that time. Sundials is a combination of art and function, and as long as there is sunlight and its pointing in the right direction it just works.


    Jarl Skiringe has found a spot for it and its diagonally in front of the entrance with excellent sun exposure, and where everyone can see it. I shows how it should be mounted and takes out the right direction for that exact location, and it is marked with a small cut in the wood on the palisade across the open space. The sundial can be mounted on a log or wooden post, but something more solid, such as a stone pillar sunk into the ground where it will be more stable, is better, which she will do. In the mean time she''s getting them to improvise a wooden post.


    Jarl Skiringe looks appreciatively at the sundial and thanks for the gift, especially when I tell her that this is the first sundial of this model. I will give the next one to King Aeriksson when we return to Borgarsandr.


    We make small talk and I confirm that we will take a trip and visit my farm, so I can show it to my company. Jarl Skiringe smiles, but after a quick look at my company, she wishes us a nice afternoon - her''s is unfortunately fully booked. However, she offer to lend us a carriage and horse so the journey will be a little easier, or if we prefer, a Knarr to sail there. I thank her, and after a short conversation with my company we decide on the Knarr. Its nice that she doesn''t try to accompany us, even though she probably would''ve had a free afternoon if my girlfriends hadn''t come with me to my farm.


    <hr>


    We wait until its noon, so I can take the sun height out over the horizon and note the angle. Asta does the same. Followed by Iselin, Kari and Alith who also wants to try, and Alith seems interested in navigation and wants to learn it, and I don''t mind another student. It might help that they can talk to each other. I calculate the correction according to the table I made and make one last fine correction according to the latitude of the map. Made a couple of thought mistakes in math to make up for the day of the year, but I seem to have solved it. The sextant measures the angles between objects correctly, and it seem to have a precision of better than 0.1 degree, which is about 10km in latitude when I can make an exact calculation of the sun''s position after the day of the year. Considering how navigation is here, that bad precision is amazing.


    I really need to produce a book with tables and instructions for the sextant, and solve the sun''s analemma, and its exact orbit and synchronization around the sun. Then I have to teach Asta to understand and use everything, and to calculate correctly, by hand, and ask her to take a voyage to verify it. Doesn''t solve the longitude problem but that took until the H series of marine chronometers in the 19th century before that was solved, and 20 years of trying, but I don''t remember exactly how he did it or what Invar is. I think it''s just Nickel and Iron in some alloy? If I can get a hold of ''pure'' nickel, I can try to melt batches in ''exact'' 5% steps upwards and compare its length variation, and then try to refine the right alloy composition as much as possible. I might be able to make a relatively accurate watch with a flywheel in bimetal instead of a pendulum, but increase clock accuracy is just a fun thing to try as I do other things in my future life. Time keeping is important for a lot of things and science, and for most an accurate and compensated pendulum clock will work, but not on a rocking ship. Maybe I''ll solve the longitude problem with long distance radio signal, celestrial navigation or something else.


    This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    Argh, I must try to fix a star map and moon navigation, and figure out the exact method, as it solves the problem of longitude fixation. But to calculate and create tables? Eh, nope. Not in the near future, and preferably I want to avoid having to do that job myself. Its important as hell, but I''m so uninterested in it. But I need to make so many accurate astronomical observations first, so an observatory on the islands is likely to happen sooner or later, and I need to improve the sextant so taking star measurements works fine.


    If it turns out that my world map data from Midgard is correct, navigation is a minor problem as long as ships doesn''t leave coasts etc for too long. As long as the map is correct, it is possible to set the clock according to where you are via corrected solar time if the clock on the boat should drift on longer journeys.


    Its kind of funny that it seems like most of what might be important to introduce here, isn''t really what I would think would be useful knowledge, and a lot of my hobbies are just way to far ahead technologically.


    <hr>


    With the Knarr it only takes about an hour to travel to the farm, and its not hard to get there. Its just a month since my last time here, though we took the road that time. The water is too damn shallow everywhere, but we manage to find our way in and round the island in the middle of the bay. I''ll need to talk to locals about where it is suitable for a deeper harbor, preferably 4m water depth, and easier sailing than the narrow passages past the large island. It is certainly difficult enough to pass all the small islands and grounds further out in the bay, at least in something as big, harder to handle and deeper drafting as a Kog or my ship the Millennium Eagle. Maybe try to look at building a harbor on the sea side? Or if that doesn''t work, talk to locals and try to get permission to make a harbor on someone else''s land.


    I ask Gunhild, Kari and Ciara to take a short walk around the closer area to get an overview and learn how it looks, and then swap with Alith, Bodil and Iselin. I myself will consider possible future construction of a new farm, and construction of a proper harbor so the Millennium Eagle can anchor here. When the construction workers are finished on my Academy Islands, I will hire someone to build a new house here. I''m really not interested in vacationing in a longhouse.


    When they have been away for a couple of minutes, I whisper to Iselin and we hurry into the bedroom where I go down on her. When the others return, Iselin has a happy expression and Alith, Bodil and Iselin set off on a tour of the grounds. Even with Ciara and Gunhild outside, Kari likes when I repeat it on her, and we end up in the big room where there is an stamped earth floor, so we can be more thoroughly test her IUD.


    Bodil and Gunhild really seem to like the farm, and would probably like to live her, and raise a family while cultivating the land. Kari isn''t that impressed although the place is nice, and seem to be good farmland. Ciara doesn''t seem to care where she is or lives, as long as I am there with her.


    We take a joint round up among the high cliffs and the forest, so I can take pictures there as well and plan for future construction. It''s quite hot, and sweaty, so we take a cooling bath in my lake. The seem to be a couple of places along the seaside where a nice protected small harbor could be made. In fact, it seems that there can be a lot more arable land in the valleys. It will be a lot of work clearing it, but thats something I can pay others to do in the coming years. I''ll have to make a road anyway between that harbor and the inland.


    <hr>


    It''s evening when we return back to Skiringsalr and my ship, and we see that the crew worked yesterday and today. The sails have become light blue and they are just sewing on big yellow A triangle logo. Asta have manged having a big flag made, in blue with a yellow logo sewn on, and they''re working on the next one. It''s good work and I let them know that. We try to fill the ship''s compass with oil before the return trip tomorrow. Its some kind of plant oil, so I''m a little worried about how it will handle the sun, and the comming temperature change during autumn and winter.


    According to Asta, there isn''t much here to transport back to Borgarsandr that can be a secure profit this time of year. We could have brought goods here, especially glass and finished windows, but its easy to be hindsighted. No-one cared about trade when heading here. In general, there''s simply too many ships traveling between these two trade centers, and they are too close in distance, nature and resources. This ship also isn''t suitable for animal transport, because then a Knarr is better. The trips purpose wasn''t trade, the purpose was IUDs and an update with Liv, and thats done, and we have tested the ship, the crew and the sextant and so on. A successful voyage, so we might as well set sail and sail home tomorrow morning.


    We just sit there and watch the crew work, and it feels like unloading and loading cargo should be able to be improved, because there are no cranes here in the harbor, or on the ship, with unloading / loading nets etc. Everything is done by hand, over the shoulder and so on. When I talk to Asta about it, that''s just the way it is. She has seen larger cranes in a couple of ports to the south to lift heavy things that no human could, but small loads are always carried by hand, and yes, it is sometimes dropped in water, or damaged when carried on board, or up and down in the holds steep ladders. We discuss a bit and I suggest a simpler crane to test, and if it''s worth it.


    It''s a bit of a problem because the stay ropes to the mast are in the middle, but the cargo hatch on the deck is a bit in front of the mast, so I take a long wooden pole and get help measuring. Centered over the cargo hatch and a pivot point closer to the railing and the low foredeck, the arm can swing out over the side far enough and have about 80 cm margin to the nearest stay line, which is space needed for the load the crane will carry, and the crane will have a wide support wheel in front of the pivot point to spread the weight over the deck planks and ease the torque on the hub, so there will be an uplifting lever effect instead, but then the winch etc, will be a form of counterweight. I speculate in a future upgraded crane arm that varies in length by standing more vertically in the middle past the stay lines, but then comes further out from the ship''s side. Nah, it just feels unnecessarily complicated if it isn''t needed.


    I make a quick sketch on the slate board and calculate the forces and leverage effect on the attachment points. Luckily there are two strong beams under the deck in that area, so the wheel will roll in an arc over one, and the other beam can stabilize the hub. Check and discuss the attachment in the hull so it is okay. It can be reinforced with a pair of brass plates and braces for safety if needed. I should probably limit the crane to 200-300kg anyway, and check if a three or four line block and tackle solution is appropriate. If we have three or more cargo nets, they can be filled and emptied at the same time, so there will be no long breaks. The empty net is carried by hand to the second place while the full net is lifted with the crane. The crane can also be used to lift the ship''s boat into the water, as long as you rotate it right past the stay lines and the hull.


    Asta isn''t the only one looking a little puzzled by my plans, but she and others understands that it can be useful. A new project to do next time the ship is in port. I spends some time making plans on the parts. Steel would be nice, but this will be in a sea environment all the time, so more durable bronze or brass is better, and I can make parts a little thicker and combine with solid hard wood, probably oak. There is so much oak on my land. I want a geared winch with a safety hook to lift, and a brake when lowering. I might as well try to make simpler roller bearings for the winch, as well as some form of controlled swinging of the load, or just locking the crane in the end positions. I measures the usual heavy rope and the winch''s wheels become quite large and wide. Many turns with such block solution, but the rope will probably settle in just two layers. Except the swivel plate thats attached to the deck, the rest of the crane can be dismantled and stored under the deck until needed. It protects the crane and winch from the elements. Many many parts, including the hook and block and tackle parts.

 Creating something new - day 18, Back on the islands, Boomerang

    Creating something new, day 18


    2 days later


    Back on the islands. Boomerang.


    There''s a hell of a lot of work happening on the island. But sure, there are 70+ men working, where most work long 14-hour days, every day, and there are no unions, safety regulations or the like. Its not pretty or nice, but a lot of work and progress is made. I don''t like that my future life will partly depend on slaves, and above all live in buildings built by slave labour. But its also a great gift from the King that the kingdom supports the construction, and it would be idiotic to refuse for many reasons. At least I can minimize slave labour and slaves when the Academy is running, even if it''s a lousy excuse to wait, but I can make sure that those who work for me are free men and women. And in the future give slaves on my islands better protection. I will change so my law includes that slaves can''t be forced to sex, they can refuse and not be punished for it, and they also can''t be misstreated, and probably that slaves have the right to one day off every other week, but it doesn''t have to be the same day as everyone else, but they will have a day off. I really want to improve working life for everyone. I''ll have to talk about it with my ''sambo''s''. Sambo is a very common Swedish word about two people living together, and it applies to a larger group too, but ''Sambo'' usually means a romatic or sexual relationship. Sambo is a shortening of Samboendef?rh?llande which is ''living together relationship'', and has been common since the sixties in the nordic countries. The english language equivivalent is Cohabitation and Partner. Sambo''s doesn''t really fit, but better than using other words to others or in my mind, and the norse word is pretty much ''my woman'' in a very possessive wording. Its weird that they use their word for husband for a female concubines man, but not their word for wife for a male concubines woman. But, then again, legally the man owns the woman, no matter if she''s his wife or concubine, but the same doesn''t apply to a male concubine for a female lord. She doesn''t own him, and their relationship is more like an official lover than anything else. Double standards again.


    Anyway, as soon as my mansion is completed enough to live in, I will move there. I want to feel settled. Feel at home.


    It wouldn''t surprise me if it is only 6 weeks until then or something like that. Probably not completely finished, but it is probably possible to live in the parts that are. The interior will take time, and the finish of all exterior walls more time, and the pavilion and courtyard and will be later. When a King stands behind something that can be built quickly, well, then it happens, but in pure accumulated working time, its been around 6 years of working time for five people with a 40-hour working week, even if everyone doesn''t work on the mansion. This is not a huge castle in stone that is cumbersome and takes time, but everything is done by hand, all the way down to splitting wood to make planks, which they then plan and make pretty.


    There is already a wide, well-used path over Small Ackerek, but it will be a proper paved road in the future, and there is so much manpower available that the stone road from the harbor to my mansion is almost finished. Of course it is a bit unnecessary with a paved road, and in many cases more unpleasant for carriages and horses than a smooth fine gravel road, but stone is nicer if it is done properly and they are leveling and cementing the upper layer so drainage is better and the surface smoother. I want the main road across the island to be good and wide, while small unimportant roads from it can be gravel or simple tracks. I expect that there will be quite a lot more transport and inhabitants here in a few years, and might as well make proper infrastructure from the start.


    Two fenced pastures for animals have been completed, and the women who take care of the worker''s food and laundry, have already planted the vegetable garden with some vegetables and started making an orchard. They gratefully thanked me when I rewarded them some extra silver for their commitment, and they will plant more. They''re also collecting berries in the forest when they arn''t busy with other things, but it is mostly for their own use. Better they gather and benefit from the berries, than that the berries fall and rot.


    Apparently, the most time consuming work is the foundation of my mansion, but they are walling up the cellars and making everything flat enough. At least there is plenty of stone, but the stone floor inside in the wing, on the patio and on the pavilion will be slate tiles so it will be smoother and finer. Sure its luxurious, but I prefer really flat floors. Those who are doing the stonework and leveling the cliff, will level out and build a courtyard of stonewaste and gravel, and make sure that the drainage is taken into account. There is a fairly large pit to fill in the northeast corner, but the courtyard is low priority. It will actually be a fairly okay and large courtyard that is quite square with about 25m or so sides, but depends on where you count that the mountain ends. The east side, which is a cliff of a few meters, is clearly the boundry on that side. I''ll need to add a wall or railing there in the future.


    Most of the rain on the roofs towards the courtyard will be led down to a reservoir in the basement by the stairs, which should be kept filled and replaced by rain. It is simply a reservoir if there is a problem with the pump or the waterpipes freezes etc. Remaining rain from the wings roof and the southwest side of the main roof goes down into a similar reservoir in the corner of the boiler room, but it will have less volume. The easternmost part of the main building''s roof is only led out over the cliff edge and south over the cliffs. The roof of the pavilion together with the roof of the greenhouse is led south and if it rains a lot, there will be a small stream down the cliff towards the depressions brook west of the mansion. They have at least understood to make ditches and small pipes under the road to lead rain to the other side, instead of flooding the road.


    You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.


    In the future, it would be possible to make a small pond on the cliffs south of the mansion or possibly just below the steep cliffs on the east side and redirect rainwater to fill the pond instead. They have removed the pines closest to the mansion, but let the deciduous trees grow on the rocks and below. Maybe I could make a garden along with the pond by building a wall along the cliff edges south of the mansion and filling the inside with dirt and soil? It could be a nice little garden with vegetables and some fruit trees, instead of boring rocks.


    Explain the updates for the mounts for wind turbines, and I may need mounts for more things like antenna masts, which is easy to arrange for now before it is built. All the chimneys have also made me realize that they will of course need to be sooted, so I give updates for simple work platforms outside the gable, and along most of the main building''s roofridge on its south side and between the chimneys for the kitchen. It also makes it easier for me to mount the wind turbine and perform maintenance on it and other things such as future radio antennas. It would have been a big miss to forget about chimney sweeping and roof access. The work platforms themselves are just a few thick horizontal wooden poles that give a 4 dm wide surface to stand on, and it will be possible to step out of the mainbuildings gable window to the main platform on the wing roof which is a little wider and then via a ladder that will be hung up when needed, climb up to the other workplatform 3 meters above. The kitchen chimneys are a bit harder to reach, but the plan is to crawl out of the attic window above the kitchen. Not optimal, and will probably have to hoist up larger sweeping tools, but it was an easy solution to avoid making a separate roofdoor or external ladder for roof access. If I need to build something on the pavilion roof in the future, then that too will get some form of ladder or work platform. The wooden roof on the pavilion is much less critical to get it right from the start, than the mansion''s roof, which I''ve started to think about trying to upgrade to copper.


    To motivate the workers a little extra, I tell Pedr that if they do a really good job, and the mansion is finished enough before the Tosra meeting that we can move in and then live here while the rest is completed, I will pay for them to have a feast with grilled pig, mead, music etc, and all workers will get time off to celebrate and have a bonfire and other things they think fit the occasion. But it is very important that it is well and nicely done work - it is not enough that it is finished. Good work is the priority. They can''t be cheating or negligent work.


    The carpenters who build practise houses really like the design of the 6x4 houses. They like the look of flat walls, the comfort and the light inside, even if the space is relatively small. Most people are used to having large open longhouses with an open fireplace in the middle, with dirt or stone floors and the animals living there in the winter, or simple small huts without windows with only four walls and a roof with a hole for light and smoke. These arn''t such a house. But the workers are ridiculously skilled with their axes, chisels, hammers, drills, knives, planers, etc, and they of course have a couple of men who are skilled blacksmiths and metal workers. One house only need windows to be finished, but they have built things and buildings in wood for much of their lives. These houses will have single glaze windows, with shutters outside. Glass windows cost and I want to know how much it makes a difference for heat next winter, so it may be an idea to equip one of the houses with double glazing and measure the temperature drop over a cold night.


    All three houses will be ready to live in within a week, and with the shutters, it works well enough in this weather even without glass windows. I offer Masterbuilder Pedr to use one of the 6x4 house as his home during construction, and I also offer him to let some of the best craftsmen use the other two houses, which will surely be appreciated by the craftsmen who have brought their wives with them. The mansion is expected to be completed later this autumn, so we will move in there immediately instead of moving to the island now and live divided into two of the small houses. Moving into the mansion directly feels like the better idea, especially since I will need access to the craftsmen in Borgarsandr in the near future.


    I need to order a hell of a lot of copper pipes and copper plates. I''m really want to make the whole roof in copper instead of wood, to avoid having to think about the roof for a long time. I''ll have to see if it is possible to make a big deal for a lot of copper, preferably all copper things at once. It would also be damn impressive with a copper roof, especially in the beginning before it turns black before it turns green. One milimeter thickness is enough, but they may prefer to make them thicker for easier manufacturing. I''ll have to check if a copper roof is a possibility. No matter if there will be a copper roof, they will install a lightning rod, and the ground is wet just below the cliffs on the west side, but the east side is more suitable as it is straighter down instead of making a detour via the pavilion.


    <hr>


    We have a nice relaxing evening down by the cliffs in the south. We bathe a little, practise swiming, grill meat and bread by a fire, and on the open surface further inland I show the cross-shaped Boomerangs Bodil helped me make, and it soon becomes a fun and much appreciated challenge for everyone, with a lot of frustration to thrown correctly and with the right angle, and to think of the wind. Its hard because the Boomerangs are deliberately made with a slightly different pitch to see which one works best. Eventually, after many many throws, most have managed to catch a boomerang at least once. There will definitely be more made, but they will be made in harder woods and probably oak, and there will also be attempts to make Boomerangers for hunting, which don''t come back as they''re designed to go straight and far. The modified wooden dishes work like frisbee''s, not good, but they do work, you just have to be a little careful how they are thrown. One of them doesn''t survive the evening''s exercises, but my company is a little impressed when I manage to screw the frisbee and make it land in a bush twice in a row, and we all have a lot of fun trying to catch the frisbee.

 Creating something new - day 19, Back in Borgarsandr & Terrance

    Creating something new, day 19


    Back in Borgarsandr. Terrance.


    It''s evening when we reach Borgarsandr. A messanger is sent to fetch horses and the wagon from the farm, and it probably take an hour and a half before they¡¯re here, so we can shop and pick up ordered things in the meantime.


    But I start by gathering all the seafarers, and offer them permanent employment, and after talking to Asta and a couple of others during the trip, I set their salaries to 16% above what is normal, 1/6, and their service will mostly be easy where they often have days off. I offer Asta to continue to be Captain and Navigator, and also puts the Captain''s salary 16% above normal too. Inform that the more skilled she becomes, and the more she learns and becomes better at educating, the more her salary will be raised. When she feels confident in her knowledge and understanding, I also want her to start teaching the seafarers who want to learn navigation etc, partly so that she can practice teaching, and partly to give those who want an education get it, and it that makes them more valuable. In the future, perhaps the most competent will be promoted to Captains over another ship, since its just a matter of time until I build more modern ships, and probably several, but that Captain and crew need to learn to read, write and count as well.


    As my Captain, I let Asta keep a North Arrow as her personal compass, and the ship compass with oil works slightly better than without, so as long as there are no problems that arise during the long-term test, most ships compasses will be oil filled. The Millennium Eagle will serve as a test for a lot of things. I should put shock absorbers on the ship''s compass attachment, and make another ship compass to be in the captain''s cabin. The ship''s compass is so important to a ship that I want them to have two identical ones.


    The idea is that there should be at least two of everything important on the ship. One that is exclusive to the Captain / Navigator and another set for training, borrowing and in reserve. I have already given Asta two Ring sundials and two divider calipers for measuring on the maps for the ship, so the ship needs an extra ship compass, which will probably be without oil for safety, two sextants, a set of maps and two binoculars.


    Asta has already tried to compile what she remembers and have visited, with the maps she received, and what the places are called and located, and the same with rivers and bodies of water. I have asked her to be careful so it will be right instead of getting everything, and she will buy green ink to make markings, so in the future they may turn black when we have confirmed. The ship''s maps are working maps, so she can make notes and updates on them that we can use on future maps. Asta is especially fascinated by the new numbers and math, which is good because she will need to learn a lot of it. So it is planned that she will come to the farm to learn and practice with the others, and eventually move on to trigonometry. She has a lot to learn, and I hope that she can learn it decently this winter.


    <hr>


    On the way back to the farm, I think about work and other things. I need to finish building my other sextants, and try to simplify one and improve the ones I have. Through measurements on the way home, I have determined that I practically have about +/- 6 km accuracy, and I¡¯m so very happy with that right now. Took measurements in Skiringsalr, at the Academy and when we were almost in Borgarsandr. Showed this to my Sambos, Asta and Alith, and even though they didn¡¯t fully understand the math, Asta understands the value, and Alith are begining to understand. Asta need to learn the sextant properly and will quickly get better than me, because she will use it so often. I will definitely make a better sextant sometime in the future with a better vernier scale or a micrometer wheel, but a micrometer wheel will require a lot of careful manufacturing and developed production capabilities until its worth doing. This is good enough right now, and its more important to solve longitude measurements as accurate or better. Maybe Asta can be persuaded to spend the winter collecting data to create a star map? She knows quite a lot of star names.


    I need to build more sundials and many more monoculars, for future gifts and sales, and I should order even more lenses etc. Building a classic telescopic monocular would be better and cheaper, but making the telescopic tubes is a really big problem, so it will be in the future.


    I also need to order furniture, since that too needs to be manufactured from scratch. It will be too much furniture for a single craftsman, and we want quite a lot nicer done, even if furniture is easy to replace in the future. I¡¯ve made sketches and lists of furniture to get made, but has prioritized the most important as good beds first, followed by chairs, tables, interior doors, some large upholstered three-person sofas and armchairs, wardrobes, shelves, etc. As well as wooden window blinds. I want to be able to limit light in bedrooms, and a little sunlight protection will be nice in the summer for those who have south-facing windows in their rooms, or my bedroom who also have east facing windows. There is enough space between the exterior and the interior window for very wide blinds if we want, but it will not be too wide, just an generous overlap to give darker rooms. Several bedrooms will use brass or iron reinforced blinds with small chains instead of strings - as an extra security against arrows. Alith really likes it when I think of such security details, and she love my window design.


    Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.


    <hr>


    The sun stands low over the sea when we roll into the farms courtyard, and Hillevi greets us with smile. The trip to Skiringsalr wasn¡¯t that long, but I don¡¯t look forward to sailing and traveling in the future, especially not when the weather is bad. I so miss my car and to be able to make such a trip in a single day. A quite comfortable and air-conditioned day.


    Relax in the bathtub, thinking about the days that have passed. I¡¯ve had a lot of time to think during the trip, and sketched on furniture and other things. I need to finish building those sundials and give one to the King, and see if I can place a sundial somewhere in Borgarsandr so people can start learning time measurements, and bring a sundial with me to the Academy. Should think more about making a lathe or so. I want proper bearings, axles, balanced wheels, gears, etc. Of course, it is possible to produce much of it without a lathe, and they already have simpler foot-trampled wooden pole lathes here which can make those wooden plates, bowls and frisbees, but they arn¡¯t built for metal turning, and not the precision I need. Its all hand held tools. A metal lathe also makes other things possible. Other machines. Screwthreads. Precision and precisely round balanced axles and shapes. But I should create a couple of books first. Its important too. So many jobs at once. Only the ship''s crane is a hell of a lot of work and sketches for all the parts.


    <hr>


    Make drawings for the brackets for my bedroom terrace, so they will be ready when they need to be mounted. I came up with the idea when Alith raised their concerns about the mansions safety and protection. She really likes the reinforced doors and windows, and the extra reinforcement some rooms have in the soundproofing between the floors, but she didn¡¯t like that outside my bedroom there will be a terrace. Even with a security door, it is a dangerous element, because even if its 7-14m above the ground, it juts out from the southeast corner and its possible to raise a ladder to it quietly from the south side cliffs, or throw a rope up, climb up and gather people for an attack, and I¡¯m a heavy sleeper. Someone can just smash the south window and shoot arrows in my body, even if drapes into the sleeping area will make it difficult to aim. Which is another reason for the reinforced window blinds.


    She''s absolutely right about her consern, and if they have thought about it, so can someone else, so my solution is pretty simple. I can¡¯t prevent everything and will keep the terrace, but I can arrange a similar solution as to the last section of the inner upstairs balcony in front of the corridor leading to my bedroom. The terrace is supported at the outer end on two massive posts that go diagonally down in to masonry supports against the cliff and the mansions foundation, and the inner edge of the terrace against the mansion is intended to be attached to three vertical posts that stand against the log wall inside the outer facade, so that the terrace doesn¡¯t load the log wall itself either outwards or downwards. The foundation work is already done and the rest is being manufactured. But now that will slightly change so that the diagonal posts bottom end, under thin outer veneers, have axles, so the terrace can rotate away from the mansion. The terrace is attached to the mansion both with hooks that anchor the terrace to the mansion and rests on strong blocks that are angled outwards both above and below. These blocks are attached to the strong posts inside the outer facade, right down to the foundation of the building, so the terrace isn¡¯t permanently attached to the mansion, but it will hardly be visible. So in normal cases, there are four strong metal blocks, each with a metal hook that keeps the terrace very stable. The terrace can¡¯t move to either side, up, down or out from the mansion wall, and the primary load goes down into the foundation and bedrock via the posts and into the extra strong beams between the floors to the mansion''s internal load-bearing structure.


    For safety, there are two release mechanisms, so one can break or be repaired without releasing the terrace, and the design is made to be simple and reliable without any need for maintenance. But if both mechanisms are released, lead weights fall and then the blocks and hooks are folded in and the terrace''s own weight and load on it means that it will fall out and away from the mansion and down into the trees and rocks outside. Whether the wooden posts hold or not is irrelevant given that it is a hell of a crisis if the terrace is released, but they are massive logs so the joint and axle is the weakest link, and it is better that the joint breaks than that the attachment in the stone foundation cracks. No one should die, as it is only a 7-14m fall, even if it is a mixture of rock or small trees below. It will probably just be broken bones as long as no one lands on their head, although broken branches might impale someone.


    Alith liked it and approved, and I told her about some other of my ideas both pre-existing she doesn¡¯t know about and additions for later. She¡¯s really looking forward to electrical alarm systems on some doors etc. Luckily Alith isn¡¯t like Kari, because she had probably by middlemen got some nasty people that the King and others want to see dead or have problems with, attack - and then lay in ambush.

 Creating something new - day 20, Copper & Windpower

    Creating something new, day 20


    Copper & Windpower


    Kari definitely have more benefits than expected, as she seems to be good at negotiating too. I asked her about arranging a contract for copper, and she offered to arrange it for us, so I calculated the amount and need for different parts such as pipes, water tanks, radiators, roof etc, and she solved it. Apparently, it seems as Falu copper mine is owned by relatives to the Royal family, even though they call it something else Kari that said, but I didn''t bother to remember. Profits from that mine is part of the reason for that lineages influence, and it seems as the Royal family with relatives pretty much has 100% control of copper trade in the north. There is a small copper guild, for those who work with copper, and the man who controls that guild is ¨C no suprise ¨C a relative to the King, and he is responsible for the copper trade on this side of the kingdom. He will have his craftsmen make all the tiles for the roof with copper nails, pipes, radiators and containers, etc.


    All this copper use is a new idea here, as its mostly used as the base for the brass and bronze crafts and trade, with a smaller part for jewels for common people, and cookware and in kitchens for the rich. They don''t seem to know about the health and desinfection properties of copper. Falu copper mine is a big reason for that there is competent craftsman for that here in Borgarsandr. Copper is the biggest and heavies component of brass and bronze, and Zink and Tin is imported from West and South for that, and Copper is exported. My ideas for copper is new and I guess it''s a future market for the really rich, maybe even copper roofs. "Look how impressive the Academy''s roof is, do you want the same?" is pretty good PR. That I use copper will be seen as me boasting about my riches, but I will try to explain the benefits for others. The Copper Guild will probably also adopt my solution for water and heating for their own projects for other people. I can live with that, because like much else, my goal here is to make life better. Getting the idea is difficult, copying the idea is easier, but I suspect they will have problems with leakage and steam pressure without soldering knowledge, as both the solder and flux solution is something that I can keep secret for a while. In the end, as long as I don''t control the copper trade or craft, they control the supply and I can just as well let the copper guild do the installations and roofing work. Hopefully the Royal family and the nobility will appreciate it, and appreciate me for introducing it. Who doesn''t like the good life?


    My sketches on radiators were unexpected for them, but according to Kari they seem confident that they can make them, along with quite long pipes of copper, so I let them try. Let''s see if their craftsmanship lives up to their confidence, especially when there is pressure and steam in the system. It might work, as they seem to create two U edges that fold into each other and hammered, so should at least take enough pressure without rupture. Copper is easy to process and shape, it just sucks to get cut on as the wound take so long to heal. With all thats ordered it will take a bit of time until delivery, but 3 weeks isn''t bad for the first roof plates, but the plates are of course simpler and less of a problem than radiators and all the pipes. There will just be a lof of them. Literally a few thousands, so their daily output will be a lot. The Copper Guild will send some skilled craftsmen to assemble the tiles on the roof, so they learn that craft.


    Havn''t told my company about the steam heating of the mansion, but it remains to be seen if it works well enough so I really don''t want to get their hopes up in vain. I will also use the mansion to get basic specifications for future installations, and make manometers and safety valves etc, and that is knowledge and parts I can sell to the Copper Guild.


    <hr>


    It wasn''t very hard to find a craftsman who can make matching silver knives for the cutlery set and in sterling silver. My sambos didn''t really understand why we needed it, but I could explain that they are for eating on porcelain plates because ordinary utility knives will be dulled, and these new knifes are adapted for that. The silver knives will have a serrated edge and look more like meaner meat knives than butter knives. Then again, the knifes will match the forks in decoration and in look, as the forks look damn nasty with two long teeth, and in the future I will order more modern looking forks.


    The leather work is really well done, and seems to fit nicely to the monoculars, even if all the monoculars arn''t finished yet. My Boomstick shoulder strap is extra beautiful and very functional. I didn''t expect him to use a gold buckle with a pair of blue stones, but he seems to have seen my ring and wanted to impress. Not really my taste, but I didn''t specify the decoration, so it is as it is. Given how bling focused many here are, maybe I should have someone do a few engravings or something on my Boomstick. Gold plating the entire steel surface just feels wrong, and it will just be worn, even if it could have looked nice. People might be tempted to steal it if they thought it was pure gold. Its actually worth more than gold as is, in just the steel.


    The wheelwright is proud and pleased when we get there, and when he shows his work, I understand. He has made four wheels, two of each kind, and they are fine works he proudly shows. Puts the wheels on an axelstand and they seem very straight and the hubs are very nicely centered on every wheel. His pride is justified. I order four more wheels, two of each kind, so I will have two sets of four wheels. Once he has done that, we can start looking at making carriges for these wheels. I takes some measurements and notes both on the wheels and on a couple of other wagons he has.


    Next we visit Bladesmith Olafr. He and I just stands there and admired the craft for a long time, as we''re both well aware of the value and how special it is to have everything gathered in one place. I have two more beautiful fine swords, which I realized I don''t really know what to do with, and 6 knives and precious metal tools, which I know what to do with. I''ve been thinking about giving a knife to each of my guards, and maybe one to Asta and still get one over. But thats in the future, as Christmas presents, midwinter feast gift or something. I must hold back my generosity. Now that the wheels make a real nice carriage a possibility, I want leaf springs, and Olafr is ready to make them. He says it shouldn''t be a huge job, and thinks they have funny shape and function, so he is willing to try to make one, and if it works, make four more. As long as I supply him with steel for it. He is somewhat shocked that I want to use steel for such things, given how many knives or swords it could have been, and I believe the absurdity of it amuses him, but I will try brass springs first.


    Pick up all the parts from craftsman Digraldi, and place a really large order on all the parts for the ship''s crane, as well as placards for sundials that explain usage, and terrace brackets etc. The crane will be quite expensive, but its relative and I don''t care. Digraldi will try to make two leaf springs in brass, according to the same dimensions and specifications as I showed Olafr. It will be fun to see how the leafsprings turn out. Seems like Digraldi have hired another person to more easily fulfill my orders and what other people order.


    The slate boards that are finished are so nice. Such a nice writing surface. It almost hurt that I can''t take them all with me, but most are still with the carpenter to get them mounted in wooden frames. I can at least give my sambos a slate board each, and have a couple for myself.


    You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.


    All the carpenters I give furniture orders to gladly accept them. They will all have several weeks of work and I told them that I will pick it up in about four weeks, maybe a couple of weeks later. I want it to be carefully and nicely done. Those who do a really good job will surely be hired for everything that the Academy will need as well. Followed by my Skiringsalr house. And certainly others after that.


    I have one of the carpenters make fine boxes with padded fabric on the inside for all sextants, and I order a wooden plate to mount the two extra swords to in A shape. I will modify the lock myself so that the swords will be harder to remove.


    <hr>


    Alith and Gunhild''s faces were so amusing when I showed them all three swords side by side, especially when they asked what I''m going to do with the other two, and I replied that I don''t know. I got them made because I could, and today realized I didn''t really think about that, so for now I will probably lay them under my bed or stand them in the corner. I probably shouldn''t have said it that way, and I probably shouldn''t jokingly have told Alith that she can''t have sex with them, since her face made it clear she never thought about it, but her eyes and crooked smile afterwards made me worried.


    Bodil has been working on my Boomsticks flashlight grip for a while now, and finished it while we were traveling. Its slightly thicker shape has given her some surface to work on and it has been put to good use. She''s really quite good. No one will doubt that the cane is exclusive with such work in beautiful wood, and it is nicely oiled with something that gives it a more durable and pretty surface. Same surface as I''ve seen on some finer furniture, and with which our mansions furniture is ordered. She gives me some oil and helps me do the same finishing treatment on the Boomsticks remaining wooden parts so they match. I suspect that Bodil at least partly understands that Boomstick is some form of sejdweapon and how it roughly works, but kept quiet about it, and I don''t ask to confirm or give her more info. Just as Alith, she thinks it''s good that I always have it with me, and she thinks that Boomstick should be more beautiful and stands firm on the side that thinks it should be engraved with its name. I just don''t want to disassemble it so some craftsman can do that work. Its a comfort to have it with me.


    Bodil admits that all the guards have tried to carry Gunhild''s sword on their back, in the same way I carry my sword - and it''s different, but in some situations better. Like walking for a long time, crawling or climbing. As long as the sword isn''t too long and you don''t carry other things on your back, it actually works well to carry a sword that way, and quickly pull it. At least for her, while shorter Alith has problems. Alith also dislikes having the sword belt squishing her breast, while Bodil has minor problems with that too, which is easy to understand. However, none of them have swords, and an axe is a whole other style to draw. Another small bonus is that it seems to work well to pull the sword if you sit with others on a bench, and it becomes more difficult for another person to draw your sword. Everyone''s hands are usually at waist height, not shoulder height, and it''s an untrained movement. She also thinks it looks cool. She has really embraced that word since I explained its meaning, just like Iselin.


    Its funny that Bodil in some ways like to be a feminine Shieldmaiden, and really like to wear her new work dress, while Alith prefer pants and want to be ''one of the boys''. Alith do like wearing her dress here on the farm, but not when we''re in town or on a voyage. Its like relaxed Alith vs serious Alith.


    Thoughts for another time, so I install the flashlight in the Boomstick grip and change the grip on the Boomstick. It feels good that my Boomstick is really finished and everything on it isn''t to kill or hurt, even if a small flashlight is a lousty compensation for its firearm function, stiletto dagger grip and tear gas.


    <hr>


    Diarrhea forces me to spend time on the toilet and mess up my workschedule too, as it makes it uncomfortable to sit and work, so I lie lazing on a blanket in the garden with Kari, who definitely doesn''t care to keep her distance after I said it is no danger to her or me.


    I''m not worried that its something dangerous, as I''ve always had a slightly upset stomach, and it may have been traveling to the city or combat lessons that upset my stomach. Aliths a bit annoyed at Gunhild that it might have been her hit in my stomach that did it, so I guess I''ll be practising with padding again. It just so damn hot and sweaty. But my lessons from the last time when Alith was ill, have evidently left their mark on my company, whom all are somewhat fussy. Which is why I stay out here while Iselin and Ciara overlook that everything inside is being cleaned. I get more worried if anyone of them seem sick. However, Kari seems quite happy to be able to cuddle, talk and kiss, but that is also a reason why I let her, so she doesn''t feel completely neglected compared to Iselin or Ciara.


    Think about the wind turbine that is a project moving forward. The generator will work, but I havn''t put any load on it yet. I feel a bit silly that I forgot that it needs a diode that insulates and makes the generator charge batteries, but doesn''t drain power back up through the generator coils, so the generator become a bad electric motor instead of a wind turbine. Should I use the generator to charge battery banks, some electrical protection and stabilization is needed, but how much depend on the batteries.


    Its best if I charge something that is less critical and finicky than lipo cells, so until I hopefully manage to build working lead acid batteries, I can make a battery bank of the NiMH cells. They will have relatively poor capacity since they''re 2300mAh, and poor charging current capability, but should be better than nothing, especially if I can use higher voltage. The tablet bag has a common compact 230V Europlug fastcharger I don''t want to break yet, but it also has a compact 12V dual 2A USB adapter for car sockets I will use and already taken apart. Electrically, the easiest solution is to connect the NiMH battery pack after the supply diode and before the voltage stepdown regulation, and then it will work even if it is inefficient, and it should work in 2A mode too since only about 1A will be drawn from the battery pack. The batterypack will still only be a measly 27Wh, but better than nothing. I also must make a current limiter and voltage regulation of some kind to the battery pack, so I don''t nuke it.


    I need power resistors. Not much choice on resistive loads, so it will be carbon. One method is to take a piece of charcoal and wrap the ends in copper wire, measure and carve away the charcoal until the right resistance value is reached. Another method is to use finely ground charcoal powder packed in one of those brass sleeve for the cartridges with a center rod or tube in brass as the other pole. The diameter of the interior compared to the tube or rod and their length, makes it easier to adjust the resistance a lot. It should be a more durable and stable construction than charcoal with copper wire, and I can put cooling fins on the outside too. To protect and insulate the poles, it probably needs to be baked into clay, or use wood if its not suppose to get too hot or damp. The finished resistors will vary in resistance, so I''ll have to make some and parallel and series connect a few to get the right resistive value and power tolerance.


    I also need to make a battery holder for the NiMH AA cells as I don''t want to try to solder on them, so the only real option will be a battery holder carved in wood with bent brass pieces as connectors. I can tin them so they''re more resistant to oxidization or corrosion. Maybe Bodil can help me? I need a small wooden box that everything can be in too. I can build it my self, I just don''t enjoy woodworking.


    I''m careful how I answer Kari''s question about edge weapons, and when Hillevi hears it, we''re quickly joined by Alith and Gunhild as well, and soon everyone is gathered. So there is talk about pikes, hillebard, throwing knives and different types of swords and fighting styles. I''m hardly an expert, but I have a very attentive and inquisitive audience.

 Creating something new - day 23, Lessons, books and Pale Blue dot

    Creating something new, day 23


    3 days later


    Lessons, books and Pale Blue dot


    My body doesn''t appreciate that I have tortured it with riding lessons every day, and although they''ve had fun about my ''riding helmet'' with plenty of padding and chin straps, I have unfortunately needed it. Ended up explaining how serious all head injuries are, even if they don''t seem so, and I think I scared them enough so they take it serious and will be careful. At least they have stirrups here, so it''s a little easier to keep the balance and mount up and down, and I''m tall in relation to the normal horse''s height at the withers.


    As if the riding lessons weren''t enough, I get the shit knocked out of my arms and legs by the guards every day when they train me in using a sword, axe and shield. I''ve been so damn sore, but it has been very instructive. Sure, I won''t be at their level for a long time, but I should be ''not useless'' and ''better than a sheep herder'' this winter or so, if I manage to build up my body, grip, etc.


    I''ve got bruises everywhere, but my sambos have been angels. I''ve tried to teach them really basic massage, which they all seem to appreciated when I give them - especially foot massage - and they want to reciprocate it. Hot water followed by massage by one, or sometimes two angels, isn''t wrong. Especially not when it escalate to more than just massage. But I try to make sure we''re all careful, as incorrect massage can do damage and I don''t have enough knowledge or practise for the really useful massage, although I have a massage book on my tablet. I''m gonna study that book this fall, and making something closer to a real massage bed might be a good idea. I''ll probably won''t be lacking volunteers, as the guards have shown plenty of interest, but its far better they learn to do it for eachother. I''m their Lord, and everyone agree that I should only massage my sambos. Its just to intimate.


    <hr>


    All sundials and all four sextants are finished, as I''ve completed at least one of each per day and also two monoculars. However, I can''t take all the credit as both Iselin and Ciara have helped me a bit with the metal work. Kari want to help too, but I don''t have enough tools as it is, and its quite obvious not her skillset and I believe she just doesn''t want to be left out, so I''ve given her other work that she can do. Considering how important it is, I should finish my wind turbine, but if just importantness was a factor, it would be hard to prioritize which is more important. I need to focus more on writing stuff down as well, and now I float around between work, depending on mood, weather, and time of day.


    Two of the sextants have got a variant of a diopter sight that seems to work really well, and every sextant''s vernier scale has been expanded to 20 parts, 0.05 degrees. My simple engraving guide for angles works very well, and it was so worth building with a 1146mm long arm between the center and the outer scale. The precision on the finished sextants will be higher, and its so much easier to get it right and save a lot of fiddly time, for 20mm on that outer scale is one angle degree, which is two degree markings on the sextant scale.


    In the future, it may be a good idea to make a stable and really good pantograph for scale 5 or something. The pantograph can then scale a 5 times larger template down and get the smaller version accurate. I''ve also have thoughts about in the future start to etch accurate markings and other things. Cover the metal completely with some durable thin varnish, engrave thin lines in it, and give it an acid bath so the metal is etched. Then wash off the varnish, and fill in the finished groves with something durable such as varnish or lacquer and polish up the surface. Only the color in the etched groves will remain and be durable. Some kind of rotary engraving tool and templates would be nice, but they use runes, so its relatively easy to make.


    The threaded M6 and M8 rods were surprisingly good with very little dimensional error over the entire distance, and I now have two nice 35cm threaded rods of each size in brass, and also got square nuts and wing nuts for M4, M6 and M8, and matching combination spanners. Of course, everything is in brass and slightly smaller than real M threads specification due to the metal shrinking, but everything has pretty much the same fault, so there isn''t any big problems. But I can use screws and threads as they are, because even if it isn''t perfect, its good enough. ''Good enough'' pretty much been my motto since I started making stuff here, and probably will be for a while. I''ve made another big order on more. One hundred of each size screw, nut, wing nut, and ten threaded taps of each as well as ten M6 and M8 threaded rods, and four more sets of combination spanners. It will take a couple of weeks, but hopefully this will make it easier to make better tools and machines during the comming winter. With better tools and machines, I can make better parts for even better machines, and I hope to switch to more durable steel instead of brass.


    Evenings have pretty much been spent writing a math book, or rather several, and Kari helps me get that right. The books introduce my numbers, gives a description of the positional number system with examples in rune numbers and continental European system and explains their meaning, why positional and decimal number rocks, why zero is important and not just a placeholder. It shows plus and minus, multiplikation and division, square root, and how to calculate with the numbers. The next book is more geometry and covers various calculations of volumes, areas and include pi to 100 decimal places, as well as ten powers and SI divisions from Atto to Exa. The next book is trigonometry and algebra, with tables for angles to 0.01 degree resolution and value tables, how to simplify expressions and rules for it, negative numbers, etc. It all go step by step, chapter by chapter, book by book. Each book has exercises with answers at the end, and I''m a little proud of this project, even if the learning curve is damn steep. This isn''t ment for beginners.


    Sure, it''s knowledge from others, but a lot of knowledge is, and I like my compilation, although I expect it to be revised several times in the future, to make it clearer and better explained, as I will certainly come up with more areas I forgot to add, or can''t remember well enough. So there is plenty of work to do for future mathematicians, especially in producing evidence as I only remember a few as for Pythagoras theorem. Mathematical proofs are terribly important. There are 3 books and Kari helps me rewrite it properly, and elegant. She also learns to use everything better, and even if she isn''t good, she seems to practice, and she probably beats everyone else. Kari and Iselin will probably be much better than me at it in the future, not least because I don''t really use a lot of it in normal life. Trigonometry? Yes, a lot. But the rest? Nope.


    I''ve written down a lot of thoughts and things to improve, like making a more accurate table for trigonometric functions to thousandths. Most math users will be tied to paper and ink, and the end precision won''t be better than the biggest error, or accumulating errors, and significant figures is one of the things the first book shows and explain.


    I keep jumping between projects and should compile and write down physics and chemistry, but I''ve realized I need to make measuring instruments instead, and be able to produce some I can give away, because there is no point in just me having it. So the idea is to manufacture proper weights and measurements, and make measuring instruments for mechanical measurement. Primary whats needed is a meter stock and a protractor, followed by a inside caliper, outside caliper, oddleg caliper, vernier caliper and a micrometer. I have already used my thin measuring tape to make the original template for meters, and a copy that Pedr got, so I ''just'' need to start mass-producing them, and foldable meter sticks. Then it''s getting everything used.


    But I can force those who make things for me to use my measuring devices, which to some extent I''ve already done, and then slowly spread it further. I have a big advantage in that there are no standards yet, atleast not her in the north. Yes, of course people are used to calling measurements, distances, areas etc certain things, but those measurements might differ from place to place. A fathom, an ell, a foot, a hand and a thumb/inch are different for person to person, and they do have somewhat standardized how much it is, but there isn''t any precision in it. So if I introduce a logical system like SI now and spread it through good ready made tools and math, that system doesn''t have any real competition, perticulary when it comes to things they don''t really measure, like time, speed and so on. Their own length and volume measurements are so different and a complete mess, except for the weight measurements which probably will be the most difficult to replace, and will continue being used for currency until that system is replaced. Imperial measurements can fuck off, with centuries of problems with different measurements in different places and names we still have and cause troubles in modern times.


    Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.


    Another big problem is making and reading drawings. So I plan to write a ''Measurement and drawing manual'', and make notes about what it should contain. Like how to make and read drawings, which is a large area even when I''ve simplified it. It include how to set out dimensions and specify things, describe angles and parallelism, tolerances, etc. Nothing really advanced and just what is needed. I hope to be able to distribute it to various kingdoms knowledge centers, maybe for free if they arn''t interested in buying it, and start mass-producing atleast measuring rods and simpler calipers that I can give to larger guilds and more important craftsmen. I''ll also need to visit powerful organizations and influential people with power and convince them. I really should attend those gatherings where scholars discuss and influence eachothers, but I don''t know if they exist in this era, or where. My company or Asta doesn''t know either. If I make myself known, I will probably find out, otherwise I will have to create them.


    Getting to know knowledgable people gives me a greater chance to find out about others who have traveled here from Midgard, and if its possible to return, but it might be ''difficult'' to explain what happened to me if I against all odds, manage to return to Midgard. There''s both advantages and disadvantages if I have some elf women with me, that I have a relationship with. I wouldn''t want to expose them to my worlds curiosity, social pressure and dangers. The advantage is that their ''elvish'' parts are very discreet, so many would probably only classify them as nerds with cosmetics, plastic surgery and effectful contact lenses. But at least the government will find out sooner or later, because how the hell will I explain their origin when they need ID? Not exactly an ordinary immigration, and I sure don''t trust normal government employees with that secret. My only plan is to go as high as I can through the military, as a state secret, or through S?po, which is the Swedish Security Service. Knowledge and evidence of another world can probably help, and a DNA test will prove that it is not cosmetics. I don''t think I will need that plan, as I will never be able to return to Midgard, but at least I have a plan for that slim eventuality.


    What may be a greater risk of even trying to travel back, is that it may not be Midgard I travel to, because there are more described worlds in the Aesir mythology than just Alfheimr and Midgard, even if it is a slight comfort that according to their world description. It should only be possible to travel to Asgard or Midgard from Alfheimr, and Asgard should be more technologically advanced considering its one of the homes of the gods etc, but then, why do the ''gods'' no longer visit here if they are high-tech people? Well yes, they believe that the Gods visit them, and that valkyries fetch fallen warriors to Folkvang or Valhalla and so on, but until I see evidence, I will doubt there''s ''gods'' walking around.


    <hr>


    Iselin eagerly reads the books that Kari brought with her to practice reading runes, and together with Asta she is studying the math books and doing all the tests in them. Several times, and they trying to invent their own tests based on reality.


    Iselin''s innocent question why the sundial is tilted - and her following question why the angle is so important - escalated. I still havn''t really learned to think how things I say will affect her, and its both good and bad that she''s smart. She seems to be really smart considering how she has adopted and learned math etc. She understand how to absorb concepts, with evidence so that its true, which makes her ask me difficult followup questions which leads to something else. Iselin gets annoyed, hurt and disappointed when she understands that I know the answer, but don''t say anything or is evasive, because I don''t know how she will react. She has also come up with a way to convince me, as she kiss me, stares into my eyes and say it''s her choice. Her''s. She asked and wants to know, regardless of the consequences, and kiss me again. I''m happily wrapped around her fingers, and she knows it.


    So Iselin now knows that the Earth is round, and what size it probably is because gravity seems the same. Also what gravity is, and how the solar system is structured. Showed her the world map on the mobile map app. It led to a few pictures of the Earth, from the outside. It led to big city lights from space. To Buzz Aldrin during the Gemini project in space. To Apollo image of the moon. Pictures of Mars. Curiosity robot on Mars. Finally, the ''Pale blue dot'' image''s modern copy from Cassini. Have that text lying among others in my document folder and I gave her my own version of Carl Sagan''s speech as she looked at that picture.


    Mind. Blown.


    In a couple of hours she went from her comfortable Viking life with its wast world, which is just small Europe, to knowing the solar system and the scale she couldn''t really understand. We were lying there in bed and I just hugged her while she was shocked and held me. After a long while, Iselin said that she now begins to understand what I meant all those weeks ago, when I warned her that it would change her worldview. She didn''t know what it really meant before. How could she? She now understands why I''m not interested in accumulating power or wealth, but instead try to make the world better with my knowledge. On the whole, our time here is insignificant, but we can try to make the world a better place. For us, for others and for future generations. I teared up when she hugged me, kissed and thanked me, and that she too wants to make this world better along with me. My wonderful smart fianc¨¦e.


    <hr>


    The King was quick to receive us when we arrived at the Kings Castle, and we were introduced to his wife Queen Haera and the young Princesses Sefa and Ulfarna. They all seem happy to see us, and atleast the King seems curious about what I''ve created. So I give the King a sundial and tell him how to install it. What it''s for. Practically speaking, it is basically a modern statue as the clock is something they don''t really need yet. But I plan to change that. I also give him another sundial that I hope will be install somewhere down in the city where it is public and people can learn what it is and how it is read, and show the simple plate in brass that describes the purpose and how to use it. It also explains that there is a small error in the time display due to the sun''s movements as the year goes on, and it is possible to prove this error, but that it doesn''t affect if everyone use only the sun as a reference. All sundials will show the same time if they are installed correctly. But I explain that in the future the Academy will make more accurate watches, a type for indoor use all year round, which is not dependent on the sun. Devices that points to numbers on the board, instead of the sun''s shadow.


    The King seems really interested about it, and thinks it is an interesting and good idea and seems to understand why it is practical to be able to measure the time, and divide the day into reasonably large parts. It makes it so much easier to organizing gatherings or meetings, if everyone uses the same time and name for it, and to be able to easily clarify when something will happen, and events can be at any time of the day with the same clarity.


    Its a rather long discussion between us. About time and the Academy. About copper roofs, heating houses and standardization of measuring units and instruments and getting something made, and in the end the King asks me to use his name Asbj?rn in future private situations. I thank him for that honor, and of course reciprocate it. He has a North Arrow, so as a last gift, I also give him his own ring sundial. I''ve already shown how it works for him and his family.


    When we leave the Castle, his sundial has been placed in the Castle''s courtyard so everyone can use it, and everyone who comes can see, and I think Asbj?rn thinks our discussions and talk, is much more interesting than just ruling and hosting feasts. If that''s correct, Asbj?rn will probably like my Academy and its products.


    <hr>


    My bedroom back at the farm is quite full of things and not unexpectedly it is nowadays not really a bedroom, it is a study and workroom with a bed, much like my bedroom has been for most of my life. Its one problem with living in an apartment - lack of space and no garage or anything. But it''s nice to have the bed close by, when one of my sambos think I need to focus on her, be distracted or sleep, like when Ciara come in, kiss me on the cheek, takes off her dress in my peripheral view next to me, hangs it up and crawls down in my bed and then just looks at me there with a seductive look, while I try in vain to finish what I''m doing.


    Quickly brush my teeth so she doesn''t have to lie there alone. I only take minimal of the toothpaste each time, and I don''t look forward to when it is depleted, even though they seem to have acceptable dental hygiene methods here.

 Creating something new - day 27, Windpower and gifts

    Creating something new, day 27


    4 days later


    Windpower and gifts.


    After the mornings combat lesson we''re traveling into the city, again. I can at least be a bit more time effective by riding, so I don''t have to spend time on that later today. Its just more practical that I ride when we''re going into or leaving the city, and learning to ride is just like that bad old joke;


    ''A woman approaches a man and asks how to get to the opera. The man answers: Repetition. Repetition. Repetition.''


    I miss my car.


    As we pass the main square I see people looking at the sundial I helped install a couple of days ago. It looks quite good on its stone plinth, and the brass glitters in the sunlight. The sundial have attracted quite a bit of attention, and I get a feeling it might become a fashion item. A way to look modern, updated and wise, because I got two messengers yesterday asking if their master could buy a sundial from me, which I of course agreed to. I''ve decided to mount a sundial in the garden on the farm as well, as a small memorial and gift because I''ve lived there for quite a long time - most of my time since arriving in Alfheimr - and it has been important weeks. I will add a special plaque on the poster saying so. I wonder if we''ll be back at the farm in time, so I can make another measurement with my simple device I''ve fastened to the outside wall, to try to work out a working time equation.


    We visited Craftsman Digraldi to pick up my stuff and order more, and I ask if he have seen his craft in the main square. Digraldi is very proud, and knows about my donation to the King and the square, and becomes even prouder when I tell him I also donated a sundial to Jarl Skiringe. I make his day better as I place an order parts for 15 sundial and accompanying plaques. If I don''t manage to sell them, I can donate them, because they arn''t that expensive. A sundial in every city is quite cheap PR for the Academy, and people will have to learn about time measurements. I hope to sell most of them, but the advance payment on the ordered two means I''ve already gone plus, but I''ll have to spend a bit more by hiring a stonemason to make ready-made stone plinths for them. Maybe unnecessary, but it just feels better to make a proper installation considering what the buyer pays. If I sell just one or two more, any other sale is pure and really good profit.


    Digraldi still has the molds like I asked him to keep, but I asked him to add the Academy logo over the 12 o''clock marking and on the plaque. And his own bom?rke, housemark, on the side of the base. The plague won''t explain what the time equation is, and I can''t add the equation since I don''t know it yet, but I expect few will ask for details, as they probably don''t want to seem stupid. Which is stupid.


    The leaf springs seems okay and useful, although they seem to differ slightly in ''springyness''. They won''t endure as much as steel but will be much cheaper, and less prone to theft and rust. I''ll have to balance them so that the two front and the two rear are equally strong, and also balance from side to side.


    I take the opportunity to also give Digraldi the job of making parts for drum brakes in brass, also for rust and corrosion resistance. I''ve learned to compensate for material shrinkage in my models, although its not a huge problem so far. On monoculars and sextants it affects, but nothing that is not manageable, but for the drum brakes it can be a problem. The really hard problem is manufacturing brake linings in some form of fiber-reinforced ceramic, and they must fit and be able to slide in from the side and be locked in place sideways with a screwed-in brass frame. I''ve tried to make a design that should be relatively easy to repair and maintain, as I reckon the pads will wear out really fast or just break. But I have no idea if or how earthenware shrinks, and what treatment is best, or if they are durable enough. Once I have the inner brakeparts made, I''ll see if on of the potters wants to take on that job as well. Its gonna be a lot of work and trial and error with different combinations.


    No idea how good these brakes will be, and thats not even taking in to account I can''t do any form of hydraulic system since there is no good hose or pipe solution, and there arn''t even any steel cables. So a shaft with two cams will rotate and push out the brake calipers against the brakedrums inside, and this shaft is pulled via a rope unless my idea for a rigid system works. The brakepedal is pressed down, a lever is pushed back, which presses on the shaft, which pushes out the brake pads. Compression instead of pulling feels like the safest and most user-friendly solution, and I can add a brake lever with simple locking as a parking brake. But this is complicated and hard enough to just give the rear wheel pair a brake, as it will be a leafspring hung rear axle. I have no real good solution for the front pair of wheels, as they also turn. My only idea so far is to have a brakepedal push a solid rod down through the center of the center turning system, and that rod push down on a lever, which rotates the shaft and brakes. But it is for the future. A working rear brake is sufficient, and it''s so much better than ''pushing a wooden plank against the wheel'' type of brake, which is what wagons now have, if they even have a brake system at all.


    It will take time to assemble all the ship cranes parts and do the final work on it. I''ve made a couple of critical errors in a couple of parts dimensions, so they will need to get get re-done, and Digraldi understands. I''ll won''t even try to file those parts correctly and I still have to change something else to work, but it can be remelted so it will be a little cheaper. I still have to order a large mounting plate for the deck, and large long rivets to keep plate, and by extension, the crane in place, so it doesn''t really delay the crane, and its not a critical project anyway. The boat builder in the crew along with a couple of others, has finished the oak beams and is building the crane frame, and Asta has received a small increase in her cash for this work and what she payed out of the cash register for sails and flags in Skiringsalr. The cash register was hardly empty, but it needs to be bigger. The crew seem to enjoy their lazy life on the ship in the harbor.


    The glass/lens maker has done great work, and he seems to be improving as well. I will again earn many times more than the expenses on monoculars, and his filters are better for the sextants. But I need to earn silver for the Academy''s construction. For other constructions. I''m hardly broke or even short of silver now, but I may be it in the future. A good buffer isn''t just nice - its absolutely vital in this world. I need to support my sambos, guards and workers.


    <hr>


    The wheelwright has finished the last four wheels, and I now have two sets. He gladly accepts my praise and compliments, and I also praises his apprentice, and greets his wife and son who comes out. The wheelwright is also a cartwright, although they say wagon maker, and he agrees to make a special carriage for me with the lightest of these wheel sets, and when I show the sketches and give him the leaf springs in brass, both he and his apprentice realize that they have a steep learning curve when it comes to a completely different carriage design as well. This first carrige isn''t particularly advanced as far as I''m concerned, and I have been inspired by those common in many big cities for tourists, but adapted to be easier to make in wood and more angular, without being very heavy. The wagons here have thick durable wooden frames, since they don''t have any suspension system, and they''re obviously a foot, boat and horse based culture. Not wagons.


    My design is a small bench with footrest in the front, above the front wheel pair, for two guards, where one of which acts as the driver. Then two padded benches in the middle for four people who sit against each other and step off to the sides. The rear is a small cargo area, with a footrest in the back, where a couple of guards can be with something we''ve bought. The carrige is primarily intended for our shopping trips and such, and adapted for that. The front and rear wheelsets each have a leafspring hung axle, and the hope that at least the rear wheels will also get drum brakes, but there will be a later upgrade, just like some kind of headlights, waist safety belts and so on.


    Cars so much nicer. They also smell better, at least inside, and don''t poop on the road.


    <hr>


    Asta''s so careful and awed when she receive the two wooden boxes with sextants, and together with two prism monoculars in their leather cases. I also give her two slate boards for the ship.


    Most of the crew weren''t really impressed by the sextants, but the monocular they can use? Oh, boy. Everyone can easily use it and immediately understand. I doubt there will be a millimeter of the ships surroundings they won''t examine, and they handle the monocular with reverence. Asta was very serious when she told them, and I confirmed, that the one I let them use is nicer than the one the King received a few weeks ago, and the King is the only one who has a monocular besides my company. Now when they look at me, its not only reverence for my rank or title, but also for my craft and that I trust them enough to use it freely.


    Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.


    Apparently the crew on the ship is a bit bored but happy. Easy service, well paid and I''m pleasant to work for. The already know that they will get more to do as soon as I make enough advanced equipment, Asta learned to use it, and we have moved to the Academy so we don''t need the ship available all the time. The next few weeks they will be mostly here.


    Without hesitating they all agreed to have life preservers at hand, and several of them actually wanted to make a lot of the sewing by themselfs. So Asta got to use a bit of the ship''s cash to buy the birch bark and the light orange fabric, to make the wearer more visible if they fall into the sea. They will also sew life preservers for passengers, and mark their personal vest with name or symbol, as well as the Academy''s symbol on everyone. I had intended to order it before, but forgot. One is carving a wooden board with the ship''s name instead of sewing, guess its more manly work.


    After seeing how I took the height of the sun and calculated the latitude, and really thinking about it, Asta now also really understands why the maps I''ve made have latitude and longitude references, and they arn''t deformed like other maps she has seen before in her life. Those maps can''t be used to navigate after. The ones I''ve made can. Before, she thought it was more of a decoration and a way to draw correctly or calculate travel time. We have discussed more about general navigation, the ships compass, North arrow and so on. How the ring sundial helps to estimate time for the sextant, but to really get a good use of sextant except in the middle of the day, a really accurate clock is required, which the sun with ring sundial can''t be. Errors accumulate. She''s looking forward to making star charts, and finding out exactly how good of a system it is.


    I''ve shown her that she can use a sextant to measure angles between other things, and that it can be used to make better maps. We''ve taken measurements from the harbor on distant peaks and buildings, and then Asta follow to the farm and made measurements on the same peaks and buildings from a low hill there. I''ve sketch on a slate board and describe trigonometry. Asta understands that it is technical but would very much like to learn how to use it. Which is good, because she''s supposed to teach this. She must be really good at this.


    Asta comes to the farm and gets lessons pretty much every day, and she has spent a lot of time with my original math books. Rarely have I seen anyone so motivated to learn math with numbers and trigonometry, and she doesn''t seem to learn it as easy as Iselin does. Every day she takes several measurements of the sun''s height, and is happy when its correct, day after day, but Iselin is also involved and tries to learn and understand. Asta has started teaching a lot about navigation to Alith, as Alith sees it as a possible future profession as she hasn''t given up hope about going on a Viking raid for glory and adventure. She likes her guard duty to me - but a dream is a dream, and giving up a dream is difficult even if you know it is stupid or impractical.


    <hr>


    I''m feed up with building similar things. So monotonous. I really want to hire someone to do the job so I can focus on other things, but I can''t. Atleast the work is done for now, as I''ve gotten all monoculars and the rest finished. Given how much silver I''ll get for the monoculars, I should be overjoyed. There''s so much wrong with me.


    The wind turbine is technically finished now, and the others looks at the weird rotating thing where it sits on a pole over the fence. Bodil doesn''t really know what it is she helped me do, but seems to be happy to have helped me with the box for the NiMH batteries and the adapter, so the finished result is surprisingly pretty, but I''ve stopped her from wasting time making the outside more beautiful, as this is hopefully a temporary solution. Wood and brass, with my modified 12V USB adapter inside the box. Outside, the three power resistor made of brass cartridges sits on top, and at the front, two small brass switches poke out, and under them there is a recess to access the dual USB sockets, and finally the adapter''s blue LED shines through a hole between the switches. Everything works, and with the voltage drop across the resistor, I can also determine the charging current, which was far too high for the AA NiMH cells in normal wind, which is the reason for another power resistor. I don''t need such a high charging power, and one of the switches connect a power resistor as a current load before the diode when there is a stronger wind. Manual and ugly, but hey! It works!


    It feels so good that I have something that can charge my technology in addition to the solarpanel, especially that I''ve completed it before winter because it can be weeks without visible sun. There might not be any wind to talk about for days or weeks inland, but since we''ll be living on the coast that shouldn''t be a problem. I should invest time and effort in trying to make lead acid batteries in the near future, so I have more battery power and can freely use the tablet and mobile. Lead-acid batteriers should also be able to handle variation in charging current better, and much more powerful charging current. Damn, I also need to build the framework for attaching the wind turbine to the mansion. More and proper power lines to build, that should be insulated. More drawings to complete.


    I''ve just finished my measurment and the drawing book. Well, not really finished, but its at least useful now, and I have made three metersticks in metal with graduations, and one is an experiment for branding on wood. It''s hard to brand something exactly, but it doesn''t have to heat up too much to work on wood. I''ve also planed for a thicker foldable meterstick solution with brass hinges and ends. If I make 25 cm long sections, I can easily produce them exactly the same, and only require three hinges and two end pieces in brass, so the meterstick is more durable, while still being easier to carry.


    Ciara has been finished with the ship maps for a long time, and Kari has finished rewriting my math books, and I''ve gradually checked them. Kari''s new project is writing a translation to Frigones. She volunteered, and I think Kari wants to feel like she''s contributing more, or just have something to do. Several seem to have that attitude, even the guards.


    I''ll still need to make a printing press in the near future, as long as books are handmade they too much work to spread wide. Work, Work, Work. Eh, I like doing things, as long as they''re not repetitive and boring, but I should be better at finishing something and not jump around between projects. I wonder how many people I need to hire to start mass producing everything I think needs to be mass produced?


    It''s charming to sit in here, work and chat a bit with either Iselin, Kari or Ciara. It gets nice in a completely different way when I''m sitting on the edge of my chair, leaning over the work table focusing on drawing, and apparently completely missed that Ciara has crawled under the table, as I feel someone spread on my legs apart, pull down the front of my shorts, followed by her hands and her mouth. Oh, wow.


    It goes from different to embarrassing, when Iselin knocks and just walks in a minute later, because Ciara doesn''t seem to care at all. I hear a slight giggle from her, as I cover my face, but Iselin just walks forward, remove the drawings in front of me and gracefully jumps up and sits on the table in front of me, and starts pulling up her skirt with a wicked smile.


    Guess we all needed the next half hour of relaxation in bed. And in other places.


    The slightly dented sundial can be straightened.


    <hr>


    I decided to say ''fuck it'' and not wait until Christmas/Midwinter feast with the knives for the guards, but I tell them that this is an advance gift and it will take a long time until the next one. It just felt silly that the knives would be waiting when they can use them in the meantime.


    It''s fun to see Alith, Bodil, Gunhild and Hillevi''s reaction when I give them their own ''RobA'' knives, and I need to persuade them to accept the gift. To them, the knifes are really worth a couple of horses or something. I have given them great treasures. How many annual salaries in armor, dresses and now knives have I actually given to Alith and Bodil? Six to eight? Personally, I have a hard time seeing the value in that way, but I understand how they see it. On the other hand, they would never spend their silver on buying something so expensive, either in clothes or a knife, when cheaper works well and looks good enough. But they''re all very proud and happy women. Something that unites them and the rest of us. Makes me happy to see how satisfied and happy Bodil is when she''s carving wood with her new knife.


    Its my turn to be suprised, when it turns out that Bodil has worked on two more chess sets, and is finished with the one she intended to give me this autumn as a present for her service so far as my guard. She really gives me a handmade chess set with nicely carved chess pieces, and a chess board she''s engraved with ''To Robert Arnesson, by Bodil''. I''m man enough to admit that there is a few tears. Bodil has a hard time understanding that. The chess set she''s given me isn''t really valuable, and she has done it while guarding us, and I have just given away enormously expensive knives as nothing, but I''m moved by her ''simple cheap gift''. I explain it is because she has done it. Something she has done, that she knows I would appreciate, and she put a lot of her time into. The pieces are nice.


    It is easy to give gifts when you are rich. But Bodil isn''t rich and she doesn''t have many possessions. It honestly seems like I gave her and Alith all their most valuable possessions. Of course knives and armor, but also dresses and jewelry as well as Bodil''s bow.


    <hr>


    Its late in the evening, and just before going to bed, that I sit outside and watch the moon rise while hugging Iselin, when she asks me about the stars...

 Creating something new - day 28, Sailing to Ackerek

    Creating something new, day 28


    Sailing to Ackerek


    My body appreciates that it gets some respite from riding and combat lessons when I take another trip to my islands with Ciara, Alith and Gunhild. It still feels wierd when I kiss Iselin and Kari goodbye, and leave, saying I''ll be back in a few days.


    I don''t like traveling, but I get a couple of days where I can''t do much work and just think. Iselin was unexpectedly pleased that I asked if she wanted to help with the installation and alignment of sundials, instead of asking for example Kari who already is somewhat known. Since I''ll be away, Iselin undertook to solve and do it by herself. I don''t think its just so that Iselin have something to do, and make important people recognize her, it''s more sneaky than that. On the one hand, a bit of Sejdmann Robert Arnesson''s mystique is retained, and on the other hand, I can continue working and avoid having to deal with people - which I appreciate. But Iselin and Kari also seem to prefer it because, the buyer may use the sundial installation as a pretext to introduce me to their daughter. Iselin will need to take a trip with the ship when we return, for an installation located 2 days south, and combined, our trips will be the longest time we''ve been apart since we met. Not unexpectedly, Kari and Ciara are looking forward to it, so my bed will not be empty.


    So Iselin will be away during the days for sundial installations, while Kari takes care of our household, not that there is a lot to take care of. Kari also isn''t someone who cleans or cooks, even though she can. I wonder what she''ll do with her free time? Chess? Visiting friends in the city? Eliminate threats or rivals I don''t know about? Do I want to know? I can imagine her expressing; ''No Mr Bond, I expect you to die!'', and unfaced leave. I don''t think she would have fallen for Bond''s desperate words about ''Operation Grandslam''.


    It was a bit entertaining to see Kari''s decision anxiety whether she should come along on my trip, as Ciara will now have me for herself, but she really seems to dislike sailing, and I completely understand that.


    In any case, Ciara''s happy with that decision, and even though I spend most of my time on the verge of seasickness resting in the hammock, she and I know something that works. It''s been a month since she became my concubine, and we use that excuse to motivate experimental lust both in and out of the hammock. Ciara now loves her breast rings, and I''m happy to help her with the appreciation. But it''s good that Ciara can find such pleasure and satisfaction in sex, given how men have treated her last year. She''s so enthusiastic that we can have vaginal sex without a condom, even if we will continue to be careful, especially at certain times during the month. I''m so very glad she never became pregnant during her horrible last year, and that she''s now my cuddly special friend and concubine, and I''m impressed with how much she''s changed and how positive she is, even though she''s restrained in showing it.


    Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators!


    Not counting my huge lifechange from Midgard, in just two months I''ve gone from being mostly alone on weekdays and weekends and deciding my own life, to first having two maids and a couple of guards around me all the time, and now to a fianc¨¦e, two concubines and four guards. I feel like I need a vacation. But my life isn''t likely to change until we move in and hire servants, which means even more people in my vicinity. But what kind of vacation can I have? To the farm in Skiringsalr? How nice will that be during autumn? That''s a bad vacation. Feels like my first real ''vacation'' will be when we''ve moved in, and I can make myself permanently at home, with relative seclusion from others. The farmhouse feels so crowded.


    I''m happy only Ciara came on this trip, and I like to lie and hug her in silence, or while we talk about everything, listen to music etc. Honestly, it feels really good between us at least from my side, and it''s nice to have someone who doesn''t seem to have a big agenda, ambition, plans, career or even real interests or desires - besides being in my vicinity, do something worth-while and occasionally have sex. However, Ciara is on the verge of being a troublesome clingy girlfriend, but even though she sometimes has stalker tendencies, which has begun to diminish slightly now, a couple of weeks after the duel, its only because she wants to know that I''m safe and nearby, so she can relax. Its no real jealousy, control issues or not trusting me. Our relationship works here, where I don''t have a job to go to, where she couldn''t follow along. Me working 7 to 16 would probably have been very difficult for her, and in the end me because of it. I still wish she could have a life of her own, with family and success, but she really deep seems to think that everything is well in her life, as long as she''s in my vicinity and it feels... emotionally stable and comfortable?


    A psychologist might have been able to buy a new car for the therapy both Ciara and I probably needed. But it feels nice just slowly swinging in the hammock, hugging Ciara, and we''re both just silent, listening to the muted sounds from the sea while we''re letting time slowly drift away.


    <hr>


    Someone - most likely Ciara - has told Alith about my camera that saves memories. She really wanted to see herself, and understand more about Midgard, so I introduced the camera to her and partly gave her the same introduction the others received. I even let both her and Ciara take a couple of photos too, of us and the surroundings. It might be useful if they can handle the compact camera, as I often need to have minimal nearby people, but for some reason or another can''t take pictures myself or use the timetrigger. They both tend to be close by most of the time.

 Creating something new - day 29, Ackerek update

    Creating something new, day 29


    Ackerek update


    Construction is going fast, but it''s been almost 2 weeks since I was here, and Masterbuilder Pedr is eager to show their progress. He chose to build a proper small harbor in the strait with a primitive stone pier about 20 meters out, followed by a wooden jetty another 20 meters further out, so that ships with a deeper draft can unload, and crews won''t jump off and cut up their legs on the bottom mud. Just his description makes those wounds seem nasty. The inhabitants warned us about it, but some doesn''t know or think about it. They used part of what the road builders dug up to fill in the pier. I praise is practical decision and location for it, and it looks to be maybe 150-200m south of where the bridge between the islands is in Midgard. Its absolutely a good idea to make the harbor more permanent than they''ve already done, because my ship can hardly berth against the cliffs. Ask how deep it is between the islands and he doesn''t know, so he will send someone out to measure, and if it is not too deep, it might be possible to extend the jetty to a bridge all the way over to the other island, perhaps with a stone pier on the other side too. We end up discussing a simpler openable bridge with a counterweight as a fun project far into the future.


    A bridge to the other island would be very convenient, and a harbor that is also a bridge works for me. It is enough that it is possible to ride or drive a carriage over the bridge, and it also makes it easy to move animals and other goods between the islands. Pedr just keep nodding, and he like that idea. It will be a fun challenge, and useful, even if its temporary. Maybe we can build a caisson or similar and build some stone pillars if it turns out we need a bigger and more permanent bridge in the future. I also want a bridge over to Orusingen, but there are two small islands in between that are already mine and it seems to be really shallow to the first island, and quite a short stretch between the small islands, but the last stretch to Orusingen should be deeper. The total distance and the amount of bridges together is also much longer than between the islands. Its a low priority project.


    All the enclosed pastures are finished and I trust that they have a good enough understanding of the animals needs. The two large pastures for horses or cows are located along the road from the harbor, with a free space in between for a barn or two. There is also a much better but smaller enclosure of braided branches for pigs, so they don''t run away, and on the cliffs towards the strait a more open pasture for sheep. We need to get a barn and stable built this fall, but the mansion is the main priority right now, because the animals can stay outside for most of the winter. If it is a mild winter, they can graze outside all winter.


    The road from the harbor, snakes its way over the high east side of Little Ackerek, and down to the valley on the other side where the three 6x4 houses are, and Pedr tells me that it has been roughly cleaned and widened all the way there. The finished road has just rounded the mansions cliff and reached west of the mansion, so there''s a lot of foundation and paving left to do. But the road from the harbor to the mansion is currently the most important section, and they''re keeping a high pace, so I have nothing to complain about in progress or finished look. Ciara, Alith and Gunhild is really impressed. Most people don''t really understand why I prioritize such a huge and complex road construction here, but thats because their culture is boat or horse based. Hopefully I''ll be able to convince the influential and rich to invest in atleast a few important roads to connect the inland to the coast, but it might take the rest of my life until its done. There''s plenty of lakes and rivers, but most arn''t really practical to navigate either way, and it might be a big detour. Hydrodams at good intervals makes it so much easier to kayak or canoe down, or up a river.


    They seem to keep about 1 meters of road per person and day, which is really impressive, but the pace depends on the terrain they are at the time, what else is built and how many workers work on the road. Then different workgroups have divided up the work and do different jobs along the route. They havn''t really made the last road section up the cliff to the mansion yet, and I decide it will be a real road with a sharp turn north with just an entrance to the courtyard so a road continue north on the west side of the big mountain where the nature is suitable for it, up to the high parts in the middle of the northern half of the island, to then turn west and meet the other road down in the valley before it reaches the existing longhouse farm there. It is convenient for better access to the northern part of the island, although it doesn''t need to be a really good stone laid road the first few years. The northern half of the islands is pretty much all forest, and they can use the timber for construtions, and then cut down and clear where it is suitable for future fields and fields.


    The planned road up to the courtyard isn''t too steep but if its going to be a main road on this island, it needs to be wider, so they''ll have to built a low wall on the southside, due to cliffs on the north side, and that will take a bit of time, but worth it. The stonemasons can do that after they''ve completed my mansions work.


    If I consider future expansion of my mansion, or just buildings for important stuff or people I want close by, building on the cliff south of the mansion is kind of dumb as it will block the views to the south and I might want to make a part of it a small garden, so it might be on the other side of that road. As the new road head north after the sharp turn, it reach a quite large and fairly flat area, before it gets steeper up the mountain. I havn''t really consided this area before, and its kind of hidden behind trees. The area is much larger than the courtyard, and pretty much the same ground level, and only 50-100m away from the entrance to the courtyard. The area is bounded on the westside by a man-high rock formation that extends in blocks and levels all the way down to the slump where the small stream is. I could build a long building all the way from the corner along the top of the rock formation, which gives plenty of floor area and a new large flat courtyard between the steep mountain and the long building. A bit like a square. Maybe construct a fountain against the mountain?


    The corner of the building against the sharp turn, will be a two-storey section because there is a natural place for a floor below, and the upper floor should level with the building on top of the rock formation, and everything can be in line if done correctly. The road can then continue north up the mountain after this square. It would probably look nice with a high wall between the long building and the mountain, to make the square more sectioned of, and the road north goes through an arch before continuing upwards. A tower where the wall and building meet would look nice, and have a nice view over the area south and the mansion.


    It bothers me that I can''t stop thinking about how I could design and build something similar to an old fortified medieval town from Midgard, but with two lane roads and sidewalks, parking spaces and more. Sure, it''s a good idea to plan for the future, but it feels ridiculous that I seem to be trying to design and push for something more like a fortified southern European medieval town here. If these islands actually become a really big town, it will take at least a couple of centuries of successive construction, and even if I can draw plans, its idiotic to visualize it in front of me now. The mansion isn''t even finished yet, and neither is my Academy.


    But it could have looked nice, and still been made reasonably practical for modern traffic if everything was dimensioned for two lanes with sidewalks. Without really considering alternatives, I''ve already dimensioned the road across the island for that, and although it doesn''t have sidewalks, I just need to have the gutters enclosed and paved over.


    Which is idiotic from a defensive viewpoint until modern traffic change that need. Narrow, winding alleys with stairs, narrow roads etc, are generally more practical when defending. Most buildings should also be built of stone to reduce the risk of fires spreading from building to building, and wider roads helps to limit fires, along with brick or stone roofs. Stone also lasts for millennia if it is built and cared for properly.


    The mountain north of the courtyard is steep. From the westside with its likely future square, the mountain slopes about 60-70 degrees, but a section by the road its only about 20 degrees, to about 45-60 degrees straight north of the courtyard, to vertical on the east side where there is a precipice of 20 to 40m, which then becomes even higher. It is possible to climb up the rock from the corner on the least steep part, but moss, lichen and pine needles cover the cliff face and its life-threatening to walk in the steeper parts - you don''t know if or when the surface will let go, and its mostly just flat gripless rock surface with small and twisted pines along with occasional deciduous shrubs quite far up until the mountain becomes less steep. Start to slide and it can go fast and far. Leather shoes doesn''t have the best grip, but even with my boots with a good tread pattern and edges it can be dangerous, and thats in dry weather.


    But there is a really nice viewpoint about 150m from the mansion on the southeast side of the mountain, maybe 40m above the mansions ground level, where you see the road and harbor looming through the treetops below the vertical drop, and a nice view over the strait and south. But to get there you need to take a detour to the west where I probably will build a road. Still steep unless you really want to make a detour, but easier to follow around the side of the mountain. I should maybe have them build a path up, with stairs for the worst sections? Its a beautiful and majestic view across the strait over Big Ackerek to the mainland, and south over the mansion to Tosra.


    <hr>


    The first level of the main building and the wing is almost complete, and it is impressive. Feels quite large, but the total area is 470m2. They have made some changes to my plans, in for example material, and also discovered some things that my sketches and drawings don''t address, so they have had to make their own decisions about it. Oops. It isn''t like they could call me and ask, and sending someone to fetch me or get an answer might take 4 days. Thankfully its nothing major, and mostly just for the better, like the basement has got a little different vaulted roof, and that the whole wing and all its rooms have stone floors instead of some parts with wood floors. The only thing I don''t like, although I must admit that it is a good idea, is that they added several built-in iron loops in all the basement vaults and basement storage areas. The iron loops are about 3cm thick iron, and go in about 80cm and branch out to the sides, and are very well anchored behind the stones. Brackets for doors and their locks are similar. I don''t know how I missed them the last time we where here, but I did. Pedr has taken it for granted that I will need to keep a prisoner or slave chained, or be able to threaten with it, and there are eight to sixteen iron loops in each vault. Low and high along walls and ceilings. Sure, it will be handy to fasten a rope between to hang things in the food store etc, and Pedr really only sees the benefits of having them, which I have to admit it is, but he himself mentioned keeping prisoners or slaves as it is the most natural thing in the world. Which it probably is in Alfheimr.


    Its another thing I didn''t really consider being a Furst might mean. For a whole lot of ''crimes'' I can make someone my prisoner, and in some cases I should. I might have to keep prisoners. But I sure as hell don''t want them in my house.


    But there are more changes, as the easternmost secret basement room has been separated due to the brick staircase that goes down from the library, and they have reinforced the separation with a wall, but there is a archway between the rooms right now. The extra floor drain from the two eastern secret rooms will also be okay, but each has its own floor drain that merges and is led out to the south, not to the east as intended, to get better flow from the more room under the library. It feels good that the drain is there no matter how they solved it, even if nothing is planned to use it. It can be handy with a sink or so in the dining/meeting room because most people eat with their hands, and I might add a sink in my bedroom which is above. Its not more difficult than adding a sink in the walk in closet and add a water container above in the attic that someone can fill by hand, or a waterpipe from the wings large watertanks. They have to pump it up there, but its easier than several buckets. The secret passage from the library could hide all the plumbing and drains.


    The pavilions stonework isn''t a priority and far from ready, but the escape route under the pavilion will have a much larger space in the middle, and it can be used as a small panicroom and bunker. Even if its only about a meter high towards the mansion, it should be something like 40-50m2 distributed over five side vaults on each side out from the middle vault that follows the longitudinal direction on the patio, and the middle and western ones will be high enough that I can stand in the middle. The pavilion floor needs to be flat, so the pavilion floor will be about a meter or more above the bunkers roof, and they don''t have to fill in all this space, if they make it a bunker. I make a quick construction change so that there is a fireplace at each end of the pavilion, and also one down at each end of the bunker directly below. The bunkers fireplaces isn''t intended to be used, even if it is possible, but above all the chimneys can act as hidden ventilation so the wind will ventilate the bunker, and the bunker will also have a small copperclad water reservoir with drainage, just like in the basement. Its enough with 3/4 of a cubic meter, 750 liters, because it''s only for really damn emergencies. If 10 people hide in the bunker, for say a week, they need atleast 4-5 liters per day and person just to drink, so 50 liters per day, and 350 liters per week. If there are more, the need increases.


    The shape of the cliff has also caused the pavilion to move a couple of meters to the south, to include a higher part in the cliff, but this is something we talked about, and its better do so than it becomes a stupid looking rock outside the pavilion. The escape route out of the bunker will go south instead of west, where there''s a little more protection of the terrain and the pavilion if it needs to be used, and its a bit easier to slide down the cliffs there. Considering that the pavilion is only meant to have canvas walls, the fireplaces arn''t likely to see much use, but it can be practical to have access to fire for larger construction projects. Fire is pretty much a ''powertool'' for all metalwork in this era.


    They are constructing the fireplaces and their chimneys for the mansion and seem to be doing really good work. They may not understand why I want it in some ways, but they do a good job of recreating what I''ve described and sketched, and they use plumb bobs to make them straight, and metersticks to make it symmetrical and correct. Pedr seems really fascinated by chimneys in general, and they have also partly changed how the logs are attached and guided towards the fireplaces in the floor plan upwards, and they extra stabilized more load-bearing walls with vertical standing logs to somewhat compensate that even dry wood will settle, but stone doesn''t. We also talk about updates for the terrace, and the design isn''t affected by the changes, and I''ve already given him the mounts along with the sundial.


    However, their scaffolding leaves a lot to be desired, and it makes me realize I need to make a pair of fall protection harnesses, and in the future demand that they be used. Both by myself and people who work on the roofs, during maintenance and chimney sweeping.


    The channels for the boiler system''s return feeds, for ventilation and fireplaces, as well as sewer and floor drains in the wing seem to have been good, but I have designed the building to make it easy. It is also designed to make it convenient to clean any stops, so no stupid complicated channel solutions, and there are alternatives and space for upgrades, where it doesn''t make the work much more difficult. As well as separating the kitchen drain from all the others to avoid bad smells in other rooms. There is square holes in each vertical section of the floor drains, to add water traps, and the kitchen drain will also have a grease and sludge separator to keep its sewer channel cleaner. Its quite simply a variant of a water trap where sludge and heavier things fall to the bottom and the grease floats to the surface, and water finds its way through the middle and under or over the partition walls and out at the other end. Sludge and grease can then be removed, even if a smaller part will accompany the water to the sewer. Damn, I have to remember to have these traps and separator made. Well, atleast I can measure all the holes to make sure they all will fit.


    If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    For now there won''t be any water treatment, so wastewater will unfortunately flow down the cliff towards the slump and its small stream. Wastewater treatment will be a future project, and there is room for it north of the pavilion. Might be a couple of sedimentation ponds in the future. The outlet won''t be able to flow up towards the drinking water in the direction of the well, and once it has flowed down the cliffs it will far below the well. They will chip a hollow in the rock face to lead the wastewater and sewer where I want it. In any case, the toilet waste will be saved, buried or composted as there are completely separate systems, even for each toilet. I''m hesitant to use human feces as fertilizer, but if its mixed with ash, a carbon source and buried, it should work for other crops than root vegetables for the first year, and then also root vegetables. I might make that two years just to be safer. I really hope the composting system work. This is definitely a world of recycling as much as possible, and thats something I want to keep for the future.


    The light tunnels to the basement work, but they will paint some lighter whitewash into the tunnels. Although lead white is apparently a common cheaper white color, it will be whitewashed based on chalk instead as it is cheaper, and this hardly has high demands on fine appearance. Lead white is also toxic. But even without white tunnels, there is acceptable light in the wings large basement. At least during the day we can safely walk around without problems. I don''t know how much whitewashed tunnels will improve the light, but worth doing as its quite cheap and it will last. Some of the tunnels will be five meters when everything is finished, and even if those don''t go through stone but straight wooden walls, there light entrance will be to the north or in the shade all day. Aeh, its worth trying to paint all the stone walls and ceilings white to make it brighter in general, so the walls reflect light instead of absorbing it. Its such a simple idea to whitewash, but Pedr has never realised that castles and stone fortresses can be brighter inside with white paint on walls.


    I have Ciara prepare a small picknick and leave the others out on the courtyard so I can check out the secret basement in the main building, and those unexpected spaces became unexpectedly large, about 55m2 together, and the tunnels for ventilation and light seem acceptable, except the two rooms furthest to the east. It is possible to move around during the day without a lantern, but if the rooms are to be used for something, it will require a lantern. The secret basement vault is dark, but slightly better. I hope the ventilation will be enough, as I don''t want dark musty damp rooms with bad air, but the secret spaces in the east that have a fireplace should get quite good ventilation via the suction upwards if I open the fireplace damper, and a fire can be lit and can dry any condensation etc.


    The basement room under the mezzanine has four discreet but wide and short light tunnels that leads down light from the lower part of the mezzanine''s huge south windows, so there is good light. Few will probably discover that the lower 25 cm on those windows arn''t visible from the inside, and the interior windows will help to hide it. The biggest chance of discovery is that in the future someone is standing in outside and looking at the windows when it is lit inside and dark outside, especially down in the basement. The rest is the light tunnels for the main buildings basement are so sneaky that I don''t think anyone will notice that there might be a basement where no one expects it.


    <hr>


    The updates on copper roofs pretty much floors Pedr. Laying something so valuable as a roof, and this roof is large. He doesn''t really see the benefits even when I tell him it will be completely waterproof and without problems for more than a hundred years. Long-term planning isn''t really done, except when it is built in stone, and many longhouses are apparently demolished when they start to rot after a decade or two, and thatched roofs are gradually repaired and replaced. Some better buildings have wooden tile roofs, and some stone buildings even have slate tile roofs, since even if slate lasts a long time, its expensive, heavy and cumbersome to lay, and seems to be a market only for the richests stone built mansions who want to look rich and exclusive, or castles in need of fire arrow protection.


    The copper roof will eventually get a beautiful light green color in maybe ten to twenty years, but its hard to estimate the time it''ll take, as I havn''t cared how long it took in Midgard. But the arrival is in a couple of weeks, and there will be craftsmen who will install it. Explain how I want the roof to be placed, sealed and fastened down with copper nails etc. I don''t know that is needed, or how it should be done, so I''ve tried to think of all the problems I can - which is the reason for copper nails; its to avoid galvanic korrosion. The tiles will overlap about 3 cm to firmly hook in to one another and prevent water ingress even by wind, although they should be able to move a few millimeters for heat expansion. Capillary action or a lot of snow shouldn''t be a problem, as all the roof sections tilts about 26-32 degrees. The plan is also diamond shapes with folded edges because that seem easiest to make and place, and a simple design that works is important. This is the first copper roof that will be laid in the region, and the craftsmen are novices at that. Thank goodness that copper is so nice to bend and shape if it has the right hardening.


    Pedr will get them to practice on a small test 3x3 m testroof on the ground before they start working on the real roof, but they should still start with the wings roof. The test roof makes them practice on seams, the ridge, the flashing around the chimneys, the gulleys, the support of the work platforms and the roof ends and so on, and I describe and show my sketches of each problem I anticipated and how I want it and how to avoid capillary effect and that water flows inwards, follows wood or gathers into puddles. Small details but might be oh so important for longevity. By modifying and recycling the copper from the practice roof, it can then be used for a roof for the well.


    They will install a lightning rod and give it a good grounding network in the ground. Lightningstrikes shouldn''t be a problem at all, as there''s much higher mountain peaks with trees within 200m on two of the sides, but I prefer to know that I have done what I can. Its a known problem, with a known solution that isn''t expensive, so worth doing. I don''t even bother explaining to Pedr what it will do or work, as lightningstrikes is the will of Thor, the god of lightning. Kari and Iselin seem fascinated and a bit impressed that I know so much about lightning too, and that a simple metal system might eliminate that problem. A castle or fortress on the highest ground isn''t struck due to it being high up - its struck because true warriors don''t hide behind too high walls and in towers. I really don''t want that discussion again.


    Waterproofing leads to discussions about eventually painting the house with something to prevent moisture and rot that finds its way into the joints, because I want them to treat the wood workplatforms and beams just under the roof with something and I should probably expected that the easiest is the same impregnation solution they use for boat hulls. But any paint helps, and when it comes to the exterior walls, I can choose between just a little darker wood, via brown to completely black, they''re pretty much all cheap. Painting parts of houses in other colors is common, just more or less expensive depending on the color and amount. The question is which color is appropriate? The most important color they have is red in various shades, because it symbolizes strength and danger, probably because blood is red, but red is boring, while dark will be heated by the sun. I must also keep in mind that the roof will be green, but the copper will turn black in the first years.


    The most expensive colors are those that are imported from far away, as bright red Cinnabar from the far south, and intense deeper blue from the far east, which I guess is indigo blue from India or so. No one would paint a house in something that expensive, and that includes the small 6x4 houses, which they completed. But a dark brown Umbra or something works. I should paint my ship in a durable hull paint with copper powder mixed in, to hopefully reduce the amount of barnacles that cling to the hull, because they increase drag and slow the ship down. But its another thing I didn''t think about before they painted it and put the ship in the water.


    <hr>


    The first windows for my mansion have been delivered, and some smaller ones with inferior glass, and the windows turn out better than expected. Of course the glass distorts the view, but the decimeter-sized glass panes are surprisingly nice, but its easy to see that they''ve used the best glass in the middle, and the divided diamond panes along the edges is less good. The windows will look good on both small buildings and my large mansion. They have done a good job with my special design, and it will probably look extra good as the leaded glass with its standing diamonds that will match the roof. The windows look like more luxurious standard windows here, only much much larger, with the discreet 12mm square iron bar lattice sitting just behind the lead frame. If you look in through the windows from half a meter away, you can barely see the iron bars inside, and from the inside you shouldn''t really think about it, since the light from the window will help hide the iron lattice, which pretty much match the lead in color. The much thicker iron post in the middle that divides the window into two parts, has been clad with thin wood veneer on both sides, and is invisible. The windows iron frame hangs in another iron frame, which in turn is riveted through the log wall. Some windows can be opened, others can only be slightly opened and the windows thats easiest to reach from outside, can''t be opened at all.


    Since these windows are located on the outside of the log wall, they will be attached with thick iron rivets through the log wall and the rivet head inside with its reinforcement plate along with the frame will be covered by the wooden veneer around the window. The iron parts will hardly be visible at all. The windows that only partially open - which is most second story windows towards the courtyard - have a lever as part of the hinge, that goes into a groove in the log wall. That lever is automatically blocked by a catch falling down, which have to be lift up with a discreet handle from the inside, but it can also be ''remotely blocked'' from the guard room which then locks all those windows extra well. Its so the locked position doesn''t rely on the classic and normal small window locking latches. Those normal latches are to make sure the windows is weather tight, but the other system is to prevent forceful or sneaky opening from the outside. If someone were to smash a window and unhook the latches, they still wouldn''t be able to open the window. When there is an inner window too, it will be quite annoying and hard to reach through to the inside, even if they know where the hidden catch is, and it still won''t help if the guards remote looking is activated.


    I don''t know if its a really useful feature, but the idea is more to be able to quickly ensure that everything is locked and prevent each rooms windows from opening. It just feels too tempting to ignore. Should any window be open, the iron catch will fall into place when the window is closed, and then be blocked. Windows that are too easy to access and sit too close to the ground can''t be opened at all, they''re solid, like every window on the ground floor facing the courtyard etc. Since the mansion has an outer wall and facade about 15cm outside the log wall, the mechanism sits against the log walls outside, so it will be easy to install and repair the mechanism afterwards, although the outer planks and extra insulation will have to be removed. Since the mechanism is outside the log wall, its not really safe, but its function or existance becomes invisible from both inside and outside.


    The only really fully openable windows are those that must be for access, as the attic windows to the roof work platforms or above my workshop, and all the second floor windows on the south side which will be 7m above the ground, and the upper mosaic part of a couple of mezzanine windows etc. To improve ventilation, atleast one window in each room will have a small discreet 1cm high and 30cm wide ventilation hatch in the upper edge, and pretty much the same system is done for a lof of the light tunnels, although a lot of them can''t be closed.


    It will not be fun to clean the outside of the upper windows, as you have to streach your arm out in the small gap if the window doesn''t open fully, and the lower windows have to be done with a ladder from the outside, and a lot of the light tunnel windows even worse, so window cleaning will probably only be a couple of times a year, in spring and autumn.


    All the exterior doors, both corridors upstairs, the door connecting the wing to the main building and the door to my bedroom also have extra features. Looks like wood, but in the middle its a strong iron frame with crossed iron bars that has a rotating mechanism much like a vault door with pistons that go up, down and into the sides and the door frame and holds the door in the iron frame so it can''t be lifted off or easily forced. I plan that to be the normal locking during nights for the exterior doors. For daytime, there is a simple handle lock that keeps it closed with a weight on an arm inside the door instead of a spring, and that will have a proper key lock that can be opened from both sides. I''ve completely forgotten that the doors should be finished, and could have take them with me.


    Oops.


    Fail on me, and Ciara might blame herself for forgetting to remember me about that, but I don''t.


    If someone really wants to force their way, they will eventually do so. Its all mostly to delayed intrusions, so that guards or inhabitants can detect or prevent thefts etc.


    <hr>


    As we take a break and enjoy the weather, I talk with Pedr about the sundial, one of the things I did remember to bring. It will be mounted in the northeast corner of the courtyard, just a few meters from the mountain, and in spring-summer-autumn the sun will always illuminate the clock, and it should also work a couple of hours during winter mornings, but not later due to the distance to the main buildings roof. Where at 57 north latitude, so the sun moves between a midday height of 10 to 56 degree over the horizon depending on day of the year. The south side would be better, but there no-one will see and use it. When everything more important is finished, I ask Pedr to have someone shape a small stone plinth for the sundial, and arrange a couple of benches with backs next to the clock. We can align the sundial exactly after its in place.


    We continue to talk about a lot of things and future construction projects, as we walk along the unfinished road over the island. That including the future northern road connecting after the main road reach the north end of the valley, then the main road will head west, past the existing longhouse farm, and over the cliffs towards Orusingen and hopefully a future bridge there.


    The first three houses for the craftsmen are completely finished and have been used for a few days now, and Pedr really enjoy his house, and his servants really starting to like the fireplace, but the same apply to the master workers living in the other two buildings too. Those houses look so different form normal longhouses here, and they look nice. There will be more of them, probably a few with added watersystem. There''s just so many construction projects left, and that doesn''t include the Academy which will be bigger than my mansion, but we''ve found a couple of good spots for it.


    As we walk thru the north forest, we find a good route and roughly mark it by chopping marks in the bark with an axe. These trees will have to be chopped down, then laid up to dry before being used, but the branches can be used for cooking and heating fires for the workers. I should probably think about making the workers someplace to live, as part of the workforce will stay during the winter, and I sure as hell won''t let them live in tents. To give them a small incentive and show my appreciation I decide that Pedr will use part of the silver I''ve given him, to buy a pig to slaughter each weekend, so all the workers will be given atleast some meat each week, and if they can get some fish thats okay too. I can''t do anything about most of them being slaves, since they arn''t my slaves, but I can try to improve the life while they work here. We all need to eat tonight, so it will be a small feast in the harbor for the crew, Pedr and us.


    <hr>


    As I relax in the cabin while gently caressing her body, I don''t regret that I said that joke about having sex with the swords to her. Alith took advantage of the fact that in addition to Ciara and Gunhild, were alone on the ship as the crews ashore feasting, and Ciara apparently didn''t mind distracting Gunhild and have her help grill some food ashore. It turns out that Alith has measured and carved a wooden copy of the sword grip; which she gratified, satisfied and proudly - and I must admit sexily - showed that it ''fits''. So in the passion of the moment, and since she had made an extra large condom too, we switched from the copy and used the original, just as she hoped. So both my metaphorical and my real sword have been in Alith - at the same time. It was a bad idea, and even with its sword sheath tied on, a slightly dangerous idea; but entertaining, sexy and seems to have been hugely satisfying for Alith. Not least when I reminded her of how valuable that sword is and where the grip and sword knob were.


    We relax as we look at the pictures and movie clips she wanted us to take during the act, and she really love the one of herself standing and balancing on my sword, with her spear and shield. Only that. Either of us have bothered with any cloth yet, and when she starts stroking me and give me that smile, I realise she wants a final round before dinner. My life is pretty absurd right now. Sexy, but absurd. For Alith, the pictures and movie clips are the cherry on top after a multi orgasmic experience. Our intimate moments are absolutely the most different and most sinful.

 Creating something new - day 30, Lanterns & sundial fashion

    Creating something new, day 30


    Lanterns & Sundial fashion


    One thing about traveling as a passenger on a sailing ship, is that it gives you plenty of time to think and sketch. One of my newer ideas is about deck prisms and lanterns, both for the ship and in the basement. I don''t like open flames, torches etc, and they''re a far bigger firehazard.


    So I sketch three handheld lantern version based on the same metal design, and three of each will be made, which will be shaped, not cast, so they become lighter and easier to carry, and the lightsource will be a candle. But that affect the design choices so they are easier to shape. All have the same upper and lower part with a handle to hold or hang it up with, and protective metal bows outside the glass. The difference is the middle and the glass. One lantern only has a thicker glass cylinder and give light all around. One lantern has the same glass cylinder with a reflector to spread the light over about 100 degrees but focuses more in the middle and it also has metal screens that can be slid around and shield or completely cover the light. The last version has three rougher glass lenses to spread the light in three directions. I don''t know if its a benefit or disadvantage that the metal bands that hold the lenses in place shield the light in other directions and reflect it to the opposite lens. That design is mostly because I want to try how effective a lens is in relation to the reflector, and there was room left over so there were three lenses. A fresnel glass lens would be nice, but it must be too difficult to manufacture that here to be useful. It might work for something larger like a lighthouse lens, if the fresnel lens is made in smaller segments. I''m glad that they''re technologically advanced enough to do simpler glass casting, and limits in shape and quality it just something to work around and make the best of.


    I intend to make a small special prototype lantern by hand, which is for the ship''s compass. Its shielded to not damage the night sight of the crew, and only dimly illuminates the compass, but with adjustable shielding and color via different glass filters. I don''t know which will be best, so will make three small filters and try in blue, green and red, and then just get the crew to test it one evening after the sun has gone down.


    It feels like a few deck prisms are also a good idea to increase the light in the ships cargohold and cabins during the day. If the glass is thick enough and flat, you can walk on it, and it can be sealed to the deck without any problems. It doesn''t matter if the top is scratched by dirt, and I will make the prism elongated so it replace of a piece of a plank. The underside gets a V shape so that the light is spread to the sides and ends, and not just straight down. We will try to leave sketches and drawings after we dock in Borgarsandr, and before we head for the farm, that but depends on how late it is. Just because I can disturb a craftsman late, I will not take advantage of it. it just feels rude. For the same reason I avoid visiting a store or similar just before closing, and only when I know I will be finished and leave before closing time.


    <hr>


    Coming home to the farm and seeing Iselin''s happy smile welcoming me back, and feeling her hug and kiss was wonderful, and Kari''s wasn''t bad either. It will sadly only be one night with Iselin before she together with Bodil leave south with the ship tomorrow morning.


    Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    Kari, but especially Iselin, has done excellent work while I''ve been away. It has become fashionable with sundials. 9 out of 15 I have ordered are already pre-booked. Seems like every richer family wants to catch on to the trend, and they made the decision to install more while I was away. Apparently many merchants, nobles and ladies, were surprised when Iselin with a guard and worker appeared with a wagon, instead of the expected Sejdmann Robert Arnesson. But she''s diplomatic and have also had to help choose a place for the sundial. A few havn''t understood that a sundial needs sunlight to function.


    Iselin seems to be a good ambassador, as she tell me that she have explained that the triangle A is the symbol of my Academy, and what the Academy will do for the future. That it will educate in all sorts of subjects, basic and advanced, and also manufacture and sell advanced things. Men and women, boys and girls are welcome, and she has noticed that some are actually receptive to an educated daughter - even if it is only for more prestige and ''worth'' when she is married off. Especially among the richer merchants, where an educated daughter becomes an educated wife who more efficiently can take care of the household for her future husband. Iselin has met more than one young woman who really wants to be educated and is looking forward to the possibility, and a couple of younger daughters who have realized that they may be more than just a future wife who takes care of the household, if they are educated enough. Iselin has told about Captain Asta as an example.


    Iselin is smart and beside her north arrow, has brought a monocular with her from the beginning and lets those she visits look through it - as an example of what the Academy will produce. It always gets reactions. Especially when she tells them that the first to have one besides us is King Asbj?rn Aeriksson, and its an exclusive group because there have been few made. She has been offered so much silver for her monocular, so after the first time she started to bring with her a couple of extra monoculars that she can sell for ''a smaller amount''. Less than they offered, but not a little. Should make more monoculars because I hope seafarers will have monoculars, but I also need to make the image sharper with higher magnification to be really useful out at sea. It might be the classic telescopic monocular.


    Not unexpectedly, the battery in my small MP3 player is depleted, but I put it on charge for her again, and show her how she can do it in the future. Its just plugging in the cable and watch when it is fully charged. She already understands the battery icon.


    Before we go to bed for the evening, we play some music and dance in my room. She has listened through all the songs on the MP3 player, and she''s started to recognizing a few group names. Iselins dance to ''Danza Kuduro'' isn''t meant to be sexy and she just likes to freely dance and bounce around to good beats, but she does it with such a joy of life and energy, and its so very adorable and sexy. I think Lindsey''s video have inspired her to dance much more freely and with more creativity than they usually do here, and she definitely likes music with a good pace or beat. When she thinks the music fits, even when it doesn''t, she throws in headbanging which is just awesome with her long hair, which Within Temptations ''Ice Queen'' video inspired her do. Iselin loves that song and Sharon''s voice, but doesn''t like that the video I have is an old one that pretends to be web browsing with windows and information that pop up. Iselin wants to see more of Sharons dresses and headbanging. Personally, I''m happy when we end up in bed and I get to see more of Iselin.

 Creating something new - day 31, Karis thoughs

    Creating something new, day 31


    Kari''s thoughs


    Robert understood my game a couple of hours after breakfast. With Iselin away for hopefully four nights and Ciara having had him by herself on their voyage, for the next few days he was mine.


    It isn''t much of a game, as Iselin of course is his favorite, and as long as Ciara thinks we fulfill what she considers our duty to Robert, she''s satisfied with his sexual company once each two weeks, as long as she''s close to him. I''m starting to suspect that Iselin is a dangerous player if she wants to, but that she''s playing a completely different game and has done so since her first night with Robert. I''m just not sure what her game is, and what it means for the rest of us, but I''m thankful she''s not playing to have Robert to herself.


    But even if neither Iselin nor Ciara care about participating in my game about Robert, it''s nice when someone understands that you''ve won. Especially when it''s Robert, because he''s often the target of my game, and part of this game was to pretend that I was hesitant about the voyage. That I, just like Robert, don''t like sailing, only helped my acting and plan.


    Five weeks since I became Robert''s concubine. Since he became my husband. And I''m so grateful for that. I doubt that Freya really exist, and she may never have existed, or was just a world traveler like Robert a long time ago, but I have still sacrificed animals to her for just the chance that she contributed to my happiness. I never imagined that I would truly love my husband so much, and especially not so fast. Also didn''t think that I would enjoy sex with my husband so much, and wake up sweaty from my dreams when we don''t share a bed - and damp between my legs. Its slightly ironic that I''ve started to wear panties with a small cloth against my skin when I sleep, but not because its that time of the month.


    But it is also nice to just be close to him. It is as he says; it''s not all about sex as much as having someone close, and it''s nice to sit beside him and translate his math book. Just knowing he''s there, and if I want I can hug him or just let my hand wander, seeking his touch. I''ve realised that happens without me really thinking about it. I appreciate those moments when he give my shoulder or neck a soft sensual kiss, asks how it goes as he hugs me from behind, or starts massaging my neck and head if I stretch. It always makes me smile and I just relax and enjoy the feeling, and that''s why he keeps doing it.


    Because it makes me happy.


    I just wish he more often would let his hand slide down my neckline, caress and play with my breasts while he lets his lust take over, so we could continue on the table or floor, or just hungrily push me against the wall. We don''t always get what we wish, and I love to feel that intimate sensual contact I didn''t know I was missing, and now I never want to loose it.


    Hillevi and Gunhild were my guards and friends, but guards first and it was more that we were comfortable in each others present, because we had to be, and there was never any hint of intimacy or sensuality about it. We were just friends. Aquaintances. Its so different with Robert. If I don''t want to sit and work beside Robert - I don''t need to. He gives us all the trust and freedom we want, and he doesn''t hurry me to finish translating the math books, or that helping Iselin and Asta to make their own copies has taken up my time. But it''s just nice to sit there and work beside him, and I understand why Ciara loves to do it. Its her favourite time. Well, after cuddling with him. I guess in that way, we have something in common. I don''t think he understands that I could have completed the translation much faster, although I don''t think he would care if he knew. He seems to like my company there with him, just like Iselin and Ciara, although not all at the same time. Just be there and small talk as we work and make plans, as long as it doesn''t distract him too much. Enjoy the silence, and the moment.


    His mind never stops churning, and the translation was just something we talked about when I rewrote the first one. And he''s right; in order for more people to be able to learn the math and use it, the book needs to be available in more languages and in the future he would hire someone to translate it. So I offered to do it, as I''m good enough at Frigones to be able to translate texts, even if a native Frigones writer will find many mistakes. I said so to Robert, but he just laughed and said that spelling mistakes are less important then that the information the book contains comes through correct. The feeling when he suggested that I write my own name as the translator under his on the first page was .... satisfying, and I took it as an excuse to reward my husband.


    Now that the translation is finished, I look forward to translating more books for him, even if that measurement and drawing book as he calls it, will be difficult to get right. So many terms I don''t know so I have to translate descriptions more than the word, but Robert says that some words probably doesn''t exist in Frigones, so I can occasionally just use the ones he has already written with a description of its meaning. Thats what he did when translating it from his to our language. Loan words between languages are common in Midgard, and when I think about it, to some extent the same applies here. If what Robert introduces is new to others as well, then his words and symbols for it will probably start to be used, especially if he spreads books with it. Just like with a few in the math book. I wonder how he plans to make ''machines'' write books. If he manage to influence more to learn to read and write, and produce books in all kinds of subjects, it will change a lot of peoples lifes. It will make it easier to learn something, without having someone show and teach it, and it might motive people to learn to read and write so they can learn from the books. Its a circle where one affect the other back and forth, and its such an small idea, with huge impact in the long run. We live in interesting times.


    I smile as I find myself playing with my necklace again. I love the star sapphire necklace Robert gave me. Its not the most expensive necklace I own, but it is from Robert and very unique, and also so special in how it feels compared to my others. The necklace is so very much Robert, and I love wearing it. Different, comfortable, luxurious and special, and its not metal so that it wouldn''t remind Ciara of a slaves neckring. The resemblance to Ciara''s distinguishes us as Robert''s concubines, as only his, and more special than any other mans concubines. Iselin have given slightly jealous looks at our necklaces, and I let her try mine, but I don''t think Robert will order one for her without her specifically asking for it, and Iselin won''t ask as she isn''t a concubine, and she doesn''t want to take it away from us. She also loves her necklace with gold and emeralds, and not just because it is significantly more expensive and must be worth more than ours together. Its from Robert. We all want to be special to Robert in our own way, and we love our gifts. As Iselin said while point to Ciara; we all like to know that we have comfortable niches in his life that are just ours, and we protect them the best we can, and avoid intruding on each others.


    Robert has begun to gain an impressive reputation among the powerful and rich. First with the declaration the King made to support the Academy and its building, and that he made Robert his own ruler, with a special title. Then the duel increased it. Iselin''s installations of sundials have made it clearer, and also that Robert''s mystique increase even more because he stays in the background. With rumors and mystique comes curiosity, which is only heightened by the fact that Robert avoids socializing, and he doesn''t show up at feasts or seek contact with the rich and noble. In that way he solidify is status as a Sejdmann before a noble. A man above worldly riches or allure. A man beside the normal social structure.


    The voyage have given Robert time to think. Have new ideas - and he''s drawing and making plans for a lot of projects, and we will probably visit Borgarsandr again tomorrow. To visit his kind of people. Craftsmen and craftswomen. Its the people he have talked to the most, and among the craftsmen in the city, Robert has already earned a special status. If he shows up somewhere, the craftsmen will do their utmost to do what he desire, well and quickly. He doesn''t skimp on silver, and if he has started using a craftsman and got the work done as he wished, he continues to give them work. They get interesting work, become richer and more famous, because Robert only care about good craftmanship.


    But what really made the craftsmen like Robert, is that he doesn''t behaving like a rich powerful man, but more like one of them, without believing he knows their profession better than them. He treats them very well, and isn''t unpleasant or demands things just because he can, or thinks he can. He respects and treats them as equals, because he truly sees them as equals, and that is appreciated more than Robert understands. Especially by apprentices who he specifically makes sure to give praise. So they know he understands their work, and that he appreciate it. He even thanks normal slaves, men and women, and help load something up on the wagon without thinking about it. And then he often crouch down, or takes a knee when he''s talking to children. So they''re more equal and the child isn''t force to look up to him. So he doesn''t lord over them.


    Its details like those that quickly spread when the common people talk, and it both solidify his status as a Sejdmann, and it gives him respect for his honor and honesty. No master will dare to take credit for what an apprentice has done if the work is for Robert, but instead gain respect if he is honest about it. No master will dare misstreat slaves if he does work for Robert, since Robert probably would take his work someplace else. And they don''t know when Robert might show up, to check on progress or the works completion.


    It''s good that Robert has avoided nobility, because he doesn''t have much respect for someone who he says ''thinks they''re special just because they were born into rich or powerful families, where their ancestor did something good''. For most of the nobility, that is pretty much the most important thing. Which lineage they belong to, or what ancestors have done, instead of raising the pressure on themselves to do better with their better start in life. Or atleast try to be a good person. He really dislike people abusing power, just because they can or feel entitled too. It''s interesting opinions, and as someone who has spent my life in the presence of powerful people - but as someone who only watch from the back and doesn''t belong to nobility - I can only agree with Robert in his opinions. The nobility has grown stronger and stronger, and its hard to believe that only a couple of hundred years ago, there basically was no real nobility here in the north, as there was across the seas in the south. And now the nobility are trying to differentiate themselves from the public with special titles, ways etc. That they''re inherently ''better'', when most are not. There''s so much ugly things happening when no-one important is around to see it, and so much greed, incompetence and power at the expense and suffering of others. But its a part of peoples nature. Slaves differentiate between themselfs, common people have slaves they lord over, and the nobility lord over the common people.


    The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.


    Robert is worried that he himself will end up like that eventually, or that his descendants will do so. Power corrupts, so he avoid using it. Keep it hidden in the background like some ugly thing. If he have to use his power he will probably see it as a failure. My husband is a truly good man, and I so wish to give myself to him in marrige and have children.


    I wish that Robert will give me many children. But he doesn''t want to complicate and burden our lives with pregnancies and children before the Academy is up and running, and has warned us that it will probably be difficult as he is a human and not an Elf. It''s a healthy attitude, and we all love to ''practice'' without having to worry, even though he''s careful about planting his seed inside us. And beside being safer, it is easier to clean it up by wiping it off, or just swallowing. He has quite the opposite mindset of the common belief that a mans seed must be release inside the woman - otherwise the mans manliness has been ''cheated''. They all think that Robert is careful because Freya probably has blessed him that way too.


    It feels good and comforting to know that I have a little piece of Roberts knowledge and craft inside me. Something he made by hand.


    Robert has been clear that he wouldn''t appreciate feast and certainly not marriage offers, and we do our best to decline and not offend anyone when we ''regretfully'' have to say no on his behalf. Iselin has been very helpful, and together we have managed to steer clear of invitations to feast, and many more or less discreet requests if Robert might consider coming to visit, with the implied understanding that it is the first step in a marrige arrangement. Many have realized that Robert is a powerful high-status older unmarried man without heirs, and whos children will be the start of a new lineage, unbound to even King Aeriksson, and exactly what that might mean in the comming generations. Our peace will unfortunately not last, and some have been quite insistant already, and just during his recent trip to the Academy, two messengers appeared here to get an answer from Robert himself, but had to turn around. Its only a matter of time until he must start to socialize.


    We''ve been trying to cultivate the true reputation that Robert simply is too busy at the moment due to the comming winter; with his mansion and the Academy''s constructions, creations and sejd. That he has far to much to do, to spend time at feasts, and that he is a puritanical person. It helps that everything is true. We hope to give Robert a reputation of being selective about who he visit, so those he actually visits and spends time with get more respect, because Robert considers them worthy to spends his valuable time on. King Aeriksson is of course one, and Jarl Skiringe another, but an ordinary Storman or merchant shouldn''t expect a visit.


    But Robert has to attend some feasts to not be looked down upon by powerful prideful people, or get a bad reputation as a recluse, and we''re getting close to the autumn feasts. When people celibrate a good harvest and feast to thank the gods. Robert will also have to hold feasts in the future, and he is not looking forward to that. I wonder how conscious it is that the pavillion for outdoor feasts, is as far away from his bedroom that is convenient, and in fact the primary feast hall is a completely separated structure from the mansion, instead of the focus of the building. But the staff area and the kitchen is also as far away as possible. Any noble who see it, will interpret that in a different way than why Robert designed it so.


    All three of us were very pleased when Robert seemed appalled, disgusted and immediately sharply said ''No'', when we told him that a family is trying to offer him their two young twin daughters as wives. Smart of the family, because it would be double chances for a male heir and a fairly effective way to lock out other families from Robert - which he certainly is aware of. But that wasn''t why he immediately said no and made it clear that the discussion was over, and it is interesting how many different words he used that all apparently mean ''no''. How many Midgard languages does he know, and how well?


    For now, he''s clearly not a native Norse speaker, and finds it hard to understanding subtile meanings, but come spring I doubt most will be able to tell. Its also precious that he switch dialects without noticing.


    Keeping other women away from our husband is unexpectedly easy when he is the way he is, and he has such strong opinions about free will, privacy, age, principles and what is ''morally right''. Robert actually feel real anguish because we''re ''so young'', especially Iselin who is ''only'' 20 years old. My husband thinks that I''m too young for him - 22 years old and too young. He is planning so far in the future, how our lives will be in 10-20 years, and he is afraid that he won''t be able to give us the life ''we deserve'' when he has already given us so much and a life few can dream of. My wonderful husband is worried that he may not be able to sexually satisfy us in 20 years. What a contrast to all the men who think a women''s sexual pleasure is inconsequential. He torments and struggles with his belief that a man should be faithful to his partner - and there are three of us. He accepts that and loves us all, but doesn''t like how he violates his principles and opinions, and it was adorable when he tried to explain why monogamy is better for a society. He''s probably right and I would have loved to have Robert as just my husband, but then I would never have had a chance against Iselin and that also applies to Ciara, so polygamy is better. Its funny that Iselin actually agree with us.


    But my love for Robert only grows when I hear his anguish that there are three of us, and it calmed the worst of my worries about telling him how others look at us, and what his status means when it comes to wives and concubines. His reaction is a fond memory. We could see a uncontrolled shiver through his body, and we heard all those different variants of no again, and then the subject was closed, and he left to work in his room. So that it would be impossible for us to even discuss it. And he didn''t want anyone of us in there working with him.


    We know that there certainly will be one or two more women in his life as official partners, beside a personal assistant - but he will not look for them. Robert will probably never be the powerful man who sees a beautiful woman, and then uses his power to take her, or just make her his for one night. Had Robert wanted a certain lower status woman to be his, even if its only as an official mistress, then few would dare to oppose it, and most would feel honored considering his reputation. But he is not interested in conquering women, and we love his idea of spreading that he, as a Sejdmann, marries and takes concubines for love. Even when another woman joins our group, he will do his utmost to treat us all well, so we understand that we are special and dear to him.


    Pretty servants will be good for our image, and it might actually be better to have younger maids in the mansion, as Robert will feel they¡¯re far too young, not really adults, and he passionately loath the idea of eventually becomming the ''dirty old ruler forcing young innocent maids to his bed''.


    More than any man we''ve heard of, Robert doesn''t seem to be able to avoid taking care of all the women around him, nor does he seem to understand how others will interpret his gifts to the guards. But its so clear to us that he isn''t trying to charm them to his bed - he is just too generous and wants them well. So he gives them chainmail and nice cloths too, and justify it by saying they''re protecting him, and they need to look good. Which is true, but he could have lent the chainmail to them, or asked for another years service. But he is who he is, and he saw no reason to wait with the knives until at least the midwinter feast, because in his mind the knives were already theirs and it felt wrong to withhold them. As with his sejd, he just did it, without ceremony or showing off - and that was that. He doesn''t really see the knifes value or status, as for him they''re tools and intended to be used. We all guess that he had planed to give Alith and Bodil those swords too, but realised it would simply be far far too much. They''re swords worthy of a King. Why else would he have them made, and then all of a sudden have no use for them. The sword just lays in a chest, in the corner of his room. Forgotten and ignored.


    Alith probably wouldn''t hesitated to become his concubine, but if he had asked their parents, surely everyone would gladly give their daughters to him, and no doubt as wives. Even Gunhild''s stubborn brothers probably wouldn''t dare to go against his wish, as they so far have done. No man even close to Robert''s status has asked for her hand, and unfortunately no one will due to her age and lack of properties, which is ironic when Robert would feel better if we where her age, and he don''t care about properties. She''s likely to continue being his guard for the rest of her life, and she knows it.


    But Robert''s position as Sejdmann worries us - for Robert''s sake. For his morals, beliefs and principles. I''m convinced he really doesn''t believe in the Gods. That he rejects the whole idea with destiny weaved by the Norns, and any higher powers than ourselves, but he pretends to believe because he must. In the future he must show his spiritual side - show his faith that he doesn''t have. It probably annoys him that he''s forced to be dishonest about it, and I think thats the main reason he avoids doing his form of sejd to show off. Because to him it isn''t sejd, and its dishonest in pretending it to be. He''s adamant in making sure that we know that everything he does and shows us isn''t really sejd, and that he can explain it, and in the future will try to prove it isn''t. He don''t want to be dishonest with us. But at the same time he understands that he needs to pretend about sejd and his belief, due to his status, especially as Sejdmann.


    We''re worried, because he probably doesn''t know about rituals that V?lva and Fj?lkunniga are said to perform to Freya - more or less in secret - and some only between women, as there havn''t been any sejd men who could participate. Gothi acts for all Gods, and Seerman sees the future.


    But now there is Robert, and in the future he will need to get involved - especially when sejdwomen understands how he truly is. For how can a man so in line with Freya''s views and aspects not be coveted by them? How can he be so incredibly blessed by Freya and not attend at rituals to Freya, or want to act as her earthly medium? We''re worried about how he will cope with it, and how it will change our husband - because we have no solution to that problem.

 Creating something new - day 33, Waterpump & Doors

    Creating something new, day 33


    2 September. 2 days later


    Waterpump & Doors


    Two days to just make drawings for everything I need to make, and think out small things and parts. So many parts. But every waking moment havn''t been work, or weapons training, because Kari wants me to spend time with her, and I need to find a healthy mix of work, relaxation and fun. Ciara might be the champ at getting a desperate look when she thinks she''s done something wrong, or made me dissatisfied, but Kari is the champ at making me feel guilty for neglecting her - even when I don''t. In some non verbal way, she makes me feel guilty, like she''s disappointed that I missed her birthday or something, but doesn''t want to draw attention to it, so that I don''t feel guilty for having so much important work to do. Its annoying and very effective, while I can hardly complain that my beautiful concubine wants to spend time, cuddle and have sex.


    One thing that has become more and more clear in the last month, is that Kari loves to have body contact and intimacy, and she seems to prefer moments of going at each other like horny teenagers, instead of just sitting and talking, if we are alone. If Kari has nothing to do and I don''t actively work on something, it only tends to be a matter of time before I have her in my lap and her tongue in my mouth, although it usually don''t last long. If I stand behind and massage her neck, she can gently take my hand and plunge it down her neckline. It feels a little uncomfortable, as she really seems to be in love with me and see everything about me and us through rose tinted glases, as I don''t really feel the same for her. Our relationship feels dishonest and skewed. Yeah, she ''forced'' me to accept her as my concubine, but I still feel like it should be a serious honest two sided equal relationship.


    Man, I''m so whipped.


    Yesterday we spent the middle of the day on the beach, or rather mostly on the grass between the rocks where I tested my Boomstick. Much more secluded and deeper water directly, and it is possible to dive and still easy to climb get back up on the rocks from the water. The sea still has an acceptable bathing temperature, and its still around 23 degrees during the day, so when in shelter from the wind, its really nice. A day at the beach isn''t something they really do here, though the women around me seem to have picked up the concept fast and have been swimming and sunbathing a lot in the last month, although they usually keep it to an hour or so to avoid sunburn. So we sunbathed, talked and took short dips, while waiting for Ciara and Hillevi to bring dinner when it was ready.


    But, I should have counted on Kari planning more than swimming and food, and our nude bath included extra intimate activities both in and out of the water. This time I brought the sunprotection lotion with me, since I thought we could make it more special, and figured Kari would enjoy the experience. We both enjoyed it, and I hardly complained when she layed completely naked and stretched out in front of me, and with a satisfied smile wanted me to rub it everywhere. Then she rubbed it on me, even more thoroughly, until it escalated. On the grass and in the water, we don''t have to worry about preparing for squirting, and when waves partially washes over us as we layed on the warm cliffs, I got a mental flash to the movie ''From Here to Eternity''.


    Gunhild demonstratively sat on a rock and looked inland most of the time, and also warn us that Ciara and Hillevi were on their way. After spending many years as her guard, Gunhild can''t avoid seeing Kari as some kind of adopted little sister, which is okay as Kari doesn''t like an audience, even though she enjoys that Gunhild and the others know what we are doing.


    Alith, on the other hand, kept an eye out for dangers in our vicinity. I don''t like that I have started to get used to and accept Alith''s voyeurism, but its undoubtedly practical to have a guard who is more than comfortable with it, as long as she actually guards us at the same time, which Alith does. Kari is uncomfortable with Alith''s overwatch when we have sex, but she wants Alith to guard and protect. She just can''t really relax, and its obvious when Kari''s in the heat of passion and forgets, and then remembers that someone is watching.


    It feels nice that Bodil isn''t afraid of water anymore, even though she respect it, and that both she and Ciara have learned how to swim. Ciara showed that she have become good enough to swim about 90m to a cliff and back over shallower water, which I and the others congratulated her on. She was so cutely proud of her achievement while we ate. I should establish something like the Swedish ''Simborgarm?rket'', which is a small pin to show that you can swim 200m, and can be taken yearly. Swimming pins are common in Sweden, and its something that can be a reward or motivation to improve swimming, and usually collected on a small feltcovered plaque. I intend to ensure that everyone spending time at my Academy learns how to swim. Actually it will probably be everyone on the islands.


    <hr>


    I have designed two different waterpumps about as simple as it practically can be manufactured, with the limitations here. Like there not being any rubber O-rings. The only option here is pretty much leather or coils of rope. A future steam engine will be tricky.


    The simplest pump is a classic suction hand pump of the type normally seen on top of wells for filling a bucket, which suck and lift on the handles downstroke, and just move the piston down through the watercolumn inside the pumphouse on the upstroke. Few and simple parts; pumphousing, top plate, handle, piston, two valves and a suction pipe, and a few knick knacks like bolts and axles. Its good enough if the watertable in the well isn''t far down, which our wells on the islands won''t be, but its bad to force water high up in a pipe. The reason they''re a classic is because they work well for filling a bucket and have quite a good flow. They might freeze if the lower valve is too good, as there will always be water in the pumphousing, and the pump is exposed above ground. Usually the seal isn''t perfect and slowly leak so the water drains away. But they shouldn''t be used when its freezing, as it might destroy the seals depending on design. I''ll have Digraldi make a few of these as they work and is a good backup.


    My mansion require force to pump water up to its storage tanks. The one I designed for that is still a manual pump with a handle, but I''ve chosen to make the piston pump section separated so it can be mounted down low under the well cover, while the pumping handle and outflow can be at the normal comfortable height on top of the well. The reason is that the pump and its valves will be slightly better protected against freezing, and I can connect the outflow pipe down there, to protect it too. The plan is to bury the water pipe about half a meter down into the ground so its protected from frost and movement on top of the ground.


    You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.


    The well is shallow so suction shouldn''t be a problem, and its more critical what pressure it will be able to deliver water with, but thats mostly force applied throught the handles lever vs area of the piston and the weight of the water being pushed up. The handles length, stroke and force being applied is pretty much decided by a elf will be using it, although I made it a T handle so two can make it easier. One liter of water weights a kilogram, so a smaller pipe will help, and so would a smaller piston size, and less water volume moved in each stoke. Its all a balance, but not that hard to simply accept the limitations and design after that. It will be a whole lot of pumping to fill the tanks, but it is as it is.


    To figure out the force and length I took a thick branch, cut few notches in it and layed it on a fulcrum. I hung a bucket on the short end, and asked a few from my company to have a go to see how much work it would be, what lever length they chosed and what stroke length they did, with both 5 and 10 liters of water in the bucket. Its good we do these tests in our garden, or the rest of the farms inhabitants would look at us funny as I had them pump 100 strokes by their chosen load. Not a perfekt simulation, but it was a good practical application of test to get data, then use that data in equations to find a result, and use that result to design the pump and pipe specs. Its one of those valuable instances where they all understand why understanding physics and math is important.


    A complication with this pump is the discreet handle on the side that choose whether the water will be pumped to a nozzle up at the pump handle for a bucket to hang on, go out to the pipeline down in the well, or the bottom position that lets the water run backwards and emptied back down into the well, so there is no water in the pipes that can freeze and crack them. It requires more pumping before something comes out at the other end, as the pipe must be filled each time, but the tanks require a lot of pumping anyway. It feels like a good idea during winter, even if it might form an ice coating on the inside of the pipe if its cold enough. We may have to limiting the water pumping, and the idea is that the tanks are large enough to not have to pump up water every day anyway, so we should be able to skip the coldest days. If its freezing for many days, we might have to reduce cloth washing and bathing as well, or just starting to use buckets.


    In the future, a windmill pumped watertower would be a nice idea, to have water on demand, and there''s more than enough hills around here that it doesn''t need to be a tower. Hell, we might get away with just making a new larger well futher up and connect the pipe directly in.


    <hr>


    We head in to Borgarsandr, but split up, because Kari needs to visit the seamstress guild, while being eager for me to be someplace else, so I go to Digraldi, the potter, glasmaker and others, and Ciara comes along with me.


    Digraldi accepts all of my orders for water pumps, lanterns and other things, and he has completed previously ordered stuff. There have been more messangers to the farm, from people wanting to buy sundials and have a installed, so I order a new batch of 20. Its a rather ridiculous profit on them so far, but I suspects that the demand will quickly be satisfied. Eventually, people will realize that they can make their own simpler version with just two pieces of wood and a knife, because sundials are that simple. I assume there''s quite a lot of them in Alfheimr, just not here in the north, but one reason I did use the more complex design I did, is that it works better, looks better and is harder to copy straight of. The easy design of an angled piece standing on a flat piece, would have been copied faster.


    I need to try to make lead-acid batteries and ask him to try making thin lead plates on a rough sand bed to create poles for the battery cells. The rough surface is to increase the surface on a smaller scale, so he might have to try two different types of sand. All my orders since I got to Borgarsandr, have made me his single largest customer ever, which makes him eager to bend over backwards to accommodate my weird requests. And I have nothing to complain about his craft, so I''m happy to continue until I get my own craftsman on the island.


    <hr>


    My doors are absolutely awesome! Since I forgot them, I ''pick them up'' almost a week later than I said I would. The outside woodwork is nice, and more like furniture than a common door, and they even inlaid patterns in the wood. Real heavy, but solid oak doors also weigh, and the weight on these are manageable as the hinges work well, although I probably want to polish up the surfaces a bit with some kind of paste, as well as lubricate so they move nicer and quieter. I''m not worried that the doors will start to jam, as it is a steel frame holding the door, so it should keep its shape far better than hinges fasten directly to the wood wall with a few big nails. Sure, doors with hinges on the inside would be better from a safety view, but even if all three hinges on each side should be cut in some way, the doors will be locked to the frame with its core of crossed ironbars, strong lugs and the iron frame everything is in.


    Alith who knows how the doors suppose to work, look on in wonder as we try the secret lock wheel that move the locking lugs in and out.


    Someone using a battering ram will have to work a lot to take these doors down, especially since the iron frame the doors sit in has an ledge on the inside, so even if the middle of the doors are deformed, they will still rest against top and bottom. It is literally pushing a large reinforced iron thing through a smaller iron hole, and the frame will be attached to the masonry foundation at the bottom, and all exterior doors have extra reinforced ceilings and sides inside. The weakest exterior door is my balcony door because it doesn''t sit against a stone floor, but that door will also be the hardest to use a battering ram against, and with far less force. The iron frame of the doors also provides extra reinforcement in the middle, and if the doors are deformed by a battering ram, they become a battered deformed iron mass that probably becomes even more difficult to separate and open, unlike a wooden gate where damaged planks can be removed or chopped apart to make a hole. Smart assaulters will attack the windows instead. They are far less secure, and a battering ram will work well.


    I get six keys to the door locks, but in the future I may need a couple more. In addition to the fact that it is a legal requirement that a wife receives keys to the house as one of the last part of the marriage ceremonies, I want important people to have a key, and just me, my three sambos and the Captain of the guard are five people, so the sixth key will be lent to the person that need it just then. We shouldn''t lend out our own keys, its a matter of principle and status.


    I wish I had thought about my logo before I ordered the doors, because then it could have been included in the beautiful facade, but it is possible to make a wooden or metal plate with my logo. Maybe in copper? I will probably make a similar front door solution on my future mansion in Skiringsalr.


    I pay a little extra for the doors to be delivered to my own ship in about three days, but we will send someone to notify him. The Millennium Eagle should return tomorrow, but I hope to get the ship''s crane in place before the doors are delivered, and be able to use the crane to lift the doors down into the hold. They''re heavy and big, so perfect cargo for the crane to prove itself on.


    Kari meets up and all agree that the doors look very impressive and beautiful for their size. Not as high or big as at the Castles throne room doors thats obviously built to impress, but also not badly made wooden gates. Then again I chosed the ceiling height to be 2.5m, which is very high for a home here, in relation to how tall the average elf is - not counting longhouse great halls thats open all the way to the roof - so the 2.3m high main entrance doors are quite impressive anyway. But their function is far more important than how impressive they are, and these doors are much nicer than most, with far less windgap. There is a leather seal against the inside ledge. I suspect the mansion as a whole, and the large copper roof that extends down and out over the entrance, is more than enough to impress visitors.

 Creating something new - day 33, ceramics

    Kari and Ciara wants to enjoy a leisurely stroll through the city with their husband, so we take our time and walk arms in arms toward the potter with the wagon slowly rolling in the background. There''s three potters in Borgarsandr, and again I follow Kari''s advice, and the woman we''re heading to is known for her fine craftsmanship and plenty of options in looks. The earthenware market just isn''t enormous in the north. Most doesn''t see the point of it compared to wood, and its mostly used for


    I''m not really interested in pots or tableware, and what technology I can make will be highly dependant on what the potter can make, both skillwise and technologywise. I might think of tableware as porcelain, but I know that isn''t always the case. Porcelain is a specifikt type of goods, and I don''t know the distinction. Its usually white and very hard, but I don''t know if thats the basic type or just ''cheaper'' or something. I''ve seen porcelain in tableware, electrical insulators and chemistry goods. I know a couple of other terms like earthenware and stoneware, but I don''t know their distinction either. It might just be types of clay, treatment, fireing process or something else. I''ve never really cared before comming here. Earthenwares name make me assume its the simplest type, but even I know there''s different types. What I know of potter can pretty much be summed up in; right clays, make something, let it dry, fire it slowly until preferably redhot in a kiln, let it cool slowly. The fireing probably take days. Either ash, brine or metals like tin and lead can be used for glazing, but I don''t know exact process. And I know it was a big deal in different regions which exact clay, process or decorating style with something called transfer, and they exported it to others, depending on fashion and so on. Oh, and a few things like crushed animal bones mixed in to make something like porcelain, since vegans won''t buy that, and a long sectioned kiln on a slope.


    The potter is a woman, with a couple of apprentices and a male slave. She makes and sell all types of earthenware, in all kinds of finishes and decorative style. Some obviously plain and cheaper, others very pretty. Some more untreated like a terracotta flowerpot and unglazed, others with a lot of differences, in the grey-beige-brown-orange-green scale of colors. Some very spotty in color, other more uniform. She even have a couple of beige pots with the classic blue decorations, although there isn''t much fine detail. She''s quite proud to show her goods, and she obviously know my reputation as she wonder if I need any special items made.


    She have no idea. She might regret saying that in an hour or so. She obviously doesn''t want to give away her craftman secrets, and her work area in the back has a high fence, but I would really like to know, and if I might have any ideas to improve her craft. I''ll need to get her trust first, and test her craft. We talk a bit and her grandfather was a potter from way down south, and although she doesn''t say it, I sort of get the impression that he was a slave brought here for his craft, and he mother was the daughter of another potter from just south of the sea, who might not have volunteed to travel north. Anyway, pottery have been in her family for generations.


    I have plans and a lot of sketches, but I first show the drawings and sketches on different insulators, and explain how to read them. If she''s going to be doing what I need, she need to learn this. I also give her a meterstick.


    The insulators can be used to keep electrical wires apart so that they don''t short-circuit, or to make a free-wire ladder as a supply wire for radio antennas. Another model is for attaching electrical wire to a wall, and has a hole for a nail. Another model to work like antenna insulator to hang wires from a rope etc. Order 20 of each, but 80 of those to be nailed. When I start installing electrical wires, I''ll go through them like a hot knife through butter, but I want to wait to order more until I see her craftsmanship. I need them waterproof, and asks to get everything glazied. I don''t care which technique she use, or color, as long as there isn''t any metal in the glazing - which makes her react. I need waterproof and durability as some of them will be outdoors, and I prefer a cheaper way to do it.


    I also want vessels for lead acid battery cells, so I show her the drawings and order rectangular vessels with an edge for an internal lowered lid. A lid that has a narrow elongated cut in two longside corners for the electrode to come up, and a larger round hole on the other end to fill in and empty the acid. We talk and I ask her to try to make screw caps for the hole even if the thread doesn''t have to be perfect. In a way its better if it isn''t gas tight as there will be hydrogen gas bubbling up, but a screw cap is better than a conical plug when there is acid inside.


    The shortsides have groves to help hold plates, and there should be an even and the same number of groves on each side, preferably many. Its for a test with stacking multiple plates, but she will also make a thin ceramic comb like plate to be in the middle of the vessel, preferably with wedge-shaped grooves on the short sides that separate the vessel into two compartments and prevent the plates from touching each other when I try zig-zag style, perhaps even cut with a knife for increased the surface area. It would be best to fill the battery vessel with lead plates and stack the poles alternately, but its difficult with this technology, and these are prototypes and I don''t need high output power or capacity. These won''t work to start a car. This will be the alpha prototype, but I might be able use stacked plates. Short circuit is bad, and I would like something thin and non conducting to separate the plates, that still lets acid through. I can''t have the plates close to the bottom either since I believe stuff will accumulate down there.


    Since the vessels are supposed to be lead-acid cells, I ask to get them well glazed on the inside and explain that I will store acid in them. It takes some time explaining, and neither of us know which treatment will work the best. I ask her to buy a small amount of ''Oil of vitriol'' if she can, and pour it in a couple of mugs or something and see it there''s any change for a couple of days. She ask what I''m storing it in now, and I feel stupid as I realise its in earthenware jugs.


    Okay, so just pointing at her goods for sale solved that one. Doh.


    Its an advantage if all the battery cells are the same size, so I can build a wooden box that combines several cells to get a battery. I ask to have them made so the outside is the same size, maybe with a mold or guide, and I hope she can make them as similar as possible so that stack side by side, and have each vessel-lids-screwcap labeled with numbers, so it is possible to determine which ones made to fit together. I also don''t care about the vessels outer finish, the inner shapes and surfaces is important, which is a new experience for the potter. It is usually the opposite. The groves on the sides are important, and that there are an even amount, so she will try to make those with a tool too. Its all even more complicated as the vessels are quite small, and only about half a square decimeter in area inside. I leave exact dimmensions up to her, to let her find something easier to make. In the future I would probably like to have a few really small cells like a form of supersized 9V battery to make electrical stuff portable.


    The potter and her apprentices are incredibly curious what it is for, but I don''t know how to briefly explain it, even if I wanted to, so they have to continue to be curious.


    I order 15, so there can be three batteries with four cells in each to get 8V battery, or two batteries with six cells in each for 12V. What I need is the battery to work for 5V USB. I will perform destructive tests on a couple of vessels as well. There will be sulfuric acid in them, so it feels like a good idea to know how the vessels react to blows, shocks or drops. If these lead-acid batteries work as intended, there will be so many more in the future, but certainly of improved design, and probably in a couple of different sizes, so I ask her to save any tools or guides.


    The potter seem to think that was it, so when I lay the next project on her I can almost her the ''oh boy...''. I give her several of the parts for the drum brakes that I just picked up from Digraldi. And they who thought the other projects were weird. But it is quite easy to explain how it should fit together, and she will try to make several brake pads of different types and a couple with different glazing on some of them, and with slightly different internal reinforcements in the form of horse hair and other things, and also try weave of them. This is a low priority job, so it will be after the battery cells.


    Then she gets the job of making are eartenware sinks with water traps. I order six sinks to test that they work. Its quite easy to explain how it should work when it is finished, and I again explain how the drawings and sketches show a cross section. Pour water in the sink here, and it should stop and cover the lower part of the double U shape, and there should also be a loose bottom plug to block the drain when needed, and another normally used bottom plug with holes to let the water through. Then I add the drain pipe sections that can be stacked together to connect the sink drain to the floor drain, and all the narrower water pipe sections from the pump. Which is a lot due to the distance needed. Both are mostly straight sections, but there are a few angled sections. Everything of course glazed to be waterproof.


    When they understands the monumental amount of work I''m asking them to do, the potter asks if its okay for her to give her colleagues a few of the simpler jobs, like all the pipe sections. She will of course oversee and make sure its okay as I''ve described.


    I of course agree to it. I need it done, and it will give me an idea of the other potters too. I give her a down payment, and before I leave, I order more crucibles with simple matching lids. Fourty of them. I will need them sooner or later, but its the lowest priority. I should build a better smelter and furnace for larger quantities than continuing to work with crucibles, but its a future project like so so many others. I buy the five ''crucibles'' she has, and more matching clay.


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    The potter and her apprentices have definitely taken on a hell of a lot of work, and I suspect I will keep Borgarsandr''s potter''s busy for the next few weeks. But all projects are important in their own way, and I will have more work in the future.


    <hr>


    We take the wagon to the glassmaker, and he''s pleased when I accept the deckprisms. They seem to be okay, and they weren''t particularly expensive either. A lot of glass, but not a lot of work, and no high demands on the finish, that there surface on the undersides V shape isn''t perfect doesn''t matter, and will just spreads the light more. I''ll be interesting to see how much difference these eight will do on my ship. I asks if he can make something like battery cells, but he shakes his head when I sketch it out and says he unfortunately can''t do it. Oh, well. I ask if it is possible to make glass bottles instead, by blowing out a bottle against a mold. He thinks about it, is hesitant but willing to try, which I accept. The glassmaker has definitely heard about the insane amount of windows I''m ordering, so he certainly hopes that I will start ordering lots of him as well, but it may not be too complex things. He also makes windows, but that is not his primary occupation. Guess they divided up the work between them, and it wasn''t an issue since glasswares and windows where small niche markets before I got here. I''ll never order the same amount of technical or other glass, as I''ve done with windows, but I will have a lot of smaller use for technical glass like prisms, lenses, lantern and oil lamp glass, glass bottles, glassware for chemistry and so on.


    <hr>


    We continue to one of the carpenters I used before, so I can order the scaffolding to attach the wind turbine to the mansion. The scaffolding is not particularly advanced, pretty much parallel beams, but the wind turbine is cumbersome to handle and everything will still weigh, so I designed so that the scaffolding has a little leverage when you hoist it up and down, and a sprint lock it in place, and that the rope is secure for extra safety. It will be the same solution that boats use when attaching to jetties, and ropes for sails, but with readymade loops as there will only be two positions. Raised or lowered. Or well, its not the solution they use here for docks and sails, but the modern Midgard solution. There is also a lock to secure the windplant from rotating like hell in a storm.


    <hr>


    The wagon maker have made progress on the carrige, but not unexpectedly there are intricacies and problems, and they had misunderstood my drawing in a couple of places. Which, however, they realized and they have redone a couple of parts and tried to change the type of wood as well, so the solution with small wheels to make steerings guide ring rotate more easily will work as intended. He finds it silly that he as a wheelwright had missed some parts was suppose to rotate, and he felt stupid when they realized their mistake, especially since their solution was a lot more work to do. But the carriage prototype is moving forward, even though much is in parts right now, and in four days the carriage should be ready, so he has already ordered the leather-covered cushions for the benches and backboards and some parts remade in brass. They will also oil it in like better furniture, to protect the wood against rain, which is the reason its taken apart, and they have started treating some parts. I asks him to start on the roof as well. It is mostly to shelter against rain and together with future draperies to shelter against the wind, and is basically tent fabric with some inlaid channels for wooden slats for the shape and avoid it becoming a bulging leaking puddle on the roof. It won''t really protect if it really rains and storms, and it might break in storm winds, but its better than nothing. This carrige will be a convertible.


    Ciara, Kari and the guards watch in fascination as we hang on the back and try how the suspension moves on the rear trailer. I will probably work quite well, but should do some form of damping if they hit the bottom, instead of wood hitting directly on wood, which they do if everyone pile on and jump up and down. I wonder what will break first. There''s progress, but on the way back to the farm I realize how damn much I want a better wagon, and my company seem to start to understand.


    Next time...


    <hr>


    Robert is frustrated with the ship''s winch. Some kind of small mistake he made, which even though it apparently can be corrected without much cost or time, will be ''ugly'' and it irritates him. No one else will ever see or think about it, which he is very well aware of - but it irritates him so much. He complained about wanting to redo the whole system from the beginning, just because it will be on his ship so he will always be reminded of it - reminded of the mistake and its ugly fix - and it''s so adorable. But he ultimately chose to accept it.


    Apparently more about the time to replace it and to learn from it, than the cost, but it''s good that he at least thinks of saving silver. I''ve been a little worried about the future considering how he has spent silver since I met him, but I have no doubt that he will always have the opportunity to sell more things without major concerns, and he understands to invest in land and properties outside his islands - he just hasn''t prioritized it yet. However, I got an interesting lesson in ''sunken cost fallacy'', the cost of research and development, and one-time costs, and I managed to get him to continue and give me a huge amount of interesting economic history and theories from Midgard. Its apparently also important that the ''silver rolls'' to speed up an economy and not be put in a big pile by a few, and I understand the benefits and the problem. Especially after his lesson.


    I don''t think this world is ready for central banks, fractional security, paper money, that kind of lending of silver, insurance and stocks. Very useful, and could certainly become very rich, but it''s so much trouble with it too. Which he knows. Just our discussion about possible banking between larger towns was very interesting. Especially on how to verify holdings, prevent forgery of documents, hashes and prevent intermediaries from learning secrets. His knowledge in what he calls cryptography with secret messages and other things is much too advanced, but very very useful as well. I doubt I even got half of it. It''s no wonder that math is so important in Midgard. Robert thinks very far ahead, and on details, and I wonder how common all that knowledge is in Midgard. But is also provides more important information about how Midgard is and works, and it''s fun to hear ''historical anecdotes'' where everything from seashells, huge stone rings and flowers functioned as silver on various occasions and places. No matter how much I would like to argue otherwise, silver and gold doesn''t really have any value, other than what we all agree on and how hard it is to create more of. Silver and Gold is bad for pretty much any other use than jewellery or dinner cutlery. It was fun to see that Midgard use a thin layer of gold on ''electrical connectors'' because it doesn''t rust. Imagine using gold on such things!


    When I asked, Robert showed me the coins and banknotes he had brought with him from Midgard, and told me what he had sold two for. Such craftsmanship and so beautiful! I understand why they were sold for those sums, because they are worth more than that. Just how they shimmered and changed colors like the wings of a butterfly! Small works of art that are completely identical, made with incredible technology, and with a lens he showed how fine the details really are. Details that can''t be seen with just the naked eye, specifically to make copying more difficult. Banknotes are much more practical than silver and gold and so much easier to carry and store in huge numbers, but nothing like that can be created here - which proves their value more than silver and gold which can be less pure, and is incredibly heavy. So impressively beautiful, and I want a dress that shimmers like that. If Midgard has such incredible works of art as common payment, how is the best clothes and jewels?


    I want to make this evening special too, because Iselin will probably return tomorrow, but also to reward Robert for his sometimes common sense and that he shares valuable information with me. The things I have come up for the future will take a few more days to be sewn. Maybe I should make it special for me? Robert probably appreciates it too, and I''ve been curious since Ciara showed and explained her jewel, and I''ve heard rumours and tales. I just need to make Robert understand that I don''t want to take Ciara''s place, or anything that makes her special. The kisses on his cheek before I became his concubine made it clear both how Ciara sees it, and how protective Robert is of her feelings. And I''ll happily let her have the cheek kisses, as long as I can sit on his lap and enjoy his tongue.


    <hr>


    The ship''s winch is finished, and I think I over specified it ''a bit''. I can''t really test as the ship is away, but using the logs in the roof it can easily handle 120kg even without 3-way block and tackle, so with them it should be just as easy to use for heavier weights up to 300-400kg, as long as the rest of the crane can handle it. Its quite thick too, so it should. I assume I lifted about 120kg, since thats what I roughly assume Gunhild and Hillevi weighs together.


    The winch with its lifting and locking latch as well as centrifugal latch seems nice and should be fun to test in real life. It was a bit entertaining to slowly winch the rope in when Alith and Hillevi did their best to hold back, and even more entertaining when they tried to run away with the rope from the winch and the centrifugal latch kicked in. Gunhild has repeatedly reminded Hillevi, of how she flew and fall flat on her back. I was worried that she had hurt herself where she was lying and in pain, while Gunhild was doubling over with laughter.


    But it is one thing to make a drawing and another thing to see it in front of you, and I rather overspec than underspec, especially with lifting and hoisting things. A safety margin isn''t just a good idea, its stupid to not have. It made the winch a little unnecessarily heavy, but it helps it to function as the cranes counterweight. It bothers me, however, that I had to do an ugly solution on the centrifugal brake, but I can cover it with a wooden box. The brake, gears etc will of course need some protection from curious fingers or items.


    <hr>


    Kari''s wish surprise me than it should, but she was a god damn virgin just five weeks ago. Then again, I''ve been taught a lot of new experiences the last two months. I can understand that she has wondered ever since my collapse after the murder, and Ciara''s desperate way of trying to comfort me. And they all talk to each other. Especially about sex when I''m not around, and she was probably reminded on the beach. Kari likes to experiment, and it probably only took this long due to her IUD. If she thinks it''s time for me to take her anal virginity, I''m honored to do so.


    So we take it slow and thoroughly.


    Considering how she reacts when she enjoys something, it won''t be the last time, and considering how she uses the muscles in the abdomen and buttocks when she comes, I won''t complain.


    She has such a wicked and pleased smile when I tell her that she doesn''t have to worry about taking a niche from Ciara, I never was only hers. Since Ciara got her IUD, she prefers vaginal sex between us, although its partly for my lessons and fuss about cleanliness and bacteria that can be a problem if it is moved around. Ciara prioritizes mine and her health, so we can live together for a long time. But she likes wearing her plug, which we all discovered at the beach if they didn''t already know, and she usually wears it when we have sex. And its not that often we have sex.

 Creating something new - day 36, Carriage

    Creating something new, day 36


    3 days later


    Carriage


    Day after day with work, and my slightly bored guards are all too happy to remind me of weaponstraining too, which is more work. But I can''t suck at it, and atleast they mix it up. Sword or axe with a shield one day, single weapon and no shield another day, two against two a third day, and so on. I thought I would like archery. I was wrong. I''m good at being methodical and trying to learn, but I would really like to make a better and more modern bow. With sight, and trigger solution for precision archery. Or at least a bow with an damn arrow shelf, but they seem to pride themselfs at being good with the most basic bow. Somewhat surprised that my impromptu thumbring surprises them. I mostly wanted to protect my fingers since I need them for far more important work, and it felt a bit cumbersome to shoot in their way with a leather glove, and they were giving me looks. I''m an archery novice, but as far as I know, the thumbring technique is an advantage while riding with reloading and safer nocking of the arrow. It works here because the bow is symmetrical and lacks a shelf for the arrow. Still an bother to hit something, and the arrows flys wrong in the other direction. But as with their technique it''s just practicing, practicing ... and more practicing.


    The thumb locking technique at least interests Gunhild and Alith enough for them to try, or they just found something interesting to do. After many arrows at very short distances to start getting the feeling, they realized that quick reloading works by holding several arrows with their right hands ring and pinky finger. How do you really motive Shieldmaidens to learn another archery technique? Let them get bored with plenty of freetime and introduce ''more dakka''.


    So they decide to make their own thumbrings to really test it too. They understandably won''t stop shooting bows like they''ve always done, but apparently I have introduced enough stuff and thoughts that they think it''s worth spending a lot of time practicing until they''re good enough to decide if its worth it or not. Considering how competative they can be about something, and that it is never a bad idea to learn something that might save your life, they''ve found something to do.


    <hr>


    Iselin returns a little after dinner, and I realize that there will probably not be any more work done today. Bodil, pretty much just drop her bag in the bedroom, and joins the others in trying out the ''new'' archery technique, and Gunhild have already tried on horseback. Their bows are a bit large to use on horseback, but it isn''t my problem.


    I decide to take a ride with Iselin since I need to practice riding a horse and want to get away from work for a while, and we take some cider and sweetened bread with us and plan to be away for a couple of hours. I could see that Ciara preferred to come along, but she understood that Iselin wanted to have her own time with me, and I have been spending time with Ciara the past days too. She spent last night in my bed.


    Iselin''s installations have gone well, and she entertains us by telling us stories. One of the first ordered had already prepared a place in his courtyard, just like the King. But in his case, the sundial would be in the shade most of the year due to the buildings or high trees. The man in question covered up his mistake by saying that they hadn''t had time to cut down the trees yet. Iselin apparently managed to play it cool, but she breaks down when she''s retelling the tale, and Hillevi joins her in laughter as she knows who the man is, and implores Iselin to let her be there when she tells it to Gunhild and Kari. Apparently the man loves to brag and impress, but isn''t known as the most cunning, and have low opinions of women.


    There are still orders for more sundials ticking in, but we will take a break in the installations and we have deliberately not left any dates except to say in a few weeks. In the future I need to hire and train someone else to do installations or orther such things, especially when it comes to sundials. I don''t want Iselin to have to do it, nor do I want to do it myself. We all think it''s a good idea to teach people that they can''t just buy things to get a visit from Sejdmann Arnesson, and from the stories Iselin tells many do.


    We have reached the outskirts of Borgarsandr, and I realize that the new carriage is probably finished, so we decide to ride and check.


    <hr>


    We''re well received by the wheel and wagonmaker. The carriage looks pretty good. Okay, it looks pretty awesome according to Iselin, Alith and Hillevi, and considering all the other wagons I''ve seen so far in Alfheimr, I should have expected my company''s reactions - especially Iselin''s who havn''t seen it before at all. The impression is hardly made worse by the small carved decorations and oil treated wood. Its main purpose is weather protection for the wood, but it looks nice, and the brass details highlights and improves the overall impression. The carriage is basically lighter brown wood, with ''golden'' details and blue fabric roof and cushions. Blue isn''t a color I like on upholstery, but it looks good, and it matches the colors of the Academy''s flag. The brass leaf springs match, and the future brake system will probably make it more noticeable. I hope the drum brakes works, since I hope to make motorvehicles in the future. The wagons simple lever brake that force two leathercovered blocks against the rim of the back wheels, won''t work on something heavy and fast moving. The wagonmaker has used my design to build an improvement. The shaft that the horse harness attach to can of course be removed with a brass sprint, and they''ve made another shaft and harness for a single horse. As long as there isn''t too much load or too far or fast to travel, apparently a single horse works well. Who knows? We might increase to a four-span in the future.


    It doesn''t take long before we have strapped two of our horses to the carriage and tests how it works. Oo-yes, this carriage is so much better than our old one, and the others love it. It feels very different when the suspension makes the carriage rock in a completely different way. Everyone is impressive how much better the carriage takes bumps and angled surfaces instead of lifting one or two wheels off the ground, and the comfortable benches with their cushions and padded backrest makes it even nicer. The suspension even makes it better sitting in the cargo bed in the back. We make the very simple decision to take the carriage the rest of the way, and it will be fun to see the others faces when we return, so we tie our other horses behind and leave.


    <hr>


    Rolling along the road back to the farm is a completely different experience, and so much more comfortable. Its also fun to see the reaction of people we meet or pass.


    When we get back to the fram, the others immediately go along for a trip, and while they stock up more to drink, I fetch the drawings for the other planned carriages and a couple of other projects. We have discussed a lot about carriages during the trip, and I guess it will be a continued topic of conversation.


    When I hear them talking about some things on the carriage, I realise that I havn''t actually tested or shown my sambos and guards all the features the carriage has. I''ve only shown the guards how to hang their shields by the coachbench and back on the sides. So I first show all the small anchoring points for cargo. Then all the discreet little storage compartments and pockets that are everywhere, for things like water bottles, wine bottle, mugs, binoculars, books or other stuff. I show how the armrest in the middle of the backrest folds up and the cushioned benches can be lifted up to access the storage compartments underneath. Both the coachbench and the passenger benches have that function. They help me to take off the roof and switch to convertible mode as the weather is nice. Its possible to stow away the roof, by pushing the parts into the intended compartments under the cargo bed. The canvas itself should probably prevent any rattling around. The six side posts are just posts, and the roof is basically tent fabric with some sewn-in channels with curved wooden slats, so the roof is relatively compact and flat. I fold down the short sidebenches on the sides of the cargo bed. It should be good for two people on each side, although the benches isn''t padded. I expect one or two guards to sit on the cargo bed, dangling the legs of the back. That way they can get of fast if they need to, and its easier to guard our rear.


    They look surprised when I pull the pins and lift up the entire backrest, but they soon see that the front passenger backrest can be laid down and fill the space between the front and rear seat, and the rear backrest can be placed behind. All of a sudden, the passenger space is a 2m long bed, where two can sleep. Tada!


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    I can''t help but feel embarrassed when all the women think its intended for sex, while I actually only thought about having a nice comfortable sleeping space under a roof while traveling, instead of having to bring more sleeping pelts and tents. With all the comments about it being that kind of test I intended, and all my sambos volunteering, I hurrily restore the backrests in the upright configuration.


    <hr>


    We havn''t traveled far before Kari and Ciara''s smiles and proud postures say everything I need to know about their thoughts on the carriage.


    The big topic of conversation is of course carriages, and I still have four wheels left - the more heavy duty ones with extra wide hubs and alternating spokes - and a more ''winter carriage'' would be nice, although it will probably rarely see use on the island. It just seem stupid to have someone fetch the carrige when most places is a five or ten minute walk away. There will also be a lot of problems to lift it on and off the ship, and if it has a cabin with a small glass windows in both the doors and on the sides, it will be heavier and more fragile. We won''t bring it with us every time we go to Borgarsandr, and it will need horses too. It might be a good idea to pay someone to store the winter carriage on the land side, because if it gets really cold and bad weather, the road to Borgarsandr might still be more accessible than the sea, unless mud and slush makes that horrible. But the wagon maker can still try to build the carriage, because if we don''t want it, we can probably sell it and make a profit. Even if we can''t its still good to know what can be built. My sambos agree, so we change our destination to the wagon maker, who will get the remaining drawings and plans. We discuss more details as we roll along.


    Given that the wheels are prototypes and might break, an extra wheel can be good to bring along or just store at home, so we will order a spare wheel for each carriage as well. Eh, what the hell. That''ll just invoke Murphy. If we have a spare wheel, two will probably break directly after each other, so we might as well order two spares of each. One to take with us on the carriage, and one to store at home.


    It bothers me a lot that many modern cars don''t have a spare tire, not even on SUVs or real off-road vehicles. Many cars don''t even have space for a limited speed spare tire. Yes, I get that it saves space, weight, improve mileage and seldom happen, but its stupid. You''re always on the road going somewhere when you get a puncture, and the possibility to change a tire and continue with just a little delay, is a hell of a lot better than probably missing an event or booked time. Then you need to stand there waiting for towing, and hope a tire company is open, and maybe arrange accommodation or a rental car as well. I''ve never had to do that, and only had two flats so far in my life, but that''s because I''ve always had a spare tire with me. Puncture spray isn''t a sufficient solution, and it has an expiration date most doesn''t know about, and just means a completely new tire it used. Although I usually have it with me as well. And a jack, tools, work gloves and sitting pads. And a large first aid kit, an axe, jump leads, multimeter, spare water, a fuze set, a couple of extra lightbulbs etc. Okay, I usually have far too much with me, which I get comments about, until there is a problem. Or a friend has a problem.


    Then again, modern cars has a lot of stupidity in them. Like an electronic boot release, so if the battery is too low due to a door light not turning off, it won''t open, so you can''t take out the jump leads. That''s annoying.


    <hr>


    If I thought people looked at us before when I''ve been in the town, its nothing compared to the attention we get in this carriage. My companions shines almost as much as the sun, and Iselin has to make an effort to give the same stately calm impression as Kari and Ciara. I have heard a couple of small squeees, but I suspects that Kari and Ciara is doing a small contented squeee in their minds.


    Digraldi is so proud of its contribution to the carriage, and doesn''t hesitate to make more leaf springs and extra leaf springs to better match the suspension in the end. The leaf springs will be a little stronger as the winter carriage will be heavier, and he looks forward to finding out how well the drum brakes work. Like many others, he seems to expect that something I''ve ordered will work as intended. The lead electrodes for the battery cells have been completed, and he has even made the contact strip like I asked. He has finished a lot of other things as well, but we don''t want to take everything along in the carrige, and he will send his own wagon to deliver it to the farm. We talk about future carriages and wagons and it feels good when he likes my idea he''s starts to consider getting a new leaf springed wagon for himself, with just a large cargo bed behind the driver''s bench. Some goods are actually quite fragile, like windows or earthenwares, so there is probably a market. Considering how we drive around town, we can be good PR for the wagon maker, and Iselin and Kari''s eyes light up when they start thinking about another agreement.


    <hr>


    The wagon maker is surprised when we return, and is worried that something is wrong, but his worry disappear as he realise it is the opposite. He and the apprentices are proud of our praise, and we succeed in persuading him to make a three-year deal. I give him designs and persuade people to start buying leaf sprung carriages, and I will refer people to him and so on. He doesn''t seem to understand the market it can be, because this is a riding culture and many roads suck. But he gladly accepts the orders for the new wagons and wheels; both the winter carrige and the cargo carriage. Evidently, there is a rumor that I like glass windows, and the wagon maker and his apprentices think its really interesting with a cabin with small glass windows on a carriage. On the new carriage, they will also cover its large woodens surfaces in beautiful wood carvings although they have to be shallow like on this carriage. They can take all the time they need. Making the wooden thin to reduce weight will be a lot of work. A top-heavy carriage sounds like a bad idea.


    <hr>


    The potter barely dares to approach the carriage where my sambos are waiting, and she is so very impressed and curtsy several times to greet them. The drum brake pads havn''t been finished, but I can point out where they will be. The earthenware vessels that are supposed to become battery cells have just been finished, and she''s done good work. Very good. As long as the acid doesn''t react with the glaze, these will probably work fine, and not particularly expensive either. She even managed to make the screw cap solution with molds, so they''re the same and fits in all. All the most important measurements have been made with different kinds of tools, and have the same dimensions. Nice!


    I really hope the vessels work. The battery vessels have been a lot of work and in a way she hasn''t really worked before, and she is pleased as hell that I''m happy with her craft, and I make sure to also thank her apprentices who helped her. Apparently one of the apprentices is her daughter and I apologize for the misunderstanding. There''s so many language nuances thats hard to understand, or remember to use correctly.


    I like that she made sure to arrange three wooden boxes with wood shavings to carry them in, and I can imagine that especially the transport of delicate earthenwares can be a problem, and I offer her to join us for a shorter ride in the carriage, so she can see how it might help. She apologize and after a quick wash and cloth change, she returns in a finer dress and without her leather apron. Its just a short loop, but she is very impressed, not least when I say that she is the first we let try. Before we leave, I place an order for thin 15cm long earthenware pipes to run a power line through a wall. It feels better than just pulling it against the wood. I prefer to take every measure to reduce the risk of a fire.


    <hr>


    Its nice to see Olafr, but he completely agrees that the brass leaf springs are nicer, and will stay nicer than steel springs in the long run, but he almost seems eager to make them anyway, just because it''s absurd and it would be like ''rolling around on swords''.


    <hr>


    They''re really eager to reach the seamstress guild, and we order drapes for the carriage. Matching blue with yellow elements and accents, and my sambos also want four small pillows to have in the corners, which can also be useful when we ''sleep''. I hear the air quotes. I wonder when the carriage will be ''inaugurated''. Of course, my sambos doesn''t mind at all that the women of the guild take fabric samples out with them, so they can hold up and see what looks best, and the seamstresses can marvel at our carriage. They have clearly started to ''pimp my ride'', and soon there''s also talk about nice matching blankets to store in the space under the benches, for colder days in the autumn or when we''re going to ''sleep''. I catch the amused glances and giggles by the seamstresses. Alith and Bodil have already hung their shields in the intended places, and I hear Gunhild and Alith is planning to hide a couple of swords, axes, and store extra arrows etc. Bodil add flint, steel and tinder, which is a very good idea. When we get back to the farm I allow them to try and shoot arrows from the moving carriage. Soon there''s also discussions about decorating the horse''s buckles to match. When we leave the seamstress guild, a crowd has gathered to look at the carriage.


    After buying an axe, flint, steel and tinder, they buy cookies and it will be a detour back to the farm. They know that I like to test everything carefully, and this time can''t be different. I let them have this little victory, because they are so happy and proud, and the weather is nice. They all understand why I was a little dissatisfied with our old wagon, and if the roads were even better, it would be so very comfortable and pleasant. My plans for connecting the islands with a bridge, and making a road connection to Orusingen, has received even more enthusiastic support. Hell, if the weather is bad, they probably will have someone drive the carriage for even the short distances on the island. Two of them will probably be Furstesses.


    <hr>


    The evening is calm, relaxing and pleasant. Iselin and I talk, listen to music, dance and just enjoy each other''s company, more or less intimately. Man, I love her.

 Creating something new - day 37, Lead-Acid cells and Crane

    Creating something new, day 37


    Lead-Acid cells and the crane


    It takes a few hours to assemble the lead-acid battery cells. The primary goal is having a working lead-acid battery, the secondary is getting the highest capacity, and the tertiary goal is the highest discharge current, but I assume the last two are related. If a battery have double the capacity, the load will be half, and this is comparing the same chemistry.


    I clean the cells with filtered rainwater from the barrel outside, which is the closest I have to distilled water right now. I will keep a logbook how I constructed each cell, and test which cell works best so that I in the future can copy that process to every cell, and then develop and refine further from the improved baseline. The cells are already marked, but I mark on the outside of each cell what type it is.


    I divide the cells in groups. I assume lead plate surface area is most important, so stacked plates is the baseline. I try different conditioning, which is also why Digraldi cast them in sand so the basic plate got a rough and thus larger surface. So I try different treatments and make three cells with roughed up plate surface, and three cells with even and tight cut groves with a knife, and three untreated cells as a baseline. I add another cell with just half the amount of untreated plates, and two with zig-zag plates. A future test will be to try to change the cells polarity several times to see if it increase performance.


    Then I fill them with sulfuric acid - sorry; ''oil of vitriol''. The types I made three of I fill with a slightly different acid concentration to test how the acid concentration affects performance, one cell of each type have the weakest acid, one of each has the middle, and one of each has the stronger. Its just something like 4% difference, but it will be another datapoint. If all the plates with the strongest acid shows better performance it will be proof that its the best, and in the future try that baseline.


    I have been able to establish that ''oil of vitriol'' is sulfuric acid, even though its certainly not completely pure and only has a about 30-40% concentration, but I couldn''t really measure it better through weighing and volume. But its nice that I could buy it, as it means that I for now, don''t have to think about trying to manufacture sulfuric acid via burning sulfur with saltpeter in a vessel with water vapor. I have maintained lead batteries for forklifts and cars so I know lead acid cells should be topped up with clean water when they have been charged, so the lead plates are covered, and the acid concentrations there must not be too high a concentration of acid. I have a vague notion about seeing 1.2 ''something'' on the Hydrometer thats used to test charge state, and it should measure density, so I''m trying in that neighbourhood.


    These are probably the first Alfheimr rechargeable batteries, and a bad battery is better than no battery.


    <hr>


    At the moment, I''ve only attached the wind turbine to a pole on the garden fence, which isn''t the best location, but it works. I have connected the lead-acid cells as two 12V batteries, and will charge them over a few days while periodically check and write down how the cell voltage change and how much current is charged. I will disconnect one of the extra resistor so that the charging current can be higher, but I want to start slow.


    The lead-acid cell that rises slowest during charging should have the most capacity, and the one that drops the fastest during discharge should have the least capacity. By cycling a few times and finally measuring the discharge via a resistance and time, I will get a good measure of capacity, and I can also measure how the cells work with higher current draw, and if the data indicate that the best at high capacity and high current isn''t the same cell design.


    I also need to make something so the charge voltage in the future is properly limited so the batteries doesn''t boil in case of too strong wind, but thats for the future.


    <hr>


    My ships crane has finally been installed. The boat builder and the others from the crew have been very helpful, and they''ve even completed two cargo nets during Iselin''s journey.


    After the first few tests with various available barrels and more, there are many volunteers for the next test, and it is quite easy to lift three from the crew, swing them over to the hold and lower them in a controlled manner, so something like 250kg works without problems. No strained sounds or feeling. The cargo net is really easy to use. Just spread it out on the ground, make a pile of barrel and sacks, hook the corners of the cargo net onto the hook, and we can easily lift it all in one sweep. If the man using the winch lose his grip when lowering or lifting, the centrifugal brake bites hard after perhaps a 10 cm fall, and holds until the load is crank up a little so the latch disconnects, and then the load can raised or lowered in a controlled manner. How fast the brake bites depends on the weight of the load, and if the load is to light, it will not activate. There is sufficient friction in the block and tallow system for an empty hook to almost stay where one is. The gentle swinging makes the empty hook slowly drop unless the handle is locked.


    This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    To say that I''m damn pleased is an understatement, and the crew is really impressed by the crane. Our tests has attracted interest from the other ships close by and the gathering of people on the pier attracts more, so in the end when we lift large heavy loads we have many many cheering spectators. Our new carriage that stands next to the ship has received even more attention.


    The wagon from the doormaker return and makes it way through the crowd with the second load of security doors for the mansion, and the doors are the first official cargo to be lifted on board with the crane. With one door in each lift, it''s easy. Two of the crew in the hold, two who handle the crane, and two on the pier preparing for the next lift. It goes damn smooth, and a few lifts later, everything is complete without any elaborate lifting on the gangway or down through the hole, and no marks or hitting edges. The crew love the crane. The winch is still a bit ugly, but I won''t draw notice to it. The man who made the nameplate will build protection for the centrifugal brake and gears.


    The crew will have to wait until the wagon returns with the last doors, and we talk about future improvements and additions. For big loads in the future and if its windy, they might have to have someone stabilizing the load with rope. Two more cargo nets will be made, and the crew will also mount the second deck plate on the other side, to be able to use the crane there, and they will also start installing the deck prisms.


    Asta is very impressed as she has never seen such a crane solution before, and it will only increase the respect and reputation that the Millenium Eagle has already started to get. The ship''s nameplate above the door leading in to corridor for the cabins, clearly says the name and is nicely carved.


    Asta studies math intensively, and have tried to find other things to use it on, just to practice, which is great. She explain how happy she was when she could calculate the height above the ground of a third floor window of a building, by measuring the angle with the sextant, measuring the distance to the facade with the plumb rope she made meters and two decimeter markings on with colored strands, determine the height with the tables and math, and tie a bow on the rope to mark, and it turned out to be true. It impressed both the two crewmen who were with her, and the owner of the building. She has apparently since measured the height of pretty much everything nearby, although she hasn''t been able to verify most of it. Buildings, trees, poles, masts, pier lengths etc. The sun seems to be what she measured the least. Its all terribly impressive for someone who started learning it a month ago.


    I take a couple of papers with me so I can verify some calculations she has made. I don''t intend to do it on paper if I don''t have to, not when I have an emulation app with Ti83+ graphing rom on the phone and tablet, and the windows calculator on the tablet.


    Asta look forward to test the small lantern for the ship compass, and test how it works and which color filter is most suitable etc. She intends to take the ship out on a small night sailing test in the future, maybe going over to a small town or two in the Daes kingdom and be able to measure its latitude with the sextant, and mark a few landmarks.


    But the next few days they will take the ship out for a combined testing trip and delivery of security doors and more to the Academy Islands, and she can update us on the constructions. We shouldn''t need the ship anyway in the next few days.


    I give her the directives and sketches of other things that can be started after they have finished with the mansion. A combined barn and stable is needed at the site about halfway between the farm and the harbor, and a small 6x4 house there by the road can be practical, as a guest house if nothing else. With the culture here, it won''t be seen as an insult to have quite high status guests stay in a separate house adjacent to the barn, especially not as its such a nice house with its own fireplace and nice view. The house will even have its own small garden and of course a well, partly to make water available for people along the road.


    The barn and house will be located about 150m from the mansion, although it is probably triple along the road going around the cliff. In the barn I intend to have room for three carriages, 10-14 horses, 6 cows for milk and around 20 pigs, sheep, and many chickens and geese. Above the animals there will be a large hayloft, and the slope of the terrain will make it easier to reach the hayloft from the outside, via a ramp up on the short side towards the road. But there will also be a simple crane and hoisting systems at the other short side and in the middle on the long sides. Outside the barn, there must also be space for the manure pile, which must be easy to muck out to with shallow canals in the barns stone floor, and empty. This force the manure pile to be on the lower side, which is good so that it don''t contaminate wells. So it is a fairly logical structure of the barn due to needs and the terrain.


    There are of course no roads connecting to the islands now, but I hope that in the future there will be one to Orusingen, but regardless of road or not and if the carriages and horses see much use, all my animals must have somewhere to stay over the winter if it gets cold, and I want quite a lot of space for the future, although there will surely be another barn or two for even more animals in the future. But that will probably be next year, because we need food for the animals as well.


    I might have to pay someone to have horses on the mainland, but if I go to Borgarsandr or similar, I will take a ship, not a horse. Spending a full day riding is just protracted torture compared to a comfortable ship that others sail. Its also probably not worth taking a carriage, as the roads are quite bad, and long. The road winds it way from farm to farm.


    Living on an island has its problems that I really havn''t thought about, and my nice new carriage will see very little use on the island. Unless my sambos starts using it everywhere. The north road will probably be more prioritized than I intended, and its quite a decent chance there will be more roads in general, although without paving. A dirt road going south from the village, around the mountains and connecting to the mainroad south of the mansion is planned. Its just a matter of when.


    I also add a note and tell Asta to have Pedr build two 6x4 houses north of the harbor where the forest begins. I won''t tell them yet, but its so the crew has somewhere to live during the comming winter.


    <hr>


    Shit. It seems that I have to attend a feast.

 Creating something new - day 38, Invitations

    Creating something new, day 38


    Invitations


    Me and my sambos is having our first major argument where they don''t agree with my decision. Well, Ciara of course agrees with me because it''s something I want, so Iselin and Kari don''t think her opinion counts, which annoys Ciara.


    It''s about hair. Specifically the hair on my head and face. I want to cut it to about 6mm on my head and trim down my beard to about 15mm, while they want me to grow braids on both my head, chin and mustach. Thats not going to happen. I''ve always preferred a trimmer to cut my hair when it gets too long, which it is now but I don''t have a trimmer with me. It can be cut with scissors and a comb, but I need their help.


    Iselin and Kari will lose because they can''t actually stop me from cutting my hair, but they just havn''t accepted their loss yet. But I appreciate their attempts at bribery and persuasion - both Kari''s last night, and Iselin''s after breakfast. Really appreciate it. Some days my life is really good.


    <hr>


    Sometimes events have interesting timing. Two days in a row, two messengers have arrived, one was waiting for us at the farm yesterday. The messenger today demanded to speak to me - demanded - but both have informed me that I have been invited to a feast. They may have been polite and used nice words, but the meaning was clear, and they probably tried to smooth their masters words.


    So two feasts will be arranged just two days apart, and far apart. Far enough that the second messanger today got a bit desperate since he understood that we will probably arrive late and be tired, and his master won''t like it. Its not my problem their asshole of a master didn''t bother checking before assuming I would drop everything and come running. The first feast ''in my honor'' is in connection with the installation of two now ordered sundials, and I have been informed the date and place and that Jarl Naeswulf wish to see sejd. The second is just a lavish feast, but pretty much the same thing.


    Kari have warned us that this kind of thing might happen, and if I just say no directly for almost any reason, I will insult the host and other invited guests, and it can be ''bad'' since its generally only powerful and influential people who basically demand that I will attend a feast when they so wish, and guests might have been lured by the host telling them I would be there. Just a few generations ago, ''bad'' might have meant violence and blood, and still today it can mean a future duel. I can''t call and talk with the guests, to explain and give my side, since I don''t even know who they are. Sending someone in my stead might have helped, but I have no-one socially acceptable to send.


    But such powerful and influential people sometimes doesn''t understand the dynamics of the social niceties or status either, and can be bad at the rules of the social game because they use their power or influence to ignore it - which honestly I do too - but if I play my cards right it can be used to avoid that host in the future. But that means I need to attend the event to come out winning. I also have to be careful so I don''t make big social mistakes in the future, but I have Kari who is teaching me and I will absolutely listen to her about such things. As long as I discreetly get her opinion before answering, I probably won''t have any major problems, I just need to make sure that it is not perceived as if I have to get my partner''s permission. My plan so far is that I simply don''t keep track of my calendar - which is completely true - and I need to check that we arn''t already booked for something else. The fact that I havn''t learned what they call all days, months and weirdly named special days and similar time references, makes this easier to continue with. That plan is Iselin, Kari and Ciara approved, so I will continue with it, and they will use similar if necessary.


    In principle, both Jarl Naeswulf and Storman Radgeirrson create a feast to show how powerful they are, especially the latter. That they can spend large sums on a feast and that they''re influential by who the guests are, and that they give these guest a chance to make connections with each other. If the main guest is a bit exclusive, then it confirms their own social status. Its the social version of ''show, don''t tell''.


    But I''m no ordinary Storman or Jarl. I''m a Furst and a Sejdmann confirmed by the King. Furst is actually a higher title than a Jarl, since even though I rule little land and few people, I don''t owe fealty to anyone. As Sejdmann, I stand outside the usual hierarchy, and they have summoned me, and demanded that I come and show sejd. Or well, Naeswulf''s messenger asked if I could tell him what sejd I will do, so he could inform his Jarl, which is the same thing. So I''m not attending as a Furst, but as a Sejdmann. I can use only their last names, and they can''t just use mine if I don''t say so. I could use their first names, but I should use their last names to show that we''re not close friends, and correct them if they start using mine - so they understand their mistake. And they also need to follow the tradition that summoned powerful sejd users have to be properly honored, because if I''m not, I can just leave. When an ordinary more powerful sejd user or V?lva is summoned, the entire household is usually cleaned and she sits at the table''s main seat for a feast instead of the households master or wife. For more powerful sejd users with a great reputation, this also applies to Jarls or higher. Its one of those occasions where a sejd woman or Gothi will be considered above even the King, even though it will be unwise to use it or flaunt it. And only an idiot would sit on the King''s throne. Sejd users doesn''t sit on thrones, for a throne signals worldly power over the land and the people.


    Of course I may have to go through both feasts and try to be charming to the hosts and guests, especially to Jarl Naeswulf who seems really powerful and cunning, even if Kari says he probably lack social grace. Partly because he sees himself as King in all but name over the region around the Big lake, and because not even King Asbj?rn Aeriksson has demanded I show up and perform sejd - he understands the social game better. With my lacking language skills, especially more than a month ago, I''ve completely missed it, but apparently he ''wished'' me to show up ''when it suited'', and ''hoped to see'' something I made. I might have taken it as a nice way to order me to come a once, but it apparently was true. If you understands their way and language, in some ways the culture here is very direct, honest and forthright. I still don''t really get it all, so I will go for being polite and nice to everyone. Politeness doesn''t cost anything, but rudeness might cost everything. Kari will try to help me, and try to position herself on the table to give me discreet gestures and cues, like if she has her pointing finger below or above her long finger, for positive or negative. With higher society stuff Iselin is very happy to follow Kari''s lead.


    And how knows? Maybe it''s just for us to show up, see the host is a moron, let everyone know, and then leave, which means I followed the rules that sejd is respected, and the host must be ashamed in front of all his guests. Its quite a statement to travel far, and then leave without giving the host time to try and correct his or her mistake.


    Kari also suggest that if the host is careless and demands or orders my sejd in front of others, then it is better if what I use or show is dangerous or really shocking, instead of charming as the spoon was in Skiringsalr, and then we leave. It makes a more powerful impression to both host and guests, and that the host insulted me and sejd. It will hopefully reduce future problems if done right, but I also have to accept there will be other feasts in the future.


    Kari so proves her worth in helping me navigate things like this, and she''s also knowledgeable enough about our hosts. Jarl Naeswulf and Storman Radgeirrson.


    Jarl Naeswulf, whose feast is first, is actually called Kvigr Ubbsson, but as Jarl Naeswulf, he controls the area around the Swedish Lake V?nern, even though the lake isn''t called that here. Imaginatively enough, its name in norse is ''Big lake'', and Lake V?ttern in the middle of Sweden is called ''Long lake''. But they''re hardly alone in that historically speaking. We can probably sail most of the way there up river from Borgarsandr, but the last third isn''t possible due to rapids, which is half a day''s journey. We should normally arrive on horseback, but the carriage is a better idea, and not just for comfort. However, we should bring Gunhild and Hillevi on horseback as an escort, although I dislike leaving my stuff here unattended. It most certainly will be cumbersome and difficult to load the carriage on and off, but I would rather sit in the carriage than ride, and we can take both the carriage and four or five horses on the ship''s deck. I''ll have to let them practise a couple of days before we leave.


    Like most others, the Jarl has inherited his property, power and influence, and it was primarily his grandfather''s father who built up their property, power and reputation, by allegedly having his brothers killed and marrying their widows, and unfortunately their young children with his brothers died in sickness. Yeah. Right. There was a chance that their lineage could have become the current royal lineage about 45 years ago, but that chance is now gone and the family has lost influence and reputation over time, and just like his grandfather and father, Jarl Naeswulf is somewhat bitter that he isn''t the king. Jarl Naeswulf still considers himself equal to King Aeriksson, and that Asbj?rn Aeriksson is more on the throne due to luck and backstabbing bastards. The Naeswulf lineage are scattered around Big Lake, and tends to be a thorn in the side for Asbj?rn''s lineage as much of the trade across the Kingdoms northern inland goes via Naeswulf''s area and the Big Lake, and their trade conflicts are often talked about at the castle. Its a slow-burning feud that has been going on for generations, and the Naeswulf lineage''s behaviour have been a major reason why they have lost their reputation and influence outside their home region, as they have infuriated others due to collateral damage, and have more or less demanded that marriage agreements take their side in Ting voting etc, usually against Asbj?rns lineage. The feast is probably Naeswulfs attempt to lure me away from Asbj?rn, or atleast not take Asbj?rns side, and if Kari recall correctly Jarl Naeswulf has one or two unmarried daughters, so they are more suspicious of the feast''s purpose.


    If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    Storman Radgeirrson is a rich councilor to the King, and he is often close to Asbj?rn when the King is in Borgarsandr or the south, and he has influence and contacts, especially in the southwestern and southern region of the Kingdom. According to Kari and Gunhild many don''t understand why, as they consider him an unpleasant petty-minded fool, and his combined properties isn''t that huge. He seem to have too high of a opinion about himself and his status, and he also have strong opinions about women. Its the classic; be silent, obey, stay at home and give birth to sons. He doesn''t seem to prioritize his family, and he spends a lot of his time in Borgarsandr, away from his family, where he has several ''servant girls''. Sounds like a partying douchebag.


    His father expanded the family''s power and riches by building a trading empire with many ships and crews that Radgeirrson still lives well on, and he has competent people doing all the trading for him. Radgeirrson owns a lot of land and farms, but he isn''t a good businessman and he has bought farms at a premium to consolidate land, or just force someone he disliked away. Rumor has it that he and his wife waste silver on extravagant feasts and expensive imports from far away - the more exclusive the better - but, such a father and such a son, for his father was basically the same and built a lavish mansion on the outskirts of Borgarsandr, just to impress and show that he could. Many enjoyed that he suddenly died in bed about 9 years ago, just before the mansion was completed. The Radgeirrson couples lavish spending doesn''t seam to weaken the family''s finances, which is a good indication on his income from both his trading empire and his income from horse breeding and land. Kari, Gunhild and Hillevi isn''t worried about his agenda - its all to impress and feast - and I''m likely to be given a nice horse with a lavishly decorated bridle, and probably wine. There will probably be really exotic food, including exotic animals from far away, brought here just to be paraded around and then slaughtered.


    It will take a long day by horse to his ''middle farm'' south of Borgarsandr, where the feast will be, because for some illogical doucebag reason its not at his Borgarsandr mansion where the feast should give more prestige, and where Iselin installed a sundial in the courtyard. It turns out that Radgeirrson is also the man who didn''t understand that the sundial needed to be in the sun, and cut down trees to cover up his mistake, which was at his ''middle farm''. Neither I nor Iselin knew he ordered two, but if he''s usually in the King''s vicinity, I''ve probably seen him without thinking about it, which also explains his quick purchase of sundials. When I didn''t come there personally for any of his installations, he forced me there with a feast where I''m the ''special guest'', to be able to brag and make contact. He could at least had the feast here in Borgarsandr, so I only had to be there for a few hours and could sleep in my own bed. Actually thats probably why he didn''t, so I''ll have to spend more time with him. Douchebag.


    I need to figure out what to do for sejd this time. Argh! This is starting to get tiring, and I need to plan for future magic without repeating myself. What is magical enough? What can I do? Maybe firecrackers or fireworks?


    Oo-oh!


    I need to make a fuze, and fairly fast burning is better. 20-30s time at most. Then make a blackpowder charge that I can put on the ground. Big BadaBOOM!


    Heh. Hehehe. MuhahaHAHA!


    It would be fun to turn a firecracker into a candle, and after its been lit tell a longer warning tale about how fire is sejd. Maybe it started as sejd, but now everyone knows what fire is, and that it is comfortable, well-known yadda yadda. Describe the fire and flame as special, not the candle it burns on. Fire can damage and burn down houses etc, and if the fire and the knowledge behind it isn''t respected, it can have serious consequences. But this is just a little candle flame. Well known. Safe. Just a small fire on top of a candle one can hold in the hand. A small fire to have on the table to light up and provide light, warmth and security. A type of sejd that is now taken for granted. Something that is used daily. Not really dangerous but reassuring. Something that does not need to be respected. BOOM!


    I can''t control the time until detonation, and to string out a cable to an electric trigger doesn''t give quite the same effect, and I can''t remote control it. Well, not right now. But I can put the candle away from people. Its best to do it outdoors, to light up the darkness or some tale like that, or just to ''respect fire, and some flames shine brightest outside.'' It would also best if I can get the charge to detonate within maybe 1-3 minutes and I just need to be prepared to lengthen the speech and that it can be interrupted at any time.


    Argh! I will need to do tests and practice. And repeat it. Several times. I dislike wasting time and resources on this, but thats quite true for modern magician shows too. A lot of practice and time for a short performance. I just have no interest in playing a magician. I should probably have realised that people expect magic tricks from an magician. So much for being smart.


    Fireworks will probably be perceived as impressive or surprising more than dangerous, but its still something that is good to have in my ''sejd portfolio''. I''ve basically made a mortar versions already, but I don''t want to leave anything behind, and its better if it looks different than future flintlocks. It''s not that hard to make a firework rocket, its just a papertube with blackpowder with a center hole. Its making it good and adding a display charge that will be the problem. I have to try a couple of different techniques, and try ''larger'' pieces of charcoal, salt, fine iron or copper filings and powder. Its slightly ironic that I will actually have some use in being curious and doing somewhat dangerous adolescent stunts before New Years. I wasn''t much for drinking, but for a couple of years I made small fireworks and triggered them electrically. Thin steel wool works quite well to light a fuze, and back then people didn''t expect remote control.


    I probably could sell ready-made rockets, or use them for special occasions. Too bad I can''t buy aluminium to create white light and get more energy in the rocket engine, and I don''t intend to file down the frame for my backpack, my hiking poles or waterbottle mug just to impress.


    Wait a minute...


    I have some aluminium foil with me, but I can''t really file that down. But it was probably a 2mm aluminium sheet I used for one small camera mount, and I think it is aluminium in the mini tripod, not to mention it is probably cast aluminium or aluzinc in the camera''s quick mount for the strap, and that''s a good lump. I wonder if aluzinc works in a rocket engine or in a display charge. I still have my unopened Pepsi can, but I won''t open it yet. It is really unique here. I''m planning to let my sambos try at some big occasion.


    I can easily sacrifice the small camera mounting plate, but not for better rocket power since I can just make its blackpowder charge large enough, so I will use it to make white light. Its a pity that aluminium, which is enormously common in nature and with a high LD50 value, is not easily available in a pure form. Aluminium is an bitch to melt out and requires a lot of power to purify. I also won''t recognize Bauxit even if someone throws it at me, or know where there are mines for it. I only know nations that are known for it like Australia and Brazil, and I don''t even know where it is in the huge land masses on the other side of the world. The aluminium that I brought with me will be it, and I have to save some in pure form to have at the Academy.


    <hr>


    I start making papershells by gluing paper together in several tightly wound cylinders around a wooden shaft. I make two sizes, 25mm diameter and 6mm, and many of them, especially 25mm, and I plug one end with clay. The 6mm will be my smaller firecracker test. The cardboard cylinders are allowed to dry in the sun during the afternoon.


    I spend a lot of time making black powder for rockets and firecrackers, and while I wait for a stage to dry or fire to make charcoal, I preparing samples for different types of fuzes. One types string soaked in urine, which is unpleasant to handle, but I have a vague memory I read it somewhere. Also try string and paper soaked in some saltpeter, somely crushed blackpowder wrapped in paper, diluted blackpowder soaked in paper and string etc. Just about everything I can think of and have available, and it every fuze will also dry overnight.


    <hr>


    Reluctantly, Iselin and Ciara together help me cut my hair. It feels so much nicer and cooler now with stubble on my head, and my hair still grows almost like grass, so it will soon be longer again so its small uneven lok will disappear. Kari reluctantly admit that I get a rather interesting masculine look with a short haircut and ''a lot'' of beard, which is a look that few elves can have, if someone even tries. I agreed to let the circular beard stay, but it will not have braids or be too long, especially not the mustache which I trimmed. If my beard goes against clothes or is in the way when I build things, it''s annoying and will be cut. The hair cut offs is a bit of a problem even with a bare chest, so in the future my hair will probably be to cut while I''m completely naked.


    Damn. I forgot to get water taps and shower heads made.


    <hr>


    Life here is boring and repetative, and so is the combat lessons, mixed with some math and reading-writing. Norse is getting easier and easier, but the runic script is really annoying. Text formating is so damn basic too.


    <hr>


    In the evening, the paper cylinders are dry enough, so I moisten some blackpowder and shape and make rocket engines with a center column hole. I use the simple but working thick paper stub that I''ve already tested, and attach a stabilizing wooden stick on the outside with a glue-soaked piece of paper I wrap around. I also make a few firecrackers. Hopefully I can try them tomorrow.

 Creating something new - day 39, Fireworks

    Creating something new, day 39


    Fireworks


    The first thing in the morning, is to finish the pyro builds to let them dry and get test ready. I ask Iselin to help me shape a candle around two of the bigger firecrackers, to see if they can camouflaged well and the time it takes until detonation. I thought it was tallow candles we had here, but apparently there is only a more expensive but better candle made from a vegetable oil called ''rovolja''. The oil comes from a plant with yellow flowers, and beside smelling better, they also smoke less and gives a better candle. These are the ones we''ve had here all along. How would I know? As a modern person I''m just used to paraffin wax candles. As Iselin describe the plant and yellow fields, I think she means yellow rapeseed flowers, so rapeseed oil. It all sounds good considering cleaner burning candle in my lanterns means cleaner glass, which gives more light. Otherwise, I only know of candles made from beeswax that should be stronger, lighter and far less soot. Which also exists here as a luxury item.


    Rapeseed oil might work well with a wick in an oil lamp, if it isn''t too tough and sticky preventing its wicking up compared to something like kerosene, but there were different types of oil lamps, including ones with the reservoir above so I might try building one. There were also oil lamps that used pressure, springs and clock mechanisms to pump oil but I have relatively poor knowledge of details. I guess I have another project to figure it out. Knowing how useful something is that takes time and money to manufacture, is sometimes an advantage because no-one has tried. I should probably really try to make a proper oil lamp soon, as it will be the only improved lightsource besides rovolja candles and fire that I can count on in the coming months or years. It can also be massproduced to be spread it to others, which I won''t be able to do with electric light. Light bulbs will be a hell of a project.


    A rapeseed oil lamp or lantern can have enormous value. I might use some of the improvements that oil lamp lighthouses had and apply it on an oil lamps for indoors? I''m not trying to build a class 1 lighthouse, but still. Let''s see now, what was it that made oil lamps better there? Of course the tapered tall glass which is a classic on ordinary oil lamps, and most likely for the chimney effect, which sounds logical. The larger bubble around the flame is also logical to keep the glass away from the flame. Then there was the air flow, and I think some use a cylindrical wick. It should be logical that a larger circumference with a larger burning area gives more light while keeping down the overall size, and a cylindrical wick can have air rising in the middle on both sides of the fire. A cylindrical wick is just a long flat one looped back to it self. I do remember seeing some kind of meshball but were it for gas lamps or oil lamps? Why was it used? A mesh should fuck up airflow, so probably for gas lamps, and a glowing mesh might have improved light output, or just kept the light output from flickering. Eh, its for future experimentation. Then of course lenses and reflectors. And of course kerosene, but I have no idea how it can be made here without starting to experiment with separation towers, and doubt that I can even get enough crude oil. It will still be future labwork in the Academy to learn and develop that. It might not matter during my lifetime if rovolja works well enough.


    Even simpler lighthouses would be nice. I''ve always liked lighthouses. They changed the world and in many cases have been so enormously important. Kullen''s lighthouse in southwest Sweden is nice and impressive, but I just don''t know if this world is ready for lighthouses. It is very possible that there just isn''t enough ships and seafarers for it to be useful or practical, or it might be season dependant. There are always a lot of ships in Borgarsandr, but how much traffic is there really? And where do they sail to? I''ve only seen a couple of months, so I have no idea of the overall picture. I guess I know what I will be talking with Asta about next time she comes here for lessons.


    But it would be fun to build a lighthouse, just because I can, with a reflector or fresnel lens to make it focused and combine it with some form of gravity-driven clockwork mechanism to make it rotate to give it a light signature. They may not need lighthouses now, but they will need lighthouses in the future. Maybe I should try to build a few lighthouses to make sailing to Borgarsandr possible around the clock and year. It will be dark with just 6-7 daylight hours in the winter, which isn''t enough time. Its just a hell of a long and difficult route out and back in from the sea, and going through the archipelago isn''t easier. All these lighthouses will need lighthouse keepers as well, as I can''t automate them, and that will not be economical if its all for my own occasional use.


    <hr>


    It''s late and almost dark we go down to the beach. My sambos and Alith are along, while Bodil will be nearby overlooking it all and warn if she see anyone approaching. The beach is definitely my usual pyro test area, but there isn''t anything important nearby, and only the farm within the nearest kilometer. I think there are fewer visitors down here after all my tests, because the rumor seems to have spread far and wide to avoid it.


    The small firecrackers work very well, although they arn''t particularly impressive, just as I assumed. However, the two with a little aluminium dust in them, makes a rather impressive sharp light flash. Not much sound, but we all have an afterimage we try to blink away from something like a three meters bright white half globe lying on the ground. Lightning without much thunder impresses my company, because they are only used to fire as the only light and how fire moves. This is completely different, and something I have done here, even if the aluminium technically isn''t from here. The camera can''t really handle the difference in light, but thats expected.


    The other larger firecrackers, made from the shortened rocket tubes are much more impressive, especially the one I put under some sand. My warning to never hold a firecracker in your hand is taken very serious. But of course, the big ones have about 15 times the amount of blackpowder compared with the smaller ones and quite a lot more than a Boomstick shot, and that should make a difference. The echo bounce well between the rocks, and its a good indication of the speed of sound and echo location from a single point source.


    My boobytrapped candles works quite well, and looks like regular thicker candles. But after a few minutes it detonates. Its quite entertaining. I have discreetly brought my wristwatch along and I also record them. In the future I have to shorten the wick, as the shortest time was 6 minutes and the longest was 14 minutes, which is far too long for my plan and too much variation. Its very unexpected when it detonates, but thats just far too long. Which, as expected, means making more and improved. R&D is time and resource demanding, but efficient. R&D FTW. I wondering how much silver I''ll spend on R&D during my life here? It will probably be several fortunes.


    The fireworks rockets work well. My company weren''t prepared for real life fireworks, and complain that my description with woosh-bang sound effects was bad. Correct, but bad. Very entertainingly, both Ciara and Kari took a couple of staggering steps back, lost their balance and thumped down on their asses with their mouth gaping, and just stared. And that was after they had seen the firecrackers. Iselin is happy and impressed, while Alith is more the ''fuck yeah, woho!'' kind. Everyone sat down after that, and I should have thought about that before. Bodil is still standing up on the cliffs.


    I have no idea how high the rockets fly, but it''s high enough. I could certainly get Asta to measure with sextant, or do it mself, but I don''t need to know, because the goal is ''wow'' and not altitude. Triggering an additional display charge is a bit wonky, but it doesn''t have to be exactly at the highest point, and the short delay makes it a little more impressive. Copper and iron works, and is quite beautiful, blue and yellow, and it is a lucky coincidence that those are the Academy''s colors. If I make glowing rain it shouldn''t be dry on the ground as they glow almost all the way down and I think some landed, but we see no fires. Starting a wildfire would have been bad, and we only have a single bucket with us to drench any fire with seawater. However, glowing rain is impressive. The white flash from a little mixed in aluminium powder in the last rockets display charge illuminates the area quite well, and that will be effective to use. All four firework rockets worked as I thought.


    For now my firework portfolio will just be simpler roman candles, firecrackers, and fireworks with blue or yellow color, glowing rain and a white flash. But thats enough, and my company is ridiculously impressed. I have no idea if it is even possible to get Strontium or Barium for red and green respectively, or anything else that makes colors, but it would have been so beautiful. Another future project will be trying different things and metals, along with trying to make patterns and star balls that are thrown out, but only when I have plenty of saltpeter. Selling fireworks can probably be a lucrative market, but it makes it possible for others to dissassemble the firework or firecracker and get hold of the blackpowder, so not ideal. The only option would be to sell a show where someone I trust handles the fireworks. Its far safer too.


    Its a happy group that goes back to the farm, and after the first shock, they could really appreciate the other rockets more and more. I myself just tried to take notes about which of the rockets and charges looked best, and I will have to make more firework rockets too. A simple premade firework box would be so much more impressive, but I''m quite convinced that I lack competition here in the Alfheimr north.


    Kari talk eagerly and exited on the way back. She now understands why we had to wait until it was dark, to be able to see the fireworks in all their glory, but its actually an advantage if I would use two rockets at Jarl Naeswulfs feast, or at least have it along. He wants sejd to impress the guests, and the firework are without a doubt that, but for them to work well, its necessary that the sun has gone down and that it is late.


    His feast probably starts early in the afternoon as most major feasts do, to have more time to impress with food, music and any appearances. The downside is that many guests will be quite drunk, and unable to stand on their feet or be passed out before it gets dark enough. Some might even have left the feast. And then the will miss to see the sejd. If they stay in the feast hall, limit their drinking etc, the feast feels dull and a bit of a failure. It ends in a bang, but then its my sejd that makes the feast impressive - not the Jarl''s feast as a whole. If the Jarl asks about details before its to late, he has a difficult decision to make. If he doesn''t ask before it is too late, he can''t change the outcome. If Jarl Naeswulf behaves exemplary, I should inform him before it is too late, but it will still not affect the outcome. He also can''t publicly whine about it, because it is impressively sejd, which, however, needs to be done in the dark to work best. He can''t even ask me to light the fireworks while the sun is up, because that is an insult to my sejd in many ways. That my sejd isn''t worth the wait, and the sejd is unimportant. He may be angry, annoyed and understand that it was planned, but he can''t complain, and if he has made any mistakes, he can never again demand my participation or that I show sejd.


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    Sometimes I just love Kari''s scheming, and I tell Iselin and Ciara that tonight I need to reward Kari for her plan, which Iselin with a reluctant smile understands, and Kari''s enthusiastic.


    <hr>


    When we return to the farm, we''re met by wide-eyed and a little jealous faces from Gunhild and Hillevi - and the farm''s other inhabitants with similar expressions. I didn''t even think about warning them, and apparently a couple came out and Gunhild explained that Sejdmann Arnesson is down on the beach and doing thunder sejd. Again. So they quickly fetched others and all saw the rockets in all their distant glory.


    It will probably reinforce the rumour that is already going on, that I am powerful and that I like to play with thunder to entertain myself, which no one has ever heard of before. Many seem to just assume that the god Thor is my father, or Freya is my mother. There are also those who believe that I''m their secret love child. Thor and Freya, if you presumably exist here, please don''t take offence. Its not my idea, and denying it doesn''t help. It just becomes ''nudge nudge wink wink, say no more''.


    <hr>


    Alith and Bodil sit down and join Gunhild. It''s Gunhild''s turn to have the night watch, but they need to talk before she and Bodil go to bed. Its been a long day, and what happened just an while ago has made them sit and think, accompanied by the occasional faint sound of Robert and Kari in his room, while Iselin and Ciara are silent in their beds. Alith need to lighten her heart.


    "Sometimes our Lord scares me with his creations. Not because he does them, or knows how to do something, but because he has avoided doing them until he need or has to. It makes me afraid of what he can really do. What he doesn''t do.


    As you know, I once made the mistake of asking what equipment a warrior in Midgard use and how battles are fought there, and it was obvious that he really didn''t want to answer my question, so I havn''t asked since. But he said it''s something I can''t imagine, because its so far beyond ideas and sagas that we never even guessed or thought in those ways.


    I didn''t understand what he meant, but tonight I think we all got a little glimpse. I have a hard time even explaining what it was like to experience fireworks up close, because it was something I don''t even know how to describe, and how would I describe it to someone who hasn''t seen something like this before? How can they really understand? It becomes as unreal as our Lord''s terrible explanation before we went down.


    I think our Lord''s life here in Alfheimr is like that all the time - even if he wanted to explain, we can''t really understand. How do you explain fire, and how easy it is to make a fire, if a person has never seen or experienced anything other than the sun? We know how certain plants can be used, and Fj?lkunniga know better about the use and preparation of herbs and plants, but they probably don''t understand why it works. I''m willing to bet that our Lord actually understands that, but can''t explain it to us. We''ve all heard the tale of how he called down Thor''s lightning and binded it in the North Arrows. By all accounts that was easy and fast. He''s spent a lot more time on what we saw tonight, not to mention his weird rotating wind thing with everything around that. It''s not something that is hung up to keep away evil beings, and it isn''t a wind chime. He tried to make it as silent as possible, because it would be annoying if it squeaked. We all know that it catches sejd from the wind and somehow stores sejd. And I know it does. I can''t say more about it, partly because I promised, but I certainly don''t understand enough either. Our Lord have an expression; if something is sufficiently advanced craftsmanship, its sejd. How much of what we see everyday and take as obvious, was once sejd?"


    They all just sit there and look out into the darkness while they think. Alith''s again reminded of what Iselin said she heard when Robert showed his sejd in Kambsnes. How Robert is trying to understand the mysteries of the world, and it was probably a deep truth on a completely different level than anyone there could understand. He doesn''t like to lie.


    "I also saw something else tonight. I saw how unimpressed our Lord was. He wasn''t overjoyed or proud as he sometime have been for other things - he was half dissatisfied and was careful to take notes so he could do better next time. It was ''meh'' or maybe ''good enough'', and not that pleased look he gets when he''s satisfied with something. It was as if he made something as simple as a wooden doorstop, and as long as it worked he didn''t care that it was crooked, covered with sticks and chips and ugly. He will do better next time.


    Every time our Lord does something like tonight or shows something impressive, I realize how frighteningly wrong our high self-image is. And I mean us Elves. How wrong our belief is that we''re just one step under the gods. How frighteningly wrong our belief is that Midgard is populated by primitive humans. Its us Elves here in Alfheimr that are primitive. So very very primitive. We are children crawling around on the ground, still trying to eat sand and other things we grab, while we hit each other with rocks and think we''re impressive and grown up.


    We - as in we Elves - should be so grateful that our Lord is here, and that he is such a good and generous man, who just wants to teach children and make our world better - make us grow up a little more. Think of all the impressive things he has already created like IUDs, blade steel, North arrows, ships compasses, monoculars, maps and sextants. In just a few weeks! It''s so very advanced for us, and sejd, but for him its primitive. As if he gave us pointed long sticks instead of just stones, and our Lord really can''t give us knives and swords. He can''t give us what he wants - because we are too primitive. Just think of the new wonderful carriage. For our Lord, its terribly simple and primitive, and he have shown me and explained what carriges in Midgard are like, and that was certainly not the whole truth, for I can''t understand. The new carriage is so primitive for our Lord, and for him hardly any difference from the old but still beautiful wagon. Just a small first step on a long journey. In a couple of years, our Lord hopes that he will have built a carriage that doesn''t need a horse to pull it. It will be pulled by firewood. And it''s not sejd, and anyone will be able to use it. He reckons we will understand it, and use it. And for him it is still primitive."


    Bodil and Gunhild just stare at her and Alith feels exactly the same.


    "The craftsmen here could have made wagons like the new one decades or centuries ago - it just hasn''t happened. We elves havn''t understood. We have been happy, because we didn''t know better. Just look at the road being built on his Academy Island. So impressive, but our Lord knows that it will last for centuries, for its centuries since such roads were built in Midgard. Without thinking about it, he happened to say that if the road is maintained and winter ice doesn''t crack the surface too much, that road will last for millennia. But they don''t make such roads anymore in Midgard - theirs are much better. Our Lord thinks so far into the future, and he doesn''t plan only for the next few years. Not just his life, or even his children''s life. The road across the island is so wide because two carriages will be able to pass each other without problems, and if the ditches on the side are covered with stone, there will be room for people to walk on. For in a couple of centuries, a town might have expanded over the islands mountains, and houses will be built along the road. That road will allow for many carriages and people in motion, so he consider it to be a wise decision to build the road wide enough now. For that road will remain and work well in a few hundred years. That road isn''t to impress guests. In his mind its just practical and a good idea. Just like the copper roof and all those windows."


    Alith decides to tell them something else she has heard, even though it feels like a small betrayal of Robert''s trust.


    "Our Lord''s plan is to spend the rest of his life, to make our world skip centuries of gradual development and improvement, perhaps a millennia, and especially when it comes to food, water, home, heat, health and safer life. And its only now that I have begun to understand what it really means for him. But it also means Midgard is atleast a millennia ahead of us. Someone who hasn''t seen a few of the sejd things he brought with him, can''t understand what that means. Its totally impossible, and I really hope he trust you enough in the future to show you too. He only showed me because someone have to protect him. It got me thinking. How did we live a thousand years ago? How much have our world actually changed in just the last two hundred years. What do we have now, that we didn''t have then? If we went back in time a thousand years, I don''t think we would feel so out of place. They wouldn''t have glass windows, or paper and books, and thats pretty much all I could think about. And I don''t know how to make either glass windows or paper. Our Lord? He knows that and so, so much more. At every craftsman we''ve ever visited, he always try to learn exactly what they can, and can''t make. They''re all to primitive."


    Bodil and Gunhild just slowly nod along that they agree.


    "He will spend his life to give us Elves all the knowledge and help he can. He does it because he is a terribly good selfless man, who wants to help children grow up, so our lives get better. So we live longer and healthier. Imagine if he were like an ordinary greedy Jarl, Storman or even King. If he were like Daes King Magnbjorn who wants to conquer the south to increase his power, and wealth. A Conqueror; a man who takes what he wants and kills, enslaves and plunders. Our Lord could have conquered this and other Kingdoms and surely conquered a large part of the world in just a few years. Then he could have enjoy all the women and riches he wanted, without sharing his power and instead founded a new lineage, where his descendants ruled everything with secrets and knowledge he left them. Most would see him as a demi god. Many already do.


    I have no doubt at all that our Lord would be able to do it; in power, knowledge and cunning, and he understands that others can do it - especially other humans. It is our job to protect our Lord from dangers and stupid greedy elves, and he has already been forced to kill for the first time in his life, just to continue to make our world better and safer - for us. For our children and grandchildren. We should dedicate our lifes to protect him at all cost. For the next time a man from Midgard comes here ...it may be as the Conqueror who enslaves all of Alfheimr."


    Her words have been heavy to say, and surely heavy to listen to. Alith really likes her life and Robert, both as her Lord to protect and as a friend, and she finds herself smiling when she thinks of Robert''s phrase ''with benefits''. She love those benefits.


    But she finds it hard to sleep. They have an enormous responsibility, and she understands how important their service and duty is for all future generations. They all have to choose between dreams and hopes, or give them up for the future of their world. A difficult decision, but there have probably never been shieldmaidens with such an incredibly important duty, and life as Robert''s guards will be easier and more luxurious than their wildest dreams, because Robert takes care of all the women around him. It just comes too natural for him, and he doesn''t seem to be able to stop himself from pampering them. It will be fun to see how his future maids are treated. Alith looks forward to experiencing his mansion and seeing all those things she heard him talk about.


    ... but sleep eludes her.

 Creating something new - day 40, Electric Power & Burning the midnight oil

    Creating something new, day 40


    Electric power & Burning the midnight oil


    A water tap is easy to make, especially as the water pressure will be very low with the water surface only 2-3m above the outlet, and threads is something I already can make. The somewhat flexible seal will be wood, and I just need to remember to check and replace when needed. So I make drawings and sketches of the taps and how they should work. There will be two models; a single tap for either hot or cold water, and a mixer tap for hot and cold. I would rather not have two completely separate taps, and no matter what the British think, I don''t like the idea, and I would have preferred a modern single handle mixer, but I can live with using two wheels on the same fixture to do the job, and the hot water probably won''t be particularly hot anyway. I suspect it will be lukewarm or body temperature, and then no mixer is really needed to lower the water temperature to avoid scalding hot water. However, both models are made so it is possible to attach a pipe instead of a nozzle for a shower nozzle or just as a pipe valve.


    I need to get 20 mixer taps made, to have 5 extra, because there are three for each of two bathrooms, two for the laundry room, two for the toilet sinks, two for the kitchen and one for the sauna. Then I have plans for a sink in the combined meeting room-dining room and my workshop. I also need at least eight single taps so I might as well just get 10 made, as well as mounting brackets since most of the taps will be fastened to walls. I probably should have thought of having these brackets made and mortared in place when they made the walls, but there are premade holes for this purpose where the planned taps and shower nozzles will be, so anything I havn''t planned for they just have to drill in a bit in the stone wall, before they mortar the mounting brackets in place. It won''t be as durable, but probably good enough. If its a log wall the mounting bracket will just be nailed in place. I need to order a whole lot of woodscrews too, but they''re far less critical than machine screws with matching nuts.


    I don''t think the water taps will be completely watertight, but low water pressure helps and if it drips a little I can live with it, as I won''t hear it anyway when I try to go to sleep. If it becomes a problem in can replace them in the future. For now it''s more that they have to exist, but I try to make them a little prettier because that''s what people will see the first time they use indoor plumbing, and these will be cast, so Digraldi can add a little simpler decoration. I will fill the recess on the taps wheel with standard red and blue color for hot and cold, and I need to remember to try having the pipes connect so they all have hot water on the same side. I would have preferred some symbol, but they have no standardize symbols for hot and cold. The tap will rotate, and I can''t say which direction will be down in the off position, so the symbols must also be symmetrical. A sun and snowflake are a little too close in appearance for it to be worth doing, so I go with KISS principle; red and blue. So far, Alfheimr generally have few symbols, and only simple signs to show bars, craftsman and the like. Proper signage and directions in Borgarsandr are a good idea that I should bring up with the King.


    <hr>


    We take another trip in to Borgarsandr to buy a little more food, pick up my parts from the craftsman Digraldi and order the taps, brackets, screws etc. As usual we have many places to visit.


    We separate and Iselin and Kari go to the seamstress guild to try to find something that can work as a wick for an oil lamp. My description may not be the best, but it should be cheap and have good capillary action. Good capillary action was a little harder to explain, but I they of course knew how water is absorbed by fabric and wicked up, so they''re just going to buy different uncolored fabrics, so we can try which one absorbs and wicks oil the best.


    For me, the shopping starts with a short visit to the Copper Guild to order copper wire and buy a few copper sheets for my own craft, and they''re very happy to make it for me.


    I''m happy when Digraldi informs me that he has managed to buy himself a large supply of tin and zinc, and waits for a shipment of lead. Copper is ironically the easiest an cheapest to obtain here, as the kingdom has a large domestic production and export of it, and as copper is the main part of brass and bronze, it makes economic sense to import the rest. Beside ordering stuff, I buy more brass as I have plenty of prototypes to make, and making a working oil lamp is just one of many projects. I really want to have my own local brass craftsman and foundry at the island. When I move there it will be a pain in the ass to travel back here every time. Since travel will take atleast a day each way during the winter months, and its bothersome, all my metal projects will have a longer production delay. I need to start making a lot of work by myself.


    <hr>


    When Iselin and Kari return with the carriage, we go to the glassmaker. He has been able to make some finished glass bottles, and is proud to show that he even managed to make an embossed print of my mark on the outside, which is very useful. It proves he can blow glass bottles, and make quite good surface finishes. Sure, they''re bit wonky, but for most cases that doesn''t matter, and its not hard to convince him try to make a better lip with indentations for the iron part of a classical resealable bottle top. It probably won''t be something for the general public because of the price, but it can be for luxury goods, or if its reusable and really practical. I also need it for basic flasks and things for a future chemistry lab. The glass will certainly not like to be heated, and I have to test its temperature resistance in the future, and see if I can make tempered glass bottles. I know the name borosilicate glass and the brand name Pyrex, but I have no clue where to get boron to try making it. How does it even look? What kind of glass is this? But the glass vessels need to at least be able to boil water, or else their usefulness in chemistry will be severely limit. He have a lot of failed creations he hasn''t melted down yet, and he will absolutely get future jobs from me, because he can make simpler glass vessels, and I see that he made a couple of glass tubes as well. Glass tubes are not only useful in labs but also as measuring glasses or level tubes for tanks.


    He shows more examples of his work so I understand what he can make in glass, but he can''t really point reheat it, to really work with the glass. It''s actually impressive how good most of the glass is, but once the glass has started to solidify, he can''t do anything more with it, and has to let it anneal itself. He only has fire to heat it in without completely melting it, and fire is sooty and not a point source. Its a really important limitation for future designers and work. I should try to create gas to burn so it can be high enough temperature for glass work and a cleaner flame, and controlled gas burners are also very useful in future Chemistry labs. I have my Jetboil propane kitchen with me, but its gas will eventually run out. However, it may be worth it for some jobs, and I sure won''t use the jetboil just to boil water. Propane can be used for filling a refrigeration system too, or just in a gas pressure thermometer.


    Among his failed creations and other things, the glassmaker has something that can work as a glass top for an oillamp. I have no doubt he can make something better, but I need to know what to make first. I buy the three glass cylinders he has to try them out, as I can try it out with different handmade brass tubes and when it seems right, he can recreate it in glass. Its pretty much a fancy bottle without a base.


    <hr>


    We visit the potter again. All the crucibles I ordered havn''t been finished yet, but the insulators are, and I have realized how many I will need for just one antenna, and since I need to build at least two antennas, I order 80 more. Its still relatively cheap. The crucibles should be ready in a couple of days.


    At least here in Borgarsandr its easy to buy a few cases of those better ''rovolja'' aka rapeseed oil candles, and its easy to buy two small barrels of the same rapeseed oil. I''m happy I ended up here when I did, instead of late winter or early spring. Its easy to buy food and other stuff this time of the year. After they showed me what tallow candles really are, I don''t want them. It is such a comparatively small cost that better cleaner light is worth it. It smells slightly better too, although it might just be me thats annoyed by that. The normal household have animals, and quite a lot of houses even here in the capital outside the absolute center, have a yard with a couple of pigs, chicken and geese. They all smell, or atleast their poop do. Add human feces. The common person isn''t really clean and smell nice, and washing once per week when most work quite hard just remove the worst. Basically everything smells, and its just a matter of how badly and of what. The normal firepit inside a longhouse probably helps to mask a lot, so a tallow candle probably doesn''t change much. But for us in my mansion? Yeah. A whole other atmosphere.


    We will still save animal fat since it has many uses, but rendered fat seems to be mainly used for candles and soap, with a lesser volume use as the basic lubricant for axles and such, and for woodworking and metalworking, although it seems to be a mixture with beeswax. Tallow was used in steam engines since it resisted the steam, and in muskets. They really try to recycle and use everything, and its common sense, but I''m a little surprised at how everything seems to have some other use I havn''t thought of, especially urine.


    Candle maker is of course a profession some have, but it usually means travelling between farms and make tallow candles from rendered fat, and larger villages or towns have someone stationary where people can sell their unprocessed fat, and buy tallow candles and soap. Usually outside of the town, since it can stink. Considering the average smell in a household, thats telling. The poorest might use a simple rush plant dipped in tallow or grease to make a simple candle called a rushlight.


    Kari guides us to a larger trading company down by the harbor, that is known for trading goods ''from all over the world'', and in addition to important goods, its especially known for luxury items and unusual things from far away. Its Radgeirrsons trading company. I think we''ve been here before, but I think it was a female merchant that time? The merchant of the trading company explain that they do a lot of business across the sea in all directions, but especially to the south and west, which is good to know. The trading companys front building towards the harbor is not that big, but it has a couple of well-filled and long warehouses behind, and a hell of a mix of goods. I almost get a vibe to the merchant they sell lightning to in the movie ''Stardust''; ''I can get you one of those''. I''m grateful for that, since I can buy a couple of vessels of ''oil of Vitriol'', and he can get me more in the future. I almost want to let him explain everything he has on the shelves and in the warehouses, and I probably would buy a lot, but I have to calm down a bit. I have far too many projects in progress as it is.


    Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.


    Iselin finds two books for me and others to practice reading, and we need to improve, but I''ll to postpone reading them until the feast journey when I have to waste time. It will be two books with Viking Sagas, so probably boring and stupid, but hey - its practice.


    <hr>


    The wind turbine works really well, and even though its power and efficiency are low, it is more than enough output power. I''m even a little worried about its charging diode which I think is a 5A model, so I clamp extra cooling fins on it, but I need to combine with more diodes in the future. For now, I put in another limiting resistor in series. I can''t replace the diode, so protecting it is far more important than maximum power. I have plans to try to make copper oxide diodes in the future, but not right now. It will be a hassle as I need to purify copper too.


    The battery cells have been volt controlled, and seem to work more or less well, but testing will continue for a long time to come, and I will gradually improve them. The battery cells are useless for something like the starter motor in a car, but here they probably work fine with probably a 5-10A maximum power draw in the close future, and I can combine with many more cells for both increased capacity and higher current handling. But the lead-acid battery cells work, and I now have more sulfuric acid, and that allows me to build more battery cells and tweak the ones I have.


    With the batteries, electric power has come to Alfheimr, and with the exception of the diode, its all completely built of things that are here, and it is so very satisfying. I''m no longer dependent on my solar panel, and should something happen to it, it''s not the whole world, which is a nice thought when it''s raining and blowing outside and the solar panel is stored indoors. Since I can make lead-acid batteries, I''m not really dependent on the battery banks either. Power generation and storage provides so much more opportunities for the future, as simpler electromechanics now works and can be used. I can install electric power on my mansion right from the start, and electric motors, telegraphs, bells and more will be able to be made in the near future. I can do it right now if I want to.


    It feels so good to see the battery charge and see the wind turbine spin outside while the raindrops hit the window. My company are a bit confused about everything, but I havn''t bothered to explain it yet, except to say that I''m experimenting with saving the power of the wind to provide ''food'' for my technical Midgard things. Iselin understands better, but Kari, Ciara and Alith understand enough.


    <hr>


    I quickly sketch out the idea for my first oil lamp, and I would like to start building it and spend a couple of days to try to improve it as much as possible, but I need to prioritise testing firecrackers and fireworks, because in a few days the first feast will take place at Jarl Naeswulf, and its a days travel just to reach it, probably a day and a half. I should figure out some other sejd stuff as well, but I have a hard time coming up with something when I have so many other thoughts and projects flying around in my head, and I find it hard to maintain focus. But the pyro stuff need to dry, so I finish it first.


    <hr>


    Its finally time to start building the oil lamp. A round cylinder as the oil tank that has a simple marked scale to be able to read consumption, and a small lid to keep away dust, etc. Single pipe carry the oil from bottom edge to the burner part. This prototype burner will use a flat piece of cloth instad of a round sock, so its not harder than a folded piece of brass, where the oil supply tube is attached to the outside on one side, so the oil can be wicked up.


    The burner part gets a support a bit below the top to hold the glass consisting of piece of metal resting on the feeding tube and is soldered at the other sides bottom, it should be cool enough that the solder won''t melt or get soft enough. Before solderin I cut and fold out a part so there''s to parallel smal plates to hold the wick adjuster mechanism. I cut holes in the support plate to provide airflow to the flame, and I can put the glass cylinder on top. One is just a cylinder, maybe 5cm in diameter and 10cm high, the next is about the same diameter but twice as high. The last is a few centimeters larger in diameter but not high, only 7cm, and one is a bottomless bottle. I make a taller brass chimney about 40cm high, which is narrower than the glass, so a plate widens the base so it can be placed on the glass, and I have deliberately made it too long so I can shorten it. I add a couple of support legs on the oil container so the weird lamp shape can stand somewhat level. For this prototype I drill holes for a simple wick adjustment and mount it below the support. Its not elegant, but turning the wheel raise or lowers the wick, and it works, and as a final thing I add a simple screw to work as flow control on the feeder tube.


    Soldering works well. Using fire to heat copper pieces is a pain in the ass, but it works. But oh how I miss my soldering irons, the hot air station and my little blowtorch.


    The oil lamp prototype is ugly as hell, but good enough for a test, although I probably want eye protection and a bucket of water or two standing close by, and I will of course light it outside on some larger sandfilled plate.


    I have come up with a couple of possible improvements as I build, and I make sure to write them down. The first is a round sock wick with airflow up in the middle, but thats a much more labour intensive design, and more design critical. Another improvement is something that restricts and directs the airflow from below towards the flame and not just up past along the glass. A similar thing should be added if there is a round tube wick to direct the airflow from that side too. I''ve begun to understand why kerosene lamps have that glass bubble and long tube shape, with a small lip at the bottom. Its a combination of a chimney, keeping the glass away from the flame and directing air towards the flame. I''ve seen plenty of them, since my mother liked them, with or without electrification, so I know its look and design. I just havn''t really thought about why they''re designed that way. I always thought they were big, ugly and I prefered electric light. But I''ll admit they were practical while living in the countryside and during power outages.


    I add a small top lid on top of the chimney, so the smoke won''t rise straight right up and soot the roof or similar, but instead angles it out to the sides and try to collect the soot inside. Easier to clean, and soot has its uses, like for inks. There is a good reason for the term ''carbon black''. Another improvement might be a decorative glass outside that can diffuse and make the light smoother, and increase protection for the inner glass, but it will increase the cost, and the inner glass won''t be perfect anyway. Since the light output will be comparatively low I plan to make a model with double burners with the oil container in the middle, so it have a nice balance and can be hung from the ceiling, and a light reflector on top direct all the light downwards and to the sides. A wide conical shaped reflector should work well.


    The others wonder what I''m building, so I tell them that I want something better than the candles for the comming winter, as it will be 7 months before we have the same amount of daylight again. Something safer than a candle filled chandelier, smaller and more controlled, and gives of more light. I want to be able to continue doing things and crafts, and I really don''t like fire and candles in my vicinity. I never had. I''m somewhat paranoid for a fire at the mansion. Beside the personal risk, I will have far to much important stuff, knowledge and invested money in it.


    <hr>


    When my oil lamp stands there on the garden table in the evening, its ugly, especially compared to the small lanterns Digraldi made. Everyone agrees that its just a funny looking collection of brass and glass. We test a normal candle first, and then light the small candle lanterns. They work well and give quite good light. They''re useful and have a protected flame, and everyone likes the one with a lens and reflector to get more light in one direction. There is complete agreement that the carriage should have lanterns.


    But when I light the oil lamp and adjust it, they fall silent. It gives much more light, and soon I have a captive audience when I experiment with several different glasses and combination to reach the best flame. They all just stand and sitt there while looking at the lamp and me. It''s really hot working near the lamp. Significantly more heat than light, but I expected that. Another design might be a good and safer light and heat source in a tent.


    I think it''s time to try to design a real test model or two, and get Digraldi and the glassmaker to make the parts. I would like one without a sidemounted oil tank, like with the oil on top, or with some kind of pressure vessel below so it becomes more stable. But I don''t want explosive pressure, and something safe. But a too complicated design is bad, and I''m limited in production technology and sealing options.


    In the end, appearance is far less important than performance, reliability, ease of use and economy. I can imagine four models of the same oil lamp concept. A simple table model to move around where you need it. A higher table model with a reflector that directs light angled down from the side as a work lamp. A wall mounted model for corridor and smaller room lighting with maybe a reflector plate on the tank. And finally a fourth model with double burners to be hung from the ceiling to light up a larger room, with or without reflectors, or optional stand for a table. The oil lamp seem to work well enough for general lightning this comming winter, that I feel less stress to try and make some kind of electric light.


    <hr>


    I celebrate with Iselin before we crawl into bed. She really likes the oil lamp and is really looking forward to experiencing how well and luxurious I will make my mansion. I have explained to her most of what I''ve planned with water, heating and other things, but she has no references at all, and my ''woosh-bang'' description of fireworks wasn''t picturesque enough. I think her expectations are correspondingly high, so I try to dampen her hype.


    She convince me to watch some music videos. Of course all the ones she has already seen, but I shows a couple of new ones too. ''Lok stands when the others fall'' works, even if she doesn''t really understand all the humor, she finds it very interesting for all the stuff in the background as a shopping center, go-karts etc. She likes that she understand and recognize their hearing protection. Its nice to see a big smile on her wide eyed face, as her head bobs in time with the beat. Iselin has understood pausing and jumping back in videos, so I let her do it and it gets so paused and replayed. I should have expected her to notice what the girls a wearing too. I have a couple of Lok songs with me from their old debute album, ''Naked sandblasted and pissed off'', so I play them for her, but its not really her type of music.


    I had completely forgot that Iron Maiden''s ''Aces High'' has clips of World War II combat and weapons, tanks and other things, but thankfully it''s black and white with animations, and that makes it less real for her. She also doesn''t understand what machine gun holes, AA guns or similar stuff are. She thinks a lot of it is fireworks or bonfires, and aside from the airplanes, she''s far more interested in the stage lights and the show. She isn''t impressed that everyone in the band lacks a beard, even if their long hair is okay. As expected, she likes the tempo of the song, and I explain a modified version of the lyric that works if I say its about warriors riding or using horsedrawn chariots. Ride, live to fight, fight to live, do or die, really mesh well with her culture. Iselin also really wants an electric guitar.


    ''Hallowed be your name, Live Rock in Rio'' shocks her with the sea of people. Everyone there just for listening to music for a few hours. She guesses there are more people than in the whole of the north, but I think that realistically it probably around 30-50 times more here. The song cements her burning desire for an electric guitar, and she so wants to standing in such an audience and experience it with everyone else.


    Rihanna''s ''Umbrella'' is a bit of a change after the last two songs, but Iselin is really fascinated by her interesting shoes, both ballet and high heels, her clothes, gloves and Rihanna''s hair are so different. We see it again, and when I translate the text she likes it, and the tempo appeals to her. She is convinced that Ciara would have loved the text, which is probably true. And I thought the Lok video was paused a lot... She studies the shoes and clothes, but also close-ups of Rihanna''s face when she looks seductively into the camera. Of course she would notice the make up. She thinks Rihanna is one of the sexiest women she''s seen, and it''s a look that doesn''t exist here in the north. Personally, I think Iselin just needs to look closely in the mirror to see a sexier woman.


    Has she ever looked in a good mirror?

 Creating something new - day 41, Pyrotechnics and design

    Creating something new, day 41


    Pyrotechnics & design.


    It''s nice to just wake up and feel Iselin beside me. I''m lying on my stomach with my arm hanging down to the floor outside the bed, and even though I for once isn''t a morning zombie, I just want to lie there, think about things and life, and feel Iselin lying against my body, her hand on my back and her calm breath sweeping across my shoulders. It''s just nice. I know this day will mostly be work I don''t look forward to, but that the oil lamp seems to work as well as it does, is a small weight lifted from my shoulders. So rich and powerful I am, still making as much as I can do by myself, but I have to do something with my time here, and I can''t spend more on sex. Well, I can, it just feels a bit much as it is.


    How will I get hold of experts and skilled craftsmen for the Academy once it is finished? Its a future problem, but something I need to address. I need to build their homes and workshops first, and the ones I need to prioritize are a skilled regular blacksmith, someone who is good at casting and working with brass like Digraldi, and a carpenter. Just for those, there are three houses and three workshops, and I want - and eventually need - to make the forge good and technical. Some form of waterdriven bandsaw, circular saw or scrollsaw would be nice in the wood working area. I should probably make a large saw for planks and a fine saw for detail work with angle adjustment.


    <hr>


    I''m quite content with life as I eat breakfast and think. Its some kind of soup with both pieces of fish and vegetables in it, and I eat crispbread with a little salt sprinkled on top. How do you make pickled cucumber? It''s good on crispbread. Of course water and salt. There are mustard seeds in the jar too. Probably sugar and a handful of E numbers, so even if I had a label, I wouldn''t know what those E numbers mean. I need to talk to a cook. Aha! We need a cook in my mansion, and we need to hire at least one maid to do all the cleaning and washing, as well as someone to take care of our future animals. When I bring it up with Iselin, she lets me know that she and Kari''s already realised that. Its kind of funny that Iselin is super competent about practical stuff when it comes to taking care of a household or farm animals, while Kari''s super competent when its political, higher social stuff, etiquette such. And both of them are slightly jealous about the others skill and knowledge. I don''t know what Ciaras competent in, except needlework, looking pretty and being clingy.


    I miss potatoes. And tomatoes. And ketchup on fried potatoes. It''s almost worthwhile to try sailing to South America, just to try to bring it back here. I really hope that South America exists as I know it, and those crops are there in a recognizable form, and maize. Or more to the point, pay someone to sail there. Asta might be game. But I can''t let her sail away on such an enormously difficult and long journey for the next couple of years. I need to develop stuff for it, and get another ship or two. I don''t know what root vegetables they use here, but I''m not particularly fond of any of them; turnips, parsnips or whatever. Alfheimr''s names doesn''t tell me shit about their Swedish names, but its not like I have a good grasp of vegetables anyway. However, my company have learned what I like, and what I don''t like. Food is sustenance and must be eaten, and we eat much better than the average person. Hard bread, porridge and mead seems to be common for most meals, and I understand why, but that must be lacking in vital nutrients. I''m a bit surprised that fish isn''t a larger part of their diet, as I expected that they would eat a lot of it, since most people live along coasts and lakes, and are good seafarers. We''ll be living on an coastal island, so I need to make sure we eat more saltwater fish, not least to get enough iodine, but unlike meat, fish is just more or less there in the water all year round, and it isn''t something we need to raise like a pig or chickens.


    <hr>


    This pyrotechnics test of the newest explosive candles shows that they work much better and with a shorter and more consistent delay, and I take the opportunity to quietly practice the speech in my head while we watch each candle burn. I''m most pleased that it''s only 40 seconds difference between when the candles detonate. They look completely normal on the outside, and apart from the fact that they are thicker than the most common candles, its impossible to see which one is special without looking at the mark on the bottom. Since I have three identical candles, two of which will give a white flash too, I consider it ready for use, and I won''t test anymore firework rockets. I have five thats ready that seems to work okay and is sufficiently sejdish, so I don''t want to waste any more black powder. These pyrotechnics tests have consumed more than my weapon tests.


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    <hr>


    Asta comes to visit and lets me know that the doors have been delivered. The unloading at the islands went really well. The mansion walls have been completed for all the floors and the windows they had, have been installed. Work on the inner roof has begun and materials for the copper roof and the craftsmen arrived while she was there, and they also brought with them the first load of copper pipes. The lantern for the ships compass works well, and apparently it doesn''t matter what color filter they use, but orange-red are easier to see the compass in, which is quite logical considering everything is in the yellow-orange-black color range.


    I go out for combat training with Hillevi, and as usual, everyone seems busy. Iselin sews something, and Ciara and Kari help her. Bodil and Gunhild practice shooting bows with a thumb ring. Alith accompanies Asta in studies for math and navigation. They seem to have become friends, and I know that Alith dreams of traveling on the sea and raiding. She might want to accompany a future expedition to South America, and it will be a hell of an adventure and do a lot for her reputation.


    The rest of my day will mostly be work. Again. These feasts just feels so frustrating, and have fucked up my schedule. I would also preferred to stay here and study my toenails. In less than two weeks it will be the autumn meeting at Tosra. But now 5 days will be wasted on traveling around and visiting those two unnecessary feast. Of course, I won''t know anyone there either, because my social life here is basically zero, but for now I prefer it that way.


    Kari has obviously noticed something is bothering me, so she sits on my lap, gives me a kiss and asks me to tell her. So I take a deep breath, hug her back and give her a kiss before I start ventilating. It helps. It helps more when she explores my mouth with her tongue, so I push the work aside, lay her on the table in front of me and spend the next quarter with my head between her legs. More time for sex is quite okay, and Kari doesn''t complain. I feel better when I continue to work even if my head, jaw and neck feels a bit battered, because just like Alith, Kari tends to use her leg muscles when she orgasms, but thankfully she has weaker leg muscles. I will never let my hair grow long, as it will just give them more to grip, but at least Kari doesn''t have Iselins strong fingers, and I''m grateful they''ve learned to be careful about my ears.


    <hr>


    The others have discovered that my mood has dropped, again - I guess its just one of those days - and in the afternoon Iselin and Ciara take me on a horseback ride. Its kind of Kari to lend her horse to me, and Gunhild and Hillevi join us when we just look at nature, talk and take it easy. The guards also dislike the upcoming feasts as they need to protect us, so they will have to be more active guards compared to their life here on the farm, and they won''t really be able to feast by themselves, so tonight Gunhild and Alith will travel in to the city to have a nice evening, and Hillevi and Bodil will do it tomorrow. I''ll give them each ten penningar to pay for it - about a weeks salary - so unless they go bonkers it will be enough.


    Unfortunately, the sky quickly becomes overcast and before we have had time to return to the farm, we''ve been drenched by a quick downpour with a little thunder thrown in for good measure. Note to self: Always bring the poncho. We can quickly string it up to a tree or two, and we will have a bit of rain protection. The poncho bag already have four thin fast paracord loops with hooks for that purpose.


    Bodil lament to Gunhild and Hillevi that she unfortunately doesn''t own a horse, so she had to stay back at the farm and guard. It felt sincere as she stood there dry under the roof.


    <hr>


    It''s apparently Kari''s turn to spend the night in my bed. Considering her trips to the seamstress guild, I guess its her own creative idea, and she smile as say she was inspired by the lace embroidery on the necklace I gave her, which she is wearing. Where Alith''s Valhalla is sinful luxury that entices by showing a little, Kari have created sexy sinful lust that frames and focuses. Her design are just beautiful dark blue embroidery ribbons, lace and small gold details. I feel like a wide eyed rabbit paralyzed in front of the slightly shy tigress, but it passes when she asks me to bend her over the table and take her, and to not be gentle.

 Creating something new - day 42, Pimp my ride & a visitor

    Creating something new, day 42


    Pimp my ride & a Visitor.


    The morning has become rather late since Kari deserves to be appreciated, but the morning is sensual and gentle and we spend most of it in a silent embrace, playing with our fingers, listening to the birds and slowly caressing each other.


    <hr>


    I''m getting really fed up with the road in to Borgarsandr, but the carriage makes it a nicer trip. They really love the carriage, and the first stop is to pick up whats been ordered from the seamstress guild, especially everything for the carriage. Its a bit of a hassle to attach the draperies as we first have to fasten and sew on the pretty ropes at the top along the inside of roofs edge, but I''m not doing the sewing. Then its fastening the many rope loops with T buckles around all the posts, the ropes, at the bottom etc. Its pretty much the same construction that some modern party tents use, and its used a lot here for tents, better sleeping pelts and cloths. The trick is that the drapes must be held taut and be quite tightly fastened, so as not to wildly flap about on windy days, or the carriage is driven faster. However, premade additional loops are sew on to make it possible to attach the drapes in a couple of different configurations. From fully open with the drapes in the corners, to fully closed with overlapping joints. Considering the weather we will leave the roof and sides on.


    Sure, it won''t be completely water and windproof, but it will be a hell of a lot better than an open carriage or sitting on a horse. The driver and the guard at the front won''t get any cover, but the guards at the back will get some protection on the cargo bed. Its possible to stow the drapes in the spaces under the seats, but there won''t be much space left if the pillows and blankets are stowed too. It might be just right for a small picnic basket. The pretty and comfy thick blue blanket have a triangle pattern in yellow, and match the rest of the carriage in color and style. The seamstress guild excuse themselfs that they havn''t had time to weave more, but it has only been a week and we are grateful for all the work they''ve had time to finish, and we can wait for the other blankets. Quality beats rushwork, and we buy another readymade blanket in the mean time. The finishing touch is the four pillows in matching patterns with my embroidered logo on, one for each corner.


    When we leave the seamstress guild, we enjoy our comfortable beautiful carriage, and in the future there will be four lanterns for the carriage. A couple of directional lanterns aimed forward, and a couple of all around radiating in the passanger spaces. I don''t expect the forward-facing ones to make much difference in illuminate the road, but they''re better than nothing, and quickly available if the guards need to jump off and have some light. All the lanterns are also available if we go camping with the carriage. In the future the lanterns will probably be replace with oil lamps, if I can make special versions that can handle being jostle about. It will help warm up the passanger space a bit too.


    We take the route past the potter and pick up all my crucibles, insulators, sinks, pipe segments, brake pads etc, minus the last ordered. Shes very pleased with how well the brake pads slide in place in the brake caliper, and fits against the brake surface. Now it just remains to be seen how well the pads actually work as brake pads. Both in braking power and in durability. Since most of it will be used at the islands, we drive by my ship and drop it of.


    Next we make a stop at craftsman Digraldi, and I give him work to start making my oil lamps parts. I ask him to make five prototypes of each model, but there is a lot to be shaped and cast, even though most of the parts are the same, its deliberatly designed that way. He will have to shape things like the reflectors and burner parts. Well, its relatively much work, considering everything he has done so far. He seem to enjoy that I almost always have new stuff for him to do. Eight of the oil lamps will use the improved round burner, and it will be interesting how well that works, and how much improvement it will be. It might not be worth it. I would have preferred evolving the oil lamps calmly and methodically, but I won''t have time for that, because once we move to the islands, I assume quite a lot of other stuff and projects will start to take my time, like the huge project of centralized steam heating.


    The glassmaker is happy to see us again, and will make oil lamp glass in three models, partly because he may have trouble making the most advanced and largest. The improved bottles seems to be nice, and my sambos are interested in resealable glassware that isn''t just an cork plug, and the glass bottles do look nice and exclusive.


    <hr>


    The weather is partially cloudy and unstable, but after the carriage is unloaded, Iselin take me on a short relaxing trip in the carriage. Its just a short trip to another beach on a headland a few kilometers away. Everyone understands that Iselin has planned for us to ''inaugurate'' the carriage, so Alith drive, while Bodil and Gunhild ride horses and guards us from a distance. Hillevi was more than please to lend her horse to Bodil, and she will guard Ciara and Kari back on the farm. It''s a bit interesting to have sex while the carriage rolls along. Not particulary practical, and more fun fumbling around, but enjoyable and we laugh as we hit unexpectant bumps, and a few penetrations happens with a lot more force than planned. I sure as hell won''t let her go down on me. Alith makes its slightly worse by aiming for a few potholes or not warning us, ''to test the suspension, so the crucial test is better''. Its hard to have sex while laughing, but the journey doesn''t take long. We take a quick dip in the sea, and then lie on the fairly comfortable cushioned seats in the carriage, enjoying the protection from the wind. Lying there under the blankets and hugging Iselin, while we looked out over the sea and eat cookies and drink cider, feels pretty damn luxurious. My life could have been so much worse. If this is how my life will be, I can live with it.


    <hr>


    I spend most of the afternoon assembling and doing basic test of a water pump. It''s hard to say how powerful its suction force or pump pressure is, but it works. While the weather turns bad with wind and rain, I continue to build waterpumps and other stuff. It has been a good day, but Hillevi and Bodil wisely postpone their Borgarsandr visit for tomorrow, which is perfectly okay for me.


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    <hr>


    The sun have set when Iselin hurriedly comes into my room and say I have an unexpected female guest, and she seems worried when she says that. It makes me tense as I go out to the common room, but my guest is just says a very rain-soaked dark-haired woman, maybe 20-30 years old with a small backpack standing just inside the door. Everyone seems to be on edge and Bodil and Hillevi are standing close to her with their hands on their weapons, but not drawn. It takes a few seconds as I don''t see how she is a threat, as she lacks a weapon, until it dawns on me that she is wearing a modern wind jacket over her dress, and its a modern small backpack. She must be partly Asian too. I can''t see her ears as she has the hood up, but a human?


    "Sejdmann Robert Arnesson?" she says as she looks at me, and my ears.


    I just nod while my thoughts go wild in lots of different directions. "That''s me."


    She takes a deep breath before continuing; "Please tell me you speak English?!" she says in English with a slightly desperate and clear British accent.


    "Yeah, I speak English. Who are you?"


    She breathes a sigh of relief and just relax. "My name is Jane Luddington, and I missed the boat you took from Hildifjoer with a couple of hours, and I''ve been stuck in that bloody horrible place most of the time since! We need to talk."


    Okay!? I think fast, and yes; we need to talk. I gesture stop for her - Jane - while I think. If she came to Hildifjoer, she must have been up on Hardangervidda or nearby as a tourist just like me, but seems less prepared or she just had poorer timing. I can''t take her into my bedroom. We don''t want to sit here in front of everyone. Its raining, windy and cold outside. The bathroom or storage room is a stupid idea. We need to borrow the small bedroom. I need someone with me. Iselin or Alith? Both? Iselin stands with Kari slightly behind me. No, its better to just take Alith, because neither will understand English, but Alith will protect if needed and I already trust her with a lot.


    "Alith! You, me and Jane need to talk in your bedroom, arrange so it''s safe while I check if she needs to eat. Jane, are you hungry?"


    Alith just nods, and watches Jane as she enters the small room for a quick check.


    "Yes please, I''m bloody starving." she draws another sigh of relief. She may be hungry, but doesn''t appear to be starving. Ciara is much leaner.


    "Ciara, see if we have anything she can eat. Something simple and quick. Jane, you okay with apple cider or do you want water or mead? Please take off your wet jacket and sit down - warm yourself by the fire. Eat first, talk later, and in private. My guard Alith will accompany us."


    Jane have a small smile. "Heh. You''re done rather well for yourself. And yes, apple would be nice."


    "Ciara, apple cider will be good."


    She takes off her jacket, which Iselin receive and hangs up, and Jane leans her backpack against the bench and sits on the edge, facing the fire and warming her hands, and I sit down on the opposite bench. Everyone is friendly, but I can see the suspicion in the background, and I''ve learned to recognize Kari''s controlled ''everything is good'' face and gaze, when everything isn''t good. Kari just stands a little behind me and study Jane. Iselin comes and sits down next to me while Ciara fetch some bread, cheese, dried meat and cookies which she serves on a plate and pours a mug with apple cider for Jane, and I get another one.


    Jane eats in silence and the atmosphere is somewhat oppressive. Ciara stands behind me together with Kari, while Alith stands to the side, unblock and free to move, while the other three guards are scattered about, somewhat more relaxed. Gunhild and Bodil are behind her back by the wall, and definitely on their guard and watching her every move.


    Jane is a lot of gravel in the machine I''ve built since getting here. The image and story about me, sejdmann and humans. No matter how this goes or what her story is, it will be a problem for me. Potentially huge problems. My sejd is something she will understand isn''t, although the question is whether she can really explain it, and if it makes a difference. I know I wanted to try to get in touch with other humans here and get information, I just didn''t count on someone who came the same route as me and at the same time. I should probably have expected that. With just what she said, she seems to have had problems here, and I wonder what the Elves in Hildifjoer now know about Humans. What has she told and done, both there and on the way here? What do people in Kambsnes, Njahamrar and Skiringsalr now know about Humans? About my ''magic''?


    FUCK!


    Be careful what you wish for - you might get it. In any case, she seems to have had language problems, which probably is a good thing for me. Or she''s just over-dramatic, and how starving she claims to be might be a good indication, because she doesn''t throw down the food, and eats calmly but relatively quickly because she seems eager to talk, and she often turns to the fire and warms her hand and feet - she isn''t starved. While she eats she looks around and study us. My sambos faces, clothes and accessories draws her gaze - a lot.


    Shit!


    I can guess what she thinks of a man with several female partners, especially considering how short of a time we both have been here in Alfheimr. I''ve already sunk a lot in her eyes.


    After a few minutes, she has finished eating, and grabs her small backpack and stands up. Alith shows her into the room and I follow, but before I close the door, Iselin, Kari and Ciara each demonstratively give me a kiss while they obviously signal to Jane that I''m taken, but I see her little sneer. We sit there on the beds, facing each other and I answer her question that I''m from southern Sweden and I hiked alone on Hardangervidda, planned to be away for a week, when I unexpectedly traveled here, probably during a thunderstorm under an Aurora, when I camped about 10km east of H?rteigen, which she recognizes. I inform her that we seem to be in another dimension or world, and as she guessed, at least what we call Sweden-Norway is strongly connected with old Old Norse mythology and religion, and our world is one of the nine realms according to their beliefs, called Midg?rd - Midgard works fine - and this world is Alfheimr. And it is definitely not the Marvel variant, although some of the Gods have the same name, like Odin, Thor, Freya and so on. The Elves see it as we came here with Bifrost, the rainbow bridge. Then she starts telling me her story.


    <hr>


    It feels anticlimactic to finally sit here, in a small bedroom, opposite the man who has been the destination of my journey - the man with the boots. He''s older than me, probably past 30 years old. This seems to be a nice little farm by the standards of this world, where he seems to live well with his harem, while his castle is being built. Three beautiful young elf women that he has spend a lot of money on clothes and jewelry, to make them seem more than what they really are. At least I didn''t see any slave neckrings on them, but that together with pretty clothes and jewelry, was probably just a practical way to get them so brainwashed that they will do anything for him out of gratitude, while he shows them of to other men.


    Then there are the four female guards here as well. Female and four. One each for his harem and him, so that no other man touches them, and it will surely makes his harem feel even more special and spoiled. I wonder how many of the guards also accompany him to bed? His own little harem, and I thought Tom was bad. But Arnesson has managed to become rich and made powerful friends, and I have to admit he''s been enormously good at adapting to life here - unlike me and Tom. He looks so normal and blends in well, but I guess that makes it easier for him to manipulate everyone. When he answered my questions, he asks me to start, and it''s time to start telling him my story.

 Creating something new - day 42, Jane (part 1)

    "Three months ago, my boyfriend Tom and I left New York for England to visit with my parents. We were there for a few days and then continued on a holiday trip in Norway. I had long wanted to see the land outside of Oslo, and we traveled with Hurtigrutten from Trondheim up to Bod?, where we rented a Tesla and via Lofoten we drove south, marveled at the nature, visited museums, saw sights and tried the food. We were at the Hardangervidda museum in Eidfjord, saw the movie and talked to the staff there, when I managed to persuade Tom to do what the Norwegians call ''g? p? tur'', and hike to H?rteigen via the manned cabins Vivelid and Hadlaskard. Tom never wanted to hike or tent, but here there were cabins on the way, and we could buy food there and cook it in the cabins. It was just three days with plenty of photo opportunities and it was a perfect opportunity for vlogging, as there''s surprisingly few who have done that stretch.


    So we only brought with us the light equipment they recommended; change clothes, extra socks, rain and windbreaker, sunglasses, sunscreen, candy and day trip food, and a couple of Nalgene bottles each with energy drink powder. We downloaded the hiking app on our phones and brought a pair of powerbanks each, and headphones. We got the bed linen and brought only the most important things like a toothbrush, toothpaste etc. Of course, Tom also had his camera and stuff in its photo bag with extra batteries lenses, filters, flash etc.


    In retrospect, I know we were a bit too unprepared and the people in the cabins called us classic beginners. But it also seems common among Norwegians, and as it didn''t worry them, we didn''t worry us. However, I know I should have brought something more useful such as my own knife, warmer clothes and more food, but the weather forecast said fine weather, and I had no room in my backpack for a sweater.


    It was beautiful and such an experience to go out into nature and how quickly it changed. It was exciting and so rustic to visit Hadlaskard. We cooked with others on a gas stove, and it''s silly that we almost paniced about fetching drinking water in a bucket from the rapids outside.


    We had two marvellous days in beautiful scenic nature, with picturesque elements of snow patches and mountains mixed with summer and green trees. We enjoyed some sweets, took pictures and filmed. We had a great time.


    Until we stood up on H?rteigen and saw the storm approaching.


    It had already been a long day as we left a little too late and held a slow tempo, due to photos and filming. But we hurried, and we had come down from the top and the parts where we had to use ropes and wires, before the storm was over us. We were so happy for our windbreakers, but we should''ve taken something for our legs as well. Shorts and shirts weren''t good enough at such temperatures and rain, and our jeans were soaked. We had no choice but to continue walking towards Hadlaskard, but it was an adventure and it would be a good story from our trip to Norway, although Tom would probably never go hiking again.


    But the rain just poured down and we both got so wet and cold, and when it started to thunder and we saw lightning strikes, it was no longer a fun adventure.


    But there was only mountains and cliffs with some grass, mud and water that flowed. There were no places to take shelter, and except lightning strikes we saw no more than maybe 150m, so we lost the trail a couple of times. We had both slipped and lost our footing many times on slippery rocks and muddy ground, when Tom sprained his ankle and hit his knee on the rain-soaked rocks. It was probably not too serious, just a sprain, tender and hurting.


    We decided we couldn''t continue as we had, and took shelter behind a slightly protruding cliff and tried to let the storm calm down or disappear. It would give Tom a chance to rest his ankle and knee. The next few hours were absolutely miserable; wet and cold, and we shivered so much while we huddled against each other.


    We were very worried as the storm didn''t seem to end, but then the light turned funny, so we thought the storm were about to calm down. But that didn''t happen. Lightning struck so close that we screamed and jumped, and we ran as fast as we could to get further down the valley. But the lightning strike fucked up our phones so the hiking app didn''t work, and somewhere we lost the trail as well.


    The weather finally improved, but we got lost and chose to endure the rest of the evening and night in just our jackets, but we didn''t find a really good place. We found some shrubbery and used that and moss to get a little more protection and had the backpacks in front of us. Many hours passed but we had managed to doze of and were awakened by the sun in the middle of the night. Atleast the weather was beautiful and it quickly got warmer. We dried up, but we just wanted to get back to the cabin, eat and find a bed. We where knackered.


    We saw H?rteigen clearly and seem to be going in the right direction, but we found no trails or signposts, but we could see paths. Now I know why our phones GPS didn''t work, but then we thought the lightning strike had damaged them, and Tom was worried that his camera would be damaged, but it seemed okay. We understood that we were slightly lost, but we continue to follow the paths, because logically we should only need to go down and find the river. Tom''s sore ankle made it slow going, and it really didn''t help that we often needed to balance on stones. It was so damn cold to cross wide streams as we couldn''t find the bridges, and we spent so much time trying to find the best place to balance over on rocks. Atleast the weather stayed warm, without much wind.


    Tom realized that we could use the phone compass, and eventually we discovered the river. We knew we were on the wrong side of the river, but we recognized the other side. We compared with photos in the camera and were sure - that was where we went towards Hadlaskard. We hurried down into the valley, but had to move back upstream a bit to try to find the suspension bridge and Hadlaskard''s buildings.


    Neither the bridge nor the cabins were there, which made us scared and worried. It was freezing cold to wade across the river, and we were shivering. We had at least gotten used to it by then, changed into shorts before, so I could quickly wipe myself off and put on my pants on the other side. We continue to follow the river downstream. We found an old stone hut, and we were so completely knackered, and Tom''s ankle was swollen and ached, so we chose to sleep one night at the stone hut while trying to dry our shoes and feet and bask in the sun. If the weather turned bad the stone hut would atleast be a good shelter, but we sat outside in the sun. We were so hungry, but there was nothing to eat and all our food was gone. To hopefully improve our sleep, we collect some shrubbery to lie on, and use the duvet covers and sheets as a blanket. "


    <hr>


    Tom? Where''s Tom? If they came the same way up as I went down, it means that their car isn''t here, as I should have seen it. I stayed quite close to where the map showed the path, the parking lot and the road down into the valley. Oh well, you can''t get everything, and there should have been more cars there in that case. I would also prefer a more mechanical and different car than a Tesla. Jane''s story is interesting and I''m starting to understand what happened to them. The night they spend at the stone hut, I sleep in my tent southeast of Vivelid. I''m maybe 8 km as the bird flies ahead of them, about 2.5-4 hours hiking, depending on backpack, but its not for certain that they would have seen me if they had passed. My gray tent can blend in well with the rocks, and I always try to set up discreet out of sight camps and a bit from hiking paths etc, if I can. If people don''t see me, they can''t be assholes.


    They should have tried to get to the cabin west of H?rteigen, which is much closer, but I understand if they fixated on getting back to Hadlaskard. Had they gone to the other cabin, they probably wouldn''t have come here to Alfheimr. Had Tom not injured his ankle and they had reached Hadlaskard and continued, they should have been ahead of me due to a higher tempo and more time spent walking. It would have been a completely different situation if they had come down to civilization before me.


    Its both good and bad luck that the weather was nice, because it helped to dry and keep up their body temperature, but had it been partially cloudy with occasional light rain, I would have had my big orange rain cover on the backpack, and it would have been visible for many kilometers, and they might have seen me. Which is the point, it''s part of my plan to be visible if I need to.


    They havn''t understood what had happened yet, even less than I did, but they should have caught up with me with such a light load, so Tom''s ankle must have been bad, especially if they had to balance on rocks without hiking poles. Too bad they did not think about improvising and using the sheets as a bad rain and windbreak. I wonder where Tom is now? Two humans can really fuck up what I have chosen to tell and give impression of, and if they have split up, it will get worse. But if I find out now or in a quarter of an hour, it doesn''t change anything, so time to be attentive, listen and let her tell her story without interrupting.


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    <hr>


    "The next morning we wake up with our stomachs screaming and bad headache, but there was only river water to quench our thirst. However, we recognize where we are and Toms ankle feels better, so we start walking to reach Vivelid where we spent the first night, and on the way there were cabins or we might meet someone with food. We havn''t walk for long before Tom stops, points and shouts; "Bootprints! Bootprints!", and we see that someone with boots has walked in the dried mud. So someone has been here the last day, because the rain should have washed everything away. The discovery makes us more confident that we''re on the right path. We were so happy when we saw more footprints from your boots.


    We panicked when no cabins or buildings appeared. Neither the big yellow building on our side of the river nor those who were on the other side. We check Tom''s pictures and it''s just wrong. We were probably in shock too. We had no idea what had happened, and began to wonder if we had gone back in time. In any case, there were signs of some life because there was a stone huts for people, just as we saw when we went past the first time, but above all there were the occasional imprint of boots in the mud. Modern boots.


    We reached the place where Vivelid should be, but there was nothing there, and somewhere we had lost the bootprints as well, but we understood that the person before us had choosed another path as we fought our way through the bog and the forest, and of course the walkways weren''t there. We knew how the surroundings were there, but we didn''t think about it. But, better forward than going back. The camera helped us find the right direction and where we should be going. I lost my shoe in the bog but Tom helped me dig it up. We washed off the worst in a stream before continuing on, because we were so close to where the car should be, and we had dreamed of the candy in the car, even though we were starting to assume it wouldn''t be there. Our mood rose when we again found a path with the same bootprints that headed in the right direction. Tom compared with the pictures he took of the imprints, and they were the same imprint, so we must be on the right path. We were so happy to see your bootprints again, because the man with the boots knew what he was doing, and we became a bit obsessed with following in your footsteps, and we were worried if we hadn''t see them for a while.


    It was early evening when we finally see houses and people. We were so overjoyed, and ran forward and shouted and they came to meet us, but everything is weird. They are Vikings, just like we saw at the museum in Lofoten, and no one knows English. We meet Barki who owns the farm. He looked at our ears and that is when we look at theirs, and see that they have elf ears. We were both in some kind of shock, but were happy to have found people, get food to eat and we collapse as soon as they show us a small bed. That we were in a longhouse and that everyone we saw were elves and we had blankets and animal furs around us, was a problem for the morning.


    I''ve often regretted that we just collapsed in the bad instead of continuing, or at least got up earlier in the morning. How different everything would be.


    The next morning we woke up and enjoyd the simple breakfast. Everyone around us are Elves, and no one knows English. But some words turn out to be close enough to English and we manage to communicate with Barki through simple words and gestures. We understand that someone else in similar clothes and a big green backpack, a man with round ears and a beard, was there before us and he is in the village on the other side of the lake. The man with the boots, as everyone is barefoot or has leather shoes, and the man seems to be a hiker with poles and so on.


    Unfortunately we didn''t hurry, but Barki took us across the lake to the village I now know is Hildifjoer, and we get to meet Lagman Filison. We felt such anguish and panic when we understood that the man with the boots, Sejdmann Robert Arnesson, had left that morning on a boat, to go far south to something called Borgarsandr. We just missed you by a couple of hours. When we ask the Lagman when the next boat arrives, he only show all ten fingers five times while saying ''day''. So many days. We lost all hope as we realized that it was 2 months until we had the opportunity to follow. Where would the man have travelled by then?"


    <hr>


    It feels like I was lucky that they actually took their time, because it gave me more options and freedom, but at the same time it would have been nice to have their company, and someone to talk to. A group of three would also be a safer company to travel in. However, I doubt I would have been where I am now, with title, status and other things, and I''m confident that Iselin and Ciara would have gone completely different if Jane and Tom had been there. Talk about a huge ''what if?''. But I wonder why they didn''t try to exchange something to be sailed to Kambsnes, they would''ve caught up with us, and probably after a day or two, as we stopped someplace along the way.


    <hr>


    "We don''t know what to do, but after three days Lagman Filison tells us that we will need to help if we''re going to live there until the boat returns, but we can borrow a small room and clothes.


    We were not prepared for working on a farm. We met at University and my work is doing simpler restorations of paintings and frames, grouping together or finding matching works of art so that they fit together on walls and rooms, and among other things I paint and draw as a hobby. Tom vlogs and tries to become a photo artist. Tried. We''re from well of families, so we were doing okay, but neither of us have worked on a farm, and never done such physically demanding work in our entire lives. The work days were so long! It was such a difficult transition to try to help on the farm. Lack of tea, coffee or nicotine didn''t help. That first week was terrible.


    Eventually, I helped indoors; in the kitchen, with the clothes etc, after they stopped laughing at me. They saw how terrified I was of the animals, and I barely ventured into the barn or pastures. The horses were no problem. The chickens were bad enough, but everyone laughed when the fucking geese chased me. It''s easy for them who grew up with it, but for me chickens are something I buy slaughtered from a store. Chickens shouldn''t pick on my hands and cluck at me, but geese are the worst. Horrible vicious animals. They ambushed and chased me as soon as I stepped outside, and they gave me several bruises. Tom helped with the farm''s chores and he was well trained so it was easier. We both like to go to the gym, but I mostly train overall fitness and flexibility, while Tom went for fitness and muscle. I didn''t like the looks that he got from the elf women, and he insisted on working topless because it was hot and he was sweating. Most of the men did."


    <hr>


    Just giving up like that and wasting time, was a big mistake by them. It seems like a bad memory for Jane, but all of us have had more or less problems since we arrived here, but one thing annoys me:


    Gods, if you exist here; I know I technically made that wish when Jane and Tom was already here in Alfheimr, and I hope you still grant my wish, but I asked for humans with useful knowledge, and its more a problem than a compensation that you fulfilled ''sexy woman''. Artist, photographer and vlogger are not what I needed for my Academy right now. I appreciate your humor, but more useful knowledge, please? Pretty please? K!Tkx!Bai!


    <hr>


    "We''d been there for more than a week when it was another washing and bathing day, and I was going to surprise Tom with freshly baked buns, but I discover Tom enjoying Dagny and her ''buns''. I got so mad at him and I refused to have anything to do with him. While I stormed out, I shouted he needed to find someplace else to sleep from now on. His explaination that it wouldn''t happen again and that I am his true love, fell on deaf ears. Liar. I had suspected he''d been unfaithful before, so I refused to believe him, and while I ran to the room and I took off my engagement ring. I was so disappointed and mad at him, because we only had each other in this horrible Elven world, and he let me down after our years together. Just discarded when there was a willing young woman nearby. I spent that evening crying and feeling so very lonely and isolated. I couldn''t even talk to anyone.


    Another week passes. At the end of each work day, Tom drinks mead with the other men, before seeking Dagny''s company, who was so willing. I realize it really is completely over between us, and say it to him; that he has thrown away the years we''ve been together, and if we return to New York he must move out of my apartment immediately - he''s not allowed to sleep there even one night. He has a week to collect his things before I donate them.


    Astrid and Lova - the other two maids - tried to comfort me despite the language problems. They said there are better men to marry, and that I''m unusual and pretty. They''ve never seen anyone looking like me, and wonder if I havn''t seen the looks that men have given me? Of course I noticed it, but I don''t want to be a one night stand or a fuck buddy, and they are sweaty, dirty and stink. How can they only bathe once a week? And what says they''re better than Tom?


    Astrid told me how they both had sex with you that first morning, and how afraid Lova was of insulting such a powerful guest. But I understood that you could at least make yourself understood better than I do. "


    My story surprises and to some extent confirms things Arnesson probably already knows, and it strengthens his ego. Astrid and Lova whispered how they had sex, as if it were the most sinful secret in the world, but their world is so small. It makes me angry that both he and Tom have it so much easier here, and both quickly took advantage of it for sex and to have more women. Why can''t one woman be enough? When the opportunity exist, men just want more and more. Chauvinist Pig.


    In any case, Arnesson has been much smarter, more creative and so very manipulating. He has skillfully adjusted to this world, and taken the maximum advantage of his opportunities. Wandering Magician is smart, and I find it hard to understand how he''s already done something important enough for the King to grant him his own islands, and made him a King with his own little Kingdom. I can only imagine how big his harem will be in a year. But, he is still a modern man from Sweden, and it feels so very good to be able to talk to someone again. Someone who really understands me and can understand the change. He might be a bastard, but I need his help.


    He probably won''t just let me paint and teach art, and I don''t have much choice. He will be so greedy to put his filthy wandering hands on my body, and I feel disgusted that I''ll surely need to have sex with him. Hopefully I''m not his type, but I''m a pretty female, and most men don''t need more than that. Considering how willing his harem seems to be, it probably won''t be that often, and they are younger beautiful elves so they certainly appeals to him more. Bloody chauvinist pig.

 Creating something new - day 42, Jane (part 2)

    "Another week or so passes, when Astrid woke me up after I''d just fallen asleep. She was stressed and anxious, and quickly dragged me to the great hall. Tom was tied up and held by guards. Tom was accused of getting drunk, beating and raping Fru Gudfridr, Lagman Filisons wife, and then passing out in the master bedroom. Fru Gudfridr had the start of bruising on her face and arm, and explained to Lagman Filison what had happened when he returned. Tom swore that''s not how it happened. She was the one who seduced him and lured him to bed - which is probably what happened, but of course he went along with her, because Dagny wasn''t enough. Tom said he don''t remember beating her, and that it must have been by mistake and he didn''t mean it - he was still drunk. He doesn''t remember. He tried to get me to agree with him, say that its not so, that he''s not like that, but I just shook my head and I didn''t want to see him anymore - because I know that he can get aggressive when he''s too drunk, even though he always apologized and gave gifts afterwards.


    Lagman Filison sentenced Tom to slavery until the spring equinox, and they dragged Tom away to have a neckring riveted.


    I barely slept that night. I avoided Tom the following days, and the others helped me. Not because he let me betrayed me, but because he forced himself on Fru Gudfridr and was sentenced to slavery. Even though everyone thinks it was Fru Gudfridr who seduced him to bed, that''s okay; it''s Tom who''s at fault. Tom had been forbidden to enter the main building, but after a couple of days he snuck in to talk to me. He begged me to take him back, and that everything was the sadistic fucking Lagman Filison and his lying whore of a wife''s fault. He showed the red marks on his back from when Filison hit him with a cane because he was resting, and he was angry about his iron neckring that was chafing and uncomfortable, and that they treated him like an animal. But I no longer cared about Tom, and when he was discovered in there and dragged out, I just turned away and ignored his plead for help.


    I saw Tom working in the fields a couple of weeks later, but instead of coming forward as I thought, he avoided my gaze when he discovered me. I didn''t want to talk to him either. I heard rumors that Lagman Filison raped Tom a couple of times as punishment for not respecting the rules. It shocked me that it''s apparently okay - because he''s a slave who has broken the rules - and no one seems to care that Lagman Filison is a sadistic bloody rapist. What kind of law is that? I worried about my own future with such a man in charge of the village. What can I be convicted of, and sentenced to be a slave? Then he could rape me without anyone caring. What are the consequences if I defend myself? I really hated this bloody world and I just wanted to go back home. That this long nightmare would be over."


    <hr>


    I understand her, and I completely agree with how wrong it is, although Filison skirted the law a bit. I understand that he didn''t want to duel Tom, and the time limitation on Toms slavery indicate that he understood his wife was at fault, and Tom was a drunk guest. It is a punishment for her too that he didn''t duel or sentenced Tom to lifetime slavery. But the rape wasn''t really legal since Tom was a time sentenced slave, and I guess Filison saw it as revenge for his wife. Most men here would, and I don''t think Filison will get any shit for that, especially since Tom seemed to be a disrespectful and a bad slave.


    But if Tom is a slave for another half a year, that changes a lot. I should probably send my ship to try to buy him from Filison. That will be expensive and take atleast a month, and I''ll probably have to give Filison my word that I won''t free him. I really don''t want to or have time to spend a month traveling back there, but I could send someone. Filison will probably visit the Northmen Ting at the end of February. Maybe I can convince Tom to give me some of his technical stuff as payment? If he can''t charge it, it has limited use for him. I should probably negotiate that up front, and offer to take him away from Filison and give him a good slave life until his release.


    <hr>


    "I hardly see Tom at all, but Dagny and Tom became a couple, even though he''s a slave for another eight months and she''s a free woman. Dagny told me that Tom just wanted to be a free man again, and take the boat to the big town of Kambsnes, and take Dagny with him. Dagny also told me that Tom no longer thought I would forgive him and that we would be a couple with her. I felt sorry for Tom, but it disgusted me when I realized that Tom assumed I would forgive his betrayal and return to him, and even accept that he had Dagny too. That that''s okay here, does not make it okay for me."


    Arnesson is right to feel ashamed. Bloody chauvinist pig. How many times has he forced himself on a woman since he arrived here?


    "But time goes by, and I just want to return to my world and escape this horrible world and life. But every morning I wake up in the same bed. I''d completely lost track of time, but week after week pass by and everything is just the same boring hard routine. Get up, work, eat, work, eat, sleep. Repeat. Day in and day out. The days flow together because it''s mostly the same food and the same job, although harvest sucked the most. Language becomes a bit easier as Astrid helped me learn phrases and words, but it was so hard. It''s so much easier when almost everyone speaks English. I talked to Tom a couple of times, just to really talk to someone, and he admitted that he had had sex with Fru Gudfridr a couple of times before he was caught and sentenced to slavery. He guess Lagman Filison found out as Filison forced him to have sex with Fru Gudfridr a couple of times afterwards as well; his hands tied behind his back, with a rope around his neck and with a rag in his mouth, while Filison raped him - so Filison humiliated them both. I felt real sorry for Tom, but it made me even more afraid of Lagman Filison.


    A couple of weeks ago, I was called into the great hall, where a man was waiting along with Lagman Filison. He was presented as Merchant Danr, and it was he who Sejdmann Arnesson left with two months earlier. They asked if I still wanted to go with the boat to Borgarsandr, where Sejdmann Arnesson lived on one of the King''s farms and worked directly for the King, which impressed them both. My trip was already paid for if I wanted it, and I just had to decide before the boat left the next morning.


    I actually was indecisive and hesitated. At least Hildifjoer was a known miserable place, but I didn''t like the looks that Lagman had begun to give me. So I went to talk to Astrid - the only one I really talked to in the last few months and we had started to understand each other better. Astrid was overjoyed and showed the letter she received from ''Sejdmann Robert Arnesson'' and the gold you taped on. Both Astrid and Lova were so very happy for the letters, and the gold. It was the first letters they ever received, and Fru Gudfridr slowly read the letters to Astrid, Lova and me. The letters told them about your plans for an Academy. It sounded like something I wanted to be a part of and contribute to, and it would be very nice to leave Hildifjoer and Lagman Filison. So I said goodbye to everyone, but I couldn''t find Tom, or Dagny, so I assumed they were in some discreet place again.


    The next morning I boarded the boat and was surprised when I met Dagny there. She and Tom were going to travel to Kambsnes with the same boat and had a cabin. It surprised me that Lagman Filison had freed Tom, but he probably wanted to get rid of him too, and Filison had given me three ounces of silver for my work there. I was happy for Tom. That he would leave Hildifjoer, and he had found someone to live his life with.


    We saw Tom come jogging with his backpack and without a neckring, and he looked energetic and expectant for the future. Dagny waved and said that her man is coming, so the sailors got ready to cast off. But we heard people screaming, Tom looked over his shoulder and started legging it towards the boat. Behind him guards came running and screaming. Danr and the sailors refused to cast off to Toms despair and wondered what was going on. The guards rushed on board and wrestled Tom down, and it turned out that Tom had removed his neckring and tried to escape from his slave sentence. The boat stayed, and Dagny cried and worried as we hurried after the guards who forced Tom back to Lagman Filisons farm.


    Lagman Filison stood there waiting - totally pissed off. Tom had tried to escape from his slave sentence, and would obviously try to do it again, so Tom was sentenced to death and was given the choice to be executed. I can still how Tom spits at Lagman Filison, and how he refused to choose the way they where going to kill him and cursed Lagman Filison, this world and the injustices. They didn''t understand most of the words, but they understood the meaning. Lagman decided that since Tom so badly wanted to escape over the sea, it would be the last thing he saw, by being drowned in the harbor. The verdict was carried out immediately, and Tom, screaming and kicking wildly, was dragged down to the harbor. I refused to follow and witness, but Dagny did. I just stood there with Danr waiting, until Dagny and Lagman Filison returned. Lagman Filison gave Tom''s belongings to crying Dagny, and they would burn his body. I couldn''t wait to leave Hildifjoer after that, and a moment later I was standing on the deck with Dagny, when the boat left Hildifjoer. I woved to never return.


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    The voyage went without problems, and Dagny got off in Kambsnes. Danr says ''Hello'', and asked me to let you know that he delivered the other letters on the voyage out, and he wanted me to congratulate you for becoming your own King. Once in Borgarsandr, it wasn''t difficult to find people who could give me directions - everyone knows where Sejdmann Arnesson is - and now I''m here."


    Arnesson is so damn smug as he sits and listens as I tell my tragic story. His barbie guard looks puzzled while I talk, but she doesn''t lose focus and watch me and my hands all the time; quiet, attentive and ready to intervene to protect her King.


    I almost want to applaude him for how cleverly he''s manipulated all the women around him. Like he sent gold to Astrid and Lova and told them about his Academy. Half a year''s salary in Gold, so they dreamingly will leave their lives in Hildifjoer and seek him out on his islands, to become his sex willing maids. How many willing women does he need? Danr delivered two more letters on the voyage.


    He attracts beautiful women with a life in comfort and wealth, and if they show up or respond, he knows they are willing. He will buy the most beautiful slave women, but instead of just raping them, he will surely pamper and indoctrinate them with the others, because he seems to be building a personality cult around himself; the mighty Sorcery King who is surrounded by loyal brainwashed young elf women - always ready and willing for sex with his mighty Lord. It probably applies to most of the guards too. He can probably just signal for them to kneel in front of him, or willingly lift up the dress and bend over. A long dress on a guard - what a joke that is. Well, atleast its not fantasy armor. Yet. I wonder how many times she has used her mouth or lifted her dress? Of course his personal guard is the youngest, most beautiful and with the largest breasts. Danr told me how two shieldmaidens sought him out, and became his guards. Given his description, it seems to be one of them sitting here next to him. A completely loyal and brainwashed toy, and its just been a couple of months.


    During the voyage, Danr enthusiastically told about his previous trip with Sejdmann Arnesson, and it was with reverence he showed the exact spot and rock where Sejdmann called down Thor''s lightning in a small nail and made a North arrow, which he proudly showed. That was so damn smart and elaborate that I couldn''t help but be impressed. I had never thought about making a compass needle hanging in a piece of string, and he manipulated them so good by taking a picture with his own camera with flash. Talk about laying a nice foundation after just a few days here, when we still didn''t know what to do. I almost wanted to give Arnesson an applause right then and there as I understood what he did, and he has been much smarter than we were.


    When Danr also proudly showed and told how much gold he had given for the banknote, it was worth another applause. So much gold for a useless banknote, because even though it is beautiful and a small work of art here, its not worth two horses. It made me regret that I didn''t have any cash on me to sell, but Tom took care of all cash because it was unnecessary that we both had cash, and his phonecase had room for it. And it was Dagnys.


    It made me realise that the only thing of real value I have is my gold necklace and earrings with small rubies, and my engagement ring. But no one will care that platinum is one of the world''s most expensive metals, and more exclusive than any other metal in jewellery, and rubies are just a step below diamonds, but more beautiful. I won''t get much for my ring and I wouldn''t want to sell it anyway - it means a lot to me, and I paid half of it myself. For me, the ring has always meant more ''love'' than ''engagement'', and I will keep it for as long as I can. Arnesson might understand.


    When Danr told me what Arnesson did in Kambsnes, it was even more impressive. It''s like he''s the biggest con artist, magician and seducer in the world, and he''s just getting respect, wealth, and women. I have Casanova''s memoirs and Casanova would probably have been impressed by Arnesson''s adventure so far, and this is just the beginning. It''s only been three months. Someone should write down Arnesson''s memoirs, but prevent its publication for a couple of generations. But I doubt any of the elves Arnesson fooled, will feel fooled - he seems to be doing it too damn good. It might be like watching a Las Vegas magic show. You know you''ll be fooled, but it''s worth it, and you will recommend it to your friends.


    He must have hidden a torch in his hand to make the stone shine. So very simple, but so very manipulative with his whole speech and show of it. Danrs story show what an impression it made in this primitive world. Danr considers the red-haired slave woman Iselin a very cheap and unworthy reward for that show, and he has no idea who gave him the other, and she was too skinny. A woman is a very cheap and unworthy reward?! Damn this world. Arnesson probably has a thing for redheads and bought the other, but he is so very manipulative to free one with some kind of agreement she can''t read, and must believe its magical, and how he gradually makes them become more and more grateful to him, and when the agreement eventually end, they will be so completely faithful to him that they stay in his bed of their own free will. Skilled, indoctrinated sex slaves who don''t understand that they''re slaves; whose collar and shackles are in their brain.


    Danr said they spent most of the time in his cabin, so he certainly enjoyed his sex slaves. Danr jokingly said that he too would''ve spent a lot of time in his cabin with such company, and he''s considering buying a willing slave maid who can come along and make the trips more pleasant, instead of visiting feasthalls. It must have been inside the cabin that Arnesson''s plans for his cult emerged. When he realized how many willing women he could gather around him, and how easily.


    Before Danr left Borgarsandr, he met Arnesson again, and his friend told Danr of his work for the King and that he hoped to get land to establish his Academy. Of course, he had managed to attract another beautiful woman to his vicinity - this time a noblewoman from the castle. Danr is so very impressed with Arnessons, and how quickly he became rich and powerful.


    Danr continued to tell stories and not least about Arnesson and his creations during their journey. I just have to admit that Arnesson is smart, creative, and manipulative because both the life jacket and the hammock were that. So little work and cheap to do, but so very manipulative to hire someone to demonstrate the life jacket and give away the knowledge, before its copied. I''m not going to applaud him, but I respect his skill and cunning, and that things like that will only make his cult more powerful. The sundial is just another PR thing. Just beautiful modern unnecessary art, that spreads his reputation.


    Danr had no idea how Arnesson got a nice farm in Norway, which he pointed out from a distance, but he was impressed that his friend managed to get it from Jarl Skiringe; a very famous cunning Jarl who isn''t easy to impress, and who doesn''t give gifts without having a plan that its worth it. But Arnesson''s greedy ambitions were higher, and he was not satisfied staying in Skiringsalr with a fine farm.


    Danr was so surprised when we anchored in Lysesund, and he laughed when he eagerly told me what he had just found out. He didn''t know what Arnesson had done for the King, but it must have been impressive as the King had give the islands to Sejdmann Arnesson, and made it Sejdmann''s own little kingdom. The King even pays for most of the work and transports materials there for Sejdmann''s constructions. Danr is deeply impressed by Sejdmann Robert Arnesson, and so grateful to the gods for blessing him with getting to know Sejdmann, and I couldn''t help but be impressed as well. How do you get a King to give away a piece of his Kingdom and make someone else a King?


    Danr also excitedly told me about a recent duel, where it sounds like he just shot his opponent infront of everyone, so I guess he brought a hunting rifle or something along with him, and thats just unsportsmanlike, but must be oh so effective here, because no one will understand that it isn''t magic. Maybe thats why the King gave him the islands, for a magician who is powerful enough to just point at someone who then dies after being struck down by Thor, The God of Thunder, is someone to fear and someone you want as a friend.


    Once in Borgarsandr, Danr pointed me in the right direction, and it wasn''t difficult to find people who know where Sejdmann Arnesson was to be found - everyone seem to know - and there have been Sejdmann thunder and lights in the sky just a few days before.


    The stories Danr told and what happened here, only reinforced my impression that the man in front of me is a better con artist and manipulator than Casanova, and if everything becomes known in the future, it will probably be a bestseller, but until then he will probably be more legendary than Merlin, and his islands will get the same mythical status as Avalon, and filled with women who serve at his slightest hint. A couple of those I asked directions from, already seem to see him as a demigod, which must make him happy. His Academy will be an insult to the name, and hardly a new Cambridge or Oxford.


    But it still feels good to tell him my story. To have someone who listens and understands, and who speaks good English. And I too want to have a comfortable life and avoid working on a farm every day. Even if that means I have to be one of ''his women''. But the more women he has around him, the less I need to have sex with him, and I am the only risk and chance for him to have a human child, and there are no condoms here and I won''t say that I have an IUD. Just the thought of feeling his sweaty chubby body against mine, feeling him in me and his hands touching me, makes me disgusted and annoyed. Why do all men become pigs when nothing stops them?

 Creating something new - day 42, Jane (part 3)

    When Jane has finished her story, I know more. Tom is dead and Dagny has his stuff. Most things are useful, especially the electronics, the camera and the lenses. That quality of optics is special and pretty much everything is irreplaceable. No one else can use the technology, and the batteries has probably been empty for a while now. There may be some useful electronic components on the camera, and the same with his battery bank. If he recorded a lot of video, it is possible he had a gyro-stabilized selfie stick, and that could be quite valuable parts. Its a good idea to buy everything modern and it is definitely worth sending someone to try to buy everything from Dagny. I can show my own cameras for whoever I send, but who should I send? Iselin? No, not Iselin, because she''s known there, and certainly not Ciara. Better to send Kari, and she''s probably better at negotiating too. But then there are those damn feasts. Kari should be at the feasts too, and we need the ship too. So it needs to be done after the feast and after we''ve moved to my islands. Can I persuade Jane to go back with Kari to buy it? Probably. But what should I do with Jane? She just sits there and looks at me but I can''t really interpreting her face. Alith looks like she havn''t understand anything, which it''s good. So, gather yourself and be cool.


    "My condolence for Tom''s death, and I thank you for telling me your story. Its pretty much what I guessed most humans comming here would experience, or much worse - you atleast made it to civilization and survived. But what do you expect of me by comming here?"


    "I want to work at your Academy when its finished, teaching art and painting. Until then I hope you can let me stay here - we''re both humans, and I won''t be a bother or cost you much."


    Freeloader. But yeah; I could let her. I just don''t like how she can mess my relationships up, or talk about stuff she shouldn''t, and I wonder how useful her skills really are here. But she should have other knowledge and skills that are certainly worth it.


    "Well, what usefull skills and knowledge do you have?"


    "I know an awful lot about painted art through history in different forms and locations around the world, and I''m quite good on both canvas and wood. Just get me art supplies and I can teach that."


    "Do you know how to make and prepare those paints and colors and art supplies? I do not think you can buy it easily or cheaply - have you seen any paintings around here? I''ve been to the Kings Castle a few times and so far havn''t seen any, though they obviously have a few different pains. What other use can you be to the Academy?"


    "I know how they made brushes and how to make different paintings and styles, materials and technics, and I know where lots of pigments are from and what they are, and how to process them to imitate different masters."


    "Can you get them here, or make most of it yourself and describe for a merchant what you need so they understand it? You can''t trust to use names you know because they will have other names or be unknown here. This is Hard level. You need to be able to do everything or figure it out, and I will be of no help. There is no internet."


    She gets annoyed when I push her for details, but details are so important, and I need to know how much help she will need.


    "I''m willing to try! Don''t that bloody mean anything?! I''m not as lucky as you! Bringing a gun with me, and making simple compasses and selling them for an insane amount of gold! Scaring the natives with a torch! Got you your pretty little redhead ''girlfriends'', right?! You were given a woman as a bloody sexslave because you wow''ed them with a torch, and you have obviously enjoyed that! But, oh no! You wasn''t satisfied with shagging one sexslave - you wanted a matching pair! And now I see you have three all dressed up in pretty things, pretending they''re not just your toys! What a man you are! You must love this place! Well maybe you want a fourth? I''m ''exotic'', pretty and atleast I can give you a child! Or maybe you don''t want that? Living every mans dream of having a bloody harem, but not having to worry about children! How many times have you fucked barbie?!"


    As Jane raises her voice, and becomes more aggressive and begins to accuse me, I try to focus and stay in a controlled calm. With my arm I block Alith from calming Jane, and I let Jane continue to dig deeper. When she''s done, she stands in front of me and accusingly stares at me from half a meter away, so I just calmly pointing for her to sit down. She continues to stand and stares at me. Challenging and defiant. I give her a pointed stare and point for her to sit down. She sits down with a huff, arms crossed. She is really pissed off, and havn''t got a clue how badly she just fucked up. Didn''t she learn anything from Tom''s fate?


    "I get that you needed to ventilate, but you need to understand that if Alith or anyone out there could understand what you where saying, I would have to stop them from lynching you or killing you for deeply insulting mine and their honor, and I would have to do that and so much more to you myself. NO! Sit down and SHUT THE FUCK UP! You will be silent and listen to me, because now I''m trying to save your useless life before you do something so monumentally stupid. Again!"


    Jane had started to stand up, but sits and looks shocked when the door is torn open and Gunhild and Hillevi charge in with weapons drawn, with my sambos worried in the background. I get their reaction as I rarely raise my voice, but I wave them away, they back out and close the door as I close my eyes and take a deep breath.


    "You have just accused me of having raped several women, and forcing them to stay with me and continue being raped - which would be horrible - and you stupidly almost forced me to do worse to you. And you were worried about Lagman Filison. You moron! I''m real happy we''re speaking English right now, and you should be crying with happiness. Trust me when I say that one bad word or missunderstanding you didn''t mean, can end up forcing you to murder someone in cold blood.


    They''re not my sexslaves, and you''ve made the same mistake as almost everyone else. I refuse to have sex with tr?lar - slaves - because they can''t defend themself from their owner, and here a ''no'' doesn''t matter. When they stayed in my cabin on the ship, it was because it was safe. I hired two female guards to help protect them from other men. I didn''t have sex with Iselin when I knew she was a slave, and trust me, it was so frustrating when she wanted us too, and she didn''t see anything wrong with it. It lasted until I made Iselin a free woman a week later. A week spent in close proximity every day and night, with an unbelieveably sexy woman who wanted to have sex with me, while sleeping in the same cabin. She had become a free woman and was having a day off, and I had given her silver to enjoy herself in town, when she came back a couple of hours later, crawled naked into my bed and wanted us to have sex. She was saving money to buy her freedom, so I wouldn''t say ''no'' to her. I spent the next weeks trying to avoid sex with her because she was my employee. I didn''t ask her to my bed before she became my fianc¨¦e a month ago. She''s the slave I was given when I used the flashlight, and yes, as pretty much any attractive female slave here, she too have been raped previously in life before she came in to my service. But NOT by me!"


    Not 100% truth, but close enough, and Jane needs to know and understand. She''s trying to interrupt, but I don''t want to hear a ''sorry'', and it''s my turn to vent and she needs to understand, so I just keep going.


    "NO! Shut up! Keep sitting there quietly and listen. Learn! You really don''t want to know how Ciara''s last year was, before Iselin sacrificed all the silver she owned and bought Ciara as a gift to me, so that I could save her too. She was so filthy, bruised and smelled awful, that I didn''t knew she was a redhead until she bathed. Twice. I never touched her, and had no interest in having sex with her. I was just trying to protect her and get her back to health and gain about 15 to 20kg and find something for her to do, since I don''t want to sell a human. Elf. Hell, I didn''t want to own a person. Ciara''s understandibly somewhat mentally broken after her ordeals, and she consider all other men in this world to be creatures, no more than animals. I''m her only exception - partly because I''m human - and she need me to need her. She''s so utterly devoted to me its scary. She thinks she went to hell; kidnapped in Scotland by raiders from her life as a noble woman and forced into slavery here, and that is the least bad part of it. She was sold to me cheaply because Iselin fooled Jarl Asshole into thinking, that I would use her for horrible magical experiments and would torture her to death! She lived as a slave to someone who wanted her to suffer and die a painfull horrible death, and he wouldn''t even get to see it. She lived in hell!"


    I take a deep breath before continuing. It''s hard to interpret Jane''s face but seems to be a mixture of fear, shock and shivering going through her body. In any case, she keeps quiet, sits still and just stares at me.


    "She truly believe that I was sent by the Gods to this world to rescue her from hell, that her old self died and that she is reborn. She was a depressed bundle of sadness without hope a month ago, because she knew that her savior sent by the Gods, didn''t want or need her - which was true. Just hours after I proposed to Iselin, she and the others convinced me to accept Ciara as my concubine, and that was difficult. I had to give her a written contract stating she is my concubine, so she would have paperproof that I won''t force her away. She refused to be a free woman - twice - and instead wanted a written contract saying she was my concubine. Forever! Specifically worded; forever and all future! Like one word wasn''t enough. So I gave her that contract and I can''t break it, because it will break her soul, and she will probably commit suicide when I die."


    Jane seems to find it hard to accept that, but I think its starting to dawn on her that her life here so far, hasn''t been that bad. I silence her before she says anything, and keep talking.


    "Just keep listning. Kari - the taller woman with the golden hair and blue eyes - plotted so that The King gave her to me as my concubine when I got his land and support; a gift I couldn''t refuse. She''s been planning and scheming to become my wife since before she met me, and spent weeks behind the scenes making sure to become my concubine, and she only let me know so I got a couple of days to prepare myself for it. She also made sure I would have to take her virginity, to bind herself to me - while my fianc¨¦e was in the next room - using tradition and law so that I wouldn''t insult the King for his gift. With her the machinations never end, but there are benefits to have a local female Machiavelli on my side, even thought her scheming forced my timetable to propose to Iselin. A month after I got here, I went from zero to three girlfriends in two days.


    I usually don''t complain about my lovelife - even when I was alone for a decade - but I only chose Iselin. Ciara and Kari chosed me, against my wishes. But I''m good at making the logical decisions and accepting reality, so I''m not gonna be an asshole about it because both Ciara and Kari are lovely women I care about, and I like them both or at least starting to.


    I don''t care about an apology from you since it pretty meaningless for me. It''s just to make yourself feel better. Learn! If you ever do anything rash like that again, or falsely accuse me of keeping sexslaves; don''t shout it infront of witnesses, or I will be forced to demand stupid honor and I will have to follow the law and make an example of you."


    The silence becomes a little oppressive when I stop talking, and Jane doesn''t seem to know what to say. I don''t want to hear a pathetic ''sorry'', and it''s better to give her a hard reality check.


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    "Listen and learn about The Law here. With what you just insulted and accused me with, there is only one really likely outcome, and we both would hate it. I could demand a duel to first blood, where I have to win to prove my honor and that the Gods favour me, and I could actually kill you and claim all your belongings. But a duel is risky for me, because as a woman you could get a champion that would maim or kill me, and I sure as hell don''t trust you to give you that option. So the for me safer option would be having you judged by the Ting for the deep insult, and there is only one good outcome for me that I would try to get, and you don''t even know the language enough to argue for your side. As a noname woman without kin or resources, against my status and connections, you would probably be sentenced to be my slave to pay your debt, or become my Nidambott, which is pretty much a branded slave for life, and literally the lowest of all slaves. But I obviously don''t want that. The best and easy option for me, would be to argue that you''re not worth my time and money. You''re just a worthless, broke, homeless, kinless, lustfull, stupid, lazy woman without usable skills trying to abuse the law to become my slave, to get a nice comfortable future, after I refused to accept your offer to be my concubine. Then all your belongings would be mine, but much more importantly for me; I might not be forced to rape you infront of witnesses, just to prove my manliness.


    After such a sentence infront of a Ting, your future would be in absolute ruin, and you have a distinct look, is bad at speaking norse and can''t change your name and blend in. You would have to beg or steal just to survive the coming winter, because no-one thinking of status would want to be associated with you in any way. People do get thrown out to starve to death in the cold by their own family, just because there isn''t enough food - and you would be worse off with your ruined reputation. You would probably even find it hard to sell your body for food and someplace to sleep, because you would taint status by association, which forced sex with a slave doesn''t do, and you probably wouldn''t like to be used by those that accept your payment. Your best option might be going south to another country on a foreign ship, paying the fair with your body to its foreign Captain or crew, hoping they don''t just sell you as an exotic pretty sexslave when you get there. Then you still would have to earn money and make a living somehow."


    Jane has stayed silent, and has gone through many emotions and wanted to interrupt but I havn''t let her, and her big eyes stares at me when I calmly and resignedly tell her about the consequences, and what could happen because she carelessly insulted and accused me. This is now her and my world. Most things arn''t particularly wrong, but it gets worse.


    "That''s actually not the worst outcome for either you or me, because even if I don''t look or behave that way, and you obviously don''t think about it, as you see me as just a normal nobody you could push around, you know I''m a King - and you have just insulted a Kings honor, and his fianc¨¦e, and concubines, to his face. Yeah. I don''t have to drag you infront of a Ting, I could sentence you by myself here and now, even if this isn''t my country. There is so much worse sentences that I could - and actually should use - to uphold my stupid honor, and I''m literally meaning medieval stuff. We''re modern humans, but we''re in medieval viking times. If I was the ruthless sadistic bastard you thought, I wouldn''t have told you to sit down, shut up and listen, even though we''re using English. I would have ordered the guards to hold you, told them what you said, and then done pretty much whatever horrible thing I wanted to you, until I decided your insult was paid. It''s not limited to beatings, whipping, stoning, rape, torture, maiming, burning, branding or just killing you. I could do all of it, and more. I could make you my prisoner, and have you manacled alone in a dungeon, just starving in the pitch black silent stinking damp cold, desperatly living on whatever scraps I give you, just waiting for my next visit where I could continue to torture and rape you for years or decades, until you finally die."


    That seems to have more than scared her, which is important, and I could see her rising panic and how her eyes quickly shifted between me and Alith, Aliths weapon and the small window.


    "So please - please - be careful what you say and do, especially to me and other powerful people, and be so grateful you''re using English and we''re in this small private room. Don''t force me to do horrible things, and don''t destroy your life."


    My calm and matter-of-fact voice probably helps to dampen her panic and flight instinct a bit, and she just collapses and starts crying. Every woman''s weapon. Tears.


    "Ignoring your horrible accusation, it''s not wise to be aggressive and confrontational with someone you want something from, and you''re just gravel in the carefully built machine and image I spent the last months making. A stupid careless bitch in my social life. You have no skills I really need to motivate me otherwise. What you can do - paint - will probably be a long time and a lot of gold invested, before I can even see if your claim is correct and worth it."


    Jane''s tears and despair makes me want to cry and comfort her. I have to focus on what I say, and the last is said with controlled low volume. Damnit. I cannot comfort her. Stand your ground. Damnit. I can''t be in here.


    "Alith, I''ll send in Gunhild. Jane probably needs to cry. Do not trust her, and stop her from leaving if she tries to escape. I''m going out to the others."


    I pointedly take Jane''s backpack with me when I open the door and go out. The others have apparently hovered around the door and are curious and worried, but some try to be a little nonchalant about it. Ciara doesn''t try to hide anything and she hugs me and gives me a kiss, and I happily accept both. She doesn''t know what was said, but she knows I didn''t like it, and she glares at Jane as she leads me away. I signal to Gunhild to accompany Alith in the room. I just sit on the bench, trying to relax and think. I''m an asshole, even though Jane technically fucked up worse than Tom. I''m grateful we talked in private and in English. Ciara stands behind me and tries to massage my scalp, neck and shoulders, while Kari and Iselin sit on opposite sides. It''s so nice that they have embraced massage, and Ciara seams to be the most eager to massage me. I guess she''s trying to make that nich¨¦ hers. I really should read that book I have about massage, and gently try to get better. Alith comes out, sends in Hillevi and closes the door behind them, then she sit down opposite me and is really serious.


    "Lord, I didn''t understand the language, but I seemed to recognize words here and there, and I saw how you froze and became very calm when she agressively accused and scolded you right in the face. The words she threw at my Lord while she gestured out here; ''sex slaves''. Was she accusing my Lord of forcing himself on Miss Iselin, Miss Ciara and Miss Kari to have sex?"


    How the hell do I answer that? Damned if you do, damned if you don''t. However, I notice that Alith doesn''t mention that Jane also gestured towards her. I realize that I have already taken too long to think, because Ciara has stopped massaging me, and the room is quiet and everyone is focusing on my answer. Easy choice.


    "Yes, like many she has had preconceived notions about the time on the ship, and here. She accused me, but I forgive her for that, and it shouldn''t be spread by you. She is just a lonely woman lost in life who is quite desperate, whose life has changed completely and in the moment she said a stupid thing she already regrets. She doesn''t understand this world or her new life here, because she is used to a completely different life, and different law. She is not even worth my effort in demanding restoration of honor etc as I should, because it feels more like a burden and she''s not worth it."


    "So her backpack and belongings is enough penance?"


    I didn''t consider that. "I''ll give that back to her, but she doesn''t know that. I just took it to make a point, and so she hopefully won''t do anything stupid. Again. Jane and her fiance Tom came here by mistake when I did, but they got into trouble. They weren''t prepared at all, and arrived in Hildifjoer just after I left. Then Tom messed up. He betrayed her by having sex with another woman after a few days, when they had been a couple for a few years. They broke up, and he messed up more. Tom was convicted of beating and raping Lagman Filison''s wife in Hildifjoer, and he was sentenced to slavery until spring. Which he then tried to escape from by removing his neckring and sail away aboard Danr''s ship that Jane sailed here with, but it was discovered before they left the harbor. He was sentenced to death and drowned. As you all heard Jane speaks a completely different language and has barely been able to talk to people for three months. She comes from a rich family and has never even lived on an ordinary farm before. She have never cared for animals or worked hard, and doesn''t seem to understand the world, life and law here. In her old life, the worst thing that would''ve happened to her after such an accusation, is possibly a fine and public apology."


    They begin to have some understanding of her situation even if it does not excuse it in their eyes, especially not in Ciara''s who actually has some in common with Jane. Alith also seems to think that I have a far too bleeding heart, but she can feel personally insulted for what Jane accused her of being.


    "Jane does not know what to do, has no real prospects or skills for a life here, and seems to be used to an easy life. Given my reputation, the Academy and the riches I have accumulated, she seems to have hoped that I would just support her so she could live a comfortable life painting and teaching art, and assumed that I would take her as a concubine or similar, given that she is a pretty woman from Midgard."


    They glare at the bedroom door and Kari gets that controlled neutral face. Yep, they don''t want to share, and I fully understand that. It doesn''t matter if shes pretty as I value what I have, besides; appearance has always been a low priority for me, and I sure as hell don''t care about adding notches. It will probably be hard enough for my relationships to work and be happy in the long run, and I do not need Jane hanging around and influencing them with preconceived notions and prejudices.


    "Unfortunately, she has a really good chess move to play, even if it only pushes the problem a generation. Kari, you will be impressed by it. It something that Midgard calls genetic compatibility. Genetics is knowledge about how the bodys building blocks are transfered from parents to children, and how the body works. It''s not something we really discussed because it is what it is and we can''t do anything about it. I also didn''t want to think about it and have been busy with everything else, but it''s something I have known about since the beginning. I''m a human, and you are elves. Genetically we''re not the same. There''s a lot of different types of birds, even though they have a lot in common in looks, you never see mixes. Oak and beech trees have a lot in common but they never mix, and trees are far far biologically simpler than a bird, which is far simpler than a human or elf body. Its probable that I can''t have children with elves, no matter how intensely we try, and if a child were to be born, the child might have terrible health problems or deformities. We may look alike, but there is differences in our bodies. Your red eye colors and certain hair colors doesn''t exist in humans, and we have other ear shapes too. That her face looks slightly different from mine doesn''t matter, since genetically she is a human. A child between us will take characteristics from us both, but will probably have her brown eyes and dark hair, since my bluegrey eyes and lighter hair color is a weak genetic trait. Our child will likely be influenced by her intelligence, not mine. A son will likely take more from me, while a daughter from us both. Midgard knows a hell of a lot about how the body really works, and its not my area of knowledge. It is likely that I''m immune to some diseases that you elves have, and others that are quite harmless to you, are life threatening to me. We are different, and when it comes to children that is incredibly important. Jane is probably my only chance to become a father, no matter what I or you want - and she knows it."


    Given how everyone looks at me, or just stare into nothingness, is it something they have never even thought about, and why would they? They didn''t know about genetics and don''t know about DNA. In their legends and Sagas there are no such restrictions between races, beings and spirits. On the contrary there are changelings, halfbreeds and everything else, and thats without the Gods active participation. Sleipner, the god Odens eightlegged horse, was birthed by Loke after he transformed himself to a mare. For some unknown reason the latin quote; ''Una Salus Victus'' - the only hope of the damned - jumps into my head, followed by its wonderful introductory text in the ''Andromeda'' TV series where it was used. ''Request: One Mark V ECM unit, 1000km of fullerene cable, one low-yield nuclear warhead. Purpose: Surprise party for foreign dignitary. Signed; Argosy Special Operations.'' Ciara interrupts the silence and my thoughts:


    "Something common, but for us not dangerous, can kill you?"


    Oops. My reaction when Alith was ill will definitely be viewed in a different way, and I cannot do much to stop that. So I just nod. The silence is oppressive before Kari takes us back on topic:


    "It is an impressive move. Simple - but oh so powerful. So you need to keep her close, safe, healthy and comfortable. You two don''t have to have sex, but if you want to be more certain of a healthy child, she needs to be the mother - not us. But at the same time, your child might not be able to have children in turn, because the child is a human. It only postpones the problem, but that may be enough time to find another solution, or just see if children with us is possible and if they grow up healthy."


    Again, I nod to confirm. Another quote pops into my head, from the movie Wargames; ''The only winning move, is not to play.'' A bit like trying to play against Kari in her plans. But this is a game we all have to play, and its both a blessing and a curse that Jane isn''t Kari, since Kari avoided being a problem. Genetic compatibility also has its drawbacks when used like she did, and it is also a matter of time and will. I think my will is stronger than hers, and my side have more game pieces.

 Creating something new - day 42, Jane (part 4)

    It probably takes half an hour before the door opens and Gunhild asks if I can come in because Jane wants to talk to me. Nope. We can discuss out here. She has been given a warning and a chance, and it is worth seeing if she has learned, as well as showing myself more stately and furstly. So I call on Jane to be kind and come out here instead. Soon Jane comes out, red in the eyes and on the cheeks, but she has composed herself. I cannot help everyone who comes here with tears in their eyes, even if they are human. But I have been given time to think and she certainly has valuable knowledge, and her art can be very valuable if she is skilled, and all technology such as mobiles and tablets is everyday objects for her. Its also a hell of a lot better that she''s near me, where I have some control over her, and staying on my islands keeps her isolated from the general public, limiting the damage she can do. Jane takes a deep breath, ashamed and pointedly avoid looking at all the women, and she speaks with a rather monotonous voice;


    "I wish to work at your Academy, to teach art and paint for you with whatever tools and supplies you can get me, and I will help you with that and whatever else, as much as I can. I''m going to do my best and hopefully be worth it, but I''m your only real guarantee of a child, and I want you to take good care of me, so I live comfortably and eat well, even if you don''t have to give me jewels and luxury. And I would like my backpack returned. Would you in the future wish for a child, or several, then we will try our best."


    She tries to be all buisness, but even though she had a few weeks to think about, I don''t think she has made a backup plan. She was too sure of her first plan and seems to have interpreted everything to fit that worldview and plan. Why would a man say ''no'' to her? Especially here, where a man can have several women. Has a man ever said ''no'' to her? She should be happy that I am not an asshole, because Iselin and Kari have already said their opinion which is that I should take her as an officially kept woman - and force it if she doesn''t suggest it - then give her a small room in the mansion, and then make her pregnant as quickly as possible. They still think we should wait until the spring before I try to make them pregnant, and they want time to process what I said, but for them, Jane''s primary purpose is to give me children, and that we keep an eye on her. Ciara, Alith and Bodil agree.


    "You really don''t realise that that play is much weaker than you think, and have some big bad things for you in it." Jane closes her eyes, worried about what she has done wrong. "Genetic compatibility yes, but that only delay and give our child the same problem without a solution beside adoption. Humans don''t come here often. Its likely that generations pass, and for humans to find eachother in a world like this? We''re probably exceptional. You''re pretty much asking me to deliberatly transfer the problem to our child. To your child. But have you thought about this? Diseases. We can be immune against diseases here due to different DNA, but something harmless for the Elves can be a killer against us. Darwinism; they survive and thrive here. I''ve been drugged here, and I know that worked differently than expected. As you can guess I can have all the company and sex I want with my girlfriends; so far I havn''t been really sick and might not be, if we avoid traveling around. But if you want me to keep you safe and comfortable, you have to be protected from diseases too, so you have to minimize social contacts outside my group, and you can''t have any intimate relation with anyone but me. With your suggestion if you get sick I don''t get anything. Can you live in celibacy and with just us around you?


    Here is why you - again - should be happy that I am who I am. Why should I wait? I''m older than my girlfriends and you, about 10-15 years, but that means my fertility is going down. The sooner I start having a child the better, and if I do get one healthy with an Elf that means I don''t need you any more. But I can''t wait until a child grow up to see if they are healthy, and in this world I need children. I shouldn''t even wait a day before trying to make you and my girlfriends pregnant."


    Yeah, she hadn''t thought of that, and she definitely blanks out.


    "Beside that, your biological clock will probably start ticking sooner or later. I might be your only option to become a biological mother. Wait here, and let me show you something."


    Kari quickly lets me out, so I go into the room and get a small plastic IUD in its fabric cover and one that Liv made. That if anything is a sign of what I prioritize, and it might reassure Jane. I lay the piece of cloth in front of us without showing the contents, and Jane is curious.


    "Here is something you most likely havn''t heard a peep about, very few have since I''ve kept it on the down low. This is one of my projects that I started on my first boat trip, about a week after I got here when I realised its value for women. One I made here with plastic I bought with me. The other one is made by a medicine woman here with native materials after descriptions and help from me, and are in a fieldtrials going on for two months. One of the letters Danr delivered, were to that woman, since letters is the only way to communicate unless you meet face to face."


    Then I fold the cloth away and show them. Jane''s eyes are telling, and it''s clear when she understands what it''s, and she''s just staring at the IUDs, then me and my partners. She gently touches the one I made, and after a moment of silence she says;


    "This looks just like the one I have in me, its been there for... two years. Replaced the old one. I thought about it, when the other women talked during my time in Hildifjoer and their fear of getting pregnant or aborting - I just didn''t think about trying to make more. It never even crossed my mind that it could be done. Its nineteensixties tech. How the bloody hell did you make this here?" She looks at me, shakes her head in disbelief while she laughs, sighs, and sags down; "Let me guess, everyone here have them already? You''re not really interested in a child with them, because you fear if its born, that the child would be deformed and sterile, and you''ve known from the start."


    "Yes. I keep thinking about hybrids our Earth have between horses and donkeys that gives mules, between tiger and lion giving liger or tigon. The problems those offsprings have, and how few mixed species can have children. If I didn''t fear deceases I might be able to have all the unprotected sex I wanted with elf women, and there still wouldn''t be a child. But I''ve mostly used an animal bladder condom, which actually exist here if you know whom to talk to, or make it yourself. I''ve tried to not... cum in them, but my girlfriends wanted to have IUDs and extra protection is good, and they really don''t like using a condom. So I made a few for them from foodgrade HDPE plastic. I told them about the problem with children, without going in to details, and children are on hold until after the Academy is built."


    Jane slowly glide her fingers on the IUD Liv made.


    "This actually work?"


    "Its to early to know for sure, but it seems too. We''re gathering data about effectiveness, durability, issues and so on. I don''t like starting wth human trails, but limited options."


    "If its safe and work, this will really change the world when this spreads. Bloody hell. But I guess you already have a plan for that too." I nod. "Back in the room I thought about what people said and thought, compared to what you''ve done. You''re probably spreading the knowledge and giving IUDs away for free, when this is so so valuable and powerful magic for so many people. Just this could have made you a rich and powerful Magician."


    "Yes. But if it truly works, its far to important to be greedy about. Anything thats too important for health, safety or food, I will give away for free, and make sure its as good and practical as I can make it."


    "I cocked up. You''re not a manipulating playboy bastard and instead a good man, but I''m the spoiled selfish rich bitch. Again."


    It hurts to see her dejected hopelessness, but I can''t make her feel she is controlling me and negotiating that way. I can still give her what she wants, but that''s because it''s a good idea and the right thing to do, not for blackmail, and I don''t want there to be a terrible agreement of sex and children between us, no matter what Iselin and Kari think, or how socially beneficial it would be for me to father a child. It will probably be difficult to prevent her from fucking up the balance I have in my relationships, but a friendship without sexual contact separates her from us, even if she is a long-term guest. Its also a hell of a lot better if for her future if the public doesn''t see her as my child factory. Its also a problem if I actually make Jane pregnant, especially if she becomes the mother of several children, and Iselin, Kari and Ciara don''t have children. Of course, my ''masculinity'' is proven, but it can make the public talk shit about their ''femininity'', and like they''re barren.


    "This is what I mean is valuable here. Knowledge, and being able to use it here and tell the right people. You do have knowledge about things; you''re just not thinking about them, and my guess is you''re just not used to solving problems and being fascinated by pretty much anything technological or just interesting. The IUD in you is valuable and I would in the future like you to extract it and compare it to the the ones here - just to be sure they''re correct - and if it could help improve them. But let me show you something else."


    I fold the cloth with IUDs and take it into my room and get the math book, a ring sundial, my sword and my Boomstick, after I have taken the cartridge out of it. They look a little puzzled when I come out with it and several react, but I just place my Boomstick against the side of the table and put the math book and the ring sundial between us. Jane just quickly look at my cane and then ignores it, and studies the rest a lot more, especially the sword. I''m pretty pleased that she didn''t react to my cane as a weapon.


    "I guess you seen the numbers they use here? Have you thought about the problems?" A vague shrug is a bad answer. "Well, they suck, so I''m trying to fix it. This is a math book I wrote. I''m not a math geek but I know the importance of math, and how important our numbers with positional values are. But also zero, basic math, trigonometri, algebra and calculus. Calculating with it is so much better than the almost roman numerals or greek versions they use here. Good advanced math combined with engineering and scientific thinking will change so many things, and I''m trying to give them a good base for that. I''m teaching everyone here in this room math and my ship captain. Yes, I have my own ship and crew now, and its probably the most technologically equipped ship in the world, and I plan to make it even more so. Did you see the ship with a logo like an A inside a triangle in the harbor?"


    Jane shakes her head a little, and does not seem to have thought about it or know why numbers are important. I''m hardly surprised.


    "Anyway, you might not care about some things from our world, but just by going to school and living in our world you will have knowledge that is usefull. But it might not be what you expect and probably small everyday things. If you realise it, and are skilled enough to use it, it might be wonderous. I can''t predict what you might think about, and what knowledge you hold, but you might be the most educated woman in this world. I''m not kidding. Think about it."


    Jane blanks out again, this time with a bit of denial thrown in, until she just sits there and blinks.


    "This is a ring sundial. If you know north you can figure out the time with resonable accuracy. I knew of them from a book, way back, but had to make all the calculations here. Without knowledge about the world, like its round, its angle towards the sun, the shift between summer and winter and so forth I couldn''t do that. Even if I didn''t know the earth angle I would be able to measure it and figure it out given time. With math on collected data."


    Jane seems to understand what I mean and I doubt she''s stupid. It will be interesting what she comes up with in the future. But now to more important things.


    "There are things I''m going to build and make you will recognise, but some are very dangerous, and its information that can''t be spread. This world don''t really need more killing, and they don''t need more ways to kill each other. But I will make dangerous stuff because I have people, knowledge and things to protect.


    This really is a medieval world of brute force, slavery, bad justice systems, death before dishonor, and ''might makes right''. Where common farmers leave their family and go as raiders to another nation to take and kill what they want, and then they go home and are praised for it by their families, with captured innocent people as slaves for their farm. They don''t really see anything wrong with that, and are proud to do it. You''re in a nation built upon that fact, and this is likely the best place in the world for a woman like you in this time, and believe it or not, you''ve probably been very lucky so far. But those viking times are comming to an end, and from what Kari told me more people are starting to think that slaves should have some rights.


    I want to create an Academy for learning, gather knowledge and spread it. Teach it. Make books. Print books. Improve literacy rates. Make really important advances way earlier than Europe had in our world. I hope to push for a renaissance and hopefully during my lifetime start to make a technological jump forward about 300 to 800 years depending on the subject and technology, and hopefully teach a few big lessons to cut down on misery and environmental impact along the way. You can be part of it.


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    But you can''t tell people things freely, because they''re not stupid; only uneducated, and shit have consequences. You need to be able to keep secrets. For your sake and others. Some things have to be magical, even if it annoys me playing a magician and fooling people with a flashlight. It must be magical simply because people must respect and fear me, or someone will happily use violence and torture to make you do their bidding, or spill your guts. And they might do it literally with a sword or axe. Ignoring the duel, a few of this nations powerful men have already wanted to do it to me, but I got out of it and have started making progress in becomming too valuable and respected.


    If I make a cannon with blackpowder or something else, you can''t go around explaining how it works, or mention weak points. It''s safest to pretend you don''t know anything about that, to stop someone comming after you when they''re afraid of me. Hell, it might be safest to not wander around alone even in the city, or take a boat trip like you did, because as you now know, you''re a pretty and exotic female stranger no-one would miss, so you might just be drugged or knocked unconscious and sold somewhere. That still happens in our modern world."


    Jane has been nodding along with a serious face. I give Iselin the ring sundial and the mathbook, before I lay my swords on the table and partially pull it out of its sheath. Jane looks at the blade with the ROBA marking that slightly shimmers in the reflection. I also draw and show my knife with the same marking, and show that the others have similar knifes.


    "This sword and knifes isn''t my handiwork, but I made the steel and the design. This is my name and marking. This blade and the few I have like it are unique here, because steel like this was first made about 700 years from now in our Europe. I made these swords and knifes because I wanted too and some of the best smiths are weaponsmiths, and people here respect blades. This is a blade culture. You could carry around an assault rifle with a grenade launcher and a backpack of ammo, with handgrenades all over your body, and no-one would care before you showed what it could do, and that mean every new person you meet before word gets around, and then you have to sleep with one eye open. A knife or axe is a tool, but carry a sword and you''re someone, and a fine sword or knife proves you''re someone important and rich. Worthy of respect. Wear a nice dress, expensive jewellery and carry a knife like theirs, and someone might try to steal from you, but you won''t be misstreated, because you''re obviously rich and important. Someone will come seeking restitution or revenge, and if you seem very rich and very important - that might be with an army.


    This is a sword a King would carry with pride - and I do. But this steel can be so much more than blade weapons. It can be used for better tools, springs and machinery. Steel made the modern world.


    There will probably not be many, or any, more blade weapons form me with this steel, although many people would really like one and pay handsome for it. The iron here is terrible and swords bend, break and splinter - and then you''re in a battle or duel without a weapon and die. This sword flex back and might chop through a normal sword. Here? This is a magic sword, made by the best swordsmith in the kingdom, with iron from a magician. You could buy a herd of cows for one of these knifes, and much more by selling it to the right person, and I don''t know what for this sword. I could live better than a King just by selling swords like these all over Europe, and I could do it in less than a year and live in luxury for the rest of my time here."


    I push the sword back into its sheath, and give Kari the sword to hold, before stapling my fingers together in front of me, and look at Jane. It feels like I''ve been going for overkill and bragging for a while now, but this is the first time I can really talk to someone and I really, really want to say it. Although she probably doesn''t get the reference, I hope it lightens the mood, and so she understands that I''m not too terrible.


    "I don''t have a huntingrifle. I didn''t bring any real weapons with me, and I didn''t own one. I had a bushcraft knife and couple of multitools. I built a firearm here. All of it. With things I bought and found and looked for here. It was a lot of knowledge, research and work, because you just can''t order stuff here and the names I know of things isn''t the same which is frustrating as hell. This is a world where alchemy is advance science. Where they think every metal is some kind of mercury-sulfur combination, because gold have to be mercury with a lot of yellow sulfur bound in it, and drinking elixirs with mercury is called ''medicine'' - not a poison.


    So, you have to excuse this but you''re literally the only person, in this world, I can say this to, that might actually understand it, even if you don''t get the movie quote. I''m a nerd so just get use to it, okay? All of you can relax, I just need to say something in the correctly way."


    Jane looks puzzled when I pick up my Boomstick and quickly show it. It doesn''t look like a normal weapon, just a funnily designed metal cane in a half modern style with wooden parts.


    "Alright you primitive screwhead! Listen up! See this? This.... is my BOOMSTICK!"


    They all jerk back, but Jane just looks at me, my boomstick, and me again. She has a puzzled face, which becomes thoughtful, begins to smile, giggle and laugh. Now its the others who are puzzled by her reaction.


    "I know that one! It''s the zombie movie with an arsehole who travels to medieval times! He has a shotgun and a chainsaw arm! It so fits!" She snaps her finger and looks pleased. "Ash vs Evil!"


    YES!


    "It''s such a fun, stupid movie dripping with one-liners, and a gloriously cheesy series!"


    "Jane. Sincerely thank you! Ash in ''Evil Dead - Army of darkness''. I''m surprised you recognized it, its older than you."


    "Like you could have seen it in theather. We had a zombie thing a couple of years ago, and Tom like it."


    "Ah! A lot of people did. I like the actor Bruce Campbell. Anyway, it might not look like it, but this is my firearm, and its groovy." Jane giggles. YES! "This is the gun you thought I had with me. I made this for personal defence, because I didn''t know shit about swordfighting, and thank the gods that I completed it in time. I made the steel thats used in it. I made the design to work with what I could find or make, and spread out the parts to many craftsmen since I couldn''t do it myself, and no one here will have any idea what they helped me make. To them its just a funny looking wizards cane instead of the commonly used gnarled piece of wood. You didn''t realise it was a firearm until I just said so. Barrel, grip, stock, discrete trigger, sights and a hidden flashlight.


    I made the blackpower from scratch. I literally travelled around the countryside on every stop on the boattrip here, looking for and collecting parts in nature. I built stuff to processed what I found and made the powder, step by step. I made the mold, and loaded the bullets by hand. I tested everything very carefully, compared different mixtures and techniques for power, and verified it - and I''m proud of this. This is what I mean by doing everything, and hard level, because even if I find something in a shop or from a merchant - I have to test it to figure out what the hell it really is that I know, and if its usefull, or I just wasted money. What the Alchemists call ''blue vitriol'' is really some kind of copper sulfate with unknown purity.


    This Boomstick is the first firearm I have ever owned, and I''m quite proud of it. I have only fired real weapons once in my life before, and a modern weapon would be useless here after the ammo runs out. Making blackpowder is one thing, making modern gunpowder another and creating the percussioncap to ignite the powder is harder. I atleast know the name of a couple of compounds, but for some weird reason I don''t look forward to trying to make sensitive high explosives without protection gear, with impure or wrong reagents and not really knowing what something is, and without chemistry glasswork or burners. I wasn''t joking about hard level. IUD''s where easy. The steel and sword wasn''t that hard.


    I will make a few more conventional flintlock firearms, but I don''t plan on selling them. I won''t tell Lords how to make the powder or ignition. They''re for hunting and for our protection, and I really hope I can make them good enough that they''re worth it. I won''t sell cannons if I can help it. You''ve heard of my reputation from the duel; I''m not proud of it, but I think it will be a while if anyone ever do anything to us. By being in my circle you can have some of that protection, and my status will spread to you, and my connections will get to know you - but it will take time. Everything takes time here. But you can''t tell people what you know or guess. You have to keep secrets. I like to point out that you are the only source of Midgard information besides me - so I will know."


    I rest my Boomstick against the table and continue;


    "Here is my deal, and my guess is you''ll gladly take it, but you''re free to come with suggestions. I''ll give you a chance to have a life in my kingdom and Academy. How big and if it involves teaching, remains to be seen. You will paint and do other art and stuff for me, and I expect you to do your very best simply because I''m asking you, as I will be your patron. You will also be able to take commissions, but you will start with and prioritize me. You will stay close by for your safety for three years, then you will hopefully be well known, rich and respected. You must keep most of our world secret for now, and some parts forever. Don''t make any trouble for any of us, because neither of us will like it. I prioritize them - not you - and do not mess up my relationships. If you have ideas or knowledge, run it by me first, just to make sure it''s safe and not a terrible idea, and tell me afterwards so that I know whats being said. When we create artsupplies that work, what I want you to paint for me first are portraits of family and places from our world. I expect my phone to stop working sometime in the future and then the information will be gone. Yeah, you get what I mean.


    The Academy isn''t ready for a long time, most likely only the first stage will be finished next summer. They''re building our house right now and not the real Academy, and we have to start small. The first years will be a learning process to evolve the Academy, get teachers and formulate curriculums, make books and teaching equipment, and increase my islands technology level. We have to teach people to read, write and use numbers too. Everything takes time, and we''re starting from scratch. You will have to learn the language and writing here too.


    In the future you will have your own little cottage or something, but its not a priority for me - there''s just too much to build and make, and I guess you want it real luxurious by this worlds standard, which isn''t easy to do. You might be rich enough by then to pay for it yourself on land you bought, and I do recommend you to become a landowner - just to secure food, status and voting rights, even if you have others farming and taking care of it for you.


    You''ll probably want to get away from us sooner or later, but you will have a private bedroom that''s yours in the mean time, and I think you might like my house a bit more than a common viking longhouse, or even this longhouse cottage thats own by the King for guests, which should be telling. We expect to move to my islands and move into my mansion in two weeks, although it won''t be finised."


    I take a deep breath before I clarify, and it just feels so wrong to force her to have sex or to become a mother, and I sure as hell don''t want to have to explain that to a future child. It''s ironic that Kari and Iselin might be annoyed with me, because I won''t force Jane to be my kept child giving woman.


    "So thats my deal; paint for me, and help me with other work and stuff and share knowledge for three years. Keep secrets, and maybe keep them forever. No sex or children. If we in the future change our minds about that, then we''ll have another talk. But hopefully as good friends on more equal ground, and not some kind of twisted horrible blackmail or awful rape. Really think and give me your answer tomorrow, not tonight, and you''re still welcome to come with suggestions."


    Jane seems so relieved and she''s smiling, before she gives her backpack a few pointed looks.


    "And you can have your backpack returned. There isn''t a bed for you here in this longhouse, and as far as I know there isn''t a bed with Gunhild and Hillevi either, but my old bed is somewhere in storage. Until thats sorted tomorrow, you can have a couple of sleeping pelts on the floor or we can pull two benches together, but that beds Ciara''s. Don''t go in to my room without my permission, and don''t talk about our world. It''s so easy to destroy their world view, and I have fallen into that trap myself. Oh, and expect there to be... ''noises'' from my room, but you can borrow the earmuffs Bodil made. I will put them over there, okay?"


    Gradually, Janes smile have grown wider, and in the end she giggle and nods at my obvious discomfort.


    "Okay, I''ve given her some information and a proposition that shes going to answer tomorrow. In short, Jane''s comes along to the islands, but she''s there to paint pictures, make art, and share knowledge - no sex or children. I have many paintings I wish she would create, I think you three know what I mean." Alith also reacts. Yes, of course. Not those pictures. Eh, considering how my morality have fallen, it wouldn''t surprise me if it just takes a few months before she paints such paintings for me too, if she doesn''t mind. She will probably really mind, or I will be to embarrassed to let her. But it would also be nice memories to save. "Jane will be sleeping out here tonight, on a pair of sleeping traps on the floor or try to pull together a couple of benches, and she won''t be a problem. Let me know if she is. We will check with my old bed tomorrow and decide on future sleeping arrangements then."


    A little restrained, they start doing it, and a sleeping pelt is taken out for Jane. I guess it''s going to be terribly hot for her on that one even if it''s not so soft. She will be warm enough with just a blanket. I''ve already given back her backpack, and when I give the earmuffs to Jane, there''s a lot of wide or coy smiles. Jane''s smile doesn''t help, and I know I''m red in the face.


    <hr>


    We eat supper and the atmosphere is a bit oppressive, but Jane stays exemplary quiet and just eats and watches, and she looks quite happy. Iselin and Kari are still unsure of Jane, and a little annoyed and unhappy with my decision of not forcing her to give me children, but its partly because I may never be able to make them pregnant. I get many more or less demonstrative kisses, some heavy, along with caresses and hugs, which entertains Jane who surely sees it just as obvious territorial marking.


    Ciara, on the other hand, doesn''t seem to have anymore problems with Jane, although she also gives me kisses and hugs, because she can. I guess all she needed was for me to decide what it would be like, and Jane was no problem. It can also be true that she thinks all women who don''t want to have sex and a relationship with me are weird, and then Jane is okay in her book, when she stopped being angry or annoying me.


    Argh. Its so much easier when I had only one woman to try to interpret and maneuver with or around. Monogamy has its benefits and so does celibacy. Being alone and avoiding all of this, is something I miss. But there is so much more I like about having a relationship with Iselin, Ciara and Kari, so they win - every time - even if I would have preferred if it was just me and Iselin, and preferably in my world.


    <hr>


    Iselin and Kari double team to make sure that Jane knows I do not need her, and that I know they are more than enough. If I can''t make them pregnant, they will make sure that I''m happy and content in their arms. I think its only been once before that we''ve shared a bed, and then it was just a little oral in the morning. I hope Jane use the earmuffs and is already asleep, because they are louder and more vocal than usual. I should have given Jane and Bodil ear plugs too. Poor Bodil.

 Creating something new - day 43, Janes decision

    Creating something new, day 43


    Jane''s decision


    I wake up and in the haze I feel that I''m holding someone and have pushed my head against that someone''s breasts. The size tells me nothing. Open my eyes or feel around? Eehh, nope. This is just nice, and I fall asleep again.


    <hr>


    Too bright. Too early. Too nice. I still feel my head resting against someones breast. I just adjust my position to lie more comfortably when something touches my nose and it itches. Reflexively, I raise a hand and feel something hard on the way to scratching my nose. The brain slowly ticks, and eventually it stops at ''huh?''. I opens my eyes and sees a gold ring through the nipple and I realizes I holding Ciara. Still in the haze from waking up I look around and see I''m holding Ciara, who smiles, kiss my head and hugs me against her naked body. Huh? Where are Iselin and Kari, and why is Ciara here in bed?


    "Good morning. They left so I could give you a special wake-up, but as soon as I crawled into bed you just grabbed me, curled in against my breasts, drew a happy sigh and fell asleep again. You looked so content, so I have just enjoyed it since."


    Ciara press herself against me and gently massages my scalp, as I slowly come out of the haze, yawning and trying to focus. It helps when Ciara whispers that her nipples are close to my mouth...


    It''s closer to eight when we finally get out of bed, as Ciara brought breakfast in with her, and jam can be spread on more than bread. Good morning.


    <hr>


    Out in the garden its a beautiful day and the sunlight is too damn bright, so I take my boonie hat and squint. I can use my sunglasses, but I want to make something here and save them until I need eye protection, so they''re protected from being scratched. Polycarbonate is easily scratched, and I have been thinking of something like classic snow goggles used on snow. I suspect that the glass has too much distortion, which would make me nauseous in the long run and give me a headache, but it is worth the effort to try to polish up glass lenses the best I can. Alith and Jane are sitting in the shade of the tree, and Jane is wearing jeans and a t-shirt. I wish Iselin and the others would occasionally wear clothes like that, because I''m a little feed up with their dresses. That looks so much better. Jane and Alith look relaxed and quite happy with life, so I join them and just sit and let my lazy gaze drift around the garden. Alith seems to be making an effort to hold back a comment, and tries to give a more dignified impression than usual, which is probably difficult as I sit in shorts and a shirt and is half asleep. I must look furstly and regal as fuck.


    "Good morning Alith, Good morning Jane. Slept okay?"


    "Not the first hour or two. Just the benches and the change of environment."


    "We both know they were sending a message."


    "I also received the last one a while ago - loud and clear - although if I understood Alith correct she''s always loud."


    "She is, but I''ve gotten better at reading her. She scared the shit out of me the first few times, especially as I was so on edge about giving her a bad experience, and I tried to be in submissive positions. I really didn''t want to be associated with how other men have treated her." Jane grimaces when she realizes the issue. "Anyway, guess I should be thankful that you have a slightly posh but lovely british accent, it sounds so much better than some brittish dialects thats just horrible."


    She have a pretty and pleased smile, before responding with a slightly exaggerated accentuation and pronounciation; "Thank you. Although father complains that I have lost my Britishness and are using all to much vile slang and Americanisms, making a complete arse of myself in polite company. The accent still there though, Thank God."


    "You know you have to learn the norse language, right? You can''t just talk to me. I have had to learn it too, and so do Ciara. I''m still improving it with every conversation. Thats why Kari was here from the start. I asked for a language, reading, writing, etiquette, law, history and more teacher."


    "I see - and heard - she took the ''and more'' to heart."


    "Well, she was in a bad situation too. She''s an orphan that''s literally been raised and indoctrinated from childhood by the Kings clan to be the perfect concubine, and was to be given to someone as a concubine which she couldn''t choose, and no matter what, she had to be a ''good gift''. She was getting ''far too old'', and rightly feared it might be as an exotic concubine in a faraway land, getting used pretty much as a sexslave or babymaker by some cruel smelly man, and hated by his wife. This world has so much cruelty with our standards, and women can be treated horribly, especially in other countries, although that applies to boys and men too. Gunhild and Hillevi spent years as her only real company, protecting her virginity.


    But Kari saw a small opportunity with me as a more desirable future for her, that she sort of could choose, and even though I didn''t like it, I don''t blame her for make the best of what she could. Who wouldn''t in her situation? I was slightly paranoid about her since I thought she was a spy for the King, or a honey trap to get me in a legal bind. She actually was both, so I guess it was justified paranoia, although it now seems the King secretly hoped for us to develop feelings for each other. Everyone have plans and agendas, and they have homeworld and cultural advantage. Anyway, just for me to accept reality and move on, and its not really that difficult or a burden considering how knowledgeable, skilled and nice she is." Jane grins and is about to say something obvious, so I interrupt her." ... and I mean outside of the bedroom."


    Jane is pleased that I read her mind, and just seems to enjoy talking and listening. I can imagine that it was a while ago, which she soon confirms.


    "You''ve really have had a few interesting months. I must say it''s just so very very lovely to be able to talk with someone. Really listen and understand the language, using complex words and nuances. It''s been months. Your English is rather good by the way."


    "Thanks, I never really practise speaking it except on holidays, or writing it, so I make mistakes, especially in writing, but I see movies and TV shows without subtitles - they just distract me with translation errors - and I read plenty of books per year mostly in English. Swedish isn''t a huge language to translate works into. I''ve read books without realising they where in English until someone pointed it out. I had one interesting trip in Ireland a decade back where I had no real problem understanding the guides, but a young American couple with a child basically just wanted me to repeat what the guides where saying, since I was easier to understand. Both me and the guides thought that was funny when we understood.


    Irish English is charming and can be sexy, Irish Gaelic also sounds nice but is horrible to understand. Ciara by the way has a form of Gaelic as her primary language, or atleast close enough that she sort of understands songs in Gaelic, which is cool. Most have never seen a map, so its hard to understand where they mean, but neither Scotland or England exist as a country, but a big part of Scotlands called Alba, and some part of England seems to be a region called Avalune. It might be a coincident, but it might also have something to do with Avalon from the King Arthur legends." Jane gives me a surprised look, and begins to disappear into thoughts. "French isn''t the same language, its called Frigones and I guess they''re related, but I don''t really speak French so I have no real idea how close they are. German would be slightly easier to understand, but I don''t know if that exist here either, or if Alfheimr version actually would be easier. Anyway, thought and decided on your answer?"


    "You really don''t faff about much do you? You should know better and give a girl some time to warm up, but you''re not a bore." Jane shines up, and give me her pretty and white smile. "Yes! I will be your painter and general artist for three years, and I will help and share knowledge. Its a really wonderful deal, and its so much better than what I was stupidly trying to force - and we both know it. Thank you! You have my sincere gratitude, especially for the life lesson and your graceful handling of my epic stupidity last night."


    "Then some groundrules. Again, try to limit what you say about our world, even to my people here - best to not say anything really. If you wonder if you should talk or mention something - best not to. That''s what I try to do. But you can always ask me, and I do enjoy being able to really talk to someone. They all have very good memory, probably since this is a oral culture, and no-one takes notes or write stuff down, and books are few. Either something is remembered or its lost, and they have trained that since childhood. Iselin knows our world best, but she knows little and in specific areas. I''m warning you that she''s really smart, remembers everything and ask piercing questions. Say something and she might give you a follow up question you don''t like answering, which she will notice, and then she will use her femine wiles until I cave. Or just poke me. That''s why she knows about the solarsystem, stars, the universe, seen pictures from Mars and astronouts in orbits. She have seen the damn Hubble Deep Field pictures. Completely blew her mind, but she cried with happiness and awe. She really wants to try building a telescope in the future."


    "You have all that on your phone?! You have a charger too!"


    "I have a phone and a small tablet computor with big memory cards and many hobbies and interests, and a hiking solarpanel. But you see that weird rotating thing over there? Vertical wind turbine."


    That surprised the hell out of her, and she blurts out; "You''ve brought electricity to the Viking age?!"


    "Yepp. Really made it, including the rechargeable batteries it charges, although I modified a small USB adapter so I can connect normal cables."


    "You''ve made a windcharged powerbank with USB - in the Viking age!"


    "Yes. Its not especially effective, but it works, so I''m not solar dependent which will be really nice the comming winter, and I will upgrade the system now that its proven to work. I''m a bit proud over it, even though that''s not the really hard part of charging something. The details always gets you - in everything - and a lot I simply need someone to make for me, since I never really done something like pottery. I''m confusing the hell out of some craftsmen and craftswomen in Borgarsandr."


    Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    Jane giggles and smiles. "If you''re building stuff like that I can only imagine! I was wondering what it was, but I never guess electricity. Bloody hell. That must be magic for them!"


    "You have no idea. I''m pretty much storing magic. That copperwire has to be handmade is a huge problem I have to overcome, along with insulation, but I can make simpler electromechanics now, like a telegraf, and simpler electric motors will probably happen this winter. I might charge your phone for you, but you do not do it alone. I will charge your phone and powerbank on the condition that you don''t show it to anyone, or use it when they might see or hear it even by accident. There is a really good quote from Arthur C Clarke that''s so true here, and it should always be in your mind: ''Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic'', and you have to be careful with all things they see as magic.


    My girlfriends know a bit, but I have limited their knowledge and exposure to all technology. They know what a compact camera is and that is stores a memory, a moment in time, but they don''t know about it''s flash or focuslight because I''ve turned it off. They have seen my tablet and a small fraction of what it can do, and that it too have cameras. Alith here knows and have seen my compact camera, and gotten pictures taken to see herself because Ciara spilled the beans to her. The other guards havn''t, and I trust them to guard me and my stuff. They don''t need to know, so they don''t know.


    Alith is my Guard Captain, and pretty much my bodyguard. And no, its not because of her boobs. She and Bodil where my first guards, and Bodil prefer staying in the background. I had to have someone protecting me during my secret blackpowder tests, and Bodil was busy with other things, while Alith was bored - so she saw stuff. I continued letting only her be close by during the following tests, so she knows about my cane. Bodil and Gunhild have seen what it can do, so has my girlfriends since they witnessed when I shot that man with it, but no-one but me knows how it really works. I only told you yesterday because you would figure it out and be curious. But thats... it. Crap, I just called them my girlfriends several times and ment it, when in reality only Iselin is."


    "You said girlfriends several times last night too."


    "I did? Crap. Iselin is actually my fianc¨¦e since I did propose it to her after explaining what it ment, and I have been introducing her as it, but here, that''s an unknown status compared to a concubine. It just felt wrong and dirty asking her to be my concubine, and I didn''t want one. And we both know how that worked out. Huh. I just realised maybe thats why she told me to accept Ciara as my concubine later the same day. She got proof that she was special to me. Anyway, I guess Ciara and Kari''s not really concubines for me anymore, or even close friends with benefits which is what I prefer seeing them as. I don''t like having concubines. Crap. That didn''t last many weeks. It will make Kari happy since her longtime goal really is becomming my second wife."


    Jane grins as she replies: "I thought a female Machiavelli would aim for first."


    "She is smarter than that. She understood that I wouldn''t ''appreciate'' if anyone forced Iselin aside, and she want a happy married life with me as her husband - not just the title. So instead she tried to make sure that even the King wouldn''t come between me and Iselin, but that she eventually might become my second wife. Someone I ask to marry me as my second wife, as I''ve learned to love and cherish her, and I then want her to be my wife."


    "Oh."


    "I probably should point something out. Yesterday you didn''t just insult me, you insulted them too. I don''t think they will do anything towards you, since I''ve told them to drop it and forget it, but if you had done that to Karis face in public... Do I need to say more? Guess not. Never insult someones honor or status. If you havn''t already, you should probably apologize in some way to Alith, since you did do it to her face, and she still helped cover for you. But make it sincere, and not just with words. It doesn''t have to be today or expensive.


    Where was I? Right, girlfriends. I have to be careful thinking it since I probably can''t tell Ciara for a long time. It''s so important for her to be my concubine. Usually a concubine is just declared so infront of witnesses by both parties, but that wasn''t enough for her. She even changed the contract before signing, to make it harder for her to break it and if she breaks it, her punishment is being my concubine. I atleast gave her a way out so she can ask me to void it."


    I realize that I''m again telling her things I probably shouldn''t, but it''s nice to be able to really talk to someone who can understand, and she looks appreciative and gives me a thoughtful look.


    "Your really do care about all of them."


    "Sorry, I shouldn''t bother you with this, but yes; I do. I might not show it clearly and with grand gestures, but yes. I care about Alith, Bodil, Gunhild and Hillevi too, just not as deeply. I prefer to think of them as friends who guard me, not nameless guards, and I really, really don''t like having them work 24/7 even though thats the norm here. I try giving them freedom and days off, but they spend them doing the same thing. Your work is your life, and you can''t really do much here. Then again, workdays include time spent on the beach, as I''ve been trying to teach all of them how to swim, and they''ve been bathing and sunbathing a lot the past month, as I''m mostly busy working in my room. Add shopping days where I''ve given them half a years extra salary they had to spend on cloth and jewellery to look good, and stuff like boardgames, playing with boomerangs and watching fireworks."


    "You horrible slave driver!" Jane pretends to be horrified, before she cracks a smile.


    "Yeah, they pretty much consider a lot time of their duty as fun time off, and think I''m spoiling them. Which I am. I had to force them to accept the knifes, since they''re worth something like three years salary. But I need guards that look good, and I don''t see its value like that."


    "If I might ask: Boomerangs?!"


    "Yes, but only was a simple flying toy and for fun. I tried to make frisbees too, and they worked, but too heavy and bad in wood, and not durable enough. I''m thinking about trying to make both in Papier-mach¨¦ instead. Its just paper, water and glue, but I will try to reinforced with cloth, metalwires and so on, and I have a vague recollection about linseed oil might be use to make it more waterproof, and of course the right paint on the outside once its completely dry. Its pretty much the only composite material I can make right about now, and it will be important to introduce, with a lot of uses. It can be thin and have complex shapes."


    "Flying toys, that must have been magic for them."


    "We had a wonderful fun evening, and they have used them since. Iselin will be happy to show you her skill. You might not know this, and you really need to know, especially around me. Magic, spells, charms, hexes, fortune telling, some medicine, Voodoo magic or whatever - it is all called sejd here. Sejd. And sejd is for women only. When I realised the deep shit I was in arriving here, I thought I was smart pretending to be a mysterious traveling wizard, and people assumed I was rich too with my luxurious cloths and weird stuff like magically light telescopic aluminium walking sticks with mystical symbols, or my stainless knife. But I made the mistake of not knowing that magic here is for women only. Any man that uses magic is automatically unmanly, called ergi, and its usually a terrible thing to call a man unmanly, it might be a duel to First Blood right there. A man have to prove and defend his manliness and ''word'' all the time to have honor, since a man without honor can''t be trusted, make deals, marry and so on. Refusing to defend a challenge to honor or manliness can have terrible consequences like being named ''Niding''. That usually ruins a mans reputation beyond recovery, and you might as well be called a lawless outcast, and just leave the nation.


    So, never say or call any male unmanly even by mistake, because they are forced to prove it. My duel happened because a stupid aggressive man got angry and loud when I - an unmanly man - didn''t want him in my ships crew, which is a manly job. The two women I did accept didn''t help. So I literally told him to calm down, go have a drink and pick up women. But I used a very common Swedish word which means ''pick up'', but it sounded to close to another word here, thats never used since its worse than just calling someone unmanly; it basically means he likes to be the submissive male and taking it in the butt. Never ever say that to a man here, its beyond deeply insulting. Discreetly look at Alith now. Their word is ''ragr'' and my swedish word is ''raggar''. Told you, and she''s female and it wasn''t aimed at her. Just a word among many. I couldn''t even have said it if there was another man present." I switch to Norse and explain to Alith that I''m telling Jane about the duel.


    "Anyway, as a Sejdmann - their name for a male magician - I''m automatically unmanly, so me using that word against a man was beyond horrible, and no excuse or payment was enough to take it back. I had to goad him into letting me murder him with ''magic'', so I used that he infront of a crowd, couldn''t admit to being afraid of a unarmed womanly man using female magic - because First Blood duel law and his rage ment he would have tried to kill me and probably succeded, and I couldn''t refuse because I would have been named Niding. Either way my girlfriends would be in a terrible situation, since as the accused winner he would claim all my ''possessions'', and he would rape them to prove his manliness. Probably in public, and infront of me if I survived."


    "Bloody hell! I guess you weren''t exaggerating last night. Yesh! All that from just a simple one word language mishap sounding too close? I''m so happy we hardly could make us understood, and were afraid to use technology because we didn''t want to be burned at the stakes. Wait. You''re a King surrounded by gorgeous young women whom seems to adore you, and you''re considered unmanly because you''re pretending to be a magician?"


    "Some probably think I surround myself with women to compensate, or that I have used magic to make them so. They really believe in magic and the power of spells and such here. Love poetry and love songs can put a spell on someone and its usually not the females fault, but the poet or bard who seduced and bewitched her, and he can get her entire clan after him. They might force a marrige since he have ''bewitched'' her. Here the heartthrob badboys are the warrior poets and warrior bards. Imagine being a teenage idol here."


    "Oh God!" Jane laughs, and say several funny lines, one after another, like if there is an upper limit to how many women a man can be married to.


    "It could be worse; a generation ago they pretty much homogenized the kingdoms law and wrote it down in books. Before that, love poetry and love songs were outlawed in a couple of places - with the death penalty."


    Jane pretends to be a grumpy old woman. "Oh, this younger generation, they''re going soft on crime!"


    "Also, my girlfriends are not young according to their standard, that would be about 13-17 years old. I''ve tried to establish some kind of vague data. About a sixth die before the age of 5, and a third never reach 20 years. If there is war or raids, another third of men might die before reaching 30 years, while several pregnancies and childbirths takes a sixth of women. So about 30-40% of men reach 30 years, and about 50% of women. For women it sort of stabilize and mostly sickness slowly decrease their numbers, while men continue to travel, duel and fight. Only 15-20% of men and 40% of women reach 40. If you live to reach 50 - your old, especially as a man. Just having two children doesn''t cut it, because the population would decrease fast. If you were born here, you would have married 5-10 years ago, and given birth to two to four children, and one child might have died by now, and its about 25% chance your husband would have died too."


    "Oh God! Thats a reality check! Bloody hell. Its no wonder that a man might have two wifes, if two thirds of the older population is women. Thats a lot of young widows with children too."


    "Yeah, and you might have lost the land too, so you stand there with nothing - no house and nothing to support yourself and two young children. No social safetynet. You would probably be grateful if another man wished to take you as his concubine and support another mans children. This is a harsh world. As I said, they''re not young, and grow up fast. But there''s still places in our world thats quite close to here - we both grew up in the best parts of your world. But keep listening, as there''s lots of things you need to know, and I wish I''d known it.

 Creating something new - day 43, religion, rape and slaves

    "I don''t know if you noticed, but in this world men don''t really grow big beards or mustasches and have very little to no bodyhair except eyebrows and head, and as far as I know, females have no bodyhair at all except eyebrows and head. Elf women are pretty much waxed everywhere without doing anything - trust me, I''ve really checked. Oh stop giggling; you right now have more bodyhair then most men, and they won''t like it since you''re more manly than them. If you want to be seen as feminine you might have to fullbody wax - with their technology."


    Oh-yes, she isn''t going to enjoy that.


    "Not liking that idea? Thought so. Anyway. Their male Gods have lots of bodyhair. The two main male Gods Oden and Thor here have big beards, chest full of hair and hairy arms and so on - don''t ask me why. I thought their Gods would reflect their image, not our worlds image, but since women don''t have any hair it might just be a magnification of that. The consequence is that bodyhair is manly as hell. Being tall and muscular is also attractive, but thats pretty much the same in our World.


    The third and last main God is the Goddess Freya, and she is the main magic user of the Gods, and she''s the female goddess over sex, love, magic, war and death. Female deity of everything important except the harvest, which is her twin brother Freyr, and the goddess Siv, married to Thor."


    "Freyr and Freya? Fantastic naming sense."


    "Yes. A name ending in A is usually the feminine form, while ending in R is masculine. There are exceptions, like female names ending in ''dr'', but sometimes it just feels like they slap it on to make a point, like a few of their nine worlds end in ''heimr'', with an R in the end thats actually pronounced. Its a mans world." Jane rolls her eyes. "Anyway; Oden is pretty much the wise, powerful and cunning old man getting information from his raven spies Huginn and Muninn, while his son Thor is the warrior and manliness ideal, and yes; he is the god of thunder and lightning. Loke is the trickster god, Njord is the sea god, Skadi is the goddess of winter, mountain, skiing and hunting. There''s plenty of other Gods and all kinds of beings, but I havn''t really learn it all, like how they''re related. I''m an atheist.


    Their religion doesn''t have a Christian Hell, but they have Helheimr and Niflheimr. You end up there if you die in sickness, from age, or is considered a coward or dishonorable, a murderer, niding and so on. There is no Devil. Their religion considers the underworld quite unimportant and they hardly talk about it. Its a cold, dark bad place and you just don''t want to end up there. Some say there is a woman called Hel there, but she isn''t a goddess and have no power, and she''s accumulating undead for the battle at the end of the world. Their mythology have something called ''draugr'', undead intelligent revenants, super zombies, hanging about burial places and such.


    The Goddess Freya - not Oden - gets the first pick of warriors dying in battle to take them to Folkvang which is kind of Heaven with optional fighting, after that its Odens turn taking those he want to Valhalla, which is feasting with fighting while waiting for the battle at the end of the world. The point is that you live on after death, and have a good life.


    But you can get to Folkvang without dying honorable in battle, if Freya deems your worthy. And that is really important and probably the primary reason why Freya is such a damn powerful goddess here, because it gives everyone who isn''t a warrior a way to the good afterlife. So women aim for that - along with craftsmen, artists, poets and musicians, since Freya is also the patron of beautiful things like art, poetry and music. To be honest, it kind of fits that people try to impress the most powerful female goddess with her own Heaven to let them in."


    Jane snorts and laughs. "Sorry, I can''t stop imagining the big badass viking blacksmith kneeling and badly singing a song, while offering flowers and a box of chocolate to Freya, hoping to enter heaven. ''Please? Pretty please?!''"


    "Hey, if it works!" Jane giggles. "Although as the goddess of war and death too, she would probably appreciate a nice sword or spear more."


    "Then she havn''t experienced good chocolate. I''m not religious either and I don''t believe in any God, but I kind of like their religion. Nothing about living pious, chaste and following the commandments. Live honorably, and either die well in battle, or you impress the goddess enough. Wait! She''s the goddess of love and sex too! Oh boy!" Jane eagerly claps her hands a few times in excitement.


    "Their religion is fuzzy about a lot of details, since they don''t have a bible or a centralized church. But hey; maybe prostitutes have it easy to get to Folkvang. The culture here sure as hell don''t see sex, sodomy, promiscuity or debauchery as a sin when it comes to the afterlife." Jane has a wide grin. "To get back on topic. They do believe in magic and men really avoid having sex with any woman that knows sejd since ''they get power over them''. It''s ironic that a lot of devout sejd women are probably pretty sexually frustrated virgins, who''s only hope of a family is adopting unwanted children, and they worship the goddess of sex and love which they don''t get. Sejdwomen are the safest from being raped."


    "So, I just need to pretend to do magic - sejd - and I''m safe?!"


    "Just understand that its permanent and for life, and if you get a man in bed he will probably deny it, or believe you bewitched him and so on."


    "Yesh! I don''t wanna be burned as a witch! How will painting be seen?"


    "I don''t think it will be a problem here in the north, as art, woodcarving, and such is a craft, and they do beautiful lifelike woodcarvings of people and animals. There is no taboo about it that I know about, so just tell the story right from the start. About avoiding rape, just be careful and stay in our company. If you ever is afraid that you''re close to being raped, try to make a show. Say that you''re a human that Freya brought here to teach art, show your ears and body hair, and pretend that Freya''s always watching you and their terrible fate will be told of in Sagas, and they will probably beg for forgiveness before you can start cursing them in English. Hell, unless you wax down there, most men would probably run away screaming." Jane contently smile and seems happy with that plan, which apparently, isn''t something she had thought about. "Remind them that Freya strongly believe that sex for a woman should be voluntary, as that is the reason rape toward women is really looked down upon, but not rape of a man who should protect himself and his women."


    "But they rape women all the time!"


    "They don''t see it as rape if you have to prove your manliness or honor, or in a marrige, even if its a forced relationship with an unvilling woman. Then again, marital rape wasn''t a crime even in most modern western countries until 1980s, and still isn''t an enforced law in many countries or cultures that have those laws. The low barrier for what''s classified as rape, who has the burden of proof and openess about reporting it, and far less religious pressure, is the reason why Sweden has one of the highest rape statistics in the world. Each instance of sexual violence in a case is also counted separately. EU''s own survey actually placed both Finland and Denmark higher of the Scandinavian countries, and they have something like a fifth or even less cases in their official statistics."


    "I didn''t know that."


    "Yeah, statistics lie and its absurd when you just look at selected numbers, collected in different ways, which is what morons or people with an agenda usually do, since Sweden have about 600 times more rapes per capita than a country like Egypt."


    "Oh, thats bollocks! My parents didn''t even let me travel there with friends, without a ''friend of my father'' comming along."


    "I don''t know how many actually get sentenced for rape, but its far less than it should be in every country. In some ways rape is one of the worst crimes, partly due to victim shaming, and then add that the perpetrator is often known or close to the victim, and gets away with it. Our world is a bad place, and this world is worse.


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    Anyway, slaves don''t count, but many don''t see them as much more than cattle, although there is difference levels of statuses among slaves, depending on how you became a slave, what work or skills you have, and other things. There''s differences in being born as a slave, taken as a slave in a raid, sentenced to slavedom for a time versus for life and why you were sentenced, voluntarily becoming a slave to pay a debt and so on, and there''s levels in each. Like if your mother is a slave - your born as a slave. But who is your father? Another slave, or a rich man? What religion do you have? Who is your owner and how does your owner treat you? Are you a skilled craftsman slave, hardworking miner, farmhand or a bedslave?"


    "Bedslave? I assume thats what I think?"


    "Yes, thats a literal translation. Usually young and pretty, that does easier work and have bed duties, for the owner or for his or hers other workforce. They might actually be very well treated, and if her owner makes her pregnant she might be freed, so that the child will be born free. If you ever see a slave woman with a pretty pendant in her neckring; she is important for her owner, and often a bedslave if she is young. People assumed Ciara was my bedslave, when I just wanted to make her feel special and beautiful. But some are pretty much seen as a working body to be abused. They have some really harsh words, thats hard to translate. If I were a real bastard I could buy a new bedslave woman each month, to abuse however I wanted, for the rest of my life, no matter how depraved or ruthless it might be, especially if I kept it discreet, which wouldn''t be that hard here. As long as I didn''t outright kill them it wouldn''t even be against the law here, and I can literally write the law in my kingdom, and I decide how it is used.


    I won''t do that, and its more than likely that any slave I do end up having close by will be treated well, and since I''m a ruler that will elevate them in status. Some slaves live better and have more respect than free people, and they do expect slaves to become free and integrate into their society, even if it takes a generation or two. And unless sentenced to be a slave - slaves can buy their freedom. Slave status isn''t as black and white as you might expect, and in many ways slaves here have a better life and future than black slaves in USA did before the civilwar. I''ve never seen a black elvish slave here, but they do exist. There is atleast one in Borgarsandr.


    I didn''t think there would be much actual prostitution here, considering a man might force himself on his slaves, but every man doesn''t have a female slave, and its a status thing too. Paying for a prostitute is just sex and more honorable, and its pretty much seen as respecting your women and household, even if you pay for a sexslave. Going into town to the feasthall with your male friends and ending up with a prostitute is just being manly, and sharing a sexslave or prostitute also happens."


    "''Hey, lets go down to the pub, get drunk and rape a sexslave.'' Very honorable." Jane is dripping sarcastic, before she sighs and with a little resigned shrug continues: "I guess I should have expected that, since that happens in our world."


    "Yeah, just not as open. Its something a man might treat his male workers or slaves to, to make them happy and so they stay of his women and female slaves. For the common man, paying for a prostitute or sexslave is safer than flirting with a free woman or getting her pregnant, and paying more for a free woman prostitute is a form of bragging and declaring your higher status. And of course its the variety and choice too." Jane again rolls her eyes. "Women visit the same feasthalls, to just meet friends, feast or hook up with men. As a brit just think of feasthalls as pubs and its quite the same. Most visits doesn''t end in sex. My guards have feasted, and two visited Borgarsandr the night before last, although I don''t know if they hooked up with anyone, since its their private life. They got home the same evening. Two of them should have done so last night, but the weather was bad, and your arrival means they won''t do it tonight."


    Jane give me a look that I find hard to interpret, so its time for a subject change.


    "Subject change. Beside the afterlife, Freya is the goddess all female warriors, women that wants power or powerful men, all magic users and everyone that want sex, or be better at sex or love, idolize, pray and sacrifice to most of the time, and most other females pray to her just because she''s powerful. As far as I get it, Freyas ideal man is a powerful magic user, wise, knowledgeable, a good warrior, craftsman and of course manly, good looking and good in bed.


    In that mix of beliefs I stumbled in, not knowing any of it, pretending to be a wise, powerful magician. I''m a Sejdmann confirmed by the King, and that has never happened before. I''m older and therefor wiser, lots of knowledge, healthy, well feed tall male, good teeth, very impressive manly beard and too much bodyhair, and rich. I guess you figured it out - it took me until I was told. I''m attractive as hell to a lot of women here.


    Who would have guessed? I have been living alone for the last decade, havn''t had a girlfriend for years because I havn''t even tried since the last time, so it really messes with my mind having all these sexy elf women wanting to have sex with me. From young to old. I''m getting use to it and getting better at ignoring it, but its really weird when young jailbait elf women just stare slack jawed if they see me without a longarmed shirt on, and try their damnedest to flirt and signal me to ''take them'' by stroking my leg or groin. Or a powerful attractive elf milf give me great gifts to convince me to stay, or try to blackmail me to have sex with her. When I was demonstrating the lifepreserver in my shorts on a beach? I was the boothbabe, and there were many women in line. There''s even a stupid rumour that I''m a halfgod and Freya is my mother, or Thor is my father, which doesn''t exactly make me less desirable. Denying the rumours doesn''t help."


    Jane grins and laughs, before something pops into her mind: "Is that how you got that land in Norway?!"


    "Yes." Jane bits her lips and tries to stop herself from laughing. "Jarl Myrun Skiringe also tried to convince me to build my Academy there by telling me about all the land she owned adjacent, and she insisted on showing it to me personally."


    Jane laughs: "You! Shagged! Her! No man say ''no'' to ''huge tracts of land''." Jane grins at her ingenious double entendre, until she realizes something. "Oh! I bet she gave you more land going back, after your romp in the woods."


    "You loose that bet. But yes; the longhouse bed had clean blankets, pillows and so on when we got there, and it was a vacant farm."


    "What?! Are you a lousy shag?"


    "Whats with these questions?! And no."


    "Ungrateful bitch! Oh. I need to stop doing that."


    "Yes, although when speaking English with me in private is fine by me. It nice being treated like a person, instead of a damn Lord. Jarl Skiringe suggested that a ''strong personal connection'' to the local ruler would benefit my Academy, and started laying the groundwork for a marrige. Alith can confirm, she was my only guard."


    "So... is she a lesbian?"


    It''s clear what Jane''s trying to imply, so it''s best to stop those thoughts. "Nope. Well, I don''t think so. Shieldmaidens have this very sensible rule that they don''t have sex with their Lord. So they continue being a guard, and Lords don''t expect Shieldmaidens to have bed duties. There''s no such rules for male warriors guarding female widowed Ladies, but obviously the Lady is still in charge."


    "Pfh! Typical!"


    "Anyway! Me being a Sejdmann have become a problem on so many levels. No man would currently work for me as a guard, even though I''m a Furst, because I''m a Sejdmann and they might get tainted by association. No man would want to work as my servant, doing unmanly things for an unmanly man and so on. Just offering that work to a man will be insulting. It needs to be something thats manly and not too close. Women on the other hand is the opposite. They''re serving or associating with their Goddess favourite male, brought to Alfheimr by her. They have carefully warned me that some women will see sex with me as a form of praying and being blessed by Freya, which is ironic when men don''t dare to have sex with sejdwomen. There''s plenty of double standards here."


    Jane finds everything very entertaining, but even her hand clamped against her mouth can''t stop her from giggling and replying: "Oh, God! You''re not trying to make a harem! Their culture and religion is forcing a harem on you; an anti-social awkward nerd! Because you''re pretending to be a magician! No wonder Iselin crawled in to your bed, Ciara was desperate that you didn''t want her, or that Kari started scheming to become your wife the moment she could! They''re shagging their Goddess messiah, and are sure to go to heaven!"


    "It''s not funny - but partly true. It also doesn''t help that I''m a modern western man that try to be polite and a gentleman, and its automatic that I''m too kind and treat everyone nicely, including lower status women and slaves. The women take it as flirting, when I just don''t want to be rude."


    Jane continues to giggle, but it feels good to lighten my heart. Alith looks quite confused, so I reassure her there is nothing to worry about, I just said something funny when I informed Jane about the world, religion, law and sejd, so she hopefully avoids more serious mistakes, and we''re learning a little about each other and our experiences here, and how it could have gone. It feels so good to vent to someone who can really understand, when no one else understands the language. However, its best if I change the topic a bit.

 Creating something new - day 43, days, relationships and children

    "Do you know how the names of the days of the week are called what they are?"


    "What? Ours?!"


    "All ours actually." Jane gives me a questioning look. "The Scandinavian Vikings in our world affected the current English culture a lot with words and such. Modern Swedish and English have plenty of words that are very close in speech and writing, if its basic things like; finger - finger, arm - arm, day - dag, house - hus, tree - tr?d, water - vatten, fish - fisk, red - r?d, knife - kniv and so on. Its the same with weekdays. In Swedish, starting at monday, they are; m?ndag, tisdag, onsdag, torsdag, fredag, l?rdag, s?ndag. A lof of them are old, like saturday is l?rdag, and laur, which you hear is pronounced very close, is an old norse word for washing-bathing. I think the Islandic word is the same today."


    "Thats when they all bathe, wash and clean the house here!"


    "Yes. And it should be telling how much bathing was done in England way back, since saturday is the only day in English thats really renamed. Wednesday-Onsdag comes from Wodhans day, which is another way of saying Odens day, although the spelling is a bit messed up. Oden have ridiculously many names, something like 50, so Odin - Oden isn''t a big thing. Thursday-Torsdag, is Thors day."


    "Thats really the same!"


    "Yes, and after that comes friday-fredag, which might mean Freyas day, or Friggs day. I think its the same Goddess they mean, as a lot about the Vikings is vague. Here, those three days are almost the same, named after the gods; Oden, Thor and Freya. Guess on which day the Aurora happened here?"


    Astonished Jane blurts out: "Friday?! Freyas day!?" I just smile and nod. "Bollocks! No wonder everyone thinks Freyas behind it all! It was her day!"


    "Yeah. I only understood that a while ago, since for me it just a friday without thinking about any connection to the Gods. Its one in seven, but hey; it happened on her day, so she gets the credit."


    "Bollocks! And then you show up pretend to be a powerful magician. Its no wonder they all see you as sent by her."


    "Its saturday today, and if you havn''t noticed we''re on the wrong weekday. In Midgard, the Aurora was on a tuesday, but the time of the year seems the same with Midsummers Eve, and the upcomming autumn equinox seems correct too. To be honest, some probably even think I''m Freya in disguise, and their Gods do change sex or turn into animals in the Sagas. They truly believe the Gods visit and walk among them."


    Jane is enjoying it and seem lost in thought, before something pops into her mind. "Oh! I arrived here and gave you my offer on a Friday!"


    "Yes. You did." As usual I havn''t thought about the weekdays connection to the gods,


    and my sambos might have seen that as a sign that she''s send from Freya to give me children. Time for another change of subject. "I now believe that Lagman Filison in Hildifjoer was kind of desperate to be a good host, and help me reach my destination, and Danr was more than happy for me to travel with his ship."


    "Yeah! No shit!"


    "... and then you showed up and end up stuck there. I''m not surprised that Tom had success with the female servants there, or his wife. Btw, Toms sentence for nine months as a slave was very low as it might have been for life, so I guess Filison knew that his wife might have initiated the sex and Tom was a drunk guest. He probably didn''t know that wasn''t the first time, and it might be viewed as a semi official punishment for his wife too. But, he might have let Tom become an official lover or concubine for his wife if she''s smart or manipulative enough, and Tom were respectful to them both. A lot of things here is about perception and keeping ones status, and an official concubine for his wife is okay when done right and with respect.


    When it became a public disgraceful act and Tom hit her, Filison had to do something to protect his wifes status and honor, to protected his own status and manliness. Beside being manly enough for your women, you need to be able to protect yourself and your women and children. Tom ''raped'' his high status wife, in his bed, hit her, and was a bad guest infront of witnesses, and Filison is the Lagman too. Filison could have forced a duel, and maimed or killed Tom, but its still risky because Filison doesn''t seem to be in good shape, and Tom might be a good desperate fighter and the Gods did bring you to Alfheimr. If Freya had a plan for Tom, he would probably win.


    Loosing to Tom would have had terrible consequences for Filison, even if he was pretty much unwounded, so making Tom a slave was safe, even though it will be seen as cowardly by others. Being seen as a coward is bad too, but its the lesser evil. So he lowered Tom''s status. Raping Tom wasn''t really legal since Tom was a time sentenced slave, but Tom was sentenced for raping his wife and Tom were disrespectful as a slave, so many will see it as okay. He raped Tom to prove his own manliness over Tom, and to rob Tom of some of his and make Tom more disgraced, and probably for revenge. I guess he learned that Gudfridr and Tom had had sex a few times before, and thats when he got really mad and force Tom and Gudfridr to have sex while he raped Tom. And yes, he probably did succeed in secretly shaming them both infront of each other and him.


    Had Tom understood the law, culture, honor and perception, and talked the language well enough to used it, it would have been a completely different story. In the end Lagman Filison would be motivated to get rid of Tom, and afraid of revenge for raping him, especially as Tom would become a free man, and Tom played in his hands."


    "I should clarify that Tom never abused me - as I would have left him. But he slapped me a couple of times when he was really drunk and I made him really mad. He knew to control his drinking, and I avoided being confrontational when he was, unless I was drunk too. We did have sex that got out of hand, and he did get into a few fights. But he wasn''t a bad person. He didn''t deserve that."


    Okay, it''s my turn to be flabberghasted, because I don''t know how to reply to that. It was probably only a matter of time before Tom got into trouble here, especially if he didn''t understand the law. I should probably be happy that he didn''t survive and became my problem. It takes a while for me to get back on track, but Jane has been quiet.


    "Just so you know, a man or woman striking their married partner is grounds for divorce here, especially if its done infront of witnesses. Bloody revenge and feuds are common here. Removing the neckring and escaping was a really stupid idea for so many reason, because Filison had to send men after him for disrespecting the law and his judgment, and as a human Tom couldn''t blend in. He would have had to escape down in Europe fast, or he would probably be captured, taken back and tortured to prove that breaking the law and escaping has consequences. If he just had let the neckring stay on until they left the boat in Kambsnes it would have been another thing, and just an escape, and he might still have been left alive since he was a temporary slave, although he might loose a finger or two, or maybe an eye or something. Dagny must have understood this, but I don''t think Tom listened to her enough, and he might not have said he planned to remove his neckring. Now he ''flaunted'' his disrespect for Filisons judgment and the law by removing it there, so that Filison would be told after he left, and that was probably a big reason for the death sentence. But, had Tom been careful and smarter from the start, he probably would have been sent of with Dagny on the boat by Filison, maybe after weeks of being his wifes lover and with gifts from her."


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    Jane have stayed quiet and just listened while I talk, and in the end she seems sad about how different it could have been for Tom. She seems to have lingering feelings for him, and would have preferred if things had gone well for him. But I need to continue the lesson.


    "The norms about relationships and sex that we both most likely was brought up with, isn''t the same here, and we have to adapt to what''s necessary for status and image. It''s really dangerous to be a social paria, especially if you''re unknown and don''t have kin. The big ones are that every man and woman should marry and have children if possible. Sure, not everyone can, but if you have the means, you need to or you will be considered a failure by society. Like there is something very wrong with you. It''s expected that someone mighty or powerful have many sexual partners and spouses, especially powerful men, because it proves they''re powerful, manly and can support a big family.


    Female widowed Lords or Storman - which is their word for a really big landowner - can have several male concubines or lovers, and will be seen as powerful and respected, even by men, but she should have atleast one child from her marriage, or she should marry again and get pregnant. Someone born as a female with land should get married and have children. Period. And her family will see to that. Having illegitimate children and never marrying will make her a social misfit, and the man who made that woman pregnant should marry her or make her officially his in some way. Freya obviously blessed their union, unless their social statuses are too far apart, in which case it might be Loke, or a punishment from another god. The childs father should be man enough to pay for two thirds of the childs cost of upbringing, even if he doesn''t take the child into his family.


    A married man should prioritize his ''official women'' - wifes and concubines - and the idea is that they should be enough for him, and he should have his wifes approval to enjoy other women. But the wifes can''t justify divorce because their man have sex with other women, or the occasional paid prostitute - its just a bit disrespectful to them - and if half of a mans ''official women'' are pregnant or have small children, he have fulfilled his ''duty'', and he might take an official lover, or just sleep around. Wifes and concubines don''t have that freedom, unless their man allows them to, and usually only when they have given him several children.


    Married women might get away with several male partners, since it might not be as strict as we expect, especially if she already have children with her husband, and if the new male concubine is lower ranked so he don''t challenge the manliness of the husband, or the important alliance marrige usually is. An official male concubine thats the father of a child, doesn''t have to pay anything for the child, since he''s the lower ranked. But he also have no say in what happens to the child, even if its an abortion. If the child is born, and neither the woman or her husband want to take care of it, then the real father might claim the child and gain full responsability, or the child will most like be taken an hour or two away somewhere in the woods, and left to die."


    Jane raise an eyebrow and give me a look.


    "Its apparently what often happens with unwanted children. I think its cruel, and a quicker and less painful death would be better, even if its suffocating with a hand or pillow, which is the second common option. They see drawing blood from your baby as a sin, and if a still breastfeeding child drown, they think the spirit return as a form of mermaid, to lure seafarers to their doom, so they avoid drowning babies in lakes or streams, and if its done to stop the child from coming to the afterlife, they will do so in a bucket and then dig a hole and bury the bucket with the water still in it. They have tales and Sagas about animals or Trolls raising children, or that a forest nymph or spirit will hear the childs crying and turn it into one of them. So by placing it in the woods or amongs rocky hills, they give the child a chance to ''live''."


    We''re quiet as we think about the culture here.


    "Subject change!" Jane entusiastically nod and agree. "As an example; Kari flat out told me that with my high status in this region - with my own micro nation where I''m the ruler - I''m expected to have two wifes, and atleast one concubine."


    "Which you will have if you marry both Iselin and Kari, as Ciara is your concubine."


    "Correct. It''s a show of wealth, power, manliness and attractiveness. The thinking basically seems to boil down to; every man should marry, and try to have another wife or concubine. You''re a Jarl or ruler? Add a wife and a concubine. You''re a huge landowner? Add a wife and a concubine."


    "Doesn''t that mean you should have three wifes and two concubines?"


    "Well, yes - but I don''t need to. There isn''t actually an upper limit, and a man can have as many women as he can support, but usually it''s limited by marrige agreements, inheritance and statuses, and a highly desirable wife will basically count as two. King Asbj?rn Aeriksson ''only'' had two highly desirable wifes, but one died several years ago, so there''s only one Queen, Haera, and a couple of concubines. They have three adult children. I''m thankfully not a huge landowner - just a ruler - or I should have up to four wifes, and several concubines. I will buy more land when I can, but until I make Storman it doesn''t matter, and thats a lot of land. They count the lands food production in Mantal, not area, and my islands are 15 Mantal together, although we would call it about 50 hectare of farmland, which is half a square kilometer. A lot isn''t crop fields, but meadows and pastures. My Furstdome is about 7km2 of land. I would need more than 5 times my islands crop fields to make me a Storman. Mantal is a vague measurement based on a food production, and as I increase production, and make more fields, my islands mantal will probably double in a few years, and I might eventually tripple it. Modern fertilizer, crops and machinery could probably increase it tenfold. Its of course limited to manpower, rain and fresh water supply, but I should be able to create simpler farmmachinery, and dig out ponds and dam up to make lakes, and make irrigation systems to prepare for a drought."


    "You could have a literal harem."


    "Yes, a small harem would be legal and socially acceptable, but ill adviced in a mans and his wifes home, but several more or less permanent semi-officially kept women are acceptable in the higher social ranks, especially if they have lower status. A Storman will probably have several medium sized farms spread out over a region, and might have a kept woman on each - maybe in charge of the household - that he spend time with as he travel around and inspect his lands. I can give a woman a small house on a small plot of land out of view from my mansion, and visit her several times a month or just a couple of times per year. It will actually be seen as an honorable peace offer, if offered to a vanquished attacking foes wife or old enough daughter, and a lot of women would accept, especially if the man is honorable and not to old. It might also save the rest of her family from execution if its a feud or war. If the woman accept, she binds her and her family members honor to herself and her new man, and she have to be faithful and loyal to him, even if he doesn''t treat her that well, although he should. If she tries to murder him or damage his relationships or children, her life is forfiet and she will be tortured to death, and the Gods will be harsh, and so will society be against her close family since they have no honor. Even close allies or relatives might kill them, since they can''t be trusted. Its an old way of making peace between enemies, and treachery is not allowed.


    The womans unwed daughters becomes her new mans property and will be married of if they''re lucky, or just given away, maybe on the spot as basically spoils of war. Brothers or sons must stay out of any conflict with her new man and just live their life the best they can, preferably with relatives or in another country, and the woman might be furious at siblings or sons if they attack since she had made peace. As the ultimate holder of their honor, she can actually kill them in cold blood in public without any repercussions, while they can''t in return to have honor - so they sure as hell won''t be happy to see her or trust her. There is a Saga of a woman like that spending part of the winter hunting down and killing her son and brothers and presenting their heads as gifts to her new man, and it was honorable. Another Saga have the daughter poisoning her siblings and mother just moments after accepting, when giving a toast, and her new man was pleased with her proven loyalty and way to make peace, and eventually married her. She was an honest faithful law-abiding woman, they had many children and lived happy ever after. I wouldn''t trust either of those women, but this is another culture, and they take honor dead serious."


    "But, you actually could have a house or small farm somewhere on you islands, tended to by women you could visit."


    Of course Jane has hung up on that, but I nod and answer: "Yeah, I could."

 Creating something new - day 43, desirablility, manliness and chastity

    "Anyway, powerful people don''t marry for love, and even if you love someone its usually secondary to alliance and power. As you understand I need to marry, but with my high status as a ruler, I can''t just marry anyone - I need to marry what others see as ''desirable wifes''. My girlfriends are not what others see as desirable wifes, since they don''t have any land, wealth or come from powerful families. Iselin was also born as a slave.


    So my prefered choice of only Iselin as my fianc¨¦e and probably future wife, would be really bad for our image and status, especially as First wife. She could be an official lover or maybe concubine if I really valued and loved her enough to honor her with that, but no-one with my social status would marry someone like her, or Ciara. It will actually look bad if I married Iselin first, followed by Ciara and Kari, because of their preceived ''worth''. Kari have by far the highest status of them and she is ''just a nice gift from the King'', and someone like me doesn''t marry someone like her. She''s already my concubine, so why waste a spouse postition on her?"


    "Oh, thats blunt, but yeah, I get it."


    "If I marry Iselin first, I really should marry a woman others see as a desirable wife as second. Kari''s conflicted as hell that her instincts scream this at her, but she seem to desire marrige something fierce, and she love that I don''t care about ''desirability''. She and Iselin takes refuge in - and promote - my idea that as a Sejdmann I walk my own path, and I marry for love, because Freya is the Goddess of Love. I prove my devotion to Freya by marrying for love, not for power or riches."


    "Oh, thats clever! You''re using their religion against them!"


    "Sort of, as I said; I''m the first Sejdmann, so I hope to get a way with a few things. We''re not married yet, and I''m still ambivalent to marrying Kari too. I''d planned to let a year pass, but it might not be an option as it will be a huge problem if I''m offered a highly desirable wife and marriage alliance - which I actually have been, but not officially. The main reason for that - and this worries them - is that I might officially be offered to marry Princess Sefa, since her betrothed man Hunulfr died three months ago. It is of course seen as her planned marrige - which should have taken place by now - was unblessed by the Gods, but it might also be viewed by the public that the Gods ''made her available'' for me, and no one wants to barge in on the Gods plans. Princess Sefa is 19 and getting ''old'', so they need to marry her to someone important enough within a year or two, and there''s limited options for them, because she is the oldest princess, and an influential family might try to take the throne from them through her, which I as an outsider lack the influence to do - and I''m right here. Just think about all the complications, if I said ''no'' to Princess Sefa, or said ''yes''."


    Jane just stares at me, and her grin has disappeared. She opens her mouth to start talking, but stops herself before uttering a word when other thoughts appear, and repeats it once more, until she finally says:


    "Oh, God! You will have to marry her as your first wife, and then she and the King would have influence over you, and decide about any other woman. You wouldn''t be able to marry Iselin or Kari, since their ''desirability'' is so much lower than the Princess. Wow. That makes it clear that marrige is a chess move, and not for love."


    "Love really doesn''t matter in a marrige here. It doesn''t really matter in most of our world too. How many actually marry for love, without other considerations like security, wealth, status, pregnancy, immigration and so on?"


    "Wow, your like the anti-romatic. Yes! I know that is common, and I''ve meet quite a lot of women and couples like that. But people do marry for love. Everything isn''t about money, power or sex."


    "True. Hell, marrige here doesn''t actually need to involve a lot of sex, just a legal minimum per year and atleast a child, or the wife can ask for a divorce and go winning from it since her man isn''t manly enough."


    "They actually have laws about that?!"


    "Yes, and she can demand a couple of witnesses too. Its law that a woman that havn''t ''enjoyed her husband'' in three years can ask for a divorce, and if he left to travel, she can legally claim his property. Which is important, since he might have died in a far away land or just abandoned her and his property. If he comes back later, well, tough luck for him. Its done. He should have been home, taking care of his land, woman and making children." Jane smirks, but its important and logical. "There is also a test of manliness, and it can be forced by either side or their families after a couple of years, or on a man before his wedding. The pair is kept isolated from each other and from people of the other sex for a week. If they''re already married then they see if the man become arroused by her kiss, touch and bodily contact infront of witnesses, and if so release inside her. If he doesn''t, or its before marrige, they test if two other women can get a ''reaction'' out of him. If another woman have accused him, them, or his woman, she might be one of these women. The test might be retaken if failed. Once. If neither woman can make him... release, he will be deemed unmanly and disgraced. If the other women can, his woman will be disgraced. Their marrige will probably be voided."


    "They test if a man can get it up and cum, under that pressure? Talk about giving someone performance anxiety."


    "From what I''ve been told, most men would rather duel, but no man would ever admit to fearing that test. That would be admitting he isn''t sure of his manliness."


    "Wait! You said that the man might rape an accusing woman to prove is manliness!"


    "That might happen, but then its after a lost duel, and other circumstances. Its complicated, depend on circumstances, social status and I don''t understand all the intricacies. I really appreciate Kari''s knowledge, and having her on my side. That test have severe social pressure too, as it isn''t every man who can marry, and some women are very desirable, so someone might talk shit to force him to take that test, but it end up as a duel instead, which might have been hoped so he can be maimed or killed. The man and his food is closely guarded, so he doesn''t cheat or is drugged. Its all because alliances, children and male heirs is everything. There is Sagas of lovers taking that test, to prove that he can only ''get it up'' with his true love.


    But in a marrige its seldom forced, unless its been years and they remain childless. Some men get ''wounded in battle'', or just can''t get it up, drink too much and pass out, and some are probably homosexual or just infertile. The need for children is also a reason why a male concubine for a wife might be acceptable, or a traveler might discretely join the married couple in bed, especially if he have similar characteristics as the husband. If she become pregnant, the husband can claim the child as his, and he would never know it isn''t. There''s no DNA tests here."


    Jane grins and find it all very amusing.


    "Of course people are jealous here too, and most men and women don''t want their partner to sleep with another, but in some ways this culture have a lot of open marriges and free love, especially among the plus twentyfive middle social classes, or unwedded men. As an example a couple might invite someone to share their bed during the upcomming autumn equinox feast; man or woman. Or both. Especially if they already have children, so everyone knows they''re both fertile, and its just sex and having a good time. Thats very socially okay bragging."


    Jane has a real cheshire cat grin.


    "Kari also told me that about women or concubines having travel abroad with their husband on merchant trips, or gone on a pilgrimage, and when they return Freya have blessed them with a child. Or it happened when they visited the large annual Northmen Ting, the primary ruling assembly in the Kingdom, which is a few hours walk from here in the hills on the other side of Borgarsandr. There is people from all of the Kingdom, lots of feasting and such going on then - lots of new faces. Kari''s favorite rumours involve the masked prostitute at a feasthall, as most are normal prositutes trying to be mysterious or protecting their future, while others are married or other women looking for a socially unacceptable good time, looking to earn a bit of extra silver, or trying to get pregnant with a suitable man."


    Jane giggles about how the problem is sometimes solved, but its very serious. And as long as everything is at peace and the child is loved, I see no real problem. It has probably happened a lot of times in Midgard as well.


    "Its really serious. If a man havn''t been able to make his woman pregnant after 5 years; it''s grounds for a divorce and then his fertility or manliness can start to be questioned, and his favour with the Gods, and an alliance might crumble."


    Jane smirks, but her eyes grow large and she cups her hand infront of her mouth. "They didn''t have any children! Lagman Filison and his wife didn''t have any children! Oh! My! God! We showed up after you left, and got stuck there. Fru Gudfridr might have seen Tom sent by Freya, to make her pregnant before we followed you!"


    "That might be true, and she sure as hell won''t know about genetics. Actually, you had engagement rings, but here rings are only for marriage. When Tom had sex with Dagny and you removed your ring, you ''divorced'' him. They might be close to those five years, as that is when the test usually happens. Especially if he has many childless women - which is something I might have. Its similar for a woman, if his other women have become pregnant. Especially if a wife can''t have children or others just believe she''s barren."


    "Ooh... wow. You really should have accepted my offer last night, and then tried to get me pregnant as soon as possible. You knew, but said ''no'' anyway. A simple ''Thank you'' isn''t enough, since I absolutely don''t want to become a mother. Especially here. God, I can just imagine the childbirth mortality here. Still; I won''t sleep with you. No offence, but you are not my type."


    "Non taken." Considering what she actually offered me yesterday, it says something about Jane, but it would be stupid to point it out. "Filison might have seen it as his wife Gudfridr tried to become pregnant without telling him, and he probably saw that as a grevious insult, since she no longer trusted him to make her pregnant. That probably contributed to him forcing Tom on her, while raping Tom infront of her. Their marriage might still look good in public, but I think is icecold in private, and I wouldn''t be surprise if he''s been looking for another wife or concubine. And I just realised something. You said Filison started giving you looks, so they might have started to believe they got Freyas intention backwards. Tom slept with Dagny, and you became available to give Lagman Filison a child."


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    Janes face turns to fear and insight: "He would have raped me!"


    "Probably not straight up raped you, but I bet he would try to seduce or pressure you to atleast become his concubine, especially if you stayed over the winter, and then it wouldn''t be rape."


    Jane is quiet and seems to be contemplating what her future could have been like. "I''m so-oo happy I accepted that boattrip. Imagine if I stayed! I probably should have taken another earlier boat instead."


    It''s time to redirect her thoughts again, so she doesn''t believe I want the same.


    "It would have been far better for you and Tom if you did. You should''ve bartered something to immediately sail after us to Kambsnes. You would probably have reached us in just a day, as we made stops on the way, and then we spent several days in Kambsnes."


    Jane absentmindedly slowly nod as she''s busy contemplating about what might have been.


    "As last night showed, my girlfriends prefer if I didn''t have more fulltime partners and they''re more than enough for me, so I''m really avoiding it. But its also important for their status that I show that their man is powerful, strong in faith, blessed by Freya and manly. Since I have several girlfriends I try giving the impression of being devoted and deeply loving them, which fit with my plan for marrige. And I still have a few years before children might become a problem that I have to deal with. If I sleep around that''s just sex and a social thing, and it proves that Freya really blesses and favour me, and that I''m manly. Its all ''show, don''t tell'' here. Hell, the fact that my duel was one sided, fast, loud, violent and deadly in a way no-one heard of, just reinforce the belief in many people that Freya favours me like no-one before. Heh. I just realised that I literally have a few women witnesses that I can ''perform'', and one of them is a powerful Jarl. Please, stop giggling."


    Finally something that worked.


    "Don''t take this as me comming on to you or bragging, but with everything I just told you, you should know that I''ve had sex with a couple of women here, but probably far fewer than you think. They really don''t seem to mind as long as its occasional sex with an unmarried and unbound woman, and one of my girlfriends have sometimes been part of it, or wanted to join." Jane gives me a look. "They really don''t understand this but you could, so even though you''re a woman and we just meet - please deal with this okay? I have to vent to someone, and I''ve had no-one to really talk to like this."


    I draw a deep breath, and prepare to admit something I never thought I would. Hell, I never even considered it a chance that it might be a problem. My life here is very different from my old life.


    "Its kind of exhausting trying to keep all my girlfriends satisfied and happy. I''m not selfish enough to just get myself off and ignore them. I''m trying to be fair and give them several orgasms each time, but they''re younger and three. Please stop giggling, its not funny and besides feeling so wrong to say no, its damn hard... bad choice of words."


    Jane is doubling over in laughter. I understand her. Eventually, Jane gathers herself and calm down.


    "Yes, I know - woe me. Most days are fine and really nice, but sometimes they get competitive, and I seriously didn''t need them to get territorial too. Ciara this morning. Iselin and Kari last night. Iselin yesterday afternoon. Kari yesterday morning, the evening before that, and that afternoon." Jane bites her lips and clamps a hand over her mouth to stop herself from laughing. "With that, along with all the rest, combined with trying to have several happy working relationships under the same roof, you can understand why I''m more than satisfied and happy with Iselin, Ciara and Kari. I don''t even want to imagine the horror of having four wifes and four or more concubines - that would be a fucking nightmare!" Jane doubles over in laughter. "Shit! I''m not doing it deliberately." She almost fall of the chair.


    In that case, I actually did. I just didn''t mean it as a joke. It would be a living hell to try to balance relationships with eight women. Three are hard, and I''m terribly grateful that they get along so well. I''m going to try to keep that balance, and especially not upset it by trying to get a fourth partner. Although I hardly complain about the moments I''ve had with Alith, it would have been a completely different thing if she had been ''official''. My so far open relationship is pure luxury, but Kari doesn''t seem to see it in the same way as Iselin, and Ciara is special, so I am careful to value what I have. Jane manages to somewhat serious say; "Fucking Hell, Mate! You''re on your last few years!" before she continue to laugh.


    Okay, that was a good one, but it might be true. I havn''t thought about it, but if I ever become a really big landowner, or for some other reason end up with a relationship with another woman or two, a separate small house for them is actually a possibility, precisely so that Iselin, Kari and Ciara will feel prioritized and important, and these other women won''t mess up our everyday life together. I just occasionally ''visit'' her or them, but I live with Iselin, Ciara and Kari. Maybe thats why that arrangement is common here? But until social pressure demands that I have more women, I''m not going to try to find them. Jane is still laughing and saying comments about ''hoisted with your own petard'', ''so much hoisting'', ''your wizard staff is getting worn out'' etc, and it takes quite a while for her to calm down, and wipe away her tears of joy.


    "Sorry, will try to think so I don''t say something funny. Again. I don''t believe in any deity, but I thank the Gods that Ciara have special and low need, and it''s of course luxurious as hell to be able to have occasional sex with someone else and no-one mind, as long as it''s discrete or they''re not married. Discrete is also not what we think since most sleep in the same big hall, and have sex while others sleep beside them. I will not do that. I also fear sexually transmitted deceases since they historically been really bad, and there is no modern medicine here, and then its really iffy with cleanliness. I won''t have sex with someone that havn''t bathed in a week, and I definitely won''t go down on her!" That made Jane stop giggling and a shiver goes down her back. "Then I can''t stop thinking about fleas, lice or other bugs."


    Disgust makes Jane jump and shiver, and close her eyes. "Shut. Up. Urgh, I need brainbleach. Okay, I believe you''ve had few women if you have that on your mind, instead of thinking with your dick. Just stop talking about that. That topic is off limits, Okey?!"


    I guess small creepy crawlers are an issue for Jane. Good to know. But, just because she doesn''t like to be reminded they exist, doesn''t change the fact that they do. Reality doesn''t care what a person thinks, only what we do about it. And I plan to keep my mansion as clean as possible, with the limits here. Rubbing salt on surfaces, washing and letting it be exposed to suns light and UV will help. But that does explain why Jane used the bed linnen from Midgard when she slept on the sleeping pelts. Guess she''s been keeping those linnen as clean as she can, as a protection from the small things she knows might be anywhere. I should remind her to hang it up in the sun. At least she doesn''t seem to have severe mysophobia, fear of germs.


    "I have a vivid but realistic imagination, and I think way too much. Besides that, I wouldn''t jeopardize what I have. I try to avoid being that stupid, and I was really worried about Kari and planned to really get to know her first. Unfortunately, she realised that I didn''t actually need to have a sexual relationship with her, because everyone would assume I did."


    "What?! Oo-oh! Devious! You accepted her as your concubine, but planned on being friends without benefits. Well, atleast for a while." Janes grin makes it clear she believes that wouldn''t last long. "No wonder she didn''t tell you about all the traditions and laws until it was too late."


    "Yeah. There is more too it, but she desired me more because I was being evasive and sneaky."


    "Aaw-wwhh..." like its the cutest and most romatic thing she heard. "The female Machiavelli found someone to play with. You were fucked after that." Yeah, shes enjoying herself again. "Literally." I just roll my eyes. "Oh my, I probably should have asked them last night, instead of you." Its my turn to give her a look, but its futile and Jane is so very good at making quips and puns, while giggling. Eeh, I can live with her enjoyment at my expense.


    "Anyway, back to guns and technology, it''s safer to talk about - isn''t that ironic? Only Alith and Iselin really knows about bullets and blackpowder, the others know its dangerous and shouldn''t be put near fire. But they don''t really know how I made it, the powder or ignition. A lot is need to know. If it''s dangerous I don''t really tell anyone unless I have to. Expect that. And I do like to have surprises and backup plans - for everything."


    "No, you have getting fucked up plans!" More giggling.


    "Please. Try to be serious. I also compartmentalize. Alith knows about some specific things, but not others. Know that as my artist and painter - and most likely occasional therapist because its so nice to talk to someone - I will keep a lot from you too, unless I need to vent about something again. But then again I won''t be showing everything you paint to people either; they''re not ready for it. You can understand why few are really allowed into my room, and often I''m alone in there for a reason."


    "Yes... to get away from your girlfriends! Bwahahah!"


    "Please! Sadly its mostly just really boring tedious work that needs to be done, and a lot before the tech gives up their ghost and the info is lost. I''m not evil enough to share that with you - unless you continue to needle me. I have a 2600 page book about Chemistry that needs to be read and written down. In English."


    "Woo-ooh! That''s uncalled for! Chemistry!?! Gawh! Thank you for not being that evil. So... Ahem. Art! Do you have something I can work with directly? I saw you have ink, quill and paper, and before we get any further - Thank God, you have toilet paper! I cried this morning when I went to the loo. There was a bloody marvellous stack of paper. That might have made my decision without anything else, and its good I didn''t use the loo before we talked yesterday. Toilet paper, how I missed thee!"


    "I know exactly. Modern toiletts are so underappreciated." Jane enthusiastically nods and draws a dreamy sigh. "The paper isn''t soft, but slightly absorbant and feels okayish, but the toilets could be improved - a lot." More enthusiastic noddig. It will be funny to see her reaction when I hopefully get all the creature comforts in my mansion working. "Well, really nice chatting to you - for most of the time - but, as usual, I have work to do. I also feel a bit rude to A guarding us, when she can''t understand what we''re talkning about, and she''s heard her and others names used a lot. We might say anything about her. Scandalous things! Like; she have thighs or showing ankle."


    "Don''t make me laugh again! But seriously, it was lovely to laugh that much. I needed that. By the way, if it''s not to much of a bother; where can I get a new bra and panties? I''ve been wearing this for yonks, and I saw Alith''s and Iselin''s this morning? I didn''t know they had them here! They look so normal. I thought it was a modern invention!"


    "It''s not to much, and I will have someone accompanying you. You''ll probably find them very primitive compared to what you''re used to, and clothing options suck. You must have noticed that pants here don''t even have pockets, and I prefer cargo pants."


    "Oh you poor thing! Its lucky you have no need to play pocket tennis."


    "Chemistry!" Jane smugly grins, well aware she''s balancing on a tight rope, but its been fun most of the time. "Just so you know, male or female nakedness isn''t a taboo here simply because there really isn''t much privacy for most people. As I said, most sleep in the same big room and wash and bathe in the open, so its more of a status thing to have nice cloths, separate sleepwear, and being able to have privacy and protection. Every woman is ''going commando'', but short skirts isn''t a thing simply because of practicality and that most have very few cloths. Some active women like shieldmaidens and female sailors wear pants most of the time. Bra and panties is a new thing, and most don''t really see a need for a bra unless they''re well endowed, and panties are pretty much seen as unnecessary, pointless and chaste."


    "Chaste?!"


    "They cover the womanly parts, under a dress or pants. Everyone else is naked. They would probably see thongs as chaste, not to mention Bikini''s."


    "... because everyone else bathe naked." Jane finish the sentence while she facepalm and shakes her head.

 Creating something new - day 43, the rest of the day

    Iselin, Kari and Ciara have watched from just inside the door and through the window as we talked. I tell them that Jane has accepted my offer and we mostly talked to inform her about the world here, compare our experiences, give warnings about what not to do, the law etc, and she apparently just liked being able to actually understand what someone was saying and have a conversation. We go out and I officially make introductions between everyone and Jane.


    My life feels better. I needed that ventilation. The bed problem is easily solved. My old bed is taken out of storage and Ciara use that, while Jane takes over Ciara''s. When Ciara realized she could sleep in my old bed, even though it actually is the farm''s and will stay here when we move, she got such a happy little smile. Ciara is far more important to me than Jane, and honestly most mattresses here are not particularly good. A sack of hay that they replace the hay in two to four times a year is the norm among mattresses, and it usually lies directly on the floor, so the hay mattress probably has a lot of insects in it as well. But it is a bit more comfortable than sleeping pelts directly on a plank floor. The beds here, as well as my latest bed is the luxury variant with a bed base of slightly springy wooden slats and a mattress filled with small down feathers, and it is okay, but not particularly luxurious for a modern person. Far into the future, I hope to be able to make a steel spring mattress, but my replecement bed in the mansion will be pretty much the same sort, only larger and without dumb high hard wooden sides, and hopefully the redesigned springy center support will make the bed a little more comfortable there, so that there won''t be a hard and completely stiff ledge in the middle of the bed.


    Ciara has delivered a slate board and some chalk for Jane, and I''m curious what she can do about it. I ask Iselin to take her to Borgarsandr and let her spend 5 ounces of silver on clothes and underwear, and Jane should get two nicer everyday dresses. She looks damn good in them, but I don''t want her to usually walk around in her Midgard clothes, and she needs to give the impression of being rich and important. They will also buy her a pair of leather shoes. Should they find suitable painting things, they can buy it too, and I trust Iselin to make good judgment calls about it. I don''t care if it costs 5-10 ounces, but she shouldn''t tell Jane that.


    Its always fun to see Iselins reaction to spending silver. Her base instinct is to be very frugal, but she do enjoy spending silver, and its a guilty pleasure for her. She likes to shop and being able to get the best stuff, if its worth it. She really like to be able to decide if something is worth it or not, purely for its merits, and then just negotiate on the price.


    I need to send someone to Kambsnes to try to find Dagny and buy Tom''s camera bag and lenses, as well as preferably all technology such as the camera with accessories, power banks, mobile phone, sunglasses and the multi-tool. The clothes arn''t really necessary and won''t fit anyway. It shouldn''t cost too much since most have no real use for anyone here, and I don''t need them, but send someone looking for it will raises the price. I might get it for under 50 ounces of silver if I avoid stuff like the multi-tool, but everything is worth at least 50 ounces of gold if I have to. Its literally irreplaceable artifacts here, so I just hope Dagny doesn''t understand that. Unfortunately, there are those damn feasts I need to leave for on the day after tomorrow. After the feasts I will send Kari with the ship to buy it. I can show her my own mobile phone, camera, power banks etc - so she knows what it is I want. Actually, I should send Jane along with her. Jane recognizes Dagny, and its easy to explain to Jane what I''m looking for and she knows what Tom had, and I get rid of Jane for a couple of weeks. Thats a tripple Win.


    <hr>


    I finish the water pumps and start doing detail work, when Ciara comes and fetch me because Jane wants to show her craft, and Ciara seems eager to show me. The others are rightly impressed, because with a primitive slate board and simple chalk, she has drawn Ciara and Alith sitting under the tree. Its without a doubt them, and both the chalk and the board are bad and monochromatic. They have let her use a couple of more boards and Jane have made other sketches that are good, including one of the cat that Karis currently stroking in her lap. Yeah, Kari would make a fine Bond villain.


    "Jane, consider me suitably impressed. Compared to Midgard that chalk and board suck."


    "Thank you!"


    "That chalk and board is the best I can do for now, and its still high tech here. One step forward in creating teaching tools for the Academy. Iselin will take you shopping. Get a few sets of underwear and a couple of dresses - my treat."


    "As you saw yesterday, I was given a dress to work in, but its not as nice as theirs."


    "It probably was nice for its purpose, and Hildifjoer is a small town with limited options. I have given her a budget so you can get nicer dresses. I don''t want you running around wearing your own cloths from our world; they''re really nice, and you look good in them - but try to blend in. Its better to blend in and show you''re important, and that someone might come demanding a duel if you''re disrespected. I''ll tell her to get you ink, a couple of quills and paper. Practice with it, but it''s expensive so don''t waste it. I so miss my pens and tools for drawing schematics and sketches. Try to find any painting supplies that might work, or stuff you need to make it. I''ll give her hints where you might look, and for what. I have what''s here top of the line tools - that you can use if you''re careful with them. They''re primative, but still really expensive. I was happy to spend that silver though, since I would have to try and make them myself otherwise. Just imagine handcrafting precision files, both the work and the skill required."


    "Oh, I believe you! I''ve learned how little silver you get for an insane amount of work. They will spend weeks just turning wool into thread, and then even more time weaving it by hand to make cloth, before cutting it up and starting to sew. Its no wonder they make such beautiful intricate embroidery. Its so much work just getting there."


    "I know. You need to know I have been forced to attend two feasts in a few days time and will leave, and here I can''t just take a daytrip with a car. I got to go play the part of Sejdmann Arnesson, and I can''t avoid it any longer. I''m a bit introvert, and I''ve never drunken a beer or anything stronger than the weakest cider before comming here. I don''t enjoy cider although I''ve started to drink it here, simply because I don''t always trust the water, and I didn''t drink coffee or tea either, and I''ve never smoked or used recreational drugs. I really dislike the normal drunken boisterous feast in a dark smokey warm feasthall, where I have a hard time talking to people, and I''ve only been to two feasts since I got here. Kari actually manage to convince the King that I wouldn''t appreciate a feast when I got his support and, well... her.


    One reason I went for the mysterious wandering wizard, was that I have no real common interests with anyone here. I don''t know what the hell they''re talking about, couldn''t speak the language and I''m afraid to offend, say the wrong thing or being forced to defend my honor. Shit happens at drunken feasts. I''ve been avoiding feast or social gatherings like the plague, but its really increased the last month as everyone wants to get to know me, or just prove they can throw a big feast with me as the guest of honor and such, but the more I have avoid feasts, the more mysterious and exotic I have become. Kari have so proven her worth and social skills, by skillfully dodging what we could without insulting someones honor just because I decline. A bad part about being higher in the social order, is that the stakes are higher too.


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    As you understand, a big problem with feasts now, is that many see their chances for an alliance, or just wealth or prestige, especially for the first wife to give me a son, as that son will likely inherit my title. But I might also be offered a desirable woman as a concubine, as that will be a legitimite child too and there is no need for a marriage ceremony to delay procreation. As I explained, a concubine can be accepted and declared on the spot, and taken to bed that same evening. They don''t know about DNA, and a legitimite child could be conceived that same night. Refusing a desirable woman as a concubine gets tricky, because I will obviously be able to support them, so it can be taken that I''m not manly enough for more women, and its an insult to refuse such an offer unless its for a good reason, and so on. Powerful families really don''t consider love or having a harmonius relationship as important, and a mans women are just expected to get along. I don''t know how many have put out feelers to arrange a marrige with me already, but according to Kari it''s most of the more or less rich or powerful families in the area with an available daughter. Christ, there is even an offer of 15 year old twin sisters in a double marrige from one family, and I''m the only one that see it as just so very wrong and icky, instead of being smart."


    At least Jane agrees with me.


    "Anyway, you won''t be left here alone since I always leave a guard. We will probably be away for five days, but when we have moved in I want you to go with Kari, a guard, and my ship to Kambsnes and try to buy most of Toms equipment from Dagny, or anyone she sold them too. I don''t really care about the cloths or backpack, or even his multitool - but I want the tech, optics, cables and plastics, with stuff like aluminium being important. To be honest I want to keep it out of others hands, and I can use those good optics and electronics for other things. I guess Tom took a photo or more of Dagny, and it wouldn''t surprise me if the batteries are drained. I might be able to recharge them. Might. Otherwise I should be able to get the photos from the memory card. Anyway, can you draw a picture of Tom? Maybe it can help to persuade Dagny to let go of them."


    "Of course."


    "I don''t mind if she wants to get dropped of somewhere on the way back, even if that means a detour to Borgarsandr. I just don''t want her at my islands. I will inform Kari of the same."


    I inform the others of what I just said and Kari and Alith join the shopping trip, while I get more time to work. I also ask them to try to buy two more good horses, because riding have increased, and we need more horses. I also ask them to get some deck chairs made, and I give them sketches to leave to a carpenter and arrange fabric. Stools, benches and flat straight-backed chairs suck when you just want to relax, and folding chairs will be practical on the ship. Ergonomics is another unknown word here.


    <hr>


    Combat training with Gunhild is interrupted when they return from the city, and they have two new horses, and Jane is rides one of them. Of course she can ride better than me, and she obviously knows about it and that is why she''s riding. Damn show off. Well, now I own four horses and Kari, Gunhild and Hillevi already have their own. They all seem very happy and pleased as punch, and I soon understand why.


    The seamstress guild has made the first payment for the clothes according to the agreements and it turns out that Iselin is now almost 3 ounces of silver richer, and the others earned almost 1 ounce each for the 1/20 part of panties and dresses they receive, which is an extra monthly salary for Bodil and Alith. I''m 31 ounces richer. Damn, thats a copious amount of underwear and dresses sold in a short amount of time. Only Gunhild and Hillevi are a little unhappy today, because they do not get any extra income, but they are happy for their friends. Bodil promises Hillevi that they will feast properly tonight, but just like to Gunhild and Alith, I will give them 10 coins to feast for, which is almost a week''s salary.


    Iselin is terribly pleased to show me her new clothes she''s managed to sew with the help of others. First is one of her dresses they''ve modified to give it pockets. The pocket itself hangs on the inside and the contents are reached via slits from the outside, and they have sewn embroidered pieces along the slits edges. It looks really good, and is both practical and an extra decoration that draws attention to the pockets, and Iselin has been curious of pockets since seeing mine. They seem so practical to carry something small and still leave your hands free. Here stuff is carried in a separate leather pocket or bag hung from the belt, or dangling at the front between brooches.


    Her other new garments are obviously inspired by Rihanna; a backless top in dark blue with matching shorts, and a backless white short skirt. She is so proud that Jane has given her compliments for them and said that they are ''Much Midgard'', which they definitely are. When she proudly spins around for me in my room, a memory flash to Marilyn Monroe''s famous scene, but Iselins dress is backless and she lacks panties, which her sinful smile and seductive movement makes clear she planned, and we take advantage of that for a quickie.


    <hr>


    Jane is in a good mood when I check out how her artwork is going, and greets me with a smug grin; "Last few years, Mate!"


    Jane praises me for my new carriage, and she hadn''t considered how unusual carriages were, even though she had seen how primitive their wagons and carts are. She has several suggestions for designs, and promises to sketch them better and on paper. As long as I solve all the technical stuff, she is happy to help with designs, and how the horses are harnessed can definitely be improved, and saddles. And horse blankets, which can be made both pretty and an impressive statement.


    She admits that she was a little shocked when she realized that I''m the reason there are panties and bras here. She saw the RobA logo and how they received the payout, and she praises me for being able to keep a poker face, and for sharing the earnings with the others. They obviously told her how much I''ve spent on clothes and other things for them, and she agree that its stupid to not give my guards good armor. Just like my sambos, Jane bought clothes at a discount price and she is happy for several new bras and dresses. Iselin have already told me that Jane only bought Valhalla sets, and she opted for few and finest of both underwear and dresses. Jane didn''t bother to buy jewellery, as she has a really nice gold necklace and earrings, which she brought with her from Midgard. Jane apparently brought makeup too.


    Why am I not surprised that Jane took that along on a hike on Hardangervidda?


    Jane is happy with the equipment they bought, but also because they seem to have found the beginning of things to paint with and have ordered wooden boards. Apparently it is easier to start painting on wooden boards instead of canvas that requires a lot of prep work, and they have ordered ten. They have bought many different colors to test how they are, and she has already started preparing and is grinding down a paint with a mortar.


    But what have made Jane really happy is that she has realized she knows something she can make some money on. Clothes and design. Everything won''t work here, and its a limited market, but she has knowledge of clothes and styles from a millennium and from a whole world of cultures. She will start by improving bras and their measuring. I have made a good effort - for a man - but she can do it better. I''m not surprised, or that Iselin, Kari and Alith are enthusiastic about helping her. Jane''s smile is wicked when she explain that Kari offered to be her manager and negotiator, and that Kari wants her payment in sexy lingerie and such from Midgard. I don''t really care about sexy lingerie on them, but I won''t complain, and it is a luxury item to own separate sleepwear, especially if it can only be used for that. Becoming Jane''s patronus has other benefits than the ones I''ve been thinking about.


    The brush she use is nice, and Jane shows how she cleverly cuts of a piece of feather, pulls the piece through a cut off piece of feather root that works as tube and presses it on a wooden stick. A finished fine brush. When I see it, I''m reminded of the documentary series ''Tudor Monastery Farm'' and how they illuminated books. How much else do I know but havn''t thought about? Our discussion quickly goes on tangents and becomes lively on many topics. We both love that and it''s so nice to have someone to really talk to.


    It is an interesting update of my daily log, but it becomes quite concise when Ciara show of her new and very expensive lacey negligee, and we crawl into bed and just cuddle. Now I understand a few of Janes comments, and I look forward to seeing Iselin and Kari in theirs.

 Creating something new - day 45, The River

    Creating something new, day 45


    2 days later


    The River


    The ship lay anchored in the village of Laxlanda which we reached last night. There river above here in Laxlanda has rapids, so it isn''t possible to sail further upstream. I guess its about 30km left to the shore of Storsj?n, about a 6 hours trip.


    Laxlanda isn''t a large village but has a substantial harbor with many piers. There are quite a lot of people here, and there are many ships anchored or pulled up on the shore. But they have explained to me, that wagon man is a common job here. A wagon mans job is to transport things, and here that means between Laxlanda and Elfrhamr which is located where the river starts up by the huge lake. The sections of rapids between make it impossible to travel by ship, so the goods are transported by wagon, horse or by foot.


    The shipping of goods across Storsj?n down to the river mouth at Elfrhamr is almost exclusively done by Jarl Naeswulf ships, and according to Kari this is the problem. He of course charges a shipping cost, and there can be regrettable ''delays'' for some traders or goods, and everyone else who has tried to compete has either had accidents, fires or just happened to disappear out on Storsj?n. Theres no evidence, but everyone understands that Jarl Naeswulf and others from his clan does not shy away from arranging such things, and they''re skilled enough to do so covertly and without evidence. Storsj?n and the trade over it belongs to the Naeswulf clan. Others who transport goods do so on a small scale from their own farm or unimportant area in order to sell or buy stuff, and often these people give ''gifts'' to Jarl Naeswulf as well, and the trade often takes place in Elfrhamr which Jarl Naeswulf control, which means a tax. There is a freight tax on every trip a wagon man makes, which also goes to Jarl Naeswulf.


    The early breakfast is over, so I stand there by the railing and watch as the horses are harnessed up to the carriage. We need more guards, and I would have preferred to have a couple of male guards as well, but that won''t happen until they are guards for the Academy - not for me personally. Gunhild stayed on the farm with Jane, and Alith and Hillevi will ride, while Bodil drive the carriage, and the reserve horse is tied up behind the carriage.


    I made some rough maps of the inland region, both where we are going to travel here to Elfrhamr and down south, and it is a pain in the butt to try to get it right when there is a living river here, while locks and dams have been built in modern times. But the map scale is large, so it doesn''t have to be perfect, and updating the map will give me something to do on the trip besides reading, and I will try to use hills, compass directions and the like to make positions and draw how the road goes and where villages are located and how they''re named.


    <hr>


    The waterfalls that in Midgard are knows as Trollh?ttan falls are visible from the road and they''re impressive to see. No power plants here, so the flow is free and unregulated, which makes it a different experience than when I''ve been here before, but I recognise the hilltop knows as ''Kopparhatten'' in Midgard, which means ''copper hat''. There is no copper there in Midgard, and it isn''t the only hill or viewpoint so named, so I figure there is some old meaning from way back in time. My company is impressed by the view, and it''s so cute to see how much Iselin enjoys traveling around like a lady, and ''seeing the world''. I really should take them on a sailing trip to the south in a couple of years, and show them a desert or a rainforest.


    There isn''t any locks or boat traffic here, and the circumstances isn''t right to try to build it either. Considering their low iron production and industrial level, and how long it will probably be until railroads can be constructed, at least a partial G?ta Canal from L?ngsj?n should do a lot for the future of the country, especially if it is possible to build locks and make the river navigable from the sea up to Elfrhamr. They could use the British principle with narrowboat canals pulled by horse, because that is a heck of a lot more efficient than wagons, and less work to make. But considering the culture, it would probably be best to be able to use their Knarr''s and Longships all the way to L?ngsj?n. But the Naeswulf clan is likely to be problematic, and the canal with locks is a huge investment and will take many years to complete. But a canal system should be enormously important for several hundred years, due to how early in history the canal is made, especially if the canal is made wide and deep enough for a Cog, but a canal for a Knarr or Longship is much less work and they already have the ships. Instead of digging down 3.5m, 1.5m is enough, and with oars, the ships are much more manoeuvrable and easier to handle than a Cog.


    Who knows? It might be a project to start in 5-10 years, because it requires a lot of work before. I don''t want to have to manage that project myself, nor would I be able to, so I need to train surveyors, engineers etc, to do the work, and develop techniques and solutions. And try with something smaller than the Trollh?ttan falls as the first lock project. Connecting L?ngsj?n with Storsj?n would probably be best, but it is also a huge project with many locks.


    <hr>


    Someone has ridden ahead and given notice, because when our carriage rolls up and into Fortress Naeswulf, we are received with horns blowing a fanfare. It is a really large fortress with stone walls, with another log palisade further down. This fortress won''t be easy to take by force. Something I knew but havn''t thought about, is how a place can be associated with power. Jarl Naeswulfs actual name is Kvigr Ubbsson, but as the one who sits on the throne here at Fortress Naeswulf, he is Jarl Naeswulf and rules the region. His real personal name is unnecessary, it is the position that is important. Technically, people may refer to me as Furste Ackerek or Furste Academy, and future title holders may do so.


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    According to Kari, Jarl Naeswulf is about 38 years old, whose gray hair he started to get already at the age of 25, which makes him look 15 years older, but at the same time very strong and healthy for his age. He wears a lot of jewels, has long hair braids with jewels braided in, and a small thin mustache. Obvious expensive and over decorated clothes, including a fur coat with decorations. The same goes for his two wives, his two sons, one of whom is married and has his wife beside him, and Naeswulfs three daughters. But the woman I guess is his concubine atleast doesn''t wear a fur coat. It''s way too hot for fur of that much cloths. It''s probably 20 degrees celcius even if it''s a bit cloudy, and I would have preferred shorts today, but I know that my sambos would have vetoed that with disappointed looks, and I need to make a good first impression, although I personally go for understatement. The for me weird thing is that on my sambos wish, I havn''t shaved in a week, so my cheeks and chin have a lot of hair. Our hosts definitely didn''t expect our carriage, or that it would move when we step out of it.


    I present my own company, all by name, and Jarl Naeswulf knows Kari, both in appearance and name, but he already knew that she was given to be my concubine.


    We will of course spend the night here, so we''re shown to our guestroom. We get our own part of a side building with a common room, as well as a bedroom. Both nicely decorated, and there is also a maid assigned to us, a free woman, so we can unfortunately not complain about the hospitality. We thank and act politely, and quickly wash and clean up after the trip. According to discreet whispers from both Iselin and Kari, there is something with Jarl Naeswulfs choice of words in the presentation and how the eldest daughter is dressed, which indicates that Jarl Naeswulf hope that I might marry her. She isn''t ugly, but nope. Even if I didn''t have any woman, the Naeswulf baggage would make her undesirable. Considering her age and what Kari have told me, they probably have been to full of themselfs and have had too high demands on a marriage agreement, which will bite them in the ass in a couple of years unless they change their tune. Which their pride won''t like.


    We leave Bodil to guard our things while we meet up our host to install the sundials. I doubt that Bodil need to guard, but its stupid to not have someone do it. To always be prepared is also why Alith will discreetly take photos where she can, of the Fortress, its overview and defences, doors, locks and so on. On occasion she will try to step out distances and so on too. She will also discreetly take a photos of our hosts and other guests. Praeparatus supervivet.


    The first installation of a sundial takes place on the courtyard, and the place works perfectly well for it, and everyone comming will see it too. They have removed a couple of stones from the courtyard and prepared a hole, and theres two workers with a stone plinth and masonry, and a horse drawn cart. They have followed the instructions I gave the messenger to the letter. There is a large group gathered to attend the installation. My company. Our hosts who is sixteen with guards. The local V?lvan who greets me, and finally the other invited guests and their guards or company. I shouldn''t be surprised that a large proportion of the guests apparently are from Naeswulf''s clan, although its hard to know without saying so in the introductions, since they take their names after their parents, or like Jarl Naeswulf after a place they rule or own. There are something like forty-fifty people watching.


    I enjoy it more than I should that the ''ugly'' side is directed towards the entrance of the keep, because the sundial must be lined up correctly to work. I let Iselin do the installations here, partly because she is most used to it, but it also makes a point that I personaly have only installed the Kings, Borgarsandrs, and Jarl Skiringe''s sundial. The rest has always been Iselin, and so too in this case, even if I attend. We talked about it before and she has her own north arrow for it. Kari liked it, and she reckons that such a small detail might reach King Asbj?rn, who might also understand. Kari expects Queen Haera to understand, which say something about Queen Haeras reputation for cunningness. I have also gone through exactly how the sundial works with everyone, so that they can give a more knowledgeable impression if someone asks. Iselin has definitely done this before, and the installation goes fast.


    Many are surprised that its Iselin giving the directions, including Jarl Naeswulf. It sends a small message that my women is not just for bragging or my satisfaction, and that they are knowledgeable. It might also give people a higher impression of Iselin, since I presented her as my fianc¨¦e, and before my concubines. I''ve also made sure that Iselin has a monocular in her belt, even if she doesn''t show it. Fianc¨¦e is an unknown social position, so it is important to show that she is important to me, and we try to use it to cement the understanding its a position of love and might lead to a future marriage.


    The second installation will be where the main street reaches the harbor down in Elfrhamr, and its an even larger procession going there, and residents are already waiting there. I guess the occasion have been announced. It is also a prepared place, and will be acceptable in terms of sunlight even if it will work poorly before 8 o''clock in the summer. Then again, the sundial only shows 06 to 18, and for a lot of the year the sun isn''t up that long before. An advantage of another sundial design, is that it might work for more than 12 hours, which means many more hours in the middle of the summer.


    Of course Jarl Naeswulf gives a bragging speech where he doesn''t fail to point out that he has paid to have two sundials installed in this town, and everyone can use the public one here. He asks me to explain what the purpose, so I tell my usual brief summary of what time is, what an hour is, and that sundial is an instruments to show it. One thing I''ve learned is that most people think it is very logical when I can show how fast a second is by slowly counting up, and 60 becomes a minute, and 60 minutes is an hour. They already use fingersegments to count to 12, a dozen, on one hand, and signal it in a crowd or during auctions and trade, and two times 12 is 24. It would have been just as logical with just a little different pace to get some other division, but that''s just my opinion, and as long as its accepted without fuss, its just practical for science. I also take the opportunity to briefly inform about my Academy which is being built, and that the King and the kingdom support that construction.


    We stand there and mingle for an hour while the Jarl and people talk, so the sundial can be admired, and all the rich people can brag and show off to eachother, and so on. Quite a few talk to me, both men and women, and my chin, cheek and hairy arms definitly draws looks. I try to avoid showing any reaction when I hear a female voice in the background ask her partner what the Time Equation is, and Ciara helpfully but shortly and on broken Norse explain it to them. It''s entertaining to see how many people listen to Ciara''s calm and factual explanation, and I''m proud that she remembered correctly. Not just my beautiful concubine.

 Creating something new - day 45, Jarl Naeswulfs feast

    The feast officially starts when we return to the Fortress great hall, and its early afternoon. The idea is that we should combine ''mingling'' with mostly sitting at the table most of the afternoon and evening, and talk, listen to music and more. It seems that Kari was right again, and it won''t be dark enough until after 8 pm, which is about 6 hours away. Too many hours away.


    The table placement is different and is a rectangle around the rectangular fire pit in the middle of the great hall. All sit along the outside facing inwards. Which means that this is a formal feast with other rules for table placement and etiquette, and I''m grateful for Kari''s lessons on different types of feasts and arrangements. Jarl Skiringe''s feast was ''mostly informal'', and my guards could participate. The even amount of chairs at the main table is important, especially as there are two thrones in the middle. Since my Furst title is technically higher than a Jarl, it should be evenly numbered and equal chairs, since the main table should be divided evenly between us where I should sit next to Jarl Naeswulf on his right side, and each company should continue outwards according to decreasing importance. Wifes, concubines, sons and daughters. The throne is probably a way to try to give me and himself higher status at the feast, but its inappropriate. I guess he always sits on a throne. Equal chairs with the others say that I as a guest accept that I socially don''t position myself above the host''s family in their own house, and he as host agrees not to sit ''higher'' than my company, since we''re guests. Which would have been really important if I was married to Iselin and Kari, since they would be Furstesses, and be socially higher. Given what I think of thrones, I love that rule, and all the chairs around my dining table will be the same. And a comfortable design, with cushions. I suspect that Naeswulf sees me as Furst first - one of the few rulers, like him - and sees my Sejdmann title as secondary.


    But I was called here as a sejd user and there should be an odd number of equal chairs at the main table, where I as the summoned sejd user should sit in the middle. Apart from the even numbers, there is also a throne for me, which sejd users never sits on. A throne symbolizes earthly power and the right to rule, which goes against what sejd users do and stand for. Someone has made a mistake, and I really hope he isn''t stupid enough to seat me on the normal chair beside the thrones, as that would be a grevious insult, and I will have to leave this feast immediately. Hell, I could demand a duel if he does that. It would be an insult against both my Furst title and my Sejdmann title, as I''m not one of his subjects. I''m not the ''local'' sejd user, which usually is a V?lva or Fj?lkunnig. I won''t sit on a normal chair to the right of his throne.


    Vikings are the among last I would associate with rules of etiquette, but of course every culture has its rituals and norms, and there is a certain irony that most etiquette rules have evolved or been imported over the last couple of hundred years.


    Jarl Naeswulf leads me around the tables, and with a gesture he shows that I should sit on the right throne, and he sits down on the other. So I sit down, but that means I''m technically here as a Furst. So I don''t have to do any sejd. I guarantee that he will say it or ask me about it, and then he have made an ''oops''.


    My guards will of course not sit at the table, as they will stand behind and guard, and the local V?lva Steinny is a little hesitant about where she should sit, but she sits down after my company, and I suspect that she sees me first and foremost as a Sejdmann, and secondly as a Furst, and she have clearly noticed the throne I sit on.


    Jarl Naeswulf stands up, and greets us all. He explains that the feast is in ''Sejdmann Robert Arnesson''s honor'', which means that he has made that mistake. I''m already sitting on the throne. V?lva Steinny immediately catches my eye, and I see her glance at the throne, and with a shrug I nod to her. Maids come forward with drinks and trays of lighter food, while some musicians start playing in the background from a balcony.


    There''s nothing wrong with the food or drink, but start referring to Jarl Naeswulf as just Naeswulf, and when he without thinking about it calls me Arnesson, probably in the belief that we''ve become friends, I correct him with ''Sejdmann Arnesson''. Which he obviously does not like, but he can''t do anything about it. I suspect he doesn''t actually know whats wrong, and he may feel offended. One of his sons obviously does.


    I get it, they''re the powerful old clan with great power, and I''m the upstart with less wealth, land and power, that just so happens to have been granted a title. No-one here seems to know that I''m a human from Midgard, and I sure won''t mention it.


    <hr>


    I go out to cool off on the porch. Is it still called a porch when its on the outside of a stone keep? It it still a fortress keep when the building looks like the architect couldn''t decide between a normal medieval keep and a longhouse in stone, and combined them? Anyway, it''s hot and a too noisy inside. Not that loud or lively, and more orderly and stiff, but there is many conversations and music all the time in the background. The noisefloor is high.


    As we sit, it makes it difficult to talk to the people further away around the table, which seems conscious, as with the musicians close by their side, they probably have a hard time hearing what Jarl Naeswulf and I are talking about. I think its conscious and Kari seems to take it for granted. Its a common arrangement. The ones I can talk to most easily besides my own company are Jarl Naeswulf, his sons and oldest daughter. His wives are sitting next to him, and it''s awkward to lean forward to talk to them infront of the Jarl. I shouldn''t be surprised that Kari chosed the seat at the far end on my right, because it makes it easier for her to talk to the people over there, and gives her a good overview of me and Jarl Naeswulfs family. Ciara on the end of the main table doesn''t have to talk too much, which is what she prefers. Iselin sits next to me, also slightly isolated in the conversations, but happy to sit where she does, as it in front of everyone signal that she is more important than my concubines.


    I''ve barely had time to take a few deep breaths, before a woman accompanies me. I guess she''s somewhere around 25, and she sits almost opposite on the other shortside table, which means that we can''t talk, even if we see each other all the time. She has given me many looks and flirted, which includes playing with her necklace pendant in her cleavage and at one point adjusting her bosom, while she looked me in the eyes with a suggestive look. The distance makes it virtually impossible to talk. Iselin and Kari have definitely noticed her, and there seems to have been some kind of subtle signaling battle between her and Iselin. Iselin had a smug smile when I looked at her after the bosom adjustment, and she discreetly lifted her drinking glass in a small toast to the woman after that, to which the woman responded with her own smile and discreet toast. I just assume that Naeswulf and his wifes have noticed her too, but pointedly said nothing about her, and I havn''t asked. Kari has via Iselin let me know, that the womans name is probably R?thny; a Storman from an important harbor on the eastern Storsj?n and cousin of Jarl Naeswulf. She''s apparently here without her husband, who is also a Storman. That she is married is a big red stop sign, and that her husband is important and a Storman, add red flashing warning lights to that stop sign. But it has been fun to flirt, but I hope she isn''t expecting anything more.


    In the way she presents herself, I understand that she really is R?thny and she is a Storman, but also that she is a young widow as her husband is dead, and she now rules alone...


    Danger! Danger! Danger!


    R?thny took the opportunity to take a break now when I do, so we can talk, and she hopes that I can come and personally install a sundial she wants to order, and is willing to buy several at once if that motivates me, or if she can persuade me otherwise. I may be bad at finer words and witty phrases, but her wandering hand, gaze and playing with her pendant makes it clear what she means, and this is reinforced when she, for example, says that she looks forward to ''opening her gates, and showing me her mansion'' and giving me a warm personal reception. She promises to be a better host than Jarl Naeswulf.


    She is seriously good at flirting and charming, and is damn good looking too. If I hadn''t been taken, and it was under different circumstances, I wouldn''t have hesitated to take her to bed tonight.


    She''s at the feast because Jarl Naeswulf has had to invite her, but social norms force her to sit where she does, unfortunately so far away that we can''t talk at the table. R?thny is his cousin and needs to sit on his side of the table, and after his family together with other closer relatives. She also makes it clear that Jarl Naeswulf have informed the guests that some form of sejd is expected.


    At least R?thny has understood that Jarl Naeswulf has messed up a bit, and I suspect that she is deliberately trying to increase the gap between us, so that she or her part of the family might take Jarl Naeswulf''s position in the future from Kvigr Ubbsson and his sons. Of course, there is an internal power struggle within the Naeswulf clan, they only cooperate against outsiders. R?thny continue flirting and mention that her son is 8 and her daughter is 6, and that she wants more children. She hopes that it will not prevent a close personal contact in the future, as her son will inherited her deceased husbands property, while future children will inherit her property...


    In the background, Alith is smiling as she is watching us, but R?thny continue by saying that I am welcome to visit when convenient. I really should given her the same invitation to my islands, but that will be dangerous as I assume she will take me up on it, so I say that unfortunately I can''t be a good host until next year, as my mansion is being built. Which she knows, and she hope that her children in the future can study at the Academy. She''ll personally make sure they get there safely.


    I bet she will.


    I''m not complaining that R?thnys keeping me out here while we talk about other stuff like my ideas for canals and locks, and we soon have company from a couple of other guest looking to talk and they seem genuinely interested in my ideas. My carriage and plans for other versions, and improved roads, seem to really interest an older man, an uncle to Naeswulf. Well, better infrastructure and more cargo, means more taxes and riches, and if big ships can sail all the way up to Storsj?n and on to L?ngsj?n, then it would increase trade and also what kind of goods being traded, and with a simple lock tax, avoid a lot of middlemen like the wagon men. Merchants might pay less in total to increase trade, but a bigger cut will go to the person controlling and maintaining the locks and harbor.


    <hr>


    It''s five o''clock, and time for another trip outside to get some air and cool down. Bodil accompanies me this time, as they rotate their guard duty. Its a cloudless sky and hot both inside and out and the murmur inside is tiring. And Naeswulf and his family are still wearing their damn fur coats, and they are clearly sweeting.


    I suspect that V?lva Steinny has in some way informed our hosts about the mistake with placement and the throne, but so far Naeswulf havn''t exchange out the chairs or asked about it, since done is done. There are many who understand that something has happened, even if most doesn''t understands what. When I corrected him again, his eldest daughter were ashamed, while the sons were annoyed at both me and their father. Kari has given me several discreet encouraging smiles and discreet gestures with her fingers. She have of course made sure to teach us a simple method, which basically is which finger resting on or stroking on which on the left hand. Its simple things like ''you''re doing good'', ''you''re doing bad'', ''drop topic'', ''press on with the topic'', ''change conversation partner'', ''go outside'' and so on. She can signal me and help by just listening in, and without actually lookin at me. Iselin''s also whispered a bit about stuff.


    On my way out, Kari catches my hand and introduces me to the people at her part of the table, V?lva Steinny included, and Kari then accompanies me out, officially to visit the toilet, while she whispers words of encouragement and ask me to kiss her before going outside. Which I of course do.


    Kari inform me that the feast is a big social game, where Jarl Naeswulf undoubtedly tried to get me interested in a marriage and alliance with his eldest daughter Fiolmod, and tried to strengthen his position against powerful people nearby and around the huge lake. Both those who are part of his clan and not. R?thny and others are trying to prevent a marriage to Fiolmod, and R?thny in particular would have liked to ally through a marriage with her, so that we or our child could have taken Jarl Naeswulf''s position in the future. R?thny is still young enough to give birth to more children, and knows that she is a very desirable wife. R?thny has ambitions, and Kari is clear to point this out.


    Kari''s also spread information that my mansion construction, its harbor and roads on the island, the Academy building, preparations for the winter and other projects take up most of my time, and discreetly made guests understand that Jarl Naeswulf pretty much demanded my participation. Some understand that Jarl Naeswulf has failed as a host, and drunk people with their own agendas are not the most discreet, so she expects that information to quickly spread. Kari also praises me for how I have deflected about the insult, and that I show benevolence and consider it unintentional, so as to not kill the feast mood and so on.


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    Jarl Naeswulf''s main problem is that we don''t really have much in common, and no common interests, and when he tried to get me to talk about what I''m doing, as usual I end up doing it quite enthusiastically, and Kari''s so satisfied how I, without thinking about it, have shown to be very learned and knowledgeable about many things and areas, while missing that Naeswulf and his family probably don''t understand, but don''t want to appear uneducated. Kari also points out that both the eldest daughter and his older wife have given me many glances and tried to make more eye contact and be charming, especially the eldest daughter. They''re probably unhappy that R?thny sits in my natural sightline and is better at flirting. And even with the slight downside of having two young children, R?thny probably is a more attractive wife for me, since she will bring more and better land to a marriage.


    Kari gives me an intense kiss, well aware that it is her own declaration to those out here who see it, and she responds immediately and happily when I grab her buttocks with both hands to make it more intense. As she leave for the toilet, Kari is in a splendid mood.


    Kari seems to love the social game that takes place here tonight, but I really dislike Alfheimr feasts and get togethers. Everyone seem to have an agenda. It feels good to know that Radgeirrson only have three younger children who are something like 5 to 8 years old, and his feast is to get to know me, enjoy life and brag, although there will probably be people with agendas there too.


    I hear a ''Sejdmann Arnesson'' and from the side the older of Jarl Naeswulfs wives appears. She regrets the mistake with the throne and the placement, and I reassured her that I can live with it and we don''t have to make a big deal of it. Both my status as Sejdmann and Furst are rare, so its easy to make mistakes and its hard to know what applies.


    We stand there and chat for a long time about everything, and I don''t complain about that, as she is a charming eloquent woman. Its good practise. We talk about the view, the fortress, the lake, the river, trade, my ideas about future canal and locks. Properties and agriculture, family and children. She also gives me compliments for my hair and to my women before returning.


    Bodil asks me to stay a few extra minutes so she can gather herself, because she has had to focus to avoid laughing. I don''t understand what she means, but when she points it out, I understand that it was a discreet salespitch for a possible marriage with the her daughter, and she also flirted with me, gave me compliments etc. And I of course gave compliments back, completely missing it was flirting. My social skills are still quite bad when my thoughts go on tangents, and I am warm, my energy is low and I''m distracted. I thought of it more as a way to be social, suck up and mitigate the insult.


    Just like the others, Bodil have learned how I am and guessed that I didn''t understand, and they know that linguistic nuances work poorly on me as I''m still bad in Norse. I can make myself understood, but the woman probably got the impression that I just see marriage to her daughter as a burden, and I''m completely uninterested. Which I am. When marriage came up, I told her that I will ask Iselin to marry me, and in the future Kari, and they''re two women who are already ''mine'', and at least Kari as a concubine. Everyone seems unsure of Iselin''s status and lineage, but neither of my girlfriends seem to be wealthy, own land or have important kinship to contribute to a marriage. And I think they are more attractive for marriage than Jarl Naeswulf''s daughter. She knew about my long conversation with R?thny the last time I was out here, and since marriage only for love is uncommon, and Kari was given to me recently, they seem to take it as an excuse to avoid offending them.


    Bodil looks forward to telling the others, and the icing on the cake is that I told her my titles are rare - which only further establishes my high status, as each of my titles actually higher than Jarl. But my answer can also be taken as a subtil insult to Jarl Naeswulf''s intelligence, and his lacking awareness of the world. Especially since I - as a foreigner and new here - have a better idea of it than him. With a discrete smug grin, Bodil whispers that his wife seemed to agree, but stayed in character as the faithful wife.


    I meet V?lva Steinny on the way in, who is going to leave the feast, and she is looking forward to the coming Tosra meeting, so we can talk properly under ''better conditions'', and as befitting between sejd user. She seems to see Jarl Naeswulf''s mistake as an insult to sejd as a whole, as sejd users sit in a circle when they talk, and preferably on a blanket on the ground. I whisper that I might show a bit of my sejd after the sun have set and its darker.


    <hr>


    It is a little after seven and the party has been going on for many hours, and many are heavily intoxicated. My company have been careful with alcohol, and my girlfriends have mostly drunken wine. As usual, I''ve stuck to different non alcoholic drinks and cider, but atleast the cider will have a bit of alcohol anyway, and no matter what I wish, it is a good idea to avoid sickness. Alcohol kills, and that include harmful bacteria. There are a couple of empty table seats and the table placement is more loose, atleast on the other tables. For a while now, R?thny has been sitting beside Kari, talking about something I might not want to know, with the occasional discussion with me. Iselin sits proudly next to me, and wisely waited until I swallowed to whispered that it is okay for her and Ciara if I ''visit'' R?thny in the future, just not tonight and in connection with this gathering as it would be somewhat disrespectful to our hosts. She doesn''t say so, but it would be slightly disrespectful to my sambos too, as this is their introduction to a lot of people.


    The knowledge of DNA has made both Iselin and Kari worried that I might not be able to make them pregnant, but they have also become less worried that I will make an important woman without an IUD pregnant, which could led to marriage and other problems. Jane is of course the biggest risk and threat of getting pregnant, but Jane and I agree that we only want to become friends. Kari still think that I should make Jane pregnant, but just like the others she don''t want us to have a relationship. Just a child or two. Iselin, Ciara and Kari would have prefered if Jane lived in one of those 6x4 houses. I also know they''re debating if I should try to make one of them pregnant, or if I should get a kinless woman and try with her, just to see if a child is possible and if there will be complications. Giving birth to a child is dangerous as it is, and Iselin and Kari both want children, but they don''t want to die. Jane finds it hilarious that my girlfriends are debating if I should have a harem or not.


    DNA information has also led to all deciding that we should be less careful when we have sex, and condoms will only be an option during anal sex due to hygiene. I''m not 100% certain that DNA will prevent children and I will continue to be careful, which amuses Jane and the others, because the others interpret it as there is a possibility, and even with IUDs, I believe that Freya might interfere. Jane is amused that it all gets a religious overtone she know I dislike.


    I go out again to pee, take some fresh air and cool down. Hillevi shadows me this time. Alith, Bodil and Hillevi understand why I dislike feasts. Even if they feast sometimes, it''s not so nice to be the sober one, and it''s long been clear that I avoid being in the center and feasting. They rotate duty so that someone is always in the room and guarding our things, and they switch duty with something like one and a half hour intervals. I wish I could have such a long break away from everyone and the feast. It would have been nice to just lie in bed and close my eyes. In any case, all three have eaten, as they can bring food to the room from a small side table in the back where visiting guards can take a break, talk to each other and eat. Kari has of course given them instructions too, on how to spread some info etc.


    On the way out, I meet a guest comming in, who wonders if the rumors he heard about my duel is correct. I ask what he heard, but its the same as before, so I just confirm, look at the clear sky, and say; "It doesn''t look like there will be thunder here tonight. It would really kill the mood." I smile, and walk out. He probably sobered up a bit there.


    Its still warm outside and warmer in the great hall. Seriously; the fire pit in the middle and the torches on the walls gives of a lot of warmth, and all the old dark soot on the walls and ceiling hardly helps in the light department. Its something like 18-20 Celsius outside, sun all afternoon and no wind. I get its a fortress, but they have glass, so why don''t they add more and larger windows high up to increase the light, or at least openings for better air circulation! I have drunk a lot of cider, but I still feel a headache. It might be dehydration in combination with the background noise, or it is the alcohol. Probably all combined.


    I take off my shirt and hang it on the railing next to me. Its soaked in sweat and unpleasant. Ciara arrive with a new one, just like I asked her to get before I left the table, but I won''t put it on before I go back in again, as the moisture must leave my body and it is cooler this way. It also helps to wash myself with some cold water from a rain barrel, and I stretch my neck, back, arms, do knee bends and bend to touch my toes. When I turn around, I realize that I have a small audience of a couple of men and women from the far side of the table, who probably intended to talk to me. They cast a few glances at my body and hair but I no longer give a damn. Ciara leans against my arm and we hug each other, which becomes a tender kiss. Lovely Ciara. Just a couple of hours more.


    A maid watch us, and after she regains her composure from staring at my body and arms, she steps forward and says that Jarl Naeswulf wonders when I can show my sejd.


    He asked! And the other guests here heard! Fail!


    He waited for a long time, and probably mostly so I wouldn''t ''forget'' it. I look at the sky and answer; "At least another hour, the sun has gone down but the sky is still too bright. The darker the sky, the better. At least it''s not in the middle of summer - then there would have been many hours left."


    I point out the place from where I will launch the rockets; a patch of soft ground to push the guide tubes in, and the rockets will be at a safe distance from everything with a clear view of the sky. Its the edge of someones vegetable garden, but the rest here is stone. The maid thanks and leave. One of the men takes it as his que that I''m available for conversations.


    <hr>


    The conversations dragged on, so it''s a little more than an hour later that I return to the great hall, after I have informed the guests outside that our host wants me to show sejd, and it is now dark enough. I send Ciara to fetch the rockets, and inform Jarl Naeswulf before I stand by my throne, call for their attention and say I want to give the guests a small demonstration of sejd, and if the people want to come with me outside, I have prepared something special.


    Not everyone hears it, or even noticed that I''m standing up and speaking. I can see someone sitting in the corner further away, knocked out and asleep. Atleast a quarter is no longer in here, but most of them was out there and have already heard the announcement. But Jarl Naeswulf silence the musicians, speaks up and gets the message out.


    A short while later I stand outside with two rockets prepared. I have more rockets with me but this is enough, and no point wasting them. Quite a lot of guest are drunk, and some are still missing. The V?lva has returned after being away, as of course she wants to see this. Given how quickly she got back, I guess she wasn''t that far away. She might have still been somewhere in the fortress for all I know. I just ask for their attention, then I light the first fuze and walk back so I see both the rocket and most of the audience. Most are shocked when it flies upwards, and the silent seconds before the top charge goes off makes it completely unexpected for them, and the bang causes some to lose their composure. A couple of them scream, and atleast one is a mans voice. Several drop their stops with mead, and it seems a woman peed herself as I can see a growing darker stain on her dress even in the twilight. I don''t think most notice that as everyone stares at me or the sky, before a couple regains their composure and starts applauding or hitting the railing and stomping, and the rest join in.


    I calmly walk forward, light the next rocket and walk back again, and very attentive eyes follow my every move. This rocket is more impressive with glowing rain with a little blue tone in the yellow. That one looked quite good considering the circumstances, and it will become a standard of mine. More applause after the bang has subsided. I just thank them for their attention and for the feast, but since we need to leave early tomorrow, we will now withdraw, so with Iselin leaning on my arm, we go into our assigned room.


    It''s not even nine o''clock, but I prefer to just relax and letting time go by while trying to get as much sleep as possible. We need to leave early to use all the daylight we can. We have the next feast in the afternoon-evening in two days and it is a very long travel day there, probably two if the weather doesn''t cooperate. And there is no weather report here.


    Both Kari and Iselin tried to make it more than just sleeping, and we barely got inside the door before Kari started kissing me with wandering hands, but no fault of her or Iselin - I''m just not in the mood. As we won''t have sex, Ciara wanted to cuddle up with me too, and she lies between me and Iselin, with her head resting on my chest. I know she enjoy to just lie like that on me in some way, so she can feel me breathing or hear my heart. This position is atleast better than when she lie on her back, between my legs, with her head on my stomach and legs dangling outside of bed or the blanket if we''re on the ground. Thats just slightly uncomfortable for both of us, but she don''t care and for some reason like doing it. It might have something to do with me using my hands to massage her hairbottom and playing with her hair.


    Kari praise me for behaving so well tonight, and that I maneuvered and played well, and her cylinders are still running high, and she is in a good mood. I just smile at her and answers her kiss. Iselin and Ciara gets one too. According to Kari, no one can complain that we left the feast after the rockets, especially not after the small insult and mistakes our hosts have made, but since we never returned to the feast in the great hall, neither participants nor Jarl Naeswulf can try to praise me, or give me any gifts.


    Jarl Naeswulf must give something nice or special, as he summoned and demanded my presence, and I was treated as the main guest. It needs to be nicer too because he requested sejd. It doesn''t matter if he want too or not, its all about what his other guests thinks. And Naeswulf didn''t take the opportunity to give this gift infront of the guests earlier in the evening, and I don''t know why. Now he couldn''t use the gift to brag about his generosity and let it be a big topic of conversation during the feast. Now he has to give the gift early in the morning before we leave, and early breakfast isn''t likely to be a large audience.


    We hardly hear any sound from the feast, so we guess the feast quickly ebbed out. Good. Makes it easier to sleep.

 Creating something new - day 46, The gift & Ting

    Creating something new, day 46


    The gift & Ting


    Its early, and still dark outside. We quickly wash, as we make our way to the great hall for breakfast the sky has just started to become brighter. Only three other guests are awake besides my company and the Jarl''s family, although I guess they''re only here because we are. R?thny, the female Storman, is one of them. It is a fairly quiet and peaceful breakfast, and the food is good.


    Jarl Naeswulf hope we''ve slept well and are rested for our long journey, which I can only confirm and thank for the room. We got something like 6 hours of sleep and we didn''t feast so hard. He regrets that our early withdrawal yesterday didn''t allow him to give me a small gift for my excellent show of sejd. Such a splendid and impressive show is difficult to match in gifts, but he has tried to match the two rockets and hope that I can find the gift useful, at my Academy, if not for other purposes.


    He signal, and from the side, two young women walk forward. Slaves according to their neckrings but still quite nicely dressed and beautiful, so I can imagine what other purpose he refers to. I''m not happy about having more people given to me, and this actually give me a flashback to Jarl Steinnes. Another Jarl who gave me a woman for showing sejd - Iselin. Does this mean that Jarl Naeswulf know who Iselin is, or is it just that common to give away pretty slave women to a man? Does it have anything to do with me being an older man that never married? All of the above? I dislike there being possible complex layers to a gift.


    Anyway, I realize that they propably are really exotic slaves far from away. They have a slightly different skin tone and appearance, even from each other, and one has black hair while the other has brown. The black-haired one curtsy and introduces herself as Jalida, the brown-haired one as Elvira, and Jarl Naeswulf says that in addition to being good maids who can speak the language here, they also speak their native languages, which are major languages ?far away across the sea, on the other side of Frigonia. So the iberian peninsula?


    I really have no choice but to thank Jarl Naeswulf for the gift and accept, as it is an insult to refuse even an unwanted gift - and the gift isn''t bad or an insult according to their culture. Others will see the gift as valuable and exotic even if the womens value is relative, and no matter what I think of it, I need maids for my Academy and their language skills can be practical as interpreters. But just giving away people like that just feels so wrong, and before accepting invitations to feast or similar gift likely occasions, I really, really have to inform that gifts in the form of people are not appreciated. They walkover and stand behind my company when I thank him.


    I''m more surprised when Jarl Naeswulf and an older man who reintroduce himself as his uncle Storman Maurr give me one more gift each. Land to establish two reaction ferries across the river, one closer to Laxlanda where Storman Maurr seems to reside an own a lot, and one here in Elfrhamr, as well as the rights to charge a transport fee and without paying tax to Jarl Naeswulf. Yesterday, I talked a lot about the river, transport, canals, locks and other things, and among other things I mentioned that there is probably enough constant current that a reaction ferry can be made across the river. Of course, I didn''t explain the details of how it would work, I just said that a ferry can use the current instead of fighting it. Since all transportation crossing the river is row across in a Knarr or Faering, it is cumbersome to transport goods and larger items, and the traffic is limited.


    A reaction ferry in its basic form, is as simple as it is to make a ferry, because it is a boat without propulsion that is attached with a wire further upstream. When its ferryman want to take the ferry to the other side, he angles the boat against the current via the rudder or the arm to which the wire is attached, and the current push the ferry over to the other side where it is attached to the jetty. No rowing, sailing or hard work. Just let the current push the ferry. To summon the ferry if its on the other side, a simple bronze clock can be used on each jetty, and the ferryman can live in a small house by one of the jetties. The river seem to lack any good islands to use as a central mounting point for attaching the rope, and I don''t want to sink something large and heavy enough to anchor it on the bottom, as maintenance won''t work. The river is also usually very wide with long wide bends, so attaching on one side and using a bend so that from the ferrys point of view, the rope is attached in the middle, won''t work. There is also the problem of a taught rope blocking boats when its on one side. Its also a bad idea to have the ferry just above rapids, since when the rope finally break, it will probably be with a full load and people onboard, which might die in the rapids.


    My idea is to attach the guide rope high enough above the river so it is possible to sail under, but it is not necessary if no one sails there anyway due to the rapids, and the rope will last better in the air and be more maintenance friendly. On the calmer narrower parts below or between the rapids where no one is sailing, it should work well with reaction ferries.


    A couple of reaction ferries will make it much easier and faster to cross the river, and properly designed, a larger ferry could be made of two longer boats that are used as pontoons with a platform on top for wagons and horses. Of course, I understand that Jarl Naeswulf and Storman Maurr have a personal interest in giving me this gift. I get a reason to visit their lands, and it will probably increase the transport of goods through their area, which increases their income, influence and status. A small patch of land on either side that didn''t really have much value is definitely worth it for them. It is not even a mantal, because the land will probably lack arable land, and isn''t large enough to feed a family. The ferry crossings toll will support the ferryman and give me a small income.


    The breakfast is over and we fetch our luggage, and Jalida and Elvira pick up a simple shoulder bag and follow, while helping to carry our packs. It just feels wrong to let the maids carry everything, so I take my own pack, and I ignore the quick and slightly displeased expression from Kari and Iselin. Bodil is driving our carriage, and after a gesture, Jalida and Elvira climb on up in the cargo area in the back. They''re not cargo, but there is room and its just unnecessarily tiring that they walk along, as we have to travel something like 30km. And we need to make good speed and use all the daylight we can. I should build an odometer for the carriage with a hundred meter resolution. It can loop at 99.9 km, or 999.9km, but I should add a simple reset.


    Jarl Naeswulf, his sons, Storman Maurr and some of their guards and maids ride along, so that I can be shown land and be able to choose where it suits the ferries best. Storman Maurr will also return to his home in Laxlanda, and will ride along as an escort to show the land there.


    <hr>


    Its almost noon before we''re aboard the Millennium Eagle, with horses and carriage loaded and we''re casting off.


    Hopefully I''ll be able to send someone to act as the construction manager of the whole project and its rope support, ferries, jettys and a small 6x4 house in each place, so I can just come and inspect it before its inauguration. Each ferrycrossing will include a small amount of arable land as well. Jarl Naeswulf owns much of the land along the river, and wants me to return to Elfrhamr, so the land there will be worth a mantal, but with quite a lot of forest and mountains. Most of the region around Elfrhamr are rocky hills and forest with patches of farmland, and its also nice that it include hunting and fishing rights. Thats usually the case, but not always. Naeswulf will ensure that there are plenty of logs and stones available for the constructions at Elfrhamr, and that there will be an extension of the roads on each side to the ferry. I guess if this is successful, the canal and lock might be a possibility, but that is a huge project that will take many years as there are lots of rock that they have to cut through to make a canal. Especially at Trollh?ttan, where 3/4 of all the fall meters are. However, Jarl Naeswulf and his eldest son seem to see it as a possible prestige project, which will also make them richer in the long run if large ships start sailing all the way to Storsj?n.


    Storman Maurr is definitely interested in that, since the cargo on the river still has to be transported by road the last 30km, it is actually closer to reach the sea from Elfrhamr by going west to a coastal village northeast of Orusingen. The same actually applies at Lysesund, as it seems to be around 25km going by the road through the forest valleys and over the hills between Lysesund and Laxlanda. Sailing down via Borgarsandr and back up is four times longer, but for most goods, the destination is Borgarsandr, and for that the river is safer, faster and more protected water.


    Storman Maurr was even more generous, and seems very enthusiastic about the project, so the land at Laxlanda is 2 mantal, although much less forest and rocky hills, and I got the land south of the rapids and just north of Laxlanda. The first reaction ferry is likely to be constructed at Laxlanda, as its closer for me to travel there from my islands, by simply riding from Lysesund through the forest valleys. I''m welcome to visit Storman Maurr when convenient, and he''s looking forward to future business. Maurr will ensure that the site for the foundations of the rope''s support and its anchorage are cleared to the bedrock and constructed. Maurr seems really eager to be involved, and happy for something exiting happening in his life. He always visits the Tosra autumn meet, and I can give him sketches and drawings then, on both the supports and the ferry. He knows a good local boat builder a little further down the river, and the closer the better. Maurr will also prepare building materials, as he own a lot of those forest covered hills and I overestimate a bit, as there is a lot to be built, and the support and jetties need to be good and stable.


    If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    <hr>


    The rest of the day''s journey will take us down the river, past Borgarsandr and out to sea, then further south something like 40km. It will go relatively quickly. It is downstream in the river and those 2-3km/h help, and Asta is happy with the wind direction and strength. As I understand it, the next feast is at Storman Radgeirrson farm somewhere inland by Modern Kungsbacka, so something like 120km left, which is a really long day trip by sailboat, plus an hour or two on land, but Radgeirrson knows we can be late. We already knew about Jarl Naeswulfs feast when his messenger came, and we havn''t heard anything about a changed date. But it''s nice that Asta knows the sea route, and Kari and Iselin know the land route. Iselin has already been there once for the installation of the sundial.


    I have welcomed Elvira and Jalida into my service, and asked my company to try to get them use to their future service on my new mansion. We need maids for the mansion, so its better they start there, and the Academy''s construction hasn''t even started yet. If we want other maids in the future, they can move to the Academy. They will accompany the ship to our destination, and we will probably bring one to the feast because it gives a better impression. We simply don''t have time to drop them off in Borgarsandr, although they could certainly have found their way to the farm themselves. Sure, they might run away, but I don''t think they will, but Gunhild wouldn''t trust them anyway. Why would she? They are two unknown women, and I don''t really know how to solve that here and now. I can''t call or send an SMS, and write a message in English that only Jane could read, is a bad though working idea. We should establish a simple crypto system for communication between me, my girlfriends and guards, so that we can send secret messages, and verify via the crypto that the message is from the right person. Urk! It will be an bother to do it right, because how do you make a good crypto when they don''t have a real alphabet? No specific order that the letters always come in, and they also lack fixed spelling of words. However, its slightly easier for us since most use the same alphabet, and Kari thought me and Ciara, so it is not that difficult for us as a small group. Only Iselin needs to change.


    We have to solve the maids sleeping arrangment until we move to my mansion, and there is one week left. It felt crowded in the borrowed house before Jane showed up, and now there are two more living there. Although they don''t need their own beds, and certainly won''t expect it. Maids sleep on the floors of the kitchen, of their owners room, the main hall or the barn, depending on their social status, and Jalida and Elvira are slaves. My sambos know, however, that all personal in my mansion will have their own bed, even if the staff and guards will have bunk beds. I havn''t told them that they will have down mattresses as well. It is not a large cost and those mattresses lasts a long time, and it should help keep down on insects and bedbugs in the mansion, since if they''re somewhere in there, they will end up everywhere.


    Damn, I''m really surrounded by women in my life right now. Ten. All probably 18-28 years old, and Gunhild is the oldest at 28, followed by three years younger Jane, followed by three years younger Kari, and the remaining seven are probably between 18-22 years old.


    I take one of the new deck chairs and sit in the sails shade up on the stern deck and look at the landscape that quickly glides by.


    <hr>


    The drawings and schematics of the odometer and its parts have been completed, and there will be a manual lever for reset. Thinking about the carriage have made me realise that I will store a leather roll with tools that may be needed for the carriage, and also try and hide a shovel on the underside. We''ve had no problems so far, and the latest journey went without any incidents, but eventually there will be problems. The roads will be quite bad in winter, and its best to be prepared for mud and problems. If there was room, I would have like to include a simpler plank solution with grooves for two wheels as well, pretty much a medieval version of those plates you use to get the car out from being stuck in sand or mud.


    My sambos have accompanied me in their own deck chairs. Everyone has appreciated the deck chairs and that the craftsman got four ready before departure. We''ve already ordered wooden frames for twenty more, and fabric with the Academy logo on fourteen, and my logo on six. Along with other things. After trying them out while we were at Naeswulf''s feast, Asta appreciate that the ship will permanently have those with the Academy logo, and that the crew can use half of them if they want when they''re off duty, even if we or guests of course will have priority. They don''t take up much space when stored.


    We''re sailing past Ting''s hamn. Its very descriptive, as its the harbor for this region''s Stor Ting, and the Kingdom''s governing body the following day, Northmen Ting. In half a year, I''ll be there. It will be a hell of an experience, even though I will just have basic voting power. My land in Skiringsalr gives me the right to vote in that regions local Stor Ting, but also in the Kingdoms Northmen Ting. Before I got those gifts from Jarl Naeswulf and Storman Maurr, I wouldn''t have any voting power in this regions Stor Ting, but I will only have three mantals, so I will be in the back section. I may be my own king, but since the islands no longer a part of the Kingdom, they don''t count, and even at the Northmen Ting where all property in the kingdom is included, I still have to stand in the second zone from the back along with those with up to 9 mantals. I should try to buy more land, as I only need two mantal to get to the next zone.


    Even though this isn''t a full democracy, I still like how the Kingdom is ruled, and that it is a form of democracy in which both men and women participate. The local residents meet in a Ting, an assembly, where those who own land they can live of, have the right to vote. The larger the region and Ting, the more orderly it becomes. The King is elected, and retains the position until he loses the trust of the people and someone else is elected. It might be a Queen too, but so far that has never happened from a Vote. If the King dies and doesn''t have a son to take his place until the next Northmen Ting, the Queen rules, followed by a secondary Queen. Followed by brothers, daugters and lastly sisters. If they''re all dead, then the Gods obviously want no-one to rule until the next Northmen Ting.


    But once elected, the King then rules until the next Northmen Ting, and the King is the one who decides on Jarl''s titles, agreements between countries, raids, wars, etc. But the King can''t make Laws. Laws are voted on at Stor Ting or Northmen Ting. The Kingdom is an elective monarchy, except in the southern most part thats small hereditary monarchies, where the elected King of Northmen Ting is their King, but is a person to whom the Counts individually need to swear fealty. Which they always do to keep their power, because otherwise they become a target for the other Counts, and the Counts know that the new King can also declare war on them if they don''t swear fealty, and might be offended. The King will get the rest of the Kingdoms backing. If they lose, it will be the end of that County, and the land becomes part of the Kingdom, with Stor Tings and the like. So I''m not surprised that they so far have always sworn allegiance to the chosen King. Especially as the kingdom supports the Counts against the Daes hope of conquest.


    Its kind of funny, but the Norse do respect the Law and the Tings decision. According to Kari they might argue like hell before, and there might be lots of dirty tricks to delay or just ambushing people traveling to the Ting - which might be an innocent third party just to change the balance of the Vote. But once on the Tings ground and the Vote have been made? Then that is that. Better luck next time. Sure, killing someone is bad, especially if you get caught, but if you travel to the Ting and get killed? Well. You really should have prepared better and traveled in a larger group, and the Gods didn''t favour you anyway. Quit whining, and man the fuck up.


    Voting rights and power at a Stor Ting are from mantal land you own in the region, and to make it clear how important your vote is and make it easier to count, its all about the distance from the center. There are only six zones that are separated by stones laid on the ground in arcs, and for the Stor Ting is:


    The people without the right to vote at the back. Then up to 9 mantal, followed by up to 27, up to 81, up to 243, and closest to the middle over 243. The numbers sound strange me, but like much else its based on 3, 9 or 27, which are important numbers and a symmetry that seems to appeal to the culture. The actually exact limits doesn''t matter, but each zone forward makes the vote worth three of the one behind, and on smaller Things the same applies but can start with up to 1 or 3 instead of up to 9. The system makes it much easier to count votes, and limits the voting rights of the absolute richest who own thousands of mantal. I guess its with weapons and dirty tricks that the richest have been forced from that right in the past, or its simply that it has only grown from the smaller Tings. Kari and the others don''t know. In general Midgard history, it was with the hereditary monarchies that it was established that the King owns everything someone else doesn''t own, and have all the rights unless granted to someone, and it seems that this has never happened here, except in the Counties to the south. And even there, if you own the land, you own the rights unless it was sold without it.


    Then again, it takes 81 of those with the smallest vote to equal someone furthest in, but only 27 of the next level, and up to 9 and up to 27 are without a doubt the largest groups. Those with only one or two mantal rarely go to the Stor Tings, simply because they can''t afford it or consider it worth it.


    In the two front zones you''re allowed to sit on a simple X chair without a back. Being able to sit in the first or second zone at Stor Ting, is what gives one the right to call oneself a Storman, a Great man, even if the person happens to be a woman. It probably used to be called ''Stor mantal'' which means Great Mantal, but it sounded funny to say and has naturally been shortened to ''Storman'' in everyday speech which has since stuck. There are a couple of other older titles as well, but they have almost disappeared in everyday speech and social rank. However, the King can still award someone these titles, and it is sometimes done as a reward for something important or really impressive. If the King expect to keep the throne, he will need to motivate his decision from the last year. Its a bit like a company board that needs to justify their decisions to the share holders.


    I should try to buy a few more mantal so I can move forward a zone at Northmen Ting, and it would be nice to sit down as they might take hours, but more than 81 mantal is a lot of land. It will be difficult to buy and expensive, and it will also make people think I should have more wives and concubines. I can endure a few hours of standing at the Stor Ting and Northmen Ting. Large voting power would be nice, but influencing and persuading those who actually have more voting power is far more important.

 Creating something new - day 46, Jalida and Elvira

    It''s afternoon and we are rapidly sailing along the coast. Ciara bring forth Jalida and Elvira while I sit on the bench outside the corridor, and I show that they can sit down beside me, which surprises them and which I now understand. A simple slave girl sitting next to her powerful master, yadda yadda. They''re probably worried that its the first step in forcing myself on them, and it''s quite likely that they expect it as part of their life, which is tragic, but oh so common. I have understood that it is more or less expected that even a low status free woman may need to endure sex with a powerful Lord or Storman, if she wants to continue to be in his households service. This damn world. I ask them to introduce themselves, and tell me a little about themselves. If it''s true they know the language from where they came, and if I pronounced their name correctly etc.


    Elvira and Jalida are a slight distorsion of their real names depending on the dialect of the speaker, but it''s close enough, so nowadays it''s their name. Elvira is not unexpected from the western part of Iberian Peninsula, and I guess north west considering the nature she describes and the mountains inland and less heat, but apparently Jalida is just a week south, opposite the Great Strait to the mountains and the sand even further south, which I interpret as northern Africa. I''m still surprised there are such similarities in geography, nature etc, between Midgard and Alfheimr, and at least Jalida''s description seems to make it clear that the geography is frighteningly similar even that far away, because I think she partly described a city on the Rock of Gibraltar. Its a distinct geographic feature.


    They come from two different kingdoms, where the people from south invaded north four or five generations ago, which is probably 80-100 years, and there are still wars between different kingdoms or powerful towns that flare up a couple of times per generation in different areas or the whole region. It is interesting because as far as I know, it was around the 700s-800s that the Muslim nation expanded north and ruled over the Iberian Peninsula. I have been there and seen relics and other things, and I liked the nature around the moor castle in Sintra even though it was constructed later. But they have of course already talked to each other about this when they both learned Norse, and there is no bad blood between them, partly because they both only heard about the wars that took place between where they live. They themselves have not really experienced war. Elvira have seen men marching to war and heard about forced recruitment, and Jalida saw the smoke in the distance, and heard it was the city on the Rock of Gibralta burning and saw refuges. Coastal towns get raided, plundered and the raiders leave on their ships. The whole huge peninsula sounds quite unstable, and it seems like they''re just gathering strength for a couple of years before attacking.


    They''re both from poor families. Elvira is 17 and Jalida think she turned 18 a couple of weeks ago, and they have been slaves for three summers, when they where given as debt payments to local nobles.


    Damn. They were sold or given away as 14-year-olds by their parents.


    Their parents might not have had a choice, but still. Both were resold to the same merchant who traveled north along the coast, and along with many other slaves they were taken to a slave market across the sea a couple of weeks after Elvira came on board, so I guess England or France, and there they were bought by a merchant who took them and some others to probably Denmark. They didn''t understand the languages or know the countries through which they traveled. Most of the time they also spent tied up under the deck. They couldn''t even talk to each other except a few simple words, and speaking got you beaten. They increased in price as they have come further and further away, and were bought by Storman J?nis who lives a couple of day trips south out of Borgarsandr, where they spent two years. They became Jarl Naeswulf''s possessions just a couple of months ago, again as debt payments, even though they''re no longer ''untouched'' and their value has fallen.


    They are careful when they confirm that yes, they are no longer ''untouched'' as Storman J?nis took them to bed a few times, and apparently one of the nobles and a couple of the slavetraders forced them to use their mouths before that. Some type of leather piece was forced in on one side between their jaws, so they couldn''t bite even if they dared. I reassure them that it doesn''t affect how I look at them, and I only feel sorry that they had to experienced it. I won''t have sex with them in any way, as I try to honor my women.


    They''ve apparently already been told so a couple of times from my sambos and guards. They also know that I''m trying to set up a learning center to gather knowledge, teach it and spread it. Create amazing things and sell them. That I hope learned people will come a long way to share knowledge and bring knowledge home. That I''m a Furst, and my Academy is my own Furstdom, and I have no Jarl or even a King above me. They served and were on the outskirts of the feast yesterday, and overheard conversations, and then of course the staff talk to each other, and Jalida knew she would be given to me even before we arrived.


    I confirm that I need some maids for my mansion, and that that life probably will be better than almost all other maids in the north. There will be general maid chores such as cooking, serving food, cleaning, washing, tending the garden and animals, and possibly translation or interpretation if we have long-distance guests. I go on to say that I don''t like the whole idea of slaves and have a suggestion for them, and I want them to consider it, but that I appreciate if I get their decision before we arrive back in Borgarsandr in a couple of days. It''s their own decision, individually, and I want them to think about it at least until tomorrow.


    I give them two options. The first is that they may continue to be my slaves and will serve my household, but they must swear to keep and protect our secrets. I have no plans to sell them, and they won''t spend time in my or guests beds, and I will not allow anyone to rape them, including myself. Should they want to go to bed with someone out of love, or just for sex, it''s okay as long as they don''t get pregnant, and if they ask for permission before. I have a sejd that helps women avoid pregnancy. However, they should not take this as I want them to go to bed with me or guests.


    The second option is that they swear allegiance to me as my maids for the rest of their lives, and must protect our secrets. I will then free them so they''re free women who work for me. They will be able to have their own lives outside their duties, and in the future marry and have a family if they ask for permission before - but they will probably live on the Academy''s islands for the rest of their lives. They will receive a small salary and as they are free women they have the protection of the law, and no one can force themselves on them without consequences.


    Stolen novel; please report.


    In the future, I may release them from all service, no matter what option they take, but it will take many years of faithful service, and they must protect secrets for life, no matter what.


    I continue by saying that most of the comming week it will be easier service and just help my women. If they want to talk to my anyone, they can of course do so.


    They don''t seem to really believe me, because it sounds too good to be true, so I signal Ciara who is closest and ask her to answer their questions if they have any, and I give her a kiss on the cheek and go back to my deck chair up on the aft deck. They will agree to be freed. It''s a very good option for them, especially in the short term, even if I feel like a villain. It is forced lifetime servitude no matter how other people look at it. Hell, most people also believe that a salary is totally unnecessary and pure luxury no matter how small it is. The salary is usually just food, housing and clothes with the occasional small gift. I can''t pay them too much, because I have to prioritize Alith and the other guards, and my sambos think that 3 ounces of silver a year is just too much. But I prefer if I can buy Jalida and Elvira''s loyalty that way, because more than others, they will be near us and hear and see a lot. It isn''t even 1 coin per every other day, but it can be increased in a few years if they''re worth it. They will probably not spend a lot of silver while they work for me, so it is pure income and provides a basis for their own family in the future.


    In the end, they''re slaves, and just becomming free is the life goal of most of them.


    <hr>


    Its not that hard for Ciara to make Elvira and Jalida understand how good and special Robert is. She answered their questions. She tells them that they are not the first slaves he will have released and given a wonderful life on his crusade to make this world better, and that Robert don''t care about their previous lives. She was kidnapped from her homeland and taken as a slave, and had a life much worse than them. Ciara explain how good, powerful and manly Robert is, and as the only real light in this dark world, tried to give her hope and make her a healthy free woman with a bright future, and in the end he even fulfilled her dream of becoming his concubine - forever. It was the best day of her life, and since then her life has been filled with light and warmth.


    Ciara tells them that just a couple of days ago, a beautiful and talented free woman temptress from far away, tried to force Robert to take her as his concubine and become the father of her children, so that she too could have a wonderful and comfortable life in safety, and have her children raised in luxury. Robert refused because he loves them, but he will still support her and give her a better life than she hoped, where she will do what she wants, which is to make paintings and other art. But she couldn''t tempt him with sex or children.


    Ciara explain that they have reached salvation, and Robert will keep them to protect them and give them a good life, and as Robert''s maids, their lives will be better than most free women''s, even if they chose to remain as slaves. They won''t be worked to the bone from sunrise to sunset, day after day. They will be completely safe even as slaves, and never have to worry about someone forcing themselves on them. Slaves or maids doesn''t matter; they are Roberts, and he will protect them and take care of them. He is a powerful and mighty Lord, with powers from beyond this world - but he carried his own bag, and made sure they rode on the carriage.


    Should they in the future wish to be released from their servitude and have earned it - Robert will do so, and reward them. But they must be faithful to Robert and serve well. Must protect Robert''s secrets. Must be worthy to serve Robert. Do not steal. Do not lie.


    If they betray or hurt Robert in the future and its a lesser thing, they don''t have to worry about Robert''s anger, as he will probably just banish them from his land and turn his back - as long as they continue to protect his secrets. But they will learn that it is the worst punishment. Really understand what it is like to suffer deep in their soul, doomed by their own actions. To have reached salvation and fall from a bright life in Heaven, forever banish into the darkness and cold of Hell, knowing they deserve it. Their only glimmer of hope will be that they won''t have to suffer for long, as Ciara will kill them for hurting and disappointing Robert.


    <hr>


    It is dusk, as we dock at a small village almost at the end of a large bay. This is the end of the voyage. The village and its harbor are guarded by a simple small fortress spread out over two small island. A wide moat and log palissade, as well as the long wooden footbridge with a drawbridge makes it difficult to attack even the first island, and a larger stone keep on top of the hill on the second island makes it a good fortress, albeit quite simple. If the defenders have lots of bows and arrows, making a sea landing against the second island will be hard too. No cover, and just rocks and grass.


    The village isn''t large and basically just a road with a few houses along one side, and I guess it is mostly a common natural harbor to reach the sea. According to Asta and the crew, most of the coast here is very shallow, with a muddy bottom.


    It is no problem to anchor here for a couple of days, and it doesn''t cost much since we won''t be trading. Apparently this was where they anchored a couple of weeks ago when Iselin installed a couple of sundials, and she knows where we are going tomorrow. It seems that Radgeirrson own considerable property a couple of hours inland. It should be about 2 hours to reach Radgeirrson''s farm, but it''s getting dark fast. It''s better to sleep on the ship than to travel there in the dark, even though the invitation made it clear that it was okay to arrive at any time, even in the middle of the night. I prefer to spend as little time as possible at Radgeirrson''s feast, and we can arrive later tomorrow and the excuse that the journey took time. It will give us the morning to relax. We also kindly decline the young Lord Fludarr''s invitation to spend the night in his fortress, primarily because I just can''t stand to be social.


    The farm we''re going to visit isn''t Radgeirrson''s main estate; this is his summer place and estate halfway to his larger one in the south where he mainly breeds horses. So he can travel to Borgarsandr or back and spend the night in his own property. Talk about being rich and owning a lot of land, but it doesn''t really take that much land to have a nice little farm in suitable places. I should probably get my own house in Borgarsandr for when we visit the city, and it is enough with something like a larger modern mountain cabin with a larger common room, kitchen, three bedrooms with double beds, bathroom and toilet. It will be so much warmer and cozier to have a house in Borgarsandr than to spend the nights on the ship. It will also makes it easier to avoid other people and we can have a couple of horses there and the covered winter carriage. My sambos agree with the plans, but are correct that we should build a bigger house or at least more luxurious house, if its in Borgarsandr. So maybe something like double or tripple a 6x4 house with two floors with a copper roof where I can do rainwater collection and so on. I really don''t trust the water or sanitation in a large city.


    Karis make sure we have an enjoyable and cuddly time before sleep arrives, and I suspect that the next day will be as exhausting as the previous one, so I need it.

 Creating something new - day 47, Storman Radgeirrsons Feast

    Creating something new, day 47


    Storman Radgeirrsons Feast


    Kari has become really good at oral sex, but the fact that she can lick the tip of her nose certainly helps. But it''s almost nicer to just lie and hold each other afterwards, gently playing with our fingers and caressed her body. It''s nice to have plenty of time and nothing I can do but enjoy it. Its just two months ago that Kari became my concubine and it has been interesting weeks in many ways. I don''t regret accepting her as my concubine, and she has more than proved how valuable she is in many ways, and I need her in more ways than one. I don''t love her as deeply as Iselin, or have the same protective feelings as for Ciara, but I have got feelings for her, and it''s usually not just lust.


    <hr>


    We make it a nice slow morning and sunbathe, swim and rest a bit on a nice sheltered grassy area above a few low cliffs about a kilometer south, before we return to the ship and have a nice and somewhat normal dinner up in Lord Fludarr''s fortress. Before we leave the harbor, Asta shows how she quickly takes the sun height with the sextant, does the calculations with a slate board and I confirm her calculations that showed where we are on the map. She''s already good. I really wish someone else would do the work of calculating solar, moon and star position tables for seafarers in the future. Above all, to collect data, and create the celestial sphere and produce an equation to calculate the moon''s distance to fixed point stars, so that it can be used to calculate the position compared to a index point. Maybe Asta can create it herself when they are on the island? Why not build a small astronomical observatory on one of the mountains, or the roof of the Academy? Hardly the optimal environment for it, but it''s the way it is.


    I wonder if the stars are different here, and how much different. I have begun to suspect it, and it took me a while before I realized it, but I blame bright nights and that I''ve barely been awake at night. So much else is the same or very similar in the world. Scary equally sometimes. But the North star that should take thousands of years to change? Not there. I suspect that an astronomer who really knows the night sky, stars and the constellations would be really fascinated, or half in panic. Personally, I can find the Big Dipper aka The Plough, the North star and Orion. Two of those three seem to be rightish?


    <hr>


    Storman Radgeirrson''s feast is a fucking disaster. Where Jarl Naeswulf was a good host who only made minor mistakes, but where the party and the company in general were good even though it was formal - this seems everything but, and it seems extremely informal. I havn''t even been inside the feast hall itself yet, but its clear that this is not so much a feast, as a drunken orgy. There is a man having sex with a woman against a tree, while some men are playing some kind of game with half-naked young slave women on a grass field, and we also see a couple of maids walking around carrying mead whose dresses neckline goes under the breasts and which at the back ends at their buttocks. Hillevi and Kari points out Radgeirrson for me, who comes walking from the grass field when our arrival is discovered, but I have already decided that we will not be here for long, and Radgeirrson is surprised that I brought my women - which I understand - but we are still shown to a separate part of one of the estates longhouses by Radgeirrson. I thank and ask to have some time for ourselves, and Radgeirrson just nods and tells me to enjoy the evening, followed by a wink, before leaving and closing the doors behind him. That makes me a little worried. Has he planned something?


    Its quite for a few seconds after the doors close, then we start talking over each other. No point in doing anything more than leaving, and everyone is unhappy about the situation. Hillevi and Kari are not entirely surprised, however, as they''ve heard that feast like this exist in certain circles, including Radgeirrsons as a participant but not as a host. This is not a feast for someone like Kari or a Shieldmaiden, although some higher status women participate or have their own version of this feast. I shouldn''t be surprised considering similar feasts during certain periods of Europe''s nobility history, and it''s more ''noblility'' here than I think pure Viking time was. Also more sex and open relationships than I think it was in Midgard.


    Hillevi, who''s been checked the rooms, clears her throat and tells us there is a guest in the bedroom. I stop my company and go to check, and of course there is a beautiful and seductively smiling young woman waiting for me in bed - wearing a semi-transparent thin purple dress with a deep V-neckline. Oh, for fucks sake! Shit. Pun not intended.


    And our happy idiot for a host certainly won''t understand why this doesn''t make me overjoyed. At least she has no neckring and doesn''t seem to be a slave. She also wears far too much gold jewellery, so I guess she is a guest. Radgeirrson could at least have been smoother after he discovered that I brought my women along, and ordered someone to quickly her out of here before showing us the rooms. Maybe I should give him the benefit of doubt, as she might have snuck in her. She smiles, but before she has had time to say anything, I just raise my hand to stop her while I shake my head so she is quiet, close the door and go back out. Hillevi can keep an eye on her.


    I explain about the woman in bed, and Alith''s joke about our host''s hospitality is not appreciated. By anyone. We will leave. They agree with my suggestion. My women will immediately take the carriage and return to our ship, and I follow on horseback after making sure that Radgeirrson understands to never invite me again to a feast like this. Its just a big unnecessary risk if they stay here even the time it takes to locate and explain to Radgeirrson, especially as some drunk idiot might try something with them. I don''t want to have to execute someone again. Alith and Hillevi will stay and protect me, and we should catch up with them before they reach the ship. But they shouldn''t wait or drive slowly, as Radgeirrson might be easily offended, and we might have to move fast. I''ll give them a bit of head start. We should have time to sail back to Borgarsandr tonight and be able to spend the night in our own beds.


    <hr>


    I stand out in the courtyard next to the sundial and see them leave. They took all our luggage, and the extra horse is left for me. If we need to move fast, we can. Radgeirrson suprise me and introduce himself with a backslap, and congratulates me for sending away my women so I can ''live like a man'' without getting their eyes upon me, and really enjoy an evening without them. The game on the grassy field is over and the winner has taken his prize with him to enjoy her, but he promises that there will be more games tonight and there are more prizes to be won and enjoyed. He laughs and says that he has something really special planned for later, and hopes that I don''t stay in the room all evening and visit them inside the Great Hall - there are many guests who are looking forward to meeting me and share a stop or woman, and a couple of them are women, and he suggestively wags his eyebrows. The bed is big and I can bring as many women as I want to the room. He laugh as he walks back into the Great Hall.


    I''ve got no idea how to reply, but he obviously knew about the woman in the bed. I need a few minutes to think. Everything has gone too fast, and I didn''t see this comming. Alith seems to find my disgust for this entertaining, but she understands the seriousness of the situation. Hillevi will prepare the horses while Alith protects me. I''ll just go into the Great Hall, clarify my dissatisfaction to Radgeirrson, and leave. There will be no sejd here. Alith nods and we go in to get Hillevi. When I tell her and ask Hillevi to prepare the horses, she asks what I want to do with Caecilia.


    What?


    She points to the bedroom, says ''Caecilia'' and explain that she talked to the woman on the bed; her name is Caecilia and she is Radgeirrson''s gift to me - my own personal h¨®ra.


    When I just stand and stare at Hillevi, she thinks it''s because I don''t understand, and as it turns out - I don''t. Here a h¨®ra is special. It sounds close enough to the modern Swedish word for whore, but Caecilia isn''t an ordinary prostitute. H¨®ra is not bad word or an insult, but it has probably come from somewhere and been distorted for a few hundred years by the influence of Christianity. A concubine is a status with honor depending on the man they are concubine to, and can have children or possibly marry depending on their own basic status and so on. For many low status women, it can be a big step up in quality of life and in social rank to become a powerful mans concubine. Legally, my concubines Kari and Ciara have a higher social status than Iselin, who is just a free woman I have a sexual relationship with - a mistress. Something I usually don''t care about, although Kari has tried to make me remember everything about how status, etiquette and law work. But Kari has not mentioned anything about h¨®ra. Then again, they didn''t tell me about prostitutes either, because they assumed that I knew. Just as with the gods association to the days of the week.


    Hillevi explain what she knows, like that a h¨®ra is a very socially acceptable woman, because h¨®ra isn''t just about sex and carnal lust. Like a Shieldmaiden or Valkyriemaiden are Freja''s War and Death aspects, and a Sejdwoman is of course the Sejd and the spiritual aspects, a h¨®ra is more a priestess for Freja, focused on her beautiful aspects, such as Art, Crafts, Music, Songs, Sagas and Sex. A h¨®ra doesn''t let men take her. She accompany and entertain. Comparing her to a prostitute is apparently an insult, although a h¨®ra usually expects payment for her services, and sex is an important part. H¨®ra are very unusual and there arn''t many. Only really rich and powerful men might possibly have a private h¨®ra, and apparently there usually is one in Borgarsandr called Baugeid, whom often visits King Aeriksson''s feasts, but she is not his private h¨®ra. Its apparently an envious thing in having a H¨®ra attend a feast, because they are exclusive and only move in the higher strata of society, and Caecilia would make my reputation higher even if we never have sex. It all feels like a distorted variant of a female bard in combination with a courtesan, although I probably have the wrong idea. I havn''t been interested in that kind of history and it may be different to Midgard. Hell if I know. I also tend to think in fantasy terms when it is not applicable.


    H¨®ra is literally special according to the Law here. A free woman, but incapable of having children, and they have a brand on their chest and can never become anything else by law, and Caecilia will be a h¨®ra for the rest of her life. Which means they can''t ''threaten'' a wife or even a concubine. A h¨®ra is ''safe''. Its really against the Law to marry a h¨®ra or take her as a concubine. Forcing oneself on a h¨®ra is apparently a worse punishment than an ordinary free woman, probably death through prolonged torture. Hillevi may see it as someone raping Freya, but I suspect that powerful men in the kingdom have passed laws to protect their ''companions'', and the powerful women have influenced laws that protect their status so that the ''companions'' cannot compete for social status, inheritance etc. Caecilia is obliged to inform about her profession and to show her branding due to the penalty scale.


    Of course.


    Of course, Radgeirrson is a man who thinks a h¨®ra was a great gift to arrange for me.


    I''m flabberghasted. This is a gift I refuse, and say that we will leave Caecilia here. Alith and Hillevi give each other some quick glances and Hillevi suggest that I talk to Kari about it first. Its impossible to call Kari on her mobile, so I just keep staring at Hillevi and she is a bit dubious and cautious as she says that I shouldn''t refuse the gift here and now. It''s an insult to refuse a gift - even an unwanted or insulting gift - and we should bring Caecilia and talk to Kari instead of just leaving her here. She tries to soften my stare, by saying that Caecilia can be left in Borgarsandr instead, and Kari certainly know ways to get rid of Caecilia in a socially acceptable way. That''s probably true.


    I just sit down on a chair and just stare in front of me. This damn World. I need to talk to Caecilia. She should know her own situation and the Law.


    So I bring along both Alith and Hillevi when I go to talk to Caecilia. She hasn''t heard what we said and is still just sitting there on the edge of the bed, leaning back with her legs swinging and waiting. Considering what my sambos new negligees cost, Caecilias must have been even more expensive to be so thin and transparent, and it is in a beautiful purple shade that gives a nice contrast to her fair skin, with nice little decorations of gold thread, and she has several gold jewelry. Her breasts would''ve been prominent in a normal dress and she really poses towards the door. She gets a seductive smile when I enter, which grows sinful when she notices that I have seen the mark on her left breast. Or its just because I looked at her breasts and body.


    Stolen story; please report.


    She gracefully rise from the bed, and walks forward with a seductive sway while she says that she''s been looking forward to experiencing a man dedicated to Freya, and experience my reputation for masculinity and being able to satisfy several women. Her name is Caecilia, and she''s my h¨®ra and will entertain me in any way I wish. I stop her as she tries to kiss me and glide a hand down to my crotch. I wondering if that''s her usual bullshit, or if I''ve actually gotten such a reputation? Both feels equally likely.


    I take her hand and ask her to sit down, and say there will be no sex between us. She doesn''t understand at all why, as she only has had a handful of men before, is freshly bathed and thoroughly cleaned, and completely safe to have sex with without worrying about children, and she shows off her branding by showing her left breast and playing with her nipple and its intricate gold jewellery with her finger, while she seductively bites her lower lip with a sinful smile. Why am I even surprised that there is a small intricate Freya symbol in gold through her nipple?


    I stop her again, and carefully pull the edge of her negligee back over her breast while I tell her that I didn''t know what a h¨®ra was until just now, and that I don''t wish to be entertained by her. But if she so wish, she can come along when we soon leave the estate, until I can make a decision in the future. I ask if she has any other clothes or things, and she points to some big pretty leather bags in a corner and a beautiful chest, before her hand with its pretty gold rings starts wandering on my body, and she tries to make me stay in bed with her. Why waste a good opportunity, my women arn''t around, and she promises to make me relax and keep me entertained, and that I will fall asleep exhausted and happy.


    "Caecilia, change into something to travel in and obey Hillevi." is my last word to her, as I leave the room with Alith hurrying after, ignoring the young woman pouting behind me.


    <hr>


    How the hell are we going bring along all that luggage and Caecilia, on our horses? Caecilia and Alith will have to walk, and use Alith''s horse as a packhorse. That will slow us down a lot. Why didn''t I talk to Caecilia before I sent them off with the carriage? Kari would be here, and if she still would have come along, there was room on the carriage.


    Alith understands that this isn''t the time for witty comments, and she''s just wondering what I plan to do in the Great Hall. I don''t know. There is so much that doesn''t match my preparations, not to mention the unexpected gift. I have to accept reality, but I can improvise a variant of my prepared speech, so it becomes a warning and a threat, where the last thing I do is light a boomcandle.


    We step into the Great Hall, and Alith step back into the background as I stand there and let my eyes adjust to the dim light. Its about what I expected; feasting men and women where some sit and kiss each other, or just have their hands inside the clothes of the person next to them. A pair of basically naked young slave women with flower wreaths and leaves dance to the music played by a similar ''dressed'' female musician. I see two men getting blowjobs by a women under the table they are sitting at while they seem to be playing a boardgame, and considering how that woman sits in the lap of a man over there and moves, I don''t think she just sitting there while the man feeds her with his fingers. Damn, she''s a really young slave, more a girl than a woman, and she must be in her lower teens.


    I look around, but avoid looking at the people, even though I notice a couple of nicely dressed women trying to get my attention, and one walks towards me. Radgeirrson is sitting at the main table and signal to come sit next to him. What an irony it is that all the chairs are the same. I see a suitable place for the boomcandle on a stone pillar with a shallow water-filled hollow as a bowl in the top. When I have apologized and freed myself from the woman who has slipped up against my arm, I take a route by the stone pilar and take a closer look. Its appropriate that it has Odin''s symbol on one side and Thor''s hammer on the other.


    Radgeirrson has a girl lying naked in front of him on the table from which he eats food, piece by piece with his fingers, and also directly with his mouth. She is far too young, and she too can''t be more than in the lower teens. Damn. I pass a woman my age a bit before Radgeirrson, who smiles charmingly at me. She raise her stop to greet me, but she too seems to be a rich guest more than ''entertainment''. I quickly greet as I pass. She''s old enough to have older children than the girls here; how the hell can she think this is okay?


    Radgeirrson greets me with a smile and shows that I should sit down next to him, which I do and lean my Boomstick against the table. He asks if I want something to eat and gesture to the girl in front of him, who looks up at me and smiles. I avoid looking at her body, but can''t miss how young she is and that she has barely started to get breasts. Is she even in her teens? Radgeirrson is impressed that I''ve managed to leave the bedroom. He brought Caecilia here on my behalf - a Sejdmann deserves a h¨®ra, and she was the most beautiful he knew, and eager to go to bed. He laughs, elbows me saying Caecilia wasn''t hard to persuade, and drinks some wine. A maid in one of those extra low-cut dresses serves me a stop, while Radgeirrson caress her butt and with a pat sends her away. He''s heard I don''t like mead, so it''s apple cider, and he''s impressed that I''m so restrained; he regrets that he himself loves wine far too much and should be more restrained. He often drink to much, which stops pleasures in the bed. I just sip a little, and it''s quite nice to have something to drink after the trip here. My irritation hardly helps, and I need to moisten my throat to be able to speak. The cider is quite good too.


    "I do not like ordinary feasts, and feasts like this are something I do not appreciate, and certainly cannot condone as they''re far to young. They''re children. I''m only here because you demanded that I participate and in the future I wish that you do not invite me to feasts like this. I''m more than happy with my women and honor them, but it would be rude of me to leave without thanking for the unwanted gift, so I just want to say one brief thing before I leave."


    Radgeirrson looks insulted and angry, but I ignore it, and point to the fire in the fire pit further away.


    "In the beginning, fire was sejd. A mighty sejd. A sejd from Thor as he made thunder, when lightning struck and ignited trees. A sejd that warmed people, illuminated the darkness, cooked food and scared away wild animals. A sejd that people learned to hand and control. Learned to create. Fire made people go from stones and wood, to having weapons of iron, to create buildings and ships. Fire is today well known and has lost much of its mystery. Lost what made fire a powerful sejd that was respected. But no matter how common fire is - it''s still powerful. It even makes fire more powerful, because people think it''s something you can disrespectfully demand, when in fact it''s something you should treat with respect and reverence, especially those who understand fire. Think of a small candle flame. A small fire that is nice, warm and a gentle light. But even that small fire, if handled carelessly, can burn down an estate or forest." I take a small boomcandle out of my pocket. "Let me light a small fire for you as a reminder. Think about the consequences of inviting fire into your home, as you might get what you''re asking for. Respect fire, and enjoy its benefits from a distance. "


    I drink empty half the stop, take my Boomstick in my right hand, and smile towards the woman as I pass her, with Alith following close behind. I light the boomcandle on a lit candlestick, and carefully stand the boomcandle in the shallow water on the stone pillar. No one is close, but this is a risk I must take. The bowl shape will direct the explosion towards the roof, and the water will dampen. It will probably be a little splash of water in here. It''s a shame I won''t see how it goes or bright the flash will be. Guess I have to try and recreate it at home.


    We walk outside and Hillevi sits on her horse, holding ours ready. Caecilia rides sidesaddle on her own horse, in a slightly less revealing dress, and Caecilia''s bags and chest hang on another horse. Okay, she had a lot of gold jewellery and doesn''t seem poor, and with all her luggage, she must have come here somehow.


    We''ve just left the courtyard when we hear a muffled bang and there is a lot of screaming and alarm behind us. Hillevi and Caecilia look back, but I say that someone just learned to respect sejd and sejd users, while I ride on.


    <hr>


    We''ve probably come halfway when I ask them to find us somewhere to rest in the comming woods. Beside the usual soreness from riding, I feel strange, dizzy and with a headache. We''ve already slowed down because no one seems to be following, and Caecilia in her sidesaddle cannot keep a high pace. So we turn away from the road, and follow a stream a couple of hundred meters into the forest up to a height where there is some protection and cover among the rocks, but through the foliage we can see the road to Radgeirrson''s estate. Hillevi guards and watch the road while Alith take care of our horses. Caecilia seems curious, but the day hasn''t turned out as she expected.


    I drink water from one of my water bottles, but it doesn''t help to wash my face and rest. I feel funny, too hot, my heart is pounding and when I realise that I have an almost painful hard on, I understand that my drink was probably ''spiced''. Shit! I tell my suspicions to Alith, and she''s worried. I can''t ride in the condition I am. It''s bad enough normal days, but I''m sitting on a rock, leaning forward. Alith inform Hillevi that I might have been drugged and what the problem is, and they both get really worried. But Caecilia immediately becomes serious and anxious; she has seen this before, just not so fast, and says I have been given a far too large dose. I need to drink a lot of water and have to have sex several times in the next few hours, although it will hurt. A lot. I vaguely remember Liv''s warnings when she gave me my own ''spice jar'', which I''ve never used. Dosage is important, because it can be painful and in worst case a knife may be needed to puncture blood vessels etc, and it can cause permanent damage. Of course I never took a chance with such magic powder, and I don''t really remembered everything she said, because I would never chance to use it. The information is somewhere in my notes back on the farm in Borgarsandr.


    The damn asshole Radgeirrson!


    He should be damn happy that I''m not there, as I would have put the damn boomcandle in his hand and asked him to look closer. Alith catches my attention and she means to help me, but I just shake my head even though she nods anxiously and eagerly. Sex is hardly necessary, so I take some privacy behind a tree and start to gently try to relieve some pressure. Its so damn tender and painful. Fucking Radgeirrson! I try to hide and cover my groin, as Caecilia goes down on her knees in front of me and seriously say;


    "My lips with saliva are softer, and it will be easier and faster, if my Lord allows me to help. Focus on my face and my eyes. Forget the pain. Focus on my eyes. Let me help. Ignore the pain."


    Damn. I realize there is quite a bit of truth in those words.


    It''s so painful and I''m grateful she''s helping me, but I have to focus and clench my jaws to avoid screaming in pain.


    I rest for a while by lying crouched on the side of my cloak and I drink more water. I''m still hard as a rock. Caecilia helps me again, but it doesn''t help or feel better.


    I''m lying there cursing my own stupidity. How could I drink or eat something there? Of course they would use spice and other things! How else would they last all day and evening? I''m so terribly happy that the others immediately left. I don''t remember most of what Liv said about ''spice'', or how it affects women, but the thoughts in my head arn''t pleasant. It would be a hell of a thing to get virility problems, have to bleed my penis or get permanent problems, now that I have three girlfriends. Fucking Radgeirrson! At least thoughts of revenge gives me something to focus on. What was the name of that really prolonged painful torture with milk and honey in a boat?


    Caecilia gently inform that her jaw is sore, and her hand isn''t as soft as her vagina, and she can distract me better if she carefully rides...


    Although Caecilia try to be soft and gentle, its still painful, and I try to distract myself from the pain by focusing on the beautiful and seductive view of Caecilia and the treetops behind her. Ignore the pain, look at her. Look at her long blonde hair fluttering in the wind, and the little gold jewellery woven into some of her small braids. Watch her intricate fine gold earrings rocking and moving. Look at her green-gray half-closed eyes and her face that seem to really enjoy it, and the pleased little smile on her lips that seems to confirm. Ignore the pain. Study her gold necklace with its small gems, and her breasts with their stiff nipples pressing against the fabric, that she wants me to enjoy, but my jaws are far too clenched and tense. The view doesn''t distract enough. I mostly close my eyes and grimace, while I focus on breathing. Ignore the pain. I squeeze a stone with my hand when she is a bit careless in her movements as she orgasms, and it fade to black.


    <hr>


    Cooling down in the stream didn''t help either, apart from taking some sweat off my body. We have to keep a very low pace, because I have to sit with my legs to the side instead of astride the horse. We stop after a short streach so I can rest again, and Caecilia helps me again. Caecilia offered to ride in advance and bring back the carriage, but it would take a lot of time, especially as they probably loaded it on board, and I prefer to endure and get closer.


    I havn''t kept track of time, but it is still only late afternoon when we see the harbor and the ship. My sambos comes rushing along with Bodil and a couple from the crew. They''ve been worried and knew that something has happened, and Ciara''s in tears, distraught and frightened. Bodil and the others have had to stop her from riding after me. They were just about to send two from the crew to look for us, when they saw us coming along the road. In the monoculars they saw that something was wrong, especially since I was sitting hunched over on the side and Caecilia was with us. Alith and Hillevi explain what happened. That I''m heavily drugged with ''spice'', and that we left just a short while, but had big problems when we got half way. When the drug started working from the stop with apple cider that Radgeirrson''s maid gave me. That Caecilia is a h¨®ra and Radgeirrson''s gift.


    My mind is blank, and I''m just sweating profusely, in pain and sore, and its difficult to walk as they gently help me into my cabin. I''m still drugged, and I drink more water. I need liquid. I order them to get me some salted meat, vegetables and bread. I''m not hungry but I need to get salt and minerals in me.


    Lord Fludarr offers me to rest and recover in his fortress, but I decline and ask the ship to leave for Borgarsandr. My women take turns very gently helping me for the next few hours while the ship sways on the waves. It''s still painful and sore, but I feel a little bit better, and I only black out twice. I eventually manage to fall asleep curled up, with Ciara gently resting against my back and holding me. She has refused to leave my side since she ran towards me.

 Creating something new - day 48, Recuperation

    Creating something new, day 48


    Recuperation


    We reached Borgarsandr last night, but they wisely let me rest in the cabin. I don''t know how many times I''ve woken up after sleeping for what feels like minutes, drunken some water and tried to get back to sleep in a bed soaked in sweat. Tried to sleep away the time. Its not just the guards and sambos that are pissed off and wants revenge, its the crew too. Kari informs me that this is very serious. I could have died, and I only drank half the stop, which I confirm. Who knows what would have happened if I had emptied it? Was it competely disolved or more residue in the bottom? I guess ''spice'' affects the blood circulation and oxygenation, and can mess up the heart. I''ve heard that is why it helps to take viagra at high altitude. If this drug even works in a similar way, what the hell do I really know? The others at the feast have probably used the drug for so long that they''ve to some extent built up immunity, and increased their doses. But I''m not used to it, and I''ve only been given a very small dose once before, and I know it affected me more than Liv thought. I know how an extremely small dose Liv gave me and it had a much greater effect than she thought. She pretty much thought of that small dose as an aphrodisiac, like eating oysters or something. Then there is also the question of how concentrated and pure the drug was. I doubt its an exact science.


    Kari sent messengers to inform King Aeriksson immediately when the ship docked, and two Fj?lkunniga have come on board, while Councilor Efi and a group of guards are waiting on the dock. This isn''t something to hide and forget. This is an assassination attempt that might have damaged my masculinity and ability to have children due to carelessness and stupidity, and my high status and that I don''t already have children makes it worse, so Radgeirrson''s acquaintances or high social position can''t protect him. Ciara wants bloody revenge and to slowly torture Radgeirrson by whipping him, salting his wounds, and then beating him to death with a stick, and Alith and Hillevi seem willing to do so, as they failed to protect me. Alith is really ashamed, and avoid looking me in the eye.


    I know that I have to get salt, magnesium and minerals in me, so I have eaten the salted and dried meat, vegetables and bread. I also asked for some different vegetables and milk, and it was waiting for me when I woke up. I don''t know what my body really need, or how much different vegetables have of it, so I try to eat a little of everything.


    The two Fj?lkunniga examine me, under the watchful gaze of my women and guards. I''m still weak, sore and in pain. I don''t want to even imagine peeing, but I seem to be dehydrated enough that its not an issue. Yet. They tell my women to give me some other vegetables too, and praise me for already drinking water, and eating what I did. One of the women stay to continue monitoring my health, while the other leaves for the Royal Castle with Councilor Efi and his guards. Eight of Asbj?rn''s own guards stay to continue to protect me. We need more guards.


    <hr>


    At least we have the carriage with us, and they''ve changed it to sleepmode. I''m so happy I designed that feature, but I never even thought of it for use as a stretcher. Lying on my side is so much better than sitting, and even if the carriage has suspension and padded cushions, they drive calmly and zigzag to avoid larger holes or bumps. This trip would have been so much more unpleasant in our old carriage with hard wooden benches. Or riding.


    Once we get to the farm, I''m just happy to be back and lie in my bed and stay there. Ciara has only left my side for toilet visits, and Iselin and Kari take turns being there.


    <hr>


    I slowly recover as time pass and the last of the drug disappears and the water and mineral reserves are built up. I can almost walk normally again, it''s just tender, and significantly worse than groin chafing and abrasions from sweating while hiking. I''ve learned that lesson way back, but this is worse. I''m pleased how well the lead acid battery has been charged. The cells are almost balanced, so I connect them with a power resistor for a while so they even out any voltage difference, before I''ll replace it with a copper conductor. Everyone think I should ignore such unimportant things until I get better, but I need to distract myself. Mostly I just lie on a blanket out in the shade in the garden. I still feel like shit, just less so. At least the cat who usually visit, appreciates that I have my hands available and plenty of time. Cats have no tact. It bothers me that they see the cat as a sign from Freja, when I''ve often patted the cat before and it hasn''t been interpreted as somekind of omen. Confirmation Bias. At least Jane finds it slightly amusing.


    Peeing is so painful. So damn painful I''m literally crying, but nothing wants to come out. Ciara horrifies me when she offers to help me by sucking with her mouth, and she''s so eager to do it for me, explaining that she''s done it before and is used to it. I refuse, but I understand a little more what Ciara experienced under Steinnes. Bastard. What eventually comes out is lumpy, discolored with a little blood in it, and stinks.


    Shit.


    Are my kidneys fucked? Because thats a death sentence.


    Do I just have days left to live? If I get sick, I will have to quickly marry Iselin, and Kari. But its better to not make them even more worried unless I have too. Better to give it a day or two, but if I get sick I have no choice. I prefer to give them everything, and info dump as much important information as I can.


    <hr>


    As expected, Jalida and Elvira have chosen to accept my offer to be freed, but to work for me for life. It might be shorter than they expect, but anyway its something positive. They swear an oath to serve and keep secrets and so on, and I warn them to only enter my room when I give permission, and I give them both a simple quick ceremony where I take off their neckrings and free them in front of the others. Their smile and joy really is rewarding.


    Elvira is probably the happiest, and I allow her to hug me and give a chaste kiss on my cheek instead of kneeling and kissing my hand, which Jalida copy. Elvira tells us that Jarl Naeswulf only intended to give me Jalida, but his mistake with the feast and my impressive sejd made his wives persuade him to give me her too, which they probably liked, and Storman Maurr persuaded Naeswulf to give me the land and support those ferries. Naeswulf hasn''t had sex with Elvira yet, but looked forward to taking her as his bed slave during the fall and winter, as he liked her appearance during a visit to Storman J?nis, and persuaded Storman J?nis to give them up. Naeswulf was ''saving'' her for a couple of months for fun and build up expectations. He almost forced himself on her during the last night, due to frustration that he had to give her to me, but his wives stopped him from deliberately ''sullying the gift'', which would be an insult compared to not giving the gift at all. The older wife''s attitude towards her husband becomes more understandable.


    So Elvira is extra happy that she escaped Naeswulf, escaped becoming a bed slave, and even better, she is now a free neck. Since all my women and guards confirmed or told them before I did, Elvira really believes that I will not ask them to come to my bed, do not expect or wish it, nor will I let guests do it. She promises to be the best maid we can wish for, and swears to prove that I will never regret giving her this future.


    Sleep arrangements are a problem. Three more who need sleeping places. My sambos suggest we solve it by moving my old bed with Ciara into my room, and that either Iselin, Ciara or Kari sleep in my bed every night. The then vacant bed in the front room will be Janes, and Caecilia take over Jane''s old bed in the living room, where Elvira and Jalida get sleeping pelts. I sure as hell don''t want anything to do with sex any time soon, so it doesn''t really matter if they sleep in my bedroom. It is very crowded here now, but it will only be a few more days. The Tosra meet is in a week, and we will move to the island two days before.


    Damn. Caecilia also needs a room in the mansion. Together with Jane, thats two rooms I intended to have for guests or other purpose, gone. Actually, its a huge unnecessary luxury that everyone has their own room, it is absolutely not standard here or even in Europe. Here in the Alfheimr north, most people share the common room, the living room, and usually only the master of the house has his own bedroom, although some important people may have separate alcoves with or without drapers. There might also be two sharing a bed and warmth.


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    Jane and Gunhild were very worried when we returned to the farm. They''d only heard something about me being drugged and an attempted murder by the crewman sent to report, but that I''ve survived so far, even though its unknown if there will be any permanent injuries. They were both surprised by Elvira, Jalida and Caecilia, even though Gunhild apparently just shrugged and said ''of course'' after the first surprise.


    To put it mildly, Jane wasn''t happy when she heard of Caecilia and that she literally is a branded h¨®ra - Norse h¨®ra is pronounced close enough to English whore - but Kari has informed her, and me, that my decision to bring Caecilia was correct. Kari obviously does not like Caecilia intruding, but reluctantly admit that it is good for my status to have a personal h¨®ra, and it will be luxurious to have someone entertain us, as there is more to being a h¨®ra than sex. Kari also understands if I want to take Caecilia to bed, as she is young and beautiful, with her long blonde hair, nice body, big breasts and good teeth. It absolutely feels like one of those ''do as you wish'' from a wife, that the man fails badly when he actually do. Neither Kari nor Iselin ''appreciate'' another woman in our life, and not in our home, so Caecilia will be a guest living in the wing, until they finish the extra house by the barns.


    I don''t want to take Caecilia to my islands - status and entertainment can go to hell - but Caecilia says that Radgeirrson payed gold her to swear to Freya to be mine, and she will not break it. Keeping ones word and oath is very important to have honor and she has sworn to Freya - which everyone takes very seriously. I assume that Caecilia wants a comfortable party life, and I ended up as an opportunity too good to pass, not least because becoming my personal h¨®ra is the highest social status she can attain. No h¨®ra has ever been a Sejdmanns personal h¨®ra, and I am also a Furst.


    So we have postponed finding a solution to the Caecilia problem for the future, and she might teach at the Academy or entertain guests. This farm is King Asbj?rn''s and even though I can borrow it for the rest of the year, it feels wrong to burden Asbj?rn with Caecilia staying here when we go to the islands, and I don''t want her to do something that I get partially blamed for. Because that''s another problem. As my personal h¨®ra and woman, I''m ''responsible'' for her, and it is bad for my status if I don''t protect her as a man should, even if we don''t have sex. All other powerful people will see her as valuable and precious.


    So Iselin is correct. The simple solution is to take her with us, and for now let her stay in a room in the wing next to the maids. Kari agrees, and both have realized that having Caecilia somewhere on the island will also help keep other h¨®ra from visiting or swearing themselfs to me. Both have begun to suspect that it was probably only a matter of time before a h¨®ra would try to become mine, and we may have to prepare for a h¨®ra to basically party crash any future events I attend. If I arrange a feast and it gets known, we might have to count on it. And we should appreciate it.


    I get why having a personal entertainer would be precious for someone powerful in this world. They have far less options for entertainment than a normal human in Midgard. How much of our technology isn''t just to entertain us? Here there is no mobiles, video or computor games, TVs, movies, music available whenever you want it, theaters and so on. There''s hardly books here, and music depends on what a musician memorised and can play.


    Iselin seems especially unhappy, which I understand, because I agree. It was just me and her in the beginning. Ciara wasn''t on the board as anything other than a maid, and then Kari arrived with intimate plans, but she was smooth. Just when we''ve started to get used to it being us three, Jane with all her baggage come crashing in and scares them both, and then Caecilia who is a bigger problem.


    After talking to Caecilia, I know that Radgeirrson brought her here from the south to become my h¨®ra. Caecilia doesn''t say why, but she chose to become a h¨®ra, which includes some form of ritual in which she sacrificed her ability to have children to Freya. Caecilia says she really loves sex in all its forms and that she likes if my women join us. Caecilia is only 17 and a half years old, but she refuses to tell about her background and history, as that was before she started serving Freya. However, she seems to be educated, and she tries to lead conversations towards other subjects or distractions, including charming me, telling Sagas or singing, and I feel rude asking her. She''s good at it considering how society is here - I''m just not interested. Caecilia tries to charm and gain points with Iselin, Ciara and Kari as well, so she has probably understood the dynamics around me.


    Kari and Gunhild claim that Caecilia''s accent indicate that she is probably from what I think of as northern Germany and is at least a lower noble in terms of her attitude, pronunciation, manner and education, but has been in the southern part of the kingdom for at least a couple of years as she know the language very well. Its more common with h¨®ra among the rich on the other side of the sea to the south. Its also very common with prostitutes as they don''t have slaves in the same way, and the religion even for those with Aesir gods is only one wife. Their explanations make me think of the prostitutes as someone who works at a tavern and earn extra, is in a pure brothel of different prize grades, or finally a professional escort or semi kept woman who mostly moves among the nobility. Everything exist there, though theres different cultures to the south. But h¨®ra is a bit higher and very socially acceptable even there, since its not just about sex. It seems that the concept of h¨®ra has been imported from the south.


    <hr>


    I sit in the garden with Ciara in my arms leaning against my shoulder, while Iselin and Kari try to complete a couple of kites according to my instructions. Alith''s hawkeyes monitors the surroundings, and me. Bodil is more relaxed and occasionally helps with the kites. Iselin did show her Boomerang skills to Jane, who mentioned kites, which I needed to translate and explain. Among other things, I explained how in addition to play or sports, it can be used to scare away birds if the kite is made eagle or falcon shaped and attached with rope on a high pole. So now they are trying to build some kites of the classic cross type, box type and two birds. So I''m distracted by something else.


    I know that once again Ciara wants nothing more than for me to get well, and I really hope so too. I sure as hell don''t want to die, and it was a wise decision to not tell them about my slight anxiety for my kidneys. After two occurances, I now understand that Iselin and Kari love me and want to be my wives, but they can get used to living a life without me, and already realized they eventually will, because I''m much older than them. Ciara, on the other hand, is terribly afraid she can''t, and she sure don''t want too. If I leave her, via death or to Midgard, she will die, not physically but mentally and in her soul, and unfortunately both I, Iselin and Kari are convinced that if I die, Ciara will then take her own life to accompany me, regardless of why I died. Ciara said it to me as I laid there on the ship and she held me: "A life without your light isn''t a life, it is a protracted pain I do not want to experience, and I follow you no matter where you travel, in this life or the next." I havn''t forgotten her declaration on the previous voyage and the look she gave me. It''s a hell of a thing to know, and a responsibility to be more careful about myself.


    Jane comes out and sits adjacent after showing a ''simpler'' painting in just a few colors. Still a good simple painting on this farm, and she is evidently concerned that I should see that she can paint and to prove herself, and she has already offered to help decorate the kites. She seems to have something on her mind, but doesn''t know how or if she should, so after a while I ask;


    "You seem to have something on your mind?"


    "Yes. But I don''t know if I should say it." With a nod I signal that it''s okay.


    "So, you leave here five days ago for two feasts you have been forced to attend, after avoiding feasts like the plague for months. Your third and fourth feast in this world, where Iselin was given to you on your first, and you where just visiting a Jarl friend you shagged on the second. " ... and I can already see where she''s going with it, but I just nod.


    "You - whom we both know doesn''t want anymore women in your life, and no more sexual partners - end up being given two exotic and pretty young slave girls, as ''servants'' one way or another. Then you''ve been forced to attend an medieval sexorgie, which you did not know it was, and show up at with your girlfriends and female guards. But you send them away, planning to leave just after, not knowing that the scantilly dressed teenager found waiting in your bed, is your own personal courtesan thats been given to you. A woman with rare special status protected by law, that have sworn an oath to be yours to the goddess of sex and love. Then you almost die after being overdosed with medieval viagra, said courtesan saves your life by having lots of sex with you, as you race through the forest on horseback to your ship and safety."


    I just nod and confirm even though it hardly was a race - it would have been faster to walk if I had been normal. Jane smiles and looks at me.


    "Have you angered a God? Or do Freya - the goddess of sex, love, magic, war and death - ree-eally favor you? Should I be worried being close to you?"


    "Laugh it up, but the way my life is going, you will probably fall in love with me and try to needle your way in...    Again."


    Jane crosses her arms, defiantly points he nose to the sky and says with dramatic and overplayed British upper class style; "That''s not going to happen. You had your chance. It won''t be more than occasional hot steamy sex." she ends joking and laughing when she can''t keep a straight face. I just sigh. Jane abruptly stops, looks at me and breaks out in roaring laughter; "You pretty much must have children! Give it a couple of years, and if your harem hasn''t become pregnant, and we will shag each others brains out like some bloody rabbits, won''t we!?"


    The others do not understand what''s been said and think that Jane is laughing at my misfortune and near death. Not appreciated, and Ciara''s gaze tries to turn Jane to ashes. So I explain to them a somewhat corrected version and in the end they also giggle a bit.

 Creating something new - day 49, Consequences

    Creating something new, day 49


    Consequences


    I feel relatively normal, just aching and slightly beaten up and bruised, but I can pee normally again, and it looks normal which is really positive. Fj?lkunniga Petronilla who spent the night at the main farm checks up on me again, and her relief is plain to see about the positive news. I pretty much forgot about her or the extra guards, but they have stayed outside the building and the fence, so not really visible from inside or in the garden. Most of my company are still worried about permanent damage, and Iselin agree with Kari that I should have taken Janes offer and tried to make her pregnant atleast a couple of times before the trip. It might be what Freya had intended considering the timing. I put a stop to those thoughts right away, and they shouldn''t try to pressure, influence or guilt Jane into any kind of pregnancy or child deal. That just feels icky, and wrong. Besides, I''m not her type.


    Elvira and Jalida do their best to act as maids, but they see that there isn''t much to do, but they try to find work, and have washed the clothes we wore during the trip. Caecilia mostly looks slightly lost and uncomfortable. Jane tries to avoid being in the way and to prove her worth by painting with the palette she has been able to arrange, and the kites look pretty good looking, including the bird-like ones. We test them and even Ciara seemed to have fun with them. To test how well the birds version works, we attached the eagle on to a pole in the corner of the garden. Jane is trying to make more brushes and testing if certain colors can be used and combined, and she seems quite enthusiastic about overcoming the problems of painting art here, and I''m curious to see how well she can do that. It can be really valuable both for its historical significance, knowledge she can teach and for what it is she depicts. It''s also impressive what Jane can do with a quill and ink, or charcoal on paper. She gave Alith two good portraits last night, and I had to translate that it was a small insignificant excuse for her outburst that first night. Alith proudly accepted it.


    Jane understands to be careful with lead white, even if she says that there is no major hazard with it in paintings, as long as we buy the color, as she sure don''t want to make it. We have no choice but to use lead white, because its impossible to get titanium white. There is, however, the large titanium mine down in southwestern Norway, but producing Titanium form ore will be a hell of a lot of work and problems. My steel is pretty much the limit for now. Its obvious that white is the most important paint, because it is used to make pure colors lighter and in shades. Anyone who have ever tried any paints, including watercolors or crayons, know you can create really dark paint by combining different colors, but not white.


    I wasn''t happy when Jane showed up or immediately after we spoke, but now I''m happy that she is here. Both as company and a modern person, and for her craftsmanship and knowledge. I look forward to her continued company and paintings of photos, and she''s happy when I tell her.


    I''m bored, but I can''t focus on work, and sitting in certain positions is still uncomfortable, but I think it just need to heal more. So I spend a lot of time lying in bed with Ciara listening to music, and recovering. Its not the first time the cat comes indoor. Everyone have already decided that the cat will come along when we move. I wonder if the cat agrees. Hopefully we will avoid a journey full of constant miaowing, as I know from experience that some cats hate being transported by car, and will spend the entire trip loudly informing you about it, but what will the cat think about the boat?


    Jane have pested me to appoint the cat to Chief Mouser once we''ve moved in, which is a Brittish thing. What name it shall be given is a debated topic.


    <hr>


    A messenger with guards arrived from the Kings Castle. Yesterday, the King''s Guards brought Radgeirrson and his closest to Borgarsandr for his attack on me, accused of attempted murder and damaging my masculinity, and he has been imprisoned in the Kings Castle. I don''t have to testify, and King Asbj?rn Aeriksson prefer if I stay here an recover instead of travel, but he wants to talk to witnesses and someone who can act on my behalf. I sure as hell don''t want to travel, but I should be there. This is important. So they bring forth the carriage and extra horse, and we''re a large group as its not just Alith, Hillevi, Caecilia, Iselin, Kari, Ciara and Bodil, but also Fj?lkunniga Petronilla with the extra guards, and the messenger and guards just arriving. We keep a slow tempo, but we havn''t traveled halfway when I have to tell them to stop and convert the carriage to sleepmode.


    <hr>


    When we roll into the castles courtyard, I am definitely happy with the carriage and its suspension. The royal family is waiting when we arrive, which includes the princesses, probably told by the guard who rode in advance. My arrival lying in the carriage and obviously sore and having difficulties to walk, immediately makes them anxious. Although the situation and why we are here is serious, it is clear that the carriage interests them, so as we leave the courtyard, I offer Queen Haera and the Princesses to take a ride in it. I expect that this is going to take a while, and I want to rest a bit before we go back. They might as well try it. Bodil will convert it back to seating positions before she joins us.


    Its a gloomy and serious atmosphere in the King''s Hall, and in addition to the throne, there are more chairs put forward in a double U shape around the middle of the hall. I am shown to a nice chair with a thick padded cushion. The King offers to arrange a bed, but I can endure to sit if it doesn''t take too long. So I sit down and my company sits on the chairs behind me, with Alith and Hillevi standing guard behind me. The witnesses sit on chairs on the other side.


    there is a quick presentation of the two Councilors standing next to the throne, Tingsman Jensi, and the other people here. Kari whispers that Jensi is a well-known Tingsman, ie his loyalty is to the Northmen''s Ting before the King, and act as both the Tings and the Kings ''taking care of shit'' man, and at the same time witness what the King has done and judged between Tings.


    King Asbj?rn return and sits on the throne, and shouts out why we are gathered here today, and what has roughly happened and that I am the injured and accusing party.


    Then Radgeirrson is brought in by guards, imprisoned in chains and worried, and an imprisoned young slave woman walks behind him. She cries and shakes and doesn''t dare to look up. Damn, she''s probably the maid who served me, and she''s brought here to stand trial infront of the King. No wonder she''s scared and frightened. Their chains are fastened to recessed iron loops in the floor. They can stand, but not move, and even if their hands weren''t manacled to the chains, they couldn''t touch or kick each other.


    Then the trial begins.


    <hr>


    I give my story, starting with the invitation and demand for participation and sejd, and how we arrived and saw what the feast was like, and decided to leave and so on. Alith, Hillevi and the others testify and tell their stories, and Caecilia has her say too. Another slave girl testifies about the feast etc. The two Fj?lkunniga who examined me are unequivocal; I''m bless to have Freya is on my side and being a strong healthy man, but that it may have permanently damaged my health, penis and ability to have children. The future will tell.


    Radgeirrson confirms that he invited me and requested that I show sejd, and not informed me about the nature of the feast. He thought it would be a good surprise that I would appreciate, and that I looked forward to it when I immediately sent my women away but stayed myself. The idiot then confirms that he gave the order to dose the cider I was served, so I could enjoy myself properly, but says it should have been harmless, and blames the maid who gave me the wrong dose, who in turn says she was ordered to give me an extra dose after I sent my women away, so I could really enjoy myself. I know who I believe. It was only after my speech to him that he understood that I didn''t like it or approved, especially about the youngest slave girls. He really got the message as I left the estate, and the flame I lit to remind him of the danger of inviting fire into his home, was destroyed when the lightningbolt struck and it rained in the feasthall. That detail definitely makes everyone gathered look at me, and its satisfying that he and the maid really think that I created a small lightning strike with rain inside, or I somehow got Thor to do it for me. Everyone was shocked and wondered what had happened, but as the rain didn''t last, and hardly anyone had heard what I said, Radgeirrson explained that it was a surprise to invigorate them, but that Sejdmann Arnesson unfortunately couldn''t stay and needed to ''enjoy'' his new companion on the road.


    The King and the Councilors quickly whispers, then most are sent out, but we are offered to stay with the King, the Councilors, a Tingsman Jensi and the guards. Radgeirrson is also left in handcuffs, while the maid is led away.


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    When the doors close, a few seconds pass in silence, then King Asbj?rn explodes from the throne towards Radgeirrson. King Asbj?rn circles Radgeirrson and scolds him for being a bigger idiot than he thought, and that Radgeirrson has finally managed to do something he has tried to prevent for the past eight years. That Radgeirrson, among other things, was in his vicinity, because he promised Radgeirrson father to try to prevent Radgeirrson from causing trouble or doing something foolish. Radgeirrson seemed to learn as he got older, but he was only saving his stupidity to unleash it to do something so incredibly stupid. Radgeirrson should thank the gods, for a dead Sejdmann Arnesson would be a disaster for the future of the kingdom. Sejdmann Arnesson is more important for the future of the kingdom than he himself, and will make the kingdom richer, more powerful, more influential and better. Sejdmann Arnesson''s Academy will make the world a better place! The only thing Radgeirrson has contributed in his entire life is to make the world worse!


    Radgeirrson almost led to Sejdmann Arnesson''s death, just like the idiot who demanded that duel. Because Radgeirrson''s brain is between his legs and he thinks that all other men are really the same - they just don''t have enough command of their women. Radgeirrson insulted Sejdmann Arnesson and his women by giving him a h¨®ra as a gift, and made it much worse by making the h¨®ra swear to Freya to be his!


    Asbj?rn really puts his muscles behind a hard and quick strike to Radgeirrsons stomach, who doubles over, and then he gives him a vicious kick to the groin from behind, followed by a couple of powerful kicks, while he shouts that Radgeirrson should be damn happy that Sejdmann Arnesson is a strong man, and should pray to the gods that Sejdmann Arnesson survived. What if something happened to his women! What if he can''t have children! No one wants to experience what happens if Sejdmann Arnesson gets angry. The only thing that can be said with certainty is that it would not stop with lightning, thunder and rain on a sunny day. Indoors!


    Asbj?rn seems to remember that we''re still in here and have witnessed his outburst and heard what he said. I can see the ''Fuck!'' going through Asbj?rns mind while he adjusts his clothes, then he quickly turns around and takes out some frustration for loosing his cool, by stomping on the lying and squirming Radgeirrson. Okay, Asbj?rn has a violent temper. Good to know.


    Asbj?rn gathers himself, sits down on a chair next to me and whispers to us what he will sentence Radgeirrson to, following guidelines from the law and history: Bloodline extinction. Bloodline extinction involves public castration for all of his fathers and mothers descendants, which is Radgeirrson, his son, his two brothers and sister, and their children, followed by they all becomming slaves for life. They become slaves owned by the Northmen Ting and have to work hard. It is a way to prevent revenge and blood feuds if the crime is severe enough, by separating the punished and the victim. All their land and possessions, even the clothes on their bodies, go to me as the victim of his attempt to end my bloodline. The slave maid who served me will of course be publicly tortured to death.


    Fuck that! That''s just too brutal and hurts a lot of innocent people. After a quick and quiet discussion with Iselin and Kari, I ask Asbj?rn to let it end with Radgeirrson. No-one knows if this has caused permanent harm. Let his wife and children be separated from him and keep a small farm. It''s not their fault that the father is an idiot. Don''t castrate Radgeirrson, but let it hang over him as an option if he misbehaves. Don''t eradicate his bloodline and let his siblings continue their lives. Let the slave woman live, and continue to be a slave. King Asbj?rn nodded seriously, and says that since Radgeirrson did it out of stupidity and carelessness, he can be a little milder. Had it been deliberate, the punishment would have had to be executed, and in the future I can demand full punishment, even if its only because I so wish. Radgeirrson''s family and his siblings lives continue to be at my mercy. Their life tied to mine.


    King Asbj?rn return up to his throne and the rest are called back in again, while guards get Radgeirrson on his feet. The slave woman ?sa will receive a brand on her shoulder as a sign that she has been convicted of participating in a severe crime, but on Sejdmann Arnesson''s recommendation she will not be publicly tortured to death, and just stay a slave. Upon hearing the sentence she basically collapses and falls to the ground towards me while thanking me, before she is taken away. King Asbj?rn tells the wide-eyed and terrified Radgeirrson what the law and history say he should judge him to, but that he has been asked by Sejdmann Arnesson that for now, be merciful to his family and siblings, so they don''t have to suffer for their brother, father and husband''s stupidity. However, Sejdmann Arnesson can demand full enforcement of the judgment in the future, and should any of them act against Sejdmann Arnesson or his next of kin, or Sejdmann Arnesson becomes ill or dies without having healthy children - it will be enforced. The judgment takes effect immediately, and Radgeirrson is literally dragged away. He is not given a chance to walk.


    I hope I never change so much that I demand full enforcement, but his family and siblings will live with a Damocles sword over them, and that should be a fairly effective way to avoid any form of revenge from them. I do not even know if it has ever been an opportunity for me to have healthy children, especially with an elf, but it is a problem for the future, and I may be able to have the sentence mitigated given time.


    King Asbj?rn turns to me and tells me that even though he himself has a pretty good understanding of Radgeirrson''s properties, Tingsman Jensi will handle the review and transfer of Radgeirrson''s properties, and Tingsman Jensi will also evict Radgeirrson''s family from the land.


    Iselin and Kari point out that I just became a Storman.


    <hr>


    A smaller private meal is served for us and the royal family, but it is not a feast and its short so that I won''t have to sit for long. Its pretty much only due to customs and because it will still take an hour before we''re back on the farm. The Queen and the Princesses say they had a lovely ride in our carriage.


    It is nice to lie down again when we travel back. I wish I had made the backs two-part so half could become a bed and half a seat, but I didn''t. I might have to modify it. Ciara is happy that Iselin and Kari are letting her lie with me and being held, and it''s not just because I hold her. Ciara thinks it''s fun to lie down and sway around. Iselin is sitting in the back and Kari is riding alongside before she will leave to take care of moving related business in the city.


    I didn''t notice anything during the meal, and have the valid excuse that I am in pain, but Kari knows that the Princess Ulfarna tend to speak before she thinks and is bad at acting, and Ulfarna were ''clearly'' jealous of the carriage, and Ulfarna loves to ride. Something about how Ulfarna mentioned the carriage a couple of times during the meal, have convinced Kari that Queen Haera and Princess Sefa were also impressed and jealous, but they''re both much better at keeping a controlled appearance. Kari is willing to bet that the wagonmaker will receive an order within a week.


    <hr>


    Ciara can''t understand how Iselin can like a lot of metal music, but I hardly complain that Iselin is well on her way to becoming a metalhead. Iselin has asked questions that made me show her a bit from the ''music'' folder where I have pictures on music groups, people, albums etc, which of course led to other questions and explanations. It made me realise that Iselin is reminiscent of Simone Simons from Epica, although Iselins green eyes, freckles and playful smile sure wins.


    Anyway, nowadays Iselin is extra adorable when she likes something and ''throw up the horns'', even though she sometimes do it to completely the wrong kind of music. They both think the gesture looks like an animal, and its funny that the ''Babymetal'' girls did the same thing. They thought it was a fox symbol. Iselin has also started to use darker makeup around her eyes or as eye shadow, mostly a type of charcoal, so it should be reasonably safe. Unless of course there''s nasty heavy metals or something in it, which might be the case. Eye makeup is quite uncommon here, even among men, but I will try to verify if its safe in the future. Unfortunately, Jane doesn''t know much about historical makeup, which is still way more than I do. I know it existed, and how simpler perfumes were made.


    After the evening meal, I ask Kari to cuddle and listen to music, so she don''t feel pushed aside. I''m blessed to have her and the others near me, but look forward to my mansion being finished. Its so crowded here now with people everywhere. It gives me an uncomfortable pressing feeling I can''t escape, and I want more time for myself. I need some time alone, and placing my bedroom as far away from the rest was a good idea.


    It will feel be a bit crowded in the mansion too with so many people living there, and much less space than I thought. I obviously hadn''t planned for everything that happened when I designed the mansion. I hope that most of the mansion at least has a roof and is livable when we get there, and I know that the toilets will be usable. Thankfully, the women don''t spend an hour on the toilet each morning, because that would have been a disaster.


    There is space in the mansion, and also some extra guest rooms, but not as much space as I thought. In addition to the guesthouse by the barn, I may need to build an extra house or detached wing in the near future - probably next summer - but the question is where? I didn''t plan for expansion, and I don''t want to block the view, and this new building needs heat, light, water, toilets, bathrooms etc. So maybe on the steep cliffs below the wing and north of the pavilion? But my plan is to have sewage filtering ponds there. Where the road enters the courtyard is impractical. Maybe in front of the mountain face to the north? Below the cliffs to the east with a staircase up to the courtyard? Further away?


    Tomorrow, early in the morning, we will leave this farm, load the ship with everything we own and leave Borgarsandr. The ship is already loaded with everything they can from the craftsmen, especially furniture, food, drinks, household utensils and stuff like that. Kari has arranged a temporary cook who is employed for at least the first month, and she''s prepared that it might be a bit primitive, although the kitchen should be ready, not counting the water system. Both Elvira and Jalida can cook, and although its not supposed to be their main duty, it is good they can help, and they can make more exotic dishes as well, which we all like to hear, even if they lack some regional spices and ingredients.


    I look forward to see my mansion, as its been several weeks since last time. I hope the roof and interior are ready enough to move in, otherwise we will have to make the best of it.

 Creating something new - day 51, Moving in (part 1 - outside)

    Creating something new, day 51


    2 days later.


    Moving in.


    When I wake up, the ship is already at anchor in the harbor at my island. We left Borgarsandr quite late yesterday after a lot of shopping and loading, but Asta seems to find a certain pleasure in knowing the surroundings and shallows well enough to be able to sail part of the route through darkness and the rest when it starts to get light, at least when the moonlight and the weather is good.


    We can see the reflections from the copper roof through the treetops, but I don''t want to take a quick look by myself, and everyone thinks we should go together. Had the ship been anchored only 40m meters further south, we would have seen the mansion better, because apparently the upper part of the roof is so high up that it can be seen and in the right direction the suns reflections can be seen a long way. I''ll probably cut down some trees so I get a better view from my bedroom.


    Iselin made sure that the maids got a couple of sets of nicer everyday dresses and underwear, and bought extra for future personel. Caecilia is hesitant about underwear, especially panties, but she isn''t poor and apparently bought two Valhalla sets, one in purple and one in orange. I guess she doesn''t see much point in the everyday or sport models. She would probably love Kari''s special set, but thats probably not for general sale as Kari wants it to be just for her and for me to appreciate her in.


    The one who has been most uncomfortable and lost is Caecilia, although she seems to get along surprisingly well with at least Ciara, Jane and Iselin. I have learned that Caecilia can play music on a couple of different instruments, sing, dance, can tell a lot of Sagas and stories, poetry, play games etc. She can be our bard or something, and it''s not wrong to have her as the island''s musician and entertainer when we have guests. The rich should have someone like that. The others have talked to her more and Caecilia seems very interested in Jane''s painting and art. Caecilia''s used to a leisurely life between ''clients'' and feasts, and she is used to being served and having a slave maid who take care of any hard work. I havn''t talked much with her, but I understand that since she''s ''mine'', I''m expected to make sure she have good food and housing. She will probably buy a slave again to take care of her needs, and then I will have to feed that slave too. I''ve made sure Caecilia understands that I don''t like the concept of slaves, but as Caecilia and most see it, it makes more economic sense to buy a slave woman than to hire a maid, since a slave is a one time cost and an investment.


    Caecilia and her probable freed slave is an economic burden, but I already feed Jane, the guards, the maids and the cook, and there will probably be a man to take care of the mansion and animals. So another couple of mouths to feed isn''t that much more of a burden. Especially with my new property I should have plenty of food to feed them. Most of that land is something like 3-4 days trip to the south, and according to King Asbj?rn is a large estate with good fertile soil and plenty of animals. The others talked about the land, while the main thought in my head was; fuck, half a weeks journey, when in Midgard it would be a 3 hour drive. And it will be winter, with winter weather and short days. So it might be more days. Either rocking over the sea, or slogging through cold wind, rain, snow and muddy roads.


    I pretty muched zoned out thinking about ways to improve travelspeed, making it more comfortable and adding a communication option to get updates and such so that I won''t have to visit that often. It will probably take years to make a good stonepaved road with a lot of river fords, bridges and ferries, and it will cost a lot, and pass over a lot of other peoples land. Those people might object to improving the road. They will loose face if they let me pay for it, and they might not want to pay for it themselfs. And then its the complication of increased amount of travelers, which according to tradition should be offered food and stay over the night if asked. Which will mean further resistance to improving the road. I might have to convince larger landowners or villages about the benefits of building and staffing an inn, with different pricing options including a free stay one. Yeah, that will be so easy.


    Jane has had some setbacks with colors, and some progress. Jane found a batch of expensive good colors, which I of course let her buy simply because she would need it. Good craftsmanship often needs good tools, and I wouldn''t have hesitated if it was for myself. We''re both convinced that one is indigo blue even though people here don''t call it indigo, and she also bought another shade of blue which she says is Egyptian blue and should be brightly shining in IR, which actually might be useful for other things in the future. Also a sharp red Cinnabar, which she says she must be careful with as it is mercury sulfide, and was classically used to create mercury. She now got a good palette of colors and everything she needs to be able to try out different binders, varnishes and oils, and will prepare canvases to test oil painting. When she started talking about ''Alla prima'', ''fat over lean'', ''values'' and what color scale different masters preferred and other Latin expressions I didn''t understand, it was obvious that Jane wanted to show her knowledge and prove her value.


    The ship''s cargo space is filled with furniture, utensils, food, drinks, oil barrels, toilet paper, fabrics and of course our personal belongings and all my constructions, finished or not. And the loom that Iselin wanted, even if it''s just a primitive vertical construction instead of what I call a loom. There is apparently no real horisontal looms here, which surprised me, because they are not that complicated, but I get that big looms simply take up too much space in most houses to be worth it, and the vertical one works well enough. You just have to look at their crafts, fabrics and embroidery to see that. I will try to build a ''real'' loom for Iselin in the future. If she wants to weave, I will try to make her the best loom I can.


    In addition to the above, there are all the extra things from the craftsmen in Borgarsandr. Add decorative things like tapestries, draperies and I don''t know what. They shopped a lot, and I have already promised my sambos that we will go on another shopping trip when the mansion is completed, as things will have been forgotten.


    Up on the deck are the carriage and the wagon, and they are leading all the horses to the pastures. The carriage, wagon and some of the horses will be used to transport the cargo up to the mansion, but the horses will be allowed to run and streach their legs before.


    The cat took the trip relatively well, but is currently kept back in the large basket that acts as a cat basket. Not optimal and the cat isn''t happy, but I want to introduce the cat to the mansion, instead of letting the cat go free here in the harbor. The cat has been given a simpler leash, and was allowed to take a walk on land. The cat also got its own water bowl and a small open basket with a padded cushion. Everyone except Jane thinks it''s very eccentric to treat a cat like that, but they''re not really surprised.


    Masterbuilder Pedr has met up and is waiting for us.


    <hr>


    Its with tense anticipation that our group walk on the road to check out our future home, and Iselin and Kari havn''t been here since they were working on the house foundation. Just seeing the harbor''s fairly large stone paved area and walking on the road feels so good - proper and luxurious. There are piles of building materials in the harbor and we quickly look at one of the 6x4 houses that are being built in the harbor area. The workers are working on the roof, which is almost finished, but the inside and floor are not finished yet, but give them a few more days.


    <hr>


    The horses seem to thrive in and enjoy the pasture, or they are just happy to escape the ship. Two separate work teams are working on the barn and its 6x4 house, and they''re definitely making progressing here as well. Maybe a week or two until they''re completed. This house didn''t have any real purpose, but for now it will probably be Caecilias house in the beginning. However, she is rich and special enough that she probably should have something more luxurious. I mostly thought the house fit so this feels like its own farm, and future animal caretakers can live here. With a future lower wall facing the road, it will be a flat garden of about 4m in front of the house, and with a fence around it can look good. Even if the garden is only one meter higher than the road, it should give a slightly more powerful feeling to look down on the probably future farmyard between the barns. I don''t really like to have a wide road separating the house from the barn, and the road going ''through'' the farm, but it is as it is.


    The vegetable land has plenty of lush green plants, but its something like 5 weeks since it was planted with generally good weather since then. Whether too dry or rainy. So atleast we will have some fresh greens with our food.


    <hr>


    It''s very impressive to walk along the road around the cliff with the mansion on top, and I''m almost a little disappointed that I didn''t even think about how effective it is to make an good first impression on visitors comming from this direction, and I''m glad that the planned place for the Academy is likely to have a similar effect from the other direction if travelers come from the Orusingen direction. The mansion should look good too comming along the road from that direction.


    The cliffs are relatively high, and since they generally slope around 40-60 degrees, it builds in both deep and high, so the mansion is clearly visible from the road instead of being obscured by vertical rock walls, while it feels majestically high because the diagonal distance is longer than just the height would have been. You look up at an angle but look along the cliffs up to the mansion which then tower upwards. Its something of a visual illusion that makes it feel further away and taller than it is. The mansion is impressive and I think most people in my company, probably couldn''t visualize what it would look like. How impressive the large copper roof is, and how beautiful its diamond-shaped tiles look. The roof shimmers in the sunshine when we walk along the road due to all the small edges of the tiles that are hand-shaped and not perfectly uniform from a machine. Even Jane is impressed, saying that it almost looks like a large skin from a dragon or snake of copper has been pulled over the roofs. I''m quite pleased that Jane is a little impressed with the mansion, because she''s seen a hell of a lot more impressive buildings before, and apparently she expected me to build a stone castle.


    Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    From a defense point of view, it feels quite effective that the rocks build outwards and not just vertically. There is no dead angle along the foot of the rocks, as they are a bit away, and the rocks are generally too steep to get up on, and with too poor grip. The last ice age really smoothed out a lot of the northern landscape, well, except the 200m heigh ridge it pushed ahead of itself to southern Sweden. Of course it is possible to climb up, and there are some easier paths up, such as where the road goes to the courtyard in the northwest, the slope bellow the cliffs in the north east or up on the cliffs in the south.


    The copper roof is so worth all the gold it cost. Its a pity that it will darken and lose its luster but it is as it is, and I do not intend to try to stop it; the purpose isn''t to be pretty but to protect, be watertight and very low maintenance. Eventually it will turn green and nice again. But I regret a little that I didn''t get them to make a more undulating roof at the edges and ridge - it would have been a little prettier. I have to content myself with putting on some nice protruding dragon heads or similar at the ends, hopefully a carpenter can make something more 3D than the common 2D versions here.


    The roofers are working on the last part on the west side of the wing''s roof. They started with the wing after the exercise stand to get a little more practices, but after they felt confident enough, they would move on to finish the roof of the main building and then return to do the last on the wing. Pedr confirm that most of the inside is finished.


    Most exterior windows also appear to be in place on the main building, but such as the mosaic windows in the attics are not in place and blocked, just like the small attic windows in the corners on the sides. It seems like many basement windows and the wings arn''t in place either, but I guess the windows arn''t finished yet. The window maker would hurry to send what he could, and we brought a few windows with us. The facade of the wing isn''t finished either. The facade is not only for extra insulation but also to protect the log wall from the weather, and it also allow air to slowly circulate behind the facade and moisture can rise or drain out so that there shouldn''t be any large moisture problems. The facade is also easier to replace than building a new house. I believe some of the old wooden buildings and churches in Norway used that principle and some still stand 800 years later, even though they use standing rough hewn planks and ore-pines according to the ''stave'' principle, hence stave churches.


    <hr>


    Before we go inside, we walk around everything for a closer look. Norse elves are not afraid of getting dirty even with long dresses, and we walk counterclockwise, down the stairs and along the basement towards the pavilion. When the pavilion is eventually completed, it will probably be wonderful and very useful in the summer, and the guards might like to use it as a training area, and I can work on large projects there as well, like parts for an aircraft. The pavilion will be large; 17x10m with railing around the entire outside except the entrance towards the mansion. The height to the inside of the roof ridge will be 4.6m in the almost north-south, but roof support and reinforcements will of course lower the clearance to around 3m. The view is beautiful and depending on which end you''re at, you have a view from the north, all the way west over the slump and its road, meadows and future orchard below, via the treetops to the south, and finally over the cliffs south of the mansion to the east. It feels special to stand here, and it seems like everyone already likes the pavilion, and it is not even finished. With a fine slate floor, it will be quite beautiful with wood carvings on the posts that hold up the roof, but it takes time and will be done later. My company have a bit of a hard time understanding why there is a fireplace in the middle of each short side when there are no walls, so I make a quick explanation why it can be practical before we move on.


    Everyone looks a little puzzled at the stonefloor that is outside the southwest corner of the mansion, and its wooden beams that go up and over at regular intervals like a large wooden lattice with meter large holes. Another pavilion? Nope. Greenhouse, 40m2. No one understands. I say "Greenhouse" to Jane and she nods understandingly.


    "All those big windows on the house have to have been insanely expensive, but this has to be atleast half the same amount of glass as the rest of the house!"


    I confirmingly nod. "Its about 60%. The important rooms, and all bedrooms, will get inner windows too, to act as double glazing windows for insulation, so it will add the same amount. This building will have something like 150 square meters of glass." I point to the mezzanine window. "Just one of those huge windows have more glass than most higher standard longhouses, and there are four of those. And it will be double glazed. This building will have far, far more glass than any other building in Scandinavia."


    "Ah! Of course there is no Christian cathedrals here."


    "Correct. I don''t know how it is down in Europe, but I''ve been told there are cathedrals or other large churches for their religions, atleast as works in progress. Midgard gothic cathedrals have something like 2000-6000 square meters of glass. Then again cathedrals are huge, and usually took 300 to 600 years to complete. This took less than 3 months. When I''m finished with the Academy and a few other buildings next summer, there will be more glass on this island than in Borgarsandr. The biggest costs of this mansion are windows and copper. The roof is something like 12 tons of copper."


    "Dare I ask how much?"


    "I havn''t told my girlfriends, so I won''t tell you. But I got a huge discount on both."


    Jane''s smile worries me as I just gave her a hold on me, so to change the subject, I ask: "Do you know about fruitwalls?" Her face makes it clear that this is not the case. "Its a technique used for centuries, before greenhouses. Big thick stonewalls lined up facing south, used to grow fruits and vegetables against. The stonewall works as thermal mass and stabilizes the temperature which creates a small microclimate and especially helps against frost."


    "Oh! I''ve seen those!"


    I explain that greenhouses were originally an improvement of fruit walls, but humans then went from making the stone walls. It is cheaper and much easier to just throw up a lot of glass. However, there are still villages in, for example, France that have funny architecture due to the old cultivation walls are massive and cost a lot to demolish, and some small area had 600km of walls. But the French weren''t alone in using this. Together with progressive hardening and adaptation to the north, over many generations of the plants, the Russians developed the principle in the early 1900s to have fruit moats so some citrus fruits could be grown in climates with winter temperatures down to minus 20 degrees Celsius.


    This is a coastal island in the archipelago, so it shouldn''t be as cold and for as long as it can be inland, and I hope we will be able to grow a lot. I want vegetables and spices available most of the year, and if we can manage to harden plants and create a domestic production of vegetables and fruits not commonly grown here before, this greenhouse will be worth its weight in gold. They have some hardy winter plants I guess are cabbage or something, but I want something better and with more variety, even if it grows slowly. This isn''t only for variety, but also to give us all the nutrients that the body needs. Jane definitely agrees with improving food variety. After her months in Hildifjoer, she has understood how terribly single-track the diet is that many people live on. We both assume diet deficiencies are common.


    We have to be careful as we walk down the cliffs to the south and stand at a little distance and look up. Thats quite and impressive facade. Too bad that all the windows for the middle arn''t finished, but there is a couple so I can''t complain. The middle part of the main building has an open floor plan towards the entrance hall, where the corridors on both floors go to the sides, so those are important windows. All south windows to the rooms except the two in the wing above the greenhouse are finished and the facade is in place. They have planks prepared and have built scaffolding, so they''re just waiting for the windows. I should have ordered the windows earlier, especially so that the greenhouse has also been completed faster, but I am satisfied with the high production pace that the window maker maintains, and he has expanded his capacity to meet my needs. There simply hasn''t been such great demand for windows before.


    I tell them that in the future there may be a small garden here up on the rocks, with a small pond, fruit trees and vegetable garden, but it requires stone walls and lots of soil even if we do it in terraces, so we''ll see. It feels like a lot of unnecessary work when vegetables and fruit trees can be grown below the cliff about a hundred meters away, but it would be nice to have a secluded private garden. But a somewhat large garden will require significant amounts of stone for walls and ridiculously many wagon loads of soil. But considering how the women react, there is a very high probability that atleast a small garden will be built next year. We all liked the small secluded garden we had during our stay outside Borgarsandr.


    <hr>


    We have to go further south to reach the spot where its possible to walk down, and round the cliff back up to the east side with its balcony. Here, too, the three mosaic attic windows are missing and the holes are boarded up. My bedroom balcony wrap around the southeast corner of the mainbuilding - but mostly on the east side - and it looks good from here. It was mostly blocked from the road by treetops. The balcony is really impressively high up when you stand down here among the trees a bit below the cliff and look up at the house. The balcony must be 12m up from down here. The views should be impressive, and I can stand the morning sun in the summer. If the dark oiled overlapping blinds isn''t enough, I just have to hang up extra drapes inside the blinds. It might be nice to have breakfast out on the balcony. The railing isn''t finished yet, but a man is working on it. Alith catches my attention, and with a glance we can both see that the lower part of the support pillars against the foundation has not been completely covered yet, so you can see the axles that the balcony can rotate out on. Best to not point it out to the others.


    We end our walk around and return up to the courtyard via the steep part just before the cliff face. Its not a vertical cliff here as most of the east side from the courtyard to a bit south of the mansion, but it was far easier to get up here before they use all the loose stone to build with. Maybe we should build a staircase here as a shortcut to the barn? It saves 2/3 of the distance.


    The courtyard isn''t really finished, but its nice and has a perfectly okay view. It also faces east towards the strait, although the oaks green treetops are in the way to see the barn, pastures and the harbor, but it is nice to stand and look out on the tree tops. In the winter the view till be better. A railing or wall must be built to prevent someone from falling down the cliff. Its probably 5-6 meters down, and not flat ground below.


    We walk up on the slate floored veranda and the front door looks good and feels quite impressive, but after walking along the road around the cliff and across the courtyard, this mansion doesn''t need a really impressive door. The gable copper roof just continues out over the entrance hall until it stops 2.7m above the veranda stairs. The overall impression is hard to beat, and it''s probably good that I missed having them to put my logo or housemark on each door, as there is a beautiful mosaic window on each side of the front door that has my housemark. Stained glass on the outer edges, clear glass in the middle with my housemark. If I wanted to change color or design, it is now too late. When I look closer, I realize that the window maker really has changed the iron net inside so it follows the housemarks lines, and its damn hard to see that its special from the outside. And I know what I''m looking for.


    I realise that they havn''t installed the gutters yet, which is vitally needed for the water system, and to prevent the veranda stairs from having a waterfall when it rains, and who wants to walk through that? The veranda''s small patio of 17m2 in the pocket between the wing and the entrance hall extension will also get drenched without gutters leading the water to the tanks in the basement. At least the drain is made as it should be, so there shouldn''t be any standing water against the foundation. It''s stone, but I''m a little worried about moisture and ice fracturing.

 Creating something new - day 51, Moving in (part 2 - the wing)

    I change my mind about going in the main entrance and decide to show the wing first, and lead everyone around the wing, down the stairs and over to the pavilion, and up the stone stairs to the pavilion entrance into the wing. This will also be the way to the greenhouse and future garden.


    This door is the same as the main entrance, but with two small stained glass windows above with a feast motif, which is fitting as the pavilion will be used for feasts in the summer when we have guests. The corridor inside is short and with a single stair about a meter inside, and the overall shape of the corridor in the wing is a mirrored L, and we''re stepping in through the short end. A pair of inner doors with glass, will be built about 1.5 meters inside the outer door, to act as a small entrance hall and air buffer. We should probably make the glass in the doors match the stained glass mosaic above the pavilion entrance.


    Straight ahead we have a security door that leads into the main building, and its open and we can see straight through the main buildings corridors to a window on the other side, but I stop them from getting more than a peek by closing it. The long corridor to the north goes through the middle of the wing to the large ''kitchen door'' on the short side towards the courtyard. Side entrance is probably a better word. There is small light tunnel above the security door too, but this corner will be a bit dark, especially when the inner doors come into place. Most of the floor here in the wings groundfloor is grey slate stone, and looks nice while being durable, but it doesn''t help making it lighter in here.


    The room to the south will be my workshop, but currently lack most windows which are just boarded up. As almost all rooms in the building, there is a thick solid 20cm log wall towards the corridor main building, which hopefully means that I won''t disturb too much. Since I won''t have any electric lights, I probably won''t work really late or in the middle of the night. The workshop is above the boiler room in the basement, so the steam pipes will go up along the corner and this room will also house the battery bank, because the need will be greatest here. The room will also get water and a sink, and already have a drain just like most rooms in the wing. The room is also open to the inner roof, and a staircase leads up to a 15m2 attic. I can guess what I will build here, so I need options and storage, which is also one reason for the small fireplace.


    As we go north along the wings corridor, we first reach the female servants bedroom, and Elvira, Jalida and the cook Rikvi looks happily at the bedroom that will be theirs. I describe how there will be a bunk bed along each side and a small folding table under the window with a chair. By sitting on the beds, three can use the table. The upper bed is high enough that it won''t be a problem. There is also space for clothes to hang on the walls facing the corridor, and there will be two storage chests under each bunk bed for their personal belongings. There''s room for another maid, and this room will only be for women. The view towards the pavilion and its roof isn''t exciting, but well, they''re servants, and they love the room.


    We continue to the next room, which is smaller, and I describe how it will get a bed, table and a chair etc, and I offer it to Caecilias as her own room if she doesn''t want one of the attic rooms here in the wing. This room is just 6m2, with the same view of the pavilion and its roof, but it is a separate room for her, so it will give her a higher status than the servants, without classifying her as a pure guest or taking up a guest room. I had planned that this room to have a bunk bed and be for a couple of men in the staff, and it will be used for that when Caecilia moves out.


    I also explain that there are several rooms in the attic, so if its really needed, these two rooms may in the future merge into one, or be used for something else. The wall between these two rooms is a plank wall, instead of a log wall, while the wall to the next room to the north is stone.


    We go straight across the corridor to the east side and the staff''s 20m2 common room. The common room has a direct door to the kitchen, a larger open fireplace and two narrower windows to the courtyard veranda and patio. In normal use, it will be the staff''s common room, dining room and meeting place, but it will also be used when they need extra kitchen space, for larger baking or something. Should it be needed, extra temporary staff can be accommodated here at night, but I doubt that it will ever be needed. We should have enough space in the attic rooms to handle temporary staff.


    The kitchen, with its 31m2, is one of the largest rooms in the house and the three large windows facing the courtyard makes it quite bright. The kitchen has two fireplaces, one at each end, where the fireplace towards the staffs common room is more advanced and modern, while the other is just a larger open fireplace that is multi use and closer to the common fire pit. Its multi use and large enough to grill a whole pig on, or just heat something as simple as several large pans or cauldrons at once, or dry meat hangning from the bars up in the chimney. There''s options from being completely open, using its two iron arms with hooks to swing cauldrons in and out over the fire, to using grilling mesh, several iron bars or skewers, and in different positions. A few different combinations are possible.


    The more modern fireplace has a two large iron plates for frying or cooking on, a large oven and finally a bread oven that I hope can make pizza. The modern fireplace gets a lot of interest as I explain, because the plates, oven and bread oven are new to most people and I explain how the fire heats the large cooking plates directly and one plate will be hotter than the other, and the smoke circulates in ducts and heats the oven even if the ovens own fire isn''t lit, before the hot smoke goes up to the chimney. The small covers on the side of the fireplace are for access for cleaning out the canals and sooting, and the large cooking surfaces can be pull out for cleaning. The plates needed to be in grooves so that they can expand when hot, and have a raised edge along the side and back to stop fat and other stuff from running down underneath. They''re two to make them easier to make, install and handle, and to have a temperature difference. A single large surface would expand more, and warp more. Its possible to make a third plate to change and slide in place. The bread oven has a separate fire, but a similar systems with channels around the oven. I make it clear that they''re not suppose to light a fire inside the oven, even if it is possible if they open that damper. There will be no ash residue in the bottom of the bread here.


    The iron doors with easy locking and adjustable air intake, and a separate ash tray below the fire is really impressive for them when they understand the function, and they lively discuss what can be done in the oven and how it will be. Personally, I hope the heat and heat control will be good enough, because I do not want to rebuild next summer. I also hope I made everything big enough for making food for a large household.


    The women, but especially the cook''s reaction, is entertaining, because we warned it might be ''primitive''. No-one thinks its primitive. Pedr is very pleased with their reactions and how well it all works, and he say they have tried all the buildings fireplaces, especially here in the kitchen, which they used to make two batches of bread with the oven, and fried egg and meat directly on one plate while boiling soup on another. It all works really well, and his maid and the women who cook for the workers are completely awed by the kitchen. When they cleaned it out one had tears that she will never use anything like it again.


    I''ve quickly explain to Jane, but she gets it way faster. She isn''t that surprised. I point out: "Beside bread, I hope to make pizza, but forget tomatoes, since I believe they are from South America. Maybe in ten years, if they even look or taste what we expect from a tomato. I hope they have the same plants as in Midgard because I really want potatoes, which will be an extremely important crop to bring back, along with maize. Of the four most important food crops in our modern world - rice, wheat, potato and maize - Europe here only have wheat, and they eat a lot of it. Potato works really well in this northern climate and is easy to store. Hell, if I could plant potatoes on say 25% of the farmland here, and achive something like a quarter of the yield of modern farming in low production countries, that would still be something like 50 tons of potatoes."


    "50 tons?! That much?"


    "If I remember correctly with good modern yields and crop variaties, its something like 15-25 tons per hectare, and I have something like 50ha."


    "Bloody Hell! Thats a thousand tons! No wonder potatoes are cheap and everywhere. So 50 tons is conservative thinking on a quarter of the land. Its just 4 tons per hectare. But with 50 tons the islands could live on potatoes!"


    "It would probably only be about half the calories for 50 people, as a hardworking farmer here eat a lot of food. As a precaution we really need diversified food, although you can live on unpealed potatoes alone. Literally. There''s people that lived for years on just potatoes, and its a low fat, low cost diet. Add a bit of greens, milk, eggs, fish and meat and you''re golden. Man, I really miss potatoes. The Irish potato famine happened because they were so dependant on potatoes, and blight killed the crops, while in France they thought potatoes caused leprosy and was only good as animal feed. If I remember correctly the average Irish farmer ate roughly 6kg per day, which is 2 tons of potatoes per year."


    "Oh, come on! Seriously?! Thats like 2kg per meal! Thats a lot of poop! And might I add; those bloody French! Escargot and oysters are ''tr¨¨s bien'', but not potatoes..."


    I shrug, and the tour of the kitchen ends with me showing the 6m2 food storage room to the north. I show and explain that the room draws cool air from the basement via convection and lets out the warmer air through an outlet valve at the top of the wall. The cool cupboard inside the room has the same system, and should be cooler, and the plan is to have layer upon layer so the cupboard and future refrigerators will be colder, or less energy consuming. These are adjustable valves that can be closed both for the cold updraft and the outlet, because it can be too cold outside in the winter. I open and show the ''warm cupboard'' which will be hot and dry as the cupboard acts as insulation against the large multi use fireplaces back, and waste heat through the stone will heat up the cupboard. There are adjustable intakes to let hot air into the rooom as well, if needed. I don''t know how useful it is to be able to keep something lukewarm, and the only thing I could think of is keeping food warm or fermentation. They just have to experiment. Everyone''s faces are just wonderful to see, especially the cooks and Iselin''s.


    In the future I will mount some kind of thermometers in the different spaces, but its not really important.


    I pratically have to force the cook to come along for the rest of the tour.


    <hr>


    The rest of the wing''s west side after Caecilia''s room is first the large bathroom, followed by the small bathroom, but both are empty right now so nothing interesting to see except that we will have two bathrooms indoors, and the large one is 10m2. After the kitchen, I guess their expectations of the bathrooms are high, but I think it will be met, eventually.


    I explain and describe how the water pipes and taps will work, as well as show the drains, where the shower nozzles and bathtub will be, and that there will always be cold and warm water directly available in the bathrooms, but also in other spaces that need water, as the kitchen and so on. Their faces are gorgeous, and Jane is overjoyed. Jane''s happiness at finally being able to take a warm shower whenever she wants, seems to be contagious.


    This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    Then comes the sauna, and it meets their expectations. An indoor sauna is another thing they''ve never heard of, and Jane say its no doubt I''m Scandinavian. When the rest talks, I learn that a sauna is an important part of weddings, which explains the smiling and small nudges between them. I explain that this sauna should be used when we feel like it, and I show its special little wood burning stove with sauna stones stacked on top, and its separate chimney up. They have clad the outer and corridor wall with a thinner layer of stone. I''m a little worried about moisture damage, so even though it''s hardly an optimal solution, they have tried to make a moisture barrier with slate tiles and mortar on the two log walls and ceiling, and will then dress with wood paneling on the inside where you sit.


    There are standing extra planks that help to hold up the slate roof from below, which are easy to replace if they rot. I quickly discuss with Pedr how I want the benches to be built.


    After the sauna comes the laundry room. Washing clothes indoors is unusual, and usually takes place out in a stream or in the open yard, and many people don''t wash their clothes very often anyway. But I want them to wash often, and it is easier to do indoors where they will have reasonably warm water directly available from a tap. It is also possible to install a large wood-fired vessel for washing. There is no permanent solution for that, but there is a free flue in the sauna chimney, but for now its just a hole in the wall. In the future, I might construct simpler washing machines, and beside being an interesting challenge to do, and it should be very labor-saving, but when that happen, I don''t want a large stone fireplace to be in the way. The washing machines will probably just be a top-loading drum that agitates the laundry, and a simpler centrifuge to force most of the water out of the fabric afterwards, but that would make a big difference in the amount of work each wash is, and make the cloth last longer. There is direct ventilation just like the sauna, bathroom, toilets and kitchen have, and in the future there may be an electric fan if moisture is a problem. The chances are good that they occasionally will have to hang laundry to dry in here, and one wall will have clotheslines. Likewise, the sauna will have clotheslines, as it is a space that will see limited use and is located right next doot. Without water on the sauna stones, the sauna will be dry and hot, although it might smell of smoke, which isn''t nice. More to experiment with.


    The corridor has a couple of open doors that we pass to reach the end with the side entrance door and the stairs up and down, but I open the toilet door and show the toilet room at the northwestern corner. The toilet has an anteroom with a small window that will have two sinks with warm and cold water. Then three separate booths with doors. One with its own small window, while the other two booths share a window. All windows have ventilation to keep odors down. I hope that these dry toilets with their simple separation will work well enough, both in usage and odor.


    I lift the toilet lid and show how the poop falls straight down to large barrels in the separate basement room below with its own small door outside, and the front of the toilet has urine separation that flows down to smaller barrels below. The urine barrels will relatively often be emptied into larger barrels outdoors for storage, because urine has a lot of use, but it smells and forms ammonia. One thing I will eventually try to build with ammonia, is a refrigeration system. It will be nasty to purify and might literally blow up in my face, and it will be a hell of a thing to get all the details right and build a compressor working well enough. But its one thing I have in unlimited quantities that might work. Pedr confirms that the poop barrels have many small holes in the bottom for drainage of excess liquid to the basement rooms separate sewage channel, and there are ventilation ducts up to the roof.


    I explain that when the poop barrel gets half full, it must be emptied to its own compost pile, and the composting is helped by us throwing in a scoop of ash and some type of carbon source, such as sawdust, grass or other, after each use. Plus the paper we dried ourselves with. The fireplaces will provide ash, and if the separation works properly, there shouldn''t be much odor. The compost will be collected in 3 month piles, and be left to rest for 2 years before it is used to kill of all patogens, and we will keep track of how old each pile is, with a plank with a date carved in. Scrubbing the urine and poop hole from time to time to keep the smell down, will not be a fun chore for someone, but the channels have been given a smooth nice surface just to make it easier, and we will make a special brush for those purposes. When the barrels are replaced, the person will also empty a bucket of warm soapy water in the sewage channel.


    They havn''t heard of indoor toilets before, although Ciara say that some Castles in Alba have hole to shit down from a protruding part of the wall. Most are used to more primitive things than even an outdoor toilets or outhouses with only one hole, but as I explain, I see that everyone understands. But its me and Jane that really understand, because we miss modern western toilets. This winter, it will be nice to be able to stay indoors as we go to the toilet. No need to put on clothes and shoes to go out through rain, snow and wind to a freezing cold toilet. This is as close as I can get to a modern toilet right now, although I have plans to introduce a water closet in the future. The toilet room is prepared for it with its separate sewage channel down from the basement room, which for now is just for excess urine. The major problems, is to figure out how to take care of liquid sewage with some form of three-chamber sewage well or something, as well as the water consumption for flushing, and to build a toilet chair in earthenware with a water trap and flushing function. But it is not important enough to be prioritized before winter, and its good to have at least six months experience of this system. It should be good enough.


    Elvira and Jalida are the most shocked, when they understand that even servants and guards can use two of the three toilets and the small bathroom, and they won''t have to run outside during the winter, or take care of night pots from us. Their faces and postures make me quite convinced that I''ll have happy servants. The guards smiles and cautious congratulations to each other, and Gunhild''s entertaining sound are just a nice bonus.


    Kari''s statement that we will live better than the King and Queen shocks more, and with the exception to the work aspect, the servants will live better than the families of Jarl''s. Everyone knows that she grew up in the King''s castle, and Ciara says it definitely applies to Alba as well. She has never even heard of a mansion or castle even close to this one, and she has visited many castles and large estates there. None has had these luxuries and amenities.


    <hr>


    On the other side of the corridor from the toilet are the stairs up and down, so we go up to the wings attic. The middle and east side of the attic is a large open space for water tanks and storage. I carefully check the water tanks that are in place, especially the tanks for warm water around the kitchen chimneys. They seem to be well shaped, and the steam boiler system isn''t needed for us to be able to get warm water, but steam should make it more efficient and certainly warmer. But I like to have backup plans, especially in the beginning before the steam boiler is even built. To even the a working water system, I need to install water pipes, taps and pumps, and I have that on the ship. The level floats seem to work even though they don''t control anything right now. The idea is that they will prevent overfilling and redirect water out through a side pipe. As we get some experience, we will be able to calculate approximately how many pump strokes will be needed, depending on the waterlevel in the tank. It doesn''t need to be filled to absolutely 100% each time.


    It would have felt better to give all the rooms their own window, but it turned out to be a stupid design in relation to the trusses. I could have changed the design of the attic for the windows, but I prefer to have the same everywhere so windows are the same and the builders repeat the same thing with the same angles. Less risk of error, and the outside is now symmetrical. It may be an unnecessary restriction, but there are higher mountains on the north and west side that make you see the mansion from above, and the wing is the first view of the mansion from the road across the island, so I want it to look good. There are only four attic windows in total on the west side, and two on the east side above the kitchen and staffs common room.


    The window above the kitchen is special to be able to climb out on the roof for sooting etc, and has a work platform that goes up on the roof to the chimneys. That window has already been given a simpler hoist to be able to lift food up to the attic, which will be useful when the food supply is to be filled, instead of taking the steep attic stairs. It is just a lifting block at the end of an arm that is attached to a hole and pokes out over the roof edge. Since the builders arn''t finished with the outer wall on the buildings side, I ask Pedr to mount a bracket for a block above the window there as well, so it is possible to lift up goods that way. I honestly didn''t think that it is by far the best way to lift things up, because that window is higher, and there is no stupid roof edge with a gutter to reach outside of.


    We check the three attic rooms to the west for extra or short-term staff. The first two rooms share a small window, and the larger room has its own small window. We can easily fit three beds in each small room, and certainly five in the largest room, but its better to have space, and I intend to have two beds in each small room, with a table and chair in front of the window. The smaller rooms floor space is larger than the maids room for four below, but the ceiling slopes, so even a lower bunk bed only works against the inner wall towards the attic, and I can only stand straight on the inside of the room and towards the window. Had it only been about sleeping places, a couple of low bunk beds could have fit in each room, but it just feels wrong, and only the largest of these three rooms will have two bunk beds. I prefer to pamper the staff and visitors, and they all seem really impressed with how nice the rooms are, and the view over the road and trees down in the slump is nice. The first room in the corner above the toilets will in the beginning be for male staff, and I don''t expect any toilet odor problems in there, and that is according to mine and Jane''s nose. Not what the average person here thinks. Caecilia like the rooms and the view, but prefers the room downstairs.


    We continue into the food storage which is the middle of the wings west side. I hope that 32m2, and almost double in cubic meters, will be enough volume for our needs, and that the food supply stays dark, cool and dry but still has some air circulation through the two nets at the ends, ventilation at the ceilings high point and a small ventilation duct in the attic window. If we really need to, the window can be opened. There is a cold air intake from the basement here as well, right now with its valve closed. The window will have a blackout curtain just like any storage space with a window, and the window is mostly to let light in when someone is here, and it gives the ceiling a symmetrical look from the outside. This space shouldn''t ever reach minus celcius even when there are many minus outside, and in the worst case, the staff will just open the door to the attic, so that the waste heat from the kitchen chimneys finds its way in. I hope the food supply will be cool enough in the summer, but this is mainly for winter storage, and the similar but smaller stores in the attic of the main building will probably be better in summer, as they are on the north side and the sun cannot directly heat them. I don''t really know the need and use, but the others seem to like the storage room and think it can be good for fruits and other food.


    I''m quite happy that the secret exit from the guard''s room doesn''t attract attention, and I saw that Alith had to look closer to find it, but it just looks like joints between logs. In the future, I will check that the locking from the guards side is done correctly, and make sure that they don''t do anything to block it from either side.


    I''m so nervous about food storage, and along with Jane, I''m a modern person. We''re used to being able to buy food whenever we want, and are used to only needing a small refrigerator with a freezer. We''re not used to having to store different raw food for more than six months, without any refrigeration. I''ve had a hard time estimating how much food space we need, and how different raw foods are best stored, and I don''t want problems with mould, pests or insects. So I hope I have oversized, while creating several options and made backup plans. The far end towards the main building above the staffs common room will be used if we need space for more food, and will be hot and dry due to the kitchen chimneys. I decide that the workers will build an wall so that the space becomes an additional storage room of about 15m2, and the room can will get a cold air intake from the middle one of the light tunnels as two of the basement vaults light tunnels go up along the wall to the main building. The western one already serve as the large food storage''s cold air intake.


    They talk and realize that there will be a lot of running in the stairs, to get food down to the kitchen and its cupboards and storage, so I point out and have to explain that in the future there will be a food elevator that connects the attic, the kitchen and the basement. The doors in the wall in the kitchen and the corridor are to that elevator, and the hatch over there on the floor will be for the upper part, which hasn''t been built yet. I have to explain more, like the lift is a 50x50cm box that is 60cm high, which is hoisted up with a counterweight, and they think a bit like the winch, but I say that it will probably be pulling a rope or crank from both the kitchen and corridor. The crank handle will connected through the wall.


    I say "dumbwaiter" and quickly explain to Jane, and she giggles: "Oh my god! Is there anything you havn''t planned for?!"


    "Probably, but I don''t know what yet, or I would have planned for it."

 Creating something new - day 51, Moving in (part 3 - basement and groundfloor)

    We return down to the corridor, and I open the basement hatch and continue down to the wings basement. We look at the two large reservoirs in front of the basement stairs. They''re stone and a part of the foundation, and even I need to stand on my toes to lift the lid and check inside, and the others are too short. There are a couple of groves in the surface for climbing, but there is a ladder leaning against the wall. Pedr say the workers needed it, but its ment to stay here. I explain that most of the roof''s rainwater that should flow to the courtyard, and part of the roof towards west, instead via gutters, leaf separators and three filters flows down to the bottom of these two large reservoirs, 1500 liters each, clad with copper inside and with lid on top. The overflow from the reservoirs flows out via a channel to the large floor drain in the basement. It is possible to light a fire under each of these reservoirs, and there is a small chimney in the wall facing the courtyard. The idea was to be able to boil the water for extra disinfection, but I now see that 1500 liters is such a huge volume of water that it will consume a heck of lot of wood if it ever gets hot enough to boil, so I undersized there. Oops. Jane finds some joy in the fact that I made a mistake.


    This is the backup water reservoir, and will be hand-pumped up to the tanks in the attic for easier use. Its about 190m2 of roof that will be led to these tanks so 1mm of rain gives 190 liters in the tanks, and they will be filled or replaced by 16mm of rain. They have no idea how much that is, so I say it should only take a rainy day to half fill them. If the rain is far too heavy, there will be problems with the flow through the filtration, and as a precaution if there is too much standing water on top of the filter, overflows is automatically led past via pipes out to the normal drain, and in case of extremely heavy rain it will also overflow out to the courtyard. In such situations, its more important that the basement doesn''t flood and the water is clean and filtered, than every drop is saved. The filters can be easily removed so that maintenance can be done, both on the filters and to be able to scrub the water channels. I don''t know how good the filters will be, but they will be stones on top of peat and coal and at the bottom white moss on top of more stones. I have also thought to try sand in filters, but not here.


    Should the well for some reason fail or the pipes freeze and crack during winter, this is a water reservoir for two weeks for everyone if we ''skimp'' and only use 15 liters per person and day, staff included. I have counted on 4 liters for drinking, and the rest for cooking, frugal showering every third day etc. That is without counting the volume of the tanks up in the attic if they are already full, because that is another 1200 liters, where half is warm water, ie a few more days with that rationing. That should be enough time to solve most problems, or to manually refill the reservoirs via buckets that can be hoisted up of moved by wagon. I have already planned to make a horse-drawn carriage with a large barrel and pump to be able to move water when needed; for animals, feasts or other things like watering fields. There is also a reservoir in the boiler room that increases the time or available daily amount per person, even if it is intended for the steam boiler and the greenhouse.


    When I explain and Pedr shows and confirms, I get even more impressed faces from them, and Iselin, Kari and Jane finds it entertaining and reassuring that I really try to have backup plans for the most things, and preferably several backup plans if that''s important.


    Elvira entertainingly just stares when Jalida asks to confirm, that they will never fetch water in buckets from the small stream or the lake that should be on the other side of the mountain. They just pull a handle here, or out on the well every other day and then it doesn''t matter if someone wants to bathe, shower or wash for the rest of the time; water is available and already warm without them having to do anything, and they even get to wash clothes in warm water. Indoor. I confirm, but say that they might need to fetch well water for certain cooking or brewing that requires fermentation, because it may be that water from metal vessels can prevent fermentation, and the water here will be saved in copper vessels, and comes from copper roofs. But yes, hopefully they will never have to fetch water in buckets, and although it will take time to pump, it is much faster and less strenuous than fetching via buckets. In the future, it is possible that they don''t even need to pump because I plan to try a wind pump.


    My audience is mostly speechless.


    Ciara is smug when she says that they''re beginning to understand how good and comfortable life as my maids will be, and Jalida and Elvira''s faces when they look at each other are telling. Once the greenhouse is up and running and we get more animals, they get more to do, but of course I will try to manufacture as much labor-saving equipment as possible. I just have to see and learn how they do things here before I try to improve it, and focus on what takes the most time or is the most strenuous. They will definitely wash and clean more than normal and that is an incredible amount of work here, and the cooking will also be a lot of work.


    Pedr opens the door and we go out into the basement hall which is most of the west side of the wing. Its large and feels nice, and is surprisingly good in terms of lighting. The light tunnels leading in enough light to walk around and fetch things up, without having to use a torch or lantern, but there will of course be lanterns available when there is no daylight. I am very pleased that I designed the light tunnels extra large, many and had them whitewashed, and they have also whitewashed the vaulted ceilings and walls. Pedr is proud of how good it has become. He is very proud over our praise for the building so far, as it might be my design, but its his and the workers craftsmanship.


    The basement hall is large and 21m long, with four basement vaults in a row on the east side where the furthers one is smaller at just 8.5m2 and the remaining three at 14m2, and there is a separate vault in the end for the steam boiler. The smaller vault is divided by a by ironbars with its own door and will be our vault for more valuable things. I know there is an extra basement vault behind under the main building, but the others don''t that know. At least not yet. There should be plenty of space down here to store stuff, food and drink, and I point out the hole in the stone wall that is the lower part of the food elevator, and everyone sticks their heads in to look up. People, its just a hole.


    We go and check the boiler room and the stone foundation for the steam boiler and its chimney. Here, too, there is no finished fireplace or boiler, just a chimney, foundation and ventilation, as I expect to need to adapt and upgrade. The fire will need lots of air, so to avoid negative pressure inside this room, the fire will suck cold air from a valve at the floor to the basement hall. Heat must be able to flow out to the greenhouse via the two very narrow but high windows in the wall, but for that to happen, there must be an air flow out, instead of into the boiler room. There are only a few iron bars in place that divide the windows into 15cm holes. Glass plates and nets must be installed so that mice and rats cannot find their way into the basement, while waste heat from the boiler room can be ventilated into the greenhouse in the winter. There will probably be a cat door in one of the lower holes. Krosp, our cat, will probably appreciated that, and the cats smell will probably keep rats and mice away from the window holes.


    In the outer corner there is a similar water reservoir, but it lacks heating and isn''t copper clad, and its overflow is directed south. This will be an additional 1300 liters, which will be filled much faster as more roofs flow are directed here. Pumping up from here will be possible to do with a pipe up following the future boiler pipes, and this water will also be used to water the greenhouse, with a pipe through one of the windows. So, a cat door in one, and a water pipe in the other.


    I''m actually looking forward to the first really heavy rain and storm, to see how everything works, as well as see how well water flows down from the cliffs. But it''s better there than to have the courtyard drenched.


    <hr>


    Its time to show the main building, so we leave through the basement door, up the stairs and back to the main entrance.


    The front doors open up to a wide and large entrance hall where we will hang outdoor clothes and avoid dragging in dirt, mud and snow. I will demand that shoes be removed in the main building to avoid dirt and mud, perhaps with separate indoor shoes considering socks doesn''t seem to exist here, as they use foot wraps. This isn''t a stamped earth floor, stone floor or simple plank floor. Or well, the entrance hall and the wing have stone floors, but just like the wing its finer gray slate stone, and the wood floor is fine oak. Right now its dry outside so everyone can walk inside with their shoes, and since we''re moving in, today it will be more practical. The courtyard is mostly stone and gravel, which helps, and we have brought simple doormats for the entrances. At larger feasts, shoes may have to be allowed as our guests won''t be used to removing their shoes, and it is a status thing to wear shoes, and pretty shoes. Maybe we can have shoes, sandals or something to lend to guests.


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    There isn''t any door in to the rest of the building, but the idea is to separate the entrance hall with at least drapers in the future, but I will probably order a wide double door. A couple of nice draperies with a pretty pattern on them would be impressive, but a double door is a better heat barrier and more impressive, especially if they inlay some window mosaic or similar. Maybe a diamond shaped window on each door?


    I realize that my company isn''t really interested in the entrance hall or care how it is built. Their focus is on the main hall. Even if most of the windows arn''t in place, it is a powerful sight and feeling to walk into the main hall and look up over the mezzanine and the windows. The large hall opens up, 5.5 meters up to the ceiling with a balcony above the entrance hall and with corridors on each side on both floors. The room isn''t ''big'' like the middle of most longhouses and feast halls that are big open spaces, but 6.5-7m wide is enough, and it is still more than 10m to the windows on the other side above the stairs mezzanine, and I havn''t seen any house here with large windows like that. I actually didn''t plan any of this to be impressive, but with all the 2.7m tall windows in place it will be.


    Its damn satisfying to see everyone''s faces and looks. Even Jane whistles. But she has spent the last few months in longhouses and a simpler farm, and this room and house is very different from the standards here. More like a modern western Midgard home, which is the idea. The large fireplace in the northeast corner doesn''t feel out of place and should be able to keep this place quite warm if the centralized steam heater system doesn''t work. Kari and Ciara seem really happy to live here, and they have lived in castles and fortresses. Iselin happily hugs me and gives me a kiss. I know that Iselin have been looking forward to moving in, not least as I think Iselin wants to be my wife in the future, and then this is her home to rule.


    "To be honest, this was not designed to be impressive to step into from the entrance hall. I wanted an extension with large south facing windows and open space to let in a lot of daylight, and for most of the day as the sun moves, and it was easiest with a balcony to connect the corridors on the second floor. I had to break the stairs with a platform so that the stairs wouldn''t be too steep, and I chose to extend the mezzanine over to the other side and make a larger area for a couch instead of a double stairway. I didn''t want to block the light from the windows."


    Jane is puzzled what the rest finds so funny, so I translate for her and she accompanies them.


    "Most design to impress, you just ''oops'' it by being practical! You should put your throne there! Straight up, in the middle of the mezzanine, between the big windows. Anyone walking in here will be impressed and feel insignificant, and in the winter with the sun low it will be dazzling. You should absolutely schedule their audience for maximum effect." I have to agree with that, except about the throne. I don''t want a throne.


    The northwest corner has an opening into a room and I show what will be the day room for the guards, with a window to the north overlooking the veranda patio, courtyard, and the road in to the courtyard. All the guards just stare at me when I explain the rooms purpose.


    "You must have some place to spend your time apart from your bedroom, and here you are a bit separated and private, while as centrally located as it is possible, with quick access to the entrance hall, a window to see the courtyard, and your own fireplace." Their faces makes it so worth it. If necessary, the maids or guards will take care of all the fireplaces together so that the guests don''t.


    The alcove under the stairs looks normal with its small shelf wall, and I can''t see that its a hidden door down to the secret basement, and Pedr knows better than to say something if I don''t ask. With a curtain in front of the alcove and its small mosaic window to the main hall in place, it will be an even more discreet route down. I still have no idea what I''m going to use the space down there in the secret basement - some rooms are too dark for anything other than storage or a prison dungeon, which I don''t want, and it would also be idiotic to have prisoners in the main building. A mancave is difficult when there is no home theater, pinball machines, video games, etc. Even a dart board will be a hassle to make. But secret rooms are cool.


    <hr>


    We start the tour by going east and I show the study or guest room to the north, followed by the future library to the south. I''m glad I can''t see the hidden shelf door. But I can''t look closer and test that it opens now that everyone is here. Right now the locking should be in the form of simple weight from a rope that keeps the secret door closed, but in the future I will make my own locking solutions with hooks both above and below, with a hidden release. I don''t want the workers and Pedr to know how to open the secret doors - it''s bad enough that they know it exists. I have deliberately avoided talking about the rooms as secret, because I think that will draw unnecessary attention to them, more than its just another basement. Of course Pedr knows, and it should be obvious to the carpenter who built the shelves with the hidden doors, and he has been paid a bonus to keep quiet about it.


    The combined meeting and dining room, is the rest of the east side on this floor. Windows in three directions, with a view over the courtyard via one, a nice view of the treetops to the east through three windows and also south over the cliffs via the last window. I should probably have specified for the window maker what I wanted for every mosaics, for the three eastern windows have mosaic arches at the top, and again with my housemark in the mosaic, even though this is framed by green plants and leaves and looks quite good. It just feels so ego tripped.


    The north side towards the courtyard will have a large dining room table in a more modern style. Not several tables with benches on the sides thats common, but a 3.8m long table with room for 12 but usually it will only have 10 seats, as we''re not that many. I had planned that everyone would eat here, but I quickly realized that I have to accept that the ''masters'' and the staff are separated except at special meals. We have Jane as a permanent guest, and we also got to let Caecilia eat here due to her special status and she is a type of guest for the time being. So we will be six eating here, with room for other guests. The room is large enough that it should be okay to use two such tables side by side, and long enough for two in length, but I hope it will never be needed. Maybe at future weddings or some similar big feast if the weather sucks. For just the occasion, we''ve got two matching tables with chairs made. And its ergonomic chairs with high backs, cushioned leather seats and backs. The tables and chairs is in nicely carved wood and match each other.


    On the south side, there will be a small sofa group with two three-person sofas with a small table in between, as a more relaxing place to hang out and have informal meetings. A TV would have fit on the wall to the library secret passage, but thats not gonna happen. There is a large fireplace for warmth by the door into the room. It looks quite nice with the inlaid gray slate infront of the fireplace, to act as a fire guard. All fireplaces have that sensible precaution.


    <hr>


    We go back to the main hall and continue right across into the western corridor and I show the other rooms on the ground floor. There is a small fireplace in the corridor that in addition to provide heat here in the middle of the corridor that can spread, it will warm up the south facing rooms on both floors. They like that there is another small light tunnel above the security door to the wing, but they''ve already realized that I prefer a lot of light. It isn''t beautiful now, but that tunnel will also be hidden by a small stained glass mosaic, which is among the cargo in ships hull. It no longer needs to be closed, so I open the security door to the wing.


    I show the largest guest room to the south, and the two half as large rooms to the north and the courtyard. The smallest room in the corner towards the wing, is very dark as it only has a north facing light tunnel from above the wings roof, but that room will only be for storage or something. I show the last room facing south which is Janes if she wants it. I would have liked to use it as a better guest room, but there are limited suitable rooms for Jane and this with two large south windows should be bright enough to be able to paint in if she wants too, and it also has a much nicer view than the slightly smaller vacant room on the second floor facing the courtyard. Jane really seems to like the room and the view, and even if the room is not large at 11m2, its her own room, and thats no small thing here, especially not with that view and the windows. Jane''s smile and small bounce followed by a couple of dance steps say a lot, and I understand that she appreciates having her own room and privacy again. There might be some noise from my workshop on the other side of the wall, but Jane says she will live with it. After looking at the view a bit, Jane and the others quickly follow me as we move on, curious about the rest of the mansion.

 Creating something new - day 51, Moving in (part 4 - the rest)

    Its time to show the main building, so we leave through the basement door to the outside, up the stairs and back to the main entrance.


    The front doors open up to a wide and large entrance hall where we will hang outdoor clothes and avoid dragging in dirt, mud and snow. I will demand that shoes be removed in the main building to avoid dirt and mud, perhaps with separate indoor shoes considering socks doesn''t seem to exist here, as they use foot wraps. This isn''t a stamped earth floor, stone floor or simple plank floor. Or well, the entrance hall and the wing have stone floors, but just like the wing its finer gray slate stone here in the entrance hall, and the wood floor is fine oak. Right now its dry outside so everyone can walk inside with their shoes, and since we''re moving in, today it will be more practical with shoes inside. The courtyard is mostly stone and gravel, which helps, and we have brought simple doormats for the entrances. At larger feasts, shoes may have to be allowed as our guests won''t be used to removing their shoes, and it is a status thing to wear shoes, and wear pretty shoes. Maybe we can have shoes, sandals or something to lend to guests.


    There isn''t any door in to the rest of the building, but the idea is to separate the entrance hall with at least drapers in the future, but I will probably order a wide double door. A couple of nice draperies with a pretty pattern on them would be impressive, but a double door is a better heat barrier and more impressive, especially if they inlay some stained glass or similar. Maybe a diamond shaped window on each door?


    I realize my company isn''t really interested in the entrance hall or care how it is built. Their focus is on the main hall. Even if most of the windows arn''t in place, it is a powerful sight and feeling to walk into the main hall and look up over the mezzanine and the windows. The large hall opens up, 5.5 meters up to the ceiling with a balcony above the entrance hall and with corridors on each side on both floors. The room isn''t ''big'' like the middle of most longhouses and feast halls that are big open spaces, but 6.5-7m wide is enough, and it is still more than 10m to the windows on the other side of the mezzanine, and I havn''t seen any house here with large windows like that. I actually didn''t plan any of this to be impressive, but with five stairs up and the 2.7m tall windows in place it will be.


    Its damn satisfying to see everyone''s faces and looks. Even Jane whistles. But she has spent the last few months in longhouses and the last few days on the farm, and this room and house is very different from the standards here. More like a modern western Midgard home, which is the idea. The large fireplace in the northeast corner doesn''t feel out of place and should be able to keep this place quite warm if the centralized steam heater system doesn''t work. If necessary to use them, the maids or guards will take care of all the fireplaces so that the guests don''t. Kari and Ciara seem really happy to live here, and they have lived in castles and fortresses. Iselin happily hugs me and gives me a kiss. I know that Iselin have been looking forward to moving in, not least as I think Iselin wants to be my wife in the future, and then this is her home to rule.


    "To be honest, this was not designed to be impressive to step into from the entrance hall. I wanted an extension with large south facing windows and open space to let in a lot of daylight, so the windows start level with the floor, and for most of the day as the sun moves. It was easy and practical with a balcony to connect the corridors on the second floor. I had to break the stairs with a platform so the stairs could double back to avoid being too steep, and I chose to extend the mezzanine over to the other side and make a larger area for a couch instead of a double stairway. I didn''t want to block the light from the windows."


    Jane is puzzled what the rest finds so funny, so I translate for her and she accompanies them.


    "Most design to impress, you just ''oops'' it by being practical! You should put your throne there! Straight up, in the middle of the mezzanine, between the big windows. Anyone walking in here will be impressed and feel insignificant, and in the winter with the sun low it will be dazzling. You should absolutely schedule their audience for maximum effect." I have to agree with that, except about the throne. I don''t want a throne.


    The alcove under the stairs looks normal with its small shelf wall, and I can''t see that its a hidden door down to the secret basement, and Pedr knows better than to say something if I don''t ask. With a curtain in front of the alcove and its small mosaic window to the main hall in place, it will be an even more discreet route down. I still have no idea what I''m going to use the space down there in the secret basement - some rooms are too dark for anything other than storage or a prison dungeon, which I don''t want, and it would also be idiotic to have prisoners in the main building. A mancave is difficult when there is no home theater, pinball machines, video games, etc. Even a dart board will be a hassle to make. But secret rooms are cool.


    The northwest corner has an opening into a room and I show what will be the day room for the guards, with a window to the north overlooking the veranda patio, courtyard, and the road in to the courtyard.


    "You must have some place to spend your time apart from your bedroom, and here you are a bit separated and private, while as centrally located as it is possible, with quick access to the entrance hall and wing, have a window to see the courtyard, and your own fireplace." All the guards just stare at me when I explain the rooms purpose, and their faces makes it so worth it.


    <hr>


    We start the tour by going east and I show the study or guest room to the north, followed by the future library to the south. I''m glad I can''t see the hidden shelf door. But I can''t look closer and test that it opens now that everyone is here. Right now the locking should be in the form of simple weight from a rope that keeps the secret door closed, but in the future I will make my own locking solutions with hooks both above and below, with a hidden release. I don''t want the workers and Pedr to know how to open the secret doors - it''s bad enough that they know it exists. I have deliberately avoided talking about the rooms as secret, because I think that will draw unnecessary attention to them, more than its just another basement. Of course Pedr knows, and it should be obvious to the carpenter who built the shelves with the hidden doors, and he have been paid a bonus to keep quiet about it.


    The combined meeting and dining room, is the rest of the east side on this floor. Windows in three directions, with a view over the courtyard via one, a nice view of the treetops to the east through three windows and also south over the cliffs via the last window. I should probably have specified for the window maker what I wanted for every mosaics, for the three eastern windows have mosaic arches at the top, and again with my housemark in the mosaic, even though this is framed by green plants and leaves and looks quite good. It just feels so egotistical.


    The north side towards the courtyard will have a large dining room table in a more modern style. Not several tables with benches on the sides thats common, but a 3.8m long table with room for 12 but usually it will only have 10 seats, as we''re not that many. I had planned to have everyone eat here, but I quickly realized that I have to accept that the ''masters'' and the staff are separated except at special meals. We have Jane as a permanent guest, and we also got to let Caecilia eat here due to her special status and she is a type of guest for the time being. So we will be six eating here, with room for other guests. The room is large enough that it should be okay to use two such tables side by side, and long enough for two in length, but I hope it will never be needed. Maybe at future weddings or some similar big feast if the weather sucks. For just the possibility, we''ve got two matching tables with chairs made. And its ergonomic chairs, with cushioned leather seats and high cushioned backs. The tables and chairs are in nicely carved wood and match each other. Kari and Ciara consider the chairs fit to be a Jarls throne, and they are nice.


    On the south side, there will be a small sofa group with two three-person sofas with a small table in between, as a more relaxed place to hang out and have informal meetings. A TV would have fit on the wall to the library secret passage, but thats not gonna happen.


    There is a large fireplace for warmth on the southside by the door into the room. It looks quite nice with the inlaid gray slate infront of the fireplace, to act as a fire guard. All fireplaces have that sensible precaution.


    <hr>


    We go back to the main hall and continue right across into the western corridor and I show the other rooms on the ground floor. There is a small fireplace in the corridor to provide heat here in the middle of the corridor that can spread, and it will also warm up the south facing rooms on both floors. They like that there is another small light tunnel above the security door to the wing on this side, but they''ve already realized that I prefer a lot of light. It isn''t beautiful now, but that light tunnel will also be hidden by a small stained glass mosaic, which is among the cargo in ships hull. I open the security door to the wing, as it no longer needs to be closed.


    I show the largest guest room to the south, and the two half as large rooms to the north. The smallest room in the corner towards the wing, is very dark as it only has a north facing light tunnel from above the wings roof, but that will only be a storage room or something. I show the last room facing south which is Janes if she wants it. I would have liked to use it as a better guest room, but there are limited suitable rooms for Jane and this with two large south windows should be bright enough to be able to paint in if she wants too, and it also has a much nicer view than the slightly smaller vacant room on the second floor facing the courtyard. Jane really seems to like the room and the view, and even if the room isn''t large at 11m2, its her own room, and thats no small thing here, especially not with that view and the windows. Jane''s smile and small bounce into a couple of dance steps with a spin say a lot, and I understand that she appreciates having her own room and privacy again. There might be some noise from my workshop on the other side of the wall, but Jane says she will live with it. After looking at the view a bit, Jane and the others quickly follow me as we move on, curious about the rest of the mansion.


    <hr>


    We go back to the main hall, and after a short while looking at the view from the mezzanine''s window and out over the main hall, we continue up to the second floor. I should check to see if grinding and polish some glass plates against each other would lessen their distorsion. It works on lenses, but it will be a hell of a lot of work to do on all the important windows. However, just 9 panes in the middle of each window could be enough.


    The railing along the balcony is nice, and they have absolutely gone with triangles as a general motif throughout the house, unless its diamond shapes. We look at the larger open space above the entrance hall. A sofa etc will be up here just like on the mezzanine, but I will definitely appreciate Janes input on decorations and furniture, as Alfheimr is very limited in options, and they go for big common rooms, not purpose built smaller rooms, and filling every free space with a sofa feels stupid. And there isn''t any Ikea here. To make this space even prettier and give it more light, there are a stained glass window on each side and they look much better than my quick and dirty sketch. The sides and top are green tendrils with flowers while the middle is clear glass.


    We go west through the open security door into the corridor, and I show what for the time being is a small guest room to the north, and also Jane''s alternative. But Jane definitely prefers the slightly larger room below with much more light and much nicer views, and we fully understand her. This room isn''t bad, but hers is better.


    I show the two larger rooms to the south, both with double windows, and I let Iselin choose which one she wants, and she quickly chooses the room straight ahead, the elongated and slightly larger corner room with a fireplace, and Kari gets the other above the large guestroom below. The rooms undoubtedly confirms Iselin''s, but also Kari''s status as she gets an almost as big and impressive room as Iselin and right next door. Through their kisses and hugs, I repeat that much of the floor plan, the room sizes and location are determined by the room below and the load-bearing walls as well as windows, chimneys etc, so most rooms have the size they have.


    I show the guards bedroom in the northeast corner which is between Kari''s and Iselin''s in size due to the same problem, again with a window facing the courtyard. When they see the steep stairs up, I just smile and climb up to show them the almost same size room in the attic. There will be two high and openable stained glass windows to the wings roof and the work platform outside. They are speechless until Alith and Gunhild regain their composure. All this space just for them, and such large beautiful windows. They''re just guards!


    I inform that in the future there will be more guards, and therefore there is room for two to four more, because I want guards up here with us on the second floor of the main building, and why not give them more space when it doesn''t encroach much on any other space. The door and openable windows still need to be where they are, and there can only be stairs in a few places. I didn''t want to make Iselin and Karis bedrooms smaller. The guards get to choose how they want to place the furniture; sleep up here or down there, or split up. My plan that I got furniture for is two bunk beds down there, and make this space more like a common room with a bunk bed, wardrobe and a sofa with a table, but it''s up to them. Even with two bunk beds there will be two larger wardrobes, and a small table with a chair down there by the window, and of course two chests under each bunk bed for personal belongings.


    <hr>


    Iselin have opened the door and she leads them out to the attic. I tell them that they must expect that maids and craftsmen will use the guard room to reach the attic when needed. The door at the other end goes to the space above my bedroom, but it will normally be locked from the other direction, and isn''t for general use. Most of the attic is unused space, about 60m2, which is four times more space than the guards attic. There is more space, but as they can see, it gets lower the further out towards the edges you get, and about 60m2 will have more than 2m ceiling height, even with proper insulation above. The entire north side already has a wall with a couple of doors in it to reach the food storage space there. It is 27m2 is divided into three parts due to the main trusses and it has two attic windows towards the courtyard, and one on the short side over the roof of the wing. There is another space to the east above my bedroom, which is a further 18m2, but the chimney from the main hall goes up there, so if used it will be warmer in that space so probably less suitable for food in the winter, and that is why it is shielded. I couldn''t design so that it became practical to use as food storage, and it is a dumb space to use as storage for other things. Just like one of the wings attic windows, one of the storage windows here can be used to hoist up food from the veranda patio.


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    This large attic space can be quite cool in the winter and warm in the summer, but in the future it is possible to insulate more, just like the end spaces have been. The first year will tell us how the temperature and humidity will be, especially the comming winter. The inner roof looks good and I can only hope it works as condensation protection and that there is sufficient ventilation under the copper roof to avoid mold. The biggest reasons for the copper roof is to be waterproof, maintenance-free and last, so if the wooden beams rot due to condensation, it hasn''t fulfilled its function. At the same time, I want to keep down the heat loss via the roof, so the indoor roof is extra thick. But the same applies to all rooms and floors, so the space between the beams between the floors, is filled with wood shavings, and it will hopefully attenuate sound much better than just a single layer of oak planks. As they see, that there is a fireplace in the most centrally located chimney for heating here if it is really needed. Its the same chimney that the fireplace in the guards day room uses, but of course separate flues. All fireplaces have several flues, and some chimneys have three.


    In addition to five attic windows, three to the north that we don''t see, and two to the south, there are a window in each corners, small in the east to just get some light in there, and the west side has the narrower normal high with arched top to match the guards attic windows. It is possible that the guards attic will be expanded to an extra room in one of the corners, if we really need many guards, so the spaces are prepared for that, and it is also possible to use the space north of their attic as extra storage. Everyone seems to think that I have oversized food stores, but no one complains about that.


    What attracts attention, however, are the three windows in the extension in the middle on the long side with a view south over the bay, and we open the windows to avoid the glass distortion. We see Lysesund over the cliffs and the southern part of the second island to the southwest, with Tosra on the other side of the water straight south. Everyone is impressed by the view, and that includes me. I explain that in the future there may be a staircase up from the balcony in the middle of the house, because there is a better alternative where it can be built. It is prepared for that, and it will probably be done in the future to make it easier to access the food storage rooms up here.


    When they understand that the best view in the mansion will be a place no one visits, they get a bit annoyed that I designed it that way. But the windows are for here to let light in, not for the view to be enjoyed. It also looked good combined with the mezzanine extension. The window glass is not very good anyway and distorts the view.


    <hr>


    I chase them back down through the guards room to the second floor, and I show where the staircase up to the attic will be, on the east side of the main halls balcony. Everyone agree that it should be built, so it will be here. Between the fireplace and the corridor, just before the part of the balcony that can rotate, but I don''t mention that detail. Alith seem to have forgotten that part too, so I discreetly whisper, and she just looks at her feet. It isn''t visible, and it is not noticeable when we all walk on it. It feels as stable as the rest, but it certainly helps that the balcony and everything is firmly anchored in both the load-bearing wall and the chimney right next to it, and the load-bearing wall and chimney on the other side of the main hall.


    The security door to the corridor is open, and I lead them in and show my study to the south, which is located above the library and has double windows. Its slight larger than Jane''s bedroom, but I sure as hell don''t want her here. This room has also always been planned as my study from the beginning. There is a small window facing the main hall that will have an openable stained glass window for easier cleaning. Alith already knows that that window is partly to get a shooting hole towards the stairs and the main hall, and Gunhild has apparently realized it, because she is among the last out, and makes a quick bow gesture. She smiles when I quickly nod.


    We go straight across the corridor to what I say is Ciara''s bedroom to the north, and next to my own bedroom. Ciara is so exuberantly happy that she doesn''t really know what to do, but I receive several kisses and an intense hug that lasts. I explain that Ciara needs the room next to mine to be able to sleep well, and I feel her hug getting stronger. Iselin''s and Kari''s room is at the other end of the floor, but I point out that the room is smaller than Iselin''s and Kari''s, but a little bigger than the vacant room over there, and as big as Janes, and Ciaras has a fireplace. Karis and Iselin''s rooms have double south facing windows, and they have the guards right outside their doors. While Ciara continues to hug me, I also say that Iselin or Kari will spend many nights in my bed, which everyone smiles and agrees with. I would have preferred to have Iselin in the room next to me, but I don''t want Iselin or Kari to have to listen when I have sex with someone else. Ciara only seems to be content if she hears that the others ''do their duty'', and I know she wishes that I had snored. I even expect her to place her bed against the wall of my bedroom, to be as close as she can and more easily be able to hear through the wall that everything is fine.


    Then I open the door and show my own bedroom. Yep, it''s the largest room on the second floor, double Karis and three times larger than Jane''s. Its the entire eastside just like the meeting room below. Again, the load-bearing walls go from the bottom up through the house and the ground floor affect the second floor, and I consider myself justified selfish with room size and design. I''m still a Furst and this is my ''Castle''. The room is open up to the inner roof with three stained glass windows on the gable, which are not in place, and the attic space above is reached via a staircase that turns ninety-degree over the large fireplace. I smile at Jane''s low whistle and "It''s good to be the King...", while I explain that a large bed will be on the north side, with a curtain that shields the whole part, which together with window blinds will shut the unpleasant sun light on early summer mornings which makes them laugh. Everyone knows I''m not a morning person. There will be the same solution as in the meeting room below, with a sofa group in the south end towards the outer balcony. It will look quite good.


    I peek into the small walk-in wardrobe, which will have shelves and a wardrobe. The hidden door to the space under the stairs platform is barely visible, and considering that this is a boring wardrobe, few will go inside and fewer will look at the lower part of that wall. I don''t even need anything in front, but I might hang a simple curtain or something. Jane complains a bit to the women that I - who don''t really care about clothes - have a small ''walk in wardrobe'', but I explain there was a wall against the stairs and I might as well add a wall and put a door in it. It may be a sink in here in the future, and its prepared under the floor for a drain right down to the outside, because the meeting room will probably get a sink too in the future as most people eat with their fingers, and I will try to make the sink fit in stylistically. It would be practical with a sink in my bedroom instead of at the other end of the house. I suspect it will be handy for toothbrushing, and dealing with sticky stuff. Kari tries to avoid being embarrassed, which honestly wasn''t my idea, so to draw attention away from her, I show the handles along the outer wall.


    The handles poke up from the floor next to the door to the outer balcony and someone has put a simple wooden guard that prevents them from being maneuvered. I quickly explain that they should only pull those handles on my or Aliths specific orders to do so. They''re part of the hidden security features in the mansion and those who need to know, will be told. No one should touch them. This applies to all such handles, and if anyone is wondering what something strange does, come to me before they touch it. Alith walk out in the corridor and shows that, as expected, there is a handle behind the security door in the corridor to the balcony in the main hall. There will be simple protections that hide the handles but nothing they should touch or tell people. The guards look curiously at Alith who only has a really satisfied smugface, which seems to irritate Hillevi more than anyone else.


    I explain and show how the window lock works, including the hidden lock, which honestly is a reason for curtains in some rooms. I also show the difference that some windows facing the courtyard cannot be fully opened, while those to the south can. I don''t mention the guards extra central locking, just that should any window jam, don''t force it, tell the guards or me. I also point out the ventilation slot at the top that many windows have. They have, of course, noticed the iron bar grid inside the glass, and I add the middle and frame is iron too, but they don''t get more details than that. The windows will be annoying as hell to clean, but two or three times a year is enough.


    Then I show and explain how the security doors work. It''s also something everyone needs to know right away because the doors to the ouside will be locked every night, but they shouldn''t draw attention to the windows or doors, or tell people and show it. They''re all forbidden to talk about anything that has to do with this mansions security, so outsiders can find out. That is putting all our lives in danger and I will be harsh on the consequences. A secret that is revealed cannot be made secret again. My sambos and guards completely agree.


    Gunhild and Bodil try to tackle the security doors to my bedroom after I easily closed and locked them. We just hear a thud, and the doors barely move, and once we have opened the doors again, everyone looks extra carefully, especially Gunhild who massage her shoulder. She put a lot of effort in it, and it was like hitting a wall. All the sturdy doors they have seen so far are similar and to both corridors upstairs. When the exterior doors and the wing door are closed and locked for the night, I want them to sleep safely, and they should know that this locking mechanism can only be opened from the inside as an additional security. The keyholes and the handle are for normal everyday locking and can be made from both sides. Jane looks at the steel frame, pokes at the holes in them for the locking pistons and seems to get it:


    "Every important door is a camouflaged vault door with a hidden extra locking mechanism? Brilliant! Jane approved! I thought the sneaky security windows were badass and impressive enough. No wonder the windows must have cost a bloody fortune! There must be a ton of iron in just the windows. Even with armed guards around the clock you really don''t want burglars getting in, and everyone to sleep safe. I know I will. I''m not going to ask about the handles; I do not need to see your smugface again, and I guess they''ll be an unpleasant surprise for some arsehole. Considering all your plans for water, food and heat, there must be even more in this building for security than just those handles. You got electricity, so building an alarm system too?"


    I just answer with a smug face. Jane rolls her eyes and gesture that she won''t ask, but she is curious. I''m not going to get their hopes up, but it''s a fun idea that electricity is magic for all but the two of us, so hopefully this mansion will have ''magical'' security in the near future. What nerd wouldn''t like that?


    <hr>


    Most of the day will be spent moving in and transporting everything here from the harbor. It is easy to lift most of it ashore with the crane, it just takes time, and thankfully my own carriages are with us to make it easier even if the horses and 20 slaves help to carry everything, but it is about 700m due to the road going around the cliff, and it just takes time.


    Rikvi the cook, isn''t the only one who is incredibly impressed and surprised by the kitchen, and both me and Pedr''s maid and the woman who cried that she would never be allowed to use it again, show everyone how the fireplaces with chimneys work because even they are new. Most of the stands and hangers for food and cooking, is close enough of what they already know, so most of the time is otherwise for them the unusual design of the modern stove, the bread oven, and how they heat the cooking plates and oven, and adjust temperature.


    Jane is the only one who understands why I think the kitchen is primitive and we talk about how bad the technological level of the kitchens here are, and she completely agrees after her time in Hildifjoer. She too is surprised that chimneys are a new thing, and perhaps in the world, and that Hildifjoer wasn''t extra primitive as it was slightly west of the middle of nowhere. Add the intended cold and hot water, separate kitchen drain with grease and sludge separation, cooled food storage, large glass windows to get good working light and future oil lamps, and there is a good chance that this kitchen is the most high-tech kitchen in the world, and a leap of about 600 years forward if compared to the equivalent in Midgard Europe. This is pretty much a kitchen from the 19th century or so. Jane snorts and says "More likely a better kitchen from the early 20th." All the elves really see it as huge, hypermodern and incredibly luxurious. There is even a ''large'' glass window in the food storage, which also has a built-in cooling functions with a warm cabinet.


    I wondering how they will react when I in the future hopefully introduce electric mixers and other things, not to mention my hopes for a future freezer.


    Rikvi together with Jalida happily starts cooking and baking bread and tries to try everything, and all the women except Jane want to join in and try the novelties. They will make sure there is both dinner and supper, and fresh vegetables will be picked as well. The guards unfortunately have to keep an eye on people working or transporting things, and Alith is, as usual, my shadow. My very happy shadow.


    The furniture carpenter who is here just to assemble all the furniture, works like hell, and gets help from a couple of the carpenters, but they won''t complete everything today even if they work late. Kitchen benches, tables, chairs and beds are a priority.


    The cat, which I named Krosp without asking the others, seems to accept the move, and after a lap around the mansion, Krosp was shown the way in via the boiler room, and up into the wing, around in the main building, and then his water bowl and a basket with padded cushion in the staffs commonroom. Then Krosp was released. As long as Ciara bribes him with treats, she will probably be forgiven for the leash, and I didn''t want Krosp to get mad at me. Krosp seems smart enough to quickly get that Ciara wouldn''t give a shit what a cat wanted, but she let him take his time. I had asked her to show him, and show him she did.


    Two of the copper craftsmen and a couple of handy men begin to install the water pipes and taps, while two others install the water pump on the well up while three others lay the pipes in the prepared canal. Another builds the simple water filters.


    I monitor and give advice on all water installations, because I know how I want it done, and I solder it myself because it is unknown to them. Its a couple of interesting lessons even if I don''t give them all the details, and the copper craftsmen look on in amazement at how the silver solder flows out and gives a nice tight seal when the heat is right and I used the flux. I explain its water with sejd, which makes the metals like each other, but something they absolutely shouldn''t even taste. We won''t finish everything today, but we focus on the important parts. Tomorrow we should be able to test the water system.


    I soon realize that I can use oil lamps directly in many places to solder, as long as I shield with a stone slate against the wall, or put a copper block through the flame of the oil lamp. So I quickly improvise a special soldering iron for the diameter of the pipes that improve the soldering efficiency.


    <hr>


    At dusk, we can sit inside the furnished meeting room at its long dining table, and we also invite Caecilia and the guards to the table, which fills the places, while Elvira and Jalida serve. We make it a little extra luxurious with wine and mead, but I stick to cider.


    The discussions are quite long, but happy. I''m glad that I''ve finally moved into a more modern and comfortable home. I can finally start to relax and feel like home. Jane loves how modern the mansion feels and really appreciate its design, equipment and amenities, and if everything with water, heat and light works, this could be a larger farm in our world from the beginning of the 1900s, and even more luxurious than a modern large unpowered cottage in the countryside like Hadlaskard she visited during her hike.


    In front of the others I give Iselin, Kari, Ciara and Alith their own key to the mansions outer doors, and from all the comments I learn that the last thing in a marriage ceremony, is that the man gives his new wife a key to his property.


    <hr>


    In the evening, Iselin, Kari and Ciara help me inaugurate my new and enormously wide bed, and 240cm makes it wide enough for four people. I have realized that bigger is better considering my sambos, and here there is enough room. Three won''t be unusual, even though I prefer when we''re two. We are all relieved that so far there doesn''t seem to be any permanent problems from the overdose. I wasn''t the most worried about it. I can''t do anything about it, but Iselin and Kari were very worried, and admit they''ve sacrificed animals. We just have to learn, accept reality and move on. If I can''t have children, I can use the poisoning as a valid excuse, but then I also need to demand that Radgeirrson''s family is fully punished.

 Creating something new - day 52, The point of no return?

    Creating something new, day 52


    The point of no return?


    It is wonderful to wake up even if it is early from the sun lighting up the room. It not just for my bed company, but waking up for the first day in my home. Here, where I most likely will live the rest of my life, with the three wonderful women lying beside me. It wasn''t really my choice to have three girlfriends, but I do love and care about them, just not in equal amounts. I feel that Ciara and Kari are awake while Iselin snores, and Kari just gives me one of her wonderful warm smile and a muted "Good morning Robert" when she discovers that I''m awake. I want to slack off and not do anything, but I need to start working and continue moving in. I have ten oil lamps to assemble while I also supervise the water installation. I really want to be able to take a shower today. I also have to make sure they assemble the window blinds and put up the drapers. Fuck getting woken up by morning sunlight - I want it darker when I wake up. Maybe I should turn the bed 90 degrees so the head end is towards the courtyard? Just seems stupid with the window there.


    <hr>


    After a quick breakfast, I hear that they have started mounting windows. Not unexpectedly, Pedr has focused all craftsmen to complete as much as possible on my mansion, and all the workers look forward to the feast and free days they will have starting tomorrow, just as I promised them and Pedr prepared. Lack of windows etc, isn''t the workers fault, which I have ensured that they know. So far they have made excellent work, and they should be proud. The work proceed at a furious pace, but they have had a lot of practice, and everything is prepared. I really like that several of the windows are important stained glass windows.


    I don''t really love the subject of the three windows for my bedroom attic, but it is suitable for the culture here and my reputation as Sejdmann, and they are pretty and impressive. Oden on the north window, Thor on the south window, and Freya in the middle. Illuminated by the morning sun it will be impressive.


    Otherwise, I am mostly glad that all the large windows for the main halls mezzanine have been completed and will be installed before dinner. We pass by them all the time, and it will make everything feel more finished. There are four high windows, with clear glass below 2 meter, and stained glass above. I am satisfied with how well it became, and from left to right, these windows tell a story. My sambos have seen three in pictures. I just stand there and appreciate it together with Kari and Ciara when Jane come to see what we''re looking at. Jane looks at the motifs, reacts and surprised points:


    "That is the mountain we climbed! H?rteigen."


    "Yes."


    "Thats the place where we both traveled into this world! That was your view the morning when you woke up here!"


    "Yes."


    "And thats the view of the viking houses! Gaulverboer! Where we walked out!"


    "Yes. I didn''t take any photos of that, but I remember that view so well. I stared at it for quite some time, trying to make sense of it and finding faults. Those four windows tell the story of how I got here. Starting on the left side with a selfie when I left my car and started my hike. That''s Midg?rd. Followed by my little hiking tent under the lightning and Aurora, although I changed the tents color to stand out more and not look like a large rock. Its grey. Next is my view the next morning with H?rteigen in the background, and probably my first day in Alfheimr even though I didn''t know it yet. And finally Gaulverboer, when I really understood I wasn''t in Kansas anymore."


    My joke falls flat and Jane doesn''t seem to get the reference to the ''Wizard of Oz'', but I understand there is other thoughts in her head. We just stand and look at it. After a couple of minutes, Jane quietly and reluctantly asks.


    "Do you think that we will ever be able to return?"


    "No."


    Jane close her eyes, sighs and is quiet before she replies; "I have guessed so. But just like that, without any doubt or hope, just... No?"


    "Do you have any idea how insane us traveling here is? A huge solarstorm and lightning strikes close by shouldn''t make people travel to other dimmensions or worlds. It''s stupid. One guess is that some kind of science experiment gone wrong on Earth at the same time or something equally weird. Hell if I know. We''re extra dimmensional travelers so the lightningstrikes or CME - sorry, thats an acronym for Coronal Mass Ejection - might not have had anything to do with it, and it could as well be a weird cosmic alignment and being at the wrong place at the wrong time.


    But it is likely that travel require a CME or atleast a strong Aurora as there is legends both here and in our world about Bifrost - the rainbow bridge connecting the worlds - and there is no way we can ever replicate it here, control it or even predict it. We don''t control when a CME''s happens, and huge ones hitting Earth - or here - are rare. About once per century rare, and I can''t even predict them to get any forewarning. I have to invent helio centric astronomy, optics and make big telescopes and sun telescopes, to even have a chance of that, and I still won''t have the required understanding. We might just get a day forewarning, and thats not enough time to make it back up north. If dimmensional travel also require a huge electrical discharge at the same time, we''re even more screwed. I might be able to discharge lightning with a rocket pulling a wire, but I can''t make a storm appear on command, or make a discharge even close to something like 1.21 GW." No reaction that she got the ''Back to the Future'' reference. "And besides those things, something unknown had to have happened, and it might be that you have to be at a certain area at a certain time for it to work, and we don''t know those variables. Add the complication that Aesir belief is about the nine realms, and we might end up in an other dimmension than Midg?rd, and most of them sounds really bad. I rather stay here than risk that."


    Jane just stares at the windows while I probably effectively kills her last hope of ever returning, and it is partly deliberatly. It is better to abandon all hope of going back, than to forego life here. She should adapt and make the best of her life here. If something happen that change that in the future, then its another thing. She can pray for a miracle, but she shouldn''t hope for it.


    "The only glimmer of hope is that there have to have been people moving between Alfheimr and Midg?rd before, since too much is the same. But that might have been just a single incident when a large group of Elves traveled to Midg?rd and took their history, culture, religion, language and technology with them or something, way back when Midg?rd were more primitive. Before the Viking age. There are plenty of tales of elves and such in Midg?rd, and they might have been killed, or simply died out if there can''t be children between humans and elves, or they just got mixed into the human population if they could. Truth about elves and other worlds became legends. A lot about life in the north before the middleages is unknown. There is Sagas written down many centuries later, and a few Runestones to go by. There isn''t many Sagas here about humans that I have found so far, although they did know about us. In myths. Humans were myths until we showed up, and still are for all but a couple of dozen of elves. We''re mythological beings up there with frost giants, dragons and their gods. Meeting Trolls are more likely than Humans. There are tales in Midg?rd of stone circles marking special places, which at certain times work as gateways to other worlds, including the realm of the elves, but that obviously isn''t the whole truth. I''ve been thinking about it, and I do have a theory you might not like to hear, although it doesn''t change much for us."


    If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    "Just tell me."


    "It might be that travel between the worlds require a large charged electrical field or charged particles of some sort. Historically thats all been through Lightning strikes, Aurora or CME, but humanity might now be technologically advanced enough to be able to recreate it at will, if humanity knew it could be done, and how. My theory is that the nature, flora, fauna, geography and elves is close or the same for a reason, and the worlds are a form of copies of each other. Duplicates across dimmensions. As you know I was camping and staying in a tent during the whole Aurora-lightning episode. I didn''t move for a long time, until hours after the lightningstrike. You did. That is an important fact. Another fact is that we both were under the same huge atmospheric charge when lightning struck close by, and that that somehow synced the worlds and made travel possible. Another fact is that during all your time in Hildifjoer, no other human arrived there, and there should have been hundreds of people in that area of Hardangervidda. Like in most of the cabins, and there''s plenty of those if you include the hundreds of cabins by the road between Upper Eidjord and Dyranut. But I guess that very few humans were out tenting, or just enduring the weather like you did. Where we both were, the nature is pretty much unchanged by humans, and we were just centimeters from bedrock, and there is pretty much no active geology. No vulcanoes or big earthquakes, and the closest tectonic plate edge is Iceland, which is far away, and thats the Eurasia plate separating from the North American plate.


    So, dimmensional travel might only work at certain spots that have the same geography, or else it would happen more often. Where bedrock might look the same and be ''in the same spot'' in both worlds. If one spot in either world is changed too much, like there is a road, buildings, powerlines nearby or have too different landrise or geologic surface activity, it might not work there anymore. Which means areas where it can work will be fewer and fewer as time goes by, since inhabitants in both worlds will build stuff. Travel between worlds might have been far more common in the north a thousand years ago when most of it was wilderness. But I was tenting, you moved, and neither of us walked through some kind of portal, so either the area in the geography permanently changed places, or it was temporary until the charge had dissipated."


    "Temporary. Do you mean that if we just had stayed in the same spot, we would still be in our world, Midg?rd?"


    "It is possible that we walked out of the affected area and into Alfheimr, and then the area moved back to Midg?rd hours or days later. Or not, because it was permanent, which I think is far more likely."


    "Why is that more likely?"


    "Several reasons. Like, if travel one way require a big special charge of energy, what brought it back? A big area that permanently shift might be enough to syncronize a lot of flora and smaller fauna, and transport a big group of elves tenting in the wrong place. If a shift back happened the day after, the weather would be nicer, which means more people would have left the cabins, and been out walking and returned here when the land shifted back. There would be far more stories of people seeing weird shit happening or Elves ending up in Midg?rd. Remember that there is no way to really know, and its all just my wild ideas. I hope to hear Sagas or find books with other travelers mentioned and their circumstances. Anyway, we still can''t replicate or even predict when and where it might happen again, although it might be possible to test my theory in a few years. So the answer is still ''No'' even if there is a non zero chance."


    "Its that why you already created electricity and telescopes?! To recreate the situation or predict the next one?"


    "No. I didn''t do it for that. As I said, its just way to advanced, and too small chance that it might work as I guess, but far in the future Alfheimr will be able to test that idea or try to open a gateway to Midg?rd, but not in our lifetimes. Its kind of interesting that the use of lightningrods might make the lightningstrike more predictable, but the act of building the structure carrying the lightningrod might prevent the dimmensional travel from happening.


    We both know what happened to us is absurd, and so random its pretty much a zero chance. But Auroras are common on the North and South pole during winter, and I''ve actually seen many weak ones, including one in march in southern Sweden. Weak Auroras happen all the time, not just in the winter and during the night, we just can''t see them in daylight, so sunlight might usually prevent dimmensional travel, or it needs to be a strong Aurora. But Auroras usually doesn''t last long, and we can ignore the Southern hemisphere as a viable random travel spot."


    "Why?"


    "The worlds seem to be exactly the same, and its pretty much all sea until African-Australian latitudes, which is closer to the Equator than Spain or Greece. Humans might have several manned stations during winter in Antarctica, but I assume the elves havn''t even explored that region yet, so anyone travelling to Alfheimr would freeze to death or starve without ever knowing, and there isn''t any elves going the other way."


    "Oh."


    "As far as I know thunderstorms are rare during winter here in Scandinavia, although I don''t know about all the coast, Canada or Russia. I think its simply the wrong weather, and you should understand that New York is actually slightly south of Rome in Italy, and on the same latitude as Madrid, Spain. Thunderstorms are common in the Mediterranean area, but Auroras are not, and they have way more active geology there too. I wonder how rare lightningstrikes during a powerful Aurora really is. In Midg?rd that data would be available, but here I have to start collecting it myself. It might be more common out to sea, but saltwater conduct electricity well, while rock doesn''t, which might matter. Add in terrain that can''t be changed to much and well, it might be relatively few events per decade, even on something as huge as Earths surface, and not in the most inhabitated regions. And most people arn''t out in thunderstorms in the middle of nowhere, and those that are? People go missing in nature, never to be found, especially in bad weather, and if a few actually traveled here, the odds are that they end up in even more wilderness and die without even knowing. They might just walk a dozen kilometers, and die after a couple of days, from hunger, exposure or just giving up. There are probably few elves in areas where they might travel to Midg?rd, or they end up somewhere else."


    "This all makes some kind of horrible logical sense."


    "As I said, it doesn''t change much for us. It is also probably a pretty terrible idea for us to go back and tell about Alfheimr, especially if we figure out how to go back. But the Elves now have proof that its possible to travel between worlds, and I will make sure it is saved in books. These thoughts are already saved in one of my notebooks, and my girlfriends knows it. Its up to future Elves to decide if they want to try and open that can of worms, since their tales are about the nine worlds, and Midg?rd can be bad enough.


    Then there is the problem with time. Time here might move differently, because I don''t believe they''ve spent 700-1000 year living with so little technological progress compared to Midg?rd. The problem is that we have no way to know if the timelines ever been synced. You know there wasn''t much progress from 0AD to 1200AD, and in some ways, parts of Europe went backwards and lost progress and technology until the Renaissance. Other parts of our world changed less than that. It might be something similar here. Or it might be that for one year here, three to five years pass in Midgard. We just don''t know, and its all speculation.


    So, we ain''t going back, and most likely we two will be the only humans here in Alfheimr for the rest of our lives. We just have to accept that, adapt and make the best of our future here."


    Jane just looks at the stained glass windows, then she hugs me and start crying against my shoulder while we hug. She really cries, but eventually she collects herself, gives me a soft kiss on my cheek, and walk into her room and close the door. They look at me, so I explain that I''ve just effectively crushed the last little hope she had about ever going back to Midg?rd, because it won''t happen to any of us. At least that makes Ciara happy, and she feels guilty for being happy about it, so I her a kiss on her cheek, and give Kari a kiss on her lips, before returning to work.

 Creating something new - day 52, Human intervention

    In the afternoon we test the water system, and the water pump works and can pump up cold well water in the tank. It just takes forever. We open the tanks valve and the taps for the kitchen, toilet and bathrooms work. There are a couple of connections on the copper pipes that drips, so they need to be re-soldered, but there is no big issues, and it is a fairly quick fix. The water system works.


    <hr>


    All the interior doors have been assembled and mounted, and all my own furniture was finished yesterday so I have been able to sit in relative peace inside the workshop and work. I have assembled six oil lamps, and I am working on the seventh when Ciara comes. She gives me a quick kiss on the cheek and say that we have had our first guests. As I put my work aside to go meet our guests, I realize that this is the day before the Tosra gathering, so I guess Liv has come to take a look. Damn, I have to spend at least a day visiting that gathering. Argh. I would rather have finished my work here and had some peace, but we need to introduce ourselves to the people in the immediate area, and it''s just another day before I can start to relax.


    I''m correct that Liv''s here, but so is Jarl Skiringe with her daughter Siri and two guards. They''re waiting in the main hall, and Iselin and Kari are already here. We greet each other, while I regret to inform that I cannot be a good host as we are still moving in, which they just laughingly confirm that they clearly see and hear. Our talk have attracted Jane and Caecilia who show up, and I introduce Jane as a ''wanderer'' who came here when I did, and who sought me out in Borgarsandr. That gives Jane instant respect from both of them, and they are definitely curious about her, but she stay in the background. Jarl Skiringe notices and reacts to Caecilia''s mark, which is just visible at the edge of her dresses neckline, but she doesn''t mention it, and just gives me a quick look I don''t really know how to answer. I introduced her as just Caecilia.


    As Jarl Skiringe speaks, we show them to the combined meeting room and dining room, and we take a seat in the two large sofas. It''s just me, Iselin, Kari in one, with Liv, Jarl Skiringe and Siri in the other. And Alith with one of Skiringe''s guards in the background.


    "We won''t disturb for long. Its just that we''ve heard a lot about the construction from merchants in recent weeks, who more and more have taken a detour to sail past, so we became curious to see for ourselfs as we passed by." I bet it was Skiringe''s own merchants that she ordered to take that detour. "From the boat we saw the massive copper roof glistening in the sun, and we of course wanted to take a closer look and say hello, when we saw your ship was anchored here."


    "You don''t disturb. We are surprised how quickly the mansion have been built. Everything isn''t finished, although I think most exterior windows will be in place today and we tested that the water system worked a while ago. A lot of work left, but we will live here from now on."


    "Water system? I look forward to be shown, if that is acceptable."


    "Of course it is. If you accept to live slighty spartan, you can be our first guests and stay for the night, we have guest rooms that can be used."


    According to custom, I am supposed to offer travellers accommodation and food, and I did invite Liv. Liv and Jarl Skiringe quickly look at each and both accept. A guard is sent to fetch their packs from the boat, and one of the Skiringe''s maids.


    They congratulate me for the mighty impressive mansion, the roof and huge amount of windows and how different it is. How bright it is indoors. Quite different from a castle or a longhouse. Jarl Skiringe understands why the farm she gave me didn''t really meet my expectations. I say that the farm was appreciated - as well as the tour - but in the future the farm there will probably look different, or maybe there will be a new house inspired by this but smaller up on the cliffs to the south, so the farm can still be used as is. I will probably try to clear up some of the land in some valleys to get more arable land, and build my own small harbor on the coast. There is just a lot to finish building on the islands first, as the Academy''s building havn''t even been started. It will be bigger than this mansion, and thats just the first section.


    They are incredibly impressed by the windows. But they have noticed the thick iron reinforcements, and she asks if I will let her copy it to her own estate. She has, of course, realized the purpose. I smile, nod and replay that ''Jarl Skiringe will probably find more things she wants to copy for her home.'' She wonders if we can put titles aside in private, I immediately agree. I should have suggested it myself, especially since we have been very intimate.


    <hr>


    I quickly show the mansion and their separate guest rooms. When we walk around, I take the opportunity to introduce Jalida and Elvira to Myrun, so they understand that they have been properly freed, but I don''t mention that they have been slaves, although Myrun certainly assumes it given their appearance and dialects. I hope Myrun doesn''t think badly of Iselin because she was born as a slave.


    We talk about the ''spice'' overdose, and Liv inform us that the sex probably didn''t make any difference, and was just unnecessary pain. What probably happens with a far too large dose is permanent damage; either constant erection or inability to get an erection without spice, both of which didn''t happen. They''re happy that my spirit and body is strong and that I endured. But many users don''t have sufficient knowledge. I can imagine there is a lot of mysticism about it, because it is a magic powder even for Liv, which makes men hard and erect for a long time. Powerful Juju. Even several of the sejd women who sell it probably lack knowledge, and there certainly is great variation in concentration. Many buy it from someone else during gatherings, who are careful with the dissemination of knowledge. Liv isn''t surprised that Caecilia made that mistake, and even if there is a chance that Caecilia took advantage of the situation for us to have sex - it has already been done.


    As for IUDs, its obvious that Liv didn''t keep it a secret from Myrun and the short answer is; "Excellent". There have been no major problems, no one has had children and there are 53 women in Skiringsalr and its surrounding who have them now - including both of them - and both look me in the eye with quick glances at Iselin and Kari. It feels wrong that both Iselin and Kari just calmly give me short nods back when I look at them, and Iselin takes my hand to reassure me. But this is a different world, with different social norms and I need to learn and adapt. Poor me, as both Liv and Myrun are attractive women, especially Liv. Sitting like this, it is a bit striking how much older they look than all my sambos, but I don''t see their age as negative, and Liv is attractive and very nice in bed. But Myrun is a couple of years older than me, and the oldest woman I''ve ever had sex with, and they are both alone in their age categories. That feels a bit tragic, but I have hardly had women throw themselfs at me before.


    Liv will present her work and IUDs to the other sejdwomen during the Tosra gathering and it has gathered extra many, partly because she has already spread a rumour, and partly because they are curious about me and my Academy. I now have closer to the gathering than most, so I should showed up and talk to the sejd women, but not until the second day. I''m still a man and some sejd things are not for me, which I completely agree with. I also tell them that I can surprise and show some special sejd whose likes they havn''t seen before. I intend to use my remaining fireworks rockets.


    When Kari ask Liv and Myrun, it becomes clear that Jane''s question might be true. Couldn''t elves fertility be different from humans? I havn''t even thought about that, but I had expected my company to hear about many elves who got pregnant 6-8 times considering how often it happened in the past in Midg?rd, and still do in some parts of the world. I don''t have to go back many generations to find 8-12 children in Swedish families. But the elves seem to struggle to get pregnant 4-5 times. My company got dumbfounded when they realized that almost every human relationship is a single wife, so a human woman gave birth to 12 children - it was not a man with three wives. Humans and Elves have the same 9-month pregnancy, so they also realized how many years difference there must be between the oldest and youngest child, and problems with heredity, and such. Not to mention food and more.


    IUDs are still important, because an unwanted pregnancy is dangerous, costly and a social burden. However, it begs the question of what cause the low fertility rate. Just geneology? Men? Women? Both? Environmental toxins? Lifestyle? Food? They seem to lose fertility faster than humans as they get older, but does that apply to one or both sexes? But the chance that I can make Iselin and/or Kari pregnant has decreased even more, which no-one in my company liked to hear - especially Jane. Jane loves to joke about sex and tease, but she does not want to be a mother, and we both want to be just friends.


    We switch topic a bit and Myrun says that there will be Jarls and other powerful people from the region attending the gathering, and again, partly because of me. She usually only participates every other year or so, but this year is special, and who knows, it might be an annual thing from now on. Again that look, but now followed by a subtile growing wicked smile.


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    Myrun says she shouldn''t be surprised by my two beautiful exotic maids, but is really surprised that I already have a h¨®ra here, which Liv didn''t notice. But I confirm that yes; Caecilia was a gift I did not want, and even if I don''t take full advantage of her presence, its complicated to forcing her away, as Radgeirrson persuaded her to swear to Freya to be mine. Liv sighs and gives an apologetic look, while Myrun just nods that she understands, and says it partly explains the proclamation that King Aeriksson just sent out, that reached them before they left Skiringsalr. I''ve not heard anything about that.


    A proclamation that is to be read aloud, and each Jarl should send a man around to the larger villages to read it aloud, and then attach it on their notice board so that literate people could read it and pass it on.


    In short, I am so very masculine that even begin a Sejdmann doesn''t matter. I am also faithful to Freya''s beliefs and have so much honor and self-control that I only have sex with a few free women - never slaves or anyone coerced or forced - and gifts from his subjects in the form of women for sexual purposes is an insult to my honor and Freya, and the giver will be punished by King Aeriksson. It continued stating that I have undeservedly gained a reputation for being lustful just because I have several women around me that I protect as a man should, and that many of his subjects are shortsighted fools. And in short, that King Aeriksson is tired of people who put me or my Academy in danger, and that I should be treated almost like himself, because I am important for everyone''s future.


    The proclamation briefly informed about the duel and that Storman Radgeirrson was convicted of attempted to end my bloodline, the sentence he received, etc. The proclamation ended with a short list with examples of proven sejd I made in front of many noteworthy witnesses in separate locations, so my sejd shouldn''t be questioned.


    - Made a common stone illuminate a great hall with a pure white light, without fire or heat.


    - Killed a man with thunder in a forced duel in self-defense.


    - Made lightning strike, with thunder and rain indoors on a sunny summer day, after I left an estate where Freya and I were offended.


    Both questioningly raise their eyebrows at the end, so I just shrug, and confirm with a small smug smile. Iselin and Ciara are very smug and proud, while Kari is better at being subtle. Given that they believe that the god Thor is the cause of thunder and storms, it is a fairly masculine thing to have done, even if the real event is quite pathetic.


    Myrun consider the whole proclamation to be very entertaining, because she has never seen or heard such a proclamation before, especially not with that kind of language from the King, so he must be ''annoyed'' at a lot of people. Usually it is only new laws, major events, wars or the like that are proclaimed in that way, and everyone with an ounce of wisdom realizes how seriously King Aeriksson is. The language also shows that the King wants everyone to understand that my sejd is powerful and deadly, and my masculinity is now beyond questioning as it indirectly accuse King Aeriksson of lying, and that it is better they make King Aeriksson angry, than me.


    It''s one hell of a proclamation, and it should help me avoid problems, and should reduce my problems with future female gifts - so I''m happy about that. But it sure won''t reduce my desirability among women. I ask Myrun to save a copy and give it to me in the future. It would be fun to have, which makes her smile.


    Elvira knocks on the doorframe and apologizes for disturbing, but the craftsmen want to test the water and hot water system, and I asked to be notified. Liv and Myrun want to see, so we end our second talk. Cold water is already officially in use, and the hot water system doesn''t leak and also works well. Even if the hot water hasn''t become warmer than lukewarm, it is more comfortable than cold water. When I explain and show what a shower is, like warm soft rain indoors to clean under, it becomes clear that Myrun and Liv will try to shower tonight. Its fortuitous that the cook is working the fireplaces hard to feed all of us and try all the possibilities the kitchen provides, as a lot of hot water will be used this evening. Jane''s enthusiasm has already got everyone interested, and I will take the first shower myself.


    <hr>


    Iselin is waiting for me outside the big bathroom, with a towel and a change of cloths and a sinful smile. She tells me that Jane slipped into the small bathroom and is already taking a shower, but I don''t mind giving Jane that small victory, and hold the door open for Iselin.


    When we come out we are clean and relaxed, and Jane looks out the door from the kitchen. She grins and says, "So that is why you took your time. Oi! Kari!" She nods toward us. Kari comes out of the kitchen, with a towel and change, sees Iselin, gives me a kiss and goes into the big bathroom. I need to remember to make her feel special. Jane accompanies us as we walk to the main building:


    "Ciara''s in the smaller bathroom. Robert, I''ve never been so happy for a lukewarm shower. That felt... divine. I''m happy that I didn''t arrive here tomorrow and could have experienced this house before we talked. I would have been fucking desperate to stay, and an even more epic moron." Jane stops us outside her bedroom. "I''ve been thinking. Say your theory is correct about travel here require a strong Aurora, lightningstrike and unchanged nature. This happened in the summer, and was very strong. So, shouldn''t that mean that the Aurora covered at least a large part of Europe, if not further? When lots of people are out hiking in mountains? Shouldn''t it be quite likely that there was a lightning storm somewhere that might have sent other humans here?"


    "Actually, that is a good point. I''ve been hiking in lots of mountains all over Europe at that time of the year, and the weather have turned bad before. Although never with a lightningstrike really close by. Weather tend to shift in mountains more and faster than at the coast, and if I remember correctly, bad weather happened to me in Andorra, Ireland, Scotland and several times in Norway. Oh, and Adrspach in the Czech Republic." Jane har ett bel?tet leende. "And I did meet other hikers. In Andorra, over an hour it went from a warm sunny day to a sharp drop in temperature while absolutely pouring down rain and lightning, but I just threw on a poncho and kept walking down through the streams forming on the path. The weather might stay bad, so no point in trying to make camp and wait it out. I only had 3-4 hours down to the car. I poured out water from my boots a couple of times, and my feet was bad over the next few days, but it did keep raining. I passed many many hikers taking shelter under trees or heading to the closest refuge, and I helped some pass slippery and really bad sections. Most didn''t even have boots or anything extra to wear. Few had more than a bottle of water and a waistbag."


    "Oh, you mean they were less prepared than me?"


    "Thats a low threshold to pass, so drop the smugface. You did more than a ''up and down'' daytrip. We might not be the only humans here after all, although you shouldn''t get your hopes up about company. If other humans did come here, quite a few might not have survived to civilization, or ended up in a bad situation. It might be damn hard to find them. News travel slow, and you know I''ve kept a low profile about being human. We might find out from new inventions or ideas, and if word of all my stuff spread, other humans might suspect. Hell, they might get inspired. Like my North arrows are ridiculously simple to make, and electricity is just a complicated, but good, way to do it."


    "It is?"


    "Yes. Compasses are a very old invention, and while some were from natural magnetic rock, most later were made, and there wasn''t electricity until many centuries later. And no, I won''t tell you how it is done. But now you know it can be done. And thats my point. For the elves here they''re magic, but like you, a human who hears about it will understand it is a compass needle, and if they havn''t already made them, many will know how to make electricity, or do it without. Shit. Humans might end up causing a literal armsrace and wars in the next few years."


    "What? You lost me."


    "You know stuff about war and violence will be more popular and attractive to sell to rulers than stuff like sanitation or math, and many humans will be pleased by that advantage instead of thinking its a bad idea and keep it secret. Sadly, most beings have the morals they can afford to have, and I''m not a shining exception. We all like to think about doing the right thing, but when that gets hard, limits gets moved. If you were here and alone, stepping of the boat in Borgarsandr with limited prospects, wouldn''t you be tempted try to sell cannons and explosives to the King? If you could leverage it to be given a title, wealth and land? What might stop some people is the risk at being taken prisoner and be forced to make it, as any smart King would like to keep it secret and exclusive. A couple of humans might be wannabe conquerers wishing to carve out their own Kingdom. Few will be able to do what I did. We tend to think the worst of people, and justify actions by ''someone else will so, I might do it'', and so on."


    "Yeah, that sounds like humans." She dejectedly sighs. "Bollocks, I just did. There might be an armsrace and wars. Bloody hell. Literally."


    "Yeah. Its been three months, and information about me is out there. I should use the winter to make some preparations for war and gather intel. I''ll have to try and ask merchants if certain goods have become popular, or in high demand, or merchants asking about certain goods with English names. And other common languages. Humans won''t know the name its called here. Like ingredients for blackpowder. Blackpowder can obviously be made from scratch, but many humans won''t know how. Or demand for copper. I will have an edge in copper, as probably the largest copper mine in Europe is about 300km from here in Sweden, so news might not spread that I buy copper like crazy, but demand from other places might, although you don''t need much for most things. And the copper guild like me. Periodically in history that mine supplied two thirds of the worlds production until the industrial age when demand skyrocketed. Oh well, time will tell, but I need to start getting intel. And if we learn about something, then I have a hard decision to make. Contact and say ''hello'', or try to stay secret. Ally, ignore or try to remove any human from the board."


    "Ooh, that turned dark."


    "I generally try to help, be diplomatic and avoid violence. Violence feels caveman - the bully option - and it is the last resort. Before coming here I hadn''t been in any kind of fight since childhood, and few back then too. But if I find out some human has been using violence and killing, and looks in my direction? Behave like a rabid animal, be treated like a rabid animal. I will absolutely try to assassinate that fucker before he or she even knows about me, and hopefully leave no trace what the fuck happened or who is behind it."


    Jane just stares as I take Iselins hand and walk away. I don''t like to talk a lot with Jane in English, with others are present. They don''t know what we are talking about, so I give Iselin a brief summary that there may be more people in the world.


    <hr>


    Before the evening meal, I light up my first seven oil lamps and use them to illuminate the main hall, meeting room, corridors, kitchen, etc. As we sit there with our guests and eat, I think that this probably is the start of a new era for Alfheimr. Hopefully it will be bright.

 Tosra & The Auction - day 1, Tosra Gathering (Part 1)

    Tosra & The Auction, day 1


    Day 88, 22 September


    Autumnal Equinox. Tosra Gathering.


    Ciara gently wakes me up with soft words and a kiss. The second day I wake up in my new mansion, and it has become a little more finished. This morning I can avoid sunlight as both the curtain and the blinds are in place and it''s nice and dark in here, just enough light to move around in. It''s somewhat entertaining that I''m lying on my stomach at the edge with my arm hanging down and I feeling Iselin against my side with her arm around me. Most of the width of the bed is unused, and sleeping like this we could have managed with a third as wide bed.


    When we talked last night, of course children came up as a topic of conversation, and we talked about the fact that the overdose Radgeirrsons gave me may have affected my fertility, which everyone takes incredibly seriously, and since both Myrun and Liv already know that I am a human from Midg?rd, I chose to inform them about genetic compatibility as well, which cames as a bit of a shock. I confirmed that all my sambos have known about it for a while, and that there was several reasons Jane was looking for me, but to keep it a secret for now. In any case, I stopped them from sacrifice things to Freya for my sake, and proved my faith a little by saying that it is up to Freya if she wants to see me have healthy children with elvish women.


    Liv had hoped I could make her pregnant in the future, and she is already ''old'' and can not wait several years to see if a child is healthy. Liv have faith in Freya, and as a woman with her own business in Skiringsalr, Liv also wants to raise the child herself in Skiringsalr. So me, my sambos and Liv now have an agreement, witnessed by Myrun and Jane, where I will try to make Liv pregnant when we meet. If a child is born, the child is Livs, and I can not take the child from her if she is a good mother, regardless of the sex of the child. I will not pay anything, but if Liv dies before me, I will take care of the child, and I will educate the child when the child grows older. I get to visit when it suits me, and Liv will take the child with her when she comes near where we can meet. Liv does not mind that I act as a father on such occasions, and would be happy to continue to have a sexual relationship on occasions. Liv prefers a girl, because as Liv sees it, the child will have excellent potential to become a powerful sejd woman, blessed by Freya.


    It''s the wrong time of the month for Liv, but she took out the IUD and we spent about half an hour in the guest bed last night. It was a strange experience to consciously try to make her pregnant, and more like a form of social ritual or job to do, and it feels strange to realise during the act, with our sweaty bodies against each other and as she moans.


    <hr>


    We get dressed, quickly wash and have breakfast with our guests. Liv is in a great mood, and Jane has a hard time not smiling, and can not resist a few small ''puns'' in English, which I don''t translate. Both Jalida and Elvira have damp hair so I think they took advantage of shower opportunities as well, which is good. The idea is that we should all shower at least every other day, as long as there are no water problems. Myrun praises me for how practical showering is, how fast it goes if you want it, and how good it is with both cold and hot water available like that. If you want a bath, you don''t have to wait for the water to get warm and a tub filled. Then there is also a sauna!


    Jane points out how nice it was to be able to go to the loo early in the morning without having to get dressed and go out, and after I translated, I see a couple of nodding heads agreeing, including Liv''s. Some luxury is nice to have once you have experienced it, before that it is just the way life is. Everyone has been given the basic about my idea with central heating as well, and no one seems to doubt that it will work well. Personally, I''m a little worried to get it working at all, or not work well enough. I hope I sized the boiler, pipes and radiators close enough, and there isn''t some big stupid hard to fix mistake.


    Today is the first day at the Tosra Gathering at its Stone Ship, and local Storman Jolfr Lum is the one who hosts the meeting and organizes. There are usually large tents set up in the field next to the Stone Ship, and the gathering is spread out with fires, food and sacrifices. Thankfully no humans - elves - will be sacrificed, but several different animals in groups of three and three will be sacrificed.


    There is a Ting before noon for the residents of the region, when the shadow of a large stone points towards another. But my islands are no longer a part of the Kingdom and I don''t have any right to vote in the Ting, nor do I want to intrude on that Ting the first time we are there, although some issues concern the region more than the Kingdom. I will present myself at the gathering after the Ting. A lot of residents on the islands are already at the gathering and the Ting, because there will also be some bartering and deals, and a lot of social contact and discussions between people. Marrige age daughters usually accompany their parents and cook for them outside the tents during such gatherings, to be shown off, and show that they can cook, sew and so on. Most people live mostly in isolation on their farms, as travel takes time and is cumbersome, and inconvenient when the work on the farm has to be done, so large gatherings are important. They''re mostly self-sufficient so why should they travel all the time? Going to a larger village or town might happen once a week or month. For some really important gatherings like Northmen Ting, people travel far, but some only come every third years or so, and neighbors take turns traveling from the same area so they can bring back news. Thats the reason those are when they are in late winter. The frozen ground might make travel faster, and the spring farmwork won''t have started yet. There is also the issue of leaving a farm unprotected, as thieves might use the occasion. Animals need someone to take care of them too.


    Myrun has already had her men set up two larger tents, even though one consists of three tents, and decorated them. The tents are usually where the important people talk, socialize more or less intimately and sleep, and will do so for the next two nights. Being able to spend the night as a guest here was an unexpectedly pleasure, and I offer them continued hospitality, which I should do according to custom, but it is impractical for them. Myrun offers me to spend the night there, so I don''t have to go all the way back in the dark. In my world with its roads and cars, it would probably have only taken 20 minutes to drive back to the mansion the long way around, but here it is a couple of hours on foot in the dark, followed by a boat trip over a couple of kilometers as well. I can also imagine what she wishes would happen in that tent at night, and I thank her for the invitation, although Liv obviously hoped that I would visit her tent instead. It may be the wrong time of the month, but Liv will take every opportunity to increase the odds of pregnancy, and if it only leads to an enjoyable moment, she won''t complain. I hope the pregnancy agreement doesn''t lead to any rift in their or our friendship.


    In the future, I will have to inviting them and others in conjunction with the gathering. I have to show my greatness, power and wealth - show that I have the right to rule. I should also set up my own camp and tents for the next gathering and spend the nights there. More things to buy and do in the future. There is also a gathering at Tosra at the spring equinox, but it is smaller and more local, and less important. It only happens one month after the Northmen Ting, and is mostly to spread information etc, and people might be busy with farmwork.


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    Liv suggests that I show my sejd quite early tonight, because most people will be too drunk or drugged up on mushrooms and other substances later, and we agree on a time a bit after sunset when the sky gets darker. "One hour?" Liv asks with a small laugh and I understand that she has started to get used to saying time like that, and it''s even more fun as the sundial doesn''t work after sunset. Clocks. I need to make clocks.


    After breakfast, Myrun and Liv thank and we part to meet later in the afternoon. It should actually be a bit interesting and maybe nice, as the gathering is more of a festival.


    <hr>


    I build together another oil lamp, and then modify the last two. The oil lamps I have built work poorly in wind and outdoors, and are quite unstable, which makes them unsuitable where wind can make them sway or fall over, so I use brass to make them more like a storm lantern in function. The burner part with the wick gets a hood with a slit in it where the wick burns, and most of the air from below will be led directly into the flame. But to reduce the variations in air from wind, I screen the air intake and make a couple of classic storm lantern side pipes to move the air intake to the upper part of the lamp. The point of the pipes, is that the pipes act as buffers and even out the air flow from the same intake to the same outlet. In this case, the pipes also help to hold the structure together and keep the upper ''chimney'' in place. To be able to light the lamp, I make a simple screw lock so it can be lowered. I need to design a brand new storm lantern from scratch. If I could make an improvement that reduced the smell, it would also be useful.


    I miss having electric light.


    <hr>


    As it happens, Masterbuilder Pedr has two large tents to lend us for the next few days, two of his own, because he has been living in one of the houses for weeks now and doesn''t need them. He is happy to lend them to me for the next few days, as he still has a third to use when he accompanies us to the gathering, and he sends two craftsmen with us who can carry and raise the tents with the help of my guards and maids. The men have asked to go to the gathering. The workers will have time off during the Tosra gathering and feast at their camp here. Hillevi offers to stay in the mansion. She apparently looks forward to the holiday in combination with hot baths, and doesn''t want to do something ''stupid'' by mistake, while Gunhild hopes to use the opportunity, as she has an IUD.


    We will be a fairly large group of people and cargo going to the gathering in one of the construction Knarr''s; me, sambos, Jane, Caecilia, Alith, Bodil and Gunhild, Elvira and Jalida. Eleven plus Pedr, his maid and the two craftsmen who will raise and take down the tents, but are otherwise free to experience the gathering. Add said tents with its long poles, food, sleeping pelts and so on. Its a lot.


    We need to get our own smaller cargo boat. Something basic like a Knarr. We live on an freaking island.


    <hr>


    We sail down and make land on the east side, where a large Runestone signals that we are right, if we somehow had missed all the other boats that are already here. Then it is just to carry everything up to the gathering grounds, but the craftsmen and maids will go several turns. I literally have to think about my status and not carry too much, so I just take a deck chair and my own shoulder strap bag, and Iselin, Kari, Ciara and Jane do the same. It''s probably a little more than a kilometer or so to the gathering, and there''s a nice wide path.


    The gathering is in a beautiful open valley with a large stone ship surrounded by low wood-clad cliffs. The gathering site itself is a large field and meadows north of the stone ship, spread over perhaps 400m, and both out in the open field and inside among the trees at the forest edge. We can see around 20 larger tents that have been erected, of which 6 are really big and interesting, with dozens smaller tents and rain protection spread out around. A lot of people move around preparing things, eating and working, or sitting in groups and talking. It seems that the Ting is over. Several larger bonfires are being built. Animals are tied up or caged, and especially three groups with three of each and what I assume is the sacrificial site. Chickens, pigs and goats.


    Myrun''s camp is easy to spot due to her banner and it is one of those impressively large ones, and we pitch our own tents about 40m from hers, and while they do, I go over and say hello. Myrun''s group are preparing a whole pig for grilling and Myrun is happy about the company and that we have arranged our own tent, even though ours is much smaller than hers and I am reminded of the invitation. I apologize and say I should probably spend some time with Liv, and make sure I am in good condition. Myrun whispers that she and Liv have talked and it is not a problem, it will be as it is, and Liv has her tent here next to hers. Myrun is pleased when I accept her invitation, as she was a little worried that we brought our own tents. She shows her really big bed, with plenty of room for two. My sambos have also been sneaky and brought a bed that can be assembled, but they will share it without me tonight. If I''m going to have sex with Liv and Myrun, I prefer that in the future it is not in our home, and not when my sambos are close by.


    Myrun''s main tent is actually three tents; a large triangular tent in the middle with a beautifully carved wooden frame, with two smaller tents with a meter-high straight edge set with the short sides facing the sides of the large tent in the middle. The large tent has its canvas side lying over the smaller ones, so it gives a large open area in the middle, with a larger area with high ceiling, and two ''side rooms''. Its a smart solution and is probably relatively easy to disassemble and transport, apart from the long wooden poles. Myrun quickly explains the longe poles can be split in two, and how it is possible to combine more tents in different configurations. King Asbj?rn has many more connected, and several more freestanding tents, but then again, it might be a large group of people and supplies.


    It''s probably three hours until the sun goes down when everything is done, and we just have to relax and participate. Asta, Lifa, Adalwar, Palni and others from the crew quickly visits, and I like that they''re also here. I have given them permission to visit, and made sure they understand that they have time off the next couple of days, and they are of course here to experience the gathering, be social and make contacts themselves. A few of them probably hope to hook up with someone. They bring with them some of their own small inverted V tents with only two shorter poles and guy lines. Significantly lighter and easier to carry.


    At least for me, it''s hard to avoid talking about what we have to arrange on the mansion, and we should hire another household staff member. A man would be good for taking care of the farm side chores, like wood cutting, the animals, the waste etc. But it wouldn''t be wrong with another maid who can take care of future milking, cheese making, brewing mead and cider, tending the vegetable land and doing other farm work as just release the future chickens etc. Jalida and Elvira think the work is easy enough for now, but the amount of work will quickly increase. There is a lot to take care of here, and it is all done by hand, no machines, and the cook needs help in the kitchen. I don''t want a slave to it, but I want someone who has experience of generally doing the chores that are needed on a farm, which most people have. Iselin suggests that we try to hire someone local, and start by asking on the islands, and then outside. It is good if we hire locals even if it isn''t the best candidate, because it makes the residents more appreciating to us, which is an excellent idea.


    We also need to buy many animals, just to get our own production of eggs, milk, cheese, meat, etc. There are no food stores here; if you want something you have to grow it or raise it. Kari and Iselin will be talking to people about buying animals during the gathering.


    We need to buy a small Knarr for local transport. I think we need two boats, one that is basically a larger rowboat with sails to get to other islands, or when we don''t need to transport animals, and a larger one when need too, or just transport cargo or a lot of people. I will ask Asta. A small rowboat like ship''s faering would be convenient.

 Tosra & The Auction - day 1, Tosra Gathering (Part 2)

    There are many who are curious about me and my company, and Myrun enjoys acting as our guide as we walk around and she introduce us to various people here.


    Storman Maurr is happy to meet and eager to tell me that everything went well. I tell him that I have drawings and sketches on the ferry and other things, and that I have given Digraldi in Borgarsandr the task of manufacturing some important parts, as well as bronze bells to summon the ferry. But it will probably take a month or two before I can come and do the installation. If he visits my camp here tomorrow, I can give him the drawings etc, and we can talk more details. Before we part, Maurr introduces me to a couple of other Stormans, and the ferry is of course a small prestige project for him, so I understand that he wants to brag, and he also tells everyone about the fireworks at Naeswulf''s feast, but I try to tone it down so he doesn''t overhype the experience.


    I can not keep all the names and descriptions in my head, but Alith discreetly tries to take photos. It was a good idea to teach her that. Everyone has already heard of me and not unexpectedly, me and my Academy are the big topic of conversation, partly because it is the biggest that has happened in the region this year, and partly because it is only a couple of hours walk north. The Ting raised important issues about trade between my islands and the surrounding area, taxes etc, and next spring and Ting here, I will both want and need to participate. Participating in Tings is a part of life here, just like voting in elections and other stuff in my old life. Radgeirrson''s verdict has become known here, and I should have expected King Asbj?rn to send a man to inform and get information, read out the proclamation and so on, but until everything is arranged by the Tingsman, Radgeirrson''s properties are not officially mine, and it will be really official when it is informed about at the upcoming Northmen Tinget in 5 months.


    Those who came from the north have told others about the large copper shimmer in the sunlight and I understand that some of those who came yesterday, today took a small voyage north just to look at the building a little closer without getting ashore. Some have ridden or walk to watch the shimmer over the sea from the cliffs to the north. No one has ever seen or even thought of making such a statement of wealth, so in the eyes of many I am already worthy of my Furst title. Of course, most here know that copper will begin to lose its luster and darken, which over the years will acquire a green color, and most people wonder what I intend to do about it, but I tell them that I do not intend to prevent it. Sure it would be pretty to keep the copper shimmer, but it''s just stupid to do, unnecessary work and not why I put copper on the roof.


    After a while, when Kari and Myrun smilingly point it out, I realise that my attempts to explain the benefits of copper roofs, and that I don''t care about keeping its copper shimmer, are taken as an even greater statement of wealth. That I did not create a copper roof to brag about it, but only because I think it is better, and I am so rich that I didn''t have to worry about the cost.


    Some who arrived late last night from north have also said that it was a faint shimmering light that shone over the water from there last night. Myrun encourage the rumors by proudly saying that she visited the mansion last night, and it is more sejdish than they understand. Not only copper roof and huge beautiful glass windows everywhere, but also dozens of rooms, and private rooms for everyone. Then luxuries like with cold and hot water available directly from the wall when you want it. Just turn on a small brass wheel and it will starts to flow, and the maids will never have to fetch water from a stream or lake. Wonderful warm indoor rain in the bathrooms if you do not want to use a bathtub, and its like standing under a small gentle warm waterfall, and everything is not even finished yet. There are two luxury bathrooms, a sauna and washroom for cloths. Indoors. Many people look at me in amazement when they hear her stories and I can only confirm.


    They become more amazed when Myrun tries to explain the kitchen, followed by the fact that the whole mansion will be warm this winter, without lighted fireplaces except in the kitchen, and that all fireplaces are masonary miracles where the smoke just disappears up a chimney. If I had offered tours of the mansion, every tour would be packed, but I know better than to unnecessarily invite people, and much is not finished. It is better to give selective tours of the Academy this spring or summer.


    There are some who ask about the carriage they''ve heard about, which Myrun does not know about, so I just say that I can show it to her in the future. Unfortunately, this is an island and there is no good road here, so I would just be cumbersome and unnecessary to bring the carriage here. That I did not even bother to tell, or show and brag about the carriage to Myrun, is taken as further proof of wealth.


    Why is so much about showing of wealth?


    <hr>


    We are waiting for the whole grilled pig at Myruns camp to be finished along with two geese, but sit with Iselin, Kari and Ciara next to me in deck chairs outside our tent and just look out over the festivities.


    Jane is frantically making ink sketches of the gathering, humans - elves - and more. She does it because she really wants to, but her artwork has attracted some admirers. I imagine this is the first time many of them see any image in that way, and it is probably the first time a gathering like this is depicted at all. Talk about documenting history for the future, in a way no-one did in Midgard.


    When I pointed it out to Jane, she missed her step a bit, before she started to sketch frantically, so I lend her my compact camera so she can discreetly take photos to save time and not miss anything important.


    A really old well dressed man comes up with his male servant, one of the Storman I was introduced to before with some funny name I don''t remember, but there are plenty of those. I remembered him because he has a cane and only thin white hair in braids from the sides and back, with small gold jewellery braided in and he looks quite dashing, and he is probably the oldest elf I have seen. He must be well over 60 years old. We introduce ourselves again, and he says his name is Skarde, and he only wants to try one of the deck chairs as they look more comfortable than a stool or wooden chair. Of course I let him, although I warn that it might be difficult for him to get up again without help, but he just waves it away and Elvira set out a chair for him which he happily sinks into. He seems to like that chair, and I can see how he relaxes all over his body and just enjoys it.


    Most people here are careful to come up to me, but he has long since stopped caring about such things and we looked so comfortable in the chairs. He gives me compliments over my beautiful company, which we just thank for. So I introduce everyone by name, and Jane, who is fascinated by his appearance, asks if she can sketch him where he is, happily siting in the chair, which he is proud to let her do. She takes the opportunity to take several photos as well. He might not understand the camera, but he sure knows how to pose and smile for the pretty young woman.


    We small talk and jump between subject. About the gathering. About the Academy. About life, family, love, etc. It is almost painful to see him when he say he is alone, no children anymore, just a grandchild he can not meet, but he does not want to go into it so I don''t ask. He just says that I should be happy about my company; marry and have children - many children - and do not wait until it is too late. To value what I have and not carelessly sacrifice it due to greed. My first thought is that he means wanting more women, but I realise that he means family, and Skarde sounds like another person with a tragic and violent life. How many families or siblings are not divided over the seas, and never meet again? Not knowing what happened to some loved one? How much violence has he not seen and contributed to? He is old enough to have live thru the last huge raid and wars and so on.


    Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    It reminds me that I have almost died twice, so I grab Iselin and Kari''s hands, and say that next year he will hopefully see a change in both areas, because now I have some place to take root. Both smile and looks so happy, but especially Kari is extra happy about that declaration. She really seem to want to get married, and who knows? It might happen after summer next year. I still think too long term. I give both of them a kiss, and Ciara gets up so she can also get one, which becomes two as she slide into my lap, so she does not feel pushed aside by Kari.


    The old man laughs and says he won''t disturb anymore, and while he gets up to go, he reminds me that Freya blesses any children created during the night. Subtle. We also get up to say goodbye. He is really impressed by Jane''s sketch of him there in the chair, and proudly tells Jane that his name is Skarde, and he proudly write his name on the sketch when she asks him to. When she tries to give him the sketch, he just shakes his head and says he is too old to appreciate it for a long time. He asks her to keep the sketch and make an old man happy, so that someone remembers him. That he was here. Skarde doubts that he will experience another summer, and he asks her to continue documenting life here and gives her a lot of praise, and an ounce of silver, which definitely surprises us, not least Jane.


    He compliments me for my Academy and hopes for more things like simple comfortable chairs to be sold, and hot water whenever you want it, isn''t a shame either, and worth more than gold in a chest. So what can I do other than give him the chair he was sitting in, which he is very happy to accept. His servant carries it for him and as they go back to his own big tent, and we hear how he warbles a tune as he leaves with a smile on his face.


    <hr>


    We eat well grilled meat with some glaze on together with Myrun, Siri and Liv. They also appreciate the deck chairs and I regret that I didn''t bring more. Whatever glaze was used is seriously good, and Myruns servant is pleased with the praise.


    I''m not much for seeing animal sacrifices but its feels like I need to. This is a part of life here, a sacrifices to the gods, and sometimes they sacrifice volunteer men at important large events. It is an honor to give themselfs to the gods, but far from all are worthy. However, it is another 7 years before the next great religious gathering in the kingdom, which I am happy about as I guess I will need to attend. Of course they have a gathering every year where atleast one volunteer is sacrificed, but some years are more important, like next year which is a third year when three volunteers are sacrificed, and every ninth when nine volunteers are sacrificed, which makes the average 2.3 people per year. As this is the end of the harvest and the harvest has been good, most of the animals are sacrificed to the gods Frey and Siv as thanks. But Oden, Tor and Freja also get their own sacrifice.


    When the animal sacrifices have finished, it''s time for me to show my sejd, and the V?lva who did the sacrificing draws attention to me and shout out that Sejdmann Robert Arnesson from my Furstdome and Academy islands has promised a short performance like never before.


    So I go to the three prepared fireworks rockets, and calm everyone down and say that they don''t need to be scared, but they should sit down and hold on tight to their stops. Many don''t listen, which some regret when the first rocket flies up. To calm the many frightened elves, as well as lighten the mood, I joke and point out that I warned them, and now they have spilled mead unnecessarily and on the ground it makes no one happy. It helps, and most people can enjoy the next two rockets more. Storman Maurr beams and with a smugface elbows the man next to him in an ''I told you so'' gesture. To cheers and shouts of ''Sejdmann Arnesson!'' I thank them for their time and hope a continued great gathering.


    <hr>


    I take a stroll thru the camps, watch the fires and the people feasting. They drink plenty of mead but also wine, and I receive so many offers of both, and many have wooden bowls with mushrooms and other things they also offer me to eat. No way in hell I''ll eat anything like that. It is something they deliberately take for its narcotic effect. Musicians play more or less well depending on how much they have drunk, and some sing while others swing fire and dance. A lot of fondeling, kissing and cozying up to eachother, or just have sex in various shelters and tents.


    I get ridiculously many ''suggestions'' and proposals from women, couples and girls. The youngest couldn''t even have be 14. Isch! She might think she is an adult, but I do not, and at the same time I needed to try to say no in a good way, and that she should look for someone her own age.


    H¨®ra Baugeid introduces herself, and shows me her branded breast while she gracefully slides her arm around mine, and asks if she can join me for the rest of the evening, and promises to entertain me. Sure, she wears some kind of lute, but the look she gives me tells another story, and her other hand has found something intimate to rub, so I think she means more than playing music and singing. She is good looking and she is probably Gunhild''s age, but I say no, and that I have already promised my evening and night away. And unfortunately she can not accompany me either, so I can give the woman the appreciation she deserves. And I''ll be busy tomorrow morning too. And I will use the day to recover so I am in good shape for the next night and my women.


    She looks so hurt and disappointed, and says she has ''spice'', but I immediately say no and that I refuse to use such. Which gives me a little more respect as she has seen my company is beautiful younger women. The first thing that makes her loose a bit of composure and take a small step wrong, is when I say that I already have a hor¨¢ in my company. She apparently did not know that there is another hor¨¢ at the gathering, and is disappointed that I already have my own. And no, I do not need two. And no, I won''t change my mind after a night with her.


    Gunhild is quick to answer Baugeid''s questioning look, that they''re just my guards. Alith and Gunhild have been walking behind me as guards, and finds everything very entertaining. I don''t mind that they bet on things to have fun, but do my guards and sambos really have to bet on how many women will try to get me to their sleeping pelts?


    Baugeid shows no sign at all of leaving my arm, and suggests that we take the path past her tent so she can fetch other instruments and show her skill, which makes me redirect our walk towards Myrun''s camp, and when Baugeid realises where we are heading and who I intend to spend the night with, she apologizes and thanks for the company. Myrun gets a small smile when Baugeid leaves my arm, probably annoyed that I seemed to take another and younger woman to her bed. She takes my arm instead, and leads me to her tent where Liv holds up the tent canvas. Myrun recognized Baugeid, and whispers to me that Liv will also join us tonight, so I need to prove that I am man enough for both, as they will take turns. Myrun has also prepared with jars of water, cider, mead and small snacks. Myruns already a bit tipsy, and casually eat a mushroom, so it might be more than alcohol. She folds away the canvas into the side tent where her bed is, and seductively settles down on the edge of the bed, and extends her hand towards me.


    Three is an important number, and the fact that Liv is Fj?lkunnig and I am a Sejdmann, makes this a sacred act where we three with sex worship to Freya now that the harvest is officially over. Even though it actually isn''t. They are both happy about our threesome, and are convinced that Freya will bless us with prosperity and luck this winter. Myrun thinks she is especially blessed that we can accompany her in bed, as she is the only one in the North who is accompanied by a Sejdwoman and a Sejdmann.


    I''m careful to end in Liv, because Myrun does not seem to see a pregnancy as something to avoid. I become a little worried that Myrun has removed her IUDs, but she seems convinced that Freya will make her pregnant if Freya so wish - IUD or not. But it is definitely a thing to keep in mind, while we have an interesting and intimate evening together to the sound of the big feast and music outside.

 Tosra & The Auction - day 2, Cluelessness

    Tosra & The Auction, day 2


    Tosra Gathering, day 2


    Cluelessness


    Myrun and Liv think we should welcome the dawn with more sex, and it is hard not to atleast a shorter time before I leave to return to my own camp. It became shorter and embarrassing when it clicked that Siri with maids and guards of course were just outside the tent canvas and awake. It just feels wrong with that audience even if no one here seems to care. They may think that the canvas makes it private enough, but I do not. I know that Alith guarded me overnight outside the canvas, but that was ''just Alith'', who I have started to get used to always being there. Until I realise it also applies to Myrun''s guards, shieldmaidens and maids. Just one more thing I never thought I would even have on the scale of things having to get used to.


    It is only 40 meters to my own camp, but it is with great respect and probably fear that I am greeted by the few I meet or walk by. I still havn''t got used to being so ''coveted'', and when a naked woman with only a blanket wrapped around her hurries up from her sleeping pelt and tries to curtsy, it just gets absurd, but hard not to smile, and she too can see the humor in it. I just give her a little kiss on the hand and ask her to crawl back and stay warm so she doesn''t get sick. She caresses the place I kissed while she smiles, and asks if I want to join her. Just for a moment?


    She''s probably in her early 20s and beautiful, but I thank her and say no. As I move on, I wonder if she thinks I just blessed her? That Sejdmann partly is a religious title has never really connected to me before. Sex as a religious ceremony is a hell of a thing, but it''s better than sacrifices or boring hymns. Much better.


    The norms about nudity really arn''t the same as the ones I''m used to, or sex, especially at a gathering like this, and a sixties hippie would probably be happy. Then again I''m never been much for going to festivals and such. Where I stand outside our tents with Alith and Gunhild guarding behind me, I can see several couples who seem to be more or less covered on a sleeping pelt on the ground, which must be cold considering the morning cold. Even if the sleeping pelts look thick and warm and there often is a smouldering fire next to it, it may not be enough without wind protection and so on. I see legs poking out of a tent, several pairs of legs and an arm poking out of a half collapsed small V tent, and a couple of tents where there is ongoing sex, if I interpret the movements of the tent fabric correctly. I also realise that the woman who curtsied is very lonely and in the middle between our camps. Others have camped a little further away from the big tents. Did she deliberately slept there to try to lure me to her sleeping pelt in the morning? How many in the camp know where I spent the night?


    I still feel like a nerd not fitting in, and one in the gray background, and I''m not used to festivals or gatherings like this, or the attention. But this is a better experience than the last two feasts; freer, less demanding and less strict. More like a festival filled with the joy of a good secured harvest, and thus relief that there is food over the winter, so even if the winter gets harsh, you have a better chance of surviving and not starving to death. It is a joy and relief that I as a modern person in a comfortable Nordic country have never really experienced. In a lot of our modern world that makes me part of the lucky minority. Definitely a better experience than a drunken indoor feast, or a damn orgy with minors. There are minors here, but most people here are free men and women in the 25 to 40 age range, and apparently it is humiliating yourself before the gods to use force during a gathering in a holy place like this. So having a fight or raping someone will make that person a social pariah. Seeking out and demanding a duel a few days after the gathering is a different matter, and gatherings in other places do not have those strict rules.


    I can imagine visiting more gatherings like this in the future, although I will try to avoid the religious part with sacrifices and gods as best I can. And all offers of sex. If I''m going to have a holy threesome in the future, I prefer if it is with Iselin, Kari or Ciara.


    Shit...


    Although they''re not really into threesomes, it''s a hell of a thing to have to choose who is excluded.


    <hr>


    I just sit there in a deck chair outside the tents while the gathering slowly wake up and comes back to life. I am one of the few who didn''t drink or use other substances, and I was motivated to leave Myrun and Liv''s warm embraces. The morning cold definitely helps to wake me up. I''m not a morning person, but I like a really early summer morning if I''ve been up all night. The peace and quiet at 4 or 5 in the morning when the sun rises. The mists that lie over meadows. It is peaceful to just go for a walk before I go to bed. Not the same here and now, but almost. There''s a little mist over there that the sun''s heat has not dissipated.


    Caecilia comes out, wrapped in a big thick blanket, looks at me and abruptly sits down into my lap. Okay? She leans against my left shoulder and her head towards mine, and wraps some of her blanket around me, and I notice that she is completely naked underneath when I grab her by the hip with my right hand. I guess she''s just stepped up from the sleeping pelt and took the blanket out with her. I don''t really know what to say or do, because I''m still a Furst and her behavior is a bit rude, but she asks me to just hold her. She seems unhappy instead of her usual charming and seductive manner. The thought strikes me that it may be pretend unhappiness to lure me to have sympathy sex with her, because everyone has an agenda. But I don''t really care, and its not as she affects me, but I make sure to keep my hand still. I would rather have Iselin or Ciara in my lap, and I wonder if they are awake, but when I look around, it''s just Alith, Gunhild and Elvira out here, and Elvira is preparing breakfast. After a few minutes, Caecilia starts talking;


    "Since my Lord was drugged and our time in the woods a week ago, my Lord has not touched me. Not once. I first thought that my Lord just needed to recover from the drug, and have time to get used to me - to accept me. But we have hardly talked since the first day in Borgarsandr, and my Lord has hardly even looked at me, and it is not because my Lord dislikes me or what I am. I have talked to the others and everyone says similar, and I understand that my Lord only sees me as a burden, someone my Lord feels compelled to take care of, as my Lord is too good to just throw me out, but I am of no use as my Lord does not want my company or cares about being entertained, and will not have sex with me even though I so desire. Not because I''m a h¨®ra or other men have had me, but because my Lord is the man he is, and my Lord also thinks that I am too young. True?"


    "Yes, but I ..." tenderly she puts a finger to my lips and silences me. It''s unexpected and again rude, but Caecilia just gives me a tender kiss on the cheek and leans her head against mine, and I might as well let her talk.


    "This is a couple of the biggest holy days of the year, and for the first time I feel left out, when I usually tell sagas and tales, play, sing, dance and have sex. We are in one of the more special places to celebrate and give thanks for the prosperity, where everyone around me enjoys each other and that life is good. My Lord enjoyed the company of Jarl Skiringe and Fj?lkunniga Liv last night, and my Lord even lets his guards and maids enjoy themselfs if they so wish, as long as it is not with my Lord or affect their duty too much. I''m a free woman, but my word binds me to just look and hear, walk around and talk and be charming, but I''m forced to turn down any offer and reply that I''m my Lords h¨®ra. Women are jealous of me, especially Baugeid, but they do not understand that I am isolated from participating and feeling a man''s intimacy and warmth. How can it be bad that I''m young? Why can''t I feel the joy of my Lord in me, just like Jarl Skiringe or Fj?lkunniga Liv? I am my Lords h¨®ra. What a ritual to Freya it would be with a Sejdmann, a Fj?lkunnig and a H¨®ra at the harvest feast."


    Caecilia sighs and seems really disappointed about the missed opportunity, and I wonder how Baugeid, Liv and the sejdwomen here look at it. I can only say that she is partly right and is in a hell of a situation. Her word to be mine is not for me but an oath to Freya, but keeping her word is very important to have honor, and she has given her word to the most powerful Goddess, and received gold to let me be the only man who penetrates her .


    I let my thoughts wander as I look out over the camp, because it''s a hell of a way to think, but penetration is important in the culture here and several laws - its literally who penetrates. A woman who has been raped is without guilt and it does not have to affect her honor that much, but it is her husband or father who loses most honor because he did not protect his wife or daughter. She will of course continue to feel raped and humiliated, but there is no great social shame against her. A woman who is seduced can be considered innocent, honorable and continue to be ''pure''. But if two men have sex, even if a man rapes a male slave or a free man, few look down on the penetrating rapist man. But a man who is forced or allows himself to be penetrated? No honor at all and really deep humiliation. It is used as punishment, legal rape as punishment, and the one who uses his penis is really manly, while the receiving man has a hard time ever regaining his honor.


    Then again, in a lot of Midg?rd cultures, a man isn''t considered to be gay if he is the penetrating one, so I guess it might not be a big change for some arriving here.


    A woman can even be sentenced to become a man''s concubine and be branded with a man''s housemark, usually on her shoulder, chest or face, and her relatives can deliberately give her away to avoid blood feuds, which is practically legal rape of a free woman for all her life. It does not count as rape when a man has sex with his concubine or wife, regardless of her will. It could have happened to Jane as a statusless woman without any allies if her insult had occurred in front of ''impartial'' witnesses. Especially since I''m a Furst.


    My thoughts have once again moved away on tangents, but Caecilia moves and I return to the present. She deserves a sincere answer, even if she put herself in this situation. I have no feelings at all for Caecilia, but it is unexpectedly hard to take a firm stand against the beautiful young woman who sits naked in my arms, just wrapped in a blanket and complaining that she is unhappy because I don''t want to have sex with her. Another thing I never expected to experience. Thank goodness I''ve already had sex with Liv and Myrun both last night and this morning, otherwise something else would also be hard and firm right now, because her skin is soft and warm under my hand and I know what she looks like naked. I have a far too good visual memory, and her breasts are right in front of my face.


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    "Caecilia, you should not have given your word so carelessly and without talking to me first, especially without a time limit or other way out for both of us if things didn''t work out as you thought, and it is not right that I and my women should have to live with your carelessness. I can not accept a woman just because she has sworn herself to me. Many women will do it just to have a better life." Caecilia resignedly nods that she understands, and I hear Gunhild snorting in the background. I can only imagine how many low-status women would have tried to play that card if it became widely known. "You are charming and a good musician. Intelligent and beautiful. But I don''t want any more women in my life. Iselin, Ciara and Kari deserve that I don''t have any more steady sexual relationships. I am happy with them, and how well they get along with each other, and just like I''ve said to others, I will not risk that. It has nothing to do with you. I also have no feelings for you, which includes desire, and although you are good at other entertainment as well, I do not see a great need for it in my everyday life, and I avoid both visiting or arranging feasts, so when the extra house by the barn is finished, I want you to move there, even if you continue to get food and laundry done at the mansion. It is the best solution so you are not permanent in our lives. "


    "Why can''t I be? It is unnecessary to let me have my own house, when I can continue to live in the room I do. I don''t even need my own room and can sleep up in the attic beside the water tanks. Because even though I want it, I know my Lord doesn''t want me inside my Lord''s bedroom, sleeping in my Lord''s bed or on my Lord''s attic floor."


    Caecilia straightens up and looks me in the eye.


    "I want to be my Lord''s personal servant. I can clean my Lord''s room and wash my Lord''s clothes. Help my Lord with his work, run errands and carry out my Lord''s wishes. I can entertain my Lord with sagas, songs and music, and willingly keep my Lord as warm as he wishes this winter, with nothing stoping my Lord from taking me whenever and however my Lord desires. My presence does not threaten the Misses, and gives my Lord and the Misses a little higher status, while making your lives more pleasant."


    Caecilia has uncovered the blanket enough to show me her mark and breasts, as if it would attract me more. There is a new piece of gold jewelry in her nipple, and I wonder what the symbol means, or what god it is. Eh, whatever. It is still not that difficult to say no to such a declaration and offer, because it is such a bad idea to have such a beautiful, charming and sex willing woman around all the time - because I suspect that she will probably slowly become something more, and I don''t think it will even take that long. I should probably be proud if I manage to endure six months, as unfortunately I do not give much for my morals or character nowadays. Her willingness to be my personal servant, does surprise me. Is she not upper class and used to having a maid herself? As usual, she wears several gold jewelery. The small braided gold things in her hair are probably one thing to sleep with, but she has had to put on the necklace and the ring. Or does she sleep with them? I have basically never worn any jewelry even though I have them.


    "You are rich and have had your own maid, and are used to being served. Are you really willing to lower yourself to become my personal servant just to stay?"


    "My status will not be lowered, but raised. But even if it would sink to the bottom, I would have said the same thing and been happy, because Freya has guided me to a life with my Lord and it will be the best life for me. That is my purpose. I know it will not be hard toil using all daylight, but even if my Lord wants to see me lying on my knees, scrubbing the floor clean all over the mansion until my knees are sore, I don''t mind. But powerful Lords and Ladies always have their own personal servants, and for a King or Queen this is usually done by younger nobility - not an ordinary free woman. It is a way to show loyalty and make contacts for the future, until they start a family themselves. I can never start my own family. Never be anything but a h¨®ra. My Lord is a Furst and my Lord needs a suitable personal servant, and even though I do not have a high status, it is appropriate if a powerful Sejdmann has a h¨®ra - a woman dedicated to Freya''s service - as his personal servant. I''m already my Lord''s h¨®ra and I want to fill that position... or whatever position my Lord wants to fill me in."


    Caecilias says the last part with a low sensual voice close to my ear, as she presses her body against me and move my right hand from her hip to her chest, while massaging her butt against my crotch. It makes it hard to focus, and I can feel her engine is reving hard. Her lustful growl in my ear, of just my hand on her chest, does affect me, and she gets pleased and growls a little more when she feels myself reacting to it. Some parts of the anatomy doesn''t really care what we consciously want; evolution has literally created us that way. A man in a coma can have erections and ejaculation. However, that does not mean I have to let my body dictate my actions.


    "My Lord, it is selfish, but I want nothing more than to continue living with my Lord and the Misses for the rest of my life. I want to be my Lord''s personal servant and h¨®ra, and make sure that my Lord has as comfortable a life as I can give my Lord. But I need us to have sex from time to time, even if it is less often than I wish, because I have a great need and the company of women isn''t enough for me. I have not regretted my choice to become a h¨®ra; I just wish that we could have met earlier, before my Lord had so many women, so I could have become more important in the my Lord''s life. That it would have been me instead of Disa that night in Kambsnes ... "


    It is a hell of a ''what if''! Holy shit, if it had been Caecilia instead of Disa, and Caecilia wanted to go along on the voyage. She could have bought her own cabin and joined us while she worked he wiles on me, and I would have been more receptive. She wouldn''t have been a slave or an employee.


    Caecilia kisses me on my cheek: "If I have understood everyone correctly, my Lord will probably accept my wish to become my Lord''s personal servant, even though my Lord does not like it. Forgive me for selfishly exploiting the fact that my Lord is a good man who needs a personal servant, but I promise to use the rest of my life to try to make it right, in every way my Lord desires."


    It feels tragic, and unmanly, that I almost want to cry when a really beautiful young woman explains that she just wants to be my servant, courtesan and have lots of sex with me for the rest of our lives. Because I know I will give in - it is far too logical what she is saying, and it is also ironic that it actually is a good, practical and economical solution. The others have for months said that I must have a personal servant or maid, and Caecilia won''t need her own maid because she lives in the mansion and will be taken care of by the staff. And she is a bard. It saves food, space and the amount of people around me. It solves the Caecilia problem although it will cause other problems in the future, and I don''t have to try to find someone else for the job who may be the wrong person, even if it doesn''t mean that Caecilia is the right person. She might be far from it.


    I''m just extra unhappy because it will make Iselin''s part of my life a little smaller. Again. It will affect Ciara and Kari as well, although Kari certainly will reluctantly respect Caecilia for how well she has played her cards, and she hasn''t even had to lie. Kari has even helped with the basic groundwork as she also have said that I must have a personal servant. Of course, I understand Caecilia''s wish. She knows that it will probably be a comfortable, safe life without really hard work - just as I understood Kari and Ciara even though their choice was for other reasons, but that does not mean I appreciate reality.


    I look out over the camp, and discover that Iselin and Jane have come out and seems to have heard atleast the last part. Iselin comes forward, squats down next to me while she puts a hand on my shoulder. She looks me in the eyes and says;


    "Robert, accept Caecilia''s offer. She is right and you know you need a personal servant, and everyone knows it''s not going to be a man. Even if you would accepted a man, very few men would want to be a personal servant to a Sejdmann. It was always going to be a woman. Caecilia''s proposal with her status, skills, youth and appearance fits, and she wants to be yours. Future wives also need a personal servant even if they can share - but you need your own. You are a Furst." Iselin surprises me, but her smile becomes devilish as she casts a few glances at Caecilia, and Iselin looks me in the eye as she continues; "Caecilia is... nice company."


    Whut?


    At first I don''t understand what she means, but then it connects considering how she smiles, and Caecilia giggles, smiles and massages her butt in my crotch.


    Whut?


    My mind blanks out before my thoughts goes on wild tangents, and I''m not prepared for that. Iselin... and Caecilia? In bed... with each other? Alone? My Iselin? I mostly sit and blink and just look at Iselins devilish smile.


    "You were busy in Jarl Skiringe''s tent and I was alone in a bed. Caecilia was alone without a bed." Iselin just shrugs and her devilish smile turns into a dreamy look as she says: "Amazing breasts". Then she briefly kisses me on the lips, to which I barely respond, fetch a chair and sits down next to me. My brain starts to boot up again after the neurons reset the blown fuses, and I start processing memories and information, and I can only accept the reality that my fianc¨¦e probably has a flexible sexuality, which can explain some events now that I think back. Like the look and much more she gave Disa that night. How she behaves if Kari or Ciara shares our bed, compared to their behavior. How she wanted to accompany Liv or how she paused on Rihanna''s face and commented. I just havn''t really seen it as a possible reality, even though I have thought about the possibility. Accept reality. Learn. Move on. In any case, it is good if Iselin can satisfy any extra desire in that way, instead of with other men.


    I just sit there while the gathering comes back up to life, with Caecilia naked in my lap wrapped in a blanket, still with my hand on her breast, and without really thinking about it until much later.


    <hr>


    I didn''t even notice that Jane photographed us until after breakfast when she shows me, where I sit completely zoned out and far away in thoughts, with Iselin beside me, with her hand stroking Caecilia''s leg, and Caecilia happily curled up against me with her head on my shoulder, with her hand caressing Iselins. I did not notice that either.


    Jane finds it very amusing that I, who have several partners and have been with several women, obviously never noticed that Iselin is interested in female company when my bed is busy. It just took Jane a couple of days to realise that Iselin was more or less bisexual, while I missed it for 3 months.


    "How can you be that hilariously clueless?! And the fools doubted you manliness!"


    Jane has a lot of fun with the stupid notion that Freya may really exist here, and will continue to ''bless'' me in several ways until I start believing in her. But for a person in my situation, it''s like realising that unicorns are real and I''ve had one by my side all along. That my fianc¨¦e has been an almost mythical existence since the beginning, and I don''t even mean that literally considering that she is an Elf.


    I hardly think about the fact that everyone is elves; they are humans and people in my eyes. But how could I have even guessed, that the beautiful red-haired maid with the intense green eyes and cute freckles on her cheeks, that I flirted with at a feast, would grow into my wonderfully charming, smart, confident, nice, sexy, bisexual fianc¨¦e with a wonderful personality and good humor, who to top it all off has started to become a nerdy metalhead?


    Why have I not already asked her to marry me?

 Tosra & The Auction - day 2, Sejd

    I accompany Liv to meet the sejdwomen, and it is going to be interesting. I and a large group of women are not unusual, but in this case it is more than unusual, because this is a sejd meeting. In addition to Liv, there are 14 V?lvor and Fj?lkunniga plus some apprentices inside the large round tent, and it is quite crowded where we are sitting in a ring on the floor, with the apprentices behind. They seem to be in ages from maybe 20 to 50, and I have never seen such a collection of shaman regalia, furs, bone, jewelry and just dangling bits before, especially on the oldest and the V?lva. I guess it is the V?lva variant of ''show, don''t tell''. I don''t blend in at all in just my usual discreet clothes and my Boomstick beside me, and sword on my back, both of which they definitely look at carefully. It is a telling contrast between the god-worshiping half shamanistic pagans with wooden staff, vs modern person who believes in proven technology and science with a modern metal cane and admittedly old fashion sword. The general consensus between the sejdwomen is that they think it''s quite right I don''t carry my sword in my belt as other men do.


    I recognize V?lvan Steinny from Jarl Naeswulf''s feast and the two Fj?lkunniga who were sent by the King to examine me, and Petronilla is Asbj?rn''s Fj?lkunniga, which of course gives her more respect. There are some faces I recognize from last night when I walked around, which I then did not know were V?lvor or Fj?lkunniga. I said ''no'' to everyone.


    For a couple of the young people, this is the first time they attend such a large meeting, and I understand that the elderly have seldom been to such a large sejd user meeting except for some special gatherings and Northmen Ting, and not with a Sejdmann or even Seerman. Many are a mixture of curiosity, caution, badly hidden desire or just discomfort that I intrude among them. No one doubts my knowledge and skill, partly for what Liv has already shown and told, partly the rumor from the duel and what I showed the night before, and finally for what the King''s proclamation described that I have done. I''m pretty sure none of them have anything like it, or have been able to do anything like it.


    I try to get it to a short effective meeting after the presentations, and tell them that I will not get involved in women''s affairs if I can avoid it, or most of the sejd they perform. That IUDs are a gift to women in general - not a sejd to be exploited by sejdwomen to oppress or harm others. Help the women who want to get it and need it, and spread the information to other sejdwomen. Of course, they can charge for their time and craftmanship - but I would appreciate if they do the job for free to those who really need it, even if they can not pay, and let the rich pay more. Many seem to agree with it, although some seem to not like it. I ask them to be careful because it''s about lives, and I do not want unnecessary suffering on my conscience, even though I know that suffering is inevitable.


    We talk a bit about that my Academy, and that it will primarily be about technology; sejd in the form of crafts, to make and sell things like north arrows and monoculars. To gather knowledge, write it down, teach it and spread it. I show them a monocular, sextant and a north arrow I brought with me, and I get respect for the fact that I work and make crafts in metals and wood, which is masculine and bound in reality. I continue to say that I stick more to practical areas such as crafts and agriculture, but will wander into areas that are medicine and pratical healing, especially external care and medical instruments for the body, but I avoid touching anything with regard to gods, divinations and incantations - galdr. That is sejd I really avoid, and it seems to calm down especially the V?lva; that my area barely overlaps theirs. It also distinguishes me more as Sejdmann as Seerman interprets signs from the gods, performs divination and magic, and Gothi is more a form of male priests who perform rituals and act as intermediaries to the Gods. I have far more in common with Fj?lkunniga. All the women are of course interested in getting better at healthcare, just because it is so important practical knowledge, so any help I spread in that is fine and appreciated.


    I continue to say that I would appreciate if a skilled woman in medicine and herbs could move to my islands in the future, because I will gather knowledge and medicine from other parts of the world, and I am working on an expensive project to be able to grow plants here in winter, and plants from the south that normally can not grow here. Of course, I also wish it for everyone''s health in my household and on my islands inhabitants, as I will not even try to take care of that myself. But also so that we together can develop things that improve medicine and healthcare. To better understand the body and how it can be healed, but at the same time help to write down and gather their information.


    I knew the latter would not be popular, and they don''t want to share all their knowledge even to each other. Those are secrets that are inherited and their way of competing with each other, of achieving power and reputation. Which I understand, and tell them that some information I write down and collect will not be disseminated or taught, but knowledge and history are simply too important to just disappear and it happens so easily. How many times has it not happened where some powerful sejdwoman died and took her knowledge with her to the grave? It''s something they all understand. It has, of course, happened.


    Would it not be better that I, as Sejdmann - one of them but still not, who is not interested in exploiting their secrets or competing against them - to be the one who gathers the information and guards it for future generations? The Academy is neutral ground for kingdoms and rulers, and can be for sejd as well. They don''t give their information and secrets to a competitor, but to a third party who knows how to protect it and preserve the knowledge for the future. Would they not wish that their name be preserved for the future, as the one who provided this important information and made sure that it did not disappear? To be the one who thought of future generations?


    When the Academy is finished, they can visit it in the future to get someone to write down and draw what they bring with them. I ask them to look at my friend Jane''s craftsmanship to understand what I mean, and everyone seems to know of her pictures and a couple are proud that they have been depicted. Everyone is in agreement that it is completely right that a woman is the one who performs such a skilled artistical craft. It is a kind of sejd, and many are convinced that Freya will welcome Jane to Folkvang. Some take Janes existance as proof that Freya wants them to be depicted and have their secrets stored.


    I point out that they can write down the information themselves and give me the book or papers. I will keep it in my own library which is not for the public. They can make a will that says the information must be kept secret for a long time, or only until they die. My successor will understand to respect that, because their sejd is not the only secret that the Academy will protect and preserve for the future.


    It interests a lot of them. They ask to have a conversation between them and I tell them to let me know when they decide.


    <hr>


    The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    I watch the crowd around Iselin and Bodil who have taken the opportunity to show Boomerangers and Kites, and there is a large crowd of people of all ages.


    After half an hour, an apprentice comes to let me know, but excuse herself, and before the meeting continues, all the sejdwomen take a trip to the show, and I confirm that they are toys more than anything else. The kites that look like an eagle or falcon, might however keep birds away from the field after sowing. Just stick a long rod into the ground and attach the kite with a string. As long as they are moved around so the birds don''t get used to the kite it might work. We will test it at the Academy. But it is not sejd, just that many birds take the safe before the unsafe and stay away from what looks like a dangerous hunter.


    No one has power over anyone else during the Sejdwomens meetings, except the youngest who are apprentices and do not have their own district, and thus have no right to vote. But the rest are equal in voting rights and just like in a Ting, things are discussed before they vote and it is almost always decided by a good margin, so in retrospect it will limit arguements about the decision. They have agreed to my proposal, and they will share such information, because it is still voluntary for each woman what she shares, and in the end the decided reason was that someone might want to keep their knowledge secret, but someone else may know the same and is willing to tell it, and then their secrecy is wasted. They do not talk about the biggest secrets, so they probably have a hard time knowing exactly what someone else knows, or thinks they know, and I will ask all sejdwomen in the north, while I can keep secret who knows what. Some didn''t like the power that might give me so its a matter of trust.


    I prefer if each persons knowledge is saved separately, just to find common knowledge and let future generation know. What I don''t tell them is that its partly to make everyone feel a little more important if their knowledge is received, regardless of what has already been saved. I won''t say ''oh, I''ve already have that written down'' or something stupid like that.


    They have also realised that young women who wish to become V?lva or Fj?lkunnig will continue to be taken as apprentices as has always been done, but the apprentices may benefit from spending a year or two at the Academy in the future, when they are considered mature for it and worth it. They will be able to take part of the accumulated knowledge there and gain broader knowledge and become even better. The Academy will be able to be a center for higher learning also in sejd, with the prestige of having it as a merit. It is of course an important bonus to get that network of contacts and other knowledge, which its increased power and influence. A V?lva or Fj?lkunnigs life isn''t just about sejd.


    A sejdwoman who can help improve life, hunting, fishing, agriculture, crafts or other things will be more valuable to the community she is in, and with that she gets more power, reputation and status. A small region cannot count on anyone from there being able to study at the Academy, and most of those who are will probably be a son or daughter of a Jarl or rich Storman, who might not bother to spread such knowledge to the people, but a sejdwoman works for the land, the gods and the people. I can definitely dedicate a few places each year to young sejd women, as it is a cheap and effective way to spread this information and hopefully get future influential sejdwomen positive to the Academy and me, and ensure that our own healthcare is top notch. Someone also needs to help carry out medical studies and simple operations in the future. I don''t look forward to all those who will suffer or die due to failures, but it must start somewhere to get better, and I can probably establish a better hospital and operating environment than anyone else at Alfheimr, and a big city like Borgarsandr should have more patients and larger need. Liv has already heard these thoughts, and completely agrees, and Petronilla has already mentioned how much better my carriage is for transporting the injured. Good road might make all the differens if some becomes sick in bad weather.


    It is also to educate the ruling part of the population, the merchants, craftsman and artisans and finally the spiritual religious part, in addition to improving living conditions for the public. The Academy might be very influential and gain enormous respect if this is the case for several generations.


    They will also respect my wishes regarding IUDs, because it is powerful sejd I have freely given to all of them, and it probably gives me more respect than I understood, and it helped to prove the value of some knowledge the Academy will share with sejd women. They know that not even King Asbj?rn knows that it exists, even if its just a matter of time. No one wants to be left out of such knowledge in the future. Liv also told them how impressive my mansions kitchen is, and how I have improved the kitchen and cooking past anything she''s even dreamed of, and of course will spread that too - was another thing they really respect, and distinguish me more as Sejdmann. Cooking, food storage and fire are important things for the sejdwomen, and the oil lamps are also impressive.


    A woman who is a few years younger than me, presents herself as Fj?lkunniga Unn and is willing to move to the Academy this spring and act as the Academy''s medical expert. She has a particularly great interest in medicine, healthcare, herbs and plants. Unn is primarily here to be able to buy from Borgarsandr''s trade with the southern countries, and combine her visit with attending this gathering when it is nearby and at the right time of year. Unn is curious if she can help and maybe use some of the greenhouse I just quickly explained to Liv and mentioned here. There are some important herbs that don''t grow here, and they are expensive to buy from traders. Also, some only work if they are fresh. She already has a garden with the species that grow here.


    I thank and welcome Unn, and that I''m happy to let her help me to decide how the greenhouse should be used, and that we also will try to harden plants and try otherthing, even if I do not go into exactly what. Medicinal herbs, spices and possibly vegetables are the reason why the greenhouse was built, but I am not that good with plants. It is not my area of knowledge.


    Botany was cutting edge science during Midg?rds renaissance, and I sure is behind in that. I just know a bit about greenhouses, fertilizer and so on.


    The discussion leads to a small lesson in reducing infections and disinfecting tools, equipment and themselves. Scrub surfaces with salt, let the sun''s UV light work, boil thread and bandage and tools until they have counted to 400, about 10 minutes. Use the purest strongest alcohol they have to clean wounds after they have removed dirt and wood chips and other things. How to clean their hands with soap and be careful to clean under the nails, and then not touch dirty things when sewing back wounds. Don''t touch their face or things that havn''t been cleaned and sterilized. I give some examples as wiping sweat away from the forehead, and that they should use face mask and they should have someone to help them, so they stay clean.


    Liv has heard a bit of it before, and the meeting grows intense as many don''t believe what I say will help, while they partly know that some of it or other things work. I explain that I will in the future prove that it works, and also why for those who study at the Academy, but I have to make equipment for it, and also equipment that will help them with safer medicine and external treatment for injuries. As a better destilator to produce purest alcohol for disinfection. It will take years for the Academy to come close to my hopes, but they will see improvements over time, and I will use this gathering and others to spread knowledge and give updates.


    In the end, a few point out that IUD seems to work when none of them even guessed it, and it is free knowledge. They do not have to use it. I thank and leave, after asking Unn to come over to my camp before the day is over, so we can talk.


    It''s a pity I did not really bother to read medical history. What is stuck are scattered parts of interesting documentaries about medical care in antiquity, how triage and medical care developed during different wars, or just a different TV series like ''The Knick'' where I remember some of their instruments, which hardly makes any difference as it is just too big of a step towards the beginning of the 20th century''s operating room. Hopefully I can help the elves skip large parts of pure quackery, miracle cures, and the like.


    <hr>

 Tosra & The Auction - day 2, plans

    An hour later, Unn and I sit in a deck chair and talk after I have introduced her to the others. It apparently became a rather lively discussion after I left - for better or worse - but everyone is convinced that the coming years will be interesting. Unn is really looking forward to starting working more with medicine, herbs and greenhouses at the Academy, and I asks her what she needs for premises or the like as we are still building there. She doesn''t really understand the question, but she has heard Liv''s stories about my mansion and I try to explain. I ask Unn if she wants to come along and get a tour of the island and the mansion before she leaves, which she gladly accepts and hoped for. She just didn''t dare to ask, so I ask her to be open with me; I don''t mind a question that might be stupid, I care more about doing something that might be stupid because you were afraid to ask. She has heard rumors, talked to Liv and seen the copper shimmer just like everyone else here. And it is easier to show her a 6x4 house than to explain it.


    The kites have received a ridiculous amount of interest, and Siri has not left Iselin''s vicinity since they started flying with them, and when Iselin let her fly one of the box kites, it was like the biggest event in her life. But basically all the children who are here, and free, are over there by the kites, and many get to try. Whether they''s slaves or Jarl''s daughters. Many adults stand a little in the background and watch, especially the eagle kite and the falcon kite flying in the wind. Jane must have been really motivated to make good with Iselin, or she''s just been bored. They made many kites, in both paper and linen.


    <hr>


    I havn''t really considered that a lot of people live a wandering life, where they do the work depending on the season, and now that most of the harvest season is over, there are some here who are looking for work before the winter. So I have hired men for a work team to build roads, and name the group workteam Adam. I will have more, so I might just start calling them accoding to the old Swedish phonetic alphabet. They will come to the island and get a demonstration of the roadwork and how it should be done, and then road construction becomes their primary work. I warn, however, that we do not have a suitable place for them to live, so there will be tents and simpler forest huts, but not unexpectedly, thats the life that several of them are used to. Many of them are poor men, and have parents who are freed slaves. Many seem most relieved that they are promised food and protection over the winter.


    <hr>


    There is a new barbecue in the afternoon, and musicians who perform in several places. Yesterday it was first the Ting and worldly part, then afterwards and in the evening it was the more spiritual and religious part of the gathering, and today its more meetings, where agreements and connections are made for trade or future marriages, or just changing goods before the winter. Iselin but mostly Kari have used the time to find people who want to sell us animals and other things for the winter, and to make contacts.


    Among other things, I talked to Storman Maurr. Maurr seems so very enthusiastic and interested, and I guess his everyday life days are pretty much the same. He seems to have understood the sketches etc, and since he wants to be involved more, I let him be responsible for the rope supports being erected in the right way, and the strong rope made and suspended and anchored. Hopefully the boat builder will understands my sketches, and it''s good that I can tell details etc to Maurr who can explain if needed. The conversation with Maurr and others, has led me to make the decision to build a small inn next to the ferry, and Maurr will make sure that more timber is felled and transported there. Laxlanda already has an inn, but it is bad, and Maurr is clear in his opinion about the bullheaded son of a bitch that owns the place. Almost no one seem to like him. Accoding to Maurr, most people who visit there avoid returning, and Dae''s traders, for example, are literally chased away. I almost get a vibe to ''Fawlty Towers'' with John Cleese and others. Just worse.


    It would have been entertaining to set up a speaker and play music from my MP3, but maybe next year. I also do not think that the musicians would have appreciated the competition from a wooden box. I''ve been walking around and taking some pictures and videos with my compact camera, and I let Jane use my larger camera. With the display folded in, it works well. Given Tom''s hobby and profession, I should have expected her to have a good eye for photos, and be picky about getting them right. Many have looked a bit funny at us, but no one seems to dare to ask. I no longer care about completely hiding certain things - it just makes me more mysterious and strengthens my reputation and sejd. On the other hand, Jane should be more concerned about getting a sejdwoman reputation.


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    Caecilia tries to shows what the instruments she can play looks like, and we guess it''s a harp and a lute or a guitar, she just doesn''t have her own instrument she can show, because her lute broke during the trip north and there are no instruments at all in the mansion. She can play other instruments like a flute, and of course simpler drums as well. She has managed to borrow a lute thingy to play a little last night, and today.


    Ciara surprises me when she says that she can play clarsach, which none of us have heard of, but when she explains and shows with her hands, I guess it is some kind of harp. I was looking forward to hearing music from Alba, but slightly embarrased, Ciara admits that she is bad at remembering music pieces and was never really good at it. She also explain that music is very important in Alba, and musicians often meet important guests at the borders of a Lords lands to entertain them while traveling. Clarsach in particular is considered high class and something that highborn women can do, so many women there learn it. She has also been trained in singing, but after a few months, her teacher told her to never sing in any social context, and certainly not for her future husband. Ouch.


    <hr>


    The two oil lamps outside our tents make it one of the nicest places in the evening, and that h¨®ra Baugeids shows up and plays music and tells stories doesn''t make the experience worse. Baugeid is good. She wonders if I have changed my mind, but unfortunately for her I havn''t, but she lets me know that I am welcome to visit her in Borgarsandr, and she is happy to come and entertain at future feasts. She casts jealous glances at Caecilia, and I don''t think it is just because Caecilia is probably 10 years younger and more beautiful. It shouldn''t be a problem for at least another 5 years, but as Baugeid gets older, she will probably unfortunately be less in demand. What does an old h¨®ra do? It just feel rude to ask. Maybe she would like to teach music and more at the Academy in a few years? But that mostly depends on her skill as a musician, and how good she is at teaching it. I assume I will have a lot of volunteers for that position. I should buy Caecilia a new instrument.


    The oil lamps work very well even though it is windy, and they attract a lot of attention. Yesterday they just hung one outside the tents. All the Jarl and Storm?nnen show up, and many ask if it is possible to buy from me, but we answer that the Academy will sell them in the future, although some can be sold before winter. The interest is so great that I decide to make an Auction the first of November, in a little more than 5 weeks. Those who wish to buy oil lamps and other things can then come to Lysesund, because that is probably where it will be sold, otherwise it will be advertised there and be nearby.


    I can not promise how many there will be, and I believe in this case that the Kingdom will use its right to buy up to half of what the Academy sells. When some of the Storman and Jarls understand that part of the agreement with the kingdom, I hear comments about how smart King Aeriksson is, and they also understand that there will be competition for the rest. They start looking at each other and most likely have quietly begun to judge prices and such. In addition to a north arrow, I also show my monocular to several. Even if it is dark, they can see tents and people illuminated by other fires further away. Several V?lvor and Fj?lkunniga are fascinated by everything.


    Unn takes the opportunity to spend extra time with us and talk to sambos, guards and staff and just enjoy her time, and her apprentice Amba also makes a fast visit to be introduced.


    <hr>


    I was expecting Ciara or Kari to be my bed companion tonight, but it''s Iselin, who makes Caecilia happy when Iselin invites her to spend the night with the two of us. When I accept, Caecilia is overjoyed, and after the first discomfort from me, I do not regret it. I agree with Iselin that Caecilia is better than Disa at getting bodies reving hard, and she is the best bedcompany we''ve ever had. It''s also a true threesome and not just tag or double teaming on me, which ironically makes it both more and less strenuous, at the same time. I just have to admit that Caecilia will join us more times, for: Oh. My. Gods! Just her way of using all the muscles around her stomach, buttocks and abdomen and varying the pace and movements when she rides or I have her under me... Ooff!


    She must have really tried to be careful when I was drugged - because this is a completely different experience. Iselin is trying to learn from Caecilia, and Caecilia is trying to learn from Iselin, and that is tag team training I do not mind participating in. I also learn from Caecilia, and most of the sounds from Iselin''s lips are not intelligent when we focus on her.


    They lie against me, one on each side, and I slowly caress their bodies and buttocks in the cozy warmth under the thick blankets. When my big brain eventually starts working normally again, I realise five things. One: To lie and caress two such beautiful women after such an experience ... is a damn good boost to my ego. Two: Iselin seems to love big breasts, or it is just Caecilias. Three: To avoid getting feelings for Caecilia, I must try to keep our contact more professional and distanced. Four: Caecilia''s hope that we will have sex will be fulfilled, and finally five; which is that I will probably look forward to fulfilling her.

 Tosra & The Auction - day 3, planning failure

    Tosra & The Auction, day 3


    Planning failure.


    As we''re about to cast off to sail back to the Academy, many people see us off, and there were even more who already wished to meet again in the future. Of course Liv and Myrun, but also several of the Storman and most of the sejdwomen. Several of the richer people have said that we will see each other in 5 weeks at the Auction. Myrun also said that I was absolutely right that there are more things she will try to have improved on her estate. Not only new larger windows, because she wants to buy waterpumps, taps etc in the future as well, and a new kitchen is also on the list.


    I like that Bodil seemed to have gotten an admirer she appreciates, who gives her a kiss she is happy to receive before we step on board. That''s good. I want my guards to have a life of their own, too.


    When we sail back, I think and talk with the others. In the future, it will probably become tradition to have a feast a couple of times a year for different people. The autumn equinox in combination with the Tosra gathering will be one of them, because it was a pleasant experience, and the nicest feast I have been to in this world. I look forward to experiencing what the smaller spring gathering will be like, although camping at the end of March will probably be unpleasant. Some form of tent stove would be a really good idea.


    <hr>


    Unn is terribly impressed by the mansion and the island, and she happily agreed to spend the night in a one of the small guest room so we have plenty of time to talk. She lives in a small community on the western side of L?ngsj?n, and share a longhouse with two families, and she has of course never seen or heard of anything like my mansion. The size of the greenhouse and the amount of glass it will have, was just another huge shock to her. She is so looking forward to spending her future on the islands, and it will be a far too long winter before she can return.


    We go for a walk on the island together with Masterbuilder Pedr, who I informed about Workteam Adam, and I also my rough plans for the village, the Academy and show other things. We discus the work agreement and I convince Unn that as long as she fulfills her job as an island Fj?lkunniga and helps me and the Academy, she will receive a salary from me to be able to give healthcare those who live on my islands for free, and the house with its garden will be her to make a life in, even if the land will not be hers. If the resident wants services outside of free medical care, or if she grows and wants to sell herbs, vegetables or handicrafts, it is okay to charge and sell it. If she is sought out by people from outside my islands, she can charge them. If she wants to get married and have children, it''s okay, because she already has an apprentice who can take care of her duties when she needs to take care of her child, and should the apprentice leave, she must train a replacement, and if the Academy tutors sejdwomen too she should get any help she needs. I do not intend to force a pregnant woman or a mother of a small child to work.


    When will I learn that sejdwomen generally never marry or have children of their own, and that most of them want too?


    I ask if Unn have any special request on where she wants to live, but she says anywhere works, but would appreciate somewhere with a sheltered location, good water supply and some land for a garden, but she won''t need a large numbers of animals. Some chickens, a couple of two pigs, a goat, a cow and some sheep if possible, which I don''t see a problem with. She already knows that I intend to let the residents have some animals for their own use, simply because they need it, and there will be shared grazing fields for their animals. I ask if she wants to live down by the coast, or maybe near my barn and guesthouse that is already being built? Or if she wants to live up by the large lake in the middle, or another place she thinks seems nice? She chooses to live north of the lake, a bit up the hill where no one else currently lives or is planned, and it is a bit sheltered with the mountain top in the northwest. Central and good location, so should there be problems, it will be easiest to get there for everyone, and will still be only about 300-400 meters from the mansion, and same to the Academy. It is a beautiful place that gets a lot of sunlight with a good southern location.


    It is better to build a completely new and larger house design, that combines living and healthcare in one building instead of two. It is more efficient from a heating point of view and building-wise as well, and can in the future combine with a detached small barn or use the village common. Unn is of course be happy to take the slightly larger house, and I promise her that it will be ready by spring. Caecilia, who came along to act as personal assistant, immediately picks up the slate and chalk from my shoulder bag she is carrying. It''s my usual notebook, and I have to get used to someone else wearing it. I am a Furste. So I start sketching roughly how the house can be, by extending a 6x4 house.


    I sketch and she gets to make suggestions about design and room distribution. It will be a more elongated house than 6x4 and double the surface, and ends at 10x5m facing south, with added small unheated enterance hall of 3x2m that leads into the middle to a larger 6x3m room in the west part of the building, which will be for her business and have a stone floor, which has a 3x2m ''wet room'' with a drain on the backside. A total of 24m2 for healthcare, work, laundry and showers etc. There is a door to the east part which is her private living room of 4x5m, which has a door back to the middle where there is a small 3x2m bedroom or storageroom towards the back.


    Slightly to the east of the middle of the building there will be a large fireplace with two separate fireplaces and flutes up - one for the work room, one for her private living room, both with cooking facilities and accessories with hooks etc, but the living room side also gets a small bread baking oven. And as I talked to Pedr about before, there will be some air ducts to draw cold air from the floor and hopefully improve room heating by heat the air. The bedroom is heated by the back of the chimney and a few air ducts. She might think that two fireplaces is unnecessary, but I have no idea what she might cook up for healthcare, so its better to separate that from foodmaking. A ladder in the workroom leads up to the attic, which is divided into two parts, cold storage at the north and west side, warmer storage due to the chimney in the middle and to the east. There will also be a cold storage under the wooden floor in the living room.


    Unn gathers courage and asks if it would be possible to arrange cold water from the wall in the same way as the mansion has, and I just smile and say that I have already planned it. It is very useful in her profession and saves time, so of course I want her to get it. Its not very expensive either, because even if copper costs, it doesn''t take much to make a small water system. I say nothing, but she will have a hot and cold water system, and I draw a symbol for a shower in the wet room. She has already tried the mansions shower, and it can be very effective in cleaning herself if something happens. Masterbuilder Pedr smiles and shows that he understands due to two watertanks and how one use the chimney for heating. The wet room can be separated from the business room with a curtain and used as a bathroom, laundry room etc, so it doesn''t get too cold or splashing everywhere, or just a thin plank wall separating, although it will be colder. The ventilation should allow warmer air to be drawn in there, but the fireplace might just means it draws colder air from the outside. The fireplace have a cold air intake from some of the space under the floor, but it is not ideal. Experience from living in Unn''s house will be used to improve future buildings.


    I ponder her work, and sketch a small ''rough entrance'' with a toilet outside the northwest corner that can be reached via an ''outer door'' from the wet room. So the door doesn''t mess up the house insulation. It will be cold on the toilet, but atleast no wind, rain and snow going there. I heard Unn''s appreciative comments about the mansions toilets, and it can be practical and more sanitary if she has patients who can barely move or need to be close to the toilet. The toilet barrels can be reached from the outside via a hatch in the wall. In the end, Unn''s house is an experimental building in several ways, and we get to see how well different things work. Maybe I should make similar buildings for other craftsmen or people that need some kind of store area or buisness room. It is also a good knowledge to have for Laxlandas future Inn.


    Pedr estimate that Unn''s house shouldn''t take more than a month for a small work team, because the mansion is basically finished, and if I prioritize it, the 10x5 house can be started after existing houses and barn, while the Academy''s foundation continues to be cleaned up, prepared and all the stonework done. It is actually the windows that may delay the completion, but we will stick to a couple of standard dimensions, so it is flexible where we put the windows we get. They will also take the opportunity to paint the existing houses while the weather is good, and it will be a slightly reddish-brown toned semi-transparent wood color.


    Unn is excited when she bravely asks if it would be okay to move in then, before winter instead of later in the spring. It is practical to get a medical woman here as quickly as possible, and then we will have more time to prepare for spring and use the greenhouse. Pedr nods, so I say yes. The house will just be unused until she arrives, and should her house not be finished in a month, she can always stay in the guest house by the barn until her house is finished. Unn is overjoyed and promises to return. She says she has a week''s journey home, and will stay there for a couple of weeks and arrange her business, and then week''s journey back here.


    She might return there in the spring to pick up herbs etc, if she doesn''t find them here in the area, and some need to be planted in the fall, so it may be too late, but she will take some with her and try. This is the coast, and if the winter is mild, it should go well, and the growing season should be at least a month longer than what she''s used to in the inland, and be less cold. Unn is really looking forward to my greenhouse and what it makes possible.


    <hr>


    Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    I have realised a big problem with the mansion, and that is the lack available water power. I need some machines, and would have preferred to have electrically powered machines in my workshop, but making good electric motors is problematic, and then there is the problem that I have to create and save power as well. I mainly need rotational energy, so the easiest and most efficient is to have the machines be water-powered, but I don''t want to have to go down to the village to work. I am lazy and want it to be convenient. The only practical method is a central belt drive along the west side of the workshop, which is driven by a small steam engine up on the workshop attic, which can hopefully take steam from future boiler systems. It will be powered by low steam pressure but decent steam volume, so should work with a larger cylinder surface, and I do not need much power right now. Honestly, something like 300-400W is enough, like half a horsepower, but I can not really calculate it like that because steam, electric power and internal combustion engines develop power in different ways. The same steam engine with a several times higher steam pressure will be quite powerful and certainly work well for a smaller boat. The steam engine can also generate electricity when I need it.


    What I want to drive is a simpler lathe and some form of band or leaf saw that can handle brass, and preferably a grinding machine and a simpler column drilling machine. So I need to get many parts made, for each machine, which will take time, so I will order it at future Borgarsandr visits. Then add a lot of parts for non-powered machines, such as a simple bench-mounted sheet metal scissors, a bending machine and rolling machine. I also want a simpler hoist to lift the heavy parts, which in turn need more parts, even if there are quite a few that I can design to be multi use in several machines. Shafts, gears, bearings, link arms etc can be used for a lot.


    I will do all the finishing myself, and I will need to improve everything as I build and refine. In addition to the sheet metal scissors and the bending bracket, I have to start with the simpler balancing machine, so I can balance flywheels and the like, as well as a simpler lathe to make things round. A steam engine and central belt drive will require many many round wheels and parts.


    I''m worried about gaskets in the steam engine pistons, because the only options I''ve come up with are several laps with rope, or leather as an alternative, so the design is based on few gaskets. So I will solder some parts together so it will be tight and then use screws to withstand the force, and a wide channel for several loops of rope as an O-ring where it is needed. Or two to get ''double O-rings'' on pistons etc. The lubrication inside the pistons will be rendered fat. It will probably squeak and leak but I can only accept such things as part of the function and lower efficiency. It probably will make people have more respect for the steam engine, as steam is hot, and I will probably need to build the steam engine in a wooden box to keep the sound down, and can then lead leaking steam out through the small attic window or similar. The steam pressure will be really low for a steam engine if I use the steam boiler as the steam source. Everything must be able to be maintained as well, and it is one thing to take something apart for maintenance, one another thing to manufacture those parts with limited access to machines and machining.


    The design is both manual and automated control of steam to the steam engine via a centrifugal regulator, double-acting piston or pistons if I have more than one cylinder in the steam engine. Then a condenser and finally back to the steam boiler. The valves for the cylinders become piston valves instead of slide valves, because it is more difficult to make fine sliding surfaces and I will need a lathe anyway. Everything will use fixed pipes and stationary pistons, so the flywheel is driven via a link arm. It will be a vertical system as I will still aim for such a small size that the compactness of horizontal machines doesn''t really affect, and I am a little worried that gravity will cause uneven wear if it is laying down. A compact steam engine is preferable, but I have to choose a relatively large surface area to get good power in it. I really have no idea which size is appropriate, and I only have a few facts from Stanley Steamer and the Doble steam car in my head - so I''ll just build something and see how it goes. What I do know is stuff like a horsepower is about 0.74kWh, and that a kilogram of pressure per square centimeter is about 1 bar. This steam engine will be powered by the steam boiler system, and there I want to keep the working pressure low. So, order two different engine sizes. One with 6cm diameter and one with 10cm steam cylinder, because the power is about surface times pressure, times the amount of steam. The smaller one has a 28.3cm2 surface while the larger one has a 78.5cm2 surface. I do not know the steam pressure or the amount of steam.


    <hr>


    In the evening I gather everyone so we can discuss the mansion. Sambos, Jane, guards and staff. All the furniture has been assembled together, the windows that arrived have all been installed and the copper roof and the water system are finished. Now that we have atleast partly lived here for a few days, they have had time to discover things that have been missed or should be fixed. Of course, it is fun to hear what works great, or they just love, but its more important to hear everything else. So we write lists of what needs to be bought that was forgotten, or is just nice to have.


    Some are quite obvious as bathtubs, which is a bit embarrassing that I forgot, but the showers work and are appreciated by everyone. Nobody seems really interested in bathtubs right now, but we still want it. One smaller for the small bathroom and one larger for the large bathroom. Sometimes its just nice with a big hot bath, and if the tub is big enough to share it with someone, that also has its bright sides, because I have some volunteers for it now. So it will basically be a big oval tub. The bath tub can not be too large due to the limited amount of water from the hot water tanks, and the dimensions of the doors and the hall. Of course with headrest to lean against.


    Obviously there are also more kitchen utensils, more spices and food, and we need to start building up food stores for the winter, and we need to collect the agreed animals from the surrounding area. Pigs because they can live on the waste and give us meat and pork. Cows for their milk, cream and cheese, and goats are somewhere between a pig and a cow and eat anything. Chickens for the eggs and the meat etc. We also need animal feed for the animals and horses for the winter, and we can buy a lot because it has been a good year. Atleast in the local region.


    We need to order more furniture for guesthouse, seafarers house and Unn''s house. We can just as well order additional furniture that is obviously needed for other houses or the Academy. Kari also wants a vertical loom, and she and Iselin want lots of thread as we do not have any sheep of our own to do it from. Yet. Sheep are something I do not really care about, as they are not worth it from a food point of view, and their sole purpose is wool, but I prefer to pay for finished garments and let others do that huge work. But my sambos want sheep, and we have terrain that is suitable for sheep, goats and pigs, so there will be a lot of sheep as well in the future, as well as goats that will be used to clear forest land. Goats eat everything, whether you like it or not.


    I have of course not thought about a couple of mirrors - which here are polished brass plates - and I hear a "... and the fools doubted your manliness!" in English from Jane. She loves to use that phrase, and unfortunately she gets many opportunities for it. I decide there needs to be a mirror in each bathroom, and might as well have one in each bedroom room as well, including all the bedrooms in the wing and its staff room, which is really appreciated.


    Elvira and Jalida carefully point out that there are no real laundry or cleaning aids at all, and they have had to borrow. No brooms, buckets, scrubbing brushes or anything else. When I just face palm, Jane and Iselin first start chuckling, but it spreads and we all get a laugh from it, which increases when Jane this time in bad Nordic repeats her comment about how manly I am. Thank you Iselin for teaching her that. Which is reinforced by Iselin''s comment about how many plans and backup plans I''ve made for most other things. But not the least for cleaning and washing, which here is female work. My protest that all the women in my company havn''t thought about it either, falls for deaf ears, and I might as well just take the blame. The mansion at least has a laundry room, it just is not finished yet, and there may be two washbasins with an agitator.


    We ask one of the maids to come along during the shopping trip and point out other things we need that I obviously don''t know shit about, and also things to take care of the milk, make cheese, etc. Of course, most people are well aware of this. Especially Iselin, who grew up on a large farm, and she is used to doing these chores - but she too can forget to think of something, which has been proven. Elvira and Jalida discreetly and quickly make some rock-scissors-bag variant and winning Elvira looks so pleased.


    A couple of shovels, picks, some buckets, etc, will be needed for the outside work and barn, so it is also added to the lists.


    Everyone takes a tour inside and out to see if anything pops up, which, among other things, oven ware do for me, along with a simpler hand-cranked meat grinder, grater, cheese planer and vegetable peeler. The last three I can make myself in iron or brass. I would have preferred stainless steel, but I don''t have it.


    There will certainly be more additions to the lists.


    <hr>


    Bodil''s proposal to oil in the entire mansions oak floor is a really good idea. I don''t have much knowledge about that, but she points to some furniture and explains that there are oils that after it has dried and hardened in a couple of days, will not stick and will be easy to care for and keep clean. It will not absorb water or be discolored by dirt in the same way as untreated wood. It costs a little and it would be best to have two layers with a little polishing in between, but considering all the silver I spent...


    We will buy a few barrels of the right oil, and fabric or brush to apply it with. Personally, I have only thought about linseed oil, but I myself have rubbed some other oil on the wooden parts for my Boomstick, and seen the finish on many furniture and other wooden items such as blinds, so a little ''doh'' there.


    Considering the lack of cleaning things, I describe to Bodil''s how I intend to make a couple of floor mops with squeezing forms to be placed on top of a larger bucket. Not advanced at all and mostly in wood, and a mop is mostly just a long shaft with fabric strips tied on in one end. It will work well enough, and it will help keep the stone floors cleaner. When the oak floors are treated, it will work there too.


    <hr>


    Kari reminds me of Jane''s old boyfriend Tom and his things that I wanted to buy. I thank for the reminder and it is best to do so after we return from Borgarsandr. There are also several sundials that need to be installed so we have to send Iselin on a new round for installations. She will among other things install two more sundials here. One in the village where the side road to the Academy meets the main road across the island, which in the future will be made into a small square by the lake, and one on the other island between the main farms. Kari says that she can try to sell a sundial in Njalhamrar and Kambsnes. She has learned how to install them, and can use Asta for taking out the direction, which sounds like a good idea, and I will send four sundials along. Partly to get them sold and the silver, partly to spread it to more places as a small PR thing, and teach people the clock and the numbers. Its a nice bonus purpose of the trip, and it can serve as a cover for the real purpose.


    Iselin understands that I don''t like that she needs to leave me for a few days, but she just gets a devilish smile and whispers we must try to catch up both before and after. I concur. I also don''t like that Kari will leave, but I don''t have the same feelings for her as I do for Iselin. But this night is Kari''s.

 Tosra & The Auction - day 4, Shopping trip

    Tosra & The Auction, day 4


    Shopping trip


    After an early breakfast, we send a slave from the building teams to announce around the islands farms that we are looking for a maid and a farmhand, with short description what the work entails, and those interested should show up at the mansion after sunrise in 3 days. We also want to buy animals, and want to let those who live on the islands sell first to us if they so wish, and which animals we want to buy. Its somewhat the wrong time of year to buy animals, but some animals are slaughtered before the winter because they don''t want to feed the animals over the winter, and some may need silver. Offering them the option to sell is a win for everyone.


    According to Asta, it is probably easiest to buy a boat in Borgarsandr, but there is a shipbuilder outside Lysesund just on the other side of the water, and we can see if anyone wants to sell some boat we want to buy, otherwise hire the shipbuilder to build one. My sambos have also found out that there is no man from the King in Lysesund, but then again, neither of us thought that there would be a sale before the Academy started next year, so we have to send a message to the King about it when we arrive in Borgarsandr.


    <hr>


    It is possible to buy a good sized boat for animal transport and other things. Asta and the shipbuilder call it a small Knarr, and the shipbuilder will be happy to sell us the one he made but has not sold yet. Silver changes hands, and he will deliver it to the harbor at Little Ackerek. He also takes on the job to build a smaller boat, slightly larger than the ship''s boat, called a Faering. It is the common small boat here, with two pairs of oars for rowing, but can have a small mast and sail, so pretty much a baby Viking longship. He can deliver it in two weeks, and when he offers to lend a similar boat in the meantime, he quickly gets a deal.


    <hr>


    I''m laying exhausted in the cabin, hugging Kari. Kari''s desire and sexual appetite is growing and changing. She alone can exhaust me in bed, or in another place like here in the cabin, where we use the floor, walls and table so that it will be easier to clean up. I''m starting to get a little worried that my sambos is starting to think that the sex doesn''t count if I am not exhausted, and that there is some competition in it, or that at least Kari think so. Iselin called in reinforcements in the form of courtesan Caecilia, which made Kari want to show that she is enough. Which she definitely is, just not in the same way. Since she was a virgin two months ago, we have gradually gone through many different types of sex. With Kari, I''ve done more than ever before, and she seems to like everything, because she specifically wants to repeat things, and she''s definitely found a kinky side she''s enthusiastically started exploring.


    I wonder if Jane enjoys talking a bit about ''options'' and other things with Kari, because I don''t think her wishes and ideas come from this world, and as far as I know, I never said anything. Last night included Kari''s latest ideas about lighter bondage with cloth she arranged for that purpose, where she wanted to get blindfolded and have her hands tied. As usual, I ''aim to please'', and it is not like I complain - variety is nice. It was a fun and an exciting new experience for both of us. Life feels pretty good.


    <hr>


    I''m laying in the cabin and feel disgusted, nauseous and irritated. Not from the ship rocking across the sea, but because Kari have just told me the details about the workers feast on the island. The feast that Pedr organized for them. Of course, the feast had grilled meat, bread, other food and barrels of mead, but there was also a dozen slave women from Borgarsandr, to help with the feast and be ''available''.


    Some of the craftsmens have wives with them, and there are also some slavewomen to cook and wash for the workers, and I know and like that Pedr have forbidden the workers to have sex with the women, unless the woman come talk with him first, even though it is mostly so they won''t become pregnant and thus become unable to work as usual.


    So Pedr arranged to have the slavewomen brought there for sex. That there apparently is more than one ''troupe'' to hire for events and feasts from Borgarsandr''s feast halls does not make things better, because as I see it, those slave women are sexslaves who were raped on my islands by the workers, while we had a good time at the Tosra gathering. And I paid for it. Kari may not see anything really wrong with it, but she was quite right that I would.


    The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.


    This fucking world.


    <hr>


    I need to learn more about normal life here, so Asta and a couple in the crew give me training in how to sail the ship, take care of sails, the rope and so on. While we work, we talk about my Spinnaker idea they are very enthusiastic about, and we discuss new spinnaker sails in more detail, and between sailing work a template is made of paper on a simple wooden model of the ship made by the crew. The masts, rigging and regular sails are correct. It is important that the spinnaker sail gets the right shape, made in parts with sewn reinforcements in the load direction. There will be a lot of sketches and I guess it will take a couple of tries to get it somewhat right. Asta and the crew are very eager to see how the new sail works, and we discuss fixing, raising and hauling the sail, as well as handling, trimming, and how to change sides in stronger winds and other uses. We cover a lot, like the possibility of using a fabric tube to pull the sail in to or that it is rolled up around a rope via a block system.


    The real tests will also become interesting as they have to try sailing with or without the new sail in different directions and measure the speed with a knot water speedmeter, and I don''t even have to mention it before Asta says they will write everything down on slate boards and repeat each attempt at least three times to get useful data. She has definitely learned how to think and test things, and it will make the longer distances more interesting. They will also try a more fixed sail in the future, but I have no idea if it is a Jib, Genoa, Genua or Gennaker. Or what is the difference between those. Odds are, it is probably one of the G words.


    <hr>


    Unn''s house has inspired me to use it as a base for the inn I intend to build at the Laxlanda ferry. I actually do not know what the need is, so it will be based on Unn''s 10x5 craft house but enlarged to 14x6m with two floors, which has a projecting extension on each long side. The building will be cross-shaped, with a smaller entrance and vestibule at the front with space to put away awkward goods the guests might have, and hang wet clothes. The back of the inn has a an extension for three separating dry toilets, bathroom, laundry room and storage. The layout inside is of course completely different because it will be a small inn with food and a common room on the ground floor, and sleeping accommodation on the second floor. There will be a small fenced yard, a barn and stable for about ten horses and a couple of carriages. Of course, the inn will also need to have the usual animals such as cows, pigs, chickens and probably geese and goats.


    The inn will serve simpler food, and will serve as a pub in the evenings. As bedrooms are considered a luxury even if it is shared with two or three others, the basic level of the inn will be quite luxurious for this world, and there will be a couple of even nicer rooms. It will be possible to wash, bathe and shower, which is a nice bonus to be able to introduce to more people.


    The inn''s ground floor is mostly a 61m2 hall with benches and tables for 26 people, a fireplace with benches around which also heats rooms on the second floor, and another fireplace that is shared with the kitchen, and with its back heats the room intended for the inn''s host couple, and the second floor at that side of the building. The second floor has a curtain screened part above the stairs with a more luxurious seating for four with a sofa and two padded chairs. But the second floor otherwise is only bedrooms, eight of them and initially adapted for 19 guests. A really nice and luxurious 12m2 bedroom with double bed, table and wardrobes, with a view to the front, which will be towards south. Two nice small rooms of 6m2, one for one person, other for two people in bunk beds, and each room has a wardrobe and small table and a couple of chairs, and the rooms are above the quietest part with a nicer view of the river to the east. Then two rooms with double bunk beds and space to hang stuff for 4 people in each, followed by a small dormitory with three bunk beds. These rooms overlook the backyard. Finally, a small staff room with a bunk bed that also has the water tanks for cold and hot water. It is possible to take out a couple of chairs and tables from the rooms and put in bunk beds if more sleeping places are needed, and with that in all rooms there will be 30 sleeping places for guests, but it is unnecessary. The cheapest places to sleep will be to sleep in the common room on the ground floor, but it should usually be avoided.


    I figure the Inn needs a man, and one to two women in the staff who cook, serve, wash, clean, etc. Because here in Alfheimr that is female work. Period. To even offer a man that job can be taken as an insult. Then there will be a small garden to take care of for fresh vegetables, and there are 2 mantal farmlands that will also be taken care of, and pastures for travelers horses to graze in.


    <hr>


    It is evening when the ship reaches Borgarsandr and it has just gotten dark. I take the opportunity to send a messenger with a short message to the Castle about the first November sale, although I cannot say how much and what will be sold. But there will probably be oil lamps for better illumination than candlelight, and more manageable and safer, as well as some sundials, monoculars, north arrows and maybe more.

 Tosra & The Auction - day 5, Borgarsandr shopping spree

    Tosra & The Auction, day 5


    Borgarsandr Shopping spree


    It will be a shopping spree in Borgarsandr, and we split up into several groups, to eventually meet up here at the ship when we''re done. We''re all going to some places, like visit a couple of shoemakers to get winter shoes.


    Iselin has brought Elvira to buy household utensils, grindstones for knives, mirrors, laundry, food, rapeseedoil, spices, etc, and Gunhild protects them, and they will later meet us on the ship, and then take Ciara with them to also visit the seamstress guild. I also sent with Caecilia because there are errands for me, among other things. They will also try to get two normal tents and a large tent so we can make a tent solution like Myrun had, and be prepared for future gatherings etc. Equally good to buy it now together with some fire baskets, although I hope to build a stove in the future.


    Kari, Jane and Hillevi will go to the seamstress guild first, where in addition to clothes for themselves they will also buy sets for future extra staff, two nicer matching maids dresses for each maid, check out Jane''s improved bra designs, the tabards for the guards with academy logo in two different styles and colors, a few more tunics and pants for me, winter clothes for everyone, as well as fabric for a few deck chairs and draperies, oil lamps wick etc etc. They will also order some flags, banners and pennants. Then they will buy more colors, much much more paper, both for the toilets and crafts, which includes coarser paper for papier-mach¨¦ for various things like globes and so on.


    While we wait on the quay, I ask Jane, in English which has become our secret language the others do not really understand, what she has talked about with Kari regarding sex, and her smile says it all.


    "Oh please, don''t even try to complain. But I might find some pleasure in corrupting K and making her explore her kinky side. She just gives off this impression of effortless class and elegance, and she does everything so gracefully and dignified. It''s funny imagining her doing normal ungraceful things like going to the loo, or asking to be tied up. Bugger! I bet she managed to do it gracefully and looked elegant, as she begged you to ravage her."


    My little snort and smile confirms that yes, she succeeded quite well now that I think about it, and annoyed Jane grumbles: "Argh!" before she sighs.


    "K started probing me about Midg?rd women from day one. And I literally mean during that first trip in to Borgarsandr to buy underwear and dresses. Language was hard, but she didn''t let that stop her, and Iselin soon joined in. We talked about cloths, hair, jewellery, piercings and behaviour, what was proper and not. I was careful and thought about not giving them too much, but I soon figured out that their agenda''s was - atleast partialy - so they could be more modern Midg?rd women for you. And you know K became my manager to get sexy lingerie. What I didn''t tell you back then, was that I''ve seen women get that look before. I was going to design it, so she could have it. Or we would be mortal enemies.


    But K can be careful and sneaky, and it took me a couple of days before it clicked that she''s trying to find out anything about Midg?rd sex, because we have to be more advance with that too. So I thought about that, and a lot about sex isn''t really super secret science stuff, and they''re probably doing it here somewhere. I also assumed that you wouldn''t complain. So I started dangling some bait, and you just confirmed that she''s taking it hook, line and sinker. Woe you."


    I know Iselin is trying to get me to talk about Midg?rd and science, and she loves figuring things out and asking follow-up questions, but when Kari wants something, she seems like the kind of person who focuses on it, and either finds a way or make one, and she seems to have found something she really likes. She does not have that much else to spend time with, and most things sex related are not directly secret science from our world. Kari and Jane seem to have quickly become friends in the last two weeks, but I wonder how much is friendship because they like to hang out, instead of agendas. When they disappear towards the seamstress guild with Hillevi hurrying after, I just have to accept reality and be happy that I have a very beautiful and sexy woman who I think actually loves me, who has found a kinky side and wants to explore it with me. Jane is right; woe me.


    A thought comes crashing into my mind, that sooner or later Kari or Jane will find out about the secret basement rooms, especially the most secret eastern part. I have no intention of keeping it a secret from my sambos, I just haven''t gotten around to showing them yet. I have honestly forgotten that, because the mansion tours have been with people who should not know. But I''m starting to suspect what Kari might want to do with that room if Jane finds out, at least to try. Kari clearly prefers closed doors and privacy when we have sex, and she was much more restrained when, for example, Iselin was with us in bed. And it does not get much more private than a secret basement room.


    The basement rooms have no real purpose, it was because it was possible and a fun idea that I just went with, and I am too weak willed when my sambos really want something that isn''t a horrible idea - and they know it. Here there is no home cinema, videogames or pinball machines that I can fill it with Mancave style. A role-playing room would be fun, but I mean RPGs like the Shadowrun or Starwars, or a games room for table top miniatures, etc. Not ''role-play'' ala sex.


    Wait...


    How the hell would I even start explaining Shadowrun to them?


    The fantasy, magic and monster part is ironically the easy one; but technology, matrix and such as AR and VR? Levelbased RPGs like Dungeons and Dragon suck, but something like the old Swedish RPG classic ''Drakar och demoner'' (Dragons and Demons) will be a much easier system and setting, as it isn''t levelbased, and don''t require a copious amount of books and rules. I just have to make some D20 and D4, D6, D8 and D10s.


    Hummmm. I wonder if a simpler table top miniature game with Vikings and dice wouldn''t be interesting for the guards to play with? Cast simpler pewter figures. Perhaps with paint to make them prettier?


    Humm again. Maybe in the future I can make a simple electromechanical pinball, because as long as I ignore lamps, the rest is ''relatively simple''. The mechanically most difficult part is actually the points counter, but it is ''quite simple'' as long as I stick to points on ten powers like 1-10-100, and design the playing surface to be easier to build, but still have several different elements. There will be no timer or such, but the start can reset the score counter with one arm. I have already designed most of the counter as a odometer for the carriages, and I just need to make it bigger, lighter and electromechanically operated, and at the same time each rotor needs to be able to change, not just geared from the first. It will be a hell of a job to build a pinball machine, but I can have it as a long-term work-in-progress project, and Jane will surely agree to make some nice artwork on it.


    <hr>


    Ciara and Alith accompany me to Craftsman Digraldi. The parts he has made for the reaction ferries will probably work fine. Durable blocks with wheels that will be attached over the steering rope and need to take all the load of the ferry in the current, and large fine bronze bells. The bronze bells he cast have a pretty nice sound, and sounds loud. He does not want to show with full force in here, because it hurts the ears, so should be loud enough.


    I place ridiculously many orders. Just the order for many more oil lamps parts with reflectors, for different attachment and also the model with double burners and the newly designed and improved storm lantern is large. Then monocular parts of the straight model for it will be cheaper and easier to make, even as a telescopic tube, and gives the sharpest image. Many more candle lanterns, especially the directed and all around illuminating. The add all larger parts for manometers, safety valves, control valves and more water taps, water supply valves, shower nozzles and more water pumps. Then all parts for machines, bench tools, steam engines, central belt drives, balancing machines, simple lathes and oscillating saws. Several of each, but they are the least prioritized. I have to prioritize the central steam heating and the auction things. However, it''s fun to see his and his apprentices reaction as I order more and more, page after page of drawings and sketches.


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    I''m also talk him aside and tell him about my Academy plans, and if he could think of recommending someone, perhaps one of his apprentices, who can do such work exclusively for me on the Academy''s island, and it will probably mostly be castings, followed by assemblies and fine work. Fixed salary from me regardless of the amount of work, and a nice house with a workshop that I lend out as long as the person works for me. I also need his help in discussing what such a workshop needs in space and equipment.


    He takes me more aside and tells me he would be honored to send one of them to me, and that apprentice will very gratefully accept the position. It is difficult for apprentices to create their own lives and workshops; it costs so much, they are dependent on customers and don''t want to compete with their old master. Digraldi is just a little unhappy that he will not get a lot of interesting jobs.


    I come up with an idea and give Digraldi a suggestion; He will take over all sales and installation of sundials in exchange for me getting a share, and I will refer people to him for this and give him a couple of other designs on sundials, a bit spread out so clients may want one more in the future, which makes him smile, and it will probably be something other than sundial in the future. As he have noticed, I have very funny ideas and designs, and some of them may in the future become something others may be interested in buying. These are still experiments and prototypes. I sell a north arrow ''cheap'' to Digraldi so sundial installations are faster and more precisely done and installation isn''t that weather dependent, since it will be autumn and winter. When I start making ship and orientation compasses, north arrows will be limitied to the ones needing something compact and discrete, and I would appreciate if the sundial was spread at all. Digraldi is very happy and we quickly sign an agreement which means that I get 2/5 of the money for each installation, and with costs of less than 1/5 he also gets at least 2/5, and he instantly buys the north arrow from me for the ''lower price'' of 4 ounces of gold. Not the same massive profit margin I''ve had before on sundials, but I avoid all the work, and the price of the sundials will drop anyway as the fashion fades. The price I recommend him to charge, is half of what sundials have already been sold for, even if I don''t say so, so I suspect it will give another rush. Then it is possible to start making custom made unique and more beautiful variants.


    Iselin will come and fetch him and whoever he wants to take care of installations for him, to show and train them during the next installation round. All future sundial installations will be Digraldis.


    It feels good to know that I will have my own craftsman for this type of casting work etc at the beginning of the year, and I have received good directives on what needs to be built in terms of workshop space and equipment, so I think it I will call it a foundry or ''hot work'' add-on building.


    <hr>


    We then move on to the glassmaker for glass for oil lamps, monoculars and lanterns, which is a lot. I only ordering the glass model that I now know is best for oil lamps, and add four extra. I happened to break one, and will replace the three worst preforming, even though they are not really a big problem. But they will look more the same. I ask him to make some simple 60 degree prisms as well, and some ships deckprisms. I also order some nice smaller glass plates as I intend to try to make sunglasses, all in the same size and with bevelled edges. Three colors, a darker slightly blue-green, a orange yellow that isn''t actually dark, and a darker redish amber colored, eight lenses of each but as distortion-free and clear without bubbles as possible. Lack of micro bubbles are important as I can grind to limit distorsion, but can to shit to eliminate bubbles, and thats why the orange yellow was included, it just seem really clear. It might actually be good for normal glasses to correct eyesight. Yellow will help limit the spectrum to maybe a third, and dampen blue and highest red from causing focus problem, while keeping the important green-yellow-orange part in the middle. I take the opportunity to buy some larger glass plates in different sizes to just have it available for stuff that need a front glass or protection.


    We go on to the leathermaker who made straps and covers for the monoculars last time so he can make more.


    The copper guild has done a really good job with the copper wire, and I pick up the kilometer they made, wound up on five large rolls. It is difficult to make long fine metal wire by hand, as they don''t have modern machines for this. Basically you start by forming a rod, which is tapped and pulled through dies making it thinner and thinner, and it gets longer and longer. The process requires the metal to be soft and pliable enough, like gold, silver or copper. In this case, the guild''s craftsmen have also fused the ends of already drawn wire so that they become longer and rolled them up on rolls. I am grateful that I do not have to spend time on it, and I am happy to pay for the job. And it is really the job that is the biggest part of the cost.


    When I order two thousand fathoms more, about 3km with 1km in the finest diameter, the man who runs the guild just looks at me before accepting, and in the background I see a couple of craftsmen just going speechless, but they are happy for the order. For them its almost absurd, because what can so much copper wire be used for? But I put copper on a roof, and have ordered so many weird things in copper already, and they are happy to do the job if I give them the silver, and as usual I seem to get a nice discount due to the amount. Any future tests with telegraph or telephone will require a lot of copper wire, so it will not be the last order they get from me. When I ask them to dip the wire in that paint type that sticks best to the surface, and do it twice, they will of course do it, but their thoughts are more ''what is this maniac using it for?''. I finish my ordering with more copper pipes, radiators, etc, and the man in charge just accept it with nods and change the total.


    We visit the potter and order five hundred insulators of a few different types. If I use an insulator per two meters of wire, 1500 insulators will be needed. The potter is definitely happy that she can make them via simple molds. She also thinks my smaller battery vessel is interesting, and will be made with the lessons learned from the vessels made so far by both her and me. There are many projects that require a smaller battery, so the only practical one is a small multi-cell vessel. It''s a bit like a small 12V motorbike battery and will have a small capacity, and I guess it won''t be not much better than a rechargable 9V battery, just higher voltage. By making the connection of the cells in the vessel in different ways, it is possible to make it a 2V, 4V, 6V or 12V battery. Charging will be tricky, but it''s the way it is. Finally, she accepts an order that is unexpectedly ''normal'', of 16 larger 10 liter vessels with lids and strong handles on the side. They should be as red-orange as she can make them, with a self-explanatory image pressed into the clay between the handles. The vessel used to send water against flames. These will be primitive fire extinguishers, and are a priority. She quickly understands and like the idea.


    The window maker am very delighted when I get there, and happily accept more orders on all the windows for the small houses, the barn, four craft houses and the inn. I also place orders for the greenhouse''s 42 square meters, and the interior windows for all the mansions windows that should have it as well, because they are many. None of the new orders should have iron lattice reinforcements so its cheaper to manufacture and faster, especially since the greenhouse windows have far less demands in quality and he can use the inferior glass panes when making those. The thing that most distinguishes interior windows from, for example, greenhouse windows, is the frame they sit in and the mounting. A little selfishly, I ask him to prioritize 17 interior windows, so that all bedrooms and my study quickly get double glazing, and to try if it is possible to polish the best glass tiles for less distortion and group them in a diamond pattern in the middle, which is a new idea for him.


    I have the silver, and will sooner or later install it anyway, so I might as well do it as early as possible to get the most benefit from it. Winter is comming. More windows have been finished, including some mosaic windows like to the guard''s attic room, and also some basement windows, so instead of waiting until more windows are finished, I tell him to deliver them to my ship today.


    I visit several carpenters. He who made the parts for the first wind turbine can make two more with improved screwed blades that provide slightly more even charging and more efficient use of the wind. He also gets to make many more wooden boards for Jane to paint on, as she has proven her skills more than enough, and everything takes time to make. The cost of a pile of wooden boards for her to use is almost like taking a piss in a river compared to the outflow of silver for everything else.


    Another carpenter gets to make more deck chairs, interior doors and more furniture. A third to make additional furniture, beds, etc. There are more houses to equip, and there will be a few more built, but I choose cheaper simpler furniture without much carving for them for the most part. Some furniture have already been made, so I buy what fits and ask them to deliver to my ship. I ask the last carpenter to shape a template for an inner shape of a large hemisphere with a diameter of 80cm, and he looks a little funny at that weird and diffcult job, but is of course willing to do so as cash is king, and I ask him to also construct three stands with arches to hold up the finished globes with 10mm hole for shafts. I intend to make a papier-mach¨¦ solution to create a paper globe inside the mold. Two halves will assemble into a globe.


    A blacksmith is commissioned to make a simpler steam boiler, and he is very happy to do some iron work for me, and not in the least surprised that it is something new. I definitely have a reputation.


    <hr>

 Tosra & The Auction - day 5, Borgarsandr shopping spree (Part 2)

    I take the opportunity to visit Olafr who made my swords etc. I''m most curious about how he''s doing with his own steel, and I hope he will agree to make saw blades and small steel stamps so I can start marking things with serial numbers, years, my trademark and an academy symbol. Olafr is happy to see me and proudly shows his craft and that he is working on two swords and a dagger. The work is absolutely beautiful, and with finely decorated grips. Just the scabbards are works of art. One sword is completely finished and we both admire the craft. He has continued to inlay the triangle ROB triangle A marking in these blades as well, which he asked if he could do and I said it would be an honor if he did, and it is an honor to have that inlay as part of such crafts. I almost want to buy the sword from him just because its so beautiful, but I do not need more swords. And it''s unnecessary silver to spend, and someone else deserves to enjoy that craft.


    I already blew the guards minds when they saw the finely carved wooden board with the two extra swords I have, mounted as art on the wall, with the swords in A shape with the tips overlapping each other. With its wooden plate, it is reminiscent of the Academy logo, and it hangs between the middle windows on the mezzanine. The way the swords are mounted makes it impossible to pull them because there is a discreet wooden block that must be unscrewed to release the blades, and the screwing motion is locked with a discreet latch. A lot of violence will of course bypass the lock, but its metal in the middle, with wood on the outside, so it should be noticed and most people already have weapons.


    It especially annoys Alith and Gunhild that the only thing I could think of to do with the swords is to hang them as works of art, and I understand their annoyance. Swords are both beautiful art and tools, tools that deserve to be used even though I hope they are never needed, as they are tools to kill. But I have no one to fight with - as far as I know anyway - and I still have my own sword. They do agree, that hanging them on the wall is better than lying in a chest. What really bothers Alith and Gunhild is that people will see that they are beautiful swords, with a nice inlay if they look closer, but almost no one will understand exactly how valuable those swords are. I just think it''s funnier that way.


    Olafr is proud to make my stamps, especially my trademark and the Academy logo. Every skilled craftsman has his own mark, and he likes to do mine and the Academy''s. He does not really look forward to making the saw blades, but it is at least interesting and different. I also talk to Olafr about my plans for my own smithy and forge, with water-powered machines, and it doesn''t take long before Olafr like the idea, and proudly shows his own forge and points out things and details to get right.


    When Olafr really understands what I mean to do, his eyes light up. He suggests an agreement with me; I make the smithy as I described and with his refinements, and he gets to try to use it and refine it along with me. He also has two apprentices, Ketill and Loni, who can ''fight'' for a place at my Academy if I am willing to let them get the job, but I warn him that there will not be so many swords or weapons for them to do, even if it will happen. I give Olafr the same speech that I gave Digraldi about what the craftsman can expect. I think I got a skilled smith too, because his apprentices knows their stuff - I know they did a lot of the work on my swords and knives.


    I realize I need some pliers, a couple of hammers, files and an anvil for my mansions own little future smithy, and when I ask what I need, Olafr sells me some of what he has extra of which he thinks is ''the bare minimum''. It is quite absurd how much he has accumulated, and funny when he is slight embarrassed of a couple of ''shoddy'' tools he made as an apprentice, but kept for sentimental reasons. I thought what he had out in the smithy was a lot, but that was before I saw his storage room. But it is useful to have an anvil inside the workshop too, and I can put some of the pliers and two hammers there as well.


    <hr>


    The last thing to buy before I can finally return to the ship, is to buy winter shoes. I buy two; a more durable pair and a warmer pair. There is a decent chance I will use my hiking boots if the weather gets too bad, but one new pair is fully lined with fur and is terribly warm, which my boots deliberately aint as I mostly use them during nordic spring-summer-autumn.


    <hr>


    Once I get to the ship, it is quite obvious that even though I have been to most places, I am quite alone in thinking that shopping is boring, and today we have made many merchants and craftsmen happy considering all orders and purchases, and one load after another arrive to the ship, which is loaded on board and exchanged for silver. The crew loves the crane, and I like how easy and safe it is, and I enjoy watching where I sit in a deck chair up on the aft deck, as load after load of goods are being loaded on board.


    Asta takes a chair and sits down next to me and also watches everything, completely confident that the crew don''t need her help or directions. We talk about new extra sails, and they have brought more sail canvas to be able to try. When I see the furniture for the houses by the harbor being loaded, I point it out to Asta, and whisper that the houses that are being built by the harbor? They are for her and the crew when the ship is not sailing. The men in one and Asta plus Lifa in the other, if they do not want to make another arrangement, but Asta sees the value in that and likes that she almost gets her own beautiful ''luxury'' house. Everyone in the crew is willing to spend the winter on the ship and had not complained about it, because it is better than many other have, and the ship now also has lanterns and deckprisms. If the weather is not too damn ugly, merchant ships usually cross the seas all year round, especially in the south. But now she is looking forward to calling the my islands her home. She has seen and heard how nice those houses are, and how warm and cozy they will probably be during winter. I ask her to wait to tell the crew until it''s time to move in.


    Bodil points out when the barrels with the floor oil arrive, and it will be nice to see how it turns out, but we will probably wait with the actual oiling until Kari and Jane have left for their trip.


    <hr>


    When Caecilia returns, I bring Ciara and Caecilia to the two musical instrument manufacturers that are here in Borgarsandr, to see what they have or can be made. We find surprisingly many ready-made instruments of different types, but the first makes mostly blowing musical instruments of different types along with drums etc, so I buy a couple of flutes, tambourines, and two simpler drum sets with three different size drums simply because they are available. There may be more people in the mansion who want to play on something. People have to entertain themselfs here, and playing music is popular.


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    The other craftsman has almost only string instruments and it is string instruments that interest them both. Ciara quickly chooses a harp she likes even if it is not exactly like the ones she learned on, and it is obvious she has used one before considering how casually she sits and tests, and it sounds good. The small happy smile Ciara gets, makes me immediately buy it for her. She does not wish for much, and she always deserves anything that makes her happier and smile.


    Caecilia try most of the instruments, and she clearly knows a lot of the, and finally the choice is between three; another nice harp, one that is more lute like and one that is more guitar like. That says how much I know about music instruments. Caecilia discard the lute but continues to have decision anxiety between the others, and decides to pay for one herself. I still do not really consider that Caecilia is actually richer than both Iselin and Ciara. But the instruments are not that expensive, and the instruments will probably be used quite a lot as she partly is a bard, so I say that I will buy both for her. I also buy the lute but as part of the mansions instrument. It still feels uncomfortable, but not so much that I stop Caecilia from jumping into my arms and giving me hugs and kisses. Especially kissing her feels a bit too intimate when it doesn''t happen during sex, and in fact feels more unfaithful and dirty due to her age. I want to see her as my personal assistant, but she is more courtesan''ish in behaviour. Had we not been in a craftsman''s shop, I think Caecilia would like to have sex with me out of sheer happiness.


    When I think about that, it doesn''t really say much.


    I think the instruments are the first thing I really buy for her that isn''t clothes. In any case, it wasn''t sex toys first, which is slightly ironic. Actually. When I think about that, she might be hurt if I give her sextoys, as she might take it as I don''t want to have sex with her.


    <hr>


    They''ve finish loading just before sunset, so we''ll be able to sail early tomorrow. The days are shorter now than during summer and will be drastically shorter afterwards. Here it goes from the sun being up 18 hours a day to just under 6 hours, but the further north and closer you get to the Arctic Circle, the greater the change until it goes from weeks with 24 hours of sunlight to 24 hours of darkness. It is special to live in a place where you won''t see sunlight for months if you can''t go out in the middle of the day, and if you work indoors without windows, it is dark when you go to work, and dark when you go home, months in a row. Thank goodness for electric lighting, but that is missing here in Alfheimr. It will be dark this winter with just 6-8 hours of daylight, and I must have a realistic view of what can be done each day, and how far it is possible to sail. New sails to increase speed can be very valuable, as it might mean the difference in getting to harbor or having anchor and just wait until the next day to sail the last bit. Sailing during night is dangerous without lighthouses, charts, radar or any modern instrument, especially in amongs shallows and islands in the archipelago. Just trying to take aim for the right direction is hard when all you see is a slightly less dark sky and a black horizon where everything just blends together, no matter true distance.


    A messenger arrives from the castle who thanks for the information and tells us that a place will be arranged for the auction in Lysesund. I have not thought about the fact that Radgeirrson owned a large mansion here on the outskirts of Borgarsandr which is now mine, because the messenger tried to find me there first, but I really don''t want to visit the mansion and take care of it now. It is something like half an hour by road. Had I thought about it earlier today, I would have visited the mansion, but they have managed for a week, so they can manage one or two more weeks. They should be use to the owner being away on his other properties. Unfortunately, the messenger also tell me what has emerged that Radgeirrson did after I left the orgy feast. Damn pedophile - Radgeirrson should have been castrated with a dull wooden spoon.


    My mood is improved when my sambos present the nice gift they have prepared for me. New trousers in modern cargopant style with thigh pockets, side pockets and buttons, in gray and dark blue fabric, and two pairs of shorts of the same type. It is clear that they have made them using my durable Midg?rd pants as a template. They even have had the buttons copied in bone. I am so grateful to have pockets again, and I give them well-deserved hugs and kisses. Iselin is pleased to inform that she also ordered two pairs of lined outdoor trousers that I can pull on the outside this winter when it gets cold, both with pockets, but not as many pockets.


    Iselin proudly and happily shows off her new nice dress with two simple pockets. The same style as the one she sewed herself, only much nicer. She likes pockets enough that the dresses ordered for the maids have the same pocket solution, but of course less luxurious embroidery and decorations, and she has also ordered new luxurious dresses with pockets for Ciara, Kari, Caecilia and Jane. She has also ordered some other clothes, but wants that to be a surprise.


    I don''t think they have really understood the comming clothing problem yet. If it is as hot inside the mansion as I hope this winter, we will go lightly dressed for summer in there, but if they need to go outside, they have to add layers or completely change clothes. In general, it is quite cold inside also in the winter in many places, and humans - I mean elves - are quite warmly dressed indoors, unless they are next to the fire and every window or gap is blocked, and then going out to the toilet and such is less of a problem. I can only guess what it''s like as a maid to run out in the winter in a summer dress. We should atleast give them panties or larger shorts to wear underneath. But it''s future problems, and the reason for the vestibule and wings wardrobes where outerwear can hang, which everyone thinks is a weird idea, but which they accept because Jane and I say it''s a good idea, and I have explained the problem of cloths.


    Beside cloths, especially Kari has methodically convinced me that we need to buy carpets, and they have managed to find and buy four damn expensive carpets from the south. They will be on the great halls mezzanine and second floor balcony, the meeting room sofas and my bedroom sofas. I''m generally not much for carpets, but the others think it would be nice at the sofas, and they are probably right about that, but I have claimed the one with geometric patterns. The flower and greenery motif fits best in the meeting room, and the two with nature motifs can be in the great hall. It seems that Jane has mentioned some modern interior design tips for Kari when they talked about other things.


    I don''t think that empty wooden floors everywhere except in the wing is an issue, but as we do not use shoes indoors, Kari and the others see it as a reason to make the floor luxurious. Or well, I have given okay for them to go with special indoor shoes, and buy it for the staff, because the stone floor of the wing can be cold. The staff can run in and out of the wing as everything is stone floors, but they are not allowed to run in and out with the usual outdoor shoes in the main building, and definitely not when it is wet, muddy or snowy. They all see it as I''m being eccentric, but understand why. Personally, I prefer to go barefoot almost all the time, but Iselin is not alone in thinking that I should use some kind of indoor shoes because of the look and to show that I am rich. It is mostly the poor that walk barefoot, especially in the summer. But I won''t give after on that. Barefoot is nice and practical.


    I explained clogs, sandals and slippers when we talked about the problem, and Iselin has sought out a shoemaker to make some classic Swedish clogs in different sizes, with a thick wooden sole and leather top. Jane have loudly complained that I will defile Alfheimr with something so ugly, instead of something beautiful like high-heeled shoes or stilettoes. That high heels and especially stilettoes would be totally impractical and dangerous, apparently doesn''t matter. It at least gave me an opportunity to sarcasticly reply: "No-one will ever doubt your femininity." but it failed when Jane just thanked me and was proud of it.


    Before we go to bed, I realize that I still havn''t made any real planes for a stove in the ship.

 Tosra & The Auction - day 6, thoughts

    Tosra & The Auction, day 6


    Thoughts


    Another rocking day at sea, and I''m so sick of sailing. I am not looking forward to another three weeks of sailing, but I cannot refuse when it is the first real thing Robert asks of me, and it is important. It will also be a different experience than the last time. I so regret that I didn''t take all the technology and sold it to Robert. It would have secured my future, and put me in a completely different situation both then and now. I could have exchanged it for the life I have now, and become rich form it, instead of foolishly trying to become his kept woman. But that ship has sailed.


    The sailing will at least be faster, and I will have company and I don''t have to worry about my safety. There is just nothing to do but talk and think, but together with painting, sketching, making art and trying to make artist material, it is now my life. I would be an even bigger idiot if I complained about it, because it''s so much better than I feared would be my future when I knocked on Robert''s door 3 weeks ago.


    My life is so much better now than the months before, and I once again belong to the top tier of society, but I almost made life so terrible. Not only did I actually accuse him of being a rapist, I almost forced him to become my rapist in his and my eyes. I don''t even want to think about what my life would have been like, if he had been the man I thought he was, because after my accusation I could have been his legally branded sex slave and child factory, for the rest of my life. So what''s a three week sailing on his yatch against it?


    I just hang there on the railing and watch the shore and islands slowly glide past and the water glistening and shimmering, and I think back to how me and my friends talked about having the freedom to do what we want; to just get away from it all and just be able to improve our skill and artistry, find our own style and take the day as it comes. Beautiful views. Small Cafes. Shopping. Beauty salons. Museum. Exhibitions and parties where the elite from all over the world outbid each other to be able to buy my paintings, and invite me to travel and visit their country and culture.


    It just never really happened. Even though my parents wanted me to live my own life, the pressure was always there from relatives and friends - and from myself. To have an orderly life with success and career, a stately handsome rich man and two beautiful children and live in a mansion, with a nanny and someone to care of the household and the garden. The perfect family they can be jealous of. How ironic has my life not become? Now I have the freedom to do what I want, but with all the horrible consequences of doing it in an unromantic medieval world with completely different laws, norms and society.


    I feel such tremendous pressure to actually prove myself worthy of the enormous freedom and future that Robert has given me, especially since Robert doesn''t seem the least bit worried that I will be able to meet his expectations, and I think it is because his expectations are very low. If I can do something nice in a year or two, he will be happy and pleased, but if I fail, it is unlikely that he will be disappointed because he don''t expect anything from me. He would probably have been happy if I had just continued with the simple paintings and sketches I had already made.


    He consciously avoids expecting anything, or becoming hyped before activities, or events. Just so as not to be disappointed because what imagination have hyped up is almost never achieved by reality. Something that could otherwise have given good impressions and memories, can be perceived as bad by over hyping it. Whether it''s something as simple as watching a movie, skinny dipping with all his women, buying things or going on a several week long trip to the other side of the world with many planned activities. It is just something to do, and he want to take the experience for what it is. He is really bothered when people expect him to look forward to doing something, no matter what it is, and that something is wrong with him otherwise. He really tries to take life as it comes. If there is a problem he can do something about, then there is nothing to worry about. If there is a problem he can do nothing about, then why worry? Just accept, and make the best of it.


    How has his life been to get such an opinion?


    I almost get angry and wants to punch him, when in my mind I hear him again say that this is ''hard level'', and he won''t be able to help. He must have understood how difficult it will be for me to do something good, and this is a more than ''hard level'' - but I probably cannot even begin to understand how difficult everything is that he is doing. He is not trying to be a new renaissance man like Leonardo Da Vinci, Galileo or Newton. He will be all of them, with a large dose of Tesla, Bell and many other modern scientists as well. He will be the renaissance man with whom everyone else is compared to in this world, and I can only imagine how legendary and mythical he will be in a few hundred years. But celebrity is the least he cares about. It is a burden he would rather avoid, because he does not like to be in the center or on stage. Especially all the seductive women that celebrity brings, because he''s so ridiculously easy to make uncomfortable.


    He really tries to give this world an intensive course over the next 10-20 years so they can skip 700 years of technological development. I would dismiss it as hubris, but when I tried to adapt to the world and did common work that anyone could have done better on a farm, he immediately began to make this world better. I never even used charcoal on a wooden board, and he introduced compasses, life jackets, math, binoculars, sextants, steel, oil lamps, and built electric power plants. He introduced a bloody IUD after just a week or so here, and he is a bloody nerd! That is something I should have introduced, but I was just happy that I already had one. Same thing with bras, but at least that is something I have a better grasp of. Because I am a woman. The feminist in me is still screaming about that.


    And he gives away almost everything, when he could have become so terribly rich and powerful. But for him, wealth is a tool, not a goal or something to brag about. He would probably have been the billionaire who walked around in the same clothes, because he likes them and they are practical and durable, and the question is whether he even would replace is car. Because he just finish modding it like he wants it, and see no point in owning a sports car. Because they are impractical and would hardly be used.


    I wonder if there are other people here, and if we ever meet them. Or ever find out about them. It would be nice to talk to another human, and preferably a woman in not too big an age difference. Who knows English. Someone I can have fun with and really talk to. I feel like the fifth wheel all the time. Even though everyone is nice and we have started to become friends, we do not have much in common to talk about, and their language makes it harder even though Robert''s interpretations, phrases, words and explanations have help enormously.


    Had Robert not been who he is, this would have been such a very uncomfortable atmosphere, but now they accept me being here since he has. Robert has already become a friend, and we both appreciate having someone to talk to, but I am intruding on their territory, and it''s so clear that Iselin and Kari don''t like that I look good, because we''ve all noticed that Robert is attracted to me, and it is cute how easy it is to make him uncomfortable. But they have also noticed that, and above all Iselin, Kari and Alith likes to tease him, and I am willing to bet that Alith has had sex with him at least once. He had completely missed Iselins obvious bisexuality, but was so sure that Alith wasn''t a lesbian, and unlike the other guards, Alith did not see the meeting as a chance for sex. It is probably not just because she feels a need to guard him, and she absolutely is protective and guard him.


    After Robert made it clear that it is okay for him if Iselin takes a willing woman to bed without him, Iselin is now charmingly transparent that she wouldn''t say no to my company in bed, but it is especially true of Caecilia. It is bloody ironic that Robert''s fianc¨¦e and courtesan are the ones flirting with me, while he is just so uncomfortable if our discussions touch any intimate topic. Bad luck for them that I am not bisexual. But it''s lucky that Robert is who he is, and there''s no question that Iselin, Ciara and Kari really love him.


    It is funny how different they are, but some are easier to understand than others. Kari is definitely a person I want on my side, and she is interesting and nice to hang out with, but I wonder how much is played facade. It''s probably just Robert that she has ever shown her true self to, if even to him.


    I do not want her to see me as an enemy, and her look when Midg?rd lingerie came up made it clear that I would design it, so she can have it to show off in front of Robert. Or we would be enemies. And I won''t play Chess against her again. The game does not interest me, but with what Robert said and how Kari seems to be, I think she loves that game more than she shows. Something she can plan and gain an advantage in before the game even starts, and she seems to be the type who enjoys it more if she wins after a long match, where she has always been one step ahead, especially when the opponent finally realizes it, gives up and admits defeat. Robert was probably fucked as he missed that she played for her own victory, and that she gave a warning tells me that she was sure of her victory.


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    I can definitely see her saying; "No Mr Bond, I expect you to die!", but I think Kari would sit down on a chair, and calmly watched Bond die a painful death, while soothing Krosp the cat that Bonds screams of pain would soon over. Regardless of what Bond said, Kari would want to see the threat permanently removed. Then she would prepare for the next threat and Bonds replacement, and she probably wouldn''t have any nightmares about it. Threatening her goal as wife number two means to not wake up one morning. Permanently eliminating threats against her partner is something she and Robert have in common, but Robert is not so cold-blooded, while Kari grew up in this horrible world.


    Ciara, on the other hand, will prefer a completely random and social game. When she can participate without effort. Without having to think or plan, and I doubt she cares if she win or lose. Like when Robert slept on the blanket in the garden, and Ciara just lay looking at the clouds or Robert, and did not seem the least bit bored. Hour after hour. She is weird to hang out with; nice and friendly, but not the sharpest knife, and she is so hard to understand. Then she also just seems to really care about where Robert is, does and thinks. I understand why Robert thinks she is frightingly devoted, because how many times have I not heard her ask "Robert?" to one of the guards, and when they point or tell, all is well. Or that someone tells her before she has asked, because that seems to be the only thing she ever asks about. The only thing she cares about. But Ciara seems anything but jealous; she needs him like the air she breathes, but accepts a small portion for herself.


    Caecilia seems quite honest in her manner and goals. In a modern big city, she would probably have been the extrovert unrestrained party girl who parties every weekend, and who never goes home alone. It might have been a whole week since she had a man. Or woman. She likes to be in the center and entertain, which entertainingly is the opposite of Robert. She would probably have loved to participate in all games, for the social aspect. Robert probably didn''t understand what a torture it would be to force her to live alone in her own house. He probably hasn''t understood how much she not only likes sex, but seems to need it, and when she talks, the subject often end up about sex or involve it. As long as sex is between two or more volunteers, she doesn''t seem to see anything wrong with it no matter the age or sex, and unlike the others, she sees nothing wrong with two men having sex. The gods made them that way.


    Iselin is the most difficult to understand. She seems to give a completely different impression than how she really is and thinks, and is probably the most unpredictable, for what she see as victory is not always obvious. Iselin wanted Caecilia to stay in the mansion, and preferable visit her bed from time to time, and ''killed several birds with one stone''. Iselin is smart and charming, but also happy, fun and exudes a joy of life. We just have no real topics of conversation, although she could certainly have talked and listened to stories about life in Midg?rd all day long. She is so enthusiastic about Midg?rd and loves to have someone to talk to about a life out of the ordinary here. Robert has already told her far too much about technology, space and everything else, that she has tried to confirm. Thankfully, she took my silence on certain topics as if I did not want to answer, instead of confirming that she knows more about them than I do. My answer that it''s probably very right, because Robert is a nerd, makes Iselin want to be a nerd. I should be grateful that she and the others have taken ''nerd'' as an honorary title.


    When it comes to games, Robert plays to win - or get someone else to win which he secretly chose. It can be social and fun, but what bothers him is if others don''t also play to win. He wants a good match, not just a pastime, and preferably with several participants. He seems to like complex games of chaos and chance, but where the goal is clear. It is a subtle boast of his intelligence and he has annoying besserwisser tendencies, but it mostly seems because he is so fascinated by the world, technology, history and much more, and thinks that others should know too. Because it is so ''interesting'', and if others only understood, they would think so too. Unfortunately, he is annoyingly often right in this, but that is another thing I will never admit to him.


    He also seems to have a pathological need to be clear. However, he knows about this, and it is fun to watch his internal struggle. It is so easy to get him started on a topic, and he knows that, but can not really stop. It is so obvious that Iselin matches him so well, and how she found out so much, so fast.


    "Jane."


    "Fuck! What?" Robert scares me when he unexpectedly shows up. Couldn''t he learn to whistle like he do to warn Ciara? But he probably enjoys scaring me. He wouldn''t be the first.


    "Do you have any bank or credit cards with RFID?"


    I completely blank out on that unexpected question and just look at him.


    "Bank cards. RFID. Wireless payment system or access card. You just hold it against the machine and it beeps."


    I snort a little when I hear him clarify.


    "Yes? I have a couple? Why?"


    "If you do not mind I would like to reuse the plastic - it is a thin, flat and flexible insulator - and if they are RFID they have a small fine wire loop antenna inside that might be useful for small electromagnets in relays, speakers or microphones. I might find a use for the magnetic strip and the chip in the future too. The chip might also have a useful low drop diode between two poles."


    "You have found a use for credit cards here? In the bloody Middle ages? By recycling everything in them?"


    "Yes."


    Of course. As if that is completely obvious. It''s so very absurd that I can not help giggling, and it gets worse when I realize how exclusive some of those cards are in Midg?rd''s western world, but here they are only valuable for the materials they are made of. So very absurd, and I really want to see it.


    "Robert, I love that you found a use for them and you can have all of them, and I am glad I haven''t throw them into a fire already. Let me get them."


    I start walking away when Robert hurries to remind me to never throw away anything that is from Midg?rd, even though I think it is rubbish. I should have expected that answer considering how he did not even throw away empty food packaging. It is bloody impressive how he seems to find uses for everything and how he also always seemed to modify everything, or made something because he could not find something that could just be bought. I could have understood technology, but I did not expect him to sew clothes or complicated backpacks and everything else, but that only made it clearer what a fixer and crafter he have been, and why he had it so much easier to adapt to this the world.


    He builds and ''mods'' for his own or his closest use, not to be known or brag, but he has had far too low ambition and bad business sense. Which is ironic considering what he''s been up to since he came to this world. Actually, he does not try to improve the world to become rich or famous, but rather ''fix'' it and make it ''better''. Bloody hell, he is ''modding'' the world. That matches his attitude to life and motivation.


    When I come back, I give him all the cards from the cell phone case, but I''m surprised when he asks me to keep my driver''s license and the two most important ones, and it''s fun when he obviously have no idea which ones are most important, or most exclusive. It is so like him to not know and consider it completely unnecessary to know. And to point out that there is at least one magnet in the case lock and mobile holder that can be useful, and the stiffness probably comes from a built-in plastic plate or magnetic stainless steel, and reminds me to never throw anything away. He has of course completely missed the mark and logo on the outside, but it is certainly not something he knows about.


    "Keep those two and you ID card. They''re only useful here for their materials, and I do not need them. If you ever do get back to Midg?rd they might be usefull."


    What?


    "But, you said we are never going back?!"


    "That haven''t changed, but it is always good to have a backup plan, especially if it''s small and light. Here, look at this."


    He digs into his pocket and shows how he himself still has a folded banknote in a small pill holder together with a firelighter and his multi-tool. All of which he explains how he of course modified to ''be better'' many years ago. He then shows how in his other pocket he has a small leather case with his driver''s license, bank card and a metal mirror. It is cute that he is so thorough in explaining and be clear about everything, but holds up and shows the leather case so I won''t see the folded Alfheimr condom he has behind it, pretending that it is not there. But I know that Ciara sewed that leather case for him to have a couple of condoms in - he added the cards and mirror afterwards. Always a backup plan, but he avoids topics or insinuations about possible sex with me. He cares so much that our friendship is just that. That we should become friends and only that without sexual tones. From that point of view, he would have prefered that I was a man, because he is so very strongly heterosexual and wants a good friend - not another sexual partner. Especially after Caecilia, who he is still trying to avoid. Which makes it easier, more fun and safer to tease him. How could he have failed to realize that his personal servant would of course be a young sexy woman? And that he most likely would have sex with that woman too?


    However, my day has gotten much better, and I will carry these cards with me in the future as a small but bright spot in the dark, to keep the hope to perhaps return to Midg?rd some day. Before we part, I give him a hug and a kiss on the cheek as a thank you, and it is a nice bonus that it makes him so uncomfortable, and at the same time teases Kari, Iselin, Ciara and Caecilia who of course have watched us.


    <hr>


    We manage to reached the islands without problem, and anchored in the Ackerek''s harbor. They will unload tomorrow, as the wind makes it hard tonight. In any case, we made it home before it got dark and can sleep in our own beds. Just one night to enjoy taking a shower, relax and sleeping in my bed. The ship will unload tomorrow and then we will leave heading to Kambsnes to try to buy Dagny''s things. It will take something like three weeks, and its cute how adamant Kari is that she needs to share Roberts bed tonight.

 Tosra & The Auction - day 7, farewell

    Tosra & The Auction, day 7


    Farewell. Silage.


    Karis kisses and tongue wakes me up, but we both just want to cuddle in bed for a while. I can not really relax during breakfast, as I know people are waiting for us. It is job interview time, but I let my sambos do it. They have a far better understanding what needs to be done, because what do I know about caring for animal or farm work? The mistakes during the pre moving in purchases show my ignorance, and here the women are the boss when it comes to the household and people. I hardly complain about it, as I can be in the background and take another opportunity to learn.


    Three men and two women from the islands tries to get employment, and the population here isn''t high. There are really only three farms, although there are a couple of scattered longhouses on the big island with people working for one or the other farm. One of the women is what I consider a little too young, just 14 years as it turns out, so the other who is 16 years can try for a month. If it goes well, it will be ongoing employment. One of the men is selected as a farmhand, a 19 year old who seem to have more experience of caring for different animals, and everything a farm needs to be done, and he also gets to try for a month. They can start tomorrow and move in then or today. It also feels better to choose the older ones as they don''t already have life and jobs of their own, and I will certainly have more jobs available in a couple of years.


    Another man is happy when he gets temporary work to help Iselin install sundials next week. Just the fact that he will travel down to Borgarsandr is obviously a big deal, but I should have expected that. They will also have Digraldi or someone with them to teach how to install a sundial, and I have given Iselin advice for the angle as well, and that she has been given a list of which angle to use for which town north and south and to give it to Digraldi. It does not affect that much because there won''t be any installations over a large area, but still. Its easy to explain that the buyer could adjust the angle on the middle of the day at the spring or autumn equinox. There is a small mark to make it easier to line up.


    The farmhand gets the attic room in the corner of the wing, which he is more than happy with, as he should be. It is a proper bed and he has plenty of space, warm, light, quiet and seclusion. We warn that there may be another farmhand in the future and they will share a room. Jalida and Elvira are happy that they do not have to take care of the animals or the toilet barrels, which is a shitty job - literally. They havn''t had to do it yet, but it was just a matter of time.


    The barn, which is basically finished, will be the farmhands responsibility, and he will also along with the craftsmen try to build ''small'' silos for silage, ie grass and other growing green that is packed down and sealed of to limit oxygen, so the greenery retains its nutrients. Those white plastic bales, or tarp covered piles against a couple of concrete walls and floor that you can see on farms and fields, are usually silage. The purpose is to feed animals over winter.


    It did not require much discussion with the women in my vicinity who are from Norway down to southwestern Sweden, to understand that the farms here in the north do not make silage. Another one of my assumptions of what I thought have existed since Roman times, and should be common, but does not seem to exist. Then again, it is kind of hard to get that air is the main problem, and to make it airtight, while avoiding contact with the soil. Just dry storing hay is a problem, and there is a lof of volume. Caecilia, Elvira and Jalida did not know about silage either, but crops for the animals are less of a problem down there in southwestern Europe in the winter, and more in the late summer when everything is burned by the sun, or might be on fire.


    Here it is hay that feed the farm''s animals, which feels like an inefficient use of the land, so it is understandable that they try to keep the animals out to graze as much as possible over the winter, and here by the coast that should be easier. But we will try silage on a smaller scale, and if it works well enough, we will spread the knowledge. So I have given directives that all three large farms on the islands should make atleast one silo, so we get more facts and experience than from one place, and better information about consumption and volume. We will also try using old food barrels as silage containers. A bit small, but there are many barrels at the workers camp that we can buy. The idea is more to have a somewhat convenient way to bring food to animals for a couple of days if there is snow or ice, or going by the sea. If it does not work, it does not work, but trying and getting real data is good. I predict that I will spend a lot of time and silver just trying stuff in the comming years.


    We should probably use some form of silage liquid, but I have no idea what modern mixtures contain and have no molasses that I think they used in that ''Wartime farm'' documentary series. Using sugar or honey is just expensive, but we might use it on one or two piles as a experiment.


    <hr>


    After the ship has unloaded and been filled with food and water for the voyage, I hug and kiss Kari goodbye. Intensely and long, and she doesn''t complain. Jane complains and act hurt that I just wave goodbye to her - not even a hug - so I choose to give her old answer back, and act a little insulted, and with eyes closed and my nose in the air with folded arms, say that she had her chance. She surprise me by holding me by the cheeks and give me a really overacted kiss on the lips with added ''muah'' sound. I just look at Jane as she walks on board with a pleased: "So worth it for those faces." which I translate to the others who have seen everything. Kari kisses me again, twice, while Gunhild grins and walks on board. Here, you have to make any fun you can, and Jane seems to like teasing both me and Kari. Iselin just grins, and Caecilia tries to act like she didn''t see anything.


    <hr>


    It is a bit late in the season for most fruits, berries, nuts and mushrooms, and the harvest have been very good. Iselin of course see all fruit, berries, mushroom and nuts as important food that shouldn''t be wasted, and since the first trip here, worked to have people store as much as possible. Iselin has even made sure to promise to pay them to pick extra, which I of course pay. It is such a small amount anyway, and since the children of all ages seem to have done a large part of the picking, I make sure that their parents understand that the extra coins I give directly to the children, are the childrens own silver. I don''t like childwork, but work should be rewarded, and the children really shine as if I have given them a large wealth. Iselin has evidently remembered all we talked about preservation, and arranged for sugar to be delivered along with many earthenware vessels for it, as well as some special wood to seal them with - cork. The most common way of sealing jars is with a wax covered cloth draped over and tied on, and they have preserve the fruit with lingonberry or sugar syrup, and have stored lingonberries, bilberries, blackberries and rowanberries as pure berries or jams. We have a lot of jam, but jam on sandwiches or crispbread is nice. And it can also make porridge taste better, and give it more variety. That they use expensive sugar for preservation and the amount they continue to increase, just makes me a little more eccentric and rich. I am more for apples in syrup or lingonberry than preserved in honey, which is also expensive, but I won''t eat the ones stored in vinegar unless I have to. Isch!


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    There have been ridiculously many plums on the plumtrees, like branch breaking many, which is good for comming years, and the apple trees are not far behind, while pears are much less, but that is also because there are much less pear trees. There is still some fruit varieties on trees like winter apples, which the maids, together with some of the island people and working women, of course pick all they can.


    They really don''t understand that boiling something kill bacteria and microorganisms, they just do as they always done. I have limited knowledge, but I probably understand enough and they have followed my suggestions. What I am most afraid of is that it might be Botulinum toxin in something, but we won''t ''jar'' garlic in oil that is among the most risky, but everything with too low acid in it that has not been heated up enough, is a risk when it concerns microorganisms and bacteria. If I remember correctly, food should be kept above 85C for at least 10 minutes. It may not always provide the best tasting food, and can destroy vitamins, but I have always prioritized safety. Of course, we won''t eat anything that has developed high pressure in the jar or tastes bad. Thermometers are definitely useful in many areas, but I do not have a thermometer that can handle those temperatures. I will have to try to make a pair of mercury thermometers, but it is damn hard. Iselin is very enthusiastic about all of it, and regrets that she also has to travel and can not be with me all the time.


    I seriously don''t know how much we need for the winter, and I rather spend silver and have to throwing it away come spring, than go hungry or have poor food, and the mansion have plenty of space in the attics and basements. My sambos completely agree, and especially Iselin is adamant that we should store as much as possible, including stuff I usually don''t consider to be food, like acorns. A lot of old important food have fallen out of favour in modern western life, and I know acorns were used during the second world war for a lot of things. There is a lot of oak here and we store bags of acorns.


    I need to make some better modern bee hives this winter, and better equipment for handling bees and hives, such as smoking equipment. Honey and wax are incredibly important, and it doesn''t matter what the Elfs think, the wicker baskets they use as hives are not advanced.


    Bee hives: High tech shit. Who knew?


    It is a really good idea to spread out many bee hives on the islands, so we get a lot of honey and wax for the future. Any surplus can be sold.


    <hr>


    I have plans for more pastime games, and I am not interested in weaving as atleast half the women seems to be. It is quite logical when they say weaving is women''s job in this world, especially in the winter, and can give important extra income to spin threads and weave fabric etc. My sambos don''t have to do it, but they want to, and the maids took it for granted.


    But I want more games. I want to try to introduce some role-playing game like Swedish Dragons and Demons in the future, but I need to get better at the language and adapt it a bit and make good dice etc, so it will be something different first. Other games like table top miniatures for the guards and me, but there are many simpler games like Ludo, which in Swedish is called Fia. I would like to create a variation of Risk, Civilization, Settlers of Catan, Alphabet and maybe even Twilight Imperium. But a lot of work with them, and a lot of cards that is hard to make without a printing press, and I need to at least make a paper shearer. So I have to start with simpler games, and ironically, table top miniatures can be easier. I will use a simplified variant of the ''Chronopia'' rules. It fits with the era, the system is much better than Warhammer Fantasy Battle and I can do a few simple warrior miniatures, as the game is based on infantery units, which limits the amount of ranged units, which limits the amount of special units. So I ask Bodil if she would like to make more games, one is simple, but others will be something completely new. She seems very passionate about it and would like to be involved in future wood crafting work like what she has done so far. So I show the sketches on a Ludo game with a board that can be folded, and with a tied on pouch for the gamepieces and dice.


    I ask Bodil to carve some small simple figures in wood or clay, and show the 28mm scale and it surprises her, but I explain that I will use them as a molds to recreate the figures in lead and tin, multiples of each. I give her pointers that she has to think a little about profiles, edges and how they pose, and they can be simple as long as you clearly see the difference between them. We start with four figures; warrior with sword and shield, archer with an axe in his belt, shield maiden with spear and shield and finally a warrior with a two-handed axe. It covers the basic units needed for the game to be interesting; melee warriors, ranged warriors who are bad at melee, melee warriors with pole weapons, and melee with range and power but no protection.


    If the game is appreciated, I can introduce leaders, specialists, riders, chariots, war machines, monsters, etc. It is also possible to introduce enemy forces in other visual styles, armor and weapons, and also introduce terrain elements, houses, treasure chests, miniature Viking ships, etc.


    <hr>


    I spend time during the day, evening and night with Iselin before she also disappears for a few days. I will miss her, and do not like the idea of her ?leaving without any protection of a guard, so I persuad her to bring Bodil along, and the guards simply have to accept that I will ''only'' be protected by Alith and Hillevi for a few days. They are completely right that we need two or three more guards.


    Iselin and I are talking about the world, science, and my construction plans, and that I will install the wind turbine here in the next few days and upgrade the battery bank. She would have liked to be part of it, but there will probably always be several projects underway, so we all just have to accept that she can not be part of everything, and some of them she already knows and helped with.


    She will use horses and carriage to travel around with the hired temporary help and Digraldi man. With our nice summer carriage, she will at least have a nice and comfortable trip, and if necessary also be able to sleep in the carriage. On the way back, she will try to take a lot of oil lamps, parts etc, that are finished, because they can survive the journey via the country roads here if they are properly packed. We will wait with the oiling of the hardwood floors until they are back, as I want Bodil to be in charge of that work.

 Tosra & The Auction - day 8, plans and power

    Tosra & The Auction, day 8


    Plans & Power.


    I am annoyed with myself that I did not think of showing the secret rooms before they all left, but I discreetly take Alith and Ciara on a tour of the secret rooms and show and describe all the escape routes, and also the balconys function and the balcony release. I will probably use the secret room under the library as a secret library. There will be writings and books I want to protect, which I do not want guests to be able to casually find or read. I''m a little worried about any moisture, but with the fireplace and secret path up, it should be okay. I have to remember to check it out during the winter and coming years. I cannot easily make it a heated space due to the returnline to the steamboiler, but I might add a couple of heaters on the ceiling. Its better than nothing. Otherwise I might store books in my bedrooms attic.


    Alith agrees that the other guards should know about everything larger, including what the handles do, while Elvira or Jalida might need to know of at least the first secret room under the mezzanine to be able to clean it, and so on. Possibly they might know of a secret room each.


    So we fetch Hillevi and show her, starting with the upper parts. It is amusing that she has not even discovered the discreet escape route out into the wings attic storageroom in their own bedroom, but who usually checks if you can pull out a piece of the wall? Hillevi looks at the handles with renewed respect and hardly dares to go out on the balcony outside my bedroom, but it feels very stable and from above or below you can hardly see anything that attracts attention. The same goes for the inner balcony they have already walked on many times and never suspected anything is special about it. Accompanied by Pedr and a big pole and rope to leverage it back and reset it, we try to release the inne balcony, which works and makes it difficult to reach the corridor. I wouldn''t want to try climbing it when someone is waiting for me with weapons. Seems like a good way to loose your hand or fingers, and then fall down.


    After Pedr leave I take Hillevi down and show all the secret cellars. I tell her the line about a secret door, down to a secret cellar, which has a secret door to another secret cellar, which has a secret passage in it, that has a secret passage in it. When I say that was the reason I got them to build everything, Alith just smiles, but Hillevi understands me and loves it. Everyone agrees that it can be useful, not least the basement vault where I intend to have valuables. There are already two iron-clad doors with brackets for locks mortared in to the wall. I need to buy or make some padlocks.


    When they all realize that the mezzanine windows are slightly lower windows on the outside than the inside, they like it, and confirm that it is very difficult to see from the outside. From close by, the angle from below is wrong, and the sky reflects in the glass, and at a longer distances it is hardly visable as well, and here is so much new and different here than other buildings, that no one will think about it. As long as blackout curtains are set up in front of the light tunnels in the secret room in the evenings, no one will see that there is dim light just from the bottom 25 cm on the windows. Ciara offers to arrange it.


    I also show them the peep holes to ensure that the library or stair alcove is empty before they open the respective secret door and go out. They also understand why the curtain in front of the staircase alcove can not tied apart, and have slight weights in the bottom so it always fall closed again and slightly overlaps, even though it gets murky inside with only the small mosaic window facing the great hall. Hillevi has assumed that the space was mostly a discreet place for intimate moments, which honestly is likely to be its primary use, as there is only a short cushioned bench for two people. But they all appreciate my clever ways of getting some light into all spaces without attracting attention from the outside.


    They like that there is a small secret escape room under the pavilion, and we carefully remove the cover stone and crawl in there with a lantern each. It is a little exciting and they love that the space exists, and think its so big. 51m2 with a fireplace at each end and a 1m2 water tank in the northwest side arch. I can stand in the middle of the main arch, with about a hand width in the margin. It is possible to hide here in an emergency for a week or two, even if it will be a rather miserable time. We will store some dry food, blankets and lanterns with a case of extra candles in the boiler room which can then be brought with when we escape into the escape room, and they will also make sure to put something here that we can lie on instead of the stone floor. There will be some hard wooden benches and simple bunk beds with rope net bottom that will be a little softer than wood to lie on. I take the opportunity to measure and write down what is needed, and Hillevi is proud to be given the responsibility to make sure the escape room is equiped and ready.


    If we are in such a crisis that the escape room needs to be used, we can accept the compromises, and in the future they will also store some weapons here, and beside oiling in the iron, I suggest storing it in large clay jars that are sealed as additional protection against corrosion. I say nothing about it, but I should do some kind of buried cache in some places with weapons and gold, and I can do it on some small island or hidden place I own, but which are otherwise uninteresting. I also have more properties via Radgeirrson, so should place caches in them and in Skiringsalr. I can always expand caches gradually, but 5-10 ounces of gold, flint and lighter, a few knives, two axes, a saw, spear tips and a pair of swords would not be wrong. Food would have been practical, but the only thing that really last for decades is honey, and it is possible to include some vessels with properly sealed honey.


    We discuss the strategies for whether things happen, how they should react, and how evacuations should take place. In the event of a fire, they can, for example, use the escape route via their room if it is safer and pull people out that way, or up and out via the attics stained glass window which is fully openable to be able to reach the work platforms on the roof. They will arrange a rope with knots to climb down. Probably a rope ladder in the future, and also make a rope ladder for my bedroom balcony.


    You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.


    <hr>


    Its a pretty big event when I climb out on the wing roof''s work platform and with the farmhand Hrapprs help mount the wind turbine in the brackets outside the guards attic windows. The work platform is just  seven meters long and 0.6 meter wide surface of wooden poles that can be walked on, and there is a safety line against the wall. We have simple improvised five-point harnesses made of rope, and we use the strong carabiners with screw locking I had on the backpack. The carabiners are a novelty, but practical, so I will manufacture carabiners in different models, but they won''t be in blue anodized aluminum. Simple leather safety harness will also be arranged. It might save someones live, and a bad fall that causes bone fractures is not to be taken lightly here. I had to order the farmhand to use the harness and safety rope to climb out here, because as expected he consider it an unnessecary hassle, and I guess he wanted to prove his masculinity and fearlessness. But I just said that it is not a question of being fearless, as accidents happen and it is just stupidly to not do what you can to protect yourself. You won''t go to Valhalla or Folkvang if you have been stupid and careless. So I made it mandatory that everyone will always use a harness and rope when going out on these work platforms or directly on the roofs, and Hrappr will need to use it when he is going to soot the chimneys in the future. Ciara and the guards definitely appreciated my safety thinking.


    The wind turbine will only extend about 1m above the top of the roof, and I wonder how the large angled roof will strengthen winds in certain directions. In strong winds, the guards can just open the window, stretch out and loosen the rope and lower the wind turbine so it is more protected, which also block rotation. I do not want it to spin out of controll, but I don''t think there are any major issues in quite high wind, especially if it is lowered and blocked.


    The location by the windows allows me to pull the power lines down under the window to the other side, into the steam pipe ducts and down to my workshop. If I build a steam generator in the basement, its power line can go up to the same battery system, again via the steam lines, and from there to the workshop or out into the house.


    I need to make sure to make better protection for copper wires in the future. But how? The only thing I can think of is paper or some type of woven cover that is impregnated in tar or similar. I should probably make a small machine for such special cable weaving, and see how tar etc reacts with the copper wire or the surroundings and weather. I simply have to make something like five different solutions and hang them outside where they are exposed to sunlight, rain and ice. In a year I will know.


    In any case, the installation goes well without problems except for being soaking in sweat, but Ciara makes sure to help me with that problem in the bathroom afterwards, but first she takes the opportunity to cut my hair and beard, and afterwards we become more sweaty. Ciara has been looking forward to it just being us two here for the next few days.


    <hr>


    Two craftsmen have opened up the facade so we can get the power lines in and down. The space under my workshop attic stairs is a good place for a large battery bank with all the cells stacked on the floor. Above, I attach a shelf with controls, fuses made from iron wire and coupling plates and blocks made in brass. Two oversized classic brass switches are installed, to connect the power plant to the battery, and the battery to the house wires, and a simple control and charging system is attached. Again a compromise, but it works, and the lead-acid cells don''t really care that the wind turbine gives slightly pulsating charge as blade after blade ends up in the optimal position for the wind. Thankfully, the batteries have such a large total capacity that they are a good buffer. It will be interesting to test the improved batteries.


    I change power resistors and do discharge tests on the cells so I can see which ones are the best. We write down and save the values, and I now know how to make the rest more efficient. Not that the others are bad, just quite a lot of difference in capacity and how much power they can leave. An improvement is an improvement, and they are still far behind modern car batteries, not to mention a modern lithium battery in energy density. So I take the opportunity to build the remaining cells finished according to the same method, and replace the 3 worst from the first build. So now there are three 12V batteries, each with 6 cells. It is difficult to measure the total capacity, but considering that the only current purpose is to charge the tablet, mobile phones, cameras and MP3 player, it still feels like overkill.


    It was again unpleasant to try to solder fine components with a heated copper rod, but it works, and gives me practice for future more demanding soldering. I disassemble the 230V USB charger which can also do 9V fastcharging and change its input so that it can fast charge from the 12V battery, which also means that I get several more powerful diodes, which I connect in parallel with the wind turbine''s existing diode so it will not burn. They are certainly not balanced, but the diodes should be able to handle 8-10A now, which is a 90-120W charge. Right now, it is very much overkill. I add simple cooling fins in copper on the diodes in the hope that it might help, because I can not replace a semiconductor component that breaks, even if I will try to make copper oxide rectifiers. Even if I succeed, they will not be as good, and certainly not as small. But something that is 100% Alfheimr done and works well enough, is to prefer over a Midg?rd one.


    I wonder if electrolysis or heat is most effective in making a good oxide layer? Electrolysis should be the easiest thing for me to do, and most slow and controlable. Copper oxide rectifiers would be extremely valuable and an important technological step for Alfheimr, for battery charging and more.


    I also add on a couple of filter capacitors from the same regulator to reduce voltage spikes and limit interference from the wind turbine. In the future, I should make a safety switch that disconnects if the voltage across the power resistor becomes too high, as then the current is too high. I really need to figure that out, and build a control and monitoring panel somehow in the future, and I absolutely need to build a moving coil instrument so I don''t have to use my little multimeter for everything.

 Tosra & The Auction - day 8, personalities

    Ciara actually say it is good that I now have a personal servant, and don''t seem to mind that it is Caecilia. We both now know that Ciara would have liked to be my personal servant, but we also know that it would be wrong as she is my concubine and socially it would be a downgrade. It just slightly annoys Ciara that she didn''t think about options before she became my concubine. She is a little jealous of Caecilia, but she loves to be my concubine and to be more important to me, and she is very well aware that I will send Caecilia away on arrends, and Ciara wouldn''t like to leave me for what might be several days.


    But it''s just nice to lie here in my bed to sleep, with my arm around Ciara in her thin sleeping dress and listen to music for a while. Ciara and Iselin are my two red-haired goddesses, and I love them both, but they are so very different.


    Ciara is happy and content as long as she can be close to me, and do something she knows is useful, while knowing I am content. She would probably be happy to sit next to me and stare at paint that dries if I myself thought it needed to be done. The world seems insignificant to her. Whether the sun is shining or it is raining, we have good food or eat dry bread, live in a tent or in a castle - it just does not seem to matter that much, as long as she is there with me, and that I am content and comfortable. Drawing a boring map for the umpteenth time, or carefully copying a book does not seem to bother her. It is something to do, it is good it is done and something she can do that is useful and important. Ciara is proud that I only let her copy maps and that I''m proud enough of her craft that I let her mark it with her own symbol. She does not seem to care what the job is, or gets tired or frustrated. She also usually does not care about what I do or to have it explained to her, because everything seems convenient, practical or nice. Crane? Convenient. Oil lanterns? So convenient. Fall protection harness? Very practical. Create games and pastimes? Nice. Firearm? Practical. Plans to take over the world and enslave the entire elf population? How nice - it will make their lifes better.


    Even though I have told her not to do anything, the others seem to make sure Ciara isn''t around if there are things or news that can make me annoyed or angry. Thank goodness that such news is rare, and they have learned that I don''t really get angry, possibly a little annoyed. A few days after the duel, Alith took me aside and was completely honest and serious, when she thanked me and told me that all the guards are relieved that I specifically told Ciara that she should not hurt any of the guards, my sambos or Jane, even if they make me cry, disappointed, pissed off etc. At Iselin and Kari''s prompting, I said the names of them all and Alith was of course right there and witnessed it. Ciara was not even annoyed at that. She just listened, nodded and said she understood.


    Alith likes Ciara and they are friends who often talk, but Ciara has a dark side that scares them. Ciara is the leanest, lightest and least trained here. She is currently lying with her head on my chest so she can feel me breath and hear my heart beating while she happily lets her hand play with the hair on my chest and stomach, and she scares trained shieldmaidens who have been in battle and killed.


    Fu-uck. I have not told her about the others who work in the household.


    "Ciara. I probably did not say that, but you shouldn''t kill or injure anyone - except in self-defense."


    "Okay." Of course, she only responds with a calm ''okay'' as if nothing special has happened and does not feel offended or so. Just a calm okay that the directive has been received and confirmed. Several have adopted that word, especially since Jane also use it. The sky is blue, the sea is wet, she shouldn''t kill anyone.


    "Have you ever threatened anyone in the household?"


    "Everyone. And the crew on the ship."


    I''m not really that surprised. I think for a while, and self-defense can be interpreted proactively, not reactively; "Have you found the loophole in that if you need to?"


    When I have explained what I mean by loophole, she just nods in confirmation and says ''Yes'', and continues to let her hand play in the hair on my chest as if nothing special has been said - I havn''t even noticed any interruption in her movements. My own little cuddly fanatic who only cares about me. Or maybe she doesn''t?


    "Is there anyone you would never hurt, even if they hurt me?"


    "Iselin." she immediately answers, and after a short pause; "Maybe Kari and Alith."


    It feels good that at least Iselins help in Ciaras rescue has made her special, and that Kari as my concubine is on the plus side, especially after being the one who ran the household when I or Iselin couldn''t, and Alith who is her friend. But Ciara is still my cuddly fanatic, and there is certainly a ''dere'' type who describes her but I don''t know which one it is. At least a bit of Yandere.


    Sex between us is often short and without foreplay, and wherever we are and do when Ciara thinks we need to have sex, I should have sex, or I need to be distracted. If she sees that I am frustrated by a problem, need to relax or start stretching, she immediately start massaging or in other ways trying to make me relax depending on what I said or what she feels for. She thinks it is good that Caecilia can help with this too, so that I''m as happy and content as I can be. But Ciara prefers to be the one who massage me, and cut my hair and so on.


    She knows that I do not appreciate sex in some places or in front of the public, but she does not care at all if Iselin or Kari happen to be around, show up or join us - even if in such cases Ciara almost completely ignores them as her focus is completely on me and her. The sky is blue, the sea is wet, ink needs to dry, food needs to be eaten, we need to have sex. Same same. But I''m happy that Ciara can enjoy sex - really enjoy it - but it''s different with her nearby.


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    Iselin is wonderful in every way and I love her personality, and how she is positive, smart, curious, charming and sexy as hell without even trying. Seeing Iselin walk around barefoot in a nightgown or tunic with messy hair after she wakes up, is more enticing than Caecilia when she tries to be seductive in some thin fine garment. If that is because I''m still in some pink mist love stage, I hope it lasts.


    When Iselin found out about the universe and I showed her the Pale Blue Dot and Hubble Deep Field, something awoke in her, and she is on a journey of discovery to learn everything. It seems like it anyway. Its like she sees the world with new eyes, and she knows that with science and technology you can get so very far, and she has become deeply interested in everything technical. She asks so many questions about everything, and we have talked about light, the laws of physics, flying, life under the sea surface and the most diverse areas. When others have seen my camera, mp3 player or tablet as amazing magical things, Iselin wants to know how they can work, and with her ability to absorb information, remember and ask follow-up questions, I have lost track of what she knows. I have just learned that she has a phenomenal memory and a mind for figuring things out, and nowadays she has plenty of time to think things over. Most people here have a very good memory.


    Had Iselin grown up in my world, I think she would be a nerdy girl in chemistry or physics, and she would definitely have had hobbies and built things, because she wants to experience and do things;  not just read or understand them. We have discussed why the monoculars work, why the sextant''s monocular are different from the prism monocular. She knows why there is color separation in them, and why surfaces have color, and it is not just a learned memorized knowledge. She seems to test and understand it, and it is damn impressive to be able to absorb knowledge like that considering shes not had any real education, and lived in a primative world.


    Yesterday I found her huddled on the couch, staring at a rainbow on the wall created by oblique light through the window, and looking at it through colored pieces of glass, and she wanted me to confirm that there are no real steps in the colors of the rainbow, it just seamlessly change from color to color no matter how closely she look at the colors. She wondered how to decide what names different colors have and were to draw the border and say it is no longer yellow and instead green? So I told her about color standards, palettes and charts. What light gives pink? So I explained; all the colors of the rainbow except green, and I think it is now her favorite color after a nice blue or green - because pink is different optically, not for the color itself. She just sat there contentedly watching the rainbow and playing with her fingers in the light until it disappeared as the sun moved on.


    Then she asked me why a black raven feather can shimmer in different colors, so it became a short lesson in what I guess is microstructure in relation to the size of the lights wavelengths, a bit like a diffraction grating. Her world does not lose its mystery when I explainit with science, because the more she finds out, the more magical her world becomes and the more amazing the Gods have made it. And they never knew or appreciated it.


    She becomes more amazing to me in how quickly she absorbs information, not to mention music, and I have given her okay to customize the MP3 player''s content for the songs she likes and use it whenever she wants. Given how often I see it lying charging, she has to use it quite a lot in her room when she weaves or just philosophizes in there. She likes to just be able to lie and think about life and how amazing the world is, or really listen to music even though she don''t understand the lyrics. She really wants to build both an astronomical telescope and a microscope.


    She has designed her own sundial, which impressed me greatly, and her design is a sundial with a spike instead of a bar because you should then be able to determine the time of year as well and not just the time of day. Which is true, there are models like that in Midg?rd. By opening the window in my study and using a fixed metal point to cast a shadow, we have a references. So we can continue to plot how the sun''s 8 shaped analemma will be over a year, and determine the change day by day. I really need to calculate the time equation for sundials and the right tables for the sextant, and will need to do it really thoroughly in a year or so, as errors accumulate and I need to make everything with as little error as possible.


    I was proud of Iselin when she showed a calculation she made and wanted me to confirm. A calculation I myself had made similarly once, but in my case for seconds. How large a radius of a sundial is needed for the shadow to sweep about 2mm per minute at the edge? To read the time more carefully? That is quite a lot she has to understand as how to calculate that. We sat on the cliff at the top of the mountain to the south and looked east in the afternoon, and we could see our blurred shadows in the meadow below when we had the sun in the back. Which became a lesson in why the shadow was so blurred, that it was impossible to see that it was us except when we moved, while the shadow up close is much sharper.


    I have started to involve her in all my constructions, and this winter we will try to build a pendulum clock together, or other clocks, and she wants to make parts for it herself. Iselin really likes the idea of building a thing that measures something she has never really thought of before as something you can measure exactly. Time is not a weight, volume or distance, and she loves that the playing time is shown on the MP3 player for each song, and she can say how many tempo beats there are in a minute in ''Ich will'' which is 3 minutes and 37seconds long. Iselin firmly believes that accurate measurement of everything is a measure of how advanced a civilization is, and accurate time measurement is very important. A lot of science use time as part of the equation, especially physics that is math describing how the world works. She loves the whole concept with placement based numbers, and powers of ten, because it gives such an enormous scope and precision with just a few numbers. She rejects the number system they have here as something incredibly embarrassing to forget.


    Had I never met her and she continued to be a servant in Kambsnes, this world would have never appreciated a wonderful mind. Its tragic I don''t have a lot of books she can read, and I should translate and write down the ones I have during the winter, because Iselin absorbs information like a spunge and also gets better and better at writing and reading, and we are all approachin Karis skill, a bit at a time. If only my documentaries on the tablet were not all in English. I have not shown them to her yet, but we will get there this winter.


    How many other people are living tiring simple hard lives when their potential is so much more?


    The Academy needs to find these people, and educate them for Alfheimrs future. Both will be hard.

 Tosra & The Auction - day 9, wheelbarrows

    Tosra & The Auction, day 9


    Wheelbarrows.


    To have a bit of change form the norm, I will spend a lot of the next few days writing things down on paper and in books, as that is much easier now that I know I can charge whenever I want, how much I want. And I can still can use the solar panel for extra power.


    I''m also starting to make the first real drawings of a flintlock weapon and its mechanism. I am thinking of four models, single barrel musket for both shotgun pellets and a solid slug, a double barreled shotgun, a rifled barrel in combination with a shotgun barrel, and ''just'' a rifle. All primarily for hunting. The rifling of a long barrel is a huge problem, and I do not know which technique is best. Making a machine to drill out and rifle a barrel feels unnecessary as I don''t intend to mass produce weapons, but it may be the only way to make a good enough straight barrel. I want to hit a target at a distance, not just send a slug ''that way''. I am a little surprised at how good the barrels for my boomstick turned out, but they are much shorter.


    <hr>


    Since I now see the work that is going on so much more than before I lived here, I realize that moving stone or soil is hard work. They also use a couple of wagons that are bad, both horse drawn and by hand, but most soil and stone is usually carried by hand between two people, basically a small wooden hand barrow with carrying handles at the ends. They have a couple of bad wheelbarrows with the wheel far in front of the load, as it is basically just a wheel where one should carry the hand barrow, which makes it strenuous to use as the angle is bad and they are basically just lifting the weight with leverage to the wheel axle. There are many slaves just carrying loads in the hand barrows.


    So I make sketches and get carpenter Engdrid to make four new wheelbarrows, and it is only then that I understand that wheelbarrows are a novelty, and he and Pedr are surprised by my creations. As usual. But I show a more modern design with the wheel further back and closer under the load, which also gives the ability to tip forward. The wheelbarrow becomes more unstable, but the design improve load carrying capacity, can take narrower turns, and have support so it can stand on its own and be far more ergonomic to move and use. Another design is somewhere between their existing and the more modern, only better designed, balanced and with support and ergonomic.


    But the last two will be a classic Chinese wheelbarrow with a large wheel in the middle and loads on the sides. Such wheelbarrows were what built China and also served as simpler taxis with passengers on the sides or passenger on one side and cargo on the other side. If the load is centered over the wheel''s axis in line and balanced laterally, there is minimal force to move the wheelbarrow and the large wheel makes it easier. In rural China, it was common to see finer roads between rice fields and up mountains that were only wide enough for one person to walk with such a wheelbarrow. It was easier to build and still makes it possible to move large loads. They even had carts with small sails to help if the wind was right. When the rest of the world switched to pack animals, carts and wagons, in many cases China continued with its wheelbarrows because a wheelbarrow don''t require food or shelter, can move large loads, and there were plenty of people in China, while animals were valuable. The reason I designed two different Chinese wheelbarrows is that I don''t know what is best. The difference is mostly in the wheel diameter. One that is 1 meter, the other is 1.5m.


    The idea is that the construction workers will try them all, but I also intend to lend wheelbarrows out so the farmers can try them on the islands farms. I want to know what the workers and farmers think about the wheelbarrows for different jobs.


    For now, I ask a couple of workers to try using a lifting pole or over the shoulder with rope loops down to the barrow they carry, so at least some of the weight will be taken by the shoulders, instead of everything by the hands.


    <hr>


    Caecilia reminded me that she exists, and that I need to get door locks for the interior doors made. I only got the carpenter who made the doors to prepare for it, but did not make the locks themselves. I had just started showering when Caecilia just walked in. So I stood there with my hands in front of my groin and turned away, surprised and a taken back, and Caecilia had such a devious sexy smile when she shrugged her shoulders so her thin bathrobe-like garment slowly and seductively slid off her body. Then she seductively stepped forward, stretched, and with her hand around my neck pulled my head down towards hers and gave me a sensual kiss, while she let her other hand slide behind mine. Why do I still feel like a deer in headlights and don''t really know what to do or say when such things happen? Why do I feel so exposed and naked?


    The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.


    Not that I whine, because it was damn enjoyable in several ways and I just have to admit that I like to do it more times, but it is a bit disrespectful to my privacy. Until the door locks are finished, simple hooks will be manufactured for important doors.


    I am glad that I oversized the showerhead and its wall mount enough to easily handle a body weight, even though Caecilia is hardly overweight. It won''t be the last time Caecilia helps to lift herself up with the showerhead, because she seems to love being pushed against the wall and locking her legs around my hips to be able to engage her abdomen muscles, and neither of us whine about her breasts being closer to my mouth.


    Just as the last time after we have had sex, I feel slightly dirty about her age, but hopefully it will pass in the near future, and I hope she does feel anguish for my age in 5-10 years. They are all so young, but people don''t live that long here, and don''t go to school until they are 18-24 years old. It is selfish of me to wish that Caecilia should be 3 years older and even aged with Iselin, just because it would feel better for my morals and self-image. She have passed age of consent according to Swedish and most of Europes laws, and here there isn''t really any age limit, but generally the youngest suitable age of marriage is seen, and there by sex, as 12 years and when the girl has started menstruating. It is a legal requirement here that the married couple have sex on the wedding night in front of witnesses, at least at the beginning of the act. Even 12 years here is a few years better than some countries in Midg?rd, but just like there, a 12-14 year old girl can be married off to a 40 year old man, and not surprisingly there is common folklore that a really young woman will be more fertile and might make an older man blossom again, so really young concubines to older men are not rare, and Radgeirrsons feast was not just for sex, pedophilia and worship - some guest might have hoped they might regain fertility to make their wifes pregnant.


    Many alliance marriages take place at the age of 13-15. It is an advantage for the girls family to not have to unnecessarily support her for several years more, and to benefit more quickly from the alliance that marriage often is. Marriages can also be planned before those who are to marry are born, to bind the families together or cement a family friendship between fathers. At the same time, it can be a problem if one family doesn''t give birth to the child for many years or the child dies in childhood, because it is interpreted as a sign to the gods that the alliance is undesirable.


    It must be a hell of an experience for a really young girl to be brought by her family to her new husbands household, then married of and taken to bed with what might be a much older man, and after the marriage feast her family leave, and she might never see her parents or siblings again. She is then suppose to be adult and take care of the household, and start having children. Commonly if her family is ''far'' away according to the travel time and routes here, they might just meet for a short while at a larger Ting. It must be a hell of a thing for a parent to do too.


    15-20 years is otherwise the adult age for a man and 13-17 years for a woman and normally to start a family as long as nothing else comes in between as services or duties, if there is enough wealth and will to create a family. I can only imagine what it is like for a couple at the age of 14-15 who have just met, to take care of a farm themselves, have children and build a life. They have been trained and expected this since they were little - but still.


    Over the age of 25, the person is increasingly considered ''too old'' if the person does not already have property and wealth, especially when it comes to women. If she has not married before she is 25 years old and have children, then there must be something wrong with her or her family. Not desirable enough in appearance, status, wealth or kinship, or considered infertile, no matter how true it is.


    <hr>


    Ciara, Alith, Hillevi and Jalida are witnesses when I officially accept Caecilia''s offer to be my personal servant and courtesan, as I technically havn''t done so yet, as she so helpfully pointed out in the bathroom when we relaxed after sex. Caecilia is happy and serious when she swears to keep all my secrets when it comes to sejd and other things. She sees it as an honor and pleasure to keep my secrets - to know she is trusted and I have taken her into my confidence. It is inevitable that she will discover a lot as time goes by, and she is not blind and already knows that Jane and I come from Midg?rd. She has played with my ears several times, both with fingers, tongue and teeth, and she seems to love caressing my hair on my chest or arms as well, although she is hardly alone in that.


    So alone in my bedroom I do the same introduction with music to her as my sambos and showed her my compact camera and tell her my abreviated story. Caecilia had already guessed some, but not how advanced Midg?rd has become compared to Alfheimr, although she really can not understand exactly how advanced Midg?rd is. Magical things are magical things.


    That is followed be a session of increasingly sexy photos as Caecilia wants to see what she really looks like when she tries to be stately, or seductive and sexy, and she fetch a bunch of different clothes and gives me a seductive show while she changes, and she has several sexy thin dresses, even one completely in lace. That she is trying to entice me into more sex was obvious when she asked for the pictures, and I knew I wouldn''t have enough self-control to say ''no'' for long. It is good that Ciara won''t expect sex later tonight and is just happy to be cuddling and sleeping.


    In the way Caecilia again emphasizes we can have sex wherever and whenever I want, reinforces my thought that I think the idea appeals to her. Or is it just because we should have more sex, and not let something unimportant like geography limit when it happens.

 Tosra & The Auction - day 10, Ego boost

    Tosra & The Auction, day 10


    1 October.


    Ego boost.


    It took far to long to sleep last night, after Ciara absentmindedly said some things about Iselin, Kari and Jane, and I got worried as I realised that Kari and Jane are stuck on the same boat, with nothing to do for several weeks. So much time for Jane to leak information to Kari or work on cloth designs, but there is nothing I can do about it. It is already done. Accept reality, learn and move on. And I am likely to appreciate it in the end anyway, so I should be happy.


    Still worries me.


    <hr>


    It is nice that the barn has pretty much been completed, and many of the carpenters have started on Unn''s house, what I call a 10x5 craftsman or artisan house due to its large extra rooms and other things, and when that house and the barn are completely finished, another 10x5 artisan house will be built down in the ''village'' which will also get a small extra building in the back for what I call ''hot work''; ie casting, forging etc, according to Digraldi''s guidelines.


    I can do small things and basic iron forging inside my workshop''s fireplace, but it is not ideal and already during the move in, it became clear that I need my own larger smithy and preferably a carpentry workshop near the mansion, even if it is simple, and the mansion also needs more space for animals, and it would be good with a small dairy and brewery. Not optimal to combine it in the same building, but after discussion with Iselin, Ciara, Ida, Elvira, Alith, the cook and Builder Pedr, a barn will be built in an east-west direction parallel to the first, so there will be a courtyard in between. The dairy and brewery will be on the northwest side and completely separated by a stone wall from the carpentry and smithy on the southwest side, and the middle and east side of the barn will be for animals. It will have a couple of pigstys and place for sheep for the winter, as well as hen houses and one for geese. The old barn will be changed a bit and have room for nicer carriages, horses and cows, and there will be an extra roof with a wall outside for anything else we need some weather protection for but which can be outside, like the first wagon we bought and firewood. If it gets really cold and it is needed, the smithy''s chimney will help to make the animal section a little warmer, but we think that the animals'' own heat can handle it well enough, because it usually doesn''t get very cold here on the coast. Some winters there''s just a few night below freezing. The barn walls will still be thick and relatively well insulated log walls. Jane might think Scandinavians take insulation way too serious, but being warm is nice and it is energy efficient.


    The dairy and the brewing room will have floors made of porous ceramic tiles so that water evaporation can keep the rooms cooler, and there will mostly be stone floors with drainage in the rest to facilitate mucking out and drainage. The brewery gets a fireplace that also has brewing vessels, and the forge will have a with built-in air systems, double bellows and will share the chimney with the brewhouse. Definitely nothing advanced and a real modern blacksmith would surely laugh at the forge, but I needed something larger and better for simpler test work where I need to hammer hot iron without real demands on quality, and it is an important part of a farm in a world like this that they can make and mend tools. Every farm needs someone who can forge, and basic forging is considered something a man should know. The wood working part is for the same reason, but it will be well equipped with carpenter''s bench, saws and other things they do not really use, and axes, planers, knives, etc, that they do use. In the future, I would like to equipped it with a simpler circular saw and wood lathe as well. Unfortunately, there is no suitable water nearby for a water wheel, but it may be a steam engine and the small fireplace in the carpentry shop is being prepared for it, but for now it will mainly be for warmth. Far into the future, it may be an electric motor driven solution.


    Small windows that can be opened provide light for each part, and one of the extra water pipes under the road will be led on to the new barn for drinking water to all parts. The upper part of the whole barn becomes a large hayloft because we have so many animals to feed that we won''t slaughter before the winter, and hay provides extra insulation. We will also store other things like wood and fire wood up there. The animals will grace outside for much of the winter as long as the weather allows, so I don''t worry too much about feeding the animals here on the coast. Just like on the other barn, the terrain is used to provide easier access to the hayloft from the outside, and by lowering the northwest side of the barn into the ground instead of raising the southeast side more, the ground chill should also help keep the dairy and brewery cooler in summer. Stone walls even internally will stabilize the temperature more. Iselin, Ida and Rikvi are enthusiastic about how advanced the Dairy and Brewery seem to become, but there are quite a few who are. Making our own mead and cider is not seen as something negative by my staff and sambos. It is pretty much expected.


    <hr>


    Caecilia definitely enjoy there only being Ciara, Alith and Hillevi beside us in the house, for most of the time. The maids spends most of their days in the wing or outside, and it is clear that Caecilia sees female guards or maids as something in the background to ignore - like furnitures - or she is just an exhibionist. Caecilia has also asked and understood that Ciara does not care if she goes seductively or enticingly dressed in here.


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    Caecilia has walked around very enticingly dressed since I accepted her yesterday, often in something thin and semi-transparent, or oh so flattering with a large neckline or deep V that is not completely closed, and she often stays close to me, ready to act as my personal servant if I want something done, and courtesan if I want her company or hear music or sagas.


    So I find her lying down in my bed or on a sofa reading a book, embroidering or sewing on a dress, or sketching me by standing in the door dressed in something beautiful. Caecilia has been trying to learn to paint and draw from Jane since the first days, and practices a lot with slate but also on ink and paper. She comes with drinks and sometimes cookies or buns even if I did not ask for it, which is nice, and if I relax and listen to music in my bedroom, I discover her seductively on the couch and a while later, maybe sketching me, embroidering, reading or just being there - available regardless what I might wish from her.


    Caecilia seems to think that her new role as my personal servant, excludeds her from my desire for alone time. Alith has a similar opinion, but allows me more seclusion and peace as long as I stay within the walls of the main building. But if I go to the wing for the toilet or down in the basement, she or some other guard just happen to be with me or close by. It makes me feel a bit like a guarded prisoner, but the guards try to be discreet and stay in the background. Caecilia is not discreet, but her new role as a personal servant is new to her.


    I am convinced that Caecilia is trying to give me hints of what kind of wishes she prefer to hear, and trying to do the most that she only has Ciara as competition for a few days, and that it does not seem to irritate Ciara. Or she is trying to make me appreciate the luxury of having her ''available''. But Caecilia understand that I''m deliberately ignoring her hints. I just don''t have her sexdrive, and it would be tiring even if she were my only partner - which is an unexpected disadvantage of having an young woman who seems to like having energetic wild sex at any time. No matter what she says, I can''t just lie there and relax while she satisfy us. Was that why she was looking forward to my reputation? So I could match her sexdrive?


    <hr>


    Krosp the cat seems to be doing well, and has already taken several mice outdoors and a couple of birds. As a small reward and to give the cat something that is okay to climb on, a simple climbing thingy ''cat tree'' has been built by the carpenters. It is just a couple of thick standing branches de-barked with ropes wrapped around them, and a few platforms, mini hammock and nook to hide in on different levels, stabilized by fastering it to the wall. Okay, so there is a dangling ball too, and some of the platforms are fluffy. I still don''t see why it is so funny, and I could do without Aliths smirk and comment that it will spoil the cat.


    It was enough to lift Krosp up on one platform for the cat to realise the purpose, and where the ''cat tree'' is located in a slightly wider part of the wing corridor opposite the maids room, it is not in the way, and Krosp can watch what happens and people walking by. The highest platform at 2.1m above ground seems to have become an instant favorite. Partly because I am the only one who reaches, and I respect not to disturb Krosp up there. We all want a bit of alone time.


    <hr>


    After the evening meal, I sit in the study and work with Ciara. Ciara has started using the table against the wall behind me as her work surface for making copy of Kari''s rewritten math book, and it is a good exercise in writing and getting it right. I hope she wants to make a copy of Karis Frigone''s translation in the future as well. The light is better in my study and I currently have no use the place and it is closer to me. She wanted something to do and the books will be needed sooner or later anyway, and it will be a while before I can build a printing press, or I am motivated enough to start with that project. I still jump between projects, and mix crafting with writing stuff down, or making plans. I lean back, stretch my arms and loosen up my neck muscles with a little massage. Ciara soon replace my hands and gives me a kiss on the back of the neck.


    When a hand dives into my pants and starts massaging there, it quickly turns out that it isn''t Ciara, but Caecilia who ''takes matters into her own hands'', and shortly afterwards I have her sitting contentedly sunken down on me in my lap with the lower part of her dress sweep to the side. Caecilia believes that slits on dresses should be high and on the side, to show more legs and ''be more convenient'', and overlapping parts with buttons makes it even more convenient. One of the things she has done is sewing and modifying one of her everyday dresses that we is now testing. When she sits there in my arms and we enjoy each other''s bodies, I realize there will probably be no more work done tonight. Caecilia is far too sexy, willing, skilled and beautiful, and it''s hard to stop once we start.


    It is only after a while I realize that Ciara is still in the room and have calmly continued to copy the math book. That is when I understand that it seems to have excited Caecilia who have watched Ciara while she rode me and I had my face against her mouth or breasts, but I take Caecilia into my bedroom after that, because it just feels so wrong.


    I was assuming Ciara would sleep tonight in my bed again, but it feels so wrong to ask Caecilia to leave my bed, just so that Ciara can accompany me to sleep. Sure, the bed is big enough for three, but it still feels like I would wrong Ciara. I was going to take advantage of going down to the wing to brush my teeth, pee etc, and drag out the time a bit as an excuse for Caecilia to come along and leave the bedroom, but Ciara obliterate those plans when she comes in with a bowl and a mug of water so I can brush my teeth in here, and not forget it. It feels slightly absurd to hear Ciara reprimand Caecilia for not thinking about my health first, but giving her a compliment for doing ''her duty'', before giving me a goodnight kiss, then leaving with the bowl and mug. Ciara probably would''ve been better as a personal servant.


    Caecilia shines up and becomes happier when I ask if she wants to join me for the night. It still feels absurd and wrong that I - who is still me - can even ask such a beautiful young woman as Ciara or Caecilia if she wants to spend a night in my bed - with or without sex - and they won''t ridicule me or be insulted, but instead reward me by seeing their happiness.


    Eventually I will most likely get over my hangup and the slightly icky feeling that she is half my age, but it feels so very good to hold Caecilia and feel her lovely body when she cuddles up to me, and know that she right now is happy with life because she is here in bed with me. Caecilia is definitely an ego boost. Then again so is Ciara, Kari and Iselin.


    I miss Iselin.

 Tosra & The Auction - day 11, Electricity is Sejd

    Tosra & The Auction, day 11


    Electricity is Sejd


    I might as well ''Carpe Diem'' and Caecilia is eager to welcome Freyas day with sex on the fur rug on my bedroom attic, and we have a short but lovely time while illuminated by the soft colored morning light through the stained glass windows of Freya, Oden och Thor. Kari was the first to try an intimate moment up here, followed by Iselin, and it is a hell of a good way to start a day. The bad part is that I just want to take a nap after, and so far none of my company have complained against cuddling and napping under a thick blanket.


    <hr>


    I fill in my journal/diary/log in the morning, but I feel a little dirty that I have started to write down what each woman likes, and any intimate moment I have. But it would feel worse to forget or make mistakes. I''m not worried about my sambos, but more about other women. It still feels good when I can put it aside and forget about it as I work on making a moving coil instrument.


    I need a meter so I can see the voltage and current on the mansions battery system, so I had to figure out how to build a moving coil instrument. The principle is quite simple; a small coil that is suspended so it can easily turn in a magnetic field, and when there is a weak current through the coil it wants to turn to align its magnetic field with the magnet, and it usually do 60-80 degrees between hardstops and has a pointer attached to the coil which pokes out over a board with a scale. If it is a bog standard moving coil instrument, the current scale is usually 0-50 or 0-100¦ÌA. Properly manufactured so that the spring force does not change non-linearly, the scale becomes linear. A weak flat torsion spring coil with many turns causes the current coil with the pointer to spring back to 0, and the current coil is usually suspended between two weak flat torsion spring coils that also act as the current coils electrical connection to the housing. The hard part isn''t building a moving coil that works, the difficultly lies in building something that just need a weak current and a small mass also have a faster reaction, which is the reason the coil is generally suspended instead of the magnet which is heavier. Especially here as I don''t want to use one of my neodym magnets for it. Stronger magnet means more sensitivity.


    In addition to the problem with the magnet strength and size which I can compensate, and the bigger problem with making a thin brass spiral spring, the biggest problem is that the instruments coil needs really fine thin electrical wire to work well, and in many loops to make it sensitive. That would be very difficult to manufacture here, but I have a couple of shielded USB cables, and there are many individual wires braided together to form that shielding. Its among the nicest thinnest wires I have. I can not measure how thin they are, but I have tried to count how many go in a millimeter, so around 0.1mm. They are uninsulated, but I''ve already tried to insulated with thin lacquer and they work enough well, and the lacquer also acts as a decent glue. Delicate but functional, and it is far from the most delicate thing I''ve ever built. RC microfliers where a gram is a huge weight, and bridging damaged circuit board tracks are trickier. I will need all these shielding wires for moving coils, microphones and relay coils as well as finer smaller speakers. Its is very ironic that among the most valuable things I brought are quite bog standard USB cables, which many will not really see any value in.


    There is also a certain amount of thin copper conductors in credit cards, access cards etc with RFID as it is the antenna wire, and should be maybe 60-100cm each. Yeah, its short, but better than not having it at all, which is the reason I asked for Janes cards. I have some cards with RFID in my wallet and the thin flat plastic in cards are useful, but the thinnest plastic is from my laminated certificates etc from work. 0.1mm transparent plastic. Nice.


    I get a vision of red hair and feel a kiss on the back of my head. Iselin whispers that she is back, so I pull her down on my lap and there are more kisses and hugs. Wonderful. She stay there as she talk about her trip. It was easy and quick to show and train Digraldi and his handyman, so she let them do the rest and hurried back. Iselin likes that Caecilia officially has become my maid, but as soon as I explain what I''m doing, she becomes interested, and it relegates everything else to unimportant and can wait until later.


    <hr>


    I give Iselin a private tour of most of the mansions secrets, starting with what I hav''t told anyone about how I made a secret compartment in a pair of furniture. Like in the frame of my bed there is a compartment with 10 ounces of gold that can be opened if you push something long and thin into a hole that I show. Iselin dislike that I kept these secrets. Not because she believe I do not trust her or that I thought she did not need to know, but because she havn''t been able to enjoy knowing about them. She likes the secret cellar rooms, and sneaking around in the gloom and comming out where no one expects it. I should have guessed my redhead ninja would like it.


    Had she had a secret path from her room, she would often have used it just because she could. It would actually be possible to make a door from her room out to my workshop attic, but it would sabotage the security plan I have. I prefer if Iselin sleeps behind a thick log wall, in the room beside the guards, so she is well protected.


    However, Iselin thinks we should isolate the secret rooms from each other, so the secret library is locked and hidden from the secret room under the mezzanine, and can only be opened from the library side. This allows more people to find out about the room under the mezzanine while the rest stay secrets, and allows that secret room to be used in more ways and become semi-secret. It''s a good idea, so I promise it will be done. We can put up a shelf or similar.


    Iselin immediately answers when I let my hands wander, and we ''inaugurate'' the secret library with sex in the semi-darkness against the wall and on the landing where the stairs changes direction to the library exit. We continue in one of the library''s comfy chairs, before Iselin pulls me in to be quickly ridden in the alcove under the stairs. With only its curtain separating us from the others, it feels a little too public for me when someone walks by. We are clothed, but no one would miss what we are doing. We continue in my study, and finish properly on the skin rug of my bedroom attic so we have gone from the cellar and up.


    When we come back down and start picking up the clothes we threw away, we find Caecilia in my bed, who seems to have used the sound from us to ger herself ready, and she is disappointed that we don''t want to continue with her in bed. I catch Iselins glance, and she too seem unsure if Caecilia was lying there when we came in, because the drapes covers that angle and at least I never checked when I chased Iselin up the stairs. It wouldn''t surprise me if Caecilia just lay there waiting if she couldn''t find me. Or if she noticed us having sex in one of the other rooms and hope to surprise us by being ready in my bed. Now I feel bad and ashamed as I have no desire for Caecilia as Iselin is back. Fuck. Fuck again, as the pun was not intended. I should tell Caecilia to not be in my bedroom without permission, but she needs to be here to be able to do her chores, and as long as she doesn''t overstep, she might as well continue to have free access.


    <hr>


    The wagon was filled with things picked up in Borgarsandr on her way home. She is excited about the Swedish clog prototypes and the shoemaker and his family have themselves tested the first ones to get the right shape, and realized it is something that can sell. Iselin has brought an agreement or sharing profits with her, and has already ordered more and nicer clogs. If clogs spread, people will very quickly start making their own, and probably also the classic Dutch model entirely made in wood. The same goes for sandals, so I suspect the agreement will not lead to much silver and is quite unnecessary. But well, any extra silver is nice.


    Above all, Digraldi has been making stuff. Oil lamp parts, taps, valves, manometer parts and housings for safety valves and control valves. The wagon also has some glass for oil lamps, well packed in boxes filled with planer shavings and sawdust.


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    <hr>


    It was easier than I thought to build a moving coil meter and I am very happy with the result, although its measuring current is more than a magnitude higher than the usual 50-100¦ÌA that was common until the digital system took over most of the display duties in Midg?rd. In many usages low current isn''t necessary, and I need more loops with thinner wires to increase the sensitivity, thinner than I can manufacture, and the only thing I know is from my earplug cables, but I don''t want to dismantle them for this when the current isn''t critical or needs to be that sensitive. The moving coil is a bit crude but works well, and with a suitable resistor in series, I can now measure voltages and currents, like the lead-acid batteries voltage, and voltage over the power resistor to give me a current reading. Absolutely good enough.


    I really should build a relay and disassemble my Wouxun radio so I get some power mosfet or transistors and can build that automatic emergency disconnection. Although it should be possible to build a relay that trips at a certain force through it, so a strong enough current break the circuit, and it must then be reset manually. Basically an electronic resetable circuit breaker. Or maybe future bimetallic strips that get hot and disconnect at too high a current through it, as that will be a more ''sluggish'' and slow break.


    Iselin likes to look at the meter as the gusting wind makes the pointer rise and fall. She thinks electricity is so damn magical even though it demonstrably works, and she herself has made parts of it. The wind causes a funny wooden thing to spin on the roof, which rotates ''thick north arrows'' over coiled thin copper wires, and somehow it becomes something she does not see traveling through copper wires that do not move, and makes a another contraption with fine metal wire and magnet moves inside the house. This something she does not see, also magically goes on to clay jars with lead plates and stinging dangerous liquid that can dissolve things. Somehow the power of the wind is saved there and sometimes it bubbles a little or fizzes. Then via other copper wires I can make my mobile or tablet work, or make small funny transparent things shine without heat and with different pure colors. Light shouldn''t be that pure a color. I have proven that the magical power is transmitted in the copper wire because if both ends don''t contact, it doesn''t light up.


    If I replace the lead in the containers with any other metal, this magical power isn''t saved, but the magical power can be ''moved'' by metals other than copper, and other metals also work in the rolled bundles. There must also be iron in north arrows ie magnets as neither lead, copper, brass or even silver or gold work there. And the stinging dangerous liquid has to be the right type and concentration so it doesn''t have too much or too little water.


    Electricity is hard to understand for someone who never even guessed it would exist, and throw in magnetism and chemistry and it gets worse. It is more sejdish and magical than a lot of other sejd here, because it does not require plant matter, faith, gods, magic or sacrifice. It just works if you do it right. Always. Whether you believe in it or not. Iselin loves the Arthur C Clark''s inspired expression that ''A sufficiently advanced technology is sejd.'', and she places electricity and magnetism above much else in how sejdish it is.


    Fucking magnets: How do they work?


    Giving Iselin a couple of magnets to play with might have been a mistake. Everything of iron will be more or less magnetic until I can degauss it.


    Iselin also loves: ''Sejd is just technology we do not yet understand.'' Especially as she begins to understand the rules more and more.


    But Iselin really wants to understand how it can work and be used, so I give her small electrical lessons when we build, and we perform simple experiments and tests. Like current through a conductor where a north arrow hanging above swings, and a simple generator that causes an LED to glow dimly when she spins the magnet in front of a coil. Or when we drop a magnet through a larger vertical coil, but the circuit behaves different depending on which direction the magnet is released, or which end of the coil points up. A prototype moving coil instrument is made to swing, by a magnet swinging infront of a coil at the other end of the table.


    <hr>


    I take a walk with Iselin to enjoy that right now the autumn weather is nice, and we enjoy the beautiful shifting colors of the trees. As we walk there and look at the leaves, I realise that some of the trees are maple instead of the usual oaks, and I start thinking about the sap and maple syrup, although it is certainly not quite the same type of maple tree as in Canada. I wonder how close the trees are? When I ask Iselin, I am a little surprised that they don''t tap the trees and boil it into syrup or use it in food. It may be done elsewhere here in Alfheimr but neither she nor Alith knows about it, and they still come from two different regions of Norway. Sure, there probably arn''t much maple trees in their home regions as the climate might be bad for it, but not knowing about it? Its weird considering they use pine resin for dental hygiene, but not the sap from some deciduous trees.


    Iselin of course wants to try immediately, and that I say it should be done in the spring when the ground starts to thaw and before budding doesn''t matter. She want us to try, and since I never intend to stop her or the others enthusiasm for something new, we cut our walk short, pick up some vessels intended for preservation, string, a couple of pipe pieces and a wood drill and takes the new maid Ida with us and return. We make a couple of holes in some of the largest maple trees, and also in some birches, hang up crucibles and insert the pieces of metal I shape into a pipes to push in to bridge over the edge of the vessel. The sap starts to drip even though I do not believe it will be that much. We also try a simpler method on the birches where we make a wide V cut with a knife, and an additional smaller V in the bark below and fold out the birch bark over the edge of the crucible. To prove that this does not apply to all deciduous trees, we also drill holes in an oak. The maid Ida is given the task of collecting and gathering the sap from the same type of trees into a larger vessel every night, and restoring the tapping. We''ll see how much it will be in a week or so. Since maple syrup is the goal, if the flow seems good tonight, she will tap a few more maples.


    However, they must start trying to boil it down gradually, as at least birch sap will go bad. There will be a lot to boil to make syrup, but when they have enough amount, I ask them to try to boil down 5 liters of maple juice and 5 liters of birch sap to begin with and see how it turns out, and approximately how much it takes in firewood and so on. I also ask them to be careful with the heat so they don''t burn the sap and caramelize the sugar. Slow is better, and when they have reduced the volume to half, it may be better with vessel in vessel boiling so the water between act as a temperature stabilizer.


    The cook Rikvi is also tasked to try out less concentrated sap as a substitute for water and sugar in certain dishes. Hopefully it will lower her usage of honey if she gets another option for sweetness, if the option tastes good. We have sugar but it is also expensive, and Rikvi seems far more used to using honey, and my sambos and guards like honey. Ciara is the biggest fan, and she always have a pretty little smile when she spreads honey on crispbread or bread. If she grows fat, honey will be a large reason.


    They are still working on the silage containers and filling them, so they will try to use a little concentrated birch sap as a silage agent in some so we can see if it makes a difference.


    <hr>


    I bring Hillevi with me as I show Bodil the secret rooms and paths. Bodil has heard of such things in some stone fortresses, and many Longhouses have a hidden space under the floors to hide in while acting as a storage, but a few have a crawl space leading away. Sometimes just using bushes or a ditch as cover, but sometimes buried in the ground as an escape route in the event of an attack. She had not expected any in a house like this up on a cliff, and she likes it. Not as much as Hillevi who really really likes it which is the reason I brought her along, and Hillevi gives Bodil my explanation about a secret door, down to a secret cellar, which has a secret door to another secret cellar, which has a secret passage with a secret passage in it and so on. I confirm that that was a large part of the reason that I got them to build everything. Bodil smiles but Hillevi understands me.


    I have decided that it is simply easiest to completely move out of the main building for a couple of days while the floors are oiled and fixed. We have spare rooms in the wing, and at least I don''t care that I sleep in the wings attic a few nights. It is a bit cumbersome to move out all the furniture as some have to be taken apart, but it just have to be done, and we can use guest and extra rooms as temporary storage, as they will be treated afterwards. It feels so wrong to move everything out of Jane''s room. As if we''re intruding or snooping on her privacy. Just like in Kari''s room, we never open her chest or the drawers in the drawer. Still feels dirty doing it.


    Bodil helped plan the work and will oversees the work, and it is more like painting because it hardens. One thing it teaches me is that Bodil is a tough and specific boss when she directs work. It is her way. Period. I have not made the farmhands job easier by casually pointing out that with a little ingenuity and planning, it will be possible to take advantage of the fact that each layer makes the floor slightly darker. So there will be a pattern on the floor, and as we have a diamond shape on the windows and the copper tiles on the roof, we repeat it over some floors and stairs, with a bit of florishes here and there.

 Tosra & The Auction - day 12, Construction plans

    Tosra & The Auction, day 12


    Construction plans


    I havn''t really decided in what order things should be built, but one thing is what I hope will be a really nice smithy and forge in the village, which partly will become a primitive machine shop. The idea is a water-powered power hammer, fan system with extraction for the fires, and further powered machines in the future like a grinding machine, which is likely to simply be a grindstone. The ceiling will be high and have a hoist of some kind. I also want a good carpenter''s workshop there, with various machines for woodwork, and a waterpowered sawmill.


    Waterpower is so limited on the island and it would have been easier on the mainland, as there is literally only one place that is suitable for waterwheels here - the stream between the largest lake and the valley. So I plan to build two larger buildings that have waterwheels between them. The southside will be a large sawmill with a carpentry workshop, a grain mill and a stamping machine for processing woven fabric called fulling, and the north side will be a large smithy and machine shop. The grain mill and fulling mill will not be used much or very often, but I want both, and they don''t take up much space. It is also a smart idea to separate the smithy and forge with heat and fire as far from dusty flour and sawdust as possible. I should also try installing a fire suppression system, but automatic tripping is hard to do. However, a manual system can be worthwhile, and there is a small lake that is higher which can direct fed the sprinkler system.


    The drop from lake to valley is sufficiently high for another water-driven system further downstream, and I will probably need to use it. So I will prepare for it. We still have to create a sufficiently steep drop, and will dig out under the waterwheels on both levels and add a pond after the first waterwheels. As large a pond as possible between the waterwheels are a good buffer to have, and there will be an automatic overflow channel passing around the waterwheels if it rains a lot and the water isn''t needed. But the downstream waterwheels will hopefully be things that usually use less water, or that can run when the sawmill and smithy are in used. I cannot forsee any major problem with this system, and we will try to make it quite nice and pretty too. They love to make wood carvings, so in the future it may be a bit of that added with a little small decorations and flourishes which in Swedish is called ''carpenter''s joy''.


    Honestly, it might be easier to place the grain mill and stamping mill below the pond in their own buildings with their own smaller waterwheels, because they still take up space, and loading the grain mill can then easily take place from above, from the yard in front of the smithy or sawmill.


    The north side with its smithy and machine shop will primarily have a line shaft belt drive system except for the big power hammer, while the south side sawmill will primarily have a direct drive from the waterwheels, and the carpentry on the south side will have a small line shaft system. Some things like ventilation fans, fulling mill and lighter machines do not require much power, but need to be running for long periods of time. A saw with associated feed to make planks is something that takes a lot of power for a long time each time, and a grain mill a lot of power but low tempo and medium time and rarely used. So each large building gets its own big water wheel.


    At the same time, I plan to complicate it more by trying to make an energy buffer that drives a big power hammer. The principle is that the line shaft via transmission gradually lifts a heavy stone or cement weight upwards, but a foot pedal releases the weight so it falls and lifts the power press. The point is to make it so that the stone weight can lift the hammer several times before the stone weight reaches the bottom, so for example seven quick blows can be made, before the stone weight slowly lifts up again. But since the blacksmith will need to heat the iron, that is no major limitation if this takes a couple of minutes. Absolutely unnecessarily complex, but I will always wonder if I don''t build it, and I would rather spend more time now in the beginning getting something better, than scrapping and rebuilding all the time. Then there is the limited amount of water, so it is unnecessary to waste water by having a too large waterwheel rotating all the time. One that requires less water should work well enough with an energy buffer, and there will probably be a big power hammer and a small automatic hammer. A big power hammer with far more power than a smith with a sledge can ever make, and a smaller automatic hammer for more normal work acting like a normal hammer.


    The location is far from optimal for getting logs to the sawmill, or having a warehouse with sawn planks etc, but I simply don''t have an alternative, and the warehouse and timber storage will probably not be that large. It is also possible to make a timber storage elsewhere, and if we are going to float timber over the sea from other places or islands, the locations isn''t that bad.


    There will be a yard in front of both hydropower buildings, which are divided by the waterwheel canal and the pond between and infront. A wide bridge over the canal makes it possible to easily drive a wagon to the other side, and a pretty bridge will make it look better. There must be some kind of road from the south end of the sawmill''s yard down to the valley. It is just practical to avoiding turning a wagon around in the yard.


    It will be interesting to see how much industrialization I can make over my lifetime. There are so much machines that I should be able to build and introduce, in so many areas. But beside the Academy, I need to prioritize actually making a foundation capable of building parts for these machines. Having a smith do every part by hand isn''t feasable. Sawing every plank by hand just takes to much work and time.


    <hr>


    Gradually the buildings will form a slightly scattered village, and each household will have a small garden for vegetables, although some gardens won''t be large or south facing. The gardens will be where it can, and each garden will probably have fencing of some kind to keep animals away and make it feel like it belong to the house. Each house will also have an outdoor toilets similar to the mansions toilets, which seem to work very well. All first 6x4 houses are facing west so that their front door is facing the road below and the living room window will have day and afternoon light, while the bedroom is facing the mountain and the forest behind the house. Each household will also have some personal animals, which atleast means chickens, geese, pigs, cows, etc. Basically it is necessary to let each household own animals, and we understand that everyone wants to make their lives better. I wish I could avoid everything with animals, including horses and riding, but for most people here a small farm with land to cultivate and owned animals is the dream, beside being necessary for food and economy. Land and animals are also wealth, security, and a sign of success that gives the opportunity to have children.


    Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.


    I have talked to my sambos and guards, and they all think it is a very good idea to let each household have chickens, sheep, pigs, cows, horses and so on, that roam freely in shared pastures around the mountain and hills over there. The residents just have to mark their animals so we know which belong to whom, and as the population increase, let a younger person take care of the animals. Much of the land on these islands is more suitable for sheep, goats and pigs, than cows. We just have to make sure no bastard steals the animals. I havn''t finished my branding irons yet. Fencing will be done with branches, stonewalls, or just thick bushes. I expect to get the residents help in building fences since its mostly for their animals, and most animals are easy to make pastures for, it just takes time. Pigs on the other hand tend to dig or push through fences, but Gunhild has some idea how to make a ''pig yoke'' that will make it harder for the pigs to force themselves through holes.


    So it is also necessary to build one or more communal barns for village animals, and the first will be built across the road between two of the first 6x4 houses so all the houses there can easily share it. There too, the uneven ground is used to make a ramp up to the hayloft, and there too, the barn will have a simpler smithy and combined smaller dairy/brewery. In the absence of another good place to house them, and that there will be few new village people on the islands before spring, the overwintering workers will be housed in the hayloft and attic above the smithy, where there will be a small extra fireplace that can help to keep them warm when it gets cold. I sure as hell won''t force them to live in tents or simple huts in the forest.


    There will probably be more communal barns scattered around the village or island where it is appropriate, but I will limit the amount of animals above the primary freshwater sources on the island, so no barn will be there. The animals will also not graze on the best arable land.


    The oak forest west of the big lake would be a nice meadow and pasture, but in the beginning we will limit so that the animals only go on the eastside of the crest. It may be unnecessarily cautious of me, but good healthy drinking water is vital, and with bedrock, the groundwater on the islands seem quite poor by my standards in a lot of places, even if our mansion and barn well is okay. In the future, some small ponds will be built below cliffs or peaks where rain can be collected and lead on to animal pastures, barns, stables or fields. Just a simple shallow system with gutters and canals that collect the water instead of it flowing freely, and automatically store it much like the well at the mansions barn, because that system works fine. Primitive - but many make an impressed ''Oo-ohh!'' when they see it. I''m hoping to introduce water towers in the future, or at least a high pond or two for drinking water to the village, but we''ll see. The larger island will have some artificial lakes, and if I can make them at a slightly higher elevation than most of the fields, it makes watering the fields easier. It might be a dream that never comes true, but I hope to make windpowered pumps and watertowers to feed sprinkler systems to make sure the cropfields gets enough water.


    Then it is important to keep drainage from barns away from drinking water, and make sure that future crafts and workshops don''t pollute the water or soil. Sewage are not a huge problem right now, mainly because it is common to have an outdoor toilet, with just a simple seat over a hole. When the hole gets full, it is just buried and a new hole is dug and the outhouse is moved, but primarily the islands will use separating dry toilets with composting. Still, it is worth preparing for the future, and definitely try to keep sewage separated from rainwater, so sewage can be cleaned, and kept away from contaminating soil, especially the crop fields. From sewer point of view, it is an advantage that most buildings are high but not on top of hills and mountains, and it is likely that I will try to make some large sewer treatment ponds in the future. It will not be optimal, but it will probably be better than letting the shit and sewage flow directly out into the sea. If I can slowly start to make people think about such things in this era, and make it a way of life, then it will do a lot for overall health and reduce diseases, which will increase longevity and quality of life. The people here in the north take bathing and cleanliness seriously, so it should be possible. If it is still is used a hundred years from now is anyones guess.


    In addition to making foundations and teaching workteam Adam, the stone workers have worked to improve the road and the harbor, which is really nice now. It will be a large project but it will be possible to make a combined harbor pier/bridge over to the other island, which is another future project to juggle with all the rest.


    The stone work on my pavilion have been finished, and when suitable, I''ll have to test the fireplaces in the secret bunker under the pavilion. I told Pedr to not prioritize all the woodwork, ie raising the framework, roofing and railings, and instead focus on other buildings, but there are so many workers here, that Pedr only picked two from each building team who are already well trained and created two six-man work team. It will help train workers for more skilled work, and I will have a finished pavilion in a few days. Which means that my mansion will be finished, if I ignore window installations that will happen as I get more windows, and other small jobs. Like the steam boiler system, which is far from a small job.


    <hr>


    Iselin helps me assemble oil lanterns, and before the evening darkness makes us light the lanterns in the wing, she knows most of what I know about them, and my future ideas for improvements. The new storm lantern model fascinates her the most, as to why it works better, and it does seems to work well, but it is the most complex to manufacture. It also doesn''t really look like a classic modern storm lantern does, because both side tubes go backwards towards the oil tank instead of out to the sides. Their intake and discharge are still like a storm lantern, so these are even worse to make than just a storm lantern. I really should prioritize manufacturing instead of light output and handling. But large unbroken lighted surface is nice, and with a reflector infront of the tubes they doesn''t really have any downside beside building them.


    Hopefully we won''t have to use much of the six wooden boxes with rapeseed oil candles that Iselin also bought, along with the household utensils. However, I wonder how long the barrels with rapeseed oil will last, or how much we will use this winter for oil lanterns. Oil lanterns are still an experiment, but I did make a quick calculation of 1-2 liters of oil per day for all lamps as it gets darker and they burn more, which I multiplied by 180 days, and then added a margin. I got a good price of 36 barrels, of about 16 liters each, so almost 580 liters are stacked in storage. I suspect that growing rapeseed for oil will increase in the future, and may be worth cultivating on certain lands instead of food. I just hope that whaling doesn''t increase, but arable land can be used for food, and the whales are just out there, so it will probably happen.


    It looks like it will be a clear cold night, which means a cold morning. To make it a little cozy and special, I light up the fireplace, and both Iselin and Ciara like my of grilling some apples on sticks, and when I surprise them by trying to caramelize with sugar, honey and sprinkle chopped nuts, our evening turns luxurious. A bit of mody background music makes the final touch for a nice relaxing cozy evening with my fianc¨¦e and concubine.


    My life could be worse.

 Tosra & The Auction - day 15, Attic & Games

    Tosra & The Auction, day 15


    3 days later


    Attic & Games


    I compliment Caecilia who together with farmhand Hrappr and the new maid Ida have done a good job of traveling around to the neighboring islands and the mainland to buy and transport all the animals, and Caecilia was proud to report that it all went well, and that there is now a man from the King in Lysesund who will take care of all the custom dealings things there.


    As a start, I now own 27 chickens, 5 geese, 8 pigs, 13 sheep, 4 goats, 5 cows and an ox, which is funny as I''ve avoided having even a cat before, as animals would make traveling harder. It still don''t feel like I own a cat, as well... its a house cat and they''re more like a being living with a human in a symbiotic relationship. The humans feed, pat and give the cat someplace to be warm and comfortable, and the cat lets us do it. But Krosp likes me. Especially after giving him that Cat tree. Most of the animals are relatively young, while some are quite old, but we have had to take what we can. There is room for more, especially when the future barn is built. My idea of how much space a cow or pig needs is of course oversized, and even if they tried to show me, I added a margin to my drawings. A fairly large margin.


    The animals will stay outside most of the winter if it doesn''t become too cold, and as we live along the coast on a small mountainous island it shouldn''t be that cold, not compare to inland which gets far colder. But Hrappr and Ida take care of the animals so there is nothing I or my sambos need to do, and it is Idas task to let out and take in the chickens, to fetch the eggs, milk and so on, and she also helps out in the kitchen and collects sap every evening as well, and it has gone really well. Elvira and Jalida protect their own servant duties, because of course there is already ranks between the maids, and the new maid who is a born free woman should have higher status than those who are free necks, but that is compensated by the fact that Jalida and Elvira are my free neck maids.


    I have given strict instructions to wash their hands, with soap, after handling the animals and scrubbing the eggs before taking them into the kitchen, and of course before they touch food and meat. I have generally given instructions on hygiene, cleaning and washing clothes etc. I should put a tap on the outside of the basement to be able to get water without walking inside, but there is a well near the barn that has the direct tapping option so it is possible to pump up water and wash off the worst without going inside. I''m also a little worried that an external basement faucet will freeze so I may have to make an ''interesting'' solution sometime in the future.


    <hr>


    Iselin and I take another break from our work to inspect the latest crucible making, and that it actually is crucible steel when the crucibles are cracked. I tried to keep the guards and others away from the mansion while Iselin and I were doing some work, and making more crucible steel has kept them busy. It was quite easy to explain why it was important to keep it secret and protected, and they have managed to make the largest amount of crucible steel to date. They still don''t know details such as why the crucible exists, or how I prepared the contents, but I can let them do the work of the smelters. As they see it, it is turning iron to steel by binding sejd into it, and it is for making weapons, and that seems to appeal to their warrior side.


    After a quick cleaning at the barns waterpump, Alith follows along as we go for another walk across the island. I like to go for a walk with Iselin, but it almost always feels too official, where I as the ruler with my consort go and judge the work of the proletarians. I love that we are a couple, but I miss the feeling when we walked around at the end of the first trip, or in the beginning in Borgarsandr. When no one cared about us.


    The farmhand and a few of the workers have been good at building fences, so the cliffs towards the strait have got a couple of decent pastures and paddocks. It is not the easiest terrain to build a fence in, but now it is done, and our animals seem to like it. Their next project is the pastures up in the forest so that the pigs can dig up the ground for future fields. That will be more work for less area.


    <hr>


    As we return, Caecilia is pleased to report that carpenter Engdrid has completed the covers for my workshops power lines, and she has supervised him during the whole installation. It looks nice, and feels good that the power lines are protected. Sure it is not 230V AC, but it still feels better and prettier.


    It was annoying to have to charge tablet etc at the battery bank, where I can not use it at the same time, and it is only a matter of time until I will build more things that require access to electricity, or just doing work with electricity. So I took the time to draw power to my workbench, and it was a good lesson for Iselin. It also feels a little more modern. Quite easy work as I justed use insulators to streach a couple of copper power lines, with their own primitive iron fuses and main switches at the battery bank, to two separate outlet boxes at my workbench, one on each side of the south window. Bare power lines arn''t practical, so we also made terminal blocks in brass to get two 12V sockets with a separate earth ground wire in each outlet. Then I installed the rebuilt Car Adapter USB with its two USB sockets. It looks quite good and modern with the recessed USB sockets and 12V sockets, and it absolutely makes it easy to charge two different things at the same time, such as mobilephones, my tablet, MP3 player, camera batteries, battery banks etc.


    I would like to add the quick charger in my study at the other end of the house, but its a bit of a hassle. The tablets battery lasts a long time, so it is no problem to read PDFs or look at images, or just play some Doom 2, Xonotic or simple old racing games or emulators for something like pinball, Arkanoid, Bubble Bobble or Super Mario. The problem is when it is something like OpenTTD, Starcraft, Heroes of Might n Magic 3 or FreeCiv...


    Stolen novel; please report.


    Then it easily becomes a bit more than just 20-30 minutes. Or if Iselin looks on or tries to play. Two player Bubble-Bobble on a tablet keyboard is hard, but not as hard as Iselins look at me for making it seem so easy while the damn bots in Xonotic keep killing her, or she falls to her death and I fail to keep a straight face. Ciara is terrible at playing everything but isn''t really interested in even trying, but she likes some of the music, like Bubble-Bobble. Just explaining a 3D game engine is hard, but Iselin eventually understands it involves a lot of math, that the computor does very very fast. Showing the simple model of the mansion in Sketchup and making a copy of a 6x4m house completely fascinates them.


    <hr>


    I sit and chat with Iselin and Ciara about work on the mansion. It feels good that the floors have been finished in the main rooms and corridors. Another thing making life here feel slightly better, prettier and more modern. It was only for a few days, and I and either Iselin or Ciara have been able to ''inaugurate'' a couple of other rooms. But it is ''crowded'' in the wing, and I have seen more of the staff than usual.


    We talk about the attic conversion and explain how I''ll install power lines and add junction box for the signal wires under the stairs while it is being built, and prepare a space for a small secondary battery bank, if we ever need it.


    Exactly what will be built or how the attic will be divided is not completely decided yet, but the space will be separated from my bedroom attic. That security door is moved to the guards attic room so they have a secure way out into the attic that is hidden to avoid attracting attention, and can only be opened from the guards side. Its normal lock and handle will be removed. The food supply on the north side seem to work well, and will be kept as they are.


    My plan is to make a hidden crawl space in the uninsulated space outside and past the food stores to the northeast attic above my bedroom. This means that the escape route continues to work even if I have to crawl on all fours, and Alith clearly prefers that. I can also arrange the hidden doors to the crawl space myself, and the northwest attic space will continue to be a large storage space for me. After insulation it will be about 18m2 and 2m ceiling space on the inner part and about 70cm towards the courtyard. To make it more pleasant to store things in, that space will be divided in two at one roof truss and become an 11m2 room with the attic windows facing the courtyard, and a 7m2 corner storage room with the small window on the gable and the door to the antenna mount.


    I could expand so my bedroom attic to be twice as big, but I hardly use the space I have, and I see no reason to do so. It is impractical as a study, and the only way to reach the room is from my bedroom attic due to the escape route in one corner behind the chimney. Caecilia would certainly have loved to have it as her bedroom, but I do not want her or anyone else sleeping there. They have to go through my bedroom, and then it won''t really feel like my room anymore.


    Since the is a lot of work going on in the attic, there will also be a water tank installed above the secret passage, because I have realized that it would be extremely practical with a small toilet instead of the walkin closet in my bedroom and I have already prepared the drain there. For some reason it tends to be ''sticky'' and ''messy'' in my bedroom, and just a sink and something like a bidet where it is also possible to pee, would be so very practical. The secret passage is great for hiding pipes and drain in, although of course that means I have to do all the work myself to keep it a secret, but I can live with that.


    It will probably only be a large open room in the attic for the near future of about 14x4m, with a small room under each attic window on the south side. The space in the southwest corner of the attic, which already has a larger window on the gable, will also be built like a real room, and should be quite nice where three beds in a row can fit along the low side. Its more practical with a separate room that is accessed from the main attic, than extra space for the guards who already have a lot of space. It is only if we ever have eight guards, or more, that there will be talk of expanding their spaces, and their space will then be expanded to the northwest storage. To limit the amount of people and people moving about in the main building, future guards will probably have a room on the wing attic.


    I still don''t want servants or others sleeping in the main building attic, but it is stupid to not be prepared if space is needed. My plans have gradually proven to be more and more wrong. I want and will need to keep the guest rooms on the ground floor vacant, as we have significantly fewer than I expected.


    The large attic room initially gets a sofa, and a small table with a few chairs in front of the main window. The attic will be a calmer meeting place or game room.


    <hr>


    During work breaks from the other jobs, we have made D6 dices in wood that are well balanced and with rounded corners. I built a couple of tools and templates to help me make them 90 degrees and made ten D6 dices, and we filled in their markings with different colors to separate them. Two black, two blue, three red and three white. I have also made two D20s, but fucked something up, because they do not look good, so I will have to redo them along with preparations for D10s. Ciara and Bodil liked to participate in this, but it got a little crowded in my workshop.


    Bodil got the Ludo game finished, so in the evening with new dices we inaugurate it. Easy to learn and pure chance unlike chess. Some appreciate games of chance, others more thinking games. Personally, I think Ludo is a waste of time, but it is appreciated that four can play at the same time and it is something to pass the time. It is not appreciated when some gang up, but what can one do? If Hillevi is stupid enough to suggest playing for extra night duty, and doesn''t realize that the other two can win by ganging up on her, then she only have herself to blame. I just laugh and tell her to accept it, learn a lesson and move on.


    In any case, everyone gets an interesting short lesson in how I prove that the dice are very fair and well balanced by floating them in water, and also by statistics. If she complains about unfair dice, Hillevi also have to live with the fact that she has volunteered to collect statistics. It will give her something to do tonight, as she will sit for hours and roll thousands of dice and record the results, but she can use one dice of each color in the same roll, which will make it slightly faster.

 Tosra & The Auction - day 18, Working pressure

    Tosra & The Auction, day 18


    3 days later


    Working pressure


    Work, work and more works, but at least a lot has been done. I miss my machines and tools, like a handheld electric drill, good soldering station, hot air station, etc. A small belt sander or rotarytool would also be wonderful. Or just an electric work lamp. My headlamp is very useful, but I have to keep most people away when I use it.


    But there is so much work that needs to be done, and things like manometers and safety valves are something I never built before, and Iselins enthusiasm makes the work easier. I am most interested in seeing the steam boiler system in operation and knowing it is a project that works, but not Iselin. The advantage of that is that she was happy when I gradually let her take over more and more of the work of soldering all joints between radiators and steam pipes. She loves how magical it is to solder something and see the solder flow out, and with the MP3 player filling her ears with music, she has often been away in her own world. It is cute to hear her hum along, whistle or sing while she works, because she both fail at the lyrics mostly in languages she can''t understand, and she doesn''t understand how loud she does it, and up in the attic or behind a closed door, the staff doesn''t see it so she isn''t holding back. That she shakes her body and slightly dance while she works is the icing on the cake.


    I need to figure out how to propose to her.


    Ciara just seem happy to be along and be helpful, to both me and Iselin, and she like to make finely wrapped wires. While we build the steam system, we prepare for electrical power and signal lines. To make it easier, as well as use the steam line which is a strong big copper pipe as a common earth conductor, we follow the steam lines, and pull a separate thicker positive wire, basically a thin copper rod wrapped in paper or cloth, physically isolated from the ground on the other side a wooden beam, and lay a bunch of thin signal conductors along. Most of the time we just pull everything to the other end and lay it in bundles. It is fortunate that I have already ordered more copper wire, as this takes a lot. There will be a junction box to make it practical and hidden away, but it isn''t finished yet. But I have pull down power and installed a 12V outlet in my study, and install the USB quick charger. And promised them we will play a bit of computor games again tonight.


    I make the same wiring solution to the west side of the second floor but go down through the unused extra room on the second floor and continue down to the guards day room, but there will be some extra signal conductors for alarms etc. and also some wires that go directly from the western to the eastern junction box. I don''t know if they will be needed, but I might as well do it when now, and it is quite quick to do everything at once. Eh, some time in the future I will probably be annoyed I didn''t lay more lines. There will be many more lines that go to the staff''s commonroom, kitchen etc.


    Everything follows the steam boilers pipes and collects and ends in a large cabinet above the stairs in my workshop attic, where the steam pipes branch anyway. Color combinations of sewing thread as well as glued paper labels will hopefully make it a little easier to know which conductor is which at the other end. In the future, before they are connected properly, the various positive wires will have simple fuses of a thin iron wire that are protected by glass, so even if the fuse melt and drip liquid iron, it shouldn''t start a fire, and fuse boxes are clad with brass sheet on the inside to be even more fireproof. I will upgrade the fuses below the stairs to the same solution as well.


    Soldering takes the most time, but the trickiest thing about the steam boiler system was to give the manometers scales that showed the same, and figure out how the fuck I would calibrate them. There is no reference here. The one things I came up with was static pressure from a water column which also gives the pressure at the height of the water column, but practically I have no possibility right now to make a 40 to 60 meter high pipe. The second was an increase in air pressure via heating or pumping, where a deadweight valve act as a pressure reference, and one of the designs on the safety valves is a deadweight valve, and a small hand pump was quite easy to make. Its basically a bad and ugly glorified bicycle pump with the possibility of screwing or soldering on several manometers and it even has an outlet valve. But it works.


    To keep leaks down, the pump has stacked intake and outlet valves with leather gaskets, and the piston has several stacks of gaskets to reduce the losses there, even if its piston is small. As a bonus, the same pump should be able to suck a decent vacuum, but I hardly tested it, except that we saw that the manometer went backwards. To be able to reach high pressure, the diameter of the pump is quite small, and the deadweight valve is also dimensioned to be able to pump up high pressure at about 15 bar. I''m not looking forward to actually pumping something to such a high pressure, as things tend to explode violently if they fail, so that will be outdoors, behind a protective wall with a lever, and pipe through to the container.


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    The design of the manometer, or a pressure gauge as it is also called, is relatively simple with a slightly flattened thin-walled small tube that is wound like a coil for 4 turns with a long arm at the end, which is connected to the hand via another lever with a small gear ratio. The higher the pressure, the more the coil straightens, which movement is amplified by levers and gears to cause the pointer to rotate.


    Iselin loved that job too, and her enthusiasm infected me. She really loves to understand what is happening and that she can see it in front of her in something she does. The first real complexe mechanical construction she made, to measure something she never even considered before. When we could see that the gauge hands move according to the same on the scales, even though the scales were different due to differences in production... to say we were happy and pleased is an understatement. The workshop sex was improvised but fantastic, clear top ten.


    Why havn''t I already proposed to her?


    I have to figure out how to make the marriage proposal special for her. She deserves something so very special.


    <hr>


    To be easily accessible and within earshot, Elvira or Jalida often casually clean of find work to do in the mainbuilding, or just sit on a chair on the second floor balcony, waiting for someone to need assistance or wish for something while she does some craftwork, and that just feels so wrong, but it seems to be just me who thinks so, although I can probably count on Jane agreeing when she returns. Sometimes the maid is accompanied by Caecilia, but Caecilia prefers to be close to me most of the time. Too close.


    I have asked Caecilia not to hover or camp too much near me, as it has really started to get annoying to have her close all the time, and I usually have no assignments to send her on. Especially when I have work to do and she tries to entice me to sex because she seems bored. Focusing and motivating myself to do boring work is hard enough without her laying seductively somewhere close, preferably so I just happen to her in my field of view. And singing. Or humming. I think Iselin eventually said something to Caecilia about taking a step back, because it''s bad enough that Ciara keeps an eye on me, but she is quiet, and not that annoying. It also took me a while - and not at all after comments by Iselin - to catch that Caecilia gotten a bit antsy due to us not having had sex for a week. Its just a damn week, and I know that she shared Iselins bed two nights.


    I have tried to chat and talk with the maids, especially when we lived and ate with them in the wing, but we have nothing really to talk about, and it irritates me a bit that I am treated like the high lord and they are just low maids barely worthy to talk with me, but I know I have to get used to that too. Just not too used to it. I have tried to ensure that they know they can come to me if there is something, and that they have what they need and that they enjoy living here, and I find some pleasure in hearing Elvira say that they sometimes have too little to do and are almost bored. I suspect they have worked as hell during long days before in life, as their arm muscles seems to prove. Not that I have been looking at their bodies, although Jalida seems to be a bit of a showoff. It proves that my creations have saved some work. They will get used to having more free time, and it''s just good that they''re not getting worn out every day, but with the animals there has been more to do, especially for Ida, but Jalida and Elvira take some of her tasks so it balances. However, there will be more work in the future. Right now, cleaning or laundry isn''t a huge time sink for them, especially when so many are away, even though laundry takes time and effort. A simpler washing machine that agitates the laundry would definitely be a good idea, but how do I do that? Then I intend to teach them to read, write and better math so it is good that they have time left over.


    <hr>


    The carpenters have completed the remodelling to have the new attic stair take some of Ciaras room and finished that part by hanging a door. The door can be permanently lifted off, and the door is mostly so that we can lock access to the attic when needed, as well as being insulation and dampening sound. In the future, the attic door might be completely removed or get a curtain or something in front, even though the door isn''t in the way in a completely open position. The attic needs to be furnished with a better floor and the inner roof isn''t completed. Then the small separate rooms must be built and so on, but making wooden planks is a lot of work. I really want a sawmill, just to get exactly the same planks and have a supply of them just waiting to be used. The carpenters will also oil treat the stairs and attic floors when they are finished and before the space starts to be used. But from now, at least the staff have easier access to the food supplies in the attic.


    I have already finished a lot by myself for the water installation for my bedroom and meeting room, and arranged the escape crawl space to the guards attic storage room. Still, a lot of work left which I need to do by myself, but once done, its done, and I can do more fun stuff, and I try to separate work in ''day job'' and ''hobby/evening projects''. Being limited by daylight and oil lanterns suck. I really should try to make a few LED lamps by taking LEDs from my flashlight and so on, but there is a hell of a difference in a worklight and roomlightning.

 Tosra & The Auction - day 19, Flintlock

    Tosra & The Auction, day 19


    Flintlock.


    Once again I check the drawings and test the prototype flint lock mechanism. Why do I even do that? I know them by heart now. But I will leave both to a blacksmith to show what I want done, and the prototype must work well. My work is far from pretty and it takes time to do everything with hand tools, and the brass spring is not good enough, but it seems to work and I got the measurements right. It was a good idea to make this prototype for several reasons, not atleast since it made me realize that the moisture protection needs to be thought of. I''m not sure what I can do more than try to reduce play, tighter tollerances, make it harder for water to following edges in with drip diversion, divert water from running along the barrel, and so on. Maybe it is possible to seal the flintlock in loaded state with some grease or wax, and make an impregnated leather protection over the mechanism if it really rains? I will avoid hunting when the weather sucks, as hunting is for pleasure more than any vital need for food, and it is not pleasant to be cold, wet and tired. But stupid to not make this the best I can and try to weatherproof it, and the flintlocks might be used in combat which happens in most weathers and be roughly handled, so it needs to be durable too and oiled to prevent rusting. Maybe it is a good idea to make the pan itself in more corrosion-resistant brass? There must have been some reason why it was sometimes used in flintlock weapons, and the only thing I guess is corrosion, or that the blackpowder ''eats'' iron more than brass.


    I''m not actually that interested in hunting as entertainment, more in how good and useful the weapons will be and how good a shooter I can become with something made here, but I will not deny that fresh meat is nice, and eventually I need more leisure activities.


    I have not yet decided if I should explain to the blacksmith that it is actually intended for a weapon. The elves are not stupid and he might guess it, even if he won''t understand how it really works. But I need to find a blacksmith willing to try. I have many lumps of crucible steel, and I will first visit Master bladesmith Olafr who made the swords, knives and parts for my Boomstick, to see if he can and is willing to make flintlocks and barrels for a few flintlock weapons, and if he can make a mirrored flintlock mechanism as well. I really want two or three double-barreled shotguns in my future in over-under configuration, and I intend to let the guards have two when we are not hunting. Hopefully Olafr can also shape or make one or two rifled barrels for rifles. I have made sketches of a simple mechanism for barrel drilling, as I can''t see hammering steel around a template to work. Odds are it will just make the form and the barrel become one.


    I take the time to make a simple brass model of a modern folding knife that can be one-handed opened by unfolding the blade with the thumb, and then automatically lock in open position with a metal piece that springs up at the rear edge. Carrying a knife in my belt feels so annoying, and requires one to have a belt, which a lot of dresses don''t. Hence why they carry stuff hanging down the front, which is even more annoying. Iselin agree, and loves her pockets, so a folding knife with a clip for the edge of the pocket can be a good solution. She loves my multi-tools, but it is far more complex to do, and most tools have low use here. A small pair of scissors, awl and a file with a flat prybar/screwdriver tip would be useful, but a knife blade is the most important tool. Maybe a larger folding knife could have a few simpler fold-out tools?


    <hr>


    Alith shown me that she has taken the opportunity to use some oil to spruce up her wooden dildos while thoroughly informing me how much better it is, and I agree, because it seals the pores of the surface and holds the wood together, and we have a moment together when I ''inspects'' how much better it is for her. Alith doesn''t love to give oral sex, which I of course respect, but she doesn''t mind getting it, which I am happy to give. And I am happy to give more than that. We both know that Iselin, Ciara and Kari have given me permission to have sex with other women, but I still feel like I should have some qualms for fucking Alith, but I don''t.


    I guess I also should feel some strange honor in that Alith got two condoms of her own from Liv last time we were in Skiringsalr, but doesn''t want us to use them. The condoms are for if she wants to be with another man. Even with an IUD she doesn''t trust other men to be careful, and as most men and women, she doesn''t like using condoms. Everyone is a little worried that I won''t be able to do my sambos pregnant, but Alith tries to see it from the positive side, and enjoy needling me about not trusting in my own sejd. Still, she agree that we should be careful. She doesn''t seem to be interested in either a relationship or a child, with me or anyone else.


    Its interesting how Alith goes from being my guard and being proper and calling me Lord, especially if others are nearby, to suddenly calling me Robert and not being proper when we''re in private or have an intimate moment, and then switch again to be my guard and call me lord as nothing happened if others are nearby. I guess it is a way for her to separate guard duty and private time, but it can be a bit jaring how quickly she change.


    I think Alith''s changed a lot since we met, but I don''t really understand her even though she is often near me, and always comes along if I leave the mansion. We can be friends who walk and talk, especially if it is just the two of us or she gives me training with weapons, but more than the others she takes her guard duty to me very personal, and only Gunhild comes close. I think it really took a toll on Aliths sense of duty and self-esteem that I almost died twice, and she has not been able to prevent it. Especially the last time when I was drugged and she was there beside me when it happened and after.


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    She seems to see it as a personal failure and insult to her honor, and she seems focused on it not happening again. That she will earn the silver she receives as salary and the gifts I have given them. At the last quarterly payment she refused to accept the silver, so I forced her. I want her to earn enough silver for her future, to be able to have her own life, and the only way to avoid being poisoned or drugged is to just drink and eat my own food, which isn''t always possible and can be perceived as an insult to the host, which, however, in some cases may be justified, or there might be concerns that a third party is trying to poison one, and will blame the host.


    But to poison or injure a guest under ones own roof is to prove that you have no honor, beside being a serious crime. An invited guest should be reasonably protected, even if it is an enemy. At the same time, it is an insult to ones honor to insult or harm the host if one is a guest, or to stay there for too long. Because you live on the hosts resources, and that can directly threaten their survival in a difficult year. If a guest have been severely insulted and for some reason want to demand bloody revenge, you should leave the hosts home, and then return, even if it is only a few hours later. Still a very serious crime, but more honestly committed. The same if the host wants to kill his guest. Do it after they have left the farm and the property. Although at the outer edges of large estates can be a gray area, and social statues complicates everything.


    The society is changing, but this is still a violent culture, and people settle arguments with duels and blood. It also says a lot about how important honor is here, and why Radgeirrson really fucked up. A specially invited honored highranking guest, insulted, poisoned and manliness/bloodline attacked under his own roof.


    <hr>


    Ida tells us that it should probably be the last day for sap collection, at least for birch, as the sap is flowing slowly now even though she tried to make new holes, so we accompany her out, and I inspect her work sealing the collection holes and cuts with wooden plugs and pine tar. Wouldn''t want rot or insect having a free way into the interior of the tree. I''m quite surprised that we''ve collected more than 45 liters of maple sap and 160 liters of birch sap. Since they have boiled down the sap gradually, it has drastically reduced the storage need, and they didn''t have much other choice as birch sap started to go bad after a few days. So good call there. This made them try to make birch sap mead, which seemed to actually work, even though it is weak, so they don''t really see it as the sap is wasted. I can do without jokes and puns about getting drunk on trees, or that I really is a sejdmann sharing valuable secrets.


    We have all drunk a little birch sap straight from the tree, but it is just like water with a slightly sweeter and different taste and I think its an old home remedy for stomach problems. It should contain some vitamins and minerals so it is not a bad thing to drink a few decilitres per day, and it is a way to get water if there is no clean water available. Like much else, you probably just have to be careful to not drink too much. Most of the sap has been boiled down to syrup, which has become about more than three liters of birch syrup, even though they could boil it more to make it thicker.


    No one is surprise I take the opporunity to do experiments to see how the sap and syrup preserve, and we fill five small bottles each with sap and syrup that we have tried to pasteurize. We have no real control over the temperature so the sap has only been heated but well before it starts to boil. It certainly kills vitamins, but sealing each vessel, we can get a feel about preservation. They will open the first sap bottle in 1 month, and then wait another month between each, except the last that will be opened in 6 months time. We label each bottle and store a paper beside them to mark data on. Experimenting like this and testing to collect data is a new experience for the staff, but they just have to learn. There will be more tests in the future.


    <hr>


    The workshop fireplace provides light and heat, and together with an oil lantern and the headlamp hung on the wall as a work light, it is quite cozy.


    My already quite full list of evening jobs have increase again, as the molds of the wooden figures that Bodil have carved are finished, and I cast table top miniatures. Each cycle to cast miniatures takes time, as I only have one mold for each and the molds are rough. So I make a set, let it cool down a bit before I take out the miniature and cool it in water. Then start over. Each cycle gives me time to clean the miniatures from casting residues and refine a few details. Its hardly anywhere close to modern finely detailed miniatures, but it is quite easy to see what it is supposed to represent and what weapon they have.


    I have already written down simple rules with the values of the different characters, and I kept it simple for now, although there is a few missions to play. Dice and a couple of simple measuring rods have been made so its all casting miniatures and making terrain. Iselin and Ciara like to help shape and built simple terrain of wood, fabric, string, paper and pieces of metal. A few scrap brass pieces will act as valuable things and loot. A simple longship shape with sails, because of course there would be. Wooden blocks as a house with a bit of straw glued on top. Horizontal pieces of wood as a fence. Higher pieces of wood as wall sections. A simple bridge. By drawing on the pieces of wood with ink, it becomes clearer what it is and saves time from making something prettier. Other terrain features are green fabric wrapped around two larger flat pieces of wood to be hills. A couple of pieces of blue fabric to be a coastline or river, while a brown piece is a swamp or marshland to limit mobility. There is a few simple standing triangles for spruces to show the edge of a forest, although Ciara is making prettier spruce trees by twistering two copper wires with a lot of green yarn between them. She is so pleased over her small trees, and line them up as she finish them. Alith isn''t with us tonight, but she have of course understood a bit of what I''m doing and it is something to do as she guards me in here, and her half finished wooden tower will be quite good. A lot can be made with a knife, small branchs, string and glue. To bad there isn''t any quickglue.


    There is no TV and crafts are something everyone does in the evenings, but tonight it is for just the three of us in my workshop. A cozy and peaceful time while we work and just enjoy each others company.

 Tosra & The Auction - day 20, Radgeirrsons heritance

    Tosra & The Auction, day 20


    Radgeirrsons heritance


    Its afternoon when Tingsman Jensi, who was tasked to sort out Radgeirrson''s property, shows up with a servant carrying an offical looking chest. In the meetingroom and with a very official speech about his duty to the Ting, Law and infront of the Gods he gives me a sealed document tube with several pretty looking wax seals and ribbons. I offer him something to drink and we sit at the table so he can give me his official report with details, so I can decide to accept or not his decisions.


    Since the decision was made that Radgeirrsons wife Aldis and children would be separated from Radgeirrson, part of her morning gift from the marriage went to her, and they has a farm to live on. Its two days travel away from the other properties and it was an easier separation with clear distance. They will be able to live well, and his sons Gunnleifr, Minr and daughter F?nna will take names after their mothers family, because most are named after the place they come from or family they belong to after some powerful ancestor. Nobody wants to be associated with Radgeirrson. One downside is that the loss of the wifes property gives me a little less total land ownage and hence voting right, but it doesn''t make me come below any important voting limit in either regional or Stor Ting, and it is ''only'' 6 mantal. That property also belongs to another region and Stor Ting, so it seemed to be a wise decision. I agree and I can live with loosing 6 mantal, although it is quite a lot of land, probably a square kilometer. My farm in Skiringsalr is 5 mantal and the islands are about 15. Unless I am forced too, I do not intend to demand Bloodline extermination just to get more land and wealth, and then that would include his brother and sisters land too. I can probably buy more land eventually, even if few want to sell, or build out the land I have to make it become more mantal.


    Jensi informs us that Radgeirrsons wife Aldis became absolutely furious when he showed up with the Tingsmen and the Kingsmen and informed her what Radgeirrson had done and the verdict. It doesn''t sound like she was grateful to me for limiting the punishment, and she seems to have preferred to be killed instead of losing her luxury life and having to live with her husbands disgrace. Jensi was absolutely right, and I thank him for thoroughly informing her, that Sejdmann Arnesson wasn''t interested in her continued presence there or here as a mistress, and she will have to make do with her farm. I understand her, but such is life here in Alfheimr North in an almost feudal society.


    However, it feels so ugly that such a small mistake by a man, has such enormous consequences, but ownership is extremely personal and it means that large estates can quickly change hands with just a duel or handshake, and in a way all who own one farm is their own little feudal lords. But of course, its a bit like Eddie Izzards routine ''Do you have a flag?'', and regardless of who owns the land, usually a lot of the same people continue to use it regardless of who actually owns it. It is more a question of laws, how much the taxes or lease are and where goods are to be sent. And whether there is an army who is looting, or ''foraging'' as I believe the polite word is.


    The ''estates'' I receive are his large estate ''Forsheim'' 2-3 days travel south from Borgarsandr where his family lived and was their main property. Weird name, and it sounds like someone just slapped the words for ''rapids'' and ''home'' together, so I guess its by a river. It is a single large and old estate, farmed by paid people living in a small village and cottages with their own vegetable gardens. A man named Gunnar has taken care of the daily running of Forsheim for the Radgeirrsons, and infront of the other people there have swore to Tingsman Jensi to continue to do so for me for the time being. Such oaths are serious as hell, so I''m not worried he will try to rob it or something. Especially since he now have a powerful magician as Lord, and the rumours about me.


    My next property is Radgeirrsons ''middle estate'' where the feast was, which is a large merged estate consisting of many small farms and land adjacent to his main farm up against a large lake. These lands are leased and used by others, and the estate is managed by a man called Lodvig. For Jensi, it is obvious that Radgeirrson wasn''t interested in farming this land as a large estate, and preferred to have a nice farm and then lease out most of the land to make people subordinate to him, while getting a profit without having to make any effort.


    Several of these non-voting leases are signed for the time being for the lessee, so I can not easily cancel them without waiting until the next regional Ting. It is possible to cancel the agreements before a large Ting as the land has changed owner, but the honorable thing for me is to continue to accept the lease agreements at least until the next Stor Ting at the end of the winter while I get to know the people. In general, people move in May, between sowing and harvesting, and it would be an asshole move to kick them out just before winter, and might make it hard for me to find someone to lease the land without making it cheaper. If the agreements are terminated, I also need to take care of the land myself, so the wise and honorable decision is letting them stay for now, while getting a profit without having to make an effort. It will give me a steady income in goods and silver, even if it is not that much from some farms due to poorly written agreements. Goods can be shipped here but besides food it is impractical without large ships, so practically I should assign someone to act as my middleman who takes care of everything and sells goods I do not want, which sounds like a good idea. Lodvig have also sworn to act as my man there. However, I don''t have to think about it this year because some have already been sent to Forsheim, and Tingsman Jensi on King Aerikssons and my recommendation, has taken care of it as he traveled around, and he sets pouches filled with silver infront of me. Wool as well as several barrels with grain are on his ship, and ''Forsheim'' takes care of itself and has a large surplus in grain, wool, horses and silver that can be picked up when it is convenient for us to visit.


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    I also own five merchant ships that are part of my own little trading empire, where most are away and don''t yet know about the change of ownership. Most of the crew are freemen getting paid, but there is a few slaves. Radgeirrson have let these ships and the organization take care of themselves because they have competent merchants, and he wasn''t really interested in the day to day work. These are also suitable to continue letting them take care of themselves, and just continue to reap the benefits of the silver and the goods they bring in, and getting first pick. The man who runs the trading empire, Ovdhon, will inform all the ships and crew, but some will sail here to swear allegiance to me, but that should earliest be in a couple of weeks.


    In addition, in Borgarsandr I also own a mansion and farm, and two smaller properties. A large mansion up on a hill about the same size as the mansion here, made in stone with a wall surrounding it. This I already found out that I own, even though I didn''t know it was made of stone and it sounds quite impressive. Then a yard in the harbor which is the trading empires office, and it is a two-storey main house with two large barns that give the yard a U shape with an open space behind, and it is managed by Ovdhon and his wife. With the description that Jensi gives, I think we have shopped from there?


    Ah! ''I can get you one of those!'' Cool.


    Apparently I also own the part of the harbor where the trading empire is located, with its jetty, which is logical. Of course, Radgeirrson wanted to own the harbor outside his trading empire, and be able to have his ships anchored there. Or charge if others use ''his harbor''.


    The smaller properties are a basket weavers house in Borgarsandr, and a small farm on the outskirts with a few fields and forest of 4 mantals. Both are leased. 4 mantal isn''t really small, but it depends on viewpoint.


    The mansion in Borgarsandr was the place where Radgeirrson spent most of his time as he was often in Borgarsandr close to the King, and he let his wife take care of Forsheim to the south. Radgeirrson spent most of his time away from family, a month or two at a time. Jensi grimaces when he says that the mansion in Borgarsandr has a surplus of ''maids'' and I can hear the quotes. 14 of them, all slaves between 11 to 24 years, who apparently spent a lot of their time as ''company'' for Radgeirrson and his guests. All the youngest were at the feast.


    Bad news, and it makes me releaved that I didn''t actually bother to visit the mansion there last time in Borgarsandr. I thank Tingsman Jensi for all his work, and that he have collected silver etc for me. I ask Jalida to show him to the little guest room where he can spend the night, and to show him the bathroom and explain, and to offer to wash his clothes. I, Iselin and Ciara need to talk.


    <hr>


    Of course Radgeirrson would like them young too! I saw the girl he ate his meal from, and several of the ''maids'' in the feast hall, and here sex with children isn''t illegal even if doing it with young people under 12 is looked down on as nothing an honorable adult man should do, but slaves doesn''t count according to the law, and isn''t that looked down upon. There is also that belief about restoring a mans vitality, and a lot of people sadly see slaves as intelligent cattle, and having sex with a sheep or goat seems to happen in the hills or country side where feasthalls with prostitues are less available.


    I need to talk about that and all the properties with my sambos, especially Kari when she returns. Neither of us know what to do with all the slave girls and women in Borgarsandr, but their services are no longer needed, especially not as ''company'' to me or guests. Considering that several of them probably saw how I left the feast and a couple of them should have heard my speech to Radgeirrson, and know the outcome of Radgeirrson''s stupidity etc, I think some already understand. I hope so anyway.


    I can keep the properties for now, and just let the trading empire be and take advantage of it. Beside knowing where to anchor when we''re in Borgarsandr, its damn useful to be able to send orders to buy certain things or goods on longer trade voyages, and if I sell Academy goods via my own traders, I earn more and have more control. We need to travel to Borgarsandr and visit the properties, and find out how much it costs per year to keep the large mansion there. It will rarely be used and may not be worth keeping. Its not that far to Borgarsandr from here, and I can probably build a nicer modern small townhouse on the trading empires ground.


    <hr>


    We''re sitting in the sofas and talking, when the doors open and Kari with Jane and Gunhild tailing behind comes in. Kari is straight-backed and gives an impression of the winner returning from a glorious battlefield. Given that she carries a modern backpack over her shoulder that isn''t Janes, they must have had some success. Thoughts are pushed aside, especially when Kari just lays her backpack on the table, and gracefully sits on my lap and starts kissing me, which quickly becomes very intense and hungry. Oof! I have missed her, and her dexterous tongue. Kari loves tongue kissing after I showed her, but have learned to not push her tongue too deep down in my mouth.


    After a couple of minutes when Kari lets me breathe, and contentedly rests her head on my shoulder with a sigh, I see Jane fanning her face while saying she needs to sit down after being near that. It feels like Kari has really missed me, and I have missed her too. This has been the longest time we''ve been apart since she appeared in my life. We stay sitting but Kari adjust her position in my lap so we can continue having our arms around each other, and her fingers finds mine to play with as she begins to tell their tale.

 Tosra & The Auction - day 20, Karis Tale

    "In short, as you see our journey has gone well, and we were able to buy everything except most of the clothes and shoes that Dagny had already sold, and a few things as mementos. We sold the sundial the first evening to Jarl Steinnes, and it was mounted on a square in the harbor before dinner the next day.


    It only took a day to locate Dagny working on a farm outside Kambsnes. Of course she recognized Jane, and I was introduced as Sejdmann Arnessons concubine. It wasn''t difficult to buy most. Jane had prepared a sketch of Tom on paper from her ''mobile'' and with it in the bargin we bought everything except the ''multi-tool'' and the ''wristwatch'' for only 35 ounces of silver. I informed her that for my man most have limited value, but he wants to keep it away from the public as it can be dangerous if not taken care of properly; the sejd might make them start a fire and the smoke and material is toxic unless handled and disposed of properly, and I pointed out the small logos much of them have and lied about what they ment. When we passed by, my man wanted us to try to buy it. And if Sejdmann Arnesson doesn''t have much use from them, who does?


    Dagny tried to bargin for more silver, because if we traveled all the way there to buy it, they must be worth more. But she got dejected when I told her that we were there and in more towns along the coast to sell Sundials - a new thing my man created - and test the improvements of the ship while spreading the rumor about the Academy and the upcoming Auction. Buying her things was just a thing to do on the journey and she can go down and look at sundial in the harbor that Jarl Steinnes bought. Had her things been really important, my man would have been there with us and we wouldn''t have waited until we happen to pass by. We could have been here weeks ago. Dagny didn''t understand that the ''wristwatch'' is a much advanced arm carried version of a sundial, but it is very nice, though not so heavy nor gold or silver, so I managed to buy the wristwatch for an additional 5 ounces of silver.


    I told Dagny to keep Tom''s ''multi-tool'' because it was not that important, and of course she understood that it was valuable - it is a nice good knife, but most of the tools isn''t much use here. If she needs silver, she might be able to sell it for maybe 5 ounces to the right person, but she shouldn''t wait too long. My man could of course buy it, but for him the value is somewhat lower; he has several of his own and already made tools that are similar in quality here and will start selling, so she should hurry. I showed her my knife which is much more impressive, bigger and looks more exclusive. She included the multi-tool for an additional 4 ounces, and what sealed the deal was that she got to come along on our way back, all the way to Skiringsalr."


    Robert is so pleased that we got everything, and don''t care for the 44 ounces of silver. In the end Dagny was really happy when she got gold and silver it in her hand, and gold has its own allure. It is a great wealth for an ordinary woman here, and it is possible to buy a good small farm with it if she is lucky and finds someone that will sell. She will also have enough to buy animals and probably her own female slave, as she already has 22 ounces of silver from the clothes she sold. In the end, she has earned 6-8 years salary for her short time with Tom. It is easier to find land to buy in the southern or eastern parts, which was the reason she wanted to go there. She will never know that Robert had even given me permission to include land and animals down south in the deal if I had too, and 44 is far far below what he said I could give. With all the sundials sold, we actually have more silver and gold with us back than when we left.


    It warms me inside that I got such a good deal that Robert thinks it is a piffle. He doesn''t really care about things like the multi-tool, but it is a small sum for him, and he prefers to keep Midg?rd things from others. Robert can so easily earn huge income on just steel and North Arrows, so what is such a piffle?


    It was entertaining to see how Jane cursed over the ''powerbank'' with the ''solar panel'' when she got reminded about it. I had to promise to not tell Robert that Jane wants it badly, because even though she doesn''t need it when she lives here, she has learned that backup plans are good to have. They both have so much ''technology'' with them, that it must be an important part of life in Midg?rd, so it might be understandable that she doesn''t want to be dependent on Robert for ''power''. For them that word is more about ''electric energy'' than what people here associate with that word. Jane seems to be worried that we will force her out of the mansion sooner or later, and then a ''solar panel'' will be important. But it does have a sejdish white light that is very practical, so I understand her. It is good that Tom never showed that to Dagny or how to ''charge'' his things.


    On the journey after Dagny left, I told Jane what Robert had been willing to pay, and Jane admitted she already knew she was so damn stupid for not seeing the value in Tom''s things and could have shared them with Dagny, especially the technology that Dagny didn''t understand or saw any use for. And Janes right; she could have gotten rich, and she still underestimated what Robert was willing to pay, which has made her re-evaluate why Robert consider them worth that much.


    Jane is deeply impressed that Robert seems to find an alternative use for everything, even what she considers to be garbage, but their value and use are sometimes obvious after he have explained it to her, even if she refuses to say more than that. She is annoyed that she seem to lack the skill and knowledge to use it, even after being told. It confirms my belief that Robert is good at seeing opportunities in everything and obviously is a very skilled craftsman, and it makes me even more proud of being his woman.


    I also promised not to tell him how impressed she is with his skill and knowledge in the most widespread areas, even what are traditionally women skills, and how much he has managed to do here in such a short time. She is really annoyed that she performed chores that anyone could do, on a farm in nowhere and ''lived in this world'', while he immediately began to improve and change Alfheimr into their world. That made me really start to understand how powerful some of the things and technologies Robert have started to introduce here really are, because Jane seem to thinks it is completely insane with just what he''s accomplished so far. And Robert has just started.


    My lovely man tuck a few loose strands of my hair behind my ear without really thinking about it, mimicing how I often do it, and let his hand caress my face. I give him another quick kiss.


    "So, the journey continued to Dufansdalr and on to Njahamrar. I sold a sundial in Dufansdalr and two in Njahamrar, where Dagny left the ship as she found land to buy, so Dagny doesn''t doubt the story, especially after she understood how enthusiastic Asta and the crew is over the new sail. So there is now a sundial in the center or by the harbor in each of the largest coastal towns from Kambsnes in the north to Miohus in the south.


    Asta would also like you to know, that we sailed directly from Njahamrar to here, which saved time, and that she has taken sun heights many times during the journey and every one has been right and she wrote it down for the future. She is very happy with the ships maps, sextant and ships compass, and I must say she is skilled and fast at the math. I can follow her calculations but she is so much faster."


    Its so nice to see Roberts smile, and I happily let him kiss me. He has such high hopes for both Asta, the shipscompass and the sextants, and every confirmation that it is useful makes him happy. I wonder if Robert really understands what a reputation he and his ship are starting to get among seafarers, and how fast it has spread. So many sailors and Captains just wanted to come aboard, touch the ship, its nameplate, talk to the crew and Asta.


    Asta was so proud to show the sextant, the ship compass and tell them about the maps. How she can sail wherever she wants, directly, without having to follow the coast, or just guess and hope for the best. Asta knows that the ship will get there even on a gray day without sun and we have already sailed through nights without sight of stars, or cloudy gray rainy days, and become lost, and she really wants to try to make long voyages across the seas to the distant islands out there. A couple of Captains have reverently just wanted to touch the ships compass, as it was a holy relic, and its mighty sejd is worthy of their admiration. The ships compass should be decorated with engravings. Most of what Robert does should be decorated and made more beautiful, but he has no interest in it and considers it unnecessary work. But someone else can be hired to do the engravings, and it shouldn''t be hard to talk him into it.


    Asta avoided going in to details to visitors, but almost no one can even read the numbers, understand her tables, or follow the calculations - for almost everyone it is really sejd, with sejdish runes. But they understand that she didn''t invent it, and it is a better system for counting things and navigating; a sejd for seafarers and traders, developed by Sejdmann Robert Arnesson. There is probably few sailor who doubts what Robert have created, even if they do not dare to use it. There was a few who admitted they have made lifepreservers, and there is a rumour about a life being saved. Robert knows it goes against the image of being manly, bold and unafraid, but eventually it might become common after some with it survive. A lot of people will continue to die before they slowly start to learn from survivors.


    It was also fun to see how proud the crew is that they can fetch ''their'' monocular whenever they want, and have let some important visitors carefully try to use it. The man up in the masts lookout usually bring it while sailing, and Asta find some amusement in that duty have become more appreciated. The crew absolutely enjoy resting in deck chairs on the foredeck while in good weather. The crane is another thing, and it have been shown to a couple of Captains and crews, as well as how the deck prisms give light below deck. I believe I''ve never seen such jealousy from seafarers as some visitors were when they left, and many Captains and Storman have asked if things like this will be sold by Robert.


    Asta and the crew have told so many visitors about Roberts Academy, and that it will sell things as well as teach navigation among other topics. Robert will have so many willing students. Seafarers, merchants and Kingdoms will drown him in gold to get those seats at the Academy. There will be a waiting list.


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    Dagny was not prepared for the visitors and the reverence, and she no longer doubts the purpose of the voyage or how valuable Roberts creations are - or Roberts power - but she mourns that Tom wasn''t his equal, and that her chance with Robert disappeared before she even understood it. She tried to hide it, but was so jealous of me and Jane. I wonder if the other two women in Hildifjoer really understand what they missed.


    I have to remember to ask Robert about the ships name, and what ''Nerd'' means. I still don''t know why Jane thinks the name of the ship is so funny. Why she just shakes her head or smiles when she sees the nameplate. One day she suddenly asked me to explain the name again and then she started laughing. Really laughing her ass off. She just said ''Nerd'' several times and laughed.


    "The journey, however, has been really boring. Trapped on a ship, lying rocking in a hammock and after the first days we had several windy and quite cold mixed with rain. Robert, I want to be the first to say that even if we only lived here for a short time before the journey, I really missed what you call the amenities - warm room, hot water, showers and toilets. I can only imagine how you and Jane must have felt when you came here. I have been looking forward to a hot shower and will soon take one, and it would be nice if someone could scrub my back."


    I give Robert a meaningful look, and he understands. I of course made sure to wash myself properly before we stepped ashore, so I would be presentable to Robert, but I am really looking forward to that shower and scrubbing.


    "Iselin, I''ve heard people talk about the magnificent nature that exists in the northwest, but your home country are fabulously beautiful, albeit harsh with limited land to cultivate, and I saw only a small part. I hope we all can take a summer voyage together in a couple of years, and continue far north. Experience the land of the midnight sun. Asta has been nice company and accompanied us from time to time. I only talked a little with Dagny before she left in Njahamrar, and mostly Jane and I have talked to each other to practise her Norse, while discussing clothes and other things."


    I give Robert another meaningful look as I say that, and he understands that Jane shared so much about Midg?rd sex and clothes. Janes wicked content smile isn''t the least bit discreet. It was such a good opportunity to take advantage of the fact that Jane, unlike Robert, drinks mead, but prefers wine. Another sign that she has grown up among their nobility, and I brought some wine and mugs to lighten her tongue. We have had several days and evenings on the ship where I methodically got her to talk a little more each time.


    I did not expect Midg?rd to have such a huge amount and variety of sex and I doubt Jane even told me half. Quite different from what I heard guards, maids or others women talking about in the castle. So many names for different things. Such ingenuity!


    But I should have understood that in a world that has come that far with technologies, they will of course used the same progress for sex as well. They have more time and more amenities, because they do not have to spend time farming, and they have needed to invent things to spend time. Where you can just turn on a tap to get hot water, and shower whenever you want to and don''t need a maid to wash clothes. A ''machine'' does it by itself and you can take out clean dry clothes after a couple of hours. That almost everyone, and not just the rich, have so much free time that they have to invent things to make time go by. That entertainment is such a huge part of their world, and they seem to have so much variety. Because people get bored with the same old things. Huge warehouse shops, just for games! Warehouses just for sexy cloths and accessories for sex!


    I have heard and know how much sex it can be here when there is time for it, especially during the dark winter months, and they have it so much safer from diseases and more ways to avoid children. They even have ways to forsee future sickness before a child is even born - before it is even concieved - and can move the seed from one woman to another! Their ''doctors'' can cut open a woman and remove the child and then sew her back up without problems. They''re so skilled at it that some women choose to do it instead of giving a natural birth. Because its easier and might not even give a noticeable scar. Jane is horrified by how common it is for children to die young and deaths from childbirth, and I can understand that when it is that rare in her world. Her fear to have a child here with Robert is understandable. She see it as life threatening. Like a man walking in to a First Blood duel.


    I feel Roberts hug, and I would like to spend so much more of my time in Roberts wonderful embrace, and I have missed him so much. Midg?rd must be absolutely wonderful and fantastic.


    Jane doesn''t understand how much pleasure and excitement I have found in almost everything she hinted at before we left. After that first night when Robert took such good care of me, I am not afraid to try anything with Robert, and I know that he will do everything for me and that I can trust him. After that first interesting sexual experiences from Janes hints that I had never considered, I have slowly gotten Jane to give me more and more tips, and she seems to enjoy giving me information to tease Robert for being ''so boring'', and the journey and the wine have made her it easier to use her carelessness.


    Jane apparently doesn''t actually know how enjoyable much of it can be with the right man, because she admitted that she never went far with Tom, but I think that Tom was not caring and tender enough. Not careful, and didn''t think enough about her pleasure. Robert enjoys it more when he knows I am enjoying it. When we share pleasure. We''ll take it step by step, but during the journey I got so much more information that I burned into my memory. So many possibilities. Jane is probably right that Robert as a single man with something called ''internet'' will probably always know what I mean - what I want - but she is wrong that he wouldn''t tell or suggest it because he is ''too boring''. I have to be the one to take the initiative, which I''m happy to do. At least until we get behind closed doors.


    What was Jane saying? "No matter what they say, every man wants his wife to be a lady in front of guests, a maid in the home, a cook in the kitchen and a h¨®ra in the bedroom. Then you have to become rich while you are the perfect mother."


    In some ways, Midg?rd is like here, but that is only partly true of Robert, and Jane grumpy agreed. We know she has several erroneous opinions about Robert she just refuses to let go. I had to make it clear that we all though that he should take her as his kept woman and quickly make her pregnant, and it is Roberts principles, morals and ideas about what is right for us and her that are the reason why she is just a friend, and not pregnant. Something I am happy about nowadays, but of course I won''t tell her that. Then he is also not ''too boring'' - he is just so very concerned about us, and afraid to accidentally give us a bad experiences or make it feel forced. It is his protective instinct that prevents him from living out his desires and testing his ideas, and I look forward to exploring and broadening our sexual views together. Exploring together. Its also much better that he feels as safe and comfortable with me as possible, both because he will trust, value and love me more, but also so he won''t subconsciously look for another woman to give him something he can''t with us. I don''t like Caecilia, but it could be much worse. Caecilia can not become pregnant. Liv is a risk, and it is good that she doesn''t live here on the island. Especially if she actually gets pregnant, because Robert will surely become terribly protective of the baby and her.


    Of course, Ciara would do whatever Robert wanted, but she is not particularly interested in sex or experimenting, and Robert knows it. Caecilia is a bigger threat, not least because Iselin obviously wants Caecilia in her and Roberts life, and certainly sowed the seed to Caecilias desire to be his personal maid. Caecilia is a threat because she sees Robert as Frejas emissary. When it involves sex, Caecilia will not hesitate for long to do whatever Robert wants, and feel honored to do so.


    Jane warned me about Caecilia, and especially in combination with Iselin - but Jane should not think that she can distract me from her, because in the long run Jane is a much bigger threat than Caecilia, and not just because she will eventually have to bear his children. Caecilia competes sexually, but only sexually. Jane competes for his mind, heart and soul. I''m afraid it is only a matter of time before she tries to make their friendship more intimate and permanent, and she will succeed. When she realise that Robert is the only one who will treat her and give her the life she expects, and she has far too much in common with Robert, and is far too beautiful. They even have their own language, and Robert already uses her as a confidant to lighten his heart.


    Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer.


    At the same time, Jane is far too valuable to not keep close and safe, just for the knowledge she has, and it is easier to make her to reveal things than Robert, partly because she makes a different decision of what is important. Only the sketches she made on clothes, and the materials she described. Like corsets. There are wide belts for women to hold in the waist with and I already have a couple of them, but I want to see and experience what she sketched. All of it. Feel Roberts eyes and hunger when he sees me in such sensual Midg?rd things. Feel them under my dress, and be able to sleep in such luxurious creations. We appreciated my own creation with embroidered ribbons, and when I told Jane, I surprised her, just as I had hoped.


    So much I enjoyed it behind my careful facade as I only sipped on the wine when she carelessly told me about other clothes and ideas just in an attempt to impress - to show she knew more. When I later calmly feed her bits of information about wooden things, Ciaras jewel and that I squirt, and how Robert took care of me. It shocked her, and made her tell more. Squirting is apparently not that uncommon in Midg?rd, and some see it as something coveted and a fetish in its own right, but I hid my pain and disappointment that Jane also don''t think that even Midg?rd have a cure. I have to accept that I will continue to do so, but it is at least safe for the both of us.


    But it was so entertaining to see her faces, and I enticed her to tell me more when we talked about positions and I told her how I love to be taken from behind; on all fours, against a wall or over a table, so I squirt down or away from Robert, and that I like to feel his hands on my hips and on my breasts. That I am his woman that he possessively takes, and the times he helps with one hand are the times I come strongest. How I love to have his head between my legs, feels his tongue and fingers. I had to correct her and say that it was my suggestion with anal sex, and that Robert didn''t try to ''stick it in the wrong hole by mistake'' or force me to do it, and that I love that feeling too, partly because it feels a bit sinful. Robert has become good in making that enjoyable.


    It was so hard to hold a calm facade and pretend that I already knew of other things she brought up, even though we havn''t tried it, while I focused on remembering every word and hint. So many ideas! I need to talk to Robert about some, get him to make some of it, and do a lot myself. Even if Jane avoided explaining what certain things mean or is, I can still ask Robert to give it a try, because he will not know that I don''t know!


    Jane understood at the end, especially when she one evening realised that I barely drank. I just topped up my mug when hers was almost empty. An advantage with clay or metal mugs over nicer luxurious transparent glasses or crystal. She took her loss well and said she would never play chess against me, or whatever ''poker'' is. Her insight made my victory so much sweeter, and she has accepted her loss nicely, but she does not want to admit it to Robert and instead tries to pretend she did it deliberately.


    My victory just get better, and so too will sex with Robert be!

 Tosra & The Auction - day 20, the rest of the day

    I need to sit and just rest a bit after that ''scrubbing'' in the bathroom, and leave the backpack lying there on the table in front of me. Kari have deserved that I ''scrubbed her back'' properly. Given the topics of conversation she and Jane seem to have had, it must have been a couple of ''accumulating'' weeks for Kari, and in her elegant way hinted that I should rest until tonight. Kari also deserves that I try to make it cozy and nice. I may not deeply love her, but I care, and don''t want her to feel left out or sidelined compared to Iselin or Ciara. Especially after Caecilia became my official personal maid.


    Kari loves how beautiful the floors have become, but I should have expected that Kari would immediately realise that the painted hardwood floors also makes it easier to dry up after her, no matter what room we are in. I just lazily and unfocused look out the windows while yawning. Kari needs a hobby. Wrong. She needs another hobby.


    I start looking through the contents of the backpack and have layed most of it out on the table when Jane comes and sits opposite and just smiles. Also freshly showered. Her smile is a little disturbing as I don''t think its for ejoying a shower, but I keep looking through the stuff, and she can sit there with her arm on the back of the couch and be smugly complacent. No matter what, the journey has been successful, and I will eventually discover what she has told Kari.


    A couple of Nalgene type bottles are useful to have and I will use them as they are for now. One is in transparent plastic and the other seems to be in stainless steel, so I can probably make eyeprotection out of the plastic bottle and a few stainless surgical tools of the other. Tom''s sunglasses are here and I will use them. I''ve really missed having sunglasses available, and its nice they have polarized glass lenses. The mobile case should be quite useful, as apart from a few banknotes and more plastic cards, there are some magnets in it. Nice.


    Tom''s camera is a pro model with full sensor size, and the usual lenses like 18-55mm, Zoom 55-300mm, and ultra wide 10-22mm, as well as a bright 35mm lens. A separate flash with some form of expandable small reflector cloth with a few carbon fiber rods, and a simpler ring flash of some type, which I might have expected. Okay, its LED instead of xenon flash, but if he filmed I understand he may have needed a constant light source. There are three extra battery packs for the camera, and two for the separate flash and ring flash. Damn, just this would have been worth a hell of a lot of gold, and given what happened and how Tom seems to have been as a person, I''m not complaining that Tom''s dead. I also see a pack of memory cards, a lens brush, rubber bladder, a couple of remote controls, light filters and more.


    The gimbal stabilized selfie stick for his mobile is perhaps not that useful, although there should be a lot of small magnets in the gimbal motors. Might be damn hard to loosen and reuse since I expect them to be glued and arced, but there is an extra battery pack for it as well. A gorilla pod holder with a small Bluetooth remote control? His android mobile is nice to have, and a multi-socket 230V USB charger and several USB cables are wonderful. Ironically, I''m almost happier with the cables and the charger than anything else. Hope there is proper woven earthscreen on the cables instead of the foil type. Jane informs me that she have charged the phone a bit via the battery bank, and starts it up and shows the unlock code. I go in and deactivate all locking on the phone before I turn it off again. I have to put the phone on charge tonight, and charge the battery banks and try to charge all batteries to at least storage charge.


    I really like that he has bluetooth headphones for his cell phone instead of Airpods like Jane. Yay for small speakers and something I have a chance to disassemble and reuse many parts for other things, and its a lot of plastic. One of his powerbanks is just large and black, but I like that one is a more durable outdoor model with a small solar panel at the back and built-in flashlight function. Such a small solar panel is pretty pathetic for the most part and usually not worth buying - it simply takes way too long to actually charge the powerbank via the sun. But the powerbank can recharge its battery over a few good sunny days if you move to follow the sun and that is valuable here, even though I already have better things - both solar panel wise and wind turbines.


    "That is a travel case for the wristwatch."


    I snap open the small impact-resistant plastic box Jane indicates. Looks waterproof too. On its padded inside lies a nice wristwatch with a metal strap and an interesting dial. The seconds hand isn''t moving, and it doesn''t tick when I raise it to my ear. The watch has a power reserve indicator, so it means the watch is likely to be completely mechanical. Maybe I should see it as something positive that the battery won''t run out in a few years, but it will stop if I don''t wear it basically every day, which is a bit annoying, and mechanical watches have wear and require maintenance I can not do, although service it shouldn''t be needed in my lifetime. In the future, maybe I can build one of those solution that rotates mechanical clocks? But it hardly feels worth it. Hublot is not a brand I know, but the watch is too light to be stainless, but too heavy to be aluminum. Titanium?


    "Titanium?"


    Jane just nods and says "Two year gift." and continues to look and smugly smile at me. I guess my hiking cutlery isn''t the only titanium here, but I''m pretty sure I now have all titanium in Alfheimr. Unless there are other people here. Titanium is after all quite common among more expensive hiking gear - lighter than steel and more durable than aluminium. The watch fits me nicely without me having to adjust the metal link, so we''ll see if it starts ticking. Its not really important, but it will be for future generations as proof and ways to build a compact good watch. The box is very useful for other things.


    "Oh, there is a Fenix sportswatch too in the pocket over there."


    "He brought... Why did he bring two wristwatches on a hike?"


    "He likes watches and is careful about that one. The Fenix is his normal workout watch."


    I point at my wrist: "Then why bring this on a hike?!"


    "Duh, some bastard might nick it from the car. Why do you think I brought my valuables?"


    I have to give her that. The chance should be small, but they did park their car at a hiking parkinglot many kilometers away from any house. No-one would hear or see the car alarm, and any car there over night should have its owner far away. I went to Norway to hike etc and packed for that, and they did not. I quickly find the other watch, and it has a broken bracelet that has come loose from the watch, but a watchstrap is simple to make - wouldn''t even be my first one. Oh! Macrame? There must be something here I can use instead of paracord. Anyway, the old strap is wide and in rubber or silicone. Useful for something. Garmin Fenix 5X plus, which is nice. The watch probably has pulse and ABC sensors that can be useful. Alitmeter, Barometer and a Compass. Wait... If Tom had a sports watch with a compass and more, why did he use his mobile phone and its compass? Isn''t this the model with GPS and maps as well? He can''t have been that stupid, can he? Come to think of it...


    "I''m a bit surprise you don''t have an Apple Watch."


    "I do, but I didn''t bring it hiking. It was sunny and wristwatch tanlines are ugly."


    Janes still has that smug-smirk grin.


    "What are you smirking about?"


    This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.


    "Your lastname, ''Arnesson'' literally means ''Eagle''s son'' in Norse?"


    Ah, considering that Kari wondered what ''nerd'' meant, Jane''s probably figured out the ship''s name, and I just nod and smile. It must be nice for her to use English again, which also means that she wants to be sure we speak fluent, or keep it just for us. She is learning the language better here and better and she practices a lot, but then she doesn''t have much choice. That I can translate words and concepts seems to have done much for her learning. Like me, she has written down words and memorized, and Kari was suppose to help her learn inflections and more during the journey. We should make proper translation books with pronunciation help for the languages we know. It will hardly be perfect, but something is better than nothing, and can help future humans who ends up here. Especially English and French. My German and Spanish are far too bad, but even that might be better than nothing.


    "You actually named your ship ''Thousand year Eagle'', which - no matter what excuse you said to everyone else - is another way of saying ''Millennium Eagle''. You rea-ally wish your name was Falcon''s son instead of Eagle, right? Right!?" Time to put my smugface on. "Nerd!"


    "Took you a while. Of course I had to name it like that. It is a fast special transport and cargo ship."


    "So... going to name your next ship Enterprise?"


    "Actually hadn''t thought of it but yes, it might be Enterprise or Voyager, although I''m not a Star Trek fan and NCC-1701 would be even more silly. ''Slave one'' translated would be a bad name here, and the rest from Star Wars ain''t much better."


    "Slave One?"


    "You remember my Boba Fett T-shirt, right?" Jane nods and grins, she won''t forget my T-shirts. She laughed her ass of when I showed her the ''Don''t follow me'' T-shirt, and then I told her of the T-shirts in my car. She thought she was badly dressed for a trip to the dark ages. "Slave One is the name of Boba Fetts ship."


    Jane giggles and grins: "Yes, Slave One would be a bad name."


    "Mandalorian would sound better, but it is not a ship. Its his people."


    "And that is important?"


    "Yes. But there''s so many good SciFi shipnames. I might go with Spaceball One, Serenity - Oh, Red Dwarf will happen when I buy a big fat ship and get buckets of red paint... "


    "Of course you would... Wait, isn''t that an old British show?"


    "Yes, a Scifi Comedy. But there''s also Starbug, Nostromo, Sulaco, Planet Express, Bebop, Puddle jumper or maybe even Tardis."


    "Oi! That is not a ship! Even I know that!"


    "But it travels through space and time, so it fits if I make it hightech! Oh man, it would be fun to do a Police box in the village, just because I can. I''m not a Dr Who fan, but can you imagine if a human comes here in the future when its still there, and understands?"


    Jane gives me a judgmental look. "You actually would build that, wouldn''t you? Just for the infinitesimal small chance another human will see it and understand even long after you''re dead."


    "I might. Or just to annoy you." My turn to grin. "I mms''d a picture to a buddy when I was in London a few years ago. It should be somewhere in my phone." I assume the loathing look Jane gives me means that I should drop that topic of conversation. "Anyway, there is a Scifi book series called ''Deathworlders'' that I have saved on my tablet if you want to read it, although it doesn''t really have an end. Author wasn''t finished with it. It has so many wonderful names like Negotiable Curiosity, Racing Thunder, Lynchpin of Infinity, Drunk on Turkey, ''Actually three smaller ships in a trenchcoat'' and even a ship called ''My other starhips is the Millennium Falcon'' - damn, I will never know how it ends."


    "Admit you want to have a fleet of ships, just so you can go bonkers in naming them."


    "I wouldn''t complain, and I learned today that I actually have five merchant ships from Radgeirrson. I should probably buy those buckets of red paint. A cog is big and round. But how many would really understand the names? Not even you would get most of them, so it would be me, and only me. Ships here usually don''t have names. Longships are being called by the figure head like the crow, bull or dragon, so I might reinforce a tradition and make it less restricted. What would you name a ship you owned?"


    "Don''t shift this to me! No matter how many women you shag, or if this place turns in to the bloody Playboy mansion with bunnies everywhere - you are still a nerd, and always will be. Its cute and precious."


    Any happiness about the stuff fades out of me when I think of the Borgarsandr Mansion and what is waiting there. Who is waiting there. Jane loose her smile as something is obviously wrong, but I just signal to her to be quiet.


    "Jensi, the Tingsman who dealt with Radgeirrsons mess, arrived just an hour or so before you and are staying in a guestroom. All Radgeirrson owned is mine, except what his wife and family kept. Beside the trading empire, land and farms - which is nice - I now own a playboy mansion; the bad kind. His mansion in Borgarsandr have fourteen female slaves, from 24 down to 11 years, for entertainment and bed company for Radgeirrson and guests. The young ones where at the orgie. When we were in Borgarsandr a couple of weeks ago, I was told that after the trial it became known that Radgeirrson spent part of the feast night enjoying himself and taking out his anger towards me by violating an eleven year old slavegirl and taking her virginity everyway he could; enjoying that she was crying, choking, in pain and being held down. And he was helped by a thirteen year old girl he violated later, and it wasn''t the first time for that thirteen year old. I just realised that both of those abused slave children probably live with other violated slave women at that mansion, and I now own them too. I literally own sexslaves, including half a dozen underage ones, and have for a month. I havn''t even begun to think of sorting out that mess. Pedophile Asshole. Some people deserve to have their genitals removed and their hearts carved out with a wooden spoon."


    Jane stay quiet and I understand if she doesn''t want to comment on that mess. She probably didn''t even want to know about the last part. I didn''t when I was told. The messenger told me that King Aeriksson wanted me to know, probably so that I wouldn''t feel bad about how Radgeirrson and his family were treated, and I can only guess how many girls Radgeirrson have raped in his life. He has been able to afford to buy them, and young girls are cheap slaves. Iselin and Kari regret that we reduced Radgeirrson''s suffering. Actions have consequences and my action against Radgeirrson at the feast made the girls suffer those consequences. Sure, Radgeirrson had certainly done it anyway, but it''s hard not to think that his was extra sadistic towards them. He feels like the type.


    <hr>


    We postpone the decisions for tomorrow, and after I recovered a bit from the insight and looked more at the rest of the stuff in the backpack, I walk down to the harbor accompanied by my sambos and Jane, because Asta and the crew want to show the new sail they sewn, tried and improved. On the way there, we decide that everyone will go along to Borgarsandr and try to sort out the mess, and pick up things that ordered etc.


    Jane has discreetly taken pictures and filmed with her mobile phone during the trip, including some of the sail tests. Asta and the crew love the new sail and how well it works even though it isn''t attached to a boom. The sail surface of has probably increased by 1/4 and it does a lot in light winds from certain wind directions, but they have to do more tests, and learn to manage the sail better and they think the shape can be improved a bit. And maybe extended the sail a bit too. They will test it more before they can say how much better it is. They are clearly looking forward to the trip down to Borgarsandr, and also want to try different sails on a Faering and a Knarr. It annoys them that they havn''t thought of sails that way before. And they see themselves as experienced seafarers. So I tell them that I have many more sails and rigging variants I want them to try, and there will be many sails and ship trials in the coming years. We will try to make large models with the exactly the same hullshape and size, with different sail solutions and rigging and compete the models against each other across the lake, in different winds strength and directions. Then we will try different hull shapes. Then we will build a real ship. They like that idea.


    <hr>


    When we return from the walk, Kari state that I have had enough time to recovery and she wants to cuddle with me in my bedroom. We come out to have supper with the others, after another visit to the bathroom, because Karis appetite for intimacy and sex hasn''t ended, and it was slightly messy and sticky to lick maple syrup from Karis body. It is definitely an advantage that elves basically lack body hair. I will mark it as something Kari liked, as she ''clumsily'' spilled small clicks of maple syrup on strategic places after I licked it up for the first time.


    Oops.


    After a cozy moment in front of the fireplace while grilling apples, I fall asleep slightly exhausted and with a sore jaw, but happy and satisfied. And I believe Kari is too. I do not love her like Iselin, and I don''t the same connection as I do to Ciara, but I like my stately goddess and I have feelings for her, which Kari seems happy with so far. Along with the sex and life here.

 Tosra & The Auction - day 21, Pancakes

    Tosra & The Auction, day 21


    Pancakes and maple syrup


    A rested, happy and enthusiastic Kari wakes me up in the morning, and her lips around my manhood were just the beginning. I reluctantly go down to the breakfast table, because I just want to fall asleep again. But Kari is in a wonderful mood and can''t stop humming or making happy little noises. On the way down the stairs we hear Janes happy exclamations about maple syrup and freshly baked pancakes.


    That is good enough that my sambos unanimously decide that it is now a tradition once a week. With sugar, honey and berries optional. Maple syrup isn''t particularly expensive or difficult to make - just a lot of cooking a couple of times a year. Come spring, much more sap will be collected, and its a shame that the islands don''t have much maple trees. However, there are a few more than the ones we tried to tap, and we will check all the land from Radgeirrson.


    I confirm to Jane what I meant by the wooden spoon and she completely agrees: Because it is dull and it will hurt more.


    <hr>


    Of course we offer Jensi a journey back on the Millennium Eagle, instead of his own ship, which he appreciated as the weather was bad and our ship is more protected and comfortable. As a Tingsman, he is not allowed to receive large gifts, but to offer him accommodation, food and to accompany our ship back to Borgarsandr when we are going there anyway is perfectly okay and just normal hospitality. Jensi is just full of praise for the mansion, its appearance and the amenities, and he understands if we don''t want to settle on Radgeirrsons farms. It would be a step down, no matter how big, beautiful or ornately carved they are.


    Since we have a guest with us on the journey, I do not practice sailing, even if I try to get a bit of education related to sailing, a bit of weapons training and then I help Jane with Norse. Sailing is boring and time consuming, so I might as well try to take advantage of the time. And who knows? Maybe I''ll find myself fight on a rocking ship sometime in the future? Arrgghh, matey!


    The crew wonders if they can fish in the sea around my islands when the ship is in port. They are happy as long as they can eat more fish, and we will get the rest. Easy choice. I let them fish and we make an agreement that they get 1/4 of the fish they pull up, we get 3/4. We have many more mouths to feed, it is my water, and my boats. We need to eat more fish anyway for its health benefits, like just to make sure we get enough iodine. Should they catch too much, the catch can always be dried, smoked, salted, bartered or sold. Drying or smoking is the primary storage method of fish and meat because it does not require expensive salt, even though we have plenty of salt. I should really try to build a salt facility this summer precisely because salt is so important and we need so much, even if nothing prevents me from doing it this winter except the weather. I should also set up a small smokehouse, but not anywhere near my mansion. Maybe in the woods half a kilometer north of the harbor? Still feels too close. Other side of the other island?


    Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    I will let the crew use both the Faering and Knarr for fishing, and as we talk I understand that even though I am not a fishing expert, they are probably not particularly effective net fishermen either, which may explain why they eat far less fish than I expected. I suggest methods that I think can give more fish without being much work, like longer floating bottom anchored nets, left overnight between two islands, like the ones south of Small Ackerek, or out at the strait between the main islands, or the islands in the strait etc. The will have to move around and try.


    Fly fishing is unknown to them, but I''m not surprised that lure fishing is. Without a reel with a crank, why should a lure exist? The line will be problematic, but they braid horsetail hair together for fishing rods, so that should work if everything is sized for it. But I should be able to make a simpler reel and a few lures. Crankbait, spinner, spoons or wobblers arn''t that difficult, although it will be tricky to find a good model, but I got brass, wood and paint. I guess I have found something else to try and introduce eventually.


    Eh, might as well sketch and order some parts. Hooks mostly brass wire bent, flattened and filed. Loops are easy. The reel isn''t that many parts. The friction brake and making the reel free spinning easily enough will be the hardest part to get right. But this won''t be for big sea fishing. The lures are not that hard to make, the question is if the fish will like them, so I have to expect to make more. And tie a few flies.


    <hr>


    Millennium Eagle and its sails impresses Jensi even more, and after an official introduction to Ovdhon, we part late in the evening in Borgarsandrs harbor. Jensi thanks us for what he got to experience, and I thanked Jensi for the good job he did, and give him a small gift as a ''thank you'' for all the work with collecting goods and silver. Thats about as much as I can give him as a Tingsman.


    Since we know what to expect, we won''t use Radgeirrsons Playboy mansion here in Borgarsandr tonight, and sleep on the ship. Ovdhon offers us accommodation in the Merchant House, but we suspects that the boat is far more comfortable, and it just feels better and safer.

 Tosra & The Auction - day 22, Taking care of the mess (part 1)

    Tosra & The Auction, day 22


    Taking care of the mess


    The first thing we do in the morning, is to send one of the crew to the mansion so they know we''ll be visiting later, but we visit my trading empires office first.


    We''ve been here before and shopped, and Iselin bought some of our tableware and utensils here. Its a small two-storey building, where the ground floor facing the street and the harbor is the shop, with two large longhouse warehouses/barns behind for goods and animals. The trading empire is run Ovdhon, and his wife, Bj?rg, who lives upstairs with their four children and a maid, and there is also a small extra room with two double beds. They have three slaves to handle moving goods, loading, unloading, etc, who sleep in one longhouse warehouse. There is lots of goods in stock. Items to be sent away by ship and items that have arrived but not been sold. The contents of the warehouses are ''only'' worth around 370 ounces of silver right now, and the are quit a cash buffer, but four ships are currently away trading. Iselin and Kari help me go through the accounting books, as there actually is books and Bj?rg seems to be quite neath in keeping a book. I have terrible knowledge of what things are worth and it is of course written with the rune digit system. I let Iselin and Kari decide what they think, but I guess they will be good considering how proud Bj?rg and Ovdhon is to show them, and that Radgeirrson apparently hardly bothered to really check.


    I asks Ovdhon to continue as they have; they have far, far, better understanding of trade than I do, but in the future the trading empire will be able to sell certain goods from the Academy. It would be stupid to not to try to sell it myself with my own trading organization, now that I have one. The merchants should also try to buy specific goods, and for now I ask to get all the salpeter they can and also sulfur, but not if it means paying too high a premium for it. I also want to know if the demand for these goods is increasing, and this applies in general to alchemical substances and copper. I also ask him to get the merchants to notice and write down info about anyone asking for the following goods, and I give him a list of the words for compasses, nitrate, salpeter, sulfur, acid and ricin in English and French. I would have preferred to be able to give him the words in Spanish, German and Italian, but neither I nor Jane know the words. I immediately buy all the salpeter that is here, and half of the sulfur. There is much more sulfur than salpeter, and I won''t need that much sulfur even in the forseeable future. I do some quick mental arithmetics on final weight for black powder with all this salpeter, and about 22kg should be enough for about 4500 gun shots. Or about 40-60 shots with a smaller cannon. I should build a small cannon. I''m going to build a small cannon.


    I''m not entirely happy when I understand that they are of course are trading in slaves, and there are some slaves in stock right now to buy. I become even less happy that Radgeirrson has a standing order for his merchants to try to get hold of beautiful female slaves, preferably 11-14 years old but a little older is okay if they are exotic enough or virgins, and that it usually passed through one or two a month directly to his mansion here in the city. I do not want to know where he sold everyone on to, because he obviously havn''t kept them all himselfs. I really hope he did sell them on, or else it would be even more terrible. But I can imagine that the other participants at the feast are probably partly recipients, and Ovdhon knows that some were sold on to feasthalls. Damn, I sort of expected Radgeirrson to have raped other young girls, but not more than a dozen girls a year. And its been going on for a decade. I stop this trade. However, I have to count on some young girl slaves arriving here because four trading ships are on voyages, and I will not stop the slave trade in general; I want to be smarter as the ships merchants choose goods, and no matter what I want, slaves are a big market in this world, and harming the merchants own interests and economy is stupid. That won''t end well. I will instead talk to the merchants in person and individually discus the slave trade with them, and maybe favour some merchants. I do not like that I will make money from slave trade.


    The five ships have divided routes between them. One travels north along the Norwegian coast far north to the ''reindeer people''. Another travels south to the Baltic Sea and the eastern parts of the kingdom, then further east to the Ris people and via the southern Baltic Sea back. Another ship sails south and through the Daes kingdom, and what I think of as Germany and maybe Poland. One shipe goes on real long trips east and south via western Daes, to Frigonen and further to the south sea, which I think is the Mediterranean. I can not be sure. Just trying to understand the routes descriptions are hard, and the world might look different. The last ship travels around the sea kingdoms, and he says several places where I only recognize Avalune and Alba. So I guess England, Ireland, the Isle of Man, Orkney, Scotland and back. It all seems to be smart spread, if I now interpreted the routes correctly. Ovdhon have heard of places further away, but they don''t travel there. Merchants trade goods with other merchants, that might have traded with other merchants and so on.


    A bonus is Radgeirrson hadn''t collected his quarterly income, which I get, and there is just something nice about being given bags with silver and gold. I honestly have no idea how rich I am, and I really need to do a review and start keeping an accounting book. I know Kari wants that job. After a quick discussion with my sambos, I raise everyones salaries by 1/20. It is good if they immediately become more positive towards us, and a raise is of course appreciated. It will be good news for the ships and crews that return. Another thing is that I give Ovdhon 6 North Arrows. Each ship captain can borrow one, and the North Arrow belongs to the ship. The sixth he can use to show if people wonder.


    I ask Ovdhon to put up a small hanging flag with the Academy''s logo on the outside, and also my logo, so that people know where to turn and who the owner is. The ships cannot mark their flags or sails with the Academy logo, but they can use my logo. It feels like a good idea for the logo to be known and spread. Inquiries about Sundials should be sent to Digraldi, but sundials can be a good commodity to try to sell on the voyages, because it is possible to install and get where south is on a sunny day if you get some fix points that are joined by lines etc, and the angle can be set on the spring and autumn equinox. He can collect any inquiries in a book and give me an update on when we come by or every quarter. If there is something important, send a message to the island.


    <hr>


    Digraldi''s business is in the direction of the mansion, I don''t complain about delaying that visit a bit more. I ask him to deliver what he has for my ship, and among other things, I place orders for door locks. Its two different models, and the simpler one can be locked with a knob, and can be unlocked from the other side by pushing a bevelled long stick into the hole for it, and turning. That lock is for doors that don''t need to be lockable from the outside, such as toilets and bathrooms.


    The second door lock is more advanced and requires a key. The basic mechanism is the same, with a lever that has a weight that moves a locking piston with doorhandles. The lock is the same knob on the inside but a simple lock cylinder on the outside, for a flat key with grooves in it that prevents rotation if you use the wrong key. The design is more reminiscent of a classic key than a modern one, and easy to make or make a universal key, but works well enough and stops others than those who are motivated. It is also a very simple and reliable design with a minimal amount of parts, which is important, as there will be lots of locks and keys. There are seven 4mm segments, and if one segment is used on all the mansion locks and another for all other doors on the islands, there will still be 125 different combinations, 250 if I make half deep segments as well, and I can easily design the lock combination and do the finishing work myself on each lock. I order 30 door locks to begin with, and 8 simpler, and a 100 shiny brass keys.


    I also ask Digraldi to try to make two gas cylinders. I would have preferred them in iron, but gas cylinders are a stupid thing for a blacksmith to shape by hand and get a proper seal. It will also simply be easier to solder on the brass than the iron, because I doubt that the joint will be gas-tight. The disadvantage of brass is that the cylinders become even heavier, because cast goods are thicker and brass weighs more than iron. The gas bottle I designed consists of two parts, a longer cylinder and a top part. A simple but stronger bayonet locking means that they lock into each other, but to make it gastight and help hold the joint together, there are lips on the edges that a heated ring will be shrunk over and edges hammered down. I don''t know how well this will go or how tight it will be. There are so many problems. Partly with the production and partly with the seal. Should I heat it up after to be able to solder, it will hardly help keeping the shrinking fit good.


    This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.


    <hr>


    Its not hard to find a blacksmith willing to try to make two iron gas cylinders, which is a different construction. He will make sheet metal that then has folded edges that are heated and hammered together, with a couple of iron rings round to take the pressure. Then slightly rounded endplates hammered in and shrunk iron rings locking it in place. I hope he actually understands what I am describing and doesn''t just nod along, and can do the work. The gas bottle may have to withstand a some negative pressure, but above all many many overpressures. I''m not looking forward to pressure testing them.


    I also let him try to make an iron cannon barrel, the old way it was made, much like a wooden barrel. A piece of iron is hammered out into a long flat piece, given a rounded shape in the longitudinal direction via a template, and then a leading edge that is rounded outwards. Many segments are combined to form a tube, and in my case six to eight segments. To keep the segments together, thick iron rings are made that are slightly too small to fit over, which are then heated until the ring is redhot and quickly hammered down over the segments. The ring shrinks a little when it cools and holds the segments together. Continue to put ring after ring at short intervals until the whole part is assembled, and the last 1/3-1/4 of the back end has rings that are completely against each other because that is where the highest pressure is. Before the last rings are heated and shrunk in place, an end plug is hammered into the barrel if it is muzzle loaded. And a cannon barrel has been completed. The method is similar to how wooden barrels are built and is the reason why they say ''barrel of a gun'' or ''gun barrel''. As far as I know, the term ''cannon'' comes from the most popular format and size, and eventually everyone was just calling it a cannon. It was more convenient to refer to the object as a cannon, and then say the weight of the projectile, instead of using many different names. Like a ''6 pound cannon'' or ''12 pound cannon''.


    The cannon will certainly not be accurate and require a lot of padding behind the bullet, but this method requires no drilling to make the barrel, and is something an ordinary blacksmith can understand and put together. He seems to at least. However, I make it a little more complicated, because this cannon will only be 60mm in diameter and I want to try to make a back-loaded cannon. So the rear end is not plugged but has a strong U-bow in iron, where a strong thick-walled ''iron mug'' with a conical lip has the powder charge and the conical part is inserted into the cannon behind the bullet. An iron wedge is tapped in from the side between the ''iron mug'' and the U-frame to lock the ''mug'' in place, and firing can take place. Is that ''iron mug'' still called a breech or not? Anyway, with two ''iron mugs'', one can clean and prepare to powder while the other is loaded and fired.


    The reason I want to test this cannon making method is that it is relatively uncomplicated compared to some models, and doesn''t require any advanced machines to manufacture. Just blacksmith tools. I simply want to test how well it works and performs, and should it turn out to be a problem with the back loading - which I assume it will be - then I can cut off the U frame and plug the end to make the cannon into a muzzle loader. Although I prefer to make cast bronze cannons with drilled rifled barrels, it will be a lot more work and cost, and I suspect that if someone else has a cannon in Europe, they will have built it with the ''iron barrel'' principle, and I would like information about what I can expect.


    The art of casting large objects in bronze seems to be quite limited with few craftsmen, and mostly for church bells, statues and the like. The art is more common here in Borgarsandr precisely because copper is so available here, and 80-90% of bronze and brass is copper. But bronze and brass work don''t have the market and respect that iron has. And good iron is clearly the better metal in most cases. Stronger and a little lighter. Well, if its good iron.


    I will probably try to drill the barrel sometime in the future to make it rounder, and to be able to see through the barrel when doing it, will be practical. The cannon will be set into a strong wooden frame with iron reinforcements that will have handles. The idea is that 2-4 men be able to lift the cannon, and assemble it in place. Although it will have a lightweight carriage and upgrades, if the cannon is useful enough.


    The blacksmith looks very funny at my construction drawings, especially the cannon as I sketch it on paper for him, and I point out important parts and explain as he asks questions. It''s a hell of a lot of iron, but it shouldn''t be that much work compared to making rivited chain mail or some other construction.


    <hr>


    We take another quick detour to the basket maker whose home I now own, just to introduce ourselves and say he can continue to lease for the time being as he have been. But the man is old and his hands ache and he doesn''t have the strength to make baskets as before. His son has been nagging him to move to him outside Borgarsandr, which he will do before winter, instead of waiting for the lease to expire. He will continue to make some baskets and sell from there. I choose to pay back some of what he already paid in rent to Radgeirrson. He tries to refuse, but it feels right to do and its a small sum. Iselin and Jane look at his fine craftsmanship and give him high praise, which makes him give us two fine baskets with lids. He tries to give us more, but I thank him and stop. It just feels so wrong, and I wish him luck and hope his hands won''t hurt too much.


    The property is just a small house in rather poor condition except out towards the road, with a small courtyard behind where there is some chickens and three pigs. The whole property is only about 20x50m, but it is relatively central. Apparently Radgeirrson won the property from the previous owner in some game a couple of years ago, so we are the third owner he leased from. I have no idea what to do with this house, and considering what the basket maker says about the roof and what my company thinks, at least a new roof is necessary.


    Might as well just tear everything down and build new? I can make a small luxurious townhouse for us when we are here in Borgarsandr, but it feels like an unnecessary cost, and it will take some important craftsmen from the islands.


    No matter what, that will not be built this winter, and come spring, life may have changed.


    <hr>


    I''ve feared to visit the mansion, but thats what we are here to do. So might just get it over with. The mansion is in the outskirts of Borgarsandr, a couple of kilometers from the center, so I havn''t really passed by or noticed the mansion when we were here before. That there is a small deciduous forest in between hasn''t directly helped, and the forest belongs to the land. It is a fortified mansion built with stone on a rocky outcrop of a larger hill, and the rest of the hill also belongs to the mansion. From a distance the mansion looks quite impressive. We see a couple of larger pastures and some fields slightly below and closer to the mansion. The rest seems to be mostly meadows and slightly open forest, with a pretty little stream running down along the road and forming a pond. Slightly overgrown former meadows more than anything else, and it feels like Radgeirrson didn''t really bother with cultivating the land where possible, but mostly let it be grazing for animals. There are some horses and cows, and there is a small enclosure for pigs in the forest, which roams around and looks quite satisfied. I own more horses than I thought.


    As we walk up along the road, the mansion looks more impressive, and so do the surroundings. It is a fortified mansion where parts of the house are part of the wall, surrounded by a crenellated wall. About 3-5m high on the outside to get the top level, and the mansion partly take advantage of the hill''s steep cliff face on one side with just a very low wall at the top. Probably easier to lean a ladder against that wall, than climb that cliff.


    I can see a courtyard on the other side of the open gate, and a couple of the low corner towers have lookouts with wooden roofs. Also a wooden roof above the gate. The mansion feels more like a simpler castle instead of a mansion, and is seems to be almost entirely built of stone, including slate roofs and seems to be a paved courtyard. This was not cheap or quick to build. It honestly feels a bit like bragging and showing off, and it would not surprise me if that what it is, given that the mansion is on the outskirts of the capital and was owned by a rich man in the King''s vicinity. But the mansion has, of course not, far less windows, and smaller size windows, that my mansion has. My other mansion. Yeah, that isn''t something I ever expected to have to clarify. Though this mansion has more windows with glass than the average longhouse and the upper floor has quite many narrow and high windows towards the courtyard. Some are stained glass. As we walk through the gate we I see a couple of men and a woman waiting for us. The mansion is L shaped much like mine, but both wings have the same height and size, and with a stable and barn against the wall on the other side, the yard gets a wide square U shape around the courtyard and the front gate.


    We are very well received, they bow and curtsey, and I guess I have a distinct apperance with my beard and hairy arms. Through an open gate under a tower I see a bit of the back of the main building which seems to be a piece of walled of nature as garden, where the wall is low enough to see the view down to Borgarsandr and the river. Seems to be a nice view, to bad the garden isn''t south facing, although then it would have to be north of the river to have a view of the town.


    We are led in to greet the staff.

 Tosra & The Auction - day 22, Taking care of the mess (part 2)

    The staff have been waiting for this, with mixed anticipation and fear, and are standing in line inside the entrance which is excessively nice, but my eyes are drawn to all the women. They have their hands in front of them, their heads slightly bent and eyes looking at our feet. Exactly the same pose on everyone, so it can not be a coincidence. Everyone curtsey and greets me, very synchronized. So many young women. Girls. Half must be under 16. They seems to be equal between Northern countries and scattered parts of southern Europe. The one who instantly attracts attention is one of the ''older'', who has really dark skin. My thought goes on a tangent that black slaves must be unusual, and I hear Iselin and the others refer to her as ''a blue woman''. I would say dark brown, but some languages have a limited vocabulary for colors, or there may have been translation errors via several different languages that just live on. Right, I guess I found the black slave in Borgarsandr. Not important, but my brain likes to go astray so I don''t have to stay here in reality. Damn, she is my slave and has been for a month.


    I''ve talked to my sambos and there are no really good choices for me to make. I cannot support everyone for the rest of my life even if the sum is small, and I really don''t want to sell them or put them to work on the island, so I will free them, which still doesn''t make their situation much better if I just throw them out now before winter. I really don''t want to sell a person, because it feels like the easy and cowardly way where I earn silver on them, and decisions and problems are someone else''s burden.


    We will try to educate them, teach them to read, write, count, etc, so they can get simpler, but more educated jobs. Try to give them some status and usefulness for their reading and writing skills, and honestly I might then give some of them jobs. I will need literate people. Their lives so far say nothing about their intelligence or personality, but I fear hidden wounds in soul and personality they have received from their lives under Radgeirrson. There are no psychologists to talk to here.


    What I am worried about is that if you do something long enough, from a young enough age, it becomes your life. That is the norm. What are they going to do now? It is tragic, but indoctrination and habit can make people do things and accept a certain worldview, that we with another worldview can not understand. Growing up we have all become indoctrinated in some worldview, belief, doctrine and values. I''m not special, my values are just of course what I think is more ''right'', because I have grown up and been indoctrinated that this is the case. Sure its easier to change someones views and belief if the new one is beneficial, like with freedom and rights, but it might still be hard.


    At present, we will just leave them alone, and I tell them that they can all stay at least over the winter while we make decisions about the future. Behind their trained front, there are relieved faces on several of them - they won''t be thrown out on the street before winter, or sold. I go on to clearly say that the sexual exploitation Radgeirrson has done is over. There will be no more of that. There will be no guests they need to entertain or go to bed with, and should anyone even try to force themselves on them, they are allowed to defend themselfs, and should let me know. Some seem relieved and some seem mostly lost and unsure.


    <hr>


    We are shown around the house by two of the older maids, and like I ask, they show me everywhere. The hall, the great hall, the kitchen, scrub and other things on the ground floor. The great hall is a large part of the total building because it is a large hall that is two floors high with a balcony and stairs up and in towards the rest of the building. Definitely a great hall to impress guests, with all surfaces covered in carvings or something impressive but not completely matching the rest. There are a ridiculous amount of gold on the pillars to the balcony and some ornaments on the walls. And I thought the entrance hall was lavish.


    I look at the Damascus steel sword with dagger prominently displayed on the wall behind Radgeirrson''s throne, which is a ridiculously impressive creation. Again with details plated with gold, and it is not gold leaf. Just thin normal gold. That is a lot of gold. I think I will have throne destroyed. Just strip it from gold and burn the rest. We''ll bring back some things from here, so I''d ask them to pack the sword and dagger in a chest, but I don''t care about tapestries, the decorations or the porcelain, even if it''s fine. I don''t think I want to be reminded of the previous owner every time I see it. His chainmail armor of course has some form of gold or brass coating on certain rings which, in addition to the goldish collar and edges, also have his logo on the chest. Its fine craftsmanship and stupid to just melt the whole thing, so I have to ask an armor smith to replace the rings that make the logo.


    We return to the entrance hall to be led up to the second floor when a woman falls on all fours in front of me and tries to kiss my feet. I automatically jump back.


    "Lord! I beg for a quick death! Please, do not throw me in the hole!"


    What the fuck?! I jump back again when she again tries to crawl forward and kiss my feet, and Bodil stops the woman and tries to pull her up on her feet, but she falls back down with her hands clasped in a praying gesture and doesn''t dare look at me.


    "What is your name?"


    "?sa, my Lord!"


    "?sa, what are you asking for a quick death for?"


    Totally despairing she mournfully sobs: "I was the one who poured spice into my Lords stop and served it. I was the one who drugged my Lord!"


    Ah. She was there at the trial in the Royal Castle. Sure, I might have saved her from being tortured to death, but I didn''t think she would be my slave. So she seems to have expected that I saved her, just to punishing her personally. If she was ordered to do it, it is not entirely her fault, and it would be good to get an affirmative answer.


    "?sa, you need to be completely honest with me and answer my questions. Did Radgeirrson give the order to drug my drink?"


    "Yes my Lord." She really shakes with fear and cries.


    "Did you know how strong the dose was?"


    "Yes my Lord." Her voice is really desperate and hurts to hear.


    "Did you try to stop it or not obey Radgeirrson''s orders?"


    "No, my lord. I did not want to be punished."


    She is terrified and despairing, like knowing that every word is condemning her to eternal torment. The thing is, she is a slave, and I suspect she would have been beaten or worse if she had said something against Radgeirrson. What should I do? I want time to think, and I want to talk to my sambos, but not now in front of everyone here - who I see is still standing in the entrance hall waiting. In the same position and places. Radgeirrson was probably a rather strict man, who knew how he wanted it and punished those who did not behave.


    "?sa, sit down on the chair over there, and I''ll talk with you after I get a tour of the mansion."


    She quickly looks up to see which chair I am pointing at, and then crawls there on all fours and sits down carefully on the edge after she has straightened her dress. She seem to just want to cease to exist. Although she is sitting straight backed and almost posing.


    With a gesture towards the two maids who showed us around, we continue up to the second floor, see the guest rooms, a meeting room and so on. Generally lavish with tapestries, rugs, carvings and gold ornaments. Iselin is ridiculously impressed, and she isn''t alone, but this place is more lavish than what I''ve seen from the King''s Castle. It is much more than I have seen in either Jarl Steinnes, Jarl Skiringe or Jarl Naeswulfs great halls and fortresses. Among all the splendor, there is a shelf with a few dozen books, and several are so mundane that they stand out. I ask them to pack the books along with other things.


    I am shown Radgeirrson''s part on the second floor, his anteroom and large bedroom. Its like he have tried to make everything as lavish as possible, and Jane agrees that it is tastelessly exaggerated. There is hardly a single piece of normal furniture, and it feels like the style of the bed is imported as it is a four-poster bed with draperies and plenty of carvings on the corner posts and headboard. The maids confirm that Radgeirrson loved that bed and it is only three years old. Kari points out that it has started to become fashionable among the richest to have such beds to shut out the cold in the winter. Most places arn''t as insulated with all the heating my mansion have, and most rooms here lack any kind of fireplace, although the great hall had a large fireplace along one long side, with a smoke hood further up, and both his anteroom and the bedroom have a smaller fireplace with a similar smoke hood solution. They seem to be side to side against each other.


    I pull out a couple of the drawers, and start open the chests. The chest is full of wooden pieces, leather buckles and manacles etc. Real iron and leather shackles, with chains, and a pair that have dried blood on them. Oh. Shit. That is a variant of dildos, and some of them are pure sadism! With dried blood stains.


    What. The. Hell.


    I open the rest of the chests, drawers and closet. Most clothes and other things, as well as pouches with silver and gold in one of the chests. Drawers next to the bed has condoms, some kind of leather whip and leash, and two small bottles with powder in it. The drawer in his desk has a couple of half-carved pieces of wood and a couple of knives etc, and there is a thin, flexible wooden rod hanging next to it. As if to beat someone.


    I order them to destroy everything like this, even that found elsewhere in the mansion, and let a blacksmith melt down the iron until the next time we come back here. The two maids look at each other and one asks if it applies to their personal pieces as well.


    What?


    She turns around and after loosening discreet buttons, she pulls the skirt apart at the back, a slit up to the buttocks. Slits on skirts and buttons seem to have been around for a while, but have been hidden in some circles and some designs. She of course has a wooden dildo in her butt that she takes out, and reflexively clean with her mouth, before presenting it to me with a rehearsed gesture, while the other explains that several of the older staff women have to wear them when they welcomed Radgeirrsons, and every other morning when he was not here, so they were penetrated by Radgeirrson and were reminded of their master. The dildo literally has Radgeirrsons mark burned into the wooden. They apparently have standing rules for cleanliness when they go to the toilet, and always cleaned Radgeirrson with his mouth afterwards. The younger ones doesn''t wear them because Radgeirrson appreciated that they are ''natural'' and ''pain makes them learn to be submissive'', and some older ones like herself, Elin and Shakini have been rewarded with no longer having them. Unfortunately, it does not end there. Of course his hobby was to carve new dildos for them.


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    I order them to destroy those too - unless someone wants to keep it - considering indoctrination and habit gives strange behavior. It wouldn''t surprise me if at least one maid ''liked'' her master, and I am almost afraid to ask what other standing rules they have. They both begin to quote at the same time as Bible commandments, and I was right. I who thought Jarl Steinnes was bad, but he liked most to humiliate someone - not to torment and for sex. Bodil looks nauseous, and I feel a little nauseous myself. I no longer have to doubt ?sa, or talk to my sambos. No wonder she was afraid of being punished, and I havn''t even seen the basement yet to know it will be worse.


    Kari is very controlled when she says that I should have let the King castrate that Radgeirrson piece by piece, and make him slowly eat up his manhood - and I agree. I ask why she hasn''t already quit using the dildo in her butt? Radgeirrson stopped being their owner weeks ago. The answer, of course, is that I might be the same, and they wanted to be ready to serve their new master; proud to show how well behaved and trained they are, just like the rules say they always should be.


    With a few leading questions, we quickly understand that everyone has a regular simpler dress that is the most discreet piece of clothing they have, for special guests and when Radgeirrsons family was here. Then most of the maids, and all the youngest, were in the basement vaults and silent. The slit dresses are new, and something Radgeirrson looked forward to trying out in this design; his own variant of my creation, and was delivered after he was sentenced. They partly wore the dresses for my benefit, and they like the new design because they have often had smaller and more exposing clothes. All the maids have one of those dresses with extra deep necklines that have no buttocks, and they can be cold. Someone who broke the rules or wasn''t obedient enough, sometimes walked on all fours dressed in fur, including a leash and a wooden dildo with a tail, and was just an animal that ate what Radgeirrson throwed on the floor and slept directly on the floor, until she learned.


    The regular guests appreciate their clothes and how behaved and trained they are, and guests were often here to buy some of the younger ones who have arrived - ''trained or wild'' - or to ''breaking in'' before buying.


    <hr>


    We gather all in the entrance hall, which they have not left, and I inform them that the standing rules no longer apply. All dildos for butts and similar things can be destroyed, and animal costume with accessories will be burned. They look at me and the maid next to me, who shows that she has removed her own and nods. The maid was right, the youngest don''t have them but several do. Damn. It is one thing when Ciara or Alith wear it because they sometimes want and like it, but force them to remind themselves of their Lord, and that his hobby was to be sadistically creative? How many havn''t had problems because of it? I tell them to throw it in a bucket and ask a couple to gather the rest that is in the mansion, and make a fireplace in the courtyards, and we will burn it this afternoon. Two cautious maids quickly return with one bucket each, and one disappears upstairs and one down into the basement. The rest I tell to relax, and sit down if they want too. They seem even more lost.


    I ask if my sambos really want to follow down to the basement, because I assume it will be bad considering what the rules included down there. Iselin and Jane do not want to, and Bodil is happy to stay up here with them.


    Much of the basement are storage rooms, with plenty of food and especially luxury goods like mead and wine barrels, but we ignore it and move on. I want to see the other rooms first, like into the hall with bunk beds and mattresses with hay on the floor, because as the maids said, there are two special rooms here. And after I''ve seen them I don''t think I will care for the rest.


    The prayer room. Radgeirrson certainly found it very amusing. I would say it is a prison cell and rape room with shackles for arms, legs, neck and well-worn wooden roll with chewing marks for the mouth, and dark spots of dried blood. One set by the wall and another on its bed. Many old blood spots on the sacking that is its mattress. Without a doubt there have been a lot of muffled or silent praying in here.


    The so-called ''training room'' is larger with three small and one large prison cell, and a bed and stocks outside, again with shackles on the bed and the wall and a shelf with prominently displayed ''toys'' and other things that are being thrown in a bucket. There is already a full bucket next to it. Two of the cells have a crouched naked young girl with big scared eyes glued to us when we enter, but they quickly look away huddle up. They can not even stand up, or lie down straight, because the prison cells are too small, and they also have a neck manacle with a chain that is attached to the floor by the far wall with a long chain. I realise that the chain is that long so they can be taken out and ''trained'' and be chained at all times, and they are guaranteed to not reach this door. One begins to silently cry, probably terrified of what is to come. Fucking hell! Shit, thats Literally.


    The maid who accompanies informs me that the girls arrived a few days ago, just a couple of days after Tingsman Jensi was here, and they are washed, untouched and wild - everything is ready for training and it has been freshly cleaned in here. I won''t ask who locked them in, or fed them and cleaned here with them locked up. Because I am their owner and they would tell me, or tried to do whatever I ordered them to. Most of them are probably so indoctrinated that they no longer question, or fear reprisals for questioning their Lord. All resistance have since long been beaten, tortured and raped out of them. This ''training room'' and the ''prayer room'' is no joke, but their harsh reality they have all probably been in several times, and for a long time. If anyone were still defiant, it would surprised me. Will they ever be able to have a normal life? I who thought Jarl Steinnes was bad.


    I order the maid to unlock and get something for the girls to wear, and she returns with a key and a pair of simple dresses and opens their doors, but they hardly dare go out, and I do not go near them. She puts on the dresses and I understand why it is an unusual model - because the dress can be put on while they continue to be chained around the neck. They step into the dress, and it is tied together in front of their breasts. The dress also slides apart at the bottom so it is easier to continue ''training them''. I order her to remove the manacle as well, and give them a better normal dress. I noticed the maids small fear reaction that she is afraid because she misunderstood my order and might be punished for it, but she shortly return with tools and two normal dresses.


    More leading questions paints a picture. Radgeirrson seems to have applied the classic reward-punishment principle during ''training''. Those who ''learned'' have been rewarded with small things over time and given better lives. Simpler dress. Straw mattress to sleep on. More and better food. Larger prison cell, bed, better dress, etc. ''Disobedience'' drastically takes away rewards, and means pain, torture or the ''hole'', which turns out to be under a locked iron plate that lifts up. It is literally a hole, and something like 90cm square and more than two meters deep. The hole is part of the mansions and basement sewer and drainage system, which flows into the hole from channels a bit below the top edge of the hole, and the hole has a channel at the bottom for further drainage out the back of the hill.


    Damn. I understand why ?sa was terrified of ending up in the hole.


    I can only imagine the effect on other prisoners to hear the sound of the prisoner in the hole when it rains etc, and the last step in training has been to take care of this ''training room'' and help ''training'' others. Still with neck manacle and chain, but could sleep in the large prison cell without the cell door being locked. Better food with a proper dress, and had to keep the room and everything prepared. Feed the other prisoners, and help with punishment, and clean, scrub the floor and empty the garbage into the hole. Including the prisoners feces pots, if the prisoners havn''t been forced to do their needs via a smaller hatch directly down the hole and on the prisoner below. Radgeirrson has become more and more thorough and sadistic over time, and ''improved'' the training methodology and the room over time, especially the last four years. That utter sadistic asshole.


    And he''s had guests here who ''trained'' girls in this room, so he is not alone.


    I ask Kari and Ciara to talk to the girls and maids, and make everyone understand that they will not be caged anymore, and I take Caecilia with me to return up. Caecilia is shaking with anger, tears flow and she is holy pissed off at Radgeirrson because he has defiled sex like this. She knew he liked young women and understood that he was a little special, strict and unpleasant - but not like this. Iselin hugs and tries to calm Caecilia, and Caecilia''s explanations frighten both Iselin and Jane. I go in to ?sa where she is sitting on the chair, and crouches in front of her, while I take her hands in mine. Something she definitely did not expect.


    "?sa. Considering what you have been exposed to, and how Radgeirrson has treated you, you have no guilt in what happened to me. You have nothing to apologize for. I am not like Radgeirrson, and the prayer room and the training room will to be destroyed. You can return to the others."


    I take her hand and gently lead her back to the others, and she seem to shed tears of relief as she thanks me and tries to kiss my hands.


    After a few minutes, Kari, Ciara and the maids return with the two girls. I give everyone new directives. No one is locked in the basement, either in the prayer room or in the training room. The contents of those rooms will be destroyed. If new slaves are delivered here, take care of them. Until they get orders from me, Iselin, Kari och Ciara, I want everyone to take care of each other. Make sure they eat properly, are better dressed and are clean. Take care of the household, the mansion and the animals, but otherwise just take care of each other. If any of Radgeirrson''s old friends who used the training room come here, ask who they are and their purpose, and then deny them entry and say that I am the new owner. I want to know who they are, because they are now on my personal shit list, and they will not be allowed to enter my islands. Of course, a couple of the maids know the faces and names of the regular guests, and know that some of them, for example, bought a young slave girl to give to their young son to enjoy. How will a young man look at and treat others, when at the age of 13 he got his own personal sex slave from his father? Or mother...


    Kari says we should let the King know. He has visited this mansion, and she doubts he knows. I ask the maids if King Asbj?rn Aeriksson has been here? Yes, a couple of times a year at feasts; he is one of the special guests and it was regular feasts, not ''Freja feasts'' - which means he might not know. Caecilia is infuriated and boiling with anger tells them to not call any of what Radgeirrson has arranged a Freja feast! Never ever again! All the maids pull back, and when they see me hugging Caecilia against myself and getting my affirmative nod, they all start nodding.


    Reminder to myself: Never speak ill of Freya or do anything that Caecilia thinks defiles sex.


    It may not be a big or any crime since they''re slaves, but some type of crime that has been committed here. So the maid who guided us around with the wooden buttplug, is sent to deliver a message about what we found to the King, and Bodil suggest she accompanies. Bodil seems to need air and get out of here. We all want to do that. Had the building not been meter thick stone, I might have felt burned it down. The outer wall is probably two meters thick. Caecilia would have liked to see the two basement rooms melt into lava, and she hugs me and Iselin as she shakes and cries.


    I order the two farmhands to start tearing things down in the two rooms and clear the rooms. They have a small smithy in the courtyard and can melt together and destroy the iron manacles etc, and destroy the unused slave necklaces and other things they of course have here as well. They will take out Radgeirrson''s bed and the guest beds together with his throne after we have removed the gold, and pile it up here in the courtyard with the other things and we will burn them tonight. The maid who led us around and has worked as the mansions manager, Frida, will try to sell all the furniture from Radgeirrsons rooms and guest rooms, and use some of the silver that is here to replace with new that is ordered or bought, and also sell Radgeirrsons clothes. Its a pretty empty gesture, but I do not want to know that I sleep in a bed where such things happened, and I do not want to know that there are such things in the basement.


    I realise that I need to take pictures before everything is destroyed, so that Jane can sketch it in the future. It is awful what happened here, but it should not be hidden and forgotten.

 Tosra & The Auction - day 22, Taking care of the mess (part 3)

    Beside the stocks and other ''training equipment'', there is six buckets, and some things poke up from the buckets, as they are too long. I understand that the maids wants to burn some clothes as well, especially those extra lowcut dresses, and of course the fur suit for the animal. It will be a cleansing fire. However, some of the maids are too afraid to get involved. Like they''re scared. I guess they are afraid that I''m just pretending in front of my sambos, and that I''ll take it out on them afterwards. It does matter what I say, but the guards, Iselin, Ciara and Caecilia try in their own ways to convince them. Kari and Jane just stand beside me and watch, as things gather and pile up, and I have taken many pictures and recorded some film clips.


    Jane is so incredibly relieved that she didn''t end up under someone like Radgeirrsons control when she arrived in this world, or happened to take his merchant ship to Borgarsandr. There were other merchant ships that arrived during her time in Hildifjoer, but she chose to wait for the same ship I traveled with, because I could''ve stepped off somewhere along the way. Jane vomited when she realised that she could have arrived at Borgarsandr with Radgeirrsons ship, and she has stayed close and gently hugged me or wanted to hold hand ever since. I understand her clinginess, and that she have puked a couple of times more when she has seen stuff brought out. Jane has a very exotic appearance and neither I nor Jane think that her age would have stopped Radgeirrson. It is a damn unpleasant thought that we could have found Jane here, after a couple of months under Radgeirrsons will and training. I will have to make sure my Merchants don''t Shanghai women or men.


    Does it feel more personal and awful because she is now my friend, or because she is a modern person from Midg?rd? Hardly surprising that I am a hypocrite. But I have been making an effort and rationalized to prevent my compassion and empathy from hitting hard for all the maids. They have had a hell of a life here. No pun.


    <hr>


    We''re just about to light the fire when we get a visit. King Asbj?rn, a couple of councilors, Tingsman Jensi followed by a bunch of guards and Bodil, the maid and a couple of others, arrive riding.


    King Asbj?rn see the prepared bonfire, and we wait to light it as King Asbj?rn Aeriksson wants to know. He wants to be shown, one thing after the other. What is on the bonfire. The basement rooms. And he sees all the maids and their ages. Three of the oldest maids tell stories and answer questions, especially the black elf. All the maids chant the old standing orders when I ask them to.


    I think it is how factual and methodical they calmly tell one thing after another that bothers the King and his councilors the most; that they are so used to it, that it is everyday and has been so for many years. What happens when a raped 12-year-old slave girl has an unwanted child. How Radgeirrson and guests had fun tying up a slave girl who had been ''disobedient'', and getting a dog or stallion to have sex with her, and they bet on what sounds she would make and whether she would survive or not. How someone who has been ''too difficult'' is raped while she is slowly strangled or drowned. The consequence when a woman tried to stab Radgeirrson in revenge, and failed. About burn marks and red-hot dildos. Apparently not even all the maids know everything. I can see the righteous anger in the Kings face. The rising disgust that he finds hard to control and stay calm. The King gives a whispered order to Tingsman Jensi who takes four guards and rides away in a hurry. I can guess what he ordered. Radgeirrsons day is likely to go from bad to worse.


    I''m holding Caecilia again, trying to calm her down, while Jane leans against my shoulder with one arm around me. Caecilia HATES everything Radgeirrson has done, but she wants to know so that Radgeirrsons actions arn''t forgotten. So she can be a witness if needed. So in her prayers she can tell Freya. Caecilia loves that I photographed, and that Jane will sketch it down. Caecilia sees me as Freyas hand and witness, to stop whats been going on.


    <hr>


    Its a nice little bonfire and all the wood burns well. Proper food have been made in the kitchen and we eat it here, out in the open and all sitting on benches with the flames and sparks rising towards the sky. It seems that King Asbj?rns friendship gives more maids hope. He was after all a ''special guest''.


    <hr>


    Everyone wash themselves off in the small pond that is located a bit from the mansion. Their usual place to fetch water and wash off and swim, and they''ve got new dresses we''ve managed to get from the seamstress guild and my trading empire. Just ordinary simpler dresses, but the point is that they are just ordinary simple dresses. Some new beds and furniture have been bought and are arriving. While we waited I''ve made sure to document the mansion too, lots of pictures and we took a walk around the property.


    <hr>


    It is dusk when Jensi returns with more guards. They bring Radgeirrson in manacles, and he is dirty, wounded, bruised and just looks tired. His slave work is probably tough. The maids try to line up, but both I and the King Asbj?rn stops them, the King by saying that Radgeirrson is nothing more than a life-sentenced slave, lower than themselves and soon nothing more than responsible for painful memories and suffering. Then King Asbj?rn starts haranguing the crouching and scared Radgeirrson about everything that is wrong with him, with the occasional kick to punctuate his statements, and the King is not holding back. How many times has he not visited this place over the years? What has been going on around or in the basement? How many have been locked up or being ''trained''? How many terribly tormented and raped women slaves have been hidden under his feet? Did Radgeirrson enjoy that he didn''t know? How many children have passed through the mansion per year? How many children has Radgeirrson himself done with children and become a father to, but got rid of?!


    He convict Radgeirrson for insults against the Kings honor, and against various laws and several murders. Radgeirrson will understand how they suffered, so Radgeirrson is sentenced to be slowly tortured in front of an audience in the main square the day after tomorrow while his crimes are clarified. King Asbj?rn will make sure it is slow, a little bit at a time for all the pain he has caused elves and slaves throughout the years, and Radgeirrson will learn how his manhood tastes. Bit by bit. Learn how painful it can be to get wooden things shoved up the ass and how it feels to be taken by a stallion. He hopes Radgeirrson survives all day and preferably several more. King Asbj?rn will make sure there is plenty of salt for his wounds, and fire to stop blood loss, and so Radgeirrson learns the feeling of red hot iron both on the outside and inside. Everyone will know that there are boundaries you do not cross, that you cannot let your dark desires and sadism go too far. Radgeirrson peed and shit himself a while ago, and King Asbj?rn promises he will learn to drink and eat that too.


    King Asbj?rn inform everyone that those of his old households who wish to see the sentence enforced are welcomed, and as the tormented, they will be allowed to rub salt in his wounds if they so wish, and each will also be allowed to make one burn mark on his body. They may also come wtih suggestions for ''experiences'' for Radgeirrson. Some will probably do it, at least with the salt or branding. Salt is expensive, and rubbing it on the wounds of a death row inmate says a lot; that it is worth any pain it will cause, that Radgeirrson deserved it, and he has pissed off the wrong person.


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    I''m not happy about the verdict, and I definitely don''t want to see it carried out, but many will certainly want to see it, and Kari and Caecilia are two of them. Caecilia has already quietly started mumbling suggestions to herself, and will probably give them tips. King Asbj?rn has definitely risen in respect in Caecilias eyes. I give Radgeirrsons two dogs to the King so they can be his food until then, and Radgeirrson is led away, because he will not suffer yet.


    <hr>


    King Asbj?rn calms down, take a few deep breaths, and takes me aside so we''re alone. He thank me for sending the message and a witness, and the King ask if we can use first name straight off, to which I agree. Asbj?rn hopes this will give him wind in the sail to get through a major change in the law he has long wanted, to give slaves more rights and make it illegal to rape slaves. I wish him luck and that I will soon hear it as a law, but I hope he understands the opposition it will bring from some, and the consequences.


    "It needs to be done, but yes, it will lead to more free women who support themselves by selling their company, just like across the sea to the south. There are feast halls here in Borgarsandr where guests can feast, buy food, listen to music and more or less comfortable stay for the night, where women, slave women and slave men are available for silver, so it won''t change much. All cities have feast halls. But the law will save many more and make it more honorable. This is not a war that is won in a single battle, it will take time, but you have to start clearing a field from weeds and rocks to get a field you can be proud of, even if it never becomes perfect. In the future, slavery will also need to be banned, but it is a battle for future generations and I hope that Hagthorn will take that battle before he in turn hopefully hands over the throne to his son."


    As an elected King, it is of course a problem to try to implement unpopular laws. It could lead to his family losing the throne. Asbj?rn smiles and looks at me.


    "I know your mansion on the islands as it is now doesn''t have much room for guests, but I hope to be able to visit in the future, and I need only minimal space for me, my wife and our daughters, so we can see and experience your mansions wonders for ourself. The rumors has sweeped like wildfire the last few weeks and we are very curious, especially after the report I received today." and Asbj?rn nods towards Jensi. "We will only bring two maids and four guards."


    I just have to invite him, considering how specific Asbj?rn was with his company, he of course knows what guest rooms I have and how I''ve planned their usage. Because I did tell Jensi. I have planned to invite the King and Queen sooner or later. So I quickly invite Asbj?rn with family to my islands in connection with the November 1 auction in a little more than two weeks, and if they have time, to come one or two days earlier so they can try and know what to buy. Asbj?rn has a very pleased smile.


    "We are happy to accept that invitation, but I already know what to buy - half - because no matter what it is, it will be worth it". Asbj?rn looks around and becomes serious. "Robert, what will you do with all your slave maids? We both know you won''t use them as Radgeirrson."


    I explain my thoughts. Asbj?rn reply that he is happy to take over my burden and let them live some places else - I have enough to think about with my Islands, the Academy and that ferry in Laxlanda. He will make sure they learn practical skills and to read, write and count, also my new way of counting if he can buy a set of copies of my math books he has heard about, which makes me smile. But he promises that the maids will have a chance at a better future, and we both hope their experiences have not given them too deep scars, and that they will have a much better life.


    With the King and his company as witnesses, I free every slave here, including the men, and I ask the maids help to remove each others neckrings so they feel they helped each other with something good too, and they are all free necks. I explain that they no longer have a master and are free to leave if they so wish, and that King Asbj?rn Aeriksson offer them to learn to read, write and count, so they will have a chance for a better future as literate free women, and away from this mansion. But as free women, it is their choice if they want to take that chance. They can still stay here over the winter if they so wish, and take care of this mansion for me.


    Immediately, ?sa falls to her knees and asks to stay, and swears to be faithful to me and that her life is mine. She pulls down her dress over her left shoulder, and show three branded symbols. The one in the middle is mine, with someone else above and below. Crap, she was sentenced to be branded, and my company confirms that the symbols say that she was convicted of a serious crime against me, and that she has deserved her freedom. Which is damn true. I wish I knew what Radgeirrson was like during the trial, because then she would never have been branded, and I tell her that. ?sa tries to kiss my hand again, but as I put my hands in my pockets, I say that I am primarily a Sejdmann. Honestly, ?sa eagerness to serve me feels annoying.


    In addition to ?sa, there are four ''older'', which includes the black elf and both who showed us around, who ask if they can stay in my service here on the mansion. Frida, Elin, Ima and Shakini need somewhere to live and food, and would like to serve me. A couple can already read, write and count and they have handled such things for Radgeirrson, and they have nowhere else to go. They are probably the most indoctrinated, and they choose to stay here rather than leave as soon as they can, but at the same time they have a realistic view of reality that might make them cope better if their outlook on life isn''t completely fatalistic. And I do need someone to live here, because this mansion is a valuable target to plunder. Just peeling away all the gold would make someone rich, and the maids know what it looks like here. They have riches before their eyes. Hell, one or more might choose that as their reason to stay. To rob the mansion after we have left, but well, I guess I will know if they can be trusted.


    I quickly test their reading and writing skills, and it is about what I expected. But I let everyone stay here for the time being and take care of the mansion and the animals, and try to teach each other to become better at reading and writing, and other useful skills. I''ll leave a couple of slate boards for them. They will also receive a small salary, which they definitely did not expect.


    One of the men also wants to stay as a farmhand and take care of the animals and the mansion''s exterior and land. My sambos and I talk to the women and make sure that they really have no problem with him staying here - partly because he have never been rewarded with them - I warn the man to never touch the women. They are now free neck women, and there will be no more female ''rewards'' that happened in the past during holidays. He will sleep in the stable as he has done so far, and he needs to look for a new job during winter, because he has to leave before the spring equinox. But he too gets a salary. The man accepts and thanks.


    Iselin arrives with one of the young girls we found down in the training room. She asked Iselin if she could stay instead of accompanying the King. Her name is Soma and she is quite short and looks damn young. I doubt she really is 15 years old as she says, and I''m a little worried if Iselin has an agenda to let Soma stay here. Soma has definitely filled out for her age and looks wrongly proportioned. Soma says she is the daughter of a shoemaker and knows her runes, and is good at sewing and cooking. When I actually quickly test her reading and writing skills, it is almost non-existent, which Soma apparently knows and becomes embarrassed and anxious. Busted. Meh, whatever. I just tell her to be honest with me and my sambos in the future, and that she should improve with the others over winter. Her dialect indicates that she comes from the southern parts of the Kingdom.


    Asbj?rn with Jensi and councilor Efi comes forth and asks the maids and especially Shakini - the black elf - if they know the names of some of the guests who visited here; those who made the most use of Radgeirrsons ''services'' and shared his hobbies. Shakini and Frida immediately answers with a handful of names, and they recognize several of them. One name seems to pain Asbj?rn who wants it confirmed. Kari is surprised as she too recognize several of the names. It will probably be an interesting future for these people.

 Tosra & The Auction - day 22, Taking care of the mess (part 4)

    Shakini and Frida, who was responsible for the everyday managing of the mansion, and will continue to do so for me, cautiously wonder if they can talk to me alone, so we move a bit to the side.


    They inform me that Radgeirrson has secrets, and owns a feast hall called ''The red maiden'' in the city of Reiekr?ne, and a mansion just outside Reiekr?ne called ''Klaahof'' on the other side of the sea, south of the Daes Kingdom. It is always a hell of a problem to understand where someone is referring to, party because the geography seems to be the same as in Midg?rd, so I feel a need to actually place it on my mental world map, instead of just ''a few days that way''. But I have heard of Reiekr?ne before in Karis geography lessons and if I understand Frida correctly and the geography really is similar to Midg?rd, Reiekr?ne should be in the area around either Hamburg or Bremen. A large city on a large river, two to three days in from the sea, on the other side of the Kingdom of Daes.


    There are a couple of ownership documents upstairs in on of the bedroom chests that they promise to show me. Both are new acquisitions from this spring, and somehow Radgeirrson has been on his way to getting a noble ''Graef'' title from the Queendoms ruler, Queen Damman, and planned to establish a branch of his trading empire. I recognize that name. I think that is ''The Eternal Queen''?


    Frida confirms my suspicion and she knows about Radgeirrsons secrets because she has had to translate Frigones for Radgeirrson for several years, while he has slowly learned the trade language. Fridas actual name is Frederique, and she comes from the southwest, beyond Daes and Damman at the Frigonese border, and of course she knows the language and has interpreted for more than one newly arrived slave girl. However, she wants us to keep calling her Frida. For some reason, Radgeirrson has kept everything secret, and Frida doesn''t know if Radgeirrsons wife Aldis knows, but when Radgeirrson sometimes said that he traveled south to Forsheim, he actually traveled abroad, and she thinks he said similar to his wife and didn''t always go straight to Borgarsandr.


    Frida goes on to inform me that last spring an eloquent, beautiful and rich woman followed Radgeirrson back here, Miss Schainke, and has lived here or at the local feast hall ''The blushing maiden'' ever since. At first they thought she was a mistress, but they never had sex and she was sent by Queen Damman to teach Radgeirrson the local language with dialect, dance and etiquette there. She left the day after Radgeirrson was convicted, and knew very well what was going on here and was actually pleased with how disciplined the staff were. She did not seem to care about Radgeirrsons sadistic and sexual violence against them, and it was better that Radgeirrson ''enjoyed himself'' with slaves than ''real women''. A very strict lady who was quick to discipline with her hand or hit them with her riding crop if they did something wrong or weren''t fast enough. Radgeirrson respected her, and made sure that she would get a good impression of him from the start, and on arrival gave her a beautiful horse, which she took with her when she left. It was only later that he learned that Miss Schainke didn''t care what he did to his slaves, and she spent much of her time riding around if Radgeirrson was busy or away.


    I don''t think I will like that Queen Damman.


    More locally, I apparently secretly own ''The blushing maiden'' too. One of Borgarsandrs feast halls. Radgeirrsons secretly owned the business and the land, and the official owner Madam Ranhlif is only employed and a front woman. Frida and Shakini are the only two who know on Radgeirrsons side, and Radgeirrson has used the income as his ''live life'' budget. Female slaves that Radgeirrson was tired of or they became ''too old'', or he just didn''t consider it worth ''training'' after they had been ''tamed'', and which he had not been able to sell to his friends, have officially been sold on to ''The blushing maiden''. But in reality, he, and now I, own the feast hall. So he could earn silver on them, and partly used it as an explanation of what happened to the slaves that came here to the mansion if anyone asked. After a year or more with Radgeirrson, quite a few slave girls have been happy to be sold there, as after a couple of years as ''maidens'', they have been able to buy their freedom, and life as a ''maiden'' is ''easy''. Many continue to work on ''The blushing maiden'' for at least another couple of years, because it is an easy life and well paid, at least as long as they are younger, charming and willing. I know it isn''t a huge stigma to have been a prostitute in this culture, and sometimes maidens become concubines, and some have married and have families.


    Asbj?rn hasn''t left, and does not seem to do so immediately, so I signal Iselin and Kari to join me, but stop Alith, Ciara and Caecilia by making eye contact and shaking my head. Better to keep this to as few as possible until we make a decision, and both will probably be my future wives. Frida explain it all from the start.


    Iselin is fascinated by ''The Eternal Queen'' that she has heard stories about, and would absolutely not mind to visit that Queendom. The Queendom is called ''The Eternal Queendom'' precisely because it is a matriarchal rule, and in the Queendom daughters inherit from mothers while sons from fathers, and the mothers lineage is more important and prioritised. It is always clear who is the mother of the child. There has been a queen on the throne of that Queendom for centuries, and it is forbidden for a man to rule, or call himself a queen. Beside the funny reverse gay issue, I guess the queens been wise enough to close that loophole. Some kingdoms in Midg?rd Europe failed to see that, and ended up with a woman calling herself King. Anyway, when there have been conflicts and major wars, the Queendom has always survived, only a little poorer. Iselins belief that Gods and Fate protect the Queendom is entertaining, but I think Kari is right that it is because of politics, and that there is some important event in their religion that says that if a male takes the Queendom he has condemned his lineage to suffer. That, along with the Queendoms reputation for having lots of strong knights, and the fact that the Queen have succeeded in marrying one of her daughters or sons to the rulers of both warring factions even before the conflict, or promised it to the winner, has probably also helped.


    The properties etc in the Reiekr?ne is a problem, but for now a distant problem, so we focus on the feast hall.


    ''The Blushing Maiden'' or just the Maiden as it is also known, has a reputation for being the best feast hall in the kingdom, and the feast hall includes adjacent buildings that function as an inn with bedrooms and a bathhouse in several price ranges except the lowest. The feast hall is overall nicely decorated, and the large feast hall is divided into two parts where one is really nice and the other more normal, but still above average. The same goes for the inn. A bar on each side serves mainly drinks, and each side has a small stage for musicians on one long side and a large fire pit in the middle for heat and light. Each part has a second floor that runs along the outer sides, and the finer part has several smaller side rooms and nooks along both floors. Several stairs that divide the place makes it a slightly deliberate mess, where some private areas have thick draperies or even doors. Ideal for groups of different sizes and with different needs for discretion, and in the finer part it is not uncommon to see guests and smaller groups arrive with a cloak with a hood and simple mask, and there are masks to borrow.


    The feast hall has good mead, wine and food if you pay for it. The musicians are good and there are also various games. Guards will not hesitate to take care of noisy bothersome guests, and the woman in charge of order and the guards seems to be a sadist. Most of the guests are there just to stay for the night, drink with friends or have fun, and female guests are very common. The feast hall is considered a neutral meeting place, and the masks are partly to be able to have meetings and conversations without starting rumors. Wearing a mask makes it harder to follow someone in there, and a cloak that can be turned in and out for a different color is also practical. It happens, of course, that married men and women use the feast hall as a discreet meeting point, because who knows who come and go where? The design of the feast hall with extra buildings means that there are four small courtyards, one at each end of the feast hall, and also a couple of discreet side exits.


    The staff wears red clothes with blue arms and decorations. But most of the visible ''maidens'' are women with ''negotiable affection'' - aka prostitues - and many of them are free women. A color other than blue on the collar of the dress indicates their price range, where yellow is the most expensive, gray is the middle class, and green is the cheapest. What parts of the collar is a color other than blue indicates how ''willing'' the woman are. It can be only two small sections over the shoulders which means hands, to over the breasts which means breasts, and middle front means mouth, to the back collar which is self explaining. In addition to bedrooms and bathrooms in the inn, there are also many smaller rooms. Going ''behind the curtain'' is a euphemism for visiting the pure brothel, or using a space for sex, and of course this can also happen behind a curtain or door in the feast halls alcoves and rooms, or the inns bathrooms and bedrooms. As an overnight guest, various arrangements can be made. It is possible to rent a ''troupe'' to attend a feast elsewhere, but the maidens are generally too expensive, and they were not the ones who were on my island three weeks ago.


    Madam Ranhilf, who manages the feast hall, has a reputation for taking good care of guests and the staff under her, and she has a Fj?lkunnig named Vif who works there for guests and staff. If a maiden happens to become pregnant, it is fixed, and the maiden is kept away until she has recovered. A maiden out among the guests is never sick, pregnant, has bruises or is in a bad mood. It is rare, but a maiden never dies - she has always left, as some do. Some maidens only work ''behind the curtain'', and these are the ones with the lowest status and are the cheapest. A maiden no one wants to pay for and is not appreciated by the guests, is moved to work behind the curtain or behind the scenes with food, cleaning and other things, until they are finally fired or leave.


    Two former maidens have become Ranhlifs right and left hand who help manage the business, and they also know that Radgeirrson is the real owner. Oda helps to take care of the general operation. Nidbjorg is by far the youngest of them and seems to be a sadistic bastard who according to Frida has killed at least four since she left the mansion. Frida knows that she has killed two men and three women, and she has injured and hurt many more. Nidbjorg has not been convicted of any of it, and it has mostly been hushed. Nidbjorg comes from here and was sadistic enough at the end of the training - when she helped in the training room - that Radgeirrson didn''t dare to have her near him, and immediately sent her to The Blushing Maiden.


    After the second time Nidbjorg went too far with a client who was too rough with her, she was promoted to keep order, which she has excelled at. ''Went too far'' is a nice euphemism when Nidbjorg had fun suffocating the man until he fainted, tied him up and put a gag on him, before she beat and raped him with a wooden stick, and then slowly strangled him while she rode him. And apparently let him regain conciousness so she could get several orgasms before she finally strangled him to death. Sure, he threatened her with a knife, but still. The other man was not much better as she cut some sejdish symbol into his skin, and then castrated him, grilled his penis and ate it in front of him. He had beaten Nidbjorg because she didn''t want to take him deep enough and swallow, so she fulfilled his wish. At least she let him live. And that is what Frida knows is true, because Radgeirrson told it when he was drunk and happy that he got rid of Nidbjorg in time, and told her about Nidbjorgs last session in the training room.


    This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.


    Nidbjorg was slowly strangling the girl he raped, but afterwards he discovered that Nidbjorg had strangled the girl to death, while she looked into the girls eyes with a smile, and Nidbjorg had had an orgasm when Radgeirrson came from the girls death spasms he did not know it was. He had recovered, while he saw Nidbjorg deeply kiss the dead girl, and ride on her face to get another orgasm. He had had high hopes for beautiful young Nidbjorg as she liked to train others, but he should have seen the danger that she had become too enthusiastic to use violence and inflict pain. Her pleased smile and happy dreamy look had frightened Radgeirrson when he realised that the girl was already dead. Nidbjorg had laid on top of the dead body and wiggled her ass to signal that she was ready for him, while she gave the dead girl another kiss, and played with the corpses breasts. Nidbjorg was disappointed when Radgeirrson said that the session was over, and tried to convince him to use the opportunity to try his manhood in the dead girls mouth. After she thanked him for a wonderful session, and happily promised to clean up and prepare the training room for the next young slave girl, Radgeirrson didn''t even dare to punish Nidbjorg.


    Damn. Radgeirrson probably should have just killed the psycho he created, but no, he just had to release her into the world and try to make money of her. No wonder her reputation is enough to scare rowdy drunk warriors to behave or leave.


    Frida says that most of the staff are not from the mansion, and ''The Maiden'' buys beautiful young slave women if the price is right. Sometimes free women or young women go there as they do not have much choice in life and ''The Maiden'' have a good reputation. Especially free young women who are virgins can sell their first time ''expensively'' to honored guests. Some of the rooms both in the feast hall and in the inn are very luxurious, and those young women can borrow finer clothes and jewellery and wait for their guest in such a room, so the guest feels that he gets more value for his silver, and the young woman usually wears a beautiful special mask that cover her eyes, to protect her future, and it may be without eyes on the mask, so that she doesn''t see her guest. That explain the feast halls name. Frida inform us that those young women often sell their first time a couple of times more, to less honored guests, or she sells her other first times. Radgeirrson has paid for quite a few of the first times of these young ladies, or invited his friends to it.


    The Blushing Maiden also has some men and boys who sell their company more or less willingly, officially only to female guests, but discreet questions just needs to be asked, and it will be arranged.


    Frida continue to say that married women sometimes ''rent a dress'' and earn extra silver as a Maiden ''behind the curtain''. Some seem to do it to get pregnant with a suitable man, others for the silver, and others for the sex or the sinfulness. As long as the woman doesn''t cause a scene and behave, Ranhlif only cares about the silver they pay to rent. Some men and women are attracted to the mystique of the masked woman or the occasion, and some of the maidens have masks to protect their future or just seem more attractive to men, so that men think the woman is another mans wife or concubine.


    What the hell am I going to do about this? The business is completely legal, and popular. Apparently this is where my guards have been feasting, and in the nicer part. Shakini and Frida told me because I am a good man who freed them and have given them paying jobs, so it was the right thing to do. Also, if they hadn''t told me, Ranhlif probably wouldn''t have said anything about ''The Blushing Maiden'', and they don''t like Ranhlif, Oda or Nidbjorg. Frida and Shakini could have kept quite about it and acted as an intermediary and taken the income themselves, at least for a while, or been payed off by Ranhlif, so it is honorable of them to tell me. They have more than earned their salary, and I will probably give them a bonus.


    Closing the feast hall will not accomplish anything in the long run, except to be an empty gesture, and at least the free women will start working elsewhere. Given the contacts and information that Ranhlif certainly has, she could probably persuade someone to sell land and establish the feast halls successors. Selling the feast hall to her would work, but it is also a relatively empty gesture that gives me silver, and feels like just pushing it away and going ''not my problem''.


    The ''best'' solution for now, is to make it clear to Ranhlif and the others that I know, but also to make it less secret and get a third party who knows, so that they cannot deny it, and I think I choose Asbj?rn. He has invested a lot in me already, and is hopefully difficult for Ranhlif to influence. As the owner I can force Ranhlif to stop selling sex with slaves, and force her to release the slaves. Some will probably continue to work there. I don''t really care how she explain the change to her workers or guests, but if Asbj?rn manages to get those laws through, it will still happen, so in retrospect it might be taken as she received tips from her powerful guests. The free women and men who work there are free to continue as they did.


    Damn, I''m going to own a brothel. That it is the best in the kingdom doesn''t make it better. Double Damn, I might own two. The Blushing Maiden here, and The Red Maiden in Reiekr?ne, and the one in Reiekr?ne really is a separate brothel in name and purpose. If Freja really exists, she has a sick humor.


    Asbj?rn is very surprised as he didn''t know that Radgeirrson owned The Maiden, even though he knew that Radgeirrson was a frequent guest. Asbj?rn has feasted there several times a year, or had discreet meetings with enemies and allies. Asbj?rn doesn''t really understands that I don''t like to own the business, but he offers to get someone he knows to buy it, because he cannot own the feast hall. It would not look good and might ruin its neutrality. For me, it is probably less of a problem, and most people will probably see it as fitting that I own the feast hall, especially from a neutrality point of view. That I forced through the slave changes will also help if it becomes known that I am the owner, which I expect will happen sooner or later. When more than one person knows a secret, it is logical to plan for more people to find out at an increasing rate, and far more people know than when Radgeirrson owned it. Ranhlif problem is that I am powerful in ways Radgeirrson wasn''t, and probably scarier, and I have Freja on my side. I probably should scare her with some magic.


    There are certainly a lot of people at ''The Blushing Maiden'' right now, but the maiden are used to dealing with discreet guests, and no one will see anything wrong with me visiting. Damn, why couldn''t discreet carriages be more common? Right. There isn''t any carriages, and we have a new carriage to check on tomorrow. And I still havn''t tried to mount the drum brakes on the summer carriage. Or the odometer.


    A simple wagon is loaded with the maids few possessions and when the maids are about to leave, there are quick goodbye hugs and a few tears between the maids who leave and those who stay. The other young girl we found in the training room cages looks back at Soma and us, and then runs up to me, goes down on a knee and with a very difficult accent, she asks if she too can stay, even though she cannot read or write. Birna is shy and a little difficult to understand, but why not. The others can teach her. I guess Birna and Soma talked while they were locked in the cages, just sitting there in the dark. They hug each other and seem relieved to be together as they quietly talk and hold hands.


    Its a hell of a thing to be so young and end up as a slave, and they were about to become tortured sex slaves too. Hardly the same thing, but they could also have been married and have a farm and an infant to take care of. The elves grow up fast. Then again, so do a lot of humans too.


    <hr>


    The others leave for the ship to sleep there, but I, Alith, Gunhild, Asbj?rn, Jensi and some of Asbj?rns guards depart from them and ride to ''The Blushing Maiden''. Most of Asbj?rns guards will stay outside in the shadows a short distance away. We make a quick stop and put on the discreet cloaks and masks from Radgeirrsons wardrobes - because, of course he has them. Alith and Gunhild know where we are heading, and why, and I''ve told them that Iselin and Kari knows, but they should keep quiet about this.


    The two guards at the Maidens gate doesn''t react much to our entrance, but it probably happens several times a week that discreet people with guards arrive here. We hear music, song and roaring laughter through the walls, which increases when Jensi gives a coin to the guard, who opens and Jensi enters through the door. The price for admission is half a coin, which is a lot for an ordinary person, but it keeps the poorest away, and makes the feast hall feel more exclusive. How expensive the visit will be, then depends on what is bought.


    We have only waited a few minutes when the door opens again and Jensi comes out followed by three women in nice clothes, one of whom carries a shorter sword and a club in her belt, in addition to the usual knife. I guess that is Nidbjorg, and the one I''m worried about. If Nidbjorg does something stupid, I will shoot her and probably not loose sleep over it, and I''m glad my guards recognize her. Both Gunhild and Hillevi made sure to point out Nidbjorg for Alith and Bodil when they feasted here. The doorman of course knows who his bosses are and quickly disappears inside when he is told, and the guards at the gate disappear outside after a gesture from the woman in the middle. I let my Boomstick rest on the saddle and I have already readied the camera. Under the large cloak, it is easy to discreetly point the camera towards them and start recording. Jensi just points and they walk up to us, and they nod and curtsey to Asbj?rn who stay in the background and acts as a witness, before they get down on their knees in front of me. Two stay a bit in the background and on the sides, so I guess the woman in the middle is Ranhlif. Frida was right. Nidbjorg is far too young, beautiful and innocent looking to be such a monster, and according to Frida she is only 18-19 years old. Given the background noise, what I say will not travel far, and not be heard by the guards outside the gate, but they will certainly know who I am when I leave.


    "You have heard of Radgeirrsons sentence."


    They nod and say; "Yes my Lord."


    "You know who I am."


    They nod and say; "Yes my Lord."


    "I know who you are. The Gods know who you are. Keep managing this place as before, and leave silver as before. But all slaves here will be freed. Those who want to leave can do so. No one will be forced or coerced to have sex. I do not want to hear anything bad about this feast hall, even if it means less profit. If I feel ashamed about owning this feast hall, I will not hesitate to burn it to the ground. You see lightning before you hear thunder. Understood?"


    They nod and say; "Yes my Lord."


    I stop recording, make sure the cameras flash is charged and focus locked. The torch light from the gates allows the camera to focus. "Look at me." They look up, and showily I raise my other hand and snap my fingers just before I press the shutter button.


    That is a hell of a reaction. The horses just jerk back, but Oda screams and throws herself on the ground and starts to crawl away. Ranhlif shouts about her eyes. Nidbjorg protects her face with an arm as she backs away with her sword drawn, and Jensi grabs his sword in the background. Nidbjorg has only held the sword for a couple of seconds when she drops the sword on the ground and falls to her knees, and then down to stands on all fours with her hands pressed flat against the ground. I put away the camera while I watch them, then I turn the horse and calmly ride out of the courtyard. Alith and Gunhild are quite quick to regain their composure and follow suit. Asbj?rn and his entourage are wide-eyed, but I just nod and say a kindly "Until next time." and leave.


    That went as well as it could, and I suspect that Ranhlif will follow my directives. I almost shot Nidbjorg, and would''ve if she had moved forward. I''m a little worried what Nidbjorg might do, because she proved how fast she is in both action and thought when she drew her sword and then disarmed herself. She actually quickly took a very submissive position, with her hands and legs clearly visible. No chance to discreetly draw a weapon, and showed she was no threat. I assume she understood how close to hearing thunder she was.


    I think that was the first ''sejd'' I did in front of Gunhild, Asbj?rn and Jensi. No, wait, Gunhild saw that spoon thing in Skiringsalr. Hillevi might be disappointed. Alith and Gunhild quietly follow me.


    It doesn''t take long to reach the ship. Once there, I ask Gunhild to let the trading empire accommodate the horses during the night, because we will hopefully pick up a new carriage tomorrow. Aliths face is hard to read. Pride, fear or desire?

 Tosra & The Auction - day 23, Mercury rising

    Tosra & The Auction, day 23


    Mercury rising


    When we wake up we are all still just weary from yesterdays experiences, and I am just lying there in bed with Iselin and Ciara as we''re holding each other. Barely say anything, just hugging each other. Eventually I asked Ciara to get up and fetch Kari, and if she can arrange breakfast together with Caecilia. Ciara doesn''t need to know right now. I tell Iselin and Kari what I said to Ranhlif, but not about the flash. I just shows the photo I took and zoom in om their faces, so they can see the women, and might recognize them in the future. I warn about Nidbjorg in particular. Jane will hopefully make a good sketch of them. I just hope that all the stay away from us.


    To keep places and mansions separate, I explain that I will start referring to the mansion here as the B-mansion. B for Borgarsandr. The place in Skiringsalr will be the S-farm and eventually S-mansion, and the farm where Radgeirrson''s party was will be the R-farm, and Forsheim which will be the F-farm. I have already started to think of our home on the island as the A-mansion. I have to travel and visit those other farms too... And eventually Reiekr?ne too.


    I tell them about Asbj?rns visit with Queen Haera and the princesses. Iselin instantly starts to panic when she really understands that The King and Queen are coming to visit our home. Kari tries to reassures her that it is very informal without an entourage, and she whispers that in the future Iselin might be a Furstess, and must get used to it. Iselin almost begins to hyperventilate.


    I didn''t considered it yesterday, but we''re all suspicious of the purpose of the visit, as Princess Sefa will come along. Sefa is 19 years old and was engaged, but a few months ago they were reached by the news that the man she was to marry died during a journey in a distant land, which was the reason why Queen Haera and the princesses were away when I came to Borgarsandr 3 months ago. So Sefa is without a husband, and I''m unmarried and unbound. The youngest princess Ulfarna is 16 years old, but is engaged and will marry in June, so she is no problem. Sefa is. Kari has told me that she was worried that she wouldn''t be given to me, so that the way would be clear for Sefa. But that didn''t happen, probably because the queen and the princesses didn''t return until a few days after she was given to me.


    The time that has passed and with what has happened, has of course given King Asbj?rn and Queen Haera time to plan and learn about me, and they are of course careful who they marry their children with. At the same time as it is a hell of a thing to say ''no'' to, if they actually offer Princess Sefa hand in marriage. So I understand that particularly Kari is worried, because I should marry a desirable wife first and especially as second - and who is more desirable than Princess Sefa? I wonder what Asbj?rn thinks after yesterday ''magic''? I don''t want to reveal anything yet, but the visit means that I need propose to Iselin. I should really try to marry her before their visit to be really safe, but marriage is serious stuff here and it takes time. As long as I propose, and we promise to Freya and spread the rumour before their visit, that will help.


    <hr>


    The first visit in the morning goes to the wagon maker Obaeinn. It has probably been 5 weeks since my last visit, and it will be fun to see their progress.


    This new winter carriage is finished, and honestly its damn beautiful, and feels quite big. The carriage has been ready for more than a week, but they have used the time to do extra decorations and flourishes. Everyone loves the carriage, and for once, I''m not the one who gives the craftsmen the most praise. The craftsmen have tried to keep the wood side panels thin to keep the weight down, but they have still made beautiful carvings. Everything has since been oiled/painted, and the carriage is like a beautiful piece of furniture. Jane is impressed and likes it, calling it:


    "The bastard child of a Growler and a Brougham, that wants to be a Viking Pickup truck and listen to Heavy Metal."


    Good? I have no idea what the hell those are.


    The carriage will definitely be pimped and they are already discussing pillows, cushions, blankets and draperies behind its beautiful windows, because my whole entourage agrees; the carriage will not be sold, and they have realized that we can have the carriage here on the mansion in Borgarsandr. We have horses there, and the women in my life agree that it doesn''t matter how much the carriage will be used. Kari indiscriminately start asking Jane if she has any suggestions for ''accessories'', of course trying to find out how Midg?rd does things, and Iselin and Jane immediately pick up on it and they start talking. Their smiles worry me.


    It is a bit cramped to sit three in width inside, but it works and feels better than in some cars, and with more legroom. It was definitely worth using polished glass in the windows. The windows are quite small compared to my mansions, so not so much glass, and in addition to letting in light, good glass makes the surroundings clearer. Of course it is possible to open the windows, but then rain and wind will find its way inside. Opening the windows will mostly be used in good weather, or if we need to talk to someone outside and the weather is bad. There is also a small window at the top front and back to be able to talk to the coachwoman, or those behind, or just look in the direction of travel. Those windows have a slightly more advanced opening function and can be locked in an intermediate position because they should provide good ventilation right through the carriage, without making it too windy and cold. They also help to make the inside brighter, especially if the carriage travels towards or away from the sun. I hope the rain protection will be enough to keep rain away from finding its way inside. Oh, well. The carriage will rot sooner or later.


    The wagon maker Obaeinn has already started making wheels and parts for the flatbed cargo wagon and has ordered leaf springs. I ask the wagon maker to update that wagon with a canvas roof with sides, a bit like a classic western prairie wagon, and also wooden benches on the sides at the back that can be folded up, so it will be easier for people to sit. Unfortunately, I have no new information about drum brakes to give him.


    The wagon maker is very pleased with all the new carriages and wagons, and he tells us that the king and queen have ordered a summer carriage from him, and have already been here and looked at the winter carriage. Of course, they havn''t tried it since the first trip is ours.


    My sambos feels decision anxiety. We can pretend as if we don''t know and keep it for ourself, but it is probably a good idea to send Frida with the new carriage to the castle so the royal couple can test it after we have left Borgarsandr.


    <hr>


    The first stop is of course be the seamstress guild to order things for the carriage, but they also return with piles of ordered clothes from the guild so I guess they ordered a lot the last time. I honestly havn''t checked and have no idea what they buy. I just know I have more clothes after the each time, and they are washed and hung back. Its good to be the king.


    The guards liked the new tabards, and they each get two, although the other model is probably called something else. Both can be worn on the outside of their chain mail. A thinner, finer light blue tabard with a yellow logo is for more formal occasions when they should be visible and more stately. The longer with a split between the legs, wide arms and hood will be their everyday one. It is in a green-brown shade with a decimeter-sized light blue logo on the left chest, and the guards should be more discreet while out in nature, and they also get a boonie hat in the same green-brown shade.


    I agree with Ciara that it would be pretty to use the blue tabards all the time, but it is not tactical, and I''m actually a little annoyed at the visibility of the light blue chest logo on the green-browns. But even with the green-browns the guards will still wear metal and we have to get more shields thats painted to match. I would rather dress the guards simpler camouflage uniforms and the seamstress guild has sewn two prototypes. Something modern like Pencott would be nice, but it is possible to sew something reminiscent of the Swedish M90 camouflage, because most garments are made of parts, and with some creative solutions it can be improved to be more effective at breaking the contour, by matching color against the background and distorting the bodyshape.


    The M90 prototype is hardly as nicely patterned or has as complex shapes as the camouflage should have, but it may be better than a solid color. They have done a pretty good job with all of it, and the others. The principle there is sand-colored light-colored garment, which when finished is selectively dyed with green and a brown splotches by hand, to become a slightly blurry appearance and softly changed colors. It is clear that the fabric have absorbed the dyeing and with capillary action sucked it out into a softer mess than hoped, but it is a prototype and somewhat reminiscent of Atacs FG pattern.


    It will be interesting to test if it makes a difference in visibility, and how much at different distances. As desired, they have also included two larger pieces of fabric; one just whole green much like Swedish M59 camouflage, and other is ''M90 style'' but got a few brown splotches as the last step. I will try to hang the tabard, the prototypes and the fabrics on branches or lay against the ground in different terrain. Then we will simply stand and look at it from different distances and see which one is the least visible.


    This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.


    Ciara thinks the prototypes look so ugly and seem cheaply made due to patched appearance and poorly dyed fabric. But of course she accepts my explanation of why they are like that. It would also be interesting to make a ghillie suit and camouflage net. Although it is hardly useful in our current situation, everything takes time, and it is nice to show the principle and be prepared.


    We''re waiting in the carriage for Kari and Jane to be finished, and they return with happy and pleased faces, so I guess I''ll get pleasant surprises from Kari in the future. Jane would have liked to open a medieval version of Victoria''s secrets, and although I would hardly complain about seeing Iselin, Kari and Ciara in such creations, it is unfortunately completely impractical and Kari agrees. Borgarsandr must have a far larger population than the corresponding city of the same era in Midg?rd, but that is far from enough for Jane''s idea. There simply isn''t enough people who have the economy for it to be practical, and even fewer who will buy such clothes with any regularity. The only thing that can possibly work, is to hire female merchants who can travel around and try to sell it to richer women where it is socially acceptable, or discreetly to women where it is socially unacceptable. However, Kari loves the idea, and would have liked to visit such a store in Midg?rd.


    Jane reluctantly admits that she didn''t consider that Kari would realise that a big store only for lingerie - with many shelves and racks like she described - must mean that there is so much underwear in different designs etc, and that Jane must know copious designs. Karis expectations are high.


    <hr>


    We continue to visit shops and pick up things that were ordered weeks ago, and as we leave the shops, there are horses, carts and delivery people going to the ship. Windows, furniture, doors, insulators, battery vessels, fire extinguishers, copper wire and more and more...


    At one point we pass ''The Blushing Maiden'', and I whisper to Iselin and Kari as we get closer, and I take the opportunity to take some pictures through the open windows. I don''t like to keep secrets from Ciara, but she doesn''t really seem to care, and I will eventually tell her. When Jane and Caecilia won''t hear.


    The armour smith can definitely do the job of changing the chain mail, so we''ll have to pick it up the next time, and Caecilia make a note of it. It will take a couple of weeks. It is nice to be prioritized.


    <hr>


    We take the opportunity to shop from my own trading empire. It just makes good sense to do it as we get a discount. We find a really nice porcelain set, which both me and Jane think might actually be porcelain instead of earthenware. It is really nice and from far away, and in addition to a couple of serving bowls, there are a dozen plates, bowls, cups and more. Jane groans and complains that we will have teacups, but no coffee or tea. Pine needle tea doesn''t really count, but she sure will try to improve it and find the best cup. She almost see it like a sacred duty to be scientific about.


    We also buy a better set of wooden tableware, and a large cutlery set in silver, and Kari and Ciara finds some nice serving plates, bowls and candlesticks that match. I let Kari, Iselin and Ciara buy whatever they think we need, because I have no idea whats right here, but it gets expensive. We already have a nice cutlery set in silver, and we have gradually started to use it more and more when we eat, even if fingers of course are okay. My entourage have been quick to start using cutlery because they have noticed how used to it Jane and I am. The cutlery set is for 10 people, which is the standard seating at the dining room table, but we need more really nice cutlery for future feast even if the cutlery isn''t exactly the same. We will now have for 24 people, but we would need something more so we have a margin. There is just nothing to buy as the market is very small and most inherit it, and just like the last silver set, we will order something custom made that matches in appearance to the new set, and will take the opportunity to order better forks.


    Ovdhon knows about mill stones, but sadly not mill stones in the way I want it. In addition to buying all the resin, beeswax and cork thats here, I take the opportunity to buy the two books, the kilos of sulfur, and 7 small flasks of liquid metal, ie mercury. It is only about half a liter in each, but they must weigh 6 kilos each. Of course, mercury is heavier than lead, so I really should have expected that. But its like shoveling irondust when you''re used to sand or snow. It just feels weird with a small liquid filled flask that is that heavy.


    I am surprised that Ovdhon has mercury - and so much of it - because as a modern human I don''t instantly see much use or market for mercury, only problems and dangers, but I know that mercury has been important since ancient Egypt, as it is used for several things. Among other usages, it was used as medicine, which is a horrible idea. More than one ruler has been poisoned by his ''doctor'' in the belief that it would prolong life and make the ruler live forever. I know that Alchemists saw mercury as the basic metal from which all other metals were created, and it was just about different amounts of sulfur and composition to create the rest of them, and that gold must be mercury with a lot of sulfur, and copper with a little less sulfur. Which is probably the reason for all Vitriol variations, because they all contain sulfur. A science based on mercury and sulfur solutions. Midg?rd has come a long way since we had those thoughts. But it is quite logical that there is a trade in mercury, sulphur and other alchemical preparations. I explain to Ovdhon that he should never again pour mercury in his hand to show someone it is a liquid metal, because in the long run it is toxic. It is taken seriously because as Ovdhon offered us to try, I immediately stretched out my arms and took a quick step back to keep my curious entourage away, and Jane backed away with an English: "Oh fuck! Thats mercury!"


    Sometimes reaction and how something is said, transcends actually understanding the words.


    I explain that mercury fumes are also toxic to inhale, and they settle as an invisible film on surfaces, which is an additional problem in the long run as the body is good at absorbing mercury in several ways. Ovdhon seems to be worried that he will die before summer, but I manage to calm him down. He sure will be more careful.


    Personally, I look forward to using mercury to build thermometers, barometers, gravity vacuum pumps, motion sensors and the like. It is also possible to make high-power valves with mercury, such as mercury vapor rectifiers, which convert high voltage or high current AC to DC. Before there were powerful semiconductors, that was the only really practical way and was used by trams, high power radio transmitters and more. Since the cathode was a small mercury pool at the bottom, and the inside was at a very low pressure of a few millibars or something, mercury vapor rectifiers had a long life, because the mercury vapor condensed and flowed back down into the pool. They also looks cool as hell with up to half a meter wide glass bubble and glowing purple-blue-white light. The also output a hell of a lot of UV light. I''ve seen them at several technology museums, and they are so visually glorious. I almost want to build one in the future just because they are so awesome looking. And if I ever do make a high-voltage power grid or high current, I would need to use mercury vapor rectifiers to convert to direct current. They can handle several hundred kilowatts, and several hundred stacked lead cells can provide high-voltage DC batteries. Mercury rectifiers with really high power of thousands of amperes were often built in steel vessels with water cooling, but they are boring. However, they should be easier to manufacture. I have to take notes so can I remember all my ideas and can experiment when I have more time in the future - like with copper oxide rectifiers - for a simple reliable rectifier almost regardless of current, would be so useful.


    While my thoughts went on a tangent - as usual - Iselin, Kari and Ciara bought large amounts of all the spices here. I recognize what I think is basil, oregano, chili, salt and pepper, even though they do not have the same name in Norse, not counting salt and pepper that is very close. I like pepper, but am impressed that it is here as it comes from India. I wonder how many traders this pepper have changed hands between, and each have made money on it. I''m also still impressed that they have real sugar and that if I understand correctly, it comes from the Mediterranean. I thought it was an American crop, but it could''ve been that sugar was brought there and became huge after colonization, just like cotton. Humans have spread useful crops like crazy. If the climate works, and there is a market, it will be grown. I think rubber trees came from Indonesia or somewhere in Southeast Asia.


    In the end, I don''t really care about the price of things like this, not with the income I got from my new possessions.


    It is interesting that some of the important commodities that are imported from the south are salt, sugar, cotton and the best cement. Like so much else, I just assumed that sugar beets already existed here, but no one has heard of such a thing so it will be a future project to try to find and produce sugar from. I don''t know much about sugar beets, but I know it was big in England during World War II and it is grown in fields in modern Swedish Sk?ne and Halland, so there should be beets that can cope with the climate or be able to adapt to it over a few generations. Sugar production will have to be experimental, but I think it is mostly boiling in hot water and pressing, but certainly with something complicated like evaporation or so on. Or they might have discovered it by now. I think it will be a problem if it is actually heated to boiling at 100C because the sugar will be caramelized. Making maple syrup has the same problem. Getting rid of the water. Can I lower the boiling temperature by lowering the air pressure? I can hardly move all the beet juice and wood up a high mountain, and accessible norwegian mountains probably aint high enough to really matter. Might make a good experiment though to prove changing boiling point by height. More future projects to add on the long list.


    Jane buys most of the pigments and similar things, and I also buy some pigments and stuff. Including the two jars of that unusual oil. Nice.


    I am a Sejdmann and Ovdhon show me special items requested by sejd women. Including a horn from a horses head. A Unicorn? Yeah. Right. It is probably a narwhal or similar horn. Ovdhon shows me another horn he says comes from the north that looks different and is far longer, that is from a sea creature. Ovdhon explain that the first one comes from Alba, so just to make it clear that it is bullshit, I ask Ciara.


    There are Unicorns in Alba.


    They are unusual, and by law they can only be owned by Mormaers and those who have a title and a Mormaer personally give one too. A Unicorn is the traditional riding animal for Mormaers, and Ciara inherited her husbands unicorn after he died, but the unicorn died in the attack when she was taken from Alba. Most unicorns live free and can only be hunted and captured at a certain time of the year, and only by men sent out by Mormaers for that purpose. There is a death penalty for others to do so. The meat tastes like a horse, and Ciara has even seen when they brought back a pair of dead and sawed off its horns because it is an important expensive and rare commodity. I still want to doubt it, but Ciara wouldn''t lie to me. Jane is so happy, both because there really is Unicorns here, and because I don''t really want to believe it.


    But if Unicorns really exist here, it may be the basis for the Midg?rd myths, but then the question is: How many other mythical creatures actually exist here? What can be found in the wast and deep inland forests? That is something Jane does not like to think about.

 Tosra & The Auction - day 23, Olafrs wish

    Since I now have plenty of mercury, a mercury thermometer would be nice to start with, as thermometers have many uses. The problem is that glass mercury thermometers like many other measuring instruments and constructions require long narrow glass tubes, for things like seeing water level on a steam tank as long as the glass tube endure the pressure, but a mercury thermometer requires a very narrow preferably hair thin channel because the thermal expansion of the metal is small.


    The glazier gets another visit and he is happy to see me until I explain what I want. But he has already made glass tubes, so narrower should just be to pull it out faster? Maybe I can use my gas burner to the tube heat up, melt together and blow a bubble and so on. So I ask the glazier to make lots of glass tubes, some U and S shaped but above try to make them all straight, and some with finger-sized interior and some as narrow as possible. I need tube lengths of 10 to 40cm, but longer is better as I can cut down, and I would like some up to a meter or more if he can make them, for barometers and the like, and he should also let some larger tubes seal at the end so I can use them as test tubes. Short tubes or in funny bends shouldn''t be thrown but can be useful. He will probably have to make some tools and jigs, and we discuss problems and possible solutions.


    Mercurys thermal expansion coefficient is small, and something that expands more would be easier, such as ethanol, but ethanol has a poorer temperature range which the thermometer will operate within. Anyway, the narrower the channel, the more movement for a certain volume, and the less mercury is needed. It is possible to compensate with a large amount of mercury in the bubble, and I can make a thermometer with a deciliter of mercury, but I hope I won''t need it as it limits what the thermometer can be used for due to thermal mass, and weight affects durability. Getting the mercury into the bubble becomes difficult if it is permanently sealed, but it is possible with a vacuum and centrifugal force. The bubble doesn''t have to be glass and permanently attached to the tube, it is only practical if it is. I can combine them with something like ceramics or something, or make the bubble in ceramics. The problem is that the joint must become tight and if the thermometer is exposed to far too much temperature difference, the ceramic and glass will not have the same expansion and it will either break or it will come loose depending on which one expands the most. So if possible, it is best to keep the thermometer completely in glass.


    The glazier doesn''t have a blowtorch or gas burner and I wonder if I can do something that can burn with a high temperature, but my only current option is my jetboil gas kitchen. It won''t burn totally clean, but it will be hot. I need to test with the an oil lamp, but I don''t think it can reach a sufficiently high temperature, because the color is wrong. Hydrogen would be best as i burns clean without sooting, but collecting hydrogen and burning it is not fun, even if hydrogen is somewhat easy to produce by electrolysis of water. I forsee a future with hydrogen explosions.


    Maybe I should try gengas, also known as wood gas? Can it be stored in any usable pressure? How hot will that burn? It was big once upon a time, and during World War II petrol and diesel shortages, half of Swedens vehicles were converted to wood gas. It is still used in the Third World, in the wilderness and in North Korea. The principle is simple with ''burning'' carbon-based biomass, often wood or coal, and cooling down and purifying the gas formed, to then feed into a petrol or diesel engine. Getting the tar away from wood is important, and to increase the efficiency of combustion etc. The right type of petrol engine doesn''t really need to be modified but can run on petrol and switch to wood gas after start-up. A modern solution could probably get the right timing with the engines electronic control system, and use sensors and the like to regulate itself instead of learning to do it manually. The details will be a pain to get right for an efficient system, but it can be very practical here in combination with steam engines.


    Maybe I should try to make acetylene? Koks and Calcium Oxide burned with a electric arc creates it, but it need to be compressed and stored. Easy to say, but not so easy to do. Factories used to make their own acetylene before they figured out how to store it in gas cylinder without blowing up. A porous mass and acetone was the key to that, but the good thing is that I need to keep the pressure low for it to work. 7 bar is the modern limit compared to 200 bar for a oxygen gas cylinder, but it can blow if subjected to shock and 1.4 bar is feed to the torch. I can probably forget about making oxygen. I really need to make safety equipment before I mess with acetylene and stuff. Guess I have had an unexpected use for getting an limited ADR license. Way to hard to do right now, but it is added to the list.


    Again, my mind have gone away from the topic. Glass. I also need to think about annealing the glass when the work is done. But the glazier accepts the job and will make sure it is well packaged in wood chips and sawdust and will also ship with some of the better failures.


    <hr>


    I take a detour to the man doing stone work, and I order a millstone and a bedstone from him. It will be a difficult job to get it right, and honestly I expect to have to grind the wheels a bit to make the surfaces good. But the stone worker can cut the hole and pattern I ask into two flat round stones. If it work well I can absolutely promise him a lot of work in the future. There will be many mills.


    <hr>


    Next I visit bladesmith Olafr to see his progress, and if he has finished my stamps. They look good. The Triangle A and Triangle R logo was of course the hardest to make, but he has made those stamps in two sizes. He''s finished his second sword, and his personal knife. Its a copy of the knives he made for me, but with a very beautiful ornate wooden grip, which he will continue to carry in his own belt as a reminder. The second sword is just as beautiful and a real work of art. Beautiful amber inlaid in a golden grip, and I give Olafr well-deserved praise.


    He looks sad as we talk about his sword, and he admits that he has no new work he is excited about. He has spent extra time making these, just because he didn''t want to return to his normal work. He has hardly done any work the last few days. The apprentices work. Sure, he has several orders for ordinary swords, spears and axes, but it is just boring repetitive work. No challenge.


    If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    I guess I my timing is perfect, and I casually say that I have a couple of special projects if he is interested, and I have steel lumps on my ship. Yeah, that lit a glow in Olafrs eyes. So we find a quieter spot and order people away. I inform him that he needs to keep it a secret but his apprentices can be told if he trusts them and need their help, to which he quickly and very seriously swears. First I show him my folding knife prototype in brass, and show how I can open it with one hand and how the lock works. Iselin loves pockets, and a folding knife with a pocket clip would be a good little wedding gift she probably like. There are apparently simpler folding knives, but it has never been popular, partly because people don''t have pockets and a knife needs to be caried. A knife sheath is practical to carry the knife in so it might as well be a good normal cheaper knife. But Olafr loves the design and layout, and like the thumb movement to fold out the blade, or with a flick of the wrist. It is a fairly simple design, but when unfolded it feels safe and stable. I want a prototype, followed by a real pretty one marked with Iselins name on the grip, and before midwinter.


    Then I show him the really secret stuff, and take up the flintlock prototype and drawings from the bag while I explain that this will be a hunting weapon based on sejd. Olafr hardly believes me, but I remind him of the duel I did and the thunder. I have been thinking and done some tests, and come up with a weapon others can use, that use sejd from me. It is a powerful weapon, but intended for hunting animals, not elves, and it requires special parts which will be hard to do. I have been inspired by the work he''s already done for me, how beautiful my cane is, and the parts for it. Olafr just stares at me. On the drawings and parts. He carefully makes sure he has understood;


    "These parts and drawings are for making weapons that use sejd for hunting?"


    "Yes."


    "A sejd weapon that anyone can use. Like a crossbow?"


    "Yes."


    "But just like the steel swords, these are not meant to be sold, and there won''t be many."


    "Right. They''re for my own use and without sejd from me, they will just be beautiful wood and metal things that can make sparks; they are just bad clubs of wood and metal. Most likely, in the future I will give one away as I have promised my bodyguard Alith who likes hunting a special gift, and as you can understand she has some trouble in properly using a bow."


    Olafr casts a quick eye at Alith and smiles, but then ignores her and takes a deep breath as he calmly lays his hands on the drawings.


    "I will gladly make these to the best of my skill and with the same focus as the swords, if I can try it once for myself."


    I feel a growing smile on my face: "Olafr, build it well and I promise we will hunt together, and it will sound like Thor is there with us."


    Olafrs eyes no longer glow, a fire has been lit and it burns strong. We go through the rest of the details and the feel in things. How there should be a piece of shaped flint clamped in leather there, and it should give good sparks down in the pan when it is released. That the parts shape, hardening and spring strength are important for there to be good sparks in a quick reaction, and he can try different patterns too. We talk about the safety and the feel of the trigger and its force. I point out the rain protection on the various parts. About simple screws to hold certain parts together so it can be loosened for maintenance. That the lower barrel in a double barrel gun should be slightly narrower in front, while the upper one should be straight, if it is possible to do, but not important.


    Olafr can not say when it will be finished but it will be done as good as he can, even the mirrored mechanism. He looks forward to trying to make a sufficiently long narrow round pipe for the barrel. It is an interesting and difficult challenge, and we discuss a couple of ways to do it, including a rifled barrel as on the drawing for the rifle. The first thing he will build is basically a flintlock musket, but he gets to practice and see if he can make the flintlock and the barrel, and I understand if Olafr wants proof that my sejd works. I give Olafr all the drawings, even on wooden stocks and simpler sketches of a lathe and barrel drilling machine, rifling reamer, etc.


    Its been more than an hour since we started talking about thunder weapons when I leave Olafrs smithy, and most of my company have been waiting in the carriage. The carriage really impresses Olafr, but he refuses to get too close as dirty as he is, and he shouts at an apprentices to ready two of his horses to accompany us to the ship to pick up the very valuable steel lumps. Olafr whisper that he will send a messengers to deliver to the island when the first object is ready, or if he cannot do the job well enough, and he will make those folding objects too.


    I have never hunted animals. I have never wanted to it even though hunting is common where I live, and I grew up with a father who hunted and slaughtered the animal back home. But I look forward to trying Olafrs craft and accompanying him on a hunting trip.


    <hr>


    The blacksmith who''s worked on the steam boiler has finished it and will deliver the steam boiler to my boat. The steam boiler should only have to withstand low pressure so I''m not particularly worried, but he has done a good enough job that I order a new and smaller steam boiler for my future steam engine test. It is also a standing model but with the fire inside the steam boiler, which makes it more complex to manufacture, and the new steam boiler will have to withstand higher pressures too. It will still be a low pressure boiler and probably something like first half of 1800s. I hope the steam boiler will be able to handle 4-5 bar, and it will have reinforcement rings shrunk around, and plenty of folded edges and rivets where heat shrinkage can not be used. The chimney on the other hand, will be screwed on with many screws because there will be no high pressure there, just very hot, and I will make the threads myself. A removable chimney together with a small hatch in the tank also helps with maintenance. The hatch will be angled in and fastened with bolts from the outside, so pressure will force it closed, instead of relying on the bolts.


    The last complication is that this boiler will be used with steam engines, so I want dry steam, and the boiler gets a simpler intake cylinder in the top, instead of just having outlet pipes. This boiler will also use a circulating water system via a condenser and the blacksmith will make that too. Steam injectors and other things like that will be a future problem.


    <hr>


    Mercury and thoughts about it have made me realise how often I will need to create a vacuum in the future, especially a good vacuum if I want to make stuff like vacuum tubes and possibly light bulbs. That require a good low pressure. But falling mercury is a bad impractical solution for creating a vacuum even though is should create a good vacuum. At the same time I will probably have a functioning line shaft system and a steam engine in the near future. So I will try to build a rotating molecular vacuum pump. It doesn''t need to be perfect or be able to achive a high vacuum as long as it works as a faster first step in making a vacuum.


    A visit to Digraldi means that he takes on the task of creating the pump housing etc, but I will have to use a lathe and turn and balance the parts. The tolerances will be tight which means it will be hard to do. It will be interesting to see if mercury or oil works best as the liquid in the vacuum pump. And I have to make some kind of meter how good the vacuum is, which will be really hard as the vacuum gets higher.


    Since the water filters have been a hassle and are bothersome, I will try with a sand filter, so Digraldi will make high and fairly wide containers for it.


    I wonder how many concurrent projects I have going?

 Tosra & The Auction - day 23, Adapting

    It''s late in the afternoon when we finally return to the ship again, after a trip to my little farm outside to greet those who lease it, and probably two laps through Borgarsandr just because my sambos wanted to use the winter carriage more and it was already too late to leave Borgarsandr today. I drop off most of my company at the ship to go up to the castle with Alith and Gunhild.


    In reality, we take a detour to the B-mansion, where Frida hurries out and carefully steps into the carriage. She confirms that she carried out the assignment I gave her yesterday, and she gave the message to Fj?lkunniga Vif in ''The Blushing Maiden'' this morning. I don''t know if Vif was at the Tosra meeting, or if Vif can read, and it was about IUDs, and that Vif can locate another Fj?lkunnig who knows about it nearby. Otherwise, she can talk with Unn out on the Academy''s island outside Lysesund in three weeks at the earliest, so Unn can show and explain. IUDs should be free to all the women in ''The Blushing Maiden'' who wants it, and I appreciate if she collects information on how many women accept, how many times they have intercourse and what time of month it is in relation to their period, and if they become pregnant or there are any problems. But that is not a requirement. If the woman doesn''t want to tell, it is acceptable. The information should be anonymous for me, and is to perhaps be able to improve IUDs and in the future know better what to expect.


    "Madam Ranhlif first thought I was there to apply for a job as a ''Maiden'', but I told her a bit of what happened here yesterday - and that my Lord freed all us - and that I had a message from Sejdmann Arnesson. That directly changed Madam Ranhlifs attitude and I don''t want to pry, but I could plainly see fear in Madam Ranhlif. So I gave her the message, and Madam Ranhlif directly took me to see Vif and ordered her to quickly use the incredibly valuable information that Sejdmann Arnesson generously shared with them, and it will be free and so on. Of course, everyone has realised the value.


    Madam Ranhlif wanted me to let my Lord know that earlier in the morning all the slaves had been freed. When I was there only one had chosen to leave, but some where thinking about it. Most will probably stay there as winter is on its way. The excuse Ranhlif gave was that she received an insight from Freya that it was the right thing to do, and let everyone know that there will be some other changes as well. The whole place is going to be improved and they were cleaning everywhere when I arrived. Ranhlif isn''t young, so I heard a rumor that some people think it is because Ranhlif hopes to come to Folkvang when she dies."


    Frida have said it with a bit of satisfaction clear in her voice. Frida points out the window at a young woman next to the front door.


    "That woman showed up around noon and has been waiting for my Lord to return. I recognizes her; her name is Kadlin and she works as a guard in the Maiden, and she hopes to be able to thank my Lord for releasing her."


    I had really hoped that Ranhlif would keep my ownership secret, but that does not seem to be the case. The again she works as a guard, so maybe she guarded the gate and understood? I didn''t check if any of them were women. That was hardly in my mind when we arrived or left. Frida goes out and signal towards the waiting woman and soon Kadlin is sitting in front of me in the carriage. I understand why Frida recognizes her, as Kadlin has a large scar from her left temple to her jaw and like Bodil have white hair. A distinctive look. Kadlin wears simple worn and patched clothes with only a small leather pouch in her belt, and a ''matching'' cloak to protect against the weather. If she is a newly released slave, it is probably her best clothes, and she has definitely washed herself and tried to make her hair nice. Kadlin sits so very carefully on the seat, and hardly dares to look up at me.


    "Lord, I just want to thank my Lord for making me a free woman." and she gently takes my hand to kiss it, but I stop her.


    "No!" Frighten she pulls back and makes herself small and cowered. Shit. "It has nothing to do with you. I am firstly a Sejdmann, not a Furst or Lord, and you wouldn''t have kissed the hand of a Fj?lkunnig woman. You can look at me, and try to relax. I won''t hurt you even if we disagree." Her reddish-purple eyes reminds me of Disas. "How come you thank me for your release?"


    A few careful glances and hesitantly with a low voice she replies: "My Lord owns ''The Blushing Maiden'', and owned me. I saw my Lord arrive last night. I was the one standing guard at the door. When Madam Ranhlif sent me in, I looked through the peephole by the door, ready to charge out. I didn''t hear what was said, but I saw how they fell on their knees before my Lord, and how they nodded as they received orders. I also saw when my Lord showed his power." Ah. Okay, wrong of me to assume that it was a doorman instead of a doorwoman, and of course they have peepholes. "I saw and heard when Nidbjorg pushed Madam Ranhlif against the wall and with a knife against her throat threatened Madam Ranhlif. Nidbjorg is happy for their new Lords grace and chance, and if Madam Ranhlif goes against their Lord, she will slowly bleed Madam Ranhlif, quietly and painfully, before presenting her head to their Lord when Nidbjorg asks for her Lords mercy. They didn''t discover that I had seen and heard it."


    I was worried that Nidbjorg would try something, but instead Nidbjorg seems to keep Ranhlif in check. But that might change at the drop of a hat.


    "This morning all us slaves were freed, and Madam Ranhlif gave everyone new directives on cleaning and behavior. I understood that my Lord had ordered it, and I''ve also heard rumors of what Radgeirrson had been convicted of, and that my Lord have taken over his possessions. And later in the morning also Radgeirrsons comming punishment. I decided to try to seek out my Lord to thanks my Lord. Once here, Frida told me how they were freed last night, and that some of them chose to stay and work for my Lord."


    Is Kadlin looking for a job?


    "Thank you for telling me. How come you as a slave worked as a door guard?"


    "I was sold to the Maiden as a shieldmaiden three years ago, and have worked there ever since."


    I look at Alith sitting beside me, but she seems as surprised as I am, so I ask. Kadlin was born as a slave, up by Storsj?n a few day trips north. Born and raised on the same farm belonging to a Storman. Three years ago, the Storman fell in disfavor with Jarl Naeswulf, and the Storman put weapons in the hands of all his slaves and gave them rudimentary training. Jarl Naeswulf attacked. They fought. The lost. She can barely remember, because she got hit in the head. Unthinkingly she caress her scar. She and a few others who survived were taken prisoner. They were sold. She claimed that she was trained as a shieldmaiden, and was sold as a guard to get more silver for her. She has worked here ever since, either guarding that door, or keeping order behind the curtain, and she has trained with the other guards. She has been tempted to try to sell her body in order to earn silver to buy her freedom, but she wanted to keep something of herself. Her scar and training have at least given her that option. As an ''ugly'' slave, she would have been sent to work behind the curtain full time, and she absolutely did not want that. Kadlin intends to continue working as a guard at the Maiden until late spring and seek a new life come summer. She caress her neck and again thank me for making her a free neck. She thought it would never happen. Kadlin apologizes and gets ready to leave, but I stop her.


    "Do you free necks receive a salary?"


    "A coin a week." A really low salary, and only one ounce of silver per year. One twelfth of what I give Alith and Bodil. But it is still far better than what they had as a slave, even though the food and housing will certainly still be really bad, they''re no longer slaves. I should probably force Ranhlif to improve it or in the future increase their salary, but I need to give Ranhlif some time to adapt.


    "You know who I am, and yes, I took over the ownership from Radgeirrson. His ownership has been secret and I intend to continue to do so. As the owner, I can at least force improvements." Her nodding and gaze show that she understands and agrees. "But it would be good to have someone with ears and eyes on the inside. Until you leave; are you willing to be my eyes and ears in there, and see to it that Ranhlif, Nidbjorg, Oda and others behave and take care of the place?"


    "My Lord, it would be my honor to do so!" It is cute how proud she looks by getting the offer. "Although I rarely work as a guard behind the curtain nowadays, I am friends with a couple of the women who work there, and those who work behind other and better curtains, so I can discreetly get information from them."


    "Thank you. Do a good job for both the Maiden and for me, be honest with me and protect my secret, and you will earn significantly more than one coin a week. I pay those who do a good job for me. But you have to pretend that everything is normal, and let things take their time. Do not show that you are curious or gather information. Be careful and not eager. Report only if you need to, and if it is important you can talk with Frida here, or report when I or mine occasionally visit Borgarsandr - my ship will be anchored where it is now. Take a trip down to the harbor and look for the unusual looking ship with the Academy logo on a light blue flag. I will inform two of my women about you and your secret mission, Iselin and Kari. But only they and Alith here will know about you. Repeat their names."


    "Miss Iselin, Miss Kari, shieldmaiden Alith or Frida." Kadlin is so serious and proud and attentively listens to every word.


    "Should something really important happen, which cannot wait, or you fear for your life - leave the Maiden and seek us out on Small Ackerek, which is an island outside Lysesund, a long day trip north."


    I take a couple of pictures of her, without flash. Then I take my coin purse out of the side pocket and count out about an ounce of silver, half in coins and the rest as a lump of silver. An annual salary with her present salary.


    "This is to show that I am serious, and you have something to help you in your work, or if you have to leave. But be careful and think before you spend any silver, because others will wonder where the silver comes from. I would recommend you to eat a little more and healthier food, such as carrots, lingonberries, and occasionally some fish, meat, etc. You can eat somewhere out on the town a couple of times a week, out of sight and witnesses." She receive the silver carefully and seriously, and listens to what I say with a growing smile. "I would also recommend that you start exercising, but start gently. Start jogging two or three times a week, and use the excuse that you are trying to become a better shieldmaiden or something, because after a while no one will react to you disappearing to jog. It will have become a routine. But it is up to you and absolutely no requirement or an order. Who should you contact?"


    "My Lord, Miss Iselin, Miss Kari, Shieldmaiden Alith or Frida."


    Good memory, and she will definitely start training. I open the door and she is quick to gather herself and act somewhat normal. She leaves the carriage, greets Frida and wraps her cloak around herself as she hurries away. Alith whispers that she thinks it is an excellent idea, and in the future I should hire more discreet people working in the background to keep track of whats happening on my properties, and I let Alith try to take care of that part. I would have liked to hire one of the prostituted as well, but I do want to reveal myself to them, and without doing so I cannot count on any loyalty. I can''t count on it afterwards either. I certainly wouldn''t be the first to pay for information, so stupid to draw attention to myself.


    This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    <hr>


    We leave the mansion but stop out of sight in the forest below, and against their wish I order Alith to stay with Gunhild. I take a couple of clay pots and a shovel and head off. Its kind of obvious that I''m going to bury them and make a cache somewhere on my land here. There were swords etc up in the mansion, and we had an extra first aid box with us.


    After a while I find a suitable place. Diagonally behind the mansion, and out of sight from either the road or the mansion in a slightly denser part with thick forest, where there is no reason for anyone to move, and easy to find due to a larger rock poking up from the ground. I remove some large branches from the ground, lay out a cloth on the ground, and carefully dig away the top layer with grass tufts, before I remove some soil and lay it on the cloth. I hit bedrock about half a meter down, and put the jars there. Its just a long jar with two swords well wrapped in protective leather, two spear points and an axe and a knife. Another smaller jar have the first aid kit, knife and 5 ounces of gold and 30 ounces of silver, and a third jar with three small jars with honey. The honey jars have been washed so wild animals shouldn''t smell them. Alith and Gunhild don''t know about gold and silver to make the cache less interesting. Then I shovel the soil back avoid leaving a large bump, put on the tufts of grass and move a couple of branches as cover on top. Nothing should be visible. Of course I could have buried it deeper elsewhere, but I can''t count on having time or tools if there is a crisis and I need to access the cache. This should only take 10 minutes with my hands if I don''t care to leave traces.


    Back at the carriage, I wash myself and the cloth in the stream. On another occasion, I will go for a walk and discreetly show where the cache is to either Iselin or Kari. I''m thinking of making another cache that the other one can know. So they know one each.


    <hr>


    We continue up to the castle. Asbj?rn already knows I want a conversation with Radgeirrson, and we are shown down in to the prison. The musty smell and the stench hit me. The jailer open an iron reinforced wooden door, and in the low light I see Radgeirrson sitting chained to the floor inside the stinking cell, leaning against the wall on top of the scattered straw. He just glares at me. Gunhild stay outside as the jailer close the door behind us, and it becomes relatively quiet. Both Alith and I have our weapons, but Asbj?rn want me to leave Radgeirrson alive so his torture can be extended. If, on the other hand, I want to cut him a bit, take a finger, burn him or something, that''s okay. The jailer can help me with tools for that. I assume someone might listen even if Gunhild is outside the door. At the same time I won''t approach and have a whispered discussion. But I walk a few steps closer, staying out of reach of both arms and legs.


    "I have nothing to say to you." Radgeirrson spits at me, or at least he tries.


    I turn on the camera, and say; "The Blushing Maiden."


    Radgeirrson just laugh.


    "Last night, in the Maidens courtyard and in front of Asbj?rn, I told Ranhlif, Oda and Nidbjorg that I know, and that lightning comes before you hear the thunder. Then I snapped my fingers and completely silent lightning lit up the Maidens courtyard. They were blinded and panicked and fell to the ground in front of me. Nidbjorg threw her sword on the ground before going down on all fours. I left before they regained their sight." Radgeirrsons mocking grin have disappeared. "Freya has sent word that Nidbjorg have threatened Ranhlif with a slow painful death if she doesn''t follow my orders."


    Radgeirrson continues to be silent and just stares at me, but he straightens himself up a bit against the wall, getting as far away from me as possible.


    "Reiekr?ne. Tell me."


    Radgeirrson stay silent and just stares.


    "Your family lives on the small farm inland, although Aldis would rather have been killed instead of living with the shame. Tell me about the Reiekr?ne if you do not want me to see to it that you endure weeks of torture, and I ask Nidbjorg if she wants to deliver a message to Aldis, Gunnleifr, F?nna and Minr."


    Radgeirrson stares at me, but continue saying nothing. However, he reacts to my threat. I don''t want to torture him, nor let Alith do it, but Nidbjorg could probably be persuaded to harm his family. I had hoped that the fear would make him speak but apparently not. I turn around, and Radgeirrson starts to talk.


    <hr>


    My thoughts wander, but I have the recording and can think about it later. Asbj?rn and Haera is waiting in the courtyard. Asbj?rn and Haera are pleased to be offered to borrow the carriage for a couple of days, and accompany me to drop us off at my ship. We have only come halfway when it becomes apparent that they will order a similar carriage. Passengers avoid rain, wind and it will be warmer, and everyone will ''know'' who is traveling, and it is clear proof of wealth. Asbj?rn seems to keep few secrets from Haera, because she obviously knows about the Maiden and last nights lightning. I wonder what they really think of me.


    We talk a bit about carriages, as there will be other models and versions in the future, and not just carriages and wagons for different uses. Jane seems to have the goal of introducing parts of Victorian England here, and that it is the wrong time, need and population doesn''t matter, because she really wants to see classical horse drawn carriages here. I could probably get something built, and set up a way station from the merchant empire and some other place in the city, but most people won''t pay for a ride. They''re used to walking or have their own horses. Borgarsandr is a bit scattered but I don''t think the town is big enough or there is a demand for two wheel taxi buggies. Most won''t have the silver as a lot of trade is barter. An eight of a coin is still quite a lot.


    The ship is loaded up and we''re ready for departure, so we will just spend the night on the ship to set sail with the morning light. Caecilia and Kari had probably wanted to stay another day, but have understood that I do not like what is going to happen to Radgeirrson. I wonder how Ranhlif reacted to the news of Radgeirrsons new punishment. I suspect she''s associates it with my visit here, and should take it as an additional warning.


    After I update the diary log, I look at the ownership documents Radgeirrson had hidden. Very official and flashy. Then I write what Radgeirrson said after I promised not to even mention his family to Nidbjorg. He don''t believe I would harm his family, but he know that Nidbjorg would do it. I don''t trust his opinion, or trust Nidbjorg, but according to him, the position she took on all four was more than just disarming. Its a sign that she see me as her master to serve.


    Radgeirrson has liked Reiekr?ne and the Queendom from the first time he visited, and took inspiration for masks and other things from the Queendom and introduced it here. The Blushing Maiden was partly inspired by a feast hall there, only better and bigger.


    Radgeirrson bought Klaahof outside of Reiekr?ne at a special auction for the rich and powerful - invitation only - and the Title of Graef was his if he proved willing to fulfill the duties that came with the Title, and he would receive the Title next time there. Radgeirrson has equipped a dozen knights with horses, armor and weapons to meet his ''Knight fee''. They are at Queen Adella Dammans service, but they live at and guard Klaahof while they train. Radgeirrson didn''t want to tell anyone, especially not Asbj?rn, because his loyalty could be questioned. Radgeirrson understood that it would probably be best if he left the country if his hobbies were discovered, but he had thought that he could leave the country without any problems. But the plan was also to lay the foundation for an alliance against Daes King Magnbjorn via Radgeirrson, and he hoped that his son Gunnleifr might marry the Queens third daughter princess Mynka. When King Magnbjorn attacks, Queen Damman could attack him from the back by land and conquer the southern parts of the Daes kingdom with her knights. When Asbj?rns allies from the northern coast arrive, instead of reinforcing in the south, they could attack and conquer the Daes Kingdoms north.


    Miss Schainke will have told Queen Damman that he has been convicted, and that I have taken over ownership of Radgeirrsons property here. But Queen Damman considers blood ties to be most important, and the Queen is the law there. Period. Either Queen Damman will let me become the owner of the feast hall and the mansion, or she won''t. Had Radgeirrsons eldest child been a daughter, the Queen would probably have let her inherit, but she might let Radgeirrsons eldest son Gunnleifr inherit Klaahof and the Title, if she havn''t already given it to someone else. She got her knights. Who knows, maybe Miss Schainke has become Graefin Schainke.


    Miss Schainke is an impressive and stately woman Radgeirrson thinks is around 27 years old and she have no children. She may be educated and give a good impression, but she lacks both humor and other emotions. Which means something when it is Radgeirrsons opinion. Everyone not born of noble blood are hardly worth anything in Miss Schainkes eyes, and slaves are just slightly more intelligent animals, who only understands pain. Queen Damman has indicated that she protected Schainkes family from disgrace about a decade ago, and it was a nice bonus that Schainke swore her life and allegiance to the Queen, as Schainke is completely loyal to her and probably ''secretly'' in love with her, but Queen Damman has no interest in taking her to bed.


    Queen Adella Damman is married and has four children, three daughters and a son, but she also has three mistresses. Two of them live in a wing of the castle and attend large parties, and Eloise is her private h¨®ra. Queen Damman was a woman with a great appetite for life in her youth, but since she had her third daughter, everything stopped as she made sure to raise her children. She was crowned a year later and has stuck to her mistresses ever since. Queen Damman has a great interest in entertainment, music, parties, art and the like, and she don''t like being bored. She has a reputation for being a good Queen.


    For a couple of generations, the sitting Queen has been arranging a spring masquerade that has inspired the year round use of masks and cloaks in the Reiekr?ne, and it is now part of Reiekr?nes culture. Enough so that some special masks have become an extension of certain families heraldic shields. The Foxes, the Owls, the Lilies, the Roses and so on. It inspired the use of masks and cloaks here in ''The Blushing Maiden''.


    The feast hall in Reiekr?ne is translated as ''Red Maiden'', and it too have a woman in charge, Madam Hilda, but her husband Belfag is the one who keeps the order together with some guards, and more than a dozen maids and prostitutes take care of guests. Red Maiden has been extended to have a more luxurious inn and bath establishment in nordic style. However, the entire feast hall has been altered to resemble ''The Blushing Maiden'' in structure. The law and culture there are different. Slaves are legal but uncommon, as it is far more common with serfs who are ''free'' elves but they are not allowed to leave the property without permission from the landowner. Prostitution is much more common in different price ranges, and luxury brothels have been ''in fashion'' for the rich for a couple of generations. In the Queendom, it is socially acceptable to use the services of prostitutes as it is the woman who controls sex, it is just not a respectful profession to be a prostitute, unless the woman belongs to the highest class of prostitues at a luxury brothel or is a h¨®ra. Among the rich and powerful, an evening in a brothel is common, for both men and women, but it includes music, dancing, games and drinking in addition to more or less sex. The general public go to a feast hall and maybe have sex with prostitutes. The rich go to feast halls or brothels.


    The Red Maiden are several buildings in a U shape between two streets. A feast hall with prostitutes for the better class of common man, with entrances on the short sides from two different streets. Then a luxury brothel for the rich on one street, and an inn for travelers who do not want to stay in a brothel on the other street. In between there is a bathing establishment and a small garden, with a few statues. The entrances may be towards different streets with the bathing facility in between, but the buildings connect and if you don''t want to go via the feast hall, then it is only a short walk on a covered path to go from the Inn directly to the Brothel. The Brothel and the Inn have their own stables, but the stables share a courtyard.


    I should go to the Reiekr?ne and try to talk to Queen Damman and Madam Hilda, but I simply won''t have time before my own auction on the first of November. It will probably take at least two weeks back and forth with a couple of days there, and I have things to build before the Auction, and I need to finish the steam boiler and many other things before winter is here.

 Tosra & The Auction - day 24, Blót

    Tosra & The Auction, day 24


    Bl¨®t


    The weather is kind of bad and rough but Asta isn''t worried about sailing through it and we want to come home to the mansion so we just have to endure, but it is not a pleasant voyage, and I avoid being out on the deck. It does, however, go fast.


    I''m spend time learning Toms Fenix smartwatch, and it will be useful. I can hardly install the app on my mobile phone, but except changing sleeping hours, the app isn''t needed unless to log each day. I can sync when I charge once a week, and I set the altitude at 2m above sea level. Automatic illumination will be a bad idea in public, so I will turn that off. I show the watch to my company and let them try both the heart rate monitor and the pedometer, but then I deactivate the heart rate monitor because it flashes green from the back of the watch. Iselin can''t wait until we''re back at the Island to try the altitude feature. Having a watch, altitude, barometer and compass is handy, but I deactivare unnecessary features I can''t use, like Weather and GPS. As expected, the watch has both GPS and maps. I''m not impressed by Tom.


    <hr>


    Ciara was adamant that we should keep the tradition and once again take advantage of the hammocks possibilities. And when she look that sexy and I know I will enjoy it, I''m hardly motivated to disappoint her. Karis knock on the door and intrusion when we take a break and rest after the first time, is unexpected and uncomfortable, but as most of the ship she had heard, and is curious and wants to try. Surprisingly Ciara doesn''t mind as long as she can continue cuddle on top of me after we''re done, and we don''t take too long. So a slightly weird experience, and ''wet'' due to Kari, but she is prepared with a discrete towel and the hammock will be easy to dry and wash.


    I lie there with Ciara on top of me and just let my mind wander. Its interesting that Ciara seem to see the after sex cuddle as equal to the sex itself, and it is damn nice. It is just so damn easy for one of us to have wandering hands which usually ends up as another round, but it is either that, talk or just take a nap if I stay in bed. It is also interesting that Ciara still likes walk around with her plug from time to time, and like the feeling she gets from it and for me to wiggle or play with it, but since her IUD she clearly prefers and enjoy slow and intimate vaginal sex, and she do enjoy me enjoying her body, especially the breast and their rings. Kari isn''t particularly subtle in that she wants a plug like Ciaras, and Ciara seem to honestly have no problem with it, but prefers that Karis isn''t rose gold like hers. I wonder if any of them know I have one in silver since a couple of months now? Had it not been relatively expensive, and that I try to avoid just giving one guard something expensive, or a sex toy, it would already have an owner.


    Wait a minute... I said to Alith that I have one in silver, and she might have told Ciara.


    We lie there and just talk, when Iselin knocks and just blunders in without waiting for an answer. Kari have a slight panic attack and quickly throws a blanket over her naked body and tries to make herself presentable, but when she see that it is just Iselin and Caecilia, her panic ends and gets back to lounging in the bed. Personally, I just adjust the blanket covering me and Ciara. Ciara havn''t even tried to do anything. Caecilia excitedly bounces towards me and tries to get me to have sex with her too, but I''m far too spent for that and this is Ciaras and Karis moment. Caecilia is disappointed that she wasn''t included, but she understand that she is not a sambo. Kari haughtily declares that Iselin didn''t do her duty last night, so she and Ciara had to sacrifice themselves for my well-being. Iselin just laughs at the absurdity of Karis declaration, while I''m still mostly surprised that I cannot detect any jealousy or irritation from them that I have several partners.


    Iselin smiles and whispers something in Caecilias ear - and Caecilia verify that I''m about to fall asleep and won''t need her service - and then quickly follows Iselin as she leave the cabin. I guess they were going to entertain each other in another cabin.


    Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work!


    <hr>


    The strong winds have helped keep a high speed, and the new sail has done its thing, so it is still afternoon when we anchor between the islands. On the other hand, even anchored the wind gusts between the islands, and the boat rocks a lot. So unloading will have to wait, we just take the easier to handle and most important goods.


    But it feels nice to be home again. This is my home. Of course I miss my family in Midg?rd and wonder what happened from time to time, but I just have had to accept reality and seem to have done so.


    It so nice to hang up my coat and take off my shoes, which everyone has learned to do, and wiggle my toes and enjoy the nice floor. There is still a faint and soft smell of the oil. Jane introduce socks and rag socks to my company with different enthusiasm. Its not that cold here yet, and many people are used to walking barefoot. However, Iselin, Ciara and Kari like the idea of ??nice embroidered socks. Another luxury item. But I guess Iselin at least partially likes socks compared to footwraps because she can take speed and slide along the floorboards. Jane just laugh, and Karis disapproving look seem to encourage Iselin.


    <hr>


    I should have realized that Caecilia wouldn''t be satisfied with just Iselin, especially since it was several days before the trip that we last had sex. But Iselin and I let her use that small frustration to end a good but weird evening for all three of us. Its also a small consolation as Caecilia and Iselin was disappointed that I didn''t ''take them all'' during the sacrifice they performed at dusk. I''m just not pagan enough to want to have sex with four women after getting splashed with warm blood, preferably on furs outdoors at sunset by the heat of a fire, dressed in fur and regalia infront of a blood splashed statue of Freya. But the sex on sleeping pelts in front of my lit fireplace was a really nice experience, witnessed by Caecilias blood splashed Freya statue from the mantel, and by the gods from my stained glass windows.


    The cooked meat was good, and Iselin, Kari and Ciara liked my idea to hang fabric they splashed with blood, instead of splashing blood directly on the inside walls which I nope''d. Caecilia also thought it was a good compromise as she too thought it would be a shame to ruin the mansions beautiful appearance, and there are just so many walls here. A couple of bloody tapestries in the meeting room and two in the main hall was good enough.


    Of all the women I''ve known, Caecilia is definitely the ''jumpiest'' of them, and given her sexual openness and enthusiasm, I can''t help to think of her as my Sexbunny. It is almost like by sheer reflex she is trying to get her vagina in height for penetration, and her breasts near my mouth. Pushed against a wall with her legs wrapped around my hips so she can help, is one of her favorite positions, and it is nice, but very strenuous. Its a hell of a good and nice workout though.


    Its probably a good idea that cosmetic surgery doesn''t exist here in Alfheimr, because Iselin would definitely have poked me until she got breast augmentation surgery, and I just think it is an unnecessary complication. But it is her body, so it would be her decision. There is absolutely nothing wrong with Iselins breasts or size, and I like them as they are, but she really loves big breasts and is so jealous of Caecilia and Alith. At least they are near me so she can appreciate their look, although ''sadly'' Alith doesn''t want to wear a low-cut and flattering dress. Caecilia does seem to enjoy all the attention Iselin gives her breasts, while I focus on the rest of their bodies. Its good I am not a breast focused man, as that could have made Iselin jealous.


    I say nothing, but due to things that Caecilia happened to say the last week and earlier this evening, I know that Iselin already before the night the two shared at the Tosra meeting, subtly tried to figure out what Caecilia thinks about things. Iselin gave Caecilia tips on what she could offer to be and what I like both in and out of bed, and seems to have had an agenda to ensure that Caecilia stays as my personal maid, instead of being pushed away.


    In the beginning it was probably because Iselin wanted to have sex with Caecilia, and didn''t realize that I probably would have let Caecilia stay if Iselin wanted her as her concubine or personal maid, but Iselin seems to have a growing infatuation for Caecilia and want a life with both of us.


    I know that Iselin is smart and can be cunning when she wants too, and given Iselins worship of big breasts and how she loves to see and experience them, the thought has struck me that Iselin is the primary reason for all the big breasts women around me. Disa also had big breasts, and Iselin has enjoyed Ciaras growing breasts as well, but is now only interested in her bust in a nice neckline, as she thinks Ciara is bad bed company.


    So the question is whether Iselin hoped that Alith would be open to visit her bed, or it was just a nice bonus when I needed guards. But there were other shieldmaidens there on the beach, but as far as I remember no one had Aliths bust size, and it was primarily Alith that Iselin talked to. Only Alith and Bodil came looking for work afterwards.

 Tosra & The Auction - day 25, Steam boiler

    Tosra & The Auction, day 25


    Steam boiler


    While the crew started unloading everything from the ship, I continued working on the steam boiler installation and making sure everything seemed okay. Lots of soldering, as I also install pipes and water pumps. Iselin isn''t the only one happy to help, and Caecilia helping her and Ciara and Alith handing me stuff, the work quickly progress. I''ve been trying to avoid hyping it up, but Jane havn''t, and the expectations are high. At least those expectations started from zero. We complete the work to be able to pump up water from the reservoir by the basement stairs, and install a pump on the boiler room water reservoir as well. A simple double tap splits the pump outlet to either fill the steam boilers water tank, or directed it to the attics water tanks.


    I used the opportunity do other small work, like preparing and installing a water pipe from the drinking water tanks up in the attic wing, to the east end of the main building, as I really want a future sink in my bedroom. I direct Iselin as she install a tap, so we can redirect so water from the well doesn''t go directly into the attic water tanks, and instead out via the overfill protection. Its maybe unnecessary, but should the well become contaminated, the water in the tanks is prevented from becoming contaminated if someone is careless with the valve out at the well pump. Or consciously do it. In any case, the rain collection system works well, and the reservoirs are full. It might just be this season, but there seem to be enough rain that we probably won''t have to use the well.


    I expect I will have a new steam boiler built next year, because this isn''t particularly fuel efficient and a lot of heat will leave through the chimney, but the steam boiler is basically made as a separate piece just connected to the chimney, and should be easily replaced. Hopefully my own future blacksmith will be able to make something much more fuel efficient and overall better. I''m literally asking a medieval blacksmith to do work they havn''t done even something close to before, so simple but working is enough for now.


    I do not look forward to all the leak detection on every steam pipe from start to finish, and there will surely be problems, because unlike the water pipes, it will be fine steam under higher pressure, and several hundred meters of pipe and a huge amount of splices. But I look forward to not having to use the fireplaces. Its starting to get cold, and we''ve had to light and use the fireplaces for a couple of weeks now and then, and it has guaranteed been frost in the inland. The good news is that the heat is contained well in the house. The insulation works as expected and its obviously all the single glazed windows that stand for most of the heat loss, but they have unloaded a pile of interior windows and already started to install them, which will give us double glazing in the bedrooms, and hopefully also less window condensation. Theres even some greenhouse windows, so thats coming along.


    I appreciate that the window maker has increased production as much as he can, to provide us with all the windows ordered as quickly as he can. There are ridiculously many windows in total compared to a normal house here, and he knows that I will order at least as much more due to the Academy and other planned buildings. We expect our need to decrease before summer, but it will not stop and I guess others will start buying more windows. Since none of these windows are stained glass windows, it probably saves a lot of time, and the greenhouse windows are the ones with the least requirements.


    <hr>


    Since warm water have been the common type of heating in Sweden, I''m not that comfortable with steam. It hardly helps thats everything is from scratch, so just something like setting the spring-loaded safety valves is problematic. I have to see at what pressure they trigger, and mark and make a scale for that. The only safety valves I can be somewhat sure of are the dead weight safety valve. They''re only weighted over the valves surface which should be about 2 bar, ie about 2kg per square centimeter for a vertical dead weight valve, or 29 psi, ie 12.5kg per square inch. I prefer SI units in general, but ''kilograms per square centimeter'' and ''pound force per square inch'' are easy to think in even if it is technically a bad idea, especially kg/cm2. After testing that the boiler actually hold pressure to 2 bar, I start adjusting the spring loaded valves. I started at the lowest setting and let the pressure build up until the spring valve release, the adjust the screw a bit so it release at a nice number, mark, and repeat with more pressure. I can atleast do it without letting steam out into the whole system.


    Its hard to explain how nervous this is because I respect steam boilers. So many people have died in boiler explosions, especially on steamboats, and I don''t know what is appropriate or expected pressure in a steam heating systems. These are not the levels that modern compressed air tanks in industry work with, ie 7-15 bar, or what high-pressure steam boilers in locomotives used that were 25 bar and up, but it could be 2-3 bar, like a car tire. I''ve been to a lecture on steam boilers, and I know how much steam expands and thus how pressure can quickly rise. Flash boiling in particular is very dangerous.


    Farmhand Hrappr is the one responsible for feeding the boiler with wood, but I keep him outside the boiler room for safety reasons and the basement doors are open. There are also a couple of narrow elongated windows where pressure can be ventilated out into the greenhouse. Not optimal, but it it really goes to hell in the future, losing the greenhouse isn''t that bad, and right now the greenhouse isn''t finished. It won''t help for a really powerful steam boiler explosion, but this is a comparatively small steam boiler for high steam production - not high pressure.


    It is a hassle to check for leaks, and I run back and forth in the house, getting everyone available to help check for leaks in an assigned sections and report to Caecilia or me. We find leaks but less that expected even as pressure continue to rise. Just take notes and move on. I have temporarily attached manometers to the pipe ends in the wing, and the main building in my bedroom to check the main pipes pressure drop. Getting somewhat close to even heat in all the different sized rooms will not be easy.


    More leaks are found, but I can feel that all the radiators on the second floor are hot. Too hot. I just havn''t considered that steam heating of course will make the radiators really hot, so I need to get simple protective guards made in wood. All the radiators on the first floor gets warm and we just tried to keep it so. The manometers I made go to 4-6 bar even though they''re only calibrated to 4 bar, and they barely show 1 bar...


    Huh.


    I just stand there and look at the steam boiler and the manometer when Iselin comes down and hugs me. Its has apparently started to get really hot in some of the smaller rooms, and I can''t resist to smile. Hell yeah! I hug her and give her a kiss, and then point to the meter. Iselin was involved in making and calibrating them so she knows how a manometer works, and how worried I''ve been for the pressure in the boiler, pipes and radiators. I may have over-specified things. And maybe its was unnecessary to spend time soldering on vertical copper plates for extra heat transfer on a lot of the large space radiators, but increased surface area helps transfer heat, and I thought the cast radiators were a bit too small or had insufficient radiator fins. But then again, I compared with ordinary Swedish hot water radiators with far lower temperature. I still respect the steam in the pipes, because it is hot and under pressure even when it is relatively low pressure, but this is much less than I feared.


    Nice.


    I close the three main valves, one for each main pipe, so that more pressure can build up, and we test that the safety valves trigger. When it reaches 1.2 bar, the adjustable safety valve releases and the pressure quickly drops before it closes. I turn up the adjustment so that the dead weight valve can be tested, and remove a couple of the weight rings on the dead weight valve so it ends up at 1.3 bar, which works. I reset the adjustable safety valve so that it trips at 1.2 bar, and then open up the main pipes. Then I adjust the automatic oxygen control to the fire a too, and if everything works, the system will slowly pulse around the set pressure depending on water temperature and pressure in the boiler and the intensity of the fire. I cannot really regulate the heat put into the boiler from burning wood, but as long as someone runs down every two hours or so and feed in more wood and check the water level, the system should work well enough. How well remains to be seen, and it will be a learning experience. I expect to have to run down here more today to fiddle with the automatic control.


    I have also figured out an improvement to do when I take care of those leaks. I will remove both main pipe end manometers and plug their holes with screws, and then install a small extension pipe up next to the main pipes, but which goes out through the wall one floor up, and out to the wings corridor and put a manometer there, beside the security door between the buildings. Everyone walking between the wing and the main building pass that spot, so everyone walking by can take a quick look at the pressure gauge.


    It will be the farmhands task to make sure that there are always a large pile of dry wood in the boiler room, and to store another pile in the basements main hall. I explain and show how he occasionally will remove ash from the boiler, fill up the water and so on. This seem to be working well enough, so we''re gonna try it as is.


    This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it


    I will make a more efficient steam boiler in the future. Just because there is plenty of firewood here now, doesn''t mean it will be in the future. Efficiency is good for the future. I don''t want to be the reason why the forests are disappearing, and the elves seem to be skilled enough at it already, and there will be more wood consumed to keep people warm on the islands as the population here increases. Right now there are plenty of scrap wood pieces from the buildings but it will not last, and the workers cooking and heating fires are consuming a lot of it.


    I will need to introduce felling and planting to slowly cycle the forest on the islands so we have enough firewood and building material year after year. It will be a hard limit on availability, and how much people can live here. Sure, buying is an option, but that depends on people selling and having money to buy. Money that could be used for other things. I really hope heat pumps will be introduced in the coming generations.


    <hr>


    We walk around and make a final careful check for steam leaks, and a few more are found, but I can feel how warm and nice it is starting to become. I adjust the flow in the western part of the main building and adjust down the radiators in rooms that are becoming too hot, and up on those that are not. Jane is overjoyed that the mansion now has ''central heating'', but most look at the copper radiators on the walls with respect, both because the radiators are too hot to touch and because they really heat the rooms. They all know there is a fire in the basement corner and the heat is moved all over the house, and it is just magical for them. Jane and I might have high expectations, but this doesn''t have to be perfect. The elves are used to wearing layers of cloths and being in draughty cold houses which can have a large temperature variation in a room. Many don''t even have glass windows, with gaps in doors and walls. This mansion is something completely different and new, and is very well insulated with much more even heat.


    The craftsmen who are installing interior windows, and special windows, finds it hart to understand how it can be this hot when the fireplaces arn''t lit. They''ve all removed cloths. Carpenter Engdrid, who is installing glass panes with rougher glass in the dark room door, has a hell of a lot of respect for me for designing and creating this mansion, and is fascinated by the whole idea of glass in doors for decoration and light. He has also seen the new interior doors between the entrance hall and the main hall. Wide decorated doors with inlaid small glass panes that together form a large glass diamond shape in each door. Fine wood carvings with mountain nature motifs cover the doors. Kari and Jane were absolutely right in ordering that.


    Everyone also likes all the light tunnels, but the dark room lives up to its nickname, because the light tunnel doesn''t help much and it is always shady in here, because the light tunnel is long and collect light from the north. The corridor isn''t the brightest place in the house and has its own light tunnel just above the wing door, but some glass panes in the door are still a clear improvement to the dark room. When the oil lamp in the corridor is lit in the evening, some light also enters the room when it is pitch black outside. However, we will continue to call it the dark room, because it will always be darker than all the others.


    If I need to do experiments in the dark, develop film or something, I know which room to use. A dark curtain on the door and light tunnel will make it pitch black. Jane would''ve liked to participate in photo experiments, and knows more than I do about developing film as Tom tried it in their apartment, but none of us know what chemicals it really is, or how it works. Silver emulsion, wet plates and dry plates. Knowing those terms help, but it is just hints to where to start.


    The security doors are appreciated, but in the interior security doors like the one between the wing and the main building and to the corridors of the second floor, the guards would appreciate if there was a small window to look through to the other side. It will also make the doors nicer, so Engdrid who was sworn to secrecy and paid for it, will inlay two small glass panes in each of the doors. Each only about 7x7 cm to fit in a hole in the doors iron bar reinforcement, with thin wooden edges around the hole. It should look good and I like the look with two diamond shaped windows on top of each other. Matches the rest of the doors and general motif of the mansion.


    <hr>


    I don''t give a shit how ugly the big red fire extinguishers clay pots are, because they are our only real fire protection, and they can be hidden behind doors and so on. The exception is in the guards day room where there are two. If someone is going to light a fire in a fireplace, they have to get a fire extinguisher along with wood, but most fireplaces will have a permanent one. I instruct the guards to clean and replace the water in all extinguishers every week, and at the same time check that the extinguishers are in good condition, and where everyone is. Jane completely agrees that it is a very sound idea to have some form of firefighting equipment, and has filled in every fire extinguishers marking with white paint so it is very visible.


    We use a fire extinguisher in the kitchen with everyone present, just so they have had a demonstration, and I clearly inform them that if something is on fire, I won''t care about water damage. Extinguish that fire fast! Water might just damage whats beneath, while fire will make the whole house burn down.


    Many first aid kits will be made, and they will be green with a white cross on. They won''t be advanced, but there will be two emergency bandages, field dressings, bandages, prepared needle and thread as well as extra needles and thread, a small knife, scissors, trauma shears, tweezers, safety pins, soap and a face mask, as well as a small bottle with the purest and strongest alcohol for disinfection. A small patch of tinder, flint and steel to start a fire will be added in some of them. To try and keep an emergency bandage, bandage, field dressing and thread sterile, one each will be stored in a small sealed jar that will be boiled. The jar will be made to be easily opened by hand, and it should keeps away the worst bacteria etc. An emergency bandage, bandage and field dressing are stored for quick and easy access. The guards day room will of course get a two first aid kits, but we will have one in the wings corridor together with a fire extinguisher, another in my bedroom and in the guards bedroom, and two in reserve. There will be many more made, as I want two on the ship and three at the B-mansion, and I plan to equip every house here on the islands with one, and each carriage will have one too.


    If we need a first aid kit, it should always be available close by. Yes, they will cost silver, and that is a good investment. There will be first aid practice for everyone living on the islands. There is a lot in the kit that is new for them, but first aid has changed a lot over the years.


    Hillevi will make sure that one is stored in the boiler room, and another in the panic room bunker under the pavilion, and also one by the other escape routes. I plan to include a good first aid kit in every cache I bury.


    Jane complains that the first aid kit won''t be white with a red cross, but I inform her that green has become the standard color. Green is the ISO standard. Red with white text is for firefighting, and green with white text is for medical aid. As a bonus, green is also somewhat more discreet if the first aid kit are carried.


    <hr>


    After an hour, I suffocate the fire in the steam boiler and let the pressure drop and everything cool down. After another hour I start to fix leaks and connect the new corridor manometer that has been prepared. I use the one with the lowest range. I improvise a gas expansion thermometer of a work in progress manometer and install it to get a reading how hot the fire is. I can''t actually make a correct scale on it yet, but I can mark it 0-10 and we can simply learn what that means. I talk to Alith and Hillevi while I work, and the guards will regularly check the corridor dials, and if the pressure or temperature is too low, they will go down and throw in a couple of logs, check the water level is okay and tell the others that they made it to avoid someone else do the same. Being responsible for the steam boilers fire is a job the guards are happy to accept. It is so easy compared to checking up on all fireplaces, and caring for the fire or fires are a common duty for guards and servants. Everyone understands the advantage of nice warm rooms and hot water.


    I could also put a box beside the gauges to act as the main panel of the electrical system and battery bank. It would be helpful if the guards can keep track of it to without having to visit my workshop, so I ask Engdrid to make a box each for the gauges and electric panel, with at protective front door with glass. The electrical box will just have glass in the top half of the door, to see a moving coil instrument.


    I cannot use oil lamp soldering everywhere and solder copper pipes with heated copper blocks is risky and hard. Copper pipes just transfer heat away too damn well. But we had the same problem when installing them so, gotten a bit easier. I continue to work as day turns to night, but with many oil lamps, light is a minor issue.


    Oil lamp with a reflector is frankly a quite okay light source, and I would guess that is equivalent to a 15-25W incandescent bulb depending on setting and placement. But the oil lamp gives of significantly more heat, probably a few hundred watts of heat, and at certain times of the year that heat will probably be enough to keep a room cozy, and who knows? If we had had the newly installed interior windows, it might have been enough. But I rather be warm in shorts and a tshirt while sweating, than cold and freezing, and Jane totally agree with. Also, wood is cheaper and easier to obtain than rapeseed oil.


    The double oil lamps with top reflectors work fine to hang from a ceiling and are nicely balanced. The one hanging in the middle of the main hall gives a nice but a bit too low all around light there, but theres some light in the corridors of the second floor. I would prefer three or four times more light in the main hall, but its better than candle light. Double oil lamps hang in every larger room, like the dining room, my bedroom, kitchen, workshop and so on.


    <hr>


    Its rather late when I finally get all the work done, and the guards excitedly light the steam boiler. There is a small leak which we remember was there, but Caecilia missed to make a note of it and feel so guilty, but I will take care of it in the morning. We can live with it during the night, and I just warn people to avoid the leak and a chair with orange red cloth in front works as a reminder. The new gauges works well. I will paint to mark a blue, green and red area of the gauge, once I''m sure where those boundaries are. For now I will just collect data.


    The mansion is wind and waterproof, and is starting to have double glazing and fireplaces, so with a working centralized heating system, warmth is basically done. Plenty of oil lamps means we have light too. Cold and warm water system with redundancy, and indoor toilets, have also been completed. The mansion have a good kitchen and food storage. With plenty of food in storage. Theres even electric power. Still, a lot of work to do, but I feel far less anxiety towards the coming winter.


    Iselin hugs me, and drags me of to the bathroom. Earlier today Iselin made sure that everyone knew I would be hers tonight.

 Tosra & The Auction - day 26, Lazy day

    Tosra & The Auction, day 26


    Lazy day.


    Its nice to wake up in a comfortable warm room, hearing the autumn and raining hitting the windows, and without a lighted fire in the bedroom. No fire, odour or dry air. The only thing I like about fires besides the heat is that it can sound nice, but I don''t long for that sound. One arm under the pillow, the other around Iselin, and I just lie here holding her. Smell the scent of her body. Feel her body with its calm breath. Hear her faint and kind of cute snoring. Just enjoy the moment.


    The workers finished the interior window and other work yesterday, so we will be alone. Today will be a lazy day. I''ll fix that small leak, and I hope they havn''t found any problems I need to deal with. But otherwise not do anything important. Just put on my shorts and a T-shirt, and slack off. It was too long since the last time. Maybe even take two days because I will still do some work today. Maybe play a game on the tablet? I hug Iselin a little more to just feel her body against mine, and I give her a soft kiss on her shoulder. She isn''t sleeping deep. Its just so damn nice to lie here and feel a big expensive important project works and is basically finished. This mansion is starting to get comfortable and modern enough.


    The door quietly opens and closes, and soon a naked woman body crawls up against my back. I feel a small resigned smile on my face, as I understand that Caecilia is accompanying us. Caecilia has quickly lost her respect for my privacy, and I should probably tell her that and be more strict as Caecilia has started to adopt the same ninja style that Iselin did in the beginning. Specifically when I have received what Caecilia thinks is enough alone time with Iselin and it is just the two of us. I suspect that Iselin has given her tips, because my fianc¨¦e seems to have her own agenda. Iselin not only accepts Caecilia, more than the others, but likes her in bed with us, and they seem to have gone to bed with each other at least a few more times since the Tosra meeting. Caecilia doesn''t disturb Kari or Ciara, but I always seem to be fair game. As far as I remember, Caecilia hasn''t even tried to intrude upon me and Kari.


    Caecilia is my courtesan and personal maid, and she seems to see it as her duty to fill some sex quota and make us really enjoy it. My personal sexbunny. But then she really does seems to have a pretty big sex need - which she said - but I didn''t really think about it, so for her our sex life might be more of a existential minimum. Her sex drive will probably decrease as she gets older and the teenage hormones calm down.


    And now I feel like a dirty old man again.


    I should be more angry at Caecilia for taking advantage of my reluctance to say no and like now, disturb my enjoyment of lying here with Iselin, but I just seem to accept it as just being her way. She will probably be near me for the rest of my life. Like Ciara. I cannot really complain about that either, because Caecilia seem to do good work, and I just have to admit she is hell of a nice to have sex with, and a damn good ego boost.


    I have started gotten used to her predilection for being seductively or lightly dressed, which feels wrong considering she should mostly be my personal maid, instead of my sexy courtesan, but I now know that Iselin has encouraged it. Jane have hardly helped as she''s been sketching on sexy secretary and sexy assistant outfits.


    Although I lived in the modern world with bikinis and tight clothing, I am not toughened enough for the way Caecilia exudes sex, and knowing she always seems eager for sex. Literally seeing her bounce with eagerness. Sexbunny seems apt. I''ve never had someone like that close by before. Jane mostly seems to think its funny, and likes to ''poke'' me and give me little verbal jabs.


    But I will have my revenge, oh yes! I will be sweet!


    I hope I never completely ignore a sexy attractive female body which Caecilia definitely has, but she is hardly alone in this. Caecilia will love it will be in this warm house this winter, as she won''t have to wear so much clothes to stay warm, which certainly will appeal to her.


    However, I wish Caecilia wouldn''t be quite as open and verbal about sex as she is, but she really sees nothing shameful or wrong with sex and naked bodies, if it is voluntary and nice. The gods gave them bodies that can feel like this, so how can it be shameful? She sees nothing wrong with two 11-13 year olds exploring and having sex with each other or with someone slightly older; as long as they are not siblings or parents, but cousins are okay. She is proud that a fourteen-year-old asked her if she could be his woman last year, and that she could make his first time a good experience. She is happy that Iselin and I made Karis first time special - although I doubt she knows how special it was - and Caecilia is completely convinced that I ''cured'' Ciaras sexual problems, and that Ciara will only stay ''cured'' with me.


    Iselin slightly move and I decide to drop those thoughts and distract myself from Caecilias naked body pressing against my back, and focus on my fianc¨¦e Iselin who is exceptional and invaluable. My love for her only growing deeper. I''m still an idiot who havn''t proposed to her, and I must propose to her in the next few days, and absolutely before the King and Queens visit. Its a relief to know that she appreciates company in bed and threesomes with a woman more than I do. Honestly, her bisexuallity might be a part of why we seem to mesh so well, because in many ways, according to this culture I satisfy my partners more like a woman does, than a muscular, well-equipped man, even if that is a slightly emasculating thought.


    But as long as we are happy and satisfied, I will not complain about it, and I hope they are not dissatisfied because I do my best, and Kari and Ciara also seem to be satisfied and happy.


    I feel Caecilias hands start to playfully wander lower and massaging my legs and between the legs. Ignoring her or forcing her out of bed would be tough and difficult, but I can no longer relax. Iselin wakes up as Caecilias hands caress her butt and more, and soon it becomes a nice morning with my fianc¨¦e and courtesan, in my warm comfortable house.


    <hr>


    It was cute to see Iselin and Caecilia playfully help each other get dressed and they fix their hair, a bit like a couple in love, and I too get pulled into the game. Completely true, Iselin has had her own agenda for how she could have Caecilia in her life with me, and is pleased with how well her plan went. She immediately and very pleased confirmed when I asked, and Caecilia doesn''t seem the least bit unhappy about the help and guidance she has received to end up living this way. And what better ally is there than a positive future wife?


    At breakfast, some react to my choice of my Boba Fett tshirt and shorts - several have seen them before, but not everyone. As soon as Kari sees it, she just questioningly ask "Lazy day?" and I nod. Kari kiss me good morning, licks her lips with a puzzled look and smells me, before she glance at Iselin and Caecilia who came at the same time. After I have washed and returned, I tell them about my plans for the day.


    After breakfast, I shut off the main pipe with the small leak and fix that leak as well, and then turn it back on again.


    I''m definitely overworked and need another lazy day.


    <hr>


    After a Doom 2 session just because it is absurd and I can, with the bonus that it annoys Jane, I present my new table top miniatures game. It happen in the guards dayroom, because they have a large suitable table, and it doesn''t block the dining room table. A lesson I learned from my old life; keep the game table separate from the dining room table, as games take time.


    Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    Talk about requiring a lot of explanation. Especially that this does not try to mimic reality, and things that work in reality will not do in this, and things that work in the game do not work in reality. This is just a more visual and flexible game than chess, or whatever the similar one here is called - hnefatafl - and table top miniatures has a random element via dice. Jane is the only one who understand what I''m trying to introduce, but she has never played such a nerdy game herself, but she recognizes the concept of table top miniatures and similar conflict games.I prefer Swedish term which is ''figurslag'' and is hard to translate correctly to English as both and neither ''miniature battle'' and ''shape battle''. Norse isn''t easier.


    Nobody care about my translation woes as I place and build simple terrain, and they''re starting to really understand. As I put two forces against each other with eight figures in each, everyone understand it is a type of fighting game. With viking figures. Identical forces, two of each figure. I offer Bodil to play against me, and ignore Iselins pouting face, because Bodil is the one who made the templates for moulding the miniatures. I go through the rules several times, repeat rules while we play, and show how to count plus and minus to modify. We measure distance and move. Dice are rolled and figures are killed, and some flee.


    Bodil doesn''t like that I not unexpectedly win, but she has a hard time estimating distance and understandably makes simple mistakes. She should be happy there isn''t any ballistic weapon where you have to guess the distance and scatter. Yet. My win is expected but still not appreciated. But she wants to play again, and we change the battlefield. Soon there are lively discussions about what is best. Some seem to feel her pain when I retreat and her force follows, and then I activate the archers thats been forgotten, and shoots arrows at shield maidens who have no protection or saved action.


    Alith and Hillevi take over the next game and I act as the referee, and help to correct dice calculations. The rules have double number systems, runes and modern, but the D20 only has modern numbers so they will have to practice counting. I simply couldn''t fit both systems on the dices small facets. I whisper nasty tips to both, and Hillevi does not like my tips to Alith. I explain how I intend to develop the game, add more soldiers, and other type of soldiers, monsters, missions, terrain etc. They will eventually try playing missions too. Jalida also looks curious and gets stuck when she serves refreshments.


    <hr>


    The rest of the day is spent so that those who want to try, can, and from time to time I they fetch me to be the referee. Luckily Sid Meier''s Pirates (2004) can be paused. Honestly, the game gives me tips about ship rigs, and when Kari discovers what I play and sees the dresses as my ingame character dance with the governors daughters, she no longer cares about table top miniatures. She absolutely gets ideas for decoration and furniture too.


    I take a few pictures with my camera; on Karis attempts to play Pirates, and the people playing with the miniatures. Hillevi is a pretty bad loser when the dice doesn''t go her way or she makes a mistake, which is often, and she doesn''t like it if you consciously tries to kill her shieldmaidens, so I suggest pretending to threaten them so she doesn''t dare move them out of cover etc. Bodil have already carved a new figure while she watch the game. A warrior on horseback with a sword and shield. They have too few miniatures right now, so there are only two playing all the time and guard duty isn''t completely neglected, but they will cast many more miniatures. It gets a little more interesting when we start to distribute so both sides are different, and one is attacking and the other defending.


    Jane finds it very entertaining and leans against the doorway to the guards day room and watch. She pointedly don''t want to participate in a nerdy game.


    "You have to feel proud of yourself! Corrupting defenceless young elvish maidens to play battle games."


    I can only contentedly smile, and pretend to be insulted and derogatory when I answer: "Table top miniatures. Get it right, woman!" We both grin while I continue; "... and I would hardly call well armed and armoured elvish shieldmaidens ''defenceless''. But of course it makes me a proud nerd, and thats not considering that normally the male to female ratio is the opposite if even that. And the players usually arn''t wearing chain mail with axes or swords in their belts, with spears, bows and shields by the wall."


    "Oh please - can you honestly say that never happened in our world? I''ve been to renaissance fairs."


    "Sometimes you''re more of a nerd than me Jane, because I never went to one. Let me guess; you played daily games on your mobile? Farmville much?"


    Jane starts to say something, but she closes her mouth and stay silent, glaring and pouting, so I can''t resist the temptation to tease her.


    "Gamer Girl, and its cute and precious. And talking about ''corrupting defenceless young elvish maidens'' - how does your Kari project go?"


    Its obvious that I just said the wrong thing, as Jane gets a smug face, and looks me in the eyes. Yeah, I don''t like that look.


    "Oh, I guess you don''t know. You see, we didn''t only visit the seamstress guild last time in Borgarsandr, since they don''t do leather work. If you don''t see Kari tied to a rack, wrapped in leather, gagging on a ball in her mouth with a butt plug up her bum before New Year - you can have my bum."


    Jane is so damn smug and just keeps smiling. Considering Karis wishes so far, there is probably a very high chance Jane gets it right, but still.


    "I''ll admit you''re likely to win that bet, but be careful saying such things. Some day I might believe you''re serious, which could be awkward as hell."


    Jane just smiles, turns around and whispers in my ear; "Kari thought me something too during our long sea voyage, and I believe you told her something like this; arrange the game in your favour, and try to make sure that every outcome is a victory."


    Jane slides her hand down my leg, turns around and walks away. Excessively wiggling her ass, and seductively sliding her hand against the wall. She quickly glances over her shoulder and see that I am looking, and her smile gets more smug before she disappear around the corner. The annoying thing is that I can''t be sure that she is just joking and messing with me as usual, because if I consider other things, there is a small chance she actually means it. And I don''t doubt that she know I can''t be sure. Damn that woman.


    <hr>


    Staring after Jane, means I see the hidden alcove underneath the stairs, and I remember that I need to show Kari and Gunhild some of the secret basements, so I give them a guided tour. Which is easy since the rest of the household is distracted. Kari is quite pleased that the rooms exist. It makes the mansion feel even more luxurious and exclusive, and both like the security aspects with the pavilion, balcony and escape routes. Kari completely agrees with Iselin that the eastern part with the secret library should be extra secret and that not even the maids should know about it or the secret basement vault, but thinks that one of them should know about the semi-secret room under the mezzanine. Kari suggests Elvira because she is probably better at keeping quiet about it. Jalida apparently has a tendency to brag about the mansion, especially its luxury and amenities, and she might blurt something out.


    Kari and Gunhild make me understand that all the maids are extremely proud to work and live here, especially when I let them use and experience the same comforts as ourselves, and their food is so much better than previous in their lives. Gunhild say that the guards eat better then even she and Hillevi ate working for King Aeriksson. But Jalida has a bit of a hard time not bragging about it, and I should be careful what I say or show her.


    <hr>


    Its time for my first movie night with Iselin. I can hardly say that I have an optimal selection of movies on the tablet for that. Atomic Blonde (2017). Chappie (2015). Frequently Asked Questions About Time Travel (2009). The Man From Earth (2007). Johan Falk: Alla r?ns moder (Mother of all robbery Swedish 2012). The Accountant (2016).


    Which is the least bad one to introduce a medieval woman to a movie, even one who has seen some pictures of modern life and heard some music? I considered taking the Swedish Johan Falk because of the speech she might understand a few words from and it takes place ''here'', but its a crime movie, so it felt like ''The Man from Earth'' is the least bad option. No action or violence, and not so modern in a limited environment. FAQ about time travel is so ''nope'', and ''Chappie'' is even worse.


    I hadn''t considered all the dialogue. Its a movie with basically people talking, which was unwise as I have to do a live interpretation. Its not practical, but I sit there on the couch and whisper and we pause a lot. Iselin still enjoy it as she sit huddled against me, in my borrowed Midg?rd shorts and tshirt with her legs over mine or folded next to her. We have a blanket around us to make it warmer and cozy.


    And she notice things. Like desert landscape and the bow. The kitchen. The cars. Iselin also draws some similarities between us; both men who feel outside and apart from everyone else. The big issues with religion are not a problem, and just interesting. And the movie ends well where they drive away together, even though he may live forever and she will die. But they can enjoy the years they have together. We both cry at the end of the movie.


    We continue to talk, and look at pictures and play music videos. We jump in the movie and discuss still frames. Only two people who love each other and cuddle while watch a movie on a tablet. I wonder how many thousands of couples do the same thing every night in Midg?rd. But here? In Alfheimr? Here we are probably unique.

 Tosra & The Auction - day 27, Lazy day

    Tosra & The Auction, day 27


    Lazy day & movie night


    After a nice morning, I start to look through the books from the B-mansion and the ones I bought from the trading empire. Three are religious books, two of which are Sagas of the Aesir Gods and the faith here, but the decoration is almost as if it were the illuminated work of Christian monks from my world, and the last is about a faith called the ''House of Heaven''. I don''t know details about it, only what Kari and Ciara have told me, and it was Ciaras belief. It is a ''one God'' faith, with a Prophet and followers, but the issue seems to be there are many different interpretations of that same God and Prophet. As far as my Atheistic ass is concerned, it is quite similar to Christianity, but with differences. I have a feeling it might have been humans that ended up here that created or spread it, but they either messed up, or they had an agenda.


    The thing is, go far back in European history, and there were many stories like those in the Christian Bible - they just lacked good ''marketing''. There were lots of different religions, which is the case here. There is no single strong faith based on a common government from Rome, that unites many regions and dominates Europe. Which sort of was the case in the European dark ages too. There were plenty of local crusades against the heretics, until they united and turned their eyes and swords towards the ''Holy land''. I think that is one of the things that complicated the issue for those Christian believers ending up in Alfheimr. They knew their Holy land wasn''t in this world, and neither is the Pope. The saviour didn''t walk this world and didn''t die for the Elves sins. The old Roman enemy havn''t existed here. It mutated their belief, and a lot of word of mouth later, their Holy Land is Heaven, and Heaven is also Heaven, but not the same, and the Romans and their gods have become Devils worshipping lesser Devils. As far as my Atheistic ass is concerned, Religion generally isn''t the most logical or sane subject, but Religions are often centered around magical make-belief entities. Extra ordinary claims, require extra ordinary proof. ''Because I said so'' doesn''t count. Even if that person died a couple of thousand years ago, and someone claim they wrote those exact words down in a book, several hundred years later.


    Practically speaking, the House of Heaven belief is basically centered around gathering people in churches, each one a House of Heaven, but tied to a larger House of Heaven in a larger town, where the ruling priest is a Bishop. The Bishops work together to convert the people, send missionaries, build new churches and so on, but they don''t really share all resources and each try to get more influence and riches for them selfs. The House of Heaven basically feels like a Jarldom inside another Kingdom or Jarldom, so it is no wonder missionaries tend to be killed or driven away by Aesir rulers. Most common Aesir practitioners I''ve meet around here, feels quite relaxed and secure in their faith. You can have other faiths, but you will be the weirdo and moron. It is actually better to be an Atheist, as you are just lacking faith, but you havn''t been fooled or miss led. For me, that isn''t much of an option.


    But even the House of Heaven is divided in three main branches, with some kind of Templar order as a fourth and there are monks too. There are plenty of other beliefs, which means there is no reason to change from the Aesir faith. So the Aesir faith is strong here in the northern parts. According to Ciara there is basically three religions in Alba. The old pagan belief is strongest in the highland and mountain people, the Aesir belief at the coast and islands, and ''House of Heaven'' which has come from the south and is the lowland religion. House of Heaven seems to have focused on converting the rulers through marriages and alliances south, and subjugating the masses through them. Mormaer Duncaine and Mormaer Morai are two, while the highland Lords stay with the old pagan belief. One issue is the ideal House of Heavens belief in one man - one woman. It might attract lower commoner men since it increase their chance of marriage. But for powerful men and Lords? Only one wife and no mistresses? Fuck you and your religion! Apparently that is one of the main things splitting branches. Some House of Heaven allow two wifes, and/or a mistress or concubines.


    Considering how strong King Aerikssons Kingdom seems to be, the Aesir belief have a strong foothold, and the Aesir belief have spread to at the neighbouring regions across the seas, as they raided and conquered, even if it is not exactly the same belief. Aesir practitioners doesn''t care much, as it is the same Gods being worshipped and the core is the same. Arguing over details while drunk seems to be common. If someone were to mass produce a true Aesir bible that most will accept, it might make their faith stronger and help improve literacy. What they do care about is that it is far better to raid against believers of other faiths as the Gods is more likely to be on your side, and House of Heaven churches tend to stock up on wealth and be easily visible.


    There are recurring religious wars in a lot of regions in Alfheimr Europe, I just don''t know exactly where as I have no real idea where those regions are. Its fuzzy since there isn''t any common maps. My company only knows that Frigonese speaking Rulers seems to fight each other a lot. And not just about religion. If its summer, there is probably fighting going on somewhere. But those are just arrogant fools in far away lands across the sea, where it is hard to be a warrior woman, so why should they care? The fighting is bad as mercenaries are considered expendable, and they generally don''t let mercenaries loot, especially not towns or castles. Kari mainly cared because she might have ended up there.


    My thoughts return to the books. There are nine books that I can''t read. Two is in a language Caecilia say is Laitje, the language across the sea to the south, and her mother tongue. Five should be in Frigonese. One is in a completely different alphabet which Jalida recognizes as her mother tongue, and the last one she guesses is Elviras language, which Elvira also thinks. Jalida and Elvira cannot read, but seems to really want to read the books. Just their faces while they gently look through the books and see the writing and pictures says a lot. I give them permission to look at the books in the future - if they have no chores that needs to be done. As long as there are no guests here, they can look at the books here in the library, and put them back when they are done. It is entertaining how shocked and happy they are that I let them ''read'' expensive rare books, and they can sit and ''read them'' here, in the main building where their Lord and Ladies live. I''m still not used to thinking that way. We will teach them to read and write Norse, but it will be hard to find someone to teach them to read their mother tongues. Especially Jalidas.


    There are some books - besides the religious ones - that I can read, which will be a good exercise in reading runes. One is a more factual story, three are Viking tales and two are a travelogue of some kind. Ciara helps me by explaining the subject of three Frigones books. One seems to be science with astronomy and math mixed in with a lot of other things. Annoying that I can not read it. The other two are another religious book and a travelogue, but on Frigonese. The last two books have what looks like Frigonese letters but she can not read the language even if it seems related and some words are the same.


    I should have guessed that some of the books would be Frigones or some other language in the south where books seem to be more common than up here in the north. But that means I can''t read the most interesting book. I can''t read most of these. Ciara is willing to interpret, but its not optimal as she is bad in reading Frigonese. It will be annoying as hell listening to her stutter forward word by word. Getting Kari to read will be the better option, and might be the only option though. Caecilia offer the same with the two Laitje books, and she also offer to teach me Laitje. In the future maybe, for now I have enough with learning Norse well enough and all my other projects.


    I add a simple flyleaf with notes about the language and subject. I''m going to make a craftsman make shelf doors with glass and a simpler lock, for books with knowledge that shouldn''t be spread, but still kept here without being secret. I might even get done as stained glass to protect the books from light and especially UV light. Or just to make the library feel more luxurious. If I ever fill this small library with books, I can move some to my study or bedroom, where I will also store some of my own original works. Next year I should really start to write a heck of a lot of knowledge down. Basically do a mind dump, and a book each about subjects like geology, space, spaceflight, flight, rockets, submarines, warfare, weapons, cars, technology, computors, radio and so on.


    This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.


    I scratch my cheeks and discover that they''re beardy and it is time to have Ciara cut it again. I usually have Ciara cut it when I remember it every few days. Iselin and Kari wants me to let it grow into a full beard and dislike when my cheeks are too stubby, especially during oral sex, so they avoid reminding me. I have to tell Caecilia to remind me. I miss my trimmer and a good mirror. I''m seriously thinking about trying to make an electric one, or at least a pure mechanical pumped one.


    <hr>


    Ciara was weaving with Iselin, but immediately drop it when I asked her to trim my beard, so I stand there naked in the large bathroom and let Ciara cut me. Naked because the cutoff hair gets stuck in clothes and itches, and after trying a few ways, this is the most practical way and I just have to get used to it. Shaving technology is terrible here, but then again, so is the mens beard growth. Some men do shave their hair when they get old and bald, but few get that old.


    A fold-down massage table here in the large bathroom is a good idea. Jane has already promised to translate and copy the illustrations in my massage book to Norse, she just have to learn Norse first. We will continue to carefully learn to massage, because a single book hardly makes one an expert in something that is so ''hands on'' and require knowledge of anatomy, bones and nerves, but it is better than nothing.


    My thoughts change track when Ciara takes the opportunity to trim more hair she thinks is getting too long, and I''m not comfortable with letting her do it. Even though it is Ciara and I probably don''t have to worry, it is still sharp pointed vicious looking scissors very close to something precious, that appreciate her attention. Ciara accompanies me in the shower, to scrub all the hair away, and to make sure she is happy with the job. I miss my electric trimmer, but there are clear benefits to letting Ciara cut my hair. Guess I shouldn''t rush to make that trimmer, as it makes Ciara happy in several ways.


    <hr>


    I play a miniature battle round with Alith, and it''s basically a massacre on both sides, but in the end I have two miniatures left. It was mostly the dice that decided, which I rarely get lucky with. It is almost entertaining how dice statistics in some games go against me and I have calculated my average to make sure I''m not imagining it, and therefore always try to have a margin if I can create it.


    Anyway, all the guards love the game, or well, Hillevi is unhappy that it sometimes go very badly for her, but that is the others fault and the dice - not the game.


    Bodil has refined her knight, and it is clear that she understands how it must be done in order to be released from molds, and I show her how I made the mold and how the mold can be refined even more before figures are cast with it. There is a small fireplace in the guards day room where they play and spend most of their time, so I let them cast there. Casting a lead alloy inside isn''t optimal, but for now I allow it. I''m not so keen on people I care about touching the lead alloy as they play, even if there isn''t much contact, but painting the figures with colors might help. Unless the colors are bad, like a white base coat hardly help when that color is ''lead white''. I''ve asked Jane to try a few different colors and how they attach to the lead white and lead-tin alloy by using cut-offs from casting. I already have two colors for my fine electrical wires that work okay on copper, but a few more would be better, and make the figures prettier. Its more fun playing with painted figures.


    Bodil is working on two ''enemies'' figures, because not unexpectedly, the Vikings are the good guys in everyones eyes, especially the shield maidens. I have suggested changing so enemy figures have a different helmet and kite shield instead of a round shield, so it is easier to see the difference, and we can create two forces with different themes and not just different colors. It''s a little more complicated to do another type of archer, but a different pose and armor with tabard does a lot. Making crossbow men will also help.


    Nice and pretty terrain makes it more fun to play, but they also need more terrain to have more option, and Hillevi sits in my workshop and makes more small trees and shrubs from wire, metal wire, wool, wood, sawdust, paper and glue. Hillevi really wants to be able to hide her miniatures, and will start making decorated hills and rock outcrops too. Papier-mach¨¦ will be useful for that. We''re planning a dedicated playing surface of 1.2x1.2m that will be reversible and have two painted surfaces. One all-green, and one that is a coastline with a sandy beach. Aliths shows her special project - a ballista instead of a figure or nature - and I shouldn''t be surprised. I just smile and think weapons fanatic.


    It would have been fun to build a trebuchet. Both a miniature and a real one.


    While they continue to build, I make paper envelopes for fireworks, and prepare the blackpowder. King Asbj?rn with company is coming to visit and fireworks would probably be appreciated. I assume they''ve heard of them. While it dries, I try to make half a globe in the globe template. Basically moist paper and papier-mach¨¦, and I brush on the glue mixture Bodil said would probably work. It is not a perfect glue, but it seems to work to be diluted with water and can be absorbed by paper. It remains to be seen how this will degrade the papers ability to absorb ink and paint. My little test indicate it shouldn''t be too big of a problem. Iselin helps me hold to paper while I work around it before it starts to stick together. Ciara and Kari tries to be helpful by cutting and handing me paper. It will not be the finest shape, but I can apply an outer layer of finer paper when the shape itself is finished and stable. To make this a little easier, Kari and Ciara cut the paper into arcs, and I try to force the paper out with a rounded wooden bowl surface. The idea is to use coarser paper internally and build reinforcing ridges with it as well, and it seems to be going pretty well. I will make the north and south poles extra thick because what eventually becomes the south pole will have to take the weight of the globe, and I insert a thin star shaped brass plate for the 10mm shaft. The plate will be the hub, and a washer with a pin will hold the globe in the top or bottom so that the globe can be rotated.


    Jane comes in with a ''What''re you doing?'' with a tone that makes it clear that Jane is bored and will be a nuisance. Again. Which she soon proves by poking at everything, and asking questions. She also sarcastically asks if this wasn''t meant to be a lazy day.


    <hr>


    I lay on my couch and wonder if I should make another game. Really want to do Role Playing Games, but board games are easier to spread and Risk might be nice, but it will be hard to figure out how to balance parts. The world as a playing field doesn''t work, but I can make Europe a smaller variant with parts they might know more about, with perhaps a small part of North Africa. The balancing will be difficult and will require revisions, and I need help for the naming to be useful and correct. I can draw the cards but they will not be durable in the long run even quite thick. Maybe make them in wood? But I can live with short-lived cards. A future printing press would really help. But I should start drawing a map of Europe on large paper and work from there. The board should be mounted on wood, and be made to fold together.


    I go to my study and sees Ciara sitting there copying math books. Guess she wanted to be close while still having an excuse and be useful, so I look over her work, and give her praise and kiss her cheek, before I start working on a Risk map of Europe. I start to really think about classic Risk game and balance - exactly how it is structured - and I write and sketch on a couple of large slate boards. I manage to find a couple of pictures on my mobile from when I''ve played with my friends, and I see the playing field and can count parts and what they give, and how they are connected. The classic playing field is interesting with some interesting sections like Australia and its isolation, which mine will not have, but has other interesting sections such as the Alps and the Pyrenees. It feels like four players may be appropriate to begin with. The pieces will be wooden; round for one, and a little bigger square for five troops.


    Jane comes in and leaves the samples of painted miniatures. She wonders if we can talk, but her glances to Ciara and reluctant behaviour makes it clear she doesn''t want to talk in front of Ciara. She seems depressed too. So I close the tablet and take her to my bedroom couches.

 Tosra & The Auction - day 27, Lazy day (Movie night)

    Jane feels lonely and isolated. Sure, she can paint and it gets easier and easier to talk to the others, but they don''t really have much to talk about. No common interests or hobbies, and the language makes it worse. Jane isn''t interested in sewing, weaving, embroidery and similar crafts like many other women, and not woodcraft or metalwork in my workshop. Caecilia is interested in learning to draw people and things, and Jane help her with tips etc as she sketches. But Jane doesn''t really have anything in common with the rest of us - including me. I''ve only shared the same world, not the same life style. She isn''t used to being alone in this way, and none of her usual hobbies or interests exist or work here. It was bad in Hildifjoer, but there she worked long days. It has been more or less of a problem since she came here to Alfheimr, which she also told me when we met.


    Unfortunately I don''t really know what I can do to help her with that, but just speaking English helps. Her language skills are improving and she understands more and more, but it is not the same thing. I of course understand her, but we handle it differently. I am somewhat introvert, while Jane like most of my company is extrovert, and she''s always had a boyfriend and friends. Jane have never been alone for long periods of time. If she felt alone, she lived in a city and it was easy to find something to do or be social. Jane asks if she can sit next to me and lean against me while we talk, but makes sure I know there will be nothing more than that.


    So she switches to my couch, and it gets a little uncomfortable between us, especially over where my arm should be, but as she tells me to lay it around her waist. So we just sit there. Jane leaning against me while we talk about everything. I let my thoughts wander while we talk about more normal Midg?rd subject, and as usual I jump between topics and goes on tangents, from projects, plans, problems and more. Jane seems to find it comforting and I see and feel that she is starting to relax. She just feels so isolated, and the music on her cell phone doesn''t help. She''s heard all the music before, so many times, and she didn''t have many songs saved in offline mode. Unfortunately, Jane has an iPhone so I can not transfer files to it. Or from it.


    I have charged Tom''s android mobile, and I have deactivated the password on it. But there isnt much useful there either. I have transferred some pictures to a folder and zipped. Jane got to help and say which ones we should save, and I chosed everyone on her as well, even though I tried to avoid looking at the sexier ones. Tom mostly watched Netflix, and used Spotify for music.


    We move on to other subjects and even though she is a Brit, she is not a Monty Python fan, and hasn''t seen ''The Holy Grail'' and the other films. It is kind of fun to tease her as Jane seem to take it personal whenever I know parts of brittish culture better than her, but she enjoy the conversation. It feels normal. Of course, Jane has seen a lot of clips from Monty Python sketches etc. They are famous. Eventually I realise she knows parts of the parrot sketch and the lumber jack song. I refer to Alith as a ''Norwegian blue'' considering her origins in our world, and that Alith is a ''bird'' with blue hair. Jane smile and answers; ''Remarcable bird the Norwegian Blue, beautiful plumage'' and refer to Aliths breasts. Jane even manage to turn the expression about "Pining for the Fjords" into sex with me. I avoid giving her any confirmation, but she seems to have guessed that I''ve had sex with Alith.


    I ask if Jane wants to see a movie. I only have a few with me, but all but one are in English, and she directly bite, but ask if we can make a whole movie night of it. Some unnecessary junk food, something to drink etc. There is no popcorn, chips, soft drinks and so on here, so we have to get creative, but Jane says she will try to find something good and disappears, much happier and motivated.


    I find Kari and we find Iselin weaving in her room while she talks to Caecilia, and I explain about Janes depression issue and that I will cheer Jane up with a movie night. Its best if none of them are there as I can''t interpret, and the film will be completely different. Better let Jane have a movie night to cheer her up, and make her feel as much Midg?rd normal as possible. I will have a movie night with Kari another evening.


    Kari confirms that she has often seen Jane being sad, especially when she thinks no one will see it or in her room. Jane have sometimes been red-eyed after tears. Jane doesn''t seem to want to show it and be a burden. I briefly explain the difference in personality between us, introvert and extrovert, and how we get energy, which makes them understand us a little better. They never though about it like that. I continue explaining that Jane has a hard time talking and getting that energy even though she is with us, due to language problems and interests. They cannot really understand the huge difference in life style, and only Iselin knows that Jane could''ve driven down to Borgarsandr and returned over an evening, but not even Iselin understands what it is like to live in a modern big city. There is so much to do which they have never heard of, like museums, shops, theater, cinema, caf¨¦s, nightclubs, activities, sports and more.


    We decide that everyone will try to find something that Jane might be interested in here - and pretty much by reflex I dismiss Caecilia''s expected proposal for more sex - but I notice the unexpected ''more''. Kari promises to take Jane riding even though the island has limited options, as Jane apparently rode much when she was younger. We have already explored the island a few times, and taken the small boat over to the other side and gone for a walk there. But it is something to do. We need to get a bridge to both the larger island and Orusingen to have more options, variety and be able to take longer trips. I''m going to try to convince Jane to try weapon training with the guards. I still train about twice a week for an hour or two, and carry my sword at least a couple of times a week to get used to it. Alith and the others try to get me to train more, and that I should train my grip strength more as well, but I don''t intend to be a full-time warrior, and don''t really enjoy the training as is. I realise I am humming Iron Maiden''s ''Weekend Warrior'', even though it is the wrong activity. I believe that is about football.


    <hr>


    I''ve showered and wait in the couch dressed in Midg?rd cloths. Tablet ready, but in power save mode and with the display folded down over the keyboard. Elvira knocks and comes in along with Alith. The food Jane arranged is crispbread with some blueberry jam, and thankfully extra plates and two of he new glasses. A bottle of apple cider for me, and a jug of water and a bottle of wine for Jane. I know that we bought a few barrels, and we took most of the luxury items and the more luxurious food from the B-mansion, and there was plenty of imported wine and spirits as well as a lot of wheat bundles. Alith is curious about something Jane said to her, but I simply don''t understand what Alith tries to say. Its completely mangled.


    Jane arrives after maybe five minutes; newly showered and in her own modern clothes - shirt and jeans. When asked, Jane grins and repeats "Hello Polly!" in English to Alith, and we both laugh as it is from the parrot sketch. Alith expression is wonderful, but how the hell do I explain it? I just say that it is an obscure Midg?rd reference to a Saga given her hair color and that she is a woman, and that translated it means ''Hello Polly''. And that it isn''t insulting. Jane giggles and smiles when I start singing ''I''m a lumberjack...'' with silly movements, and Alith walks away confused. I''m happy for what Jane gets, and Boomstick was worth so so much.


    So I show Jane her movie options and she chooses ''Atomic Blonde'' which she hasn''t seen, but she like my summary. She love that she havn''t seen the movies I have, and thus have them to look forward to.


    Before we start, I ask if Jane is interested in trying new things; maybe she''ll discover something new, and I ask her to accept all the suggestions she gets. Try them for two or three weeks and if she doesn''t want to continue, she knows for sure and has done something in the meantime, which she is happy to go along with on. I guess she really feels as an outsider and alone.


    So we get comfy and watch as Charlize Theron is badass babe Lorraine, while drinking our drinks and chewing crispbread as a snack and trying to avoid crumbles or making a mess.  Jane sits with her legs pulled up on the couch and leans against me, and gets a small dose of Midg?rd. Jane complains she miss coffee. And real tea.


    Jane tease me that I know what that is like, when Percival wakes up with two women in bed. Jane wants such red sunglasses, and the film reminds her of all her beautiful high-heeled shoes she is missing, and she inform me that she has a nice Louboutin collection - had. Like it should mean much for me. So she pause the movie and give me a short lesson in their greatness, including giving me other shoe designers names, and I recognize a couple from movies etc. I point out that she can probably get something primitive but similar made here, but they will be horrible everywhere. Jane slaps me lightly on the shoulder, and says I don''t understand and she doesn''t care if she can wear them outside or not. I suggest she can have something made as a variant of the Swedish clogs, which Jane still thinks are so ugly. Practical, but ugly, and she has already given suggestions on how to decorate them, either embroidery, impressions in the leather, by holes or by painting them. Everyone in the household has been given Swedish clogs, and many like them as they seem to be good durable work shoes, which are very easy to slip the foot in and out of compared to their leather shoes, and clogs don''t absorb moisture and clay from the ground. Especially after the wood have been oiled.


    Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.


    We continue to watch the movie and Jane likes Delphine''s shoes and Lorraine''s knee boots. She had a couple of those too. Sometimes Jane feels very stereotypical.


    I find it uncomfortable with sex scenes in movies, which Jane has a lot of fun with when Lorraine and Delphine are in bed together, so I get back at Jane and tease her by whispering;


    "I believe you know how that is."


    Jane turns stiff before she bury her face in her hands. So I pause the film again, and angrily Jane mumbles through her hands;


    "Oh, piss off! That bloody lying tart! Caecilia said she wouldn''t tell even to you!"


    I guess I was right, so I make it a little worse while protecting Caecilia''s small mistake;


    "Actually, you just confirmed a guess."


    Jane is entertainingly quiet and still, before she turns away and buries her head in a pillow while she make angry annoyed noises, so I drink some apple cider and wait for her to gather herself. After a few variations of ''twat'', ''tosser'' and a very satisfying emphasized ''devious bastard'', she takes a few deep breaths, let go of the pillow, signals I should shut up, downs her wine, refills it and unpause the movie. I say nothing while the sex scene continues to play, and we continue to see the film in the quiet, while eating crispbread and sipping on our drinks. But Jane feels much better as the credits begin to scrolls, and she like the movie. So I give Jane a hug, and reluctantly she hugs me back.


    "Honestly; I do not care. Please spend time with Caecilia if you both want too, as Caecilia is very open minded and seems too be insatiable." Jane has stiffened and held her breath, but begins to relax and breathe again. "Just make sure that Iselin ain''t jealous." I hear a small held back snort from Jane. "Wow. How ironic wouldn''t it if my fianc¨¦e is jealous that my  courtesan is also sleeping with my best friend. My female best friend. Now that is a thing I never expected to say. I mean about jealously and so on, not that my best friend is a woman. But you''re all adult females so no-one here will mind - since legally speaking; you are not having sex."


    Jane snorts and giggling.


    "It''s more ironic that you probably appreciate your courtesans and future wife''s bisexuality more because they like to have sex with each other, than the occasional threesome with you. Although that threesome must be awesome, and don''t even try to deny that you like it. I know they do. My room is underneath Iselins. I appreciate you thought ahead and added soundproofing between floors, but it is not completely effective. " I havn''t really thought about Jane having the room underneath Iselin, but sound travels between floors even with about 15 cm saw and shavings between the wooden floor and the ceiling as damping and insulation. It was a very good idea that I got them to do something more than just a wooden floor, but the surroundings are very quiet and double glazed windows muffle the sound from outside.


    "It is also ironic that you have a harem of young women, and all except Ciara with higher - or much higher - sexdrive than you, and you really feel burdened by it. Happy - but burdened. It is like they''re all in some kind of feedback loop, influencing each other to go home and shag their boyfriends - which is you. They might not really understand you like I think I do; like why you just froze for a fraction of a second when I said you have a harem - like you just did again - or why we both call Caecilia a courtesan instead of her legal title. Hell, I feel less dirty about having had ''Courtesan Caecilia'' in my bed, instead of ''Caecilia the ...'' you know. Your life would be so much easier emotionally and physically, if you instead felt entitled to ''take a woman'' when you wanted, but we all really appreciate that you''re not an arsehole, and that you like to cuddle and just make them all feel loved and satisfied. They love you so much more for it.


    I can not even claim its just because you''re a modern man, considering how the average ''modern man'' in our world probably is, or how they would be here. Definitely not if that include every country and religion. Yeash! If you really can effect and shape this world as much as you might, it will probably make Alfheimr a better world than ours. At least some parts of it. Just the equality and rights for women if the Norse avoid something like Christianity, and manage to repel other religions. Do you have a plan for that too?"


    "Yes."


    "Why did I even bother to ask?" Jane sighs and stares at nothing. "I wonder if we can really understand them, like how much they love having their own rooms. We might take it for granted, and you obviously prioritized privacy while designing this wonderful mansion, but it is such a statement of importance, wealth and luxury to have that privacy here - no matter what roomsize - and I do not think either of us really can get it, because we''ve always had it. I''ve heard them gush that their room even have a door. With a lock. A part of your house, that you unequivocally consider to be theirs. Where you will knock and wait for permission, even to the servants room. You are practically a King with absolute power, and this is your Castle, but you have given away parts of it to the staff, without thinking twice. And a couple of them used to be slaves.


    The maids absolutely adores their maid room with a huge glass window, central heating and with actual personal beds, and luxury mattresses. No sleeping pelts or sacks of hay on the floor in the kitchen or common room for anyone, not even shared beds, and lets not even mention the guards. You are spoiling everyone, and making them all feel so special. You''ve even made sure they got drapes around each bunk bed to have even more privacy - truly a space of their own - so no-one doubts how important you see that. Which makes it funny that particularly Caecilia invade your privacy all the time, and you allow it, while you wouldn''t invade her privacy. They just don''t really get it, although I have tried to tell them."


    We just sit quietly for a few minutes before Jane speaks again, and she seems uncomfortable, but so do I as soon as she start to talk.


    "I''m not bi... I just needed to feel someone close, to have someone in bed with me again. To hold someone. But one thing led to another... and I guess I sort of hoped it would. Wanted it too, even though I get what you mean about her age, and why you would like them all to be my age. And as I said, I''m not bi. Gods, I was desperate. I appreciate what Caecilia did and I needed it. I really needed it. I really miss feeling someone close." Jane is silent for a moment, sighs and leans her head against my shoulder and hugs my arm against her; "This is the longest I''ve been alone for at least ten years, and I have no real friends here to take my mind of it and make it better."


    "You have a friend here. Me. When you need to, and as long as this thing work, we can see a movie together, even if its the same movie. After that we can still talk about movies or modern life. Take walks, play silly games or just sit and talk like now. I''m glad that you came here to Alfheimr, and that you searched me out. You''re the only one I can really talk to. Thank you for being here and being my friend."


    Jane hugs me a little harder, and I feel my shoulder get damp. I will not release her until she shows signs of wanting to be released. We just sit there, not saying anything, but gradually her hug has become softer, and she has dried her eyes. She gives me one last hard hug.


    "Thank you, Robert. Really, thank you for calling me your best friend before without thinking about it. You really meant it."


    "It''s what friends are for. Having fun, spend time together and making you feel embarrassed and better at the same time. You''ll be okay. It''s one hell of a culture shock."


    Jane just sits and resignedly laughs while she keep hugging me, but it''s more because she already has her arm around me.


    "You''re my best friend in the world. My only real friend in this world."


    This feels a little too sad and emotional, a little too intimate, so I try to lighten the mood a bit.


    "Well, that is good and bad news. Good; because I really like being your best friend. But bad because; what would you call a women saying her best friend is every known human male in the world?"


    Jane giggles a playful ''Piss off'', gives me one last strong hug, empty her wine glass and says she needs to pee, which I also need, so we both laugh and it''s a good silly end.


    <hr>


    The days are becoming shorter with less than 10 hours of daylight, with 40 minutes of twilight on each side of that, and the evenings are very dark. But the maids have learned to take care of the oil lamps and overall the light is ''acceptable'', and it is cozy and warm inside the house. The steam boiler seems to work well enough, which is a huge relief. More rooms could use interior windows, but they will be installed when they''re finished.


    I looked in on the guards and Hillevi plays chess against Gunhild while they sit in the gloom in their day room. The outer doors are all locked, and I don''t want them to stand guard outside or patrol in the dark; it just feels idiotic considering the threat, the environment and how few they are. It is better that the guards are safer inside the outer protection and obstacle, instead of passing through it and possibly opening the way for the enemy to enter. It is also more difficult to eliminate a couple of guards without anyone noticing, and to shoot arrows through double glazed windows with 20 cm separation and the iron bars isn''t easy or effective. Gunhild lets me know that Bodil has gone to bed early to take the night shift.


    We should have a couple of more guards.


    Its too early to sleep, so I head for my study and work on the Risk game. Kari soon comes in to watch what I do, so I grab her around the waist and hug her towards me and explain it''s a new game, different from what they have played so far. Kari kiss the top of my head and whispers what she wants us to do, and what she is wearing under the dress, so I put the work aside and spend time with my stately and sexy concubine.

 Tosra & The Auction - day 28, Cool ideas

    Tosra & The Auction, day 28


    Cool ideas


    I should have considered the problem of releasing the paper globe half from the wooden template. Yes, it can be split, but it sticks together. So I improvised a small special tool of a thin curved piece of knife edged brass that I could scrape all the way around the edge, and the top 20cm came loose and then I could separate them. The surface was quite okay, so we start on the next and will gradually make two more halves, but it will probably take a couple of days. Slow drying glue. I will try to trim and fit the halves together, and the newer ones has an ledge to glue against. The plan was to make a globe at the time, but the halfs doesn''t fit perfectly together, so we will have to try and use the same mold for both the northern and souther hemisphere. Hardly perfect but it will work as long as I glue it together, and then glue a wide last strip of paper outside as reinforcement and a wide equator. In the future I will make better molds.


    I create a curved template to be able to draw arcing lines all the way to the equator and mark longitudes, followed by latitude lines. I make solid lines for every tenth degree but make marks and crosses for every fifth, just like with longitude lines. All coordinate lines are in red ink. I''ve learned that I can not work too fast with the ink here, it also has to dry, so the work will be made in stages now and then, and I am forced to skip areas to avoid leaning my hands or template on something that isn''t dry. But the important thing is that it will be good, instead of done quickly. I don''t exactly have any time pressure for this. I use far more time to create a long list of coordinates to be able to mark outline points on coasts and islands, and then merge them. A very long list. All contours will be in black ink so it is clearly visible and I can draw over red longitude and latitude lines.


    I really hope that the world looks the same as Midg?rd so not only the small part here in the north where I''ve been is the same. It would be a bit embarrassing, but I guess I will be dead for at least a hundred years before most is checked. If most are correct, it will lead to much more efficient exploration, partly because it is affirmative more than wildly flailing about, and my instruments like the sextant will be able to help make it easier, more accurate and safer. Thought I will write in small text that this is Midg?rd and my travels so far make me think that Alfheimr looks the same.


    I have Iselin enthusiastic help with this project, and it''s fun to build something with her. She definitely doesn''t want to be a lady who sits and embroiders while longing for her husband or who manages a farm. Kari also thinks it is interesting, but she doesn''t know what Iselin knows, and don''t seem to want to know. I have asked Kari if she wants to know and asked her to talk to Iselin about what she has learned, but Kari havn''t made that decision yet. Ciara havn''t really cared, but when Kari decide, she will then ask Kari if she think she did the right choice. It''s probably a while before I tell Alith or Caecilia.


    As we''ve done what we can on the globes, we finish the metal bending machine and bench mounted sheet metal shear by heating and tempering the working steel edges. Its a completely different mindset compared to what most blacksmith have. They heat and hit stuff with hammers, and shape against an anvil, a thick log or templates. They cut a shape and make holes with metal chisels. They don''t cut larger metal plates by using blades and a lever. Sure this only works on thin metal, and preferably with copper or brass, but it works. I really want better metal shears with a compound lever, but I havn''t bothered making some. Tricky. There are so many metal working tools I would like to have. Like a shop press.


    Actually, I want a digital press brake, a milling machine, a band saw, an angle grinder, belt sander and a MIG or TIG welder, but that''s not going to happen. Well. In the future, some of it might. It''s nice to dream and have goals.


    Then we balance and assemble the balancing machine. I need to finish the balancing machine before I can balance parts for more complex rotating machines. The carpenter has already delivered its wooden frame, and the parts Digraldi made are the very thin overlapping disc wheels on each side, and it is quite easy to check so they rotate easily and are completely round, and spin them like a spinning top to carefully balance them one by one, until they all work well. Quite a lot of work, but its not that hard and it is not a big problem. I can now balance a wheel or cog with a shaft by placing it directly on the discs, and for wheels or cogs without a shaft, there will be two cones that clamp together and center the wheel, where the shaft of the cones rest on the thin disc wheels so everything rotates. If I then see that the same part rotate down to the bottom all the time, I know that it is heavier there and can take away some material, or add on the opposite side, and then put a spin on it. It should stop in different places and not shake or be wobbly or crooked.


    I''m not so worried about the wheels of a wagon or something that rotates slowly, but the faster something rotates, the bigger any imbalance issue becomes. Large diameter, heavy or fast rotating stuff needs to be balanced. So I''m worried about a steam engine, the wheels of the line shaft, belt wheels and cogs etc. In the future when I make a lathe I will build a finer balancing machine and improved the existing balancing machines as well.


    I''m showing Iselin and Ciara how the balancing machine works men carpenter Engdrid deliver the cabinets I ordered for the manometer, the mains panel and the three junction boxes. I give Engdrid a new order for wooden boxes with lids for the battery cells. I have planned to pad the cells with a small layer of sawdust and wood shavings as shock absorption and should help absorb any accidental acid spills. It might start to burn, but that is another issue. Hardly optimal but I don''t have much alternative here, and I do not like that the ceramic vessels are unprotected and stand on the hard stone floor. I want some protection against them being bumped and tipping over, damaged or something falling on them. As our power need increase, so will the amount of battery cells. We don''t have much need for power now, but I expect that to increase when electric motors becomes a thing.


    Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.


    So while Ciara start to spin wheels and methodically tries to balance parts I mark the mains panel. Bodil have volunteered to carve the symbols I''ve sketched for Off, Battery, Current, Wind power and Generator, and make holes for the moving coil instrument.


    <hr>


    Its nice to see the workers use a mix of handbarrows, hand barrows with lifting rod on the shoulders and wheelbarrows being used. When they eventually got used to the carrying technique, it has become more common with a padded lifting rod resting on the shoulders on the steeper and rougher stretches where there is no even ground, but they load more in each barrow. They were quick to realise the benefits of the improved wheelbarrows, because even though they needed to learn to handle them, it hardly takes a genius and they quickly learned which was the nicest to use for a certain load.


    The Chinese wheelbarrows - which they just call ''big wheels'' - have started to be used more and more, and after the first problematic adaptation and loading lessons, they are appreciated by the workers, especially those who transport stone over longer distances. Still two men to handle each big wheel due to uneven and sometimes steep terrain, but the ''big wheels'' can carry so much more especially in weight and the big wheel are easy to move and maneuver unlike a wide two wheeled hand-drawn cart, and they can move them on flat logs or a narrow stone laid path. They can make many more round trips and still transport more each time than a handbarrow or old simple wheelbarrow. It saves enough labour that many who previously only moved stone, earth or logs instead help with other work.


    On my recommendation, one of the big wheels has been modified so they hang several handbarrows on each side, and the handbarrows works as load carriers. Someone can fill handbarrows where they work and have a pile of handbarrows being loaded, and the big wheel just load up and move 6-8 hand barrows each time to where workers unload, and there is a pile of empties. The big wheel load up with empties and return. Much higher efficiency than loading a handbarrow, which then needs to be moved and emptied. Two men move what 12-16 men used to do, so even if there is 2-4 working with just filling and emptying, they still have workers left over. Pedr likes that a lot, and so do the slaves. Carrying a handbarrow was the lowest status work, but being part of a team using that system have improved morale, and they switch places so everyone load, unload and move. The slaves now doing more craftsmans work have risen even more in status. I don''t like there being slaves working here, but they''re treated pretty much just as the lower craftsmen, and far better than a lot of slaves in history. It also motivates me to improve their work conditions and life.


    Pedr and the workers liked the wheelbarrows enough that he''s ordered the several more. Six improved wheelbarrows and four big wheels, and some have been completed. The farms will also be given one each to try and see if they''re useful.


    The fact that taking stone from beneath the cliffs leaves pits, gives me an idea for one of those pits.


    <hr>


    During the evening meal, food and storage discussions include my plans for icehouses, and an icebox to have inside. Jane didn''t know that ''in the past'' icehouses were used to store ice blocks from lakes and streams, and if it is large enough and well insulated, the ice can last over the summer until next winter. Households then had insulated iceboxes, and ice traders delivered ice blocks that kept the food cold. It was the predecessor to the refrigerator, and have been used since before Roman times, but not in all places. The principle has even been used in deserts to use the night cold from a clear starry sky to create ice, but they were bottle shaped and in thick clay. The ice trade was huge in the later part of 1800s, and they shipped ice from USA and Norway all the way to India and Australia. It took months, and I''ve always wondered why they didn''t have a more local trade. Australia is quite close to Antarctica.


    The first refrigerator systems were large, and used to make ice blocks, that were then delivered. Making ice ment you didn''t have to store as much, and didn''t have to pay people to harvest it and transport it. And it might be a mild winter or you lived in a climate that didn''t see ice at all. People were used to the icebox system, and didn''t have electric power even when the technology for a home refrigerator became available and good enough. And refrigerators could break. So I understand that it was just easier and way cheaper to keep buying iceblocks.


    My company knows about storing food in large pots in the ground to keep it cool, but even walk in earth cellars only hold the temperature at +10C to +12C, and they don''t understand the difference keeping something at just above freezing will be. Its largely due to the food the culture here have and store. Every house we''ve built have a small cold storage under the floor, and we have big cool basement vaults, but there is a big difference, and its very practical to have the icebox easily available. Next year there will be several large earth cellars made, basically one for each farm and household in the village.


    Icehouse and iceboxes are definitely worth introducing for next summer, so I''ve already asked Pedr to build a comparatively small but well-insulated icehouse in the shade on the north side of the mountain west of the mansion, where the road already passes and there is a hole in a suitable location. They just need build two and a half walls and a roof, and they can re-use earth etc from the road work to lay against the outside as extra insulation. It might be overkill, but there will be a separate and well insulated wooden building inside the stone building. I should probably build another icehouse in the same size and shade, but free standing and away from the ground, just to see the difference and which is better. But that is for the future. There is a limited amount of work that can be completed before winter.


    We can''t expect that there will be thicker ice on the lakes around here, but it will be the closest and best place for an icehouse to reach from both lakes, and from both the mansion and the Academy. There should be cold nights to freeze ice in buckets, but that is hardly usable for the volume I need. But I now have merchant ships. The ship with the northern route doesn''t sail in the middle of winter, but I can pay them to make a trip to get ice from a suitable lake in Norway, and moving ice from the port to the icehouse should be quite easy since its by the road. The ice will have to be loaded on a wagon and transported, so it doesn''t matter much if its 200 meter or a 1000 meter.


    I need to have tools made for sawing and handling ice. Standardizing the block size will be a very good idea. 4 x 3 x 2 dm will be about 22 kg blocks, and should be good for a cooler. I can always stack two on top of each other. But I can use double the size in harvesting and storing.

 Tosra & The Auction - day 29, Legacy

    Tosra & The Auction, day 29


    Legacy


    Apart from the fact that I''m sore and stiff after the mornings jogging and weapons training, again, there are no major problems with upgrading the carriage with a trip meter, seat belts and drum brakes, and I remind everyone how they work. We will see how it all works in the long run, and how the brakes work after the brake pads have been worn in. But its not difficult to ''persuade'' the guards to take the summer carriage and drive around a bit in the flat and steeper parts to test the brakes, and they will use the new simple waist seat belt. The can also make sure the trip meter works as it should. Extra brake pads along with basic tools, and a slate board with chalk to record info if needed, have been stored along the axe, spare parts and other things in the storage space underneath the driver''s bench. There''s even work gloves.


    <hr>


    Rikvi and most women are very fascinated by the prototype hand-cranked meat grinder. As most other things I do, its in brass and very shiny. Well, no the cast surfaces. I can only hope that the brass doesn''t change the taste too much. We will eventually know, but I have very limited options, since they''re basically brass (mostly copper), bronze (mostly copper) or copper. Cast iron would be nice.


    What the meat grinder have ensured is that there will be more meatballs, patties and burgers in the near future. And sausages. Lots of sausage, since I made a sausage nozzle. I repeat my warning to push anything into the meat grinder with their hands and fingers. I''ve made it square and quite narrow to stop it and there is a wooden block for that. To show what will happen, I shove a couple of carrots down in the grinder and say that fingers will not be whole again after that. Use the wooden block, and make sure there are no children close by when its used. Someone who use a bit of force on the crank might not be attentive, especially if one cranks and another feed. I show how they unscrew and clean all the parts. Housing, screw, crank, locking ring, sausage nozzle and mesh plates. I look forward to meat patties with gravy and onions, but suspect a hell of a lot of sausages will be made.


    The grater, cheese slicer and root vegetable peeler are other ''inventions'' they have already started using, but the meat grinder is much more advanced, and it is quite high-tech compared to a knife. Above all, the cheese slicer sees use each morning. Ciara just love bread with a spread of honey, and a thin slice of cheese on top.


    <hr>


    Late in the afternoon, Caecilia informs me that two messengers has arrived looking for Kari Alfgeirsdotter, and is carrying a document roll in a durable leather with end caps. When I get there, Kari is already waiting, surprised and impatient, because the messengers are sent by Storman Skarde, with the message that Kari should open the document together with Sejdmann Robert Arnesson.


    We sit on the sofas in the meeting room, with the others hovering nearby or beside us. Kari recognizes the name Skarde, but can not place it. Jane snaps her fingers and starts to stutter looking for words, gives up, and in English say that it is the old man at the autumn feast, the one with the white hair who got the chair.


    Kari rolls up the document and starts reading aloud, but quickly finds it really difficult to read. It''s a proclamation from Storman Skarde and his legacy. If the document is read, he is dead, and he hopes Odin forgives his sins because they are many, and he has never forgiven himself. Kari Alfgeirsdotter is Storman Skarde''s granddaughter and main heir. Kari pauses and cries as she tries to read. As long as Skarde was alive, he couldn''t recognize her as his granddaughter, and it was a constant pain the he wasn''t even able to see her.


    I have Iselin make everyone leave the room, so it is just the two of us and I hug Kari while she cries. After a while, Kari asks me to continue reading even though it won''t be fluent, because she can''t do it herself. So I read.


    King Asbj?rn Aeriksson and Queen Haera can confirm that this is true, and they have taken care of Kari at the castle since she was a child and made sure that Kari got a good education, and have taken it upon themselves to find a good man for her, and he hopes this will happen if it hasn''t already happened when this is read out. A copy of the document has also been sent to the Royal Castle''s archives. Skarde regrets he couldn''t give Kari anything in life, but he can at least do so with his death, as his sins die with him.


    In addition to a list of properties with specific recipients, everything else Storman Skarde owned now belongs to Kari Alfgeirsdotter, and Skarde deeply regrets he can not even give her her real last name, but it is not his to give and she shouldn''t look so it stays buried with him, but she should know that her mother and father wanted her.


    The document is signed by Skarde, with his housemark and signed by several witnesses with their housemarks. Underneath it all is written a note in a more scrawling style, directly to Kari, and it seems new and less official.


    Kari. My beloved grandchild. It was a coincidence we met at the autumn gathering. I just wanted to try such a wonderful chair and talk to the mysterious Sejdmann Robert Arnesson. When you were introduced to me, it was hard to stay silent and keep my joy hidden when I saw what a beautiful and stately woman you have become. It made me pleased to see you as the concubine of such a good and nice man as Sejdmann Robert Arnesson, and you both seemed to really love each other and be happy. I wish you the best future, and that you have many children and live happily ever after in the gleaming mansion across the water.


    Robert, let me once again thank you for the chair; it has been wonderful and has already given me a lot of enjoyable moments. I know you will keep what you said and that in the future Kari will become more than your concubine, although I doubt I will be alive to see it. I''m sorry that the inheritance won''t let you prove that you are marrying Kari out of love.


    Kari, know that I always saw you as my little princess, but I couldn''t give you a kingdom, until after my death.


    - Storman Skarde.


    Kari sits curled up in my lap, hugging me tight and crying as I finish. She is not a stately noble woman right now, just a young woman who has just found out a bit about her family she''s always wondered about, but also that she is alone, as everyone is dead. Kari is just a bunch of emotions and tears and continues to hug me and cry.


    I''m not as shocked as Kari, and while she is crying and we are holding each other, I can not help but think. Kari is rich. She is certainly a Storman due to her new properties and ''nobility'' even without a special title, and King Asbj?rn has known about it. It cast a new light over why he sent her to me as a teacher, and that he said she would be an excellent Furstess, as it was probably not just for her skills and knowledge. Kari just became a very attractive wife in the eyes of others.


    I don''t think it was a coincidence that Skarde visited us at the gathering. He must have known considering that King Asbj?rn gave Kari to me before so many witnesses, and how famous my name has become, and how many we have been introduced to and for how long ago. I know that people know of Ciara and Iselin, and they were unknown in this region before - Kari wasn''t. Skarde had twenty years and he already knew her name, the letter leaves no doubt about that.


    Considering how Skarde was those weeks ago, and as far as I can remember, he didn''t react at all to the presentation, he must have known, and sought us out now that Kari had a man. He wanted to meet her, but must have given his word or been prevented in some way, and pretended it was a coincidence.


    Considering how he seemed to be in very good physical shape for his age, as he could get out of the deck chair without help, Skarde may have been killed because he met Kari, and he must have known but didn''t care. He really seemed to suffer that he had no family, so obviously there must be something really bad that happened since he did have one.


    Kari asks me to read the whole document again. She wants to hear it and get a confirmation that she didn''t hear it wrong. I read the document once more to Kari, and after more tears she then manages to read it for herself.


    The extra text Skarde wrote was important. It isn''t enough for him that he made Kari his heir. He wanted her to have a personal contact. Something more. Skarde also wanted me to know that he wish for us to get married within a year.


    It hits me when I read it again, and I find myself staring at the document. The last line. And I methodically work my way through the thoughts to confirm the wild leap my brain just did.


    Something really terrible must have happened that made Skarde unable to see Kari, unable to admit they where family, and it seems to have been a punishment. Something he was forced to do. But what could be so awful that he is prevented from seeing his granddaughter? Something made him distance himself. Either to protect her, or because he was forced to. Why does Kari need to be protected? Of course if she is his last heir, but it doesn''t seem to be such an enormously important inheritance, just big, but there are many Storman, and King Asbj?rn didn''t mention anything about this to us. Skarde may have had enemies, someone else who would inherit, but he shouldn''t have written the inheritance as he did saying she is his only family. But if so, why was Skarde killed after we met three weeks ago?


    Clearly a punishment that Skarde really didn''t like, where he was forced to give up Kari to the King, and he can not tell Kari her real name because it must be buried with him. Kari''s real name is important. Skarde''s own name is not that important, so her mother''s or father''s name from Skarde can''t be that important either. The other parent must be important. Really important. But if Skarde had a son, then Kari could inherit the name and it should be possible without problems because Skarde says she is his granddaughter. But the mother of a child is always known, while the father may be unknown. So if Kari is his daughters daughter, who is the father?


    It''s the last sentence that bothers me. It feels weird. It doesn''t have the same flow as the rest, and it''s not just because I''m bad at runes.


    Kari, know that I always saw you as my little princess, but I couldn''t give you a kingdom, until after my death.


    I think I know who Kari''s father is. I don''t think it''s King Asbj?rn, because he should have been able to recognize an illegitimate daughter, or at least not have her grow up the way Kari did. It was after all 23 years ago and I know that he has three children, two concubines and a mistress, but only one wife since the other died. He''s also had the unfortune that a couple of children died growing up. But King Asbj?rn seems to care about Kari, more than just someone who grew up in the castle, and much more than the other girls who were brought up as Kari. I remember that Kari, as part of my lessons, told me that King Asbj?rn had a brother who died twenty years ago or so, and who have a daughter. A daughter who may be younger than Kari, and no sons.


    What strikes me is the structure, and that some words can be camouflage and padding. It feels like something a man would do when he knows he''s going to die, on just Kari''s copy of the will. As a last clue or ''Screw you'' to the one who forced him.


    Kari, know that I always saw you as my little princess, but I couldn''t give you a kingdom.


    Kari might be a Princess, and King Asbj?rn''s niece. She might have inherited a lot from Asbj?rn''s brother, which might be huge landownership. But that doesn''t explain everything, as why Skarde seems to be punished and can not say it. But if Skarde, for example, tried to help Asbj?rn''s brother in a coup for the throne, and get Asbj?rn out of the way by accident or illness, but couldn''t be punished for it visibly or officially... then I can understand if Asbj?rn forced Skarde to do so, took his only granddaughter from him and made it so that Kari couldn''t inherit and why Kari was brought up they way she was. Kari said that Asbj?rn had a reputation for making brutal short-term decisions, which no longer seems to be true if it ever did, but Asbj?rn''s punishment of Radgeirrson was interesting. It wasn''t just to execute him, it was to suffer and experience the same pain he inflicted on others. To drag it out, and wait a day before it was executed.


    This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.


    If my thoughts are correct, then it was probably a fight for the throne between two brothers, which no one seems to know about, and no matter what happened, Asbj?rn''s brother died, with or without the help of Asbj?rn, and witnesses or evidence have probably disappeared. Skarde must have supported his brother or participated, and Skarde''s punishment was to suffer for the rest of his life, without any contact with his granddaughter, where Kari was the ''insurance'' while kept protected. As soon as Skarde made contact, even if it can be blamed as a coincidence - he dies. An older but healthy man, three weeks later. It just feels like a very improbable timing.


    King Asbj?rn is probably the same man as when he was young, he has only learned better control and to give a different facade and make long-term planned decisions. But Asbj?rn does not hesitate to punish harshly and seems to be vindictive. Although it shouldn''t affect Kari''s inheritance as I doubt that Asbj?rn will act against Kari, now that Kari is in mine. Asbj?rn have too much invested in goodwill to me, and too publicly, and he needs the Academy to be a success and that we have good friendly relationship to get the most prestige of his decision. But Asbj?rn is dangerous.


    No matter what, that secret is still dangerous but I guaranteed that there isn''t any evidence anymore, and here there are no DNA tests that would easily prove kinship, otherwise Kari probably wouldn''t be alive. Asbj?rn also needed Skarde''s silence to bury the fight for the throne. It may be to give the public impression that the Royal lineage is united and strong or something like that. It was only a generation after Jarl Naeswulf''s fight for the Throne, and that fight did involve blood. Skarde could have written all of this clearly, but it feels like something more is lurking in the background. Something we can not know. It could be that the knowledge would lead to a death sentence against Kari, or she would have an ''accident'' or something. Asbj?rn has probably kept his eye on Skarde so he couldn''t change his official will, or he has done so, because it already provides too much information, and as it is written, Skarde could have added the last part to the top - about her real name - after it was signed. Skarde''s personal message on her copy is obviously added afterwards.


    Kari is probably a princess, and Asbj?rn''s niece. Asbj?rn gave her to me because he cares about her, but also couldn''t have Kari around himself or give her to someone who may, presumably, know about her father, and perhaps try to take the throne through her or gain too much power with the property. The Royal lineage may not be as united behind Asbj?rn as it seems, which means that Asbj?rn really need me and my Academy to be a clear win for him and his son. I have no ambitions for the throne, and have got what I want, and Asbj?rn seems to make sure that we have a good friendship.


    Damn.


    This probably makes it more likely that they will try to get me and Princess Sefa married. If it is needed to boost the Kings Power and to be able to convince the public and the powerful that Prince Hagthorn is a suitable King with good backing, then Asbj?rn probably won''t prioritize to keep the Academy completely neutral.


    I still can''t say anything about my thoughts. It''s not worth the risk; for me, Kari or my other company. Any inheritance from Asbj?rn''s brother is unimportant, and I doubt there can even be an inheritance as she has never been officially recognized as belonging to the royal lineage, and there is no reason for Asbj?rn to recognize her now. On the other hand, he can gain more from pretending that he always knew about her inheritance and thus gave me a greater gift. Had Skarde died a couple of years ago and the inheritance had been the same and already known, Kari would have been an incredibly valuable concubine to give to someone, and a very desirable wife for most. Her sworn oath to the royal lineage is also important, but that is and oath she has been freed from.


    If Kari starts thinking about this - which I have no doubt that she will - I think she will come to the same conclusion. Damn, I should get Jane to swear to never say anything about DNA, but she will wonder if I ask her right now in association with this letter. I have to give Jane a reason in the future when she doesn''t link it to this event, such as I have to methodically and carefully release some medical information, but that it will be written down and saved for future generations.


    I suddenly notice that Kari is staring at me, and seems to have tried to talk to me. Her eyes are red and cheeks wet, but she no longer cries. Kari is staring at me, and I think she''s already read my face. She knows me too damn well.


    Shit.


    <hr><hr>


    I was completely taken aback when I saw Robert''s calm and controlled face. I had started to gather myself and just wanted to hear his soothing voice and words, but instead I saw his face. It really worries me, because it was so unexpected and he knows something. Something that is a threat or dangerous.


    "Tell me!"


    Robert looks me in the eyes, sighs, hugs me more and softly begins to whisper his thoughts in my ear. Slow but methodical, he explain his thought and my thoughts start to jump wildly between detached conversations, events and people. I see the game pieces line up; how my life has just been a piece in a game of Hnefatafl. I just stare at Robert and notice he''s stopped talking, and I read the will again. Carefully. I read the last part two times, and I just get cold and numb inside. A void without thoughts. As if it is happening to someone else and I don''t know what to say or do.


    Robert hugs me and gives me a kiss, and I seek comfort in his embrace. Robert is probably right. Far too much line up with his idea, much better than he knows and I lean against my man and feel his safe and reassuring hug, and I start to whisper back:


    "It is said that King Asbj?rn''s brother died quickly of illness, but that his wife had just had a child and six months later gave birth to a daughter. A daughter who is almost 2 years younger than me, and we have some common features now that I compare us. We''re both tall, and so was King Asbj?rn''s brother. It''s not logical that King Asbj?rn''s brother - the King''s brother - only had his wife; he must have had several concubines or mistresses, but when I think about it I''ve never heard about a single concubine, mistress or lover. It''s not normal. King Asbj?rn rarely talks about his brother, but it is well known that King Asbj?rn misses his brother, and wished that his fate would have been different.


    I''ve heard the name Storman Skarde before at the castle, but I havn''t really thought about it. Storman Skarde is said to have his home somewhere further north close to Elfrhamr, between the sea and Storsj?n, and his reputation is a grumpy and evil old man who has dug in like a tick and rarely leaves his estate. So unpleasant that none of the Gods want anything to do with him, and have postponed to collect him.


    There are always rumours about splits and alliances, more or less secret, and powerful families and lineages that don''t get along. The royal lineage is hardly unique, but it is a lineage with many powerful men and women, spread over a wast area. The old king, King Asbj?rn''s father, tried to strengthen the family''s connection to the western part of the kingdom, but it may be that he tried to make his part of the lineage more influential.


    King Asbj?rn has three children. One son - Prince Hagthorn who just got married for the first time - and I know that Prince Hagthorn tried to get me as his concubine a few years ago, but King Asbj?rn flatly refused to even talk about it when he usually give his son something he really asked for. If we are cousins, King Asbj?rn''s reaction is obvious. It also explains why King Asbj?rn may have really tried to find me a good man. His niece. Skarde''s reference to it is certainly a peace offering to King Asbj?rn.


    My real name is probably Princess Kari Arildsdotter, and I have a half-sister who has been married to a prince across the sea."


    <hr><hr>


    Kari''s speech has become more monotonous over time and the shock is clear, so I just hold her and give her kisses she barely answers, while we continue to hug.


    This means that Asbj?rn is probably more dangerous than most people know. He is smarter than many people think and good at showing a calm and regal facade. We can''t let Asbj?rn know that we suspect, but the question is whether we can pretend well enough. If he asks, it may be better to admit that we guess, but don''t care.


    I whisper back I wasn''t going to tell them about this yet, but she needs to know. In Midg?rd with its technology, it would have been so easy to prove that she and Asbj?rn are related, even that Asbj?rn''s brother Arild is her father if we can get the smallest bone or hair from him or that her half-sister is her half-sister, but here it is completely impossible. It''s called a DNA test, and the technique is used daily to solve crimes and identify people in ways she can''t imagine, and it is common knowledge in Midg?rd that a drop of blood, saliva or hair can be proven to belong to a certain person. Just as Jane knew about genetic compatibility due to DNA, Jane knows this too, and how it is used and has heard about it many many times. It is that common. I have to make sure Jane doesn''t talk about such things, but can''t say anything about it right after this, because she will start to wonder. But it is best that Asbj?rn never finds out that the possibility even exists. Kari agrees, because I''ve already gained a reputation for doing impossible things, and if Asbj?rn suspects we know and I say something is impossible, but Jane says it may be possible because she might not understand how advanced technology it is? Its a stupid chance to take, even if the risk is small.


    Kari sighs and says that our lives were so much easier before Radgeirrson''s feast, and before her inheritance. Before we both became Storman. She has just received an incredibly large inheritance. She has found out who her grandfather is, and we have figured out who her probable parents, uncle and cousins are. She is probably a princess, and can''t be happy about it, or even admit they are family.


    <hr>


    After a while Kari has gathered herself enough. We''ve talked, and she has no idea how much Skarde really left her because the document doesn''t mention any sizes. We have to send someone to figure it out and we need to talk to the messenger. Kari wants to visit the property and talk to the people, but if Asbj?rn is really behind Skarde''s death, it is better that Kari stays here and doesn''t go on trips through the forests even with a couple of guards. And Asbj?rn will come here in less than two weeks.


    Iselin, Ciara, Jane, Gunhild and Hillevi are waiting in the library and extra room, and more arrive as called by the sound of me opening the doors. We can see the questions hanging unsaid. So I state that yes, Kari is Storman Skarde''s granddaughter and he has left most of what he owned to her. Kari now knows something about her family, but doesn''t want to talk about it. It is still a fresh wound and I ask them to respect her wish. Be happy for Kari but realise that she also just found out that her family is dead, and that she only has us, and she needs to mourn.


    My careless words have gotten Kari crying again, and I hold her to comfort her. They all just silently nod at it and Jane hands a roll of paper to Kari. The sketch she made off Skarde. We now understand why he said we should keep the sketch, and that he wouldn''t be able to enjoy it, before he happily left with his new chair. He knew and walked happily to his death. Kari unrolls and sees the portrait, and cries even more.


    Iselin says that the messengers in the small guest room has other documents of the properties, so I ask that they give Kari a few minutes and then show them in here.


    Kari receives the documents over the properties, and receives a brief summary from the messengers who say they were trusted slaves who worked for Skarde for two decades. Skarde had prepared so that his oldest slaves and his most trusted slaves were freed upon his deathbed, and several were rewarded with a small property. As Skarde''s heir they have promised to help Kari to get to know her new properties, and get to know the people there.


    Kari owns a mindboggingly huge property west of Elfrhamr, a long days ride north, and almost two days walking this time of the year plus a boat trip. The estate have a lot of animals and workers. In total, the inheritance is about 380 mantal, which is almost five times more than needed to be able to call herself a Storman. Far more than I own. Most are adjoined larger farms in a valley and a village that Kari practically own as she owns almost all the land in the area, and most work on her land. A copy of the will was read out in the village, and it has now become clear to people there why Skarde renamed the village ''Kariby'' almost 20 years ago, basically Kari''s village. Which makes Kari cry again after the shock of the inheritance''s size.


    Kari also has some scattered smaller properties here and there, including 22 mantles on the island of Orusingen, which is the huge island to the north, whose fields are leased by adjacent residents.


    The messengers will return to Karis estate and Kari ask them to have everyone continue taking care of all the properties because right now, she just can''t visit. In a month or so - or maybe more - but not now, which they understands. They seems quite pleased that Kari is so grieving, instead of being greedy and happy about the properties.


    <hr>


    After a late evening meal, Kari accompanies me to bed, and what she is wearing is flattering and seductive. She has really taken to Jane''s ideas - which I completely agree with - that the right attire can be more attractive than nudity, and can feel more special. Just a finer nightgown is a luxury for most people, but what Kari is wearing is a very beautiful close-fitting modern looking mix of simpler lace and thin fabric with embroidery, and Kari says that Jane calls it a Fashion Teddy. Red and black with gold highlights really suit Kari, and she is rightly satisfied and feels luxurious. My compliments and the fact that I obviously like it make Kari proud and happier. But we just lie there in bed and hold each other. Too much has happened today.


    I tell Kari that after the second time I almost died, I''ve been planning to ask Iselin to marry me this Midwinter, which I think Iselin will say yes to, which Kari snortingly confirms is a given. I''ve just pushed it forward with everything that''s happened, and as I''ve tried to make asking more special and worthy of Iselin, which Kari makes another snorting sound too, although slightly sadder. I''ll ask Iselin tomorrow. Later this winter, sometime after the honeymoon, I will ask her to marry me next spring, if she still wants to be my wife. Given how quickly and intensely Kari kisses me - and partly forgets her tongue again - I think it''s a good sign of what Kari thinks of that idea. Kari''s internal conflict that my second wife must be someone that everyone sees as a desirable wife, has now been resolved.


    I may not love Kari the same way as Iselin, but I love Kari and she is special to me and I want her in my future life. I''m still thinking in a far too slow pace for this world. The tempo and stress in modern Midg?rd is higher, but here where people live shorter, grow up faster and everything takes a long time to do - the pace of life gets higher and I need to adapt. Postponing marriage or children for two years when you are twenty, is a much larger part of the time the elves have left in life and health, and the chance to see their children grow up. I understand Liv that really wants a child now, to just increase her chance to see her child grow up. Kari will be 23 years old next summer and I will be 37 years old.

 Tosra & The Auction - day 30, Proposal

    Tosra & The Auction, day 30


    Proposal


    With the rain pounding outside, my sambos and I work to loosen the latest half globe and to mark lines and points for coasts etc on the others. The scale of these globes is about 1:16 million, and the thinnest practical line of 1mm we can do is about 16km, so the Ackerek islands will not be visible. Neither Orusingen nor Tosra will either because there are a small triangle A symbol over the place where the Academy is located, so that the Academy is specially marked. Then it is also better that everything is clear on the map than with the highest possible resolution, and there will be errors on the map for things like the North Sea''s southern coast with The Netherlands and north western Germany coastline having changed too much the last 500 years in Midg?rd, and I have to guess, and I basically guess on every flat and low lying coastal area all around the world.


    I just try to make sure that it is close enough to reality and mountain ranges, larger lakes and larger rivers are marked. So the globe is kind of like a classic fantasy map for role-playing games, and I''m honestly a little pleased about it. This can still be the best world map in a hundred years as long as the world is actually the same and the globe keeps its shape etc, because a flat map deforms reality in some way. I have plans to have a globe made of brass sheet and engraved, but want to verify that more is right outside the small part of where I have been, and we don''t write names except the most important we know, and can be sure of.


    While the ink dries, we continue to work on the steam engine and line shaft system. There is so much to balance and fit together, and I also have to install stuff in the workshop. The line shaft will be on the west side, as it is the most suitable place, and basically the only place. The south side is my long workshop bench in front of the window. The east side is the attic stairs, the battery bank. The north is the door, fireplace and just a wall. The west side is vacant and have a window, and the steam engine can be placed up in the workshop attic. My workshop is just starting to feel too small all of a sudden, as I start to mentally place the machines along the wall. It will require some planning.


    After dinner, Caecilia tries to convince me and Iselin to ''relax'' with her in my bed - or on the workbench and couch in my workshop. Whispering, and making a promise, I get Caecilia to drop that subject for today - she will understand later - and she smiles and slips off to see how the cookie baking in the kitchen are going.


    <hr>


    It has stopped raining and the clouds are starting to break up and show some sun, so I signal Kari who asks Ciara to help her with something and they disappear. Its just to prevent Ciara from tagging along. Once alone, I ask Iselin if we should take short nice walk and have a fika. We have deserved to take a break and enjoy the sun. Fika is a very Swedish cultural thing, similar to English afternoon tea, but a fika is an informal break, at about 9 in the morning and 14.30 in the afternoon. Since Jane arrived it has become very adopted by Iselin, Kari and Ciara. A fika can include any beverage and everything from cookies, to snacks, fruit, cake and sandwiches, and is quite informal. Although its basically expected that an adult will drink coffee, or maybe tea. The Nordic countries are basically the top coffee consumers in the world which is interesting considering we don''t grow it. And most foreigners regard a normal Swedish coffee mug being somewhere between a double espresso and weak tar.


    Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.


    I have Caecilia quickly pack some fresh baked cookies and buns with something to drink in a shoulder bag along with a couple of seating pads, and to give it to Bodil. Then we leave with Alith and Bodil as guards. Along the road to the village, past Unn''s house which is finished on the outside and just waiting for windows, down to the village, south around the lake and over the hill where the Academy will be built, and to the shore. Then east and back towards the mansion. We make a detour out on the large headland south of the mansion and sit down for a fika on the rocks in a slump on the north side.


    The wind is a bit cold, but we have a nice view of the mansion on the other side of the bay. I would have liked to do something more special, but elves don''t use rings for this here, and making it special is less important than asking the question that I have been postponing for far too long. For a while, I have taught Alith how to use a camera. Starting it, aim and press the button on the camera isn''t hard, and I''ve told her to start filming after I give her the sign. So Iselin is sitting next to me as we fika and hug. We gently play with each other''s fingers and just enjoy being close while I gather my courage. Why is this so hard? I love her. Man the fuck up! I signal to Alith, and after a few deep breaths get down on one knee in front of Iselin while I take her hands in mine and look into her eyes.


    "Iselin Vigdisdottir. Do you want to marry me at the Midwinter feast and become my wife, and to live together for the rest of our lives?"


    Iselins eyes grow wide when she understands, and as soon as I finish she half-throws herself around my neck with a "Yes!", and through her intense kisses she say ''Yes!'' several times, and finally an overjoyed and cute shout of: "YES! I want to be your wife!"


    It feels so damn good to hear Iselin say ''yes''. That such a small word can bring such deep happiness. Alith and Bodil are the first to congratulate us, but they are not the last when we return to the mansion and tell everyone, and we will have a nice little impromptu feast in the evening.


    We look at the recording and Alith wasn''t really prepared for that. She was ready to record, but didn''t know why, and the camera jerks and we almost slip out of frame when I propose. Luckily, I''ve told her to stay of the zoom unless told. Even though it is not perfectly framed, Alith captured when I kneel and hold Iselin''s hands, where we kiss each other and where Iselin leans back and happily shouts to the sky.


    <hr>


    Iselin and I take a long bathroom session in the shower and bathtub where we just relax, hug and kiss while we enjoy the other''s hands soaping in. To make it special I play some soft background music from my mobile and have lit some candles. Iselin really loves to be lathered up in fragrant soap and have a hot bath, and I massage and cleanse her; tenderly but thoroughly from the scalp to the toes, and try to avoid the tickly areas. Then I gently massage her on the new fold-down massage table. We try to keep it just a little playful with gentle kisses and save ourselves for bed, but it eventually fails when Iselin wants to massage me, and... Well.


    <hr>


    After the evening small feast, we continue listening to music, cuddling on the couch or grilling apples with sugar in the fireplace. I play Cecilia Vennerstens ''Det vackraste (The most beautiful)'' before we go to bed, but it takes a long time before we try to sleep.

 Tosra & The Auction - day 31, plans

    Tosra & The Auction, day 31


    Iselin have realised that her bedroom is on the other side of the attic wall from my workshop room, and she would really like a secret door in between, but I have told her that I am not particularly keen on it due to security, and there is limited space where it is possible to put such a door due to the attic stairs, the southern part in the workshop is open from floor to attic roof, and there are steam pipes. But Iselin really wants a secret door, and have started processing me so sooner or later it might happen. It can honestly be done with a security type of door that is always locked and locks itself, but its harder to hide it, so I have to think about it. Something like a Narnia wardrobe might work on Iselins side, but it''s not optimal. What Iselin really wants is a secret door ''somewhere'', so I might have to get creative up to the attic or something.


    The carpenters have delivered the first batch of wooden covers for the copper radiators, and an unexpected advantage is that the cover makes it easier to dry clothes and other things on and against the radiator. More airflow, and avoid direct contact. The maids hang most of the laundry out on the pavilion, where it is very airy but still hanging beneath a roof, and the laundry even gets sunlight for a few hours as it hangs at the south end, especially now in the autumn when even the midday sun starts to be low.


    During winter they can hang stuff indoors in both the laundry room, sauna and bathrooms, and if it is more urgent to get it dry, there is several radiator with cloths lines inside the laundry room that can be set to higher heat, but it can get unpleasantly warm inside if the window is closed and they wash with hot water. Heat and humidity. Lovely. However, the maids don''t complain about it or that they wash much more often than usual, because it is a warm laundry room indoors, with hot water, and they are under a roof all the time even when they go out to the pavilion to hang it up. Most people wash clothes in cold streams or buckets, so they don''t complain that it can be ''too hot''. Since a while back, the maids have started to make their own soap production because there is a high consumption here, and we have ash from the fireplaces that they filter and cook with animal fat and salt. They have the time, and they''re experimenting with adding a little different fragrances and herbs to the soap to make it smell better, especially for the lord and ladies. So far that is the only use of the pavilions fireplaces. It might be a good idea to distill some ''rose water'' or other perfumes come next summer.


    My and Jane''s Midg?rd clothes, however, they wash more carefully and differently, and for mine use the detergent I have with me, but those cloths don''t get used much and washed even less. Elvira is so proud to be given the honor of being the only one washing them, and I don''t think she''s pretending. I have given Jane permission to wear her Midg?rd clothes whenever she wants, but she seems uncomfortable in doing so, and only does so occasionally.


    <hr>


    It hurts deep in my soul when Iselin asks if my proposal to her is because Kari inherited, so I can marry Kari faster, or for the upcoming visit of the Royal family with Princess Sefa. So I am honest and answer that it didn''t affect, just reminded me that life is short, things happen and I still think in Midg?rd''s pace and longevity, which makes Iselin turn stiff.


    I explain that I decided to propose to her after the murder in the harbor, when I understood that as just a free woman she has no legal right to my property, and when I was drugged a month later by Radgeirrson, it only made everything clearer and more urgent. If I seemed to be dying, I would have quickly married her. So she, Kari and Ciara would have split my inheritance three ways. I also made the decision to ask Kari to become my wife some time after. I would''ve married Ciara if she wanted to be my wife, but she prefer to be my only concubine. They deserve to be married rich women, and I want to do my best for all of them. I''ve just been distracted and spent far too much time trying to figure out how to make the proposal more special, because she deserves the best I can do, and deep down, I''m an insecure man, and I was afraid that she might say no.


    Iselin kiss and hug me while I continue to explain that last night I realised that it is less important to make it special - the important thing is to ask and not postpone it any more, and about a month after our wedding, I plan to propose to Kari to get married a week before the spring equinox, even though I would have preferred to let Iselin be my only wife for much longer. I think Kari wants to be my wife, but after thinking about her new situation for a few months, it is possible that Kari might want another life, without me and us. The King gave her to me as a concubine, but she isn''t forced by law to continue to be so for the rest of her life. She isn''t some prisoner or slave. It is just disrespectful to the King and me, but she can basically mitigate that with a large gift she can now easily give. She can leave and marry another man, and now she will be coveted on a whole other level than she was before.


    Iselin hasn''t thought about that, but smile when she says it''s just my inner insecurity again, because Kari loves me above all else, and I shouldn''t doubt that Kari will say anything other than ''yes''.


    I hope she is right. I ask Iselin if she wants to find and inform her parents, and I will give her silver to buy them free and release them. If they don''t wish or cannot stay where they live, then I can give them somewhere else; I own plenty of land in several places, and if they and Iselin want, they can live here on the island for the rest of their lives so they don''t have to work or farm land and keep animals. Unless they want to. Iselin wants it. But the other island - not this one. So we decide that Iselin will take the ship on a journey after the Auction and the Royal family''s visit, but first we have a Borgarsandr shopping trip to do.


    <hr>


    After talking to my sambos, the maids Elvira and Jalida, and the cook Rikvi, we decide to give the two new employees employment until further notice. Farmhand Hrappr, 19 years old and the maid Ida, 16 years old. Not unexpectedly, they are both happy and relieved. Both about getting the job, and since they have probably started to get used to their life here, which is more luxurious than the farms they came from.


    The cook Rikvi, who was only employed for a one month, has had it extended over the winter for a while now, which she was overjoyed at. She loves life here, and she loves the wonderful kitchen above all else - and it just gets better and better! She hardly complains about the prestige that comes with the work, although she is somewhat stressed because she knows she will cooking for the King, Queen and Princesses for a few days.


    Kari reckon we can get a better cook, but me and Iselin have nothing to complain about, and Rikvi is learning a lot from Elvira and Jalida as well, with suggestions and ideas from me and Jane. It''s more correct to say that I have nothing to complain about because it is about an 1800s kitchen with the limitation of medieval ingredients. I miss potatoes, and as an example we eat a lot more of peas and beans than I ever did, not to mention wheat base food, but we eat well. Most people only eat bread and drink mead, with a little soup and meat now and then. Much of what was late medieval European court food is also something I won''t appreciate, especially not bird dishes like pigeon etc. Just because the animal flies and is closer to the sky and ''heaven'', doesn''t mean that the animal is ''nobler'' to eat. Give me some good pork, chicken, beef, fish, vegetables and root vegetables with a little spice and preferably with some good sauce, and I am happy. Which Rikvi and the others learned. Kari, Iselin, Ciara and Jane might like wine and mead, but I prefer and water, milk or cider.


    It''s sad that neither I nor Jane have been enthusiastic about cooking, and we''re both used to being able to buy ready-made ingredients, but we try to improve dishes over time. That I have a cooking book in PDF on my cell phone doesn''t help much when a lot of the ingredients are not available, and temperature control, timing and cooking options are very limited. The latest experiment is with semolina to make pasta and lasagne. It will not be perfect, but it''s different and edible. Of course no tomatoes, but minced meat sauce, spices, onions and cheese work well, and we are collecting information and improve recipes over time.


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    Iselin and Kari find it entertaining that I have the same principles for cooking as with other constructions and creative work, and Rikvi and the others have learned to use simple wooden measurements to give a more accurate amount in the recipe, and recipes are gradually written down and refined. Variants are tried and everyone get to give their honest opinion and lessons are learned. I wonder what Rikvi will think of my idea to eventually publish a cookbook, because it is to give away trade secrets like from any skilled craftsman, but at the same time advanced cooking is something that will be taught at the Academy. I can always steam roll her will, but I hope she will be proud to have her name on the cover page. As long as we methodically and slowly persuade and hammer in the benefits, the easier it will be. The more books in diverse subjects there are, the more valuable reading will be for the average person.


    A little later I take farmhand Hrappr aside and tell him he is probably a smart man, but I will say it anyway so there is no doubt, man to man. He is the only man in the household besides me, and none of us wants to know what the consequences will be if he ever forces himself on anyone in the household. If it is voluntary intimacy between two people with someone on the staff, I don''t have any issue with that, as long as it doesn''t affect both of their jobs. But he should be careful to even dream of Iselin, Kari, Ciara or Caecilia. Should they try to get together with him or he learns that they are trying with another man, then he must tell me. Jane is also a close friend, although her private life is private and her own choice. I care a lot about them all. Hrappr solemnly swears that he will never touch them, and he thanks for the clarity and that I came to him as a man. He will not betray my trust, and is actually a little proud that he is the only man in the mansion besides me.


    It''s a bit possessive and jealous of me to prevent my partners from having sex with other men when I myself have so many women, but well, I''m guess I am selfish and possessive, and three of them have chosen me. At least Ciara won''t let any other man touching her in any sexual way. It was not mutually from the beginning, but now I do have feelings for them to varying degrees.


    <hr>


    Iselin and Kari both know what is required for the feast and the wedding and are enthusiastic about it. It will be an unusual event because I have no family here and not any men as close friends, and our wedding won''t be an agreement between families. It will also be in the middle of winter when there usually arn''t any weddings, except when it is improvised or it can''t wait until spring or summer for some reason. Like a pregnancy. Winter might be problematic for travel and living arrangements etc, for all the guests, but it should be less of a problem for us with an ice-free sea route here, large comfortable mansion and relatively few guests. I appreciate that I don''t ''need'' to have a bachelor party, even though I think Iselin may have wanted a bachelorette party. None of them would have really worked here anyway, and it is not a tradition they have.


    All my sambos are special when it comes to possible marriage because none of them will be alliances between families. As my freeneck born slave, Iselin has no relatives who can object to our wedding. Her fathers and mothers will doesn''t matter. The same is true of Ciara, although her relatives in Alba would probably look at it differently. But, this is my Furstdom so it sucks to be them, and it''s not like they seem to have even tried to find her. Kari is also special and lacks relatives who will admit to being it. It''s against the Law for Caecilia to marry, so no V?lva or Gothi will ever perform that ceremony. She can''t even become a concubine. Not that she seems to want to be either of those. And I''m a human, without relatives in this world.


    When it comes to weddings and marriages, there are many traditions, and a lot is symbolic as hell. In this region, the tradition is that the local V?lva acts as the ''priest''. In some other regions there is apparently a man called Gothi. Clothes are much less important than hair, jewellery and weapons. Iselin needs a wedding crown, but as she will become a furstess, she will also need a real crown. And we each need a ring, but both the wedding crown and the design and appearance of the rings are almost unimportant, but they need to exist, and the wedding crown is often a flower wreath to associate with life, spring and fertility. Apparently they have talked to Jane so I think those things will be special, but it will be a surprise for me, and I have been informed that Iselin will order it in Borgarsandr. They just wanted my ring finger measurements so I made a simple ring in brass that fits, and Iselin also got one made. It''s probably practical to have, so I will make ring templates for everyone.


    Iselin and Kari have enthusiastically taken the responsibility to arrange all that is needed. I shouldn''t be surprised that they want to be in charge, and as the ranking ladies of the household it is their job and they know what will be needed, and what to buy. It is the responsibility of the man''s female relatives or women he already has - which is them and Ciara. Jane is getting a lot of mileage out of that I''ve literally been told that it is their responsibility, duty and tradition to arrange most things, and Jane enjoy reminding me:


    "Robert. Your duty is to shut up, pay up and show up."


    Jane can actually mime it, by pretending to zip her lips shut, rub her fingers tips together to show cash, and point at a fictive wristwatch.


    They are also really enjoying everything because none of them expected to ever be able to get married, especially Iselin as a born slave never thought she would get married. Least of all with someone she loves, and certainly not someone like me. She didn''t even have it as a dream until recently - it was too incredible.


    I am not looking forward to having to drink honey mead at the party and having to get drunk for the first time in my life, but it is a legal requirement even though it''s stupid. And Iselin is extra pleased that I am literally sacrificing a principle older than her for our wedding. My alcohol tolerance should be low, but I have body mass on my side. Then we will go to bed in front of witnesses, preferably six younger adult witnesses and we should have sex in front of them, but it is less strict because our marriage isn''t an alliance between two families. A marriage alliance really only applies as long as the witnesses are alive and can confirm it, even though that tradition is now most important among more powerful families.


    That Iselin and I have already had sex many, many times doesn''t matter, because we have not been married. Alith and Caecilia were quick to stand up as witnesses and think we should have sex in front of them, so it really is official, which Iselin was just as quick to accept, but unexpected was that Ciara and Kari also think they should be witnesses. Iselin is looking forward to the wedding being as official and exact according to the law and traditions it can be, but I am not looking forward to the beginning of our wedding night, but I will be drunk so it will hopefully help. I really hope that intoxication does not affect my performance.


    It has become more and more common for marriages to be written down in the Jarl''s book of events in the region and reported on the next Stor Ting. Paper contracts that are preserved in the royal castle are a way to ensure that the families who allied themselves will uphold the agreement, and for more important weddings, a powerful Storman or Jarl from far away and who is not allied with either party, is invited as an impartial witness. The ruling King is not on good terms with all families who ally themselves, not least because that allegiance can cause the King to lose his position, so it is complicated. Kari believe that there is a good chance that in the future, I will be invited as an impartial witness to powerful alliances because I am powerful, no a part of the kingdom, and I am also a Sejdmann, so my connection to Freja is a welcome bonus as a guest and witness for the marriage. For many, it will also be a better idea for the Academy to keep a copy of such documents, and if I can make the Academy function as a historical archive for other nations, I will not complain.


    I am oh so happy that in this region a honey month is not a tradition, ie that all the bride and groom drink for meals during the first month is that special honey mead, every meal, every day, and the marriage can not take place until they have enough of the drink. I think I know what English ''honeymoon'' comes from. In Swedish it is called smekm?nad (fondle month) which is quite self-explanatory. Swedish have a lot of words that are. But since I saw how Iselin seemed to be a little disappointed that we wouldn''t have a honey month, we will drink some honey mead out the same cup every dinner for four weeks. It rewarded me with a cute smile and kisses, and what won''t you do for the love of your life?


    We discussed the guest and participant list. Kari, Ciara and of course Jane. Caecilia who is somewhere between maid, musician and guest in participation, but not at the table. Hopefully Iselin''s father and mother. They consider it obvious that we will invite Liv and Myrun too, even though it feels weird, but powerful guests are good, and that I''ve had sex with them and are trying to make Liv pregnant, doesn''t matter in the eyes of everyone except mine and Jane''s. Myrun is an Jarl, and Liv is an important Fj?lkunnig. We need to invite Asbj?rn and his wife, which brings with it more maids and guards than just Myrun''s. We should also invite Asbj?rn''s son Hagthorn with his wife, who is the future royal couple, but he has travelled to the eastern kingdom over the winter. We will still officially invite him. And of course the Princesses. Of course the most local Storman Jolfr Lum from Tosra also needs to be invited and he will bring a wife with him, but we can avoid the other Storman in northern Orusingen and inland. It is possibly that Storman Maurr will be invited. More men are needed, so on their recommendation I will invite Danr because we were travelling on his ship when we met, and we might include Hagan too since they like him. Digraldi, maybe Olafr and the builder Pedr also because they are important business contacts. Unn will be here and also needs to be invited because she is the local sejd woman, and Asta because she is important in our vicinity. So about 20-22 participants of which a third are men.

 Tosra & The Auction - day 31, plans (part 2)

    We need to take the ship to Borgarsandr to buy more things that my sambos have come up with, not least stuff for the coming wedding that needs to be ordered, and to pick up manufactured things such as glass pipes, furniture and windows. They will also visit a blacksmith who can make the tools I sketched for future ice handling. They also have to order a huge amount of ''Swedish'' clogs. They work well enough and are appreciated, and clogs are cheap enough to make that I plan to give every student at the Academy a pair, but that I also plan to give every resident of the island their own. But instead of measuring them all, I will order a pile in different European mm sizes, from larger than my feet, to smaller than Asta, according to a normal distribution curve, and a bunch of child sizes. They will also make a smaller amount of finer clogs, with imprinted decorations on the top, which I can give to future guests and they can take home. I want to spread their use, and if influential and rich people start using it, so will the population, and it is absolutely possible to make their own for those who don''t want to or can''t buy.


    My sambos are right and I will keep the B-mansion. It is simply practical to have a home in all the places we usually visit or want to visit for a longer time, because we can''t just drive home in the evening, and it is unnecessary to pay for an inn when I already own a nice and impressive mansion there and we often visits Borgarsandr. Sleeping on the ship is not as comfortable, especially not in the winter when the ship lacks heat, and I also don''t want to live in places like ''The Blushing Maiden''. We don''t need the silver from selling the mansion, and if I think long term, land and the mansion are far more valuable than one time silver.


    But we will renovate the B-mansion so that it has a cold and hot water system, separating dry toilets, and at least partial central heating via a steam boiler. The B-mansion is mostly stone so it will be difficult to make the holes in the walls and between the floors, but the floors and ceilings are mostly wooden beams and planks, with just the basement and a couple of the rooms having stone arches, so slightly easier by making the system as vertically as possible. We''ve all been pampered with the A-mansions amenities. Hopefully it is possible to improve the kitchen and arrange a bathroom similar to the one we have here. Considering that Filison''s mansion in Hildifjoer had a bathroom, I''m a bit annoyed that the B-mansion don''t have it. I assume Radgeirrsons father was too focused on impressing people with wealth, instead of comforts.


    On the upcoming Borgarsandr trip, they will try to refurnish the B-mansion better and pick up items ordered for the winter carriage. It feels pretty nice that I don''t have to go there and Iselin and Kari can take care of everything. Jane has jewellery and a saddle that she designed and will have made. I got a bit worried, but Jane said it has nothing to do with sex, and she explained her improved women''s saddle and normal jewellery.


    Unfortunately, Kari''s mind started to churn about why I even associated a saddle with sex, but Jane came to my rescue and just dismissively says that there are all sorts of fetishes and some are just weird, so I quietly thank her for that. Kari does not need to get ideas in that direction.


    <hr>


    There is a lot of double standards here. The ideal woman for marriage is young and beautiful with curvy body, wide hips and large breasts. Long hair is important because it is a sign of fertility and health, and light or blonde hair is youthful. Which I assume gives a positive selection for blond or white hair, just like blonde was in Midg?rd Scandinavia. It is not uncommon here for both women and men to dye their hair to make it lighter. The ideal woman should also be a virgin but it is less strict, only expected of younger women. It is much more important that the woman is childless and has properties that can be inherited, or powerful relatives with influence to bind alliances for defence, voting in Ting etc. The ideal woman is expected to be able to take care of children, look after a farm, clean, cook, take care of animals and be skilled in women''s crafts. But exactly what is desirable depends on which social class the couple will belong to. Marriage for a slave, a small farmer, a Storman, a craftsman, a merchant, a Jarl and nobility have completely different priorities to what is important when it comes to the woman. Of course, it is more practical skills needed on a farm or hard work that are important for a slave - as well as the fact that they are actually allowed to marry by their owners - while practical skills are in many cases unimportant at higher social classes. A more ''desirable'' woman equals a higher bride price when the man buys her away from her family, and a more attractive woman can attract a more attractive man and a more attractive alliance to her family.


    When it comes to the man, appearance and body are almost unimportant, and it is far more important with property, wealth, status, family, masculinity and honor - so that the man has the resources to create and feed a family, and is considered able to protect his family. Appearance, age, etc, are secondary compared to property, silver and power, because the woman is ''bought off'' and moves to the man. With marriage, the woman becomes the man''s property. I don''t like that attitude, especially not that daughters and the wife are considered to be property of their husband or father, but that still applies a whole lot in Midg?rd, and has mostly changed in the last 50 years.


    What the man or woman thinks of each other are of less important when the relatives make the decisions, so appearance doesn''t matter if you have high status, especially as a man. Sex between married couples is almost insignificant as long as they have children. If the marriage is happy, it is good, but happiness isn''t a requirement. Which is also a reason why divorces can easily happen for many reasons so that there are no blood feuds, and why extramarital affairs or partners are more or less accepted, as long as it doesn''t threaten the marriage''s alliance and status. Marriage here is not for love, and it is ironically almost only lower status couples who have the opportunity to marry for love.


    There is pressure on young women not to have children, more than not to have sex and be virgins, as only the mother''s identity will be known for certain when it comes to the child. Even an illegitimate child that the father recognizes as his, must be taken care of by the woman''s family, where the man bears 2/3 of the cost, if the man doesn''t voluntarily take the child into his family. An illegitimate child without a father forces the woman''s family to bear the full cost if they don''t get rid of the child - which is not unusual - because it is difficult for a young woman with an illegitimate toddler to get someone to marry her. Then it''s also the issue that giving birth is one of the most dangerous things many women do here.


    There arn''t many options for contraceptives, and even though animal intestine condoms are known to some, it''s not something most people carry or use. Intoxication also does not help people make wise decisions, especially if they are horny as hell. I have to admit that I have fallen for that myself a few times. Lust. Not alcohol. So the IUDs I have created are very valuable as they''re always there, and I understand why some Elves focus on sex that reduces any chance for pregnancy. Because, regardless if it lessen the pleasure for the woman and the man, it is oh so important to penetrate due to the culture, and condoms are looked down upon as they reduce the pleasure for the man and are bothersome. I agree that they are bad because they are not elastic and need to be tied on, but it''s better than nothing. But again, intoxication and lust does not help.


    Not unexpectedly, women are almost always accused of having illegitimate children, more than the man is accused of having made a woman with children, but individual status determines blame, and the one with lower status is most blamed, especially if it is a lower status man, and it becomes a big problem when one or both have high social status. Add that a man who makes a woman with child has proven himself manly and have penetrated etc, while a woman who becomes pregnant have been careless and lustful. Etc. Etc. Plenty of double standards. An important difference is if everyone knows who the man is - or just assumes they know - and if he is considered to have seduced the woman.


    It''s tragic that Jane has more rights here than in many cultures on Midg?rd, and we''ve talked about that. It made her appreciate she was actually here in Scandinavia instead of elsewhere as we guess it''s pretty bad, at least according to what Kari and Ciara have said. Ciara''s account of what it is like in this worlds Scotland (Alba) and England (Avalune and other regions) only made Jane depressed and sadly pleased that she isn''t there. It made her feel like a bit of a traitor, but she took it like an Englishman and blamed the French for it.


    <hr>


    At least they let me plan the pavilion and other constructions. We hope it will be milder weather so we can use the pavilion for the feast, but it will be winter so to make it more likely, I plan to get the craftsmen to make loose walls sections that can be temporarily attached, and some sections with smaller windows for light and that can also be opened for ventilation. It is possible to hang the wall sections on the beam at the top and tie it to the railing, and with a fireplace at each end and a lot of people, it should be warm enough if we block wind from other openings. A few oil lamps will be more light and heat. There will just be 6 hours of daylight. Both the meeting room and the great hall are enough if the weather seems to be too damn cold, but it will be nice to be able to dance etc without moving the tables, and I prefer to keep most of the feast and participants away from the main building. And my rooms. It will be noisy and with musicians.


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    Traditionally a sauna should be used before the wedding, and we already have one, but I plan to get two small bathhouses with saunas built. A smaller one a little south of the harbor that will become more public that the staff and ships crew can use whenever they want, and a larger private one for the mansion about three hundred meters further south with its own small jetty, where the nearest sea has acceptable depth and better bottom. Straight south in the bay it is too shallow and deep muddy bottom, and further south it is a kilometer back to the mansion. When someone else gets married on the island, they can use the public sauna instead of building a temporary tent one. The private one will be more luxurious and more multi purpose for enjoying bath time, or just having a barbecue.


    <hr>


    After a lot of work, the carpenters have finished the attic. They have made a nice ceiling with extra insulation against the existing roof, fixed a nice floor that has been oiled just like the stairs and new rooms, and the security door out from the guards'' room is quite well hidden as the joints are hidden by vertical planks to the ceiling, but we have added similar in a couple of other places to hide joints so they blend in. The staff is quick to carry up a sofa, as well as a smaller table and four chairs. It is very useful that all furnitures are in pieces that can be assembled on the spot.


    Everything is prepared, so I shut down the steam boiler system and release the steam pressure so I can open the steam system and install seven radiators up there. Three on the north long side of the new large family room, one each in the three rooms on the south side, and the last radiator is in the extra attic room above my bedroom. It is already an acceptable temperature up there, and even if we were to split the large room, there will be heat in every important attic space that someone is supposed to sleep or spend time in. It remains to be seen if more radiators are needed in the future if it becomes a really cold winter. The fireplace is still in the long main room.


    Iselin, Ciara and Kari, have persuaded me to move Caecilia up to one of the new attic rooms. She''s my personal maid and everyone thinks that she is too far from me, and I do not want her in my bedroom. There are two almost identical mirrored rooms on the south side, and one is above my study, the other above Kari''s room. My hopefully two wives will need a personal maid, and it is fitting that theirs live above Kari, while Caecilia live on my side.


    These rooms are cozy and just each 6.5m2. Small, but it is a separate room with south facing windows, and the view is really impressive. The sloping roof and the location of the door make it impossible to get a bunk bed in, so each room is for one person. So in front of my sambos, I offer Caecilia to move in there. Caecilia is literally bouncing with happiness, and I quickly understand that the most important thing for her is that the room is with us in the main building, which is a huge thing for her, not least her status in the eyes of others, because it shows that she really is my personal maid/courtesan. Room size doesn''t matter. Location and that it will just be hers do. Caecilia loves her new view, and I think she feels more important because she too now have a room with south facing windows in the main building, just like Iselin, Kari and Jane. Caecilia actually has the nicest view of all due to the height.


    Caecilia thinks the room is so luxurious, and she will have better light in here. The room has space for a bed, a small table and chair, shelves, as well as a wardrobe and finally chests under the bed for stuff. Considering that the room has a more luxurious wider 120cm bed, she is extra happy, and I am of course welcome to it whenever I want.


    <hr>


    Over all it has been a really good day, and only a little time is spent on globes and the steam engine, and more is spent building monoculars and oil lamps before the sale in a little more than a week. We kind of forgot about it. But Digraldi''s craftsmanship is good and there are no problems, just work that take time. Iselin helps with everything, and files and clean cast parts so parts fit together, compare lenses to find good combinations or if they should be polish a little more, and solder brass parts. There''s nothing she doesn''t want to do, and she accompanies it by giving me kisses and hugs.


    Ciara is happy to just sit and sew a long uniform wick that we can cut into shorter pieces. She have finished copying the math books and it turns out she has started making another copy without saying anything. And I did say I would need more in the future. But Ciara just sits there, and happily hums a little song while she sews back and forth. In her own way, Ciara seems really happy for both of us.


    Jane shows up at the workshop, take a chair and gives us praise for the craft. I can see from her movements that she is a little sore with wet hair, so I assume she came from training sessions with the guards. Seeing ''Atomic Blonde'' has made Jane want to ''kick some ass viking style'', and she has volunteer trainers and students. It surprised me that Jane had already taken lessons in Krav Maga for several years with a little Muay Thai, but stopped when she moved to New York.


    It''s an interesting story as Jane had apparently been to a self-defence seminar, but an Army friend of her father told her how stupid it in many cases might be, because what is generally taught builds false self-confidence, because the best thing to do in many situations is to run like hell, and especially before it''s too late. What is taught is generally not so helpful in a real emergency, because just the shock of actually having to defend oneself means that most people freeze, even trained men, and that training against another skinny girl won''t help much against a drunk big and strong man. It can contribute to a stronger shock and feeling of helplessness when what you have learned and put your trust in doesn''t work, and a counterattack can lead to a worse attack. Such a seminar is more a foot in the door that self-defence can be fun and interesting. The mental part is extremely important in a real situation.


    That clicked for Jane, so she trained Krav Maga because there was a place close by where she lived, and the nice skilled Israeli woman who was the coach made her continue and she eventually trained ''real'' battles with protective equipment. The only thing she found close in New York with a trainer she liked, was MMA and Muay Thai, but she didn''t like that and she was afraid of actually getting permanent injuries, especially brain injuries. It was simply a different training culture than she was used to, and it was difficult to get there, didn''t fit in with her work, no friend to join, etc... so he stopped going.


    Above all, Jane''s training taught her that someone who really knows what they are doing can be bloody dangerous without really showing it, and that fighting is dangerous and best avoided. If you have the option; running like hell is the safer bet. She also learned to be careful and how many things can become nice improvised weapons, while others should be avoided, because if you actually have to fight? There are no dirty tricks. Just ways to be the winner. Jane is rusty, but she have received much more respect from the guards since they realised that Jane knows a lot they didn''t know, and in unarmed combat or against a knife or club? Jane might kick the shit out of them, which came as an unpleasant surprise. So, Jane have started training them in Krav Maga, and they have started training her in the weapons here. It seems to have done a lot to Jane''s self-confidence, and she will try to create protective equipment for safer training, and they will try to buy large reed mats.


    It was Hillevi who gave her a lesson in using an axe and shield, but they are milder towards her than they have been towards me, which I think is typical. I suspect that Jane will be in better shape than anyone if she continues to train and jog, as she has started jogging around the island and will do so every other day, and it is between 5 and 8 kilometers up and down the mountains. I will join her tomorrow, as it is easier with a friend and I need to get in better shape too, but I will settle for running twice a week.


    Jane had a nasty smile when she realised that it also forces the guards to jog along, because they refuse to let me jog without them, so they will jog too, with weapons and lighter armour. Alith with either Bodil or Hillevi needs to come along, because Gunhild drew seniority, but she have also started training, only calmer. But the guards think that it''s the first real hard work part of their service so far, so they just have to do it, and that''s good for their combat performance. Alith is extra happy for her new improved sport bras. After Jane improved bras, everyone got new ones. Alith hate running, but that she wouldn''t come along doesn''t exist as a possibility.


    <hr>


    In the glow of two double oil lamps, we have a small inauguration of the attic with drinks and cakes after supper. There are several who liked to sit up here and just look at the view from the windows. They are already talking about playing a game or sewing there tomorrow and it will be calmer up here, because the attic is secluded and quieter as few have a reason to go there, unlike the balcony or the mezzanine in the great hall.


    Caecilia have been bouncing on clouds since she got her new room. Undoubtedly she would have liked to celebrate with sex. Caecilia so far have always wanted to have sex if I even hinted it would be nice - or there is the possibility and she wants it, which is more common. Yep, it''s a useless measure for my sexbunny, but she''s very happy. Iselin is happy for Caecilia''s sake and that new bedroom is easier to reach from the second floor. Caecilia may be officially my maid and courtesan, but both Iselin and Caecilia seem to think that Caecilia is partly Iselin''s concubine too. It''s a better solution than Iselin would like to have her own.

 Tosra & The Auction - day 32, Blinkenlights

    Tosra & The Auction, day 32


    Blinkenlights


    The days are starting to get short and I have been thinking about light. I have quite a lot of things lying around that I can make something useful out of instead of just letting them lie, as long as it doesn''t become a problem for future needs for them. Bed lamps are one thing I want, and it''s not particularly difficult to do when a white LED is enough. I can read in the light, and it''s nice to have some light during sex and I wouldn''t have to step out of bed to turn off oil lamps before we go to sleep. I should give the guards a flashlight too, and a small wall mounted desk lamp in the day room would be handy for the guards as well. I also want desk lamps in the workshop and my office/study.


    <hr>


    I install a direct line from my bedroom and office up to Caecilia''s bedroom. It''s almost pathetically easy as her new room is basically above my office. The stairs to the attic are just a couple of meters straight in front of her door and then she is down on the balcony and can round in to my and Ciara''s corridor. For lack of other things to signal with, and a bell will be too loud, I install a simple relay connected as a buzzer at each end. The circuit is basically a buzzer and a switch at each end, so we both can signal, and Caecilia can confirm that she has heard. It doesn''t sound very loud, but it works, and it is like magic for most. They think it sounds like the little box is growling at them. Jane looks thoughtful.


    "Robert, that''s pretty much a two way telegraph. You can send morse with that."


    "Yes, in a way it is."


    Jane immediately gets a smug face. "So the prototype for this worlds first electrical long distance communication... is to make a booty call!"


    Okay, I have to give her that one.


    <hr>


    Bodil have finished the box for the main pane, so I make sure to install it next to the manometer. The main panel for electricity has a moving coil meter at the top of the front, with a rotary switch to select what is displayed on the meter. Off. Battery voltage. Power outlet. Charging current via wind power. Charging current via future generator. The nice symbols for each is filled with paint. Under the meter, the panel has a door that can be unlocked by those who will have a key and inside there are two main switches that disconnect the battery or house from the battery and generators. It''s hardly a good lock, but I make custom keys for me, my wives and guard captain Alith. Heh, I''m already thinking of Kari as my wife, when I havn''t even married Iselin.


    I start making those the wall lamps for my bed and the guard room, and Bodil doesn''t mind making three simpler housings. They basically hollowed out wooden pieces with an angled moving part I can drill out and insert the LED in and a wall mount with the switch. The flashlight will be an elongated hollowed-out rectangular piece of wood with some rechargeable NiMH battery and a simple sliding switch in brass recessed on the side. The light source is a white LED recessed in a small white-painted cone shape with glass protection, and to make the flashlight more practical, it also gets a recessed belt hook in brass.


    They will have to order more electrical insulators, and I need standardized electrical contacts, which is an interesting problem because the plug and socket parts both need to fit together nicely, and fit into each other when the ceramic is burned. Add what it is more like wall sockets, and a much smaller plug-socket for low voltage and signals, which have more contacts. I really hope that the potter can solve this as well, but I better make a couple of prototypes in wood and brass that can help explain and show instead of just a sketch and drawing.


    Since I now have electricity in the house, just nothing connected, but it''s monitored and with a wind turbine, battery banks etc, the electric power is officially finished. It just feels so wrong with 12V DC being the electrical power system in a large mansion, but again, I don''t have much choice. What I can assume will be powered are some LEDs, USB things or radios as well as relays and simpler electromechanics. Nothing requires high voltage, or especially high currents. I doubt I can build a useful light bulb or efficient high-power electric motor - at least in the near future. A weak electric motor can mostly just be a small fan, while an medium size can drive a compressor for a refrigerator or preferably a freezer, if I figure out a gas with the right pressure that works, or a pump. Powerful electric motors of half to a kilowatt or more can be used for workshop machines, vacuum cleaners or washing machines. But to get 1kW from 12V is 83A, which will be so many problems in heating, losses and sparks, so practically higher power requires higher voltage. I also can not charge much with just the wind turbine, which means no high consumption.


    I simply can''t build more powerful stepdown circuits to be able to use a more efficient 24-60V DC system, and I need the stability and current buffer that a battery system provides compared to direct generation of electricity. I don''t have enough rectifiers to use AC voltage either, although AC would make transforming the voltage up and down easy. I also can''t make sufficiently thin copper wire for electromagnets in relays and automatic systems to operate at higher voltages. So unfortunately it will be low volt DC and higher current, which is inefficient, and even 12V is really a bit too high and 10V would probably be better. But it works. That feels like my mantra the last few months; ''but it works''. In the future I might have to do a double voltage power system. Low voltage for electronics etc, and higher voltage for motors that require high current and possible incandescent light.


    I''m planning to make a USB socket or similar for Jane on the main panel, so Jane can use it freely to charge her cell phone. Both because it would make it easier for her, and because she won''t be running in my workshop to charge it. It''s not that much of an issue, just a little annoying when she interrupts sex, which we both find embarrassing. At least it taught Jane to wait for an answer before barging in. I think that my MP3 player charge most, as Iselin loves to use it.


    I charge my cell phone and I am a little annoyed that I can not use the wireless QI charging, but the cell phone stays in constant flight mode and is mostly turned off. I realise I have the QI receiver from my cell phone, so I find it and start peeling it apart. This phone lack an internal charger, so I added an external receiver. I lack a QI charger, so I can scrap that receiver, and the QI receiver consists mostly of a flat coil with many turns of very fine litz wire, and it is worth saving for the best and most sensitive moving coil instrument. A QI receiver is basically a transformer without an iron core and a radio receiver, where the energy is stabilized via a 5V regulator and goes into the USB port on the cell phone. And it''s a smart charger, so the phone talks to the chip to start high current charging instead of the old low power charging.


    Maybe I can bodge something? Remove the QI coil parts and get another 5V USB 2A charger, and save the fine thread for trying to make moving coils, microphones or such?


    <hr>


    I''ve just not really bothered to do it before, so I unpack most from my backpack and fill shelves and the cupboard where I have put Tom''s things.


    I will use the white LEDs from the 9xLED flashlight I had fastened inside the backpack. 8 are normal white, but the middle LED is changed to a super-intense green with reverse polarity and an extra resistor. I''ve done that mod on all my 9xLED flashlights, because by inserting the battery pack in the other direction, the flashlight switch to colored light and it might be more useful. I have six, and two each with blue, green and yellow as a secondary color. Very effective along with a white plastic cone or cloth during night games to mark respawns, navigation points, Domination points, CTF flags or bases. It can be seen as a bright spot through a forest, especially in the winter when the leaves have fallen. Night games can be awesome in a bit of moonlight, especially if everyone has image intensifiers, flashlights and more.


    Anyway, it is unnecessary to have all 9 LEDs in the same flashlight that requires 3 AAA batteries, that I would rather use for the headlamp or pocket burner. One or two LEDs will be my bedlamp and the small flashlight, and three can be an okay''ish desk lamp for me, maybe four so it will be easier to put two and two in a row to draw less current, even if something like 20mA isn''t something I need to worry about if it is connected to the house''s mains. Sure, the LED will be less light than the oil lamp, but LEDs can get closer and directed, and don''t have to worry about fire. Maybe put a magnifying lens in the middle. It would also be practical to have a single LED in the corridor or the most secret rooms since it''s easy to turn on and off. But I have a little too few LEDs for that.


    Who many LEDs do I have? I also have two small keychain LED lights with CR2016 or CR2032 batteries hanging on different things and inside pockets on the backpack. I bought five 10 packs a few years ago and hung them everywhere, and gave some away, so it''s not surprisingly some are in the backpack, or inside pockets, and one is one of those where I replaced the white LED with a red 3V blinking LED. Cheap simple ''off-game'' backup that I''ve also given away to people who forgot, their stopped working or they lost their light. They cost half a Euro each and take up basically no space in pockets. It is so annoying when players don''t carry spares with them, or the red light don''t cover all around and you don''t know if they are in-game or off-game. It''s very frustrating to reveal yourself to in-game enemies you don''t know about, because you are shooting at someone who is off-game. I''ve got something like four on my usual gaming gear, and this backpack have been used during large multiday Milsim games without bases, so one hung on the outside.


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    Add my Nitecore Tube flashlight that lives in my jacket''s chest pocket with a Gerber Zip Blade, my headlamp, Pocket burner, Maglite AA flashlight where some LEDs are power LEDs etc, and the strong little blue 3mm from the USB charger, white 3mm from Swisscard and I have many LEDs. Especially considering I was actually on Hardangervidda in summer, but I''m not a person who removes flashlights just because it happens to be more daylight on this particular trip. That just increase the chance that I forgotten to put them back where they are needed in the autumn, and I have ''a thing'' for always having a flashlight. Along with tools. And backup plans.


    Then there are many more LEDs on things I have not taken apart as the cameras, Bluetooth headphones, and battery banks that often have small powerful surface mounted LEDs to show battery power and so on. Add my two microSD readers, each with a red LED, and two of my USB flashdrives with strong LEDs. The camera remotes also have some IR LEDs. Just my Walkie Talkie radio have a built-in LED flashlight, strong red and green surface-mounted LED to indicate transmission and reception - which I have covered with black electrical tape because they are annoyingly powerful and directed upwards - illuminated display and illuminated keypad with several surface-mounted white LEDs. Many are small and not for area illumination, but there are many small LEDs everywhere on modern technology and often unnecessarily powerful, because it is more useful than a weak one. A strong one can be made weaker by pulsing at a high tempo and then drawing less current.


    Unfortunately, many designers tend to like unnecessary LEDs that are strong enough to light up a room during the day, which is annoying in bedrooms or for example when you have to drive at night and the car radio or climate control shines like a Disco. I don''t know how many things I''ve modified, dimmed or just removed LEDs from, and many things with strong blue light have got a nicely cut piece of amber-colored Kapton tape over, or I have used pieces of sunscreen film for car windows that are sandwiched between the LED and clear plastic in the front. But right now it''s quite nice to have all these strong LEDs.


    Modern Midg?rd is definitely a world of blinkenlights. It has just shifted away from mainframes to everything else.


    <hr>


    When I remove the flashlight and unpack, I realise that Tom''s ring flash has LEDs. So I hurry to take it to the workshop and take it apart. I will never use the ring flash as he did, and it is definitely not worth keeping as a ring flash. The advantage of a LED flash is that it can illuminate all the time and works when filming etc, which a xenon flash won''t, but the disadvantage is less impulse light, and LED is generally a longer duration and less intense pulse.


    The ring flash has a ridiculous number of LEDs, 128, but they are stupidly mounted in 16 modules. The whole design feels like a higher-end ring flash, and there are 16 modules with 8 LEDs in each on a small aluminium block. Probably to dissipate heat and be compact. I suspect that I can not loosen the LEDs without breaking them, because they are glued and sealed in the modules. So it''s smarter to keep the modules as they are. The advantage is that each module provides a lot of white light, while the disadvantage is unfocused light, especially with each module''s small plastic diffuser lens. Another advantage is that each module is powered by a mosfet that can handle quite good current, because for some reason it is possible to light the modules in different patterns. There seems to be quite a lot of useful components on the ring flash.


    Sweet!


    Time to measure everything before I really take the ring flash in pieces. I want to know the voltage and current requirements for modules and mosfets, how they are connected etc, and what the microprocessor sends in signals and patterns.


    Two modules provide very good light for a desk lamp, and I can put a small magnifying lens in between. I should honestly use the ring flash''s modules as limited lighting in rooms or corridors, and give all my sambos their own desk lamp because the lamp can also function as a bedside lamp and provide some room lighting. Electric light is practical, and it eliminates a lot of oil lamps and candles, thus reducing the risk of a fire. Also no smell from LEDs. Unless something went really wrong. Electronics work on magic smoke, and won''t work if you let the magic smoke out.


    We still have to have and use oil lamps when we have guests. It''s a bad idea to show electric light, at least now in the beginning. However, I can put most of the lights on the same electrical supply and simply deactivate that supply when we have guests. It doesn''t solve the problem everywhere unless I install extra power lines for it, but in large parts of the house it will work, and guests shouldn''t run around in our private bedrooms, so they can continue to use electric light there.


    <hr>


    The prototype bed lamps are very easy to build and go quickly. Only a white 5 mm LED in a quickly drilled and carved wooden casing, a resistor and a home-made rotary switch made of a few brass pieces and spring where horizontal position breaks and vertical position closes the circuit. There will be finer lamps, switches and housings in the future. I attach the bedroom lamps on the bed''s headboard, one for each side, and install the power cable and connect it.


    I have plenty of help when I install the third wall lamp in the guards day room so they can get downward directed light on the small table without it being too bright at night. It''s easy because I''ve already installed power in the day room. It will be possible to play simpler games in the light or read a book while keeping an eye on the outside, but if it is too dark out there like a moonless night, they will of course not see much through the window, and the glass is hardly perfect. In any case, it is quick to turn on and off, and the light source is not visible from the outside, only the faint reflection from what is illuminated.


    Everyone thinks it''s so magical.


    Since I''m tired of no one having a clock and the sundial in the courtyard is impractical to use, I hang my old wristwatch in the day room. I write down a short guide to reading digital numbers, and what it corresponds to during the day. Iselin is happy to help them learn it, as she have learned digital numbers from reading my MP3 player. Hell, she have even memorized a lot of artists and titles in normal letters.


    <hr>


    I''m working on the desk lamps when Alith asks if I can set aside time to go for a walk and do the camouflage test. As the guard captain, Alith is automatically chosen when the guards want to disturb me with something, and that is something that needs daylight to be done. The weather is good and a little exercise and fresh air is a good idea.


    The guards and sambos agree that testing camouflage is a good thing to do, so we go for a walk while we try them against different nature, including autumn leaves, shrubs and rocks, spruce forest, etc. We should definitely try this in greener summer nature as well, even though there are greener parts left in nature. Most people understand the purpose of camouflage, but don''t see much benefit from it except during an ambush or reconnaissance. This is understandable as most fight in large groups with spears, swords, axes and shields, so camouflage doesn''t have much use, and bows don''t have an enormous range. Normal nature colored cloths works well enough for their use, and most people don''t have many cloths. But a little camouflage is a good idea, because you never know when you have to hide.


    Alith and Gunhild will try to make half Ghillies to see how well it blends in, and because it gives them something to do. They think the whole idea of a net with long strips of fabric of different natural colors is funny, but it works, especially if you combine it with a little local vegetation. Just attaching a few branches in the loops on the boonie hat shows how effective it is, and their green-brown ''camouflage'' tabard has some discreet loops for branches, primarily on the back and arms. If they sit crouched or just show their upper body towards the target and tilt their head down so the boonie hat covers their face, it is quite effective. They will also try to make a camouflage net, but they will keep both projects secret. Anything with primarily military usage will be secret.


    <hr>


    Okay, the desk lamps can get better, and absolutely prettier, but they work. The lamp head is attached to a simple imitation of an old desk lamp arm with counterweight and spring relief, all built in wood and brass, but I will improve it. It is really unnecessary to have two LED modules around a magnifying lens in the desk lamp, but that makes the lamp work better as room lighting in the workshop. I will only use one module in the desk lamp for the office/study, as two separate lamps there will be better. It can honestly be a good idea to have two separate lamps in the workshop as well. With plugs and several sockets, they can be moved around. Nice, just finished it, and already planning to replace it. The lamp head is small, which makes it easier to see and get light where I need it than with an oil lamp. The magnification will also be useful, especially in a few years as I expect to get problems focusing on short distances. At least it will not be fine soldering with tightly placed 0.4mm surface mounted components.


    In addition to the resistor to adapt the module to 12V, the biggest problem was to separate the conductors and insulate them, but it went well with fabric insulation and by attaching it to the outside and wrap paper with glue around. With the right amount of glue mixed into the fabric, I know that a double-wound copper wire will be a perfectly okay electrical wire, even if it is not as flexible as one made of thin multi-wire parts, but much less work than making wire-braided cable.


    I have 13 modules left. Iselin, Kari, Ciara are three. Jane is so jealous of my desk lamp plans and uses her cell phone flashlight a lot, so she will also get one. 9 left. At least two modules in the great hall''s ceiling lamp because the light will spread out in the corridors as well, and it is easier and more efficient to put two modules in series. I should also put at least two modules in the meeting room above the dining room table. 5 left. At least one in the attic, but preferably two separate due to the length and size of the room, where one should be above the table. I should put one in the library as a combined reading lamp and room lighting, which leaves two to use in my bedroom. Which is all the modules. However, I have some white 5mm LEDs I can set up to get some LED light during the winter darkness, and can put one in the guards bedroom. One or two for the wing corridor so that it is easier to find the toilets etc, and one or two inside the toilet. It will be very low illumination, but at least it avoids having to fumble around in pitch black darkness, and the eye is good at adapting to low light. I need to get nice fixtures and switches made, and in some places it would be practical with changing switches so it is possible to turn on and off from two places. With real light sockets, it becomes even more practical.


    I don''t have enough time to do everything today, but I choose to do an ugly assembly and install room lighting in my bedroom, great hall and meeting room, and it is easy to install an LED as wing corridor lighting outside my workshop. It''s so damn magical for everyone except me and Jane. Just a small white light, without heat and so very white, and somehow it is captured wind and made into light by magic.


    I''ve not told Jane my plans, and all my electric light with bed lamps, room lighting and desk lamps have made Jane so damn jealous.


    <hr>


    It''s quite late when I prepare to sleep - but electric lights makes it easy to work - and I find that ''someone'' has put labels beside my buzzer buttons for Caecilia. A winding pattern around a red lip imprint, with black text ''In case of lust. Push'' written in English on top of the lip imprint. It feels so wrong, and when I go up to Caecilia''s room to explain that that is not why I will sometimes buzz her, I see that Jane have been more creative. There is an elegant little sign on her door that says: ''Caecilia Sexbunny''. As if that weren''t enough, beside the buzzer it''s a caricature of me, as a grumpy crying little child. It''s clear that Caecilia likes the picture, so I''ll let her keep it.

 Tosra & The Auction - day 33

    Tosra & The Auction, day 33


    After I''ve waved the ship with Iselin, Kari and Jane off, it''s quite nice to let go of marriage thoughts for the next few days. Well, I have to talk to Pedr, but I need to do that anyway to see how the different constructions go. Of course I''m accompanied by Caecilia and Alith. We need more guards.


    The house by the barn is completely finished with windows and furniture, but unused, although I understand that many would like to move in there. It is our extra guest house which is just practical to have, even though it lacks water system just like the first three houses, there is a well outside and an outhouse toilet behind the barn. It may be that Iselin''s parents live there temporarily.


    They have come a long way on the mansion''s second barn as well, but it isn''t finished. It helps a lot that the workers literally have a simpler carpentry shop and smithy right where they build. It also helps to equip both as they come up with suggestions what is needed, and no one react any more that I have specific directives for certain things, and both are already prepared for a simpler line shaft system. The rumours about the mansion''s fantastic things and amenities have cemented that it''s a good idea, even if they do not know what everything is to be used for.


    Both ships crew houses down in the harbor are finished, although one lacks windows, but I assume the ship will return with more windows. It was such a good idea to standardize stuff like a few window sizes. Asta is so excited to move in but decided to do it when the rest of the crew can also move in, and hasn''t told them yet. We will make a little ceremony of it. There is furniture and simpler kitchen utensils, so everything is pretty much ready. There is a separate well outside with a water pump, and there are two separating dry toilets behind the houses, one which is already used by the crew. It feels good that they will have it nice, warm and comfortable during winter. Pedr is so pleased with the house he has been living in, and how nice a proper fireplace with a chimney is. He especially likes how the fireplace keeps the heat.


    I talk to Pedr while we go and look at the places where they will build two small bathhouses with a sauna inside for 8-10 people. The private bathhouse to the east of the mansion will be slightly larger and more luxurious with slightly larger windows, and will also have a large veranda with a for a wood-fired hot tub and a cold bath, as well as a jetty with a platform at the end and a ladder into the water. It will be a combined small private boat and bathing jetty, and on the platform at the end there will be a couple of benches and a table, to just get a nice place to talk while looking out over the water. The water is shallow and the bottom is quite bad, so the jetty will be 10 to 15 meters long, and the jetty will have a small flagpole at the end, where we can hang a banner to show that it is a private jetty and maybe a lantern to make it cozier. I have planned to attach a small winch there too, for various experiments. We will not use either the bathhouse, sauna, hot tub or the jetty very often, so multiple uses are good. The will also be a small ramp with a Faering winched up to keep it out of water when not in use. The bathhouse will have a simple cold watersystem for washing, showering and to fill up the hot tub, so a well and a waterpump, and there will be a simple outhouse too. You could probably live quite well in the mansion''s bathhouse.


    As we talk, I ask him to build an updated small 6x4 house on the other island and we discuss the place and point in the general direction. There is some land that can be cultivated on the southern tip of the other island, and in addition to the house I also want a small barn with room for some cows, chickens, sheep and a couple of pigs, and of course it should have a well. It will be an updated 6x4 house with air ducts in the fireplace and a water system. It''s a job I want to see finished in 5 to 6 weeks, and Pedr nods and confirms that it will be done. I think he''s starting to guess why I want bathhouses with saunas, and it wouldn''t surprise me if rumours will spreading across the islands.


    The wooden panels for the pavilion shouldn''t be much problem, it''s just a few planks and wooden frames, and Pedr immediately understands how I mean to hang them and he like the idea. The existing canvas drapes will even work as extra insulation and make it look prettier. It''s many tall panels, but they will be stored in the basement when not in use. Pedr seems completely convinced I had this planned from the beginning as there are two fireplaces, and the design of the unusual framework and other things makes it easy. The truth is that I really didn''t know how they usually did it. I let him know that Iselin and Kari will order more windows, and there will be some stained glass windows especially made for the bathhouses and the pavilion.


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    Our talk about fireplaces and the special sauna stoves makes me wander in to the subject of making smaller and more portable fireplaces, and I mention reinforced concrete with an inlaid iron net to make it more durable and to make the fireplace radiate heat for a longer time. I want to try and replace one of the kitchen benches with a modern kitchen bench with a double sink, and reinforced concrete just feels like an easy and good choice. I really should have considered that reinforcement concrete and molds for it doesn''t exist here, especially not in the way I describe and with inlaid iron. I think it was a larger flowerpot created by a Frenchman that was the first reinforced thing, or was it also a British invention? Anyway, it''s another brand new technique for Pedr to be fascinated by, and I explain the basics of what I know about load bearing, compression, strength and lateral load when it comes to concrete, and how it is possible to strengthen a cement structure with iron. If I''m going to introduce ''modern'' construction technology, he might as well make a more modern design and use rounded shapes, with drainage and elements as a drainage surface. The cement will be mixed with sand for the surface and with finer gravel in the middle to preferably get an even and nice work surface. That the molds might be re-used to make several identical is just practical. The Academy will need two.


    I need someone I can send to Laxlanda to be the supervisor for the construction of the inn etc, and Pedr is a little proud to be able to recommend one of his men for the work. So I hire Bresir, 22 years old, as a master builder, and he is proud to accept the responsibility for that project. He will have to bring some of the special tools and measuring equipment, and accompany Storman Maurr after the auction. Storman Maurr have some talented carpenters and men that Bresir will train while they build.


    Unn''s craft house is finished but it too lacks windows and interior doors, but the window shutters keep rain away, and some spare furniture have also been assembled. Unn''s house has got a working hot and cold water system with its own well at the back, which other craft houses will also get. The workshops with waterpower have a stream outside so they will just get a tap from it. It''s not meant to be drinking water, but more to wash in etc.


    The road over the island is now paved almost all the way to the village, and they have about 100m left. Then there will be a wide bridge over the stream and a road will continue along the southwest side of the lake to the hill where the Academy will be built. In the future, a side road will lead off infront of the Academy''s courtyard, pass in front of the cliff and follow a depression down to the valley, and follow the valley north and reconnect to the main road so it becomes a road loop. The village will be inside this road loop and along the main road north of the lake, while the Academy will be south of the loop and lake.


    There will be two or three craft houses on the way down to the valley and as many between the lake and the valley, but there will probably be more later houses in the future. There will probably be a few more simple 6x4 houses too, both where the others are located along the main road to the north, because all crafts etc doesn''t require a craft house. For example, a seamstress or two would probably live and work well in just a 6x4 house. I basically want craftsmen of the type I have needed so far, and since I probably won''t fill all their working hours, the plan is to let them work for themselves and sell goods. Each will have a small house with a garden and a reasonable amount of animals in the shared barns, as well as a fixed small salary from me. I hope that is enough to attract good craftsmen and craftswomen. It''s quite likely they will be apprentices that''s just left their old master. It''s probably better than an old master set in his way. We''re going to be making a lot of weird stuff.


    <hr>


    Everything is good in Ciara''s world as she lies next to me to sleep in my bed, especially as I hold her against me and she can feel how I calmly breathe. I try to think about work I''ve done and need to do, but mostly I lie and think about how Ciara showed up with a somewhat insecure and embarrassed Alith when I was working in my office late in the afternoon, and aware that Caecilia wasn''t there, said that I needed a break, and that Alith needed to have sex again. Then she gave me Alith''s sword grip dildo and disappeared to distract Caecilia.


    Alith has apparently developed a taste for occasionally having something big in her butt, which she talked to Ciara about. Ciara ask to see the carved sword grip dildo, and Alith wasn''t prepared when Ciara just dragged her along to visit me. But Alith enjoyed her dildo while I took her, and I enjoyed the view, the feeling, her breasts and lips. My sinful Valkyrian friend and bodyguard who rides me to Valhalla.

 Tosra & The Auction - day 34

    Tosra & The Auction, day 34


    When I put on my pants and clothes for a new day after the morning shower, I start to think about that it''s all starting to become a routine again, and how I''ve gone back to old routines and how good it feels. I usually wear a shirt or tunic with shorts here at home, and one pair of pants they had made for me have been modified into shorts. I''m usually barefoot except sometimes when I''m in the workshop, because the steam boiler is in the vault below and makes it quite warm and comfortable on the stone floor, especially where the chimney goes up. But the floor isn''t warm elsewhere in the wing, but I can live with that. However, splinters or metal shavings are unpleasant to step on. As long as we don''t have guests, I can dress or behave as I want, and even Kari doesn''t say anything about it, although Jane likes to mention that I am not very regal. As this Furstdom''s regent and the man in the house, I can still do as I please, but all men with a girlfriend or a wife know that''s truth within boundaries. Having four girlfriends makes those boundaries more complicated than Baarle-Nassau''s, and more supervised than the Berlin Wall ever was.


    For the last month I have had pockets again and I have started to carry my Wave multitool in my right pocket where I''ve had a multitool for the last twenty years, and I have removed the Pocketburner flashlight from my leather bracelet and hung it with the firestarter on the small S-carbine hook with the pill holder with it''s backup money, and they are also in that pocket. In the left pocket I have the leather case that Ciara sewed for me with my driver''s license, bank card and a couple of condoms. Caecilia always makes sure to methodically clean or replace the condoms no matter who I have been with, so the job is done properly and so I always have condoms available so it doesn''t prevent me from having sex with someone. She have promised to also make sure that new ones are arranged if they seem worn out. My personal maid and courtesan thinks that is a high priority, even though she, like several others, dislikes condoms and they have specific uses.


    Caecilia really doesn''t want me to use a condom with her, no matter what. She can''t have children and thinks a condom prevents me and her from full enjoyment of sex, and for the proper end, and that it is an insult to Sex, Freya and her status if my semen doesn''t end up in her in some way.


    As for the leather bracelets, they have played out their function as all in my vicinity know that it is probably a Midg?rd thing if I make something shine in my hands, even if they won''t understand how, and I can always put the flashlight in the bracelet if I need it because we''re leaving for a feast. I''ve rarely worn the bracelets anyway - it''s sweaty and unpleasant even though it looks cool. Hell, I don''t even like to wear a wristwatch, but that is practical. Iselin loved it when she understood how I made the stone shine white, and she thinks electricity and LEDs are more Sejd now that she understands it a little better, and we both are so happy that it made her mine.


    Caecilia gives me one last kiss before I leave the bathroom to start my work day. I''ve just sat down in my workshop when realise that I thought I had four girlfriends. Which means I already classify Caecilia as a girlfriend in my mind.


    Shit.


    <hr>


    I continue to work, and mix detail work on oil lamps, making fireworks rockets and some small work on the electric lamps, switches and other things. I''ll admit I can be bad at staying on the task. In secret, I test the steam engine. Maybe I should have waited until at least Iselin is back, but I prefer it to be a successful show, and I don''t know how the timing must be on the piston valve that controls the steam. When should steam be released? How much? When should the valve close and start supplying steam to the other side? Sure, I can SWAG it, but testing is better.


    That means testing, then disassembling, adjusting, assembling, and starting over with a new test. At least I don''t have to think about the steam, or take care of a separate steam boiler, since the steam boiler in the basement is running all the time. I just open or close a tap in the workshop or up in its attic. The machine is surprisingly quiet, but nothing is connected right now and the pressure is low. Sure, I get very low steam pressure, and power, but it is what it is, and it''s a double-acting system. The centrifugal regulator doesn''t actually seem to be needed, but it does work and it''s a good test of that too. And it looks cool spinning around. I''m a little worried about hydraulic locking, but it shouldn''t be a problem as the mounting and the piston valve should make water in the piston or system to flow out and down to the steam boiler, either the return water tank, or the boiler. But I havn''t really used steam before so there is that nagging worry in the back of my mind.


    <hr>


    The guards like the pavilion - really like it - and that they can train on it, even though some can be a bit annoyed by spectators looking on from the road, but the canvas drapes helps a lot. The view is limited since it''s about 10 meters above the road below and when the road climbs over the mountain and is at the same height, the distance is about 130 meters. But they love that it''s not a muddy area, part of a forest or a cobbled courtyard with people and animals walking around or so.


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    Hillevi''s description of the pavilion is that it feels like I took the finest courtyard, looked at it with a dissatisfied face and thought ''not good enough'', and then made it as luxurious as possible, with a high roof to keep rain away and as sun protection, screened the area to be an airy room just for training and other things, and the canvas draperies for wind and rain protection almost feels like tapestries in a castle hall, but airier and with much nicer views. She thinks it''s more luxurious than training inside a castle hall, and she has done that. The pavilion even have fireplaces!


    As icing on the cake, after training, they can just go in and take a hot shower in the wing, with maybe with a trip to the sauna. Gunhild, who has been away and visited other kingdom''s castles, is convinced that there are no guards who are more comfortable than them, even though some more powerful guard captains or knights have their own servants, the maids here also do the laundry for the guards, cook their food, etc. And they love the food and the variety, and it''s not unusual one or two of the guards help out in the kitchen to try to learn and improve their cooking skills. The kitchen is ridiculously popular, and Rikvi has all the help she wants and more.


    Hillevi eagerly awaits the arrival of Asbj?rn''s guards so they can see what kind of life they live, and so they will understand that she and Gunhild made such a very wise choice when they left with Kari. There were many who questioned their intelligence: Leave a glorious service as Kings guards at the Royal Castle, for a small farm on an island, for a Sejdmann? What wise warrior does that? Some responded with ''They are women'' and just shrugged. It has annoyed Hillevi. A lot. Given how bad a loser Hillevi is, I understand that she is anticipating her upcoming sweet victory.


    <hr>


    In the afternoon I ask if Ciara and Caecilia want to come along on a horse ride. They would have asked, so they''re just happy that I asked, and at least I need the experience. I didn''t react to the fact that they had riding saddles for women here - because why should they? - and they have a saddle with a lump or plate that pokes up for the leg so the female rider can sit more lady-like with a dress, but Jane was surprised. But the rider can not jump with that saddle or ride aggressively. Which is partly why shieldmaidens use pants when they ride - they are warriors. Jane was also surprised that they had stirrups, but I''m not because they make a huge difference to a warrior in saddle, and I just assumed they would have it when they had cavalry and a form of Knight across the sea in the south. Something as useful as a stirrup should spread quickly, and the Elves in the North travel far and absorb stuff from other cultures, but I also know that many can ride without a saddle or bridle. I''ve seen skilled riders just using the mane. It''s a horse culture.


    Jane have discussed versions and improvements to saddles, and suggested several improvements on the women''s saddle - ''sidesaddle''. A more horn-like protrusion instead of a plate, and that there should be another horn on the saddle, angled downwards in the other direction, below the existing one. It makes it possible to jump with the saddle, and then there was something with a strap underneath for better stabilization and to strengthen the saddles shape with a better inner support to spread the rider''s weight. Why would that be called a ''tree'' in English? And Jane complains about norse words. Jane have ridden with different saddles like western, hunting and more, but not really jumped that much using a sidesaddle. Jane has taken riding lessons for many years when she was younger - I''m not really surprised - so she has sketched and discussed a new sidesaddle with both Kari and Hillevi, and they have the drawings with them to Borgarsandr to get one created, and will try a better regular saddle as well, along with a Western type saddle and a new pack saddle. Which was what Jane explained to me when they mentioned about getting a saddle made.


    It reminds me that I once again made a mistake when I tried to give Jane a jab that she only thinks about things in leather, because she gave me a fairly long and detailed description of how it is not just leather; it''s the feeling in it, how it must hug the body, and its stiffness, shape, metal parts, how to strap it, and how it has to be shaped so as not to chafe, and that it sometimes needs to be padded, and so on. Alith and Hillevi, who were standing next to us, probably thought Jane was talking about saddles, but I understood what Jane was really talking about, which she definitely saw I did, and I feel a little uncomfortable about which direction Jane helps Kari focus on.


    <hr>


    It''s later in the evening when I return to my bedroom from the toilet, and I find Caecilia lying seductively and waiting on my couch. Again. In something thin and seductive. Again. She''s not really a personal maid with benefits, more benefits and a personal maid, but it''s hard to complain even though I know she''s taking advantage of me for a good comfortable life.


    I still wouldn''t mind if Caecilia said she wanted to leave, even though I probably would missed her a little, and not just in bed. Iselin had missed her more, which is ironic. I assume that Caecilia will never leave, partly because she has given her word, but mostly because her life is too luxurious and comfortable here, and she can not look forward to her own husband or family. Caecilia will always be a H¨®ra - to me or someone else - as long as she doesn''t leave the north, which she doesn''t want to do. It''s tragic that in maybe 10-15 years she will have very few choices as she is ''too old'' for most men, even if they are older.


    Shit. I don''t like to contemplate that I might be dead in 15 years, and I will probably leave two 35 year old widows, and it always makes me depressed to know that when I die, Ciara is likely to accompany me, no matter what I wish. I wonder if her attitude will change if we have a healthy baby. I don''t know if Ciara wants a child, because I avoid influencing her choice to become a mother or not. If it turns out that I actually can have children with them. I wonder if Liv is pregnant?


    My contemplations ends when Caecilia basically glomps me down in bed. Iselin''s way of taking liberties has clearly inspired Caecilia, but Iselin is a ninja, while Caecilia is enthusiastically ''jumpy'' with a high sexual appetite. It''s like our time in the bathroom this morning never happened, and that we didn''t spend an hour riding together in the afternoon, and it''s been weeks since we last saw each other and had sex. I hope Caecilia''s sex drive diminishes over the years, because it''s crazy high, and I''m not man enough to often say no and disappoint her.


    Shit. I might actually be on my last few years.

 Tosra & The Auction - day 35, Miniatures

    Tosra & The Auction, day 35


    Miniatures


    I look at all the new miniatures the guards have made for table-top battles. It''s mostly Bodil who has made more ''enemies''; a knight, a spearman and an ordinary person with an axe. And then there is Alith''s ballistas. Because one isn''t enough and it makes it more fair or ''interesting''. Gunhild has carved a couple of monster figures like trolls, but I suspect that Gunhild had planned for it to be something else but isn''t even close to be good enough to carve it. So I pick out appropriate values and stats for the various new units based on Chronopia''s miniature battle rules. Hillevi has made more houses and a lot of prettier terrain. Her small fences and stone walls are really nice. Jane has promised to help them paint when she returns, because she also think they should be painted, and will buy colors especially for them. Everyone just take for granted that Jane''s art paint are Jane''s art paint, and no one touches her paint, brushes and tools without Jane''s permission. Then again, I don''t like people messing with my stuff in my bedroom or office.


    There is often a miniature battle game going on in the guards day room, some take time and pauses, and the larger table is always full of something. They play other games as well, like Chess, and sometimes just simple dice games. Hillevi really loves miniature battles, but the dice is her main enemy and she thinks that the others play unfair even when she wins. Gunhild tries to get Hillevi to accept that nothing is unfair in a battle for life and death - there is only winners and losers - and Gunhild loves that the dice and completely free movements introduce a more realistic element of chance than in Hnefatafl or Chess.


    It''s good that they have let Hrappr, Jalida and Elvira play a couple of times when they had nothing important to do, and also that they try to help each other and the staff learn to read and write Norse and math. I have tried to continue to give all lessons in math, drawings and other stuff, but I forget and have so much else on my mind, that I''ve really not help the staff enough. That Jane and I are so very good at reading and writing our languages, and that we both know at least another language, has motivated them all to try to get better at Norse.


    <hr>


    It''s a pleasant autumn day so I go for a walk with just Alith. I need more time for myself, and it''s hard with humans around me all the time, even though I''ve started to accept it.


    Hah, humans around me; there may be only Jane in the whole world. However, there are many Elves around me. I really need to get use to using the word ''person'', but that doesn''t fit in all languages and situations. I make stupid mistakes since I''m thinking in Swedish, English and Norse. The problem is that something like Swedish ''m?nniskor'', is used like the English word ''people'', but the Swedish word ''m?nniska'' means ''human'' in English. But they''re Elves. Including me or Jane in certain ways fucks it up badly since we''re Humans. At the same time a phrase like "oh come on, be human." have a completely different meaning here. Same with being ''a human being''. Add Swedish, and Norse, and me and Jane being from different nations too. Messy. Jane only have English and Norse to deal with, and she still complains. At least Norse isn''t a completely different language, but that is it''s own problem since I might throw in a Swedish or English word since I don''t know if they have something similar or even the concept, and that might end badly. I''ve learned that.


    I would have preferred to go by myself, but I accept that I always need a guard with me, and I know that Alith see it as a personal matter and she prefers to accompany and guard me, than to let someone else do it. For example, she didn''t accompany them to Borgarsandr since I stayed here, which is a bit like Ciara, and both disapprove when I have only Alith with me as my protection. Although Alith likes it when we are alone and can be friends, more than Lord and Guard. I enjoy that too. Less formal.


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    The sex we sometimes have is obviously part of the reason why we have a more personal connection between us, than I have with the other guards, but also because we have known each other the longest even though it is only been a few months. Bodil is also more quiet and happy to stay in the background. Alith has also taken part in the most sensitive tests with blackpowder, even though it in the beginning was because she had nothing else to do - which is entertaining considering that she is some what of a weapons fanatic and could have miss it.


    When Alith and I then continue to hang out as friends or she''s just lurking in the background, a better contact has logically been built up in a self-reinforcing circle. At the same time, I have deliberately avoided forming the same close connection with Bodil, Gunhild and Hillevi.


    Alith admits that she is ashamed that she hasn''t be able to prevent, stop or protect me both times I''ve almost died, and see it as she have failed in her service and life, where I survived due to my own skill or others help. She takes it really personally, and is focused on it never happening again because she thinks I am too important for the future of the kingdom - for the future of them all. So more than anyone, Alith has become my personal bodyguard. Where I go - she will come along. She do let me stay out of sight, as long as I''m in the mansion or she knows I''m protected. Honestly, I should be thankful to have a bodyguard that devoted.


    I think all the guards know we''ve had sex at least once, but I''m not going to ask them for confirmation. It has been a few times, and if it happens again, it happens; if it doesn''t happen, it doesn''t happen. It''s fun and nice, but I have no desire for Alith. She is just a special friend who is my bodyguard most of the time, and I believe she sees it in a similar way. Her service here is just a stage in her life, and she dreams of seeing the world, participating in raids and becoming famous. I should be able to help her see the world, and she is becoming know by just being around me, which will surely open doors for her in the future.


    <hr>


    It''s evening and Ciara sits beside me and do a bit of work while she basically waits for me to finish, so we can go to bed, when there is a knock on the door and Iselin smiles as she wonders if she''s interrupting something. Iselin is back and everything feels good again in life, and all three of us think so. Our journey and shared experiences mean that the three of us have a special bond. It''s not that late so we decide to make it a sauna night. Just me, Iselin, Kari, Ciara and Jane, with increasing heat and three dips in the cold water bathtub. Dark fabric panties are a good idea, but Jane is the only one wearing a bra. Like it hides much. Iselin and Kari update us on Borgarsandr news and how their shopping trip has gone.


    When Kari and Jane take a turn in the bathtub, Iselin whispers that she has a message from Kadlin, the guard at ''The Blushing Maiden'' and I decide to tell Ciara that I own the place, and also about Klaahof and the Red Maiden in Reiekr?ne and so on. Ciara is just happy that I own more, and that I''ve forced the changes in Borgarsandr. Then she barely cares about it.


    Kadlin sought out Iselin, because she has discovered that one of the Maidens, Rannow, have understood that I am the real owner, as she already knew that Radgeirrson secretly owned ''The Blushing Maiden'', and discovered the changes in connection with my visit to Borgarsandr. Rannow literally asked Kadlin what she had seen, and after Kadlin had promised not to spread it further, she confided in Kadlin that I am the true owner, so that Kadlin would tell her what she had seen. Rannow is a freeneck woman who have worked at The Maiden for many years, even though she is the same age as Kadlin and only 19 years old. She was ''trained'' by Radgeirrson, and was really pleased with what happened to Radgeirrson, and enjoyed seeing his torment. Rannow bought her freedom 2 years ago, and plan to continue to work as a Maiden for as long as she can, because she doesn''t want to work in the field or with animals, and she works with the better guests. She even have some regulars. Her age means that Rannow must have been 14-15 year old when she started working as a prostitute, and before that she was trained by Radgeirrson. Damn.


    Damn! I didn''t consider that there could be young girls working as prostitutes at The Blushing Maiden. I have to give a new order to Ranhlif about a minimum age.


    According to Kadlin, Rannow havn''t told anyone else that I am the true owner, and Iselin perceived it as Kadlin was willing to kill Rannow to protect my secret - if I wanted it - but Iselin managed to assure Kadlin that the secret isn''t worth taking a life. But Kadlin did the right thing by telling us and keeping her cover, so Iselin gave Kadlin a small bonus.


    <hr>


    Eventually I fall asleep holding both Ciara and Iselin. My cuddly fanatic, and my nerdy goddess.


    Life is good.

 Tosra & The Auction - day 36, dragons

    Tosra & The Auction, day 36


    Dragons


    Sometimes I almost wish I had two heads - the mouth and tongue kind - so I could give two of my women oral sex at the same time. I just like to give it, and especially to Iselin who loves to get it and is so satisfyingly easy to give an orgasm. It''s damn good for my self-confidence, and Iselin makes the cutest sounds and facial expressions when she orgasms. I like to see her eyes roll so far back in her skull that they''re almost white, and how she moans and doesn''t care that she mangles Norse words. If I succeed really well, her orgasms almost comes one after another, and then she doesn''t need much work or contact before the next one comes a few minutes later. It''s difficult to not feel smug about it when I can give her three in a row as she sits on my face, and alternates between trying to mash my head into her crotch with her hands, or flailing uncontrollably with arms, with matching leg twitches and curled toes, before she becomes lump of jelly.


    The experience is hardly made worse by the fact that Ciara happily rides me at the same time and gets her own orgasm while I use my hands on their bodies and breasts.


    Ciara is not particularly difficult either, and although she seems to like all types of sex with me much like Iselin, I know that Ciara prefers to calmly ride, do it from the side or lying next to me, and preferably vaginally if it is a safer time of the month. If I can use mouth or hands on her breasts, rings or neck at the same time, it doesn''t take long before she loudly declares that everything is good in her life. She hasn''t said anything about it, but we still avoid the missionary position or kneeling from behind. That will happen when Ciara wants too.


    I like that Ciara no longer is as skinny as she was, and I certainly don''t complain that most of the weight after the arms, legs and face have become a little more normal, seems to settle on her chest and hips, although it took a while for me to notice. Ciara needed to buy new bras. But it''s only 4 months since she became mine, and 3 months since she became my special concubine. She looks so much healthier and it is so much better, but 5-10kg more would probably be a good idea. If some of that continues accumulate on her chest and hips, I won''t complain. Curves are nice. But in the end, her body is her choice, and I''m always a little worried about inadvertently giving her ideas about what I wish for her in appearance or weight, because she will certainly try to fulfill it.


    But I''m a happy bastard where I contentedly lie with my two sexy goddesses next to me and we just relax before we have to get up for the day. I suggest we hire a musician who can perform at the wedding feast, and Iselin informs me that Kari also brought it up before they left for Borgarsandr and they''ve already sent out requests. Obviously a wedding needs music and musicians. Like, duuh. That''s her expression, so it seems that Iselin is learning from Jane. We talk about getting someone to learn to play ''Shadows'' or sing ''The most beautiful'' that has become our song, which Iselin likes. Of course Ciara offers to play, but she doesn''t want to sing, and her Norse isn''t good. Caecilia has a beautiful singing voice and can play, so it''s pretty obvious who it will be.


    <hr>


    The breakfast becomes tense because my Crown has been finished and my sambos present it to me. A smaller but beautiful golden Crown. I''m still a regent, and I need a crown to show my status. I''ve just ignored that. But it feels so wrong to sit there at the table with a damn golden crown on my head, and know it is not for pretend, but a real one. It feels heavier than it is.


    <hr>


    It will take all morning to unload from the ship, so it''s good that I got them to start with the windows, and craftsmen began to install them, and with how much skill they have acquired, it goes quickly. Most of the mansion''s important rooms will have double windows, and there are also some greenhouse windows. Enough so, that we can temporarily seal the remaining holes with wooden boards and start using the greenhouse. It''s nice that the greenhouse can be a glazed outdoor room during the winter as well, and maybe I will save a small space with a table and some chairs as a small pavilion in the greenery for next winter as well. The large vessels and pots that Iselin has acquired for planting in are not optimal, but better than nothing and allow us to set up shelves against the stone wall and make better use of the height in the greenhouse.


    The copper guild has once again done a good job with copper pipes, radiators and copper wire, and it looks like they did a good job with lacquer insulation. Iselin enjoyed their reaction when she immediately ordered 3 km more. They seem incredibly curious about everything, but as soon as Asbj?rn visits, they will probably be told what all the copper pipes and radiators have been used for. The copper guild hasn''t finished everything, but I appreciate all they have. They have managed to make inside copper-clad barrels as well. It''s basically six of smaller standard barrel of about 32l volume, which is clad with a hammered full-coverage copper plate on the inside, and a lid on top. I have absolutely no objection to them thinking it is an unnecessarily expensive way to get something waterproof, because I don''t trust the water tightness of the barrel. What I don''t trust is the ability of wooden barrels to prevent biological fouling in drinking water.


    I intend to try using the barrels for long-term storage of fresh water during ship voyages, so the six barrels will be filled with boiled water, and at the same time six similar new water barrels without copper. Then we will store them in the basement, and open one after two weeks, and then one a month of each to check the water quality and taste. Asta is really looking forward to the responsibility of overseeing this project. A long voyage will require lots of larger barrels, because with say at least 5 liters of water per person and day, a 32l barrel a day is enough for 6 people. For harder physical work in hot climates, more than double the amount of water will be needed, and future barrels will probably be double size. A couple of large vessels will be brought to boil fresh water when it is possible to fill the barrels. Combined with something that provides vitamin C etc like lingonberries, and the last part is food to hopefully keep the crew healthy. Crispbread will of course be included, and we will try to preserve and can food as well. I don''t want a third of the crew to die on a long voyage, and using rum or similar with alcohol to have something to drink is not an optimal solution, although barrels of mead will be brought.


    Iselin and Kari are showing me a couple of new carpets that have been bought, and there is now a carpet in each guest room, as well as in Iselin, Kari, Ciara and Jane''s bedrooms. I would have preferred clean wooden floors everywhere, but well, I''m not much for interior design, and it will be simple and functional. Jane has enjoyed that Kari and Iselin have been trying to pump her for information about interior design, and Jane enjoyed the idea of talking them into Kitsch, but in the end, she also lives here.


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    Alith continues to give me small well-meaning remarks, so finally I try on my new chain mail. I admit the chain mail is beautiful and luxurious, and the changed logo looks pretty good, but I don''t want to walk around with chain mail here on the island. But it is my head of security and bodyguard who politely tries to point out that it is common sense as well as a status thing, and I need to get used to it. We''ll see. It will at least happen when we leave the islands.


    H?ngselbyxor, Overalls, bib-and-brace overalls, dungarees or Salopette. They have many names in different languages, but the prototypes have been finished, and it is actually a garment idea that Jane agrees with both in fashion and for practicality. Many pockets and some have features such as leather-reinforced knees, mounts and loops for knife, hammer, axe and other tools. I made a couple of designs, including a skirt model which Jane dissed, while she liked that the shoulder straps have several buttonholes to adjust the length, and small elongated pockets to push down the excess shoulder strap in. My sambos ordered for themselves, the guards and staff to try. The guards are in a similar green-brown color as their tabards, but the idea is to be more durable work clothes or similar.


    <hr>


    I would like to show them my steam engine or start testing the gas cylinders and the iron cannon, or just start assembling my fishing rod, but that would have delayed the work we need to do, so we assembled some important door locks and make individual keys and master keys, but also work on the new oil lamps parts, lanterns, monoculars, etc. It''s nice to have several people helping me, and especially Ciara like to have some important work to do while sitting beside me.


    Jane again tries to persuade me to decorate my maps and now also globes with fantasy figures, monsters and ''Here be dragons'' text, but I refuse to let her do it, and apparently she has failed to persuade Iselin, and Jane overacts a "Curses! Foiled again!", which I''m forced to try to translate to Iselin. Jane has sketched several dragons on paper, and some dragons are especially good-looking. Some are more ''realistic'' - if that can be said like a dragon - while others are more stylized. But dragons are a thing in this culture, and basically everyone likes them.


    I''ve suggested that Jane should try to have some jewellery made from it, which she evidently took and she brought some sketches and ideas for the jeweler during the trip. I admit I''m curious about seeing the ring of a flying dragon where the wings are bent down and becomes the ring around the finger, and the one where the body is coiled around the finger. Talk about dragons makes us realise that we actually don''t know what animals or monsters there may be in this world. The Elves here believe in trolls, giants, n?cken, lake monsters, nattmara, nisse, huldra, ghosts and much much more. There is a rich folklore.


    "It''s kind of funny that we don''t know what exists here, and we both know that Dinosaurs have existed. Future trips to Africa, the Americas or places like Australia might become more interesting than we assume. I was somewhat paranoid during the first boat journey here that there might actually be monsters in the deep, orchs or something close to real dragons, just not flying. I wasn''t really a fantasy reading nerd, but being a science minded nerd and knowing about Dinosaurs and other stuff was uncomfortable. "


    "Oh God! Sea monsters didn''t even occur to me! Bugger! Now I will always think about bloody sea monsters when we''re sailing. Tosser!" I can see how Jane grimaces and has to hold back from hitting me on the shoulder, before her eyes grow big. "Oh! Australia definitely needs a ''Land at one''s own peril!''"


    "Still no. Even if it might be a good idea. If Australia exists here, I wonder if it has fewer dangerous animals, or if it''s like in the Discworld fantasy novels. After getting buried in an avalanche of books by asking a magic library for books about all the dangerous animals in their version of Australia, the person asks for a book of all animals that aren''t dangerous and a single sheet of paper comes gently floating down." Jane snorts. "Some of the sheep." Jane laughs. "I think it''s ''Discworld - The last Continent''. I have all the Discworld books on my tablet, and on the bookshelf back home."


    "Some of the sheep! I guess I have something new to read. Actually, it would be interesting if there were Dino''s somewhere far away - as long as they''re grazing and not predators. I''ve seen a few of the Jurassic Park movies, and I would be the character that''s gets eaten. Gruesomely. Out of camera. You just hear me scream and see the blood flow out as the camera pans away."


    I have a quick discussion with Jane that most things about medicine are not something she should discuss or mention. Incorrect information can cause a lot of damage and lives. I have already discussed the most important things about hygiene, disinfection and other things with my entourage, and I will write down a lot about medicine and such to be used in the far future, and some to be spread in books. Also a book about everything I know about the body, organs and how it works, which probably will involve an autopsy of someone who has died, but I hope to postpone this for a couple of years, which Jane completely understands. The idea is to work this out with Unn and also develop medical instruments and protective equipment. I must respect their culture as well. But it''s important that Jane does not start talking about vaccines, DNA and lots of other things. That is something that need a slow careful approach. It will be written down but it is very likely something for future generations to spend time on and solve.


    Things about food and the needs of the body will be written down, and I assume humans and elves are equal enough to be applicable. By looking at the packaging I had with me, I have created a recommended daily intake (RDI) list of minerals and vitamins, but unfortunately I don''t know how to identify vitamins, or what they really are, so I can only give some information, like what certain plants contain. It''s a kind of an unexpected advantage that I saved files on my cellphone to have a realistic counter and to annoy vegetarians. I will try to do things like pasteurize milk in the future, but to heat it up to 75C for 10 seconds and quickly cool it to refrigerator temperature afterwards is ''complicated''. But the information about pasteurization is already written down somewhere among my ''health'' notes. In any case, with mercury I have a good chance to make thermometers, which is the first step.


    I know, for example, how secretions from cowpox could give vaccine to smallpox, but I hope that disease doesn''t exist here. It''s not something I will seek out or try to study here, because I''m not fucking stupid or crazy, and I won''t start to work with weakened or killed viruses etc. The risk is simply too great, and I would never consciously introduce such a thing. Any work had to take place by a third or fourth hand elsewhere, preferably an island with strict in and out control, quarantine and the possibility to ''Kill it with fire''. But the principle of how it can be done will be saved for the future. That is important.


    I hope to be able to make some form of penicillin over my lifetime here, but doubt I can. Sulfonamide or penicillin aren''t easy to make even with specific knowledge and equipment. Which I lack. Knowing the name and a bit of history will just help to start looking in the right place, and I hope to leave the search for the Penicillin bacterium to the future, and definitely to try and produce it for medical use.


    I tell Jane how I was so terribly worried about IUDs, and about the Dalkon shield, and what can happen with vaccinations that go wrong etc. Jane understands the seriousness and quickly agrees to keep quiet about it. She seems quite relieved to not have to take responsibility for something like that.


    But if Jane has ideas and thoughts regarding medicine or treatments etc, feel free to come to me, because there is an incredible amount I have no idea about in medicine, health, and other things, and together we may be able to do something or contribute something to the future. We both need to gather all the knowledge we have about the body for the future, in as much detail as we can, and even obscure small pieces of information are important knowledge. All to avoid suffering, and even bad ideas in future research.


    It sucks to know that I''ve probably already introduced some. I''m worried about the string on the IUD''s. Can it be done in thin copper or silver?

 Tosra & The Auction - day 36, Trading

    The first of the Merchant ships from my recently acquired trading empire is anchored and the combined Merchant and Captain who''s name is Benti plus the Navigator Bjarnhedin have come ashore to talk to me and be introduced. This ships route is down to southwestern Europe and they usually go on a journey there during the winter to avoid the winter here, which I completely understand, but the ship will be in Borgarsandr at least for the next month. Along with my sambos and entourage we visit the ship which is a big Cog. The crew is presented, and they swear allegiance to me. I give standing orders that orders from Iselin, Ciara and Kari should also be taken as they come from me. Then we get a tour of the ship etc.


    The Trading empire - and in the end I - own the ship and pay the crew and the Merchant, but the Merchant gets a share of each journeys profit while the crew gets a fixed salary plus a small bonus based on profit. The increase I ordered in salary for the crew is appreciated. The ship has no name, so I ask them to make a nice wooden sign with ''Nostromo'' carved in it and put it up by the cabins, and on the hull sides of the bow and stern.


    The merchant has a budget for each journey, and picks goods from the trading empire''s warehouses and sells, buys or exchanges goods in the Southwest and the ship take them back and fill up the trading empire''s warehouses - value difference gives the profit and determines how much the Merchant earned. Each ship competes with the other ships, partly for the same goods to pick from the trading empire, partly for goods that can be sold for good profit back in Borgarsandr, so of course they try to find what is more exclusive or profitable on their journey that the others doesn''t compete with, and they know how to divided it. Some of the goods bought in one area might come from another.


    I assume there is a bit of private trade outside the official one, both from the Merchant and the crew, but I accept it as long as it doesn''t get out off hand, and when I say that, it becomes apparent that this has been the case. The Merchants sometimes exchange ships, where the crew and navigator accompanies the ship, so all the crews and navigator gets more experience of routes, and partly so the crew and navigator keep a little watch so the merchants are relatively honest. I''ll let them continue with the system, and leave it to Ovdhon.


    The problem with this way of doing business is that it makes it unpopular to stop trading in slaves, for the Merchants and the crew earn silver on it, especially from long distance trade with more exotic slaves on France-Iberian and England-Ireland route, but I make the Merchant realise that I do not appreciate the trade and to reduce its scope. It''s better to gradually let it disappear over a few years, and hopefully if I can make them profit from other goods.


    An important commodity from the Southwest route is a somewhat difficult addition to cement that''s shipped in large jars, but when I think about it, it''s quite logical. I believe the cement the Romans used for the Parthenon etc in Rome should be best because it still stands two millennia later even if it is overkill for most uses. I believe it''s quicklime, gypsum and volcanic ash, and volcanoes are not that common in many places in Europe. Given all the constructions that will happen here, I ask Merchant Benti to buy much more of this supplement and their cement, because it will be sold. Of course he will buy a lot of things like sugar and finer cotton fabrics which are both greatly sought after and important goods, but I ask him to also get a roll with normal or inferior quality of cotton. I want to try to make guncotton in the future, and I''ve learned that everything takes time to collect. So I must start somewhere, and I have sulphuric acid and expect to be able to make nitric acid.


    Another thing I want Merchant Benti to get is exotic colors and paint for Jane, books, and cork - a lot of cork. I don''t intend to build life preservers from it, but mostly use it for what they already do - to seal vessels. I obviously don''t know what it is called, but I can explain the purpose, and when I describe cork and explain how it is probably taken from tree trunks, the Merchant is a little shocked that I know that and seem to have seen it. I just give him a mysteriously smile and remind him that I am a Sejdmann, and have seen, experienced and know more than he can imagine. I specify that the books I''m interested in are not the pretty illuminated ones, I''m interested in the content, but not willing to pay to much. So books about astronomy, medicine, plants, nature, culture, math, construction and so on. When Iselin, Kari, Ciara and Jane start discussing fabrics, carpets and precious stones etc, I zone out.


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    I also ask Merchant Benti to try to bring back plants or seeds for herbs, medicinal plants, or important crops from the southern countries that shouldn''t be able to grow here on his next journey. He needs to keep plants protected on the return journey but make sure they get sunlight and fresh water, so preferably select physically smaller plants that still produce a lot, ie no large trees, and I''ll give a bonus for more valuable plants and for better information how they are grown, harvested or used.


    I ask Merchant Benti and Navigator Bjarnhedin to stay on the island for a while so they can talk to Asta and have some exchange in navigation technology, and I want them to write down information about cities, their names, place, language, culture, important laws and much more, and maybe help Asta figure it out their coordinates and place it on a map. In the future I want the Navigator to perform sextant measurements in places they stop at and learn to use a sextant to take sun height at noon, because even without knowing the math they can record the values, the day it was done etc, so that we can calculate this when the ship have returned. But the sextant is secret, and so is their notes. They will get a north arrow too.


    The crew is promised some time off to visit families etc, so they will sail the ship back to Borgarsandr, anchor it, and then return to talk to Asta and be shown how to use it. I warn them that Asta and the Eagle will leave for Kambsnes in a couple of weeks, but until then they have mostly free time. They can also see things like deck prisms and have it installed by contacting the right craftsman in Borgarsandr.


    I want the Merchant to spread knowledge about the Academy and sell some sundials as well, even if the angle becomes hard. It should be possible to arrange a simple table by measuring with sextant and look up the angle for that day of the year. I can make a conversion table, which I need Asta to teach him to use. And basic numbers. There will be more stuff made in the future, but right now no real production has started. I show them the mansion''s sundial and also monoculars, and a north arrow. The auction which will be in a week, but there is limited supply to really sell with merchant ships, but next year will be different. The Merchant confirms that he has seen simple sundials before in some places, but never really seen the point of it. He''s also seen waterwheels for lifting water or milling.


    Actually north arrows are so easy to make that I should make a few dozens and sell them through the trading empire. I''m going to need silver and gold, and its better if I can get it from some place far away, and the market is bigger. The Merchants and Trading Empire gets their cut, say 10% each, but I take the largest cut.


    As expected his ship has no woman in the crew, but when Iselin and Kari explain underwear for women, he agrees that the trade must be handled by a woman, and he can help a woman get in contact with the right people. As a man he can not even talk to women in certain regions, but there will probably be a market for this in some regions of his route. His suggestion is that these female merchants - because he thinks a couple of the other ships will want it too - will act as their own merchants according to the same principle as him, and they can bring a few large chests of underwear.


    So I write to Ovdhon to task him with procuring sundials via Digraldi, and outfit the ships with deck prisms, hammocks and life preservers, and to search for two or three merchant women. Of course language skills for each market are a must. Kari together with Iselin specify what needs to be included and to buy a large stock in different sizes and colors, fabric qualities etc via the seamstress guild.


    Before these women go on their first sales journey, they should visit Ackerek to talk to us if we don''t come to Borgarsandr. I expect the lingerie market to die out pretty quickly because other places will start making it themselves, but maybe it can sell for a few years or so. Information spreads slowly, and it is a luxury to be able to buy and use things from far away.


    I also write that I have an assignment for the merchant ship on the northern route, and it will be necessary to make trips in February, because the goal is blocks of ice for the ice house. And that is 100 tons of ice. I will send him 60 north arrows, and each ship will have two, on for the Merchant and one for the Navigator. The rest are to be sold, where the trading empire gets 1/10, the Merchant gets 1/10, and I get 8/10. He will need to have pretty pouches made for them, without any metal.

 Tosra & The Auction - day 36, Karis plan

    <hr><hr>


    As I sit facing Robert as we eat at the dining room table, I begin to understand why Ciara sometimes wears her plug. About that feeling she described she gets when she wears it but no one knows, when she sits and works beside Robert or eats at the table with the rest of us. I wonder if she is wearing it now?


    It''s almost hard to keep up with the conversations when I can feel the leather cuffs around my ankles, the leather belt with its bronze rings and buckles around my waist, and know it all matches the thin and decorated leather bra in Valhalla style I wear under the dress. I sit here and is the image of a stately noblewoman - a princess most likely - and only I know what I wear under my dress. I wish I could use my leather necklace with its ring for sex games, the slave collar as Jane called it. The leather wrist cuffs would also be nice, but it would also be too noticeable. I looking forward to winter, and to trying to be out and walking about while wearing it under a fur coat.


    It''s such a wonderful feeling to clean myself while wearing it, and then go to Robert''s workshop. To just stand there and talk beside Robert while he''s working on brass parts for the oil lamps and other things. Just a normal evening. Robert is surprised when, as I have been waiting for, he as usual hugs me around the waist to make me feel loved, and he feels something unexpected under the dress fabric. His hand gently explore and he looks up at me wondering, so discretely I show him the leather ankle cuff without Iselin or Ciara seeing it. It''s such a glorious feeling when I see that he understands and we share a sinful secret that no one else knows. I need to do this more, even when Robert doesn''t know. I whisper that I left more leather items in a bag in his bedroom cupboard.


    Robert just says calmly and in a quite normal way that that''s enough work for tonight, and after a short visit to the toilet where on his whispered command I''m waiting outside, we then go up to his bedroom. Robert holds me around my waist all the way, signalling that I''m his in a way he usually doesn''t do, and when I heard the sound of the bedroom door closing behind us, and the sound of the lock ... I almost have to sit down. We''ve talked about this before and Robert understands what I want. The game has already started in front of the others, but only we know.


    Robert just tells me to fetch the bag and sit on the couch, and seats himself opposite in the other couch and casually puts his arms up on the back of the couch. He orders me to display the rest, so I slowly pick up one thing after another from the leather bag and place it on the table in front of me. Robert commands me to correct it and display it nicely and orderly. The wrist cuffs, the collar with its ring and leash, the ball with its leather strap for my mouth, the extra straps and more. Robert calmly tells me the rules we talked about, the pattern of humming, or creating it with a foot, hand or other way. The safe word. I have to repeat it several times, and to confirm that I can always cancel, and it builds up my expectations, even though it slight hurt the mood. It gives confidence and it feels good that he cares so much, before I give up control.


    I have to make an effort to follow the commands he gives me in a calm controlled manner, and I especially like how he makes me feel that his command will be obeyed to the last syllable. Or he will make it so. I strap on one wrist cuff after another, two extra straps to my waist belt, followed by the collar and then I snap on the leash, and hold the leash for him while I wait for him to leave the relaxed position he is sitting in. I still have my dress, and I know it needs to be washed as I can feel the moist stain. I worry about the couch, but my master have commanded me to sit here holding my leash, so I do. He orders me to remove my dress, and I hear his small disapproving breath when he sees the stain, but tells me to sit in the exact same position and straighten my hair.


    Robert orders me to just sit there while he takes off his clothes and leans back. Robert leans back completely naked and he is very ready. I look at the ball with its leather strap lying displayed on the table, because I really want to try it for real and not just in my room, but he understands and say I know better and what I want no longer matters. I have to close my eyes and take deep breaths.


    A shiver goes through my body as he walks around and stands behind me. Robert lets his soft gentle hands play through my hair, along my cheek, over my body and chest as he slowly snaps the wrist cuff of one hand on the waist belt, followed by the other while I hold the leash in my mouth. Robert takes the leash and calmly makes a turn around my neck, and holds the leash at the back until he finally force my upper body and head against the back of the couch. I shivers more as Robert''s fingers slowly wander his right hand around my body, oh so slowly. Farther and farther down to finally reach between my legs. I can''t resist. It splashed against his hand, and drips down on the couch and table. My locked wrists cramp against the cuffs, and leash press against my throat as I try to lean forward, and it makes me lose my voice and I gasp for breath.


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    After a couple of minutes I''m calm, and he grips the hair at the top of my head, pull my head back and show his dripping hand right infront of my face. Like taking a dog by the hair to show it has misbehaved. He say he didn''t give me permission to come and I have been disobedient. Now I needed to clean his hand, and he just lets me use my tongue, and I have to feel the leather stretch against my neck to reach. Not good enough. So he un-snaps my hands from the waist, takes out a towel, orders me to open my mouth and put the towel in my mouth. He remove the leash loop around my neck while holding the end, and whispers to me that I was not good enough, and now needed I wipe his hand, the table and the floor - with the towel still in my mouth. Commands I follow.


    Robert makes me explode one more time on the floor with only his hands while I try to wipe up the liquid from the first time, even though I try to resist his attention. Robert havn''t given me permission. I enjoy it when I''m forced to wipe it up too with my nose so close to the floor that I can smell it.


    Robert leads me to the bed, and lightly tie my leash to the bed frame - like an animal - so I can watch as he prepares the bed with his poncho and several large towels on top, and then tells me to lie on my stomach on top. He fastens my wrists again, and gently takes my leg and folds it back and attach it with the extra straps to the waist belt. Then the other leg. He softly whispers that I''ve been good, obedient and sexy. That I almost deserve something special.


    He leaves the bed, and a minute later he puts a similar plug with a jewel like Ciara''s, but in silver, a little bit in front of my face, and I just can''t stop looking at it. I don''t know when he had it made, and that I havn''t discovered it, but I would very much like to have it. Feel it. I notice that I''m breathed faster and my heart is pounding in my chest. Robert whispers that I almost deserved it. He puts the plug aside, and lays himself in front of me on the bed, and help me to get in position at his crotch.


    Without hands to support myself it is difficult, but an unexpectedly satisfying feeling when Robert helps me, controls me and just uses my mouth for his own pleasure, and after I swallow, Robert says that I have deserved the plug. He says that my mouth won''t be used any time soon, and that my voice is now his. So I finally get my ball in my mouth. Then he place the plug next to my face so I can lie down and look at it, while Robert slowly starts kissing and massaging my shoulders, back and butt, while he talks about what he intends to do with me, that he has plenty of oil, but if I don''t want that, I just have to say no. A clear ''no'' is all he needs to hear. The ball just lets me mumble, just like he knew, and I love him more for it. My voice is his and he has taken it.


    I come fast and hard when the first finger is calmly but firmly pressed in while he stimulates my clitoris, but he doesn''t pull his finger out and the orgasm makes me spasm around the finger he keeps wiggling, as I writhe and twitch in my cuffs. When I calm down and breathe heavily around the ball, Robert calmly continues to talk as if nothing has happened, and I can just lie there and feel the drool run down my cheek, and liquid flowing down my legs and just enjoy the moment. I just stare at the jewel while I hold my buttocks apart as ordered, and he methodically massages and increases to more fingers, with his calm voice continues to talk about how he will reward me if I behave, or if I''m disobedient and needed to be punished, which I make sure to memorize.


    Robert crawls up next to me, locks his eyes in mine, licks the plug a little and says that I may have deserved it, but I need to beg to feel it. I try to beg but the ball stops me. It is so frustrating when he pretends to not understand, and that he just wants to hear me say it. That wonderful playful smile. Robert whispers that he is a kind master and since I have been good, I will temporarily get my voice back, so I will be able to beg and describe how much I want the plug, how I want to feel it, and that he is my master. But not more than a minute. When the ball is removed, I use the whole minute to beg to get the plug, how I want to feel it in me, that Robert is my Master, and that I am his - Master''s woman.


    The ball is pushed back in my mouth and Master whispers in my ear that I have been good enough. I shivers in anticipation as Master slowly kisses my back all the way down, and let me feel the silvers coolness as the plug is slowly roll down my back. Drags it out. Then he finally push the plug in, several times and I am grateful for the ball, because I don''t have to worry about what sounds come out or how loud. I can just ignore everything outside the room. When Master finally penetrates me while wiggling the plug, it''s wonderful to know that the evening is far from over.


    My first time with Robert will always be special and dear in my heart, but I knew early on that this evening is just as good and just as special.

 Tosra & The Auction - day 37, Steam

    Tosra & The Auction, day 37


    Steam


    I wake up with Kari snuggled up against me, and Kari who is already awake, makes me understand exactly how much she appreciated the evening. How well I played the role she wanted and how I fulfilled her hopes and took them further, and what she loved most. Increasingly Kari takes on an excited ''squirrel on speed'' persona, and it''s too early for that. It was nervous to play a dominant role. Trying to read her body and actions, and be sure that it was safe, and to not damage the tremendous trust she gave me, while trying to be attentive so she wouldn''t have uncomfortable pressure points, cramps, panic or difficulty breathing. Taking in consideration how exuberant Kari is right now, I hope it doesn''t happen too often, because I can''t really relax and I can''t show that to keep the illusion she wants. I will not show her or Jane ''Sunstone'' that I have in my comic folder. Kari''s excited face and tongue stop my wandering thoughts.


    When Jalida knocks and say that breakfast is in 30 minutes, Kari gets annoyed that we can''t continue to cuddle and have sex, but I play on her fetish, pull her head towards mine by the ring in her leather collar, and say that it is not her choice; it is mine - and I''m content and hungry. Kari''s smile and how she bites her lower lip says all I need to know. We really need to shower before breakfast and I look forward to the bathrobes that Jane made them order.


    The last thing Kari takes off just before we leave my bedroom is her the leather collar, and she puts it along with the rest in it''s leather bag. I am rewarded with another smile when I order Kari to wash it herself. We both know that she wouldn''t let anyone else see or wash it, and now it will be the last part of our game, and when the doors open she is stately gracious Kari once again. She may be the King''s niece, but sometimes behind closed doors she likes to pretend to be at the other end of the scale, which is a bit ironic considering how she feared becoming basically a bed slave in some far away country. But a game she controls or harsh reality are two completely different things.


    I almost feel sorry for Caecilia and Elvira who will clean up and change all the bedding. Again. Luckily, we have so many sets and they have become accustomed to it. Actually, not any luck. Kari have made sure that we''ve bought several sets. It was a really good idea that I got the building team to do insulation between the floor and the ceiling below. Of course for sound dampening and heat insulation, but an unexpected bonus is that the sawdust and planer shavings absorb liquids, instead of it dripping on the floor below. That would have been embarrassing, and Kari loves the beautiful floors and insulation. I wonder how long it will be until I need to replace the insulation? It must not start to smell.


    Alith gives me a playful jab that they wash my bedding several times more than any of the others, and basically every time after Kari spent a night. I answer that it just means I''m doing something very right, which Alith nods in agreement with, and with a wide smile whispers that she knows I''m doing something very right. We can probably see that exchange between us as a win for the both of us.


    <hr>


    I summon all sambos, guards and Jane in the workshop, and I point out and show the funny brass and wooden construction that stands in the workshop attic by the attic window. Jane is deliberately one of the last I let in, to her annoyance, but she immediately understands what it is and shouts;


    "Oh. My. God! A steam engine! You''ve made a bloody steam engine!"


    Jane''s enthusiasm surprises and puzzles them, and she hurries up the stairs and starts looking at it and poking, so I chase after, and lightly slap away her fingers.


    "Bad Jane! Bad!"


    Jane just grins.


    But I''m somewhat pleased. Okay, I''m damn pleased. I say it is harmless, but order them to stand back a bit. It is dangerous to get fingers and long hair in rotating machines, and just like the copper radiators, some parts will get hot. I climb down and turn on the faucet, steam starts to flow and the steam engine starts to move, faster and faster. The steam is recycled and circulates down to the steam boiler and the pressure is very low, but it works. The steam engine works!


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    Most just stare and are shocked, but Jane makes happy exclamations and impressed say; "It is so quiet! Is there any steam leaking out? Bloody hell!"


    She is right. The machine makes a somewhat classic steam engine sound, but not loud or bad. It helps that everything is well balanced and well lubricated at a relatively low pace, and use a very low pressure for a steam engine. But it''s a bit magical that I just open a faucet on the wall, and then the machine starts to rotate.


    Okay, it is very magical for everyone except Jane, who''s just impressed with how well I''ve made a steam engine. I actually don''t know enough about the history of the steam engine to be able to answer her what time period this steam engine corresponds to, but it is probably the first part of the 19th century, which makes Jane happier. There is still a lot that can be improved, not least fit, seal, lubricant and more. And just because the steam engine works, doesn''t mean that it is reliable, and I wonder how much maintenance it will require.


    Iselin, Ciara and Kari have been involved in building the parts, and recognize them, and Caecilia and Alith have often been here in the background and watched from the small sofa, but they too are so shocked. I turn off the faucet to show how the machine stops, and I let them try to touch the steam engine and feel that the steam cylinders are very hot, just like I said. I have previously explained the steam boiler and the radiators to them in a very simple way. Water boils and gets hot and creates steam. The steam rises and is led via the pipes, where continued steam presses on from behind. The steam makes the radiators warm, but at the same time cools the steam so that it becomes water drops that flow back down to the tank outside the steam boiler. The thin water pipe from the water tank ensures that the water level is the same in both as the water in the steam boiler evaporates, without wasting heat on the return tank''s water. And the steam just circulates around.


    Instead of heating a room, this device, this machine, uses the hot steam from the boiler to move the crankshaft, which rotates the large heavy wheel. I unscrew the two vents and show how the flywheel can be rotated by hand, and those who have seen the parts understand what it looks like inside. I have unfinished parts for other steam engines to show them. The machine is basically all brass and wood, and it''s just steam. I have not trapped any creature or spirit in the machine. The parts move but are as dead as the carriages and wheelbarrows. Instead of a person or horse pushing, it''s the force of steam. I close everything back up again, and I let Iselin open the faucet and the steam engine starts to move and build up speed.


    Given that Jane usually seems rather uninterested in most of what I have done, her bouncing happiness is overwhelming, and after a "Please, please, please!" and fluttering eyelashes, I let Jane stop and start the engine too, and she gives me a happy hug and kiss on the cheek and congratulates me. I let everyone try to turn off and start the engine. It''s good that they can, but they have gotten used to faucets for water. The only difference is that this faucet has a protective leather wrap. It gets hot.


    So I explain why Jane is happy, by saying that the rotating force is incredibly useful, and it is the basis of an industrial society, where machines replace labour from persons or animals. To lift a sledgehammer and continuously hammer on something. Lift loads like a winch. Pump water without getting tired. Sawing wood. Grinding grain. There is so much that can be done. There are simple foot-trampled lathes and grinding wheels, but this is much more powerful, and with a better and more powerful steam boiler, the power will increase by a huge amount. As long as there is wood to burn in the basement, this machine will not get tired, and it is as strong as a horse.


    To show it, I stop the steam engine, connect the line shaft and turn on the steam again. Torque is built up, and now there are two flywheels that rotate and some smaller drive wheels, but they begin to understand how heavy that is to move, and the machine does it, faster and faster. As long as the boiler in the basement is kept warm, it will rotate. I loop a rope via a block in the roof, then around one of the drive wheels I''m building for a lathe or saw, and I ask Jane to step on that foot pedal when I say so, and step off when the rope has started to lift me up. Jane is immediately ready, because she understands what''s going to happen, and I just say;


    "Engage."


    Jane steps on the pedal, the rope is fed up at a high pace, and I am ready and flex my arms and legs as I''m quite quickly lifted upwards, before I let go and fall back down on the floor with my knees bent. Tada! With the flywheels at working speed, it is barely noticeable that I was lifted more than a meter high.


    There is a cacophony of exclamations and comments, but I silence them and while I remove the rope I explain that with the right kind of steam boiler and mechanics, even that little engine can slowly row a ship, and a carriage doesn''t need horses to pull it. With a powerful steam boiler, that engine is stronger than four horses, and it only needs wood or coal when it is used. No food. A more powerful boiler, means a more powerful engine, and everything can be made bigger. Much bigger.


    Steam power has come to Alfheimr, and this is a day to celebrate!

 Tosra & The Auction - day 37, temperature rising

    The big topic of conversation is exactly what I built and it''s use. The staff is of course incredibly curious, and gets a short display, but sejd explains a lot, without actually explaining anything, and everyone should keep my invention a secret for the time being. Those who know about cars and the like from modern Midg?rd are beginning to understand how they can move, and Jane''s enthusiasm has spread to Iselin in particular. Unfortunately for both Jane and Iselin, it will be a while before I build a steam-powered boat or car, but I can now start finishing the machines I have parts for, and use them to make better machines, which in the future can lead to a steamboat, which can lead to a steam truck or steam tractor. I am still most interested in a woodgas-powered car. Which is partly the reason for the gas flasks. I hope to save woodgas or some other burnable gas in them to be able to use it for bunsen burners and the like.


    Iselin is working hard on finished parts together with Ciara and Bodil. Iselin really wants to see the machines work. See what the steam engine can do with the other things I''ve planned. And she is not alone. Together with preparations and cleaning for the upcoming Royal visit, it is anything but quiet in the house, and I need to check work progress on the island, so I combine going on an inspection tour of the island with getting some peace and quiet. I rarely ride a horse, and I still dislike horses, and on foot I can choose other paths or just ignore paths. Kari is radiantly beautiful and proud when she accompanies me, and Caecilia, Alith and Gunhild escorts us.


    I feel bad about letting Kari take care of everything, and I know that Iselin feels a little anxious about it and that she is a bad future wife, but Kari likes it when she gets to show what she can, and we all agree that it is better that one person holds the main responsibility. Both I, Iselin and Ciara think Kari is best suited for it, which makes her proud to hear. Kari informs me that the guest rooms are prepared, and the bed in the small guest room has been replaced so there are two beds for the princesses. Rikvi is in a slight panic mode with preparations even though Kari have tried to calm her down with what is expected and needed in the way of food. Kari does an excellent job as the one who organizes everything, and will be an excellent wife, but she has trained all her life for it.


    The windows on the ship crew''s two houses are fully installed, so tomorrow we will have the pump installed and present the houses to the crew.


    We take a small break on the highest mountain north of the mansion where there is a small sheltered slump with a nice view to the east. On a folded blanket we sit on a fallen pine trunk among the moss and rice, looked at the view and enjoy the weather and sun. I have my arm around Kari that is leaning against me, and the rest gives us some privacy. It''s lucky that Kari waited until we''ve sat down, because she whispers that she has persuaded Iselin and Ciara to let Jane have sex with me when we need it in the future. Kari thinks that it is just a matter of time before we have sex, and she knows that Jane really miss intimate body contact like this, and to cuddle up to someone or to crawl close to someone in bed and sleep, and sooner or later it will be more than cuddling or sleeping. It is better for all of us that it happens semi-officially, than that we sneak about with it as something shameful.


    Kari thinks that Jane deserves to have sex as long as Jane does not become a concubine, and if she becomes an extra close friend once a month, it is okay for them, and if Jane happens to become pregnant, so much better. Kari informs me that there is an ongoing bet in the household about when sex between me and Jane will happen, and several have already lost, which is a little fun to hear but at the same time tragic; it''s less than two months since Jane came to us. How much is happening in the mansion in intrigue and other things I have no idea about? Do I want to know? There are many more women there than just my sambo''s.


    I choose to tell Kari about Jane''s one-sided bet, and smiling but a little disappointed, Kari says that Jane will lose that bet because we don''t have a torture rack and will never have it, even though she''s already been right about the rest. And a torture rack is hardly suitable for sex. Poor planning by Jane. Without thinking about it, I explain that what Jane meant was not a torture rack, but something like a strong wooden X or just a strong special bed to be tied to. Kari chuckles and says we have no place ... for ... that ... either.


    By the way Kari finished that sentence and stares out at the horizon, I think that Kari''s mind just made a leap about the secret rooms, and I realise that torture racks are probably usually in the basement of castles. In the way Kari have closed her eyes and is breathing and smiling, I think she''s already fantasizing. After a couple of minutes she just stares me in the eyes with that intense hungry look, and I know that the eastern secret room just got a purpose and I need to have it made, and I need to be the one to personally install it and do all other work.


    I just responds that Kari needs to inform Iselin and Ciara - because I do not want to do that. Kari''s smile widens and her eyes somehow becomes hungrier. She tells Caecilia and Gunhild to go for a walk and check that no one is around, which Gunhild immediately does because she reads the mood just like Caecilia, and takes Caecilia with her.


    Damn, Kari or Caecilia is going to be my death some day, but I hope it takes a while because I want to accumulate more memories like this.


    <hr>


    On the way home we take a detour to the village. The road down to the village is now completely finished and nice to both walk and drive a carriage on, even if the paving in some places makes it a little more choppy than the finest gravel road. In our summer carriage with its suspension, the road is extra nice, but I''m considering trying to leather-clad the wheels to lessen the metal against stone sounds, and increase the traction. But that also increases friction. They''ve finished installing windows in Unn''s house and the house is completely finished except for the water pump. Unn should have already been here, and I hope that nothing happened to her. It is a couple of days more than a month now and almost five weeks instead of the four she said. But the weather or something else may have delayed her. People tend to underestimate how much time something will take. People tend to underestimate a lot, and that is my expert opinion because I do it a lot.


    A small simple greenhouse on the south side would be fun to surprise Unn with. Thick stone sides for greater thermal stability, and two sloping 1x1m windows so it will be maybe 2.5 meters wide and have the same square meter area. Not much, but may be enough for smaller plants, herbs or whatever she wants, and helps overwinter plants that she may have brought along. It also prolongs the growing period or just protects against spring frosts, and means that she can plant small plants come spring instead of seeds or bulbs. It''s a good idea, so I can sketch it and send Caecilia with the design to Pedr.


    We find master builder Pedr and the carpenters, and they will make a wooden beam cross with many iron loops for attaching stuff, even for the cross itself. I just say it''s for a project I''m working on and it has to be strong enough to take some load, so about 15cm wide beams - and no one questions it. I''ve already built so many weird things and ideas, and not even Caecilia seem to connect it to sex. And her thoughts seems to start at sex and move on from there. It''s fun to see Kari''s calm controlled neutral face while I discuss with Pedr as he doesn''t understand, while Kari tries to avoid showing anything or fantasizing.


    We leave and after a short distance, Kari kisses me deeply - at least she remembers her tongue this time. Kari whispers that her dress will soon need to be washed, and she needs to talk to Iselin and Ciara, so she hurries home with Gunhild. Alith is curious because she has understood that something is going on, so when we continue walking and I''ve sent Caecilia ahead, I explain in a low voice;


    "Alith, just like you have come to enjoy sex in special ways, Kari has discovered something she really likes, and it has quickly gone further and more intensely than I thought, especially since Kari methodically made Jane reveal more and more Midg?rd knowledge about sex. I will of course do my best to fulfill Kari''s wishes. We would both appreciate if the guards in the future do not visit the secret library if you don''t have to, and the door connecting it to the mezzanine secret room will be blocked so it can only be opened from the secret library. So the only way to the easternmost rooms will be via the library. "


    This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    Alith nods and is hardly less curious, but she accepts it. It''s hardly the first time I use ''need to know'', and sometimes Alith needs to know, and sometimes she doesn''t. I also have to check how I will attach the cross down there, and probably more things in the future. I can probably use those iron rings attached to the wall in some way. In any case, we have extra disassembled beds in the basement, that can be moved there and modified with discreet attachment points I can carve out or attach. I think Kari will prefer if it is iron and more visible.


    Damn, I need to build a couple of extra doors to dampen sounds better. I''m not so worried about the roof, even though the two easternmost rooms are not stone vaulted roofs like the west, but wooden beams, because they made the same thick insulation over the entire surface to avoid a cold floor. It is birch bark with sand layers and then thick sawdust and planer shavings on top, but the passage is not soundproofed. A library is hardly the loudest place and the same goes for the meeting room. Why did I make the secret path start behind the book shelfs in a library?! It was not for sound considerations, and the main reason is simple; because a bookshelf that hides a secret path is a classic, which is actually kind of stupid since at least Midg?rd people will expect it. And I wanted the library on the south side for the light. I sure wasn''t planned to have a sex dungeon in the basement when I was drawing and designing. It would have been so easy to have crucial things done differently.


    The king''s proclamation 5 weeks ago, and that we live fairly isolated on an island and not in Borgarsandr, has made my life easier and safer, but I almost miss a little intrigue or something that can distract Kari and make her focus on it. Over the past month, much of her focus has been on sex and our pleasure. I really shouldn''t complain, but it''s going too fast, and her inheritance doesn''t seem to have affect her focus, and I don''t know if that is good or bad. It may be that she is trying to avoid thinking about her inheritance and it''s circumstances by focusing on her kinky side, and her life here gives her plenty of time for thoughts.


    <hr>


    The whole afternoon is just work but a lot gets done with Iselin and Ciara helping me. It is quite fun that Iselin is looking forward to both the King''s visit and the Auction, but at the same time wants it to be over so we can continue to work on machines and line shaft system. Because I forgot, I go through the pipes the glazier has made and it''s a mix of diameters, lengths and straightness. Many will be useful, but I will ruin some during testing or handling.


    When I build on the oil lamps, I realise that the oil lamp burners can be used for a simple laboratory oven because I need a lab oven for various jobs, which probably needs to be able to go up to 600 Celsius or so, and with a bit of control in temperature. I don''t know how hot the burners can make it, but it should reach that. When I think of use, such as annealing glass, the lab oven will need to cool down really slowly, so large thermal mass is best, but if I have to heat up and down other things, temperature regulation and faster response is more important, which requires the possibility of faster cooling. So I will probably build two different ovens even if I don''t start on them now. I can start planning them, and Iselin likes to sit and discuss and sketch it out while we build.


    I design something similar to a microwave oven but with thicker walls. It would probably have been enough for the thickest largest copper plate to be formed into a similar part of an oven, but I think I will cast a bottom plate with fins and channels to more efficiently capture the heat from the burners and conduct the hot gases around. Two oil burners on the underside, and the copper will help to spread the heat nicely and also be a ''clean'' fine metal surface for future project. To actually insulate and build up the temperature, the oven is built in brick blocks. The front has a hatch that can be lifted away, or hinged down, and also made of brick blocks or molded cement. The difference between the two ovens is that one gets three or four times thicker brick insulation around it, and the other gets some channels between the ceramic blocks so it is possible to blow in cool air and thus cool down the oven or vary its temperature a little faster. However, I don''t want cracks to form. It will probably break, and I will probably make an improved oven in the future anyway.


    I need to build a thermometer for each oven, but even in the future I can forget about using mercury for that, as the boiling point of mercury is 357 Celsius, so either a bimetal thermometer, or a gas pressure thermometer needs to be built. I only have a few different calibration points for the thermometer, such as ice, the boiling point of water, the melting point of lead, the boiling point of mercury, etc, but that should be enough for what I am going to use the oven for. If I get a 20 degrees accuracy and scale at the top of the range, I will be happy, because a lot is about what happens at a certain temperature on the gauge, not the exact actual temperature. I''ve already built manometers so gas thermometers are should be a good and ''easy'' solution. The sensing part will be a larger sealed tube connected to the gauge by a narrow tube through the brick insulation. The advantage is that it is possible to use a fairly long thin tube and a large gas container to get a better result, and a larger manometer housing with a longer needle also helps.


    The first thing that needs to be built are the manometer gauges, which I use for more projects, and I need to build the thermometer into the ovens and thus they need to be finished first and calibrated so they get the space needed.


    Iselin likes that the same manometer construction can be used for several different purposes, and since we learned a lot from the first manometer constructions, it will probably be quite quick and easy. The important thing to know for the scale is that as long as you use the Kelvin scale that starts at absolute zero, the pressure will rise in proportion to the temperature. We literally live just 20m above sea level so the average pressure here is 1 bar and at 22C which is about room temperature here, the ''gas temperature'' will be 273K + 22C = 295K x 1 bar, so if the pressure increases to 3 bar then the gas temperature is (295K x 3) - 273K = 612C, so the lab oven needs a manometer with at least 3.5 bar range to have a little margin, slightly lower than the 5 bar manometers we have built so far. I can actually use the existing extra manometer to calibrate the new scales, so if I build four to five temperature manometers, and connect them at the same time on the same block, they can all get the same calibration as they measure the same pressure. As long as the measuring tube at the end is many times more than the volume in the rest of the tube and the meters, the finished system will measure the temperature well enough with a small error. The manometers we made have a diameter of almost 100mm, so if the scale for the needle cover 300 degrees, and the scale has a diameter of 100mm, it will be a 260mm long arc. That means for a scale where every millimeter is 3 degrees Celsius, the range will be 780 Celsius, which is more than accurate enough. The meters will be a bit different because they''re a handmade mechanism without any good references. But I can not manufacture something so exact and equal that everyone gets the same scale, and it is actually useful if one have a range of 3 bar and another becomes 5 or 6 bar. And it is possible to change the needle''s range by moving the attachment point on the internal lever, and by changing the exact diameter of the scale, I can make it easier to mark the right interval.


    The temperature out by the gauge is probably only a little above room temperature and this means that the gauge can have solder etc, but not in the oven. Making a gas tight seal there will be tricky. In order to be reliable, I need to fill with a clean gas that can handle the range, but I don''t want to sacrifice my propane-butane mix and it is combustible. Propane can be used as a refrigerant for a possible heat pump and perhaps a refrigerator or freezer, but I don''t know how the mix will behave. Ammonia is also used in some cooling systems, and ammonia can be obtained from urine. Other gas thermometers that will never be in really cold or hot could have been filled with drier air on a clear cold winter day that has the lowest humidity, because the humidity in the air becomes a big problem above the boiling point. I can also make a small reservoir in the form of T out by the gauge so that moisture hopefully finds its way to the lowest point there and then never heats up enough to become future problems. I can heat and cool it in a cycle before trying to empty any liquid.


    It''s nice to sit and have an interesting discussion and design process by explaining it to Iselin and Ciara, and get away from all the mess with the maids who meticulously clean everything so that the mansion and its interior will be in excellent condition before the King''s entourage arrives.

 Tosra & The Auction - day 38, reading signs

    Tosra & The Auction, day 38


    Reading signs


    Jalida knocks and inform us that it is half an hour to breakfast, which practically means 15 to 45 minutes. They havn''t really learned to determine the time something takes, but they are getting better. I have to build pendulum clock this winter so everyone can get their times more accurate. Since the guards got my wristwatch in their day room, they can at least let others know the time, which is practical to for example, always have supper at 1800 which makes it possible to plan for it. A couple of pendulum clocks is a good idea, one of which should be in the staff room by the kitchen.


    Iselin brings up that Kari talked to her about the eastern secret room. That Kari made Jane reveal more than she planned, a bit of what Kari experienced and how she loves it, and that it will not be something for all of them. But that Kari wants to take it further and it requires a place that is secret, and the eastern room has no purpose. Iselin also wants to experience it at some point, but thinks it sounds weird to pretend to be completely controlled and used as a sex toy for someone you trust.


    I try to explain what I know and how some people are attracted to it. How some actually try to live their lives constantly like this in Midg?rd on different levels and fetishes, both men and women, which almost shocks her more. That men want to be treated that way by women. And Even though it''s not something I really love, Kari enjoys it so much, so I will try to give her the best experience I can give her, because when she enjoys it, it makes me happy and I enjoy it. It''s so damn satisfying to be able to make them contented and blissed out lumps.


    Iselin gets a very entertaining blank expression when I play one of her favourite songs - Rihanna''s ''S&M'' - and really translate and explain the lyrics for her.


    <hr>


    I make sure they install the water pumps so that Unn''s house and the ships crew''s house are completely finished.


    We take a walk to the harbor and talk a bit with Asta. We stand there and look out over the harbor and see the workers who are extending the pile bridge over to the other side where it has started to be a simpler stone pier that will connect to the bridge. We are looking forward to being able to walk and ride over to the big island, and at least I think it feels a bit isolated to just be here on this island. I have also planned to have simpler bridges to Orusingen. I''ve even thought connecting to Tosra in the south via the large rocky island and some kind of ferry for the last couple of hundred meters to Tosra, but it feels like an bad idea. We don''t have much reason to visit Tosra, and I don''t want this island to become the usual route everyone takes between the islands.


    I ask Asta to make signs for the Eagle with the ship''s name just as I told the merchant about the ship now called Nostromo. We discuss the Merchant''s and Navigator''s upcoming visit, that she will try and teach them how to use a sextant and how to measure a town''s latitude for a couple of days etc, and also how a north arrow is best used. In addition to letting each Merchant and Navigator have a north arrow, which will be ten, I will make another fifty to sell at far away places.


    We gather the crew and together with Asta I tell that the houses in the harbor are theirs to use when the Eagle is anchored here. Asta together with Lifa in one and the four men in the other, and the houses are already furnished and ready for use. They are free to complement with furniture and other things. We have a simple ceremony where the ship''s crew is shown to the houses, and they are all so pleased and thank me. That Asta waited to move in until they all could do it raises their respect for her, and should help bond their group even more. They all cheer for me as we leave them with their new homes.


    <hr>


    We are basically done with most of the Auction stuff, and have done most on other things such as door locks and water pumps, so I and partly Iselin spend more time on my machines which are more interesting. I have made a lot of plans for machines in my workshop, and in addition to the finished bench shears and the bending machine, I have now ''finished'' the steam engine and the line shaft system. Ciara has finished balancing and cleaning up the parts for the scroll saw and is balancing some parts for the simple lathe, so Iselin and I assemble the scroll saw. They picked up the saw blades from Olafr last time in Borgarsandr, and the saw blades have slightly coarser teeth than I had hoped for, but that is a future problem. I plan to make machines that can do it better and finer, and hopefully with teeth hardened with electric current. I can harden the teeth one by one in a simple jig, but something more automated will make it much faster and better.


    The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.


    The work takes time, and Kari and Jane is looking on from the couch and watch as we methodically finish part by part, and get closer to the finished machine. Even without the work table being in place, and without the saw being connected to the belt drive, it is quite clear how it will work.


    <hr>


    There is a small break when the new reinforced concrete sink arrive and is installed in the kitchen. I''m surprised how good it is considering that is the first reinforced concrete thing they have made, and the template is handmade in wood. It''s feels a bit weird that the faucet doesn''t have a movable arm, so that will be manufactured, but the faucet is mounted on the wall, so no real problem to slightly move the bench a little to the side in the future, so the faucet is centered between the two sinks. Jane agrees that it looks much more modern, and the rest thinks it seems quite practical and easy to keep clean, and they like the storage space underneath. They will test for a few months, but there is a good chance that we have a new thing to upgrade some other buildings with, because most kitchens doesn''t need a permanent kitchen bench with sinks to be this long. The Academy will probably need two just in the kitchen.


    <hr>


    In the afternoon we are ready to start up the steam engine and try the saw, but I force everyone with long hair to tie up their hair with a piece of cloth, and warn everyone about the dangers of fingers and a moving saw blade. For now, I am the only one allowed to use the machine, and every person who wants to use it must be trained by me in use and safety.


    When the line shaft has reached operating revolutions, I step on the pedal. A linkage arm moves the leather drive belt from the idle wheel to the drive wheel, and the saw begins to oscillate up and down. In this mode the angle causes the saw blade to have a slight forward movement as the blade moves down. It''s not much but it should be better for sawing in thin pieces. The other mode is vertical, as the blade is more vertical. When I release the pedal, the leather strap is moved back to the free rotating idle wheel and the saw stops, although the belt drive continues to rotate. I will set up some protection for the leather belt in the future, but when more machines are made and installed, it will be hard enough to access the leather belts for maintenance etc, so I can probably manage with simple protection where people and fingers can be. Krosp the cat already stays away from my workshop, and as he loves to lie in his cat tree, he usually give my workshop suspicious glances as soon as the door opens.


    I try the saw on scrap pieces of wood and the saw works very good. The work table with its adjustable support also works well. Soon the whole household is gathered in the room or in the doorway, and I show how the machine saws in wood, copper and brass, and Bodil has immediately fallen in love with the machine. It''s so much easier and faster than using hand tools. One of the first things I make is a piece of wood to push things closer to the saw blade. I clean the blade and table, and empty the collector box underneath, and then ask the staff to fetch a cleaned bone and a sausage. Elvira quickly returns with it, but does not dare to go into the workshop to hand it to me, and it goes from hand to hand.


    I restart the saw, and show them why fingers should stay away from the saw blade. A sufficiently graphic demonstration.


    <hr>


    Before supper, Jane has hand-painted good warning signs that are attached to machines and the steam engine, as well as a few more signs for power etc. The warnings are taken seriously, and I explain each meaning and that the blue on white is what you should do, like use eye or hearing protection and so on and I will use a blue circle. Red on white are warnings with black icons and text what not to do, and usually in a red triangle or a red crossed over circle. Black on yellow is just warnings, but can be very dangerous. Jane take knowing stuff like this as obvious, but signs like this havn''t existed in this world before. There is also a short lesson in red-green color blindness, which snowballs as color blindness is news to most.


    The staff who have almost no reason to visit my workshop have been told to stay away, and no one complains. Jalida would probably have preferred to avoid cleaning the floor inside, but she is less afraid than Elvira.

 Tosra & The Auction - day 39, Janes thoughts

    Tosra & The Auction, day 39


    Jane''s thoughts


    It''s hard to try to think of what I can and cannot say about Midg?rd, especially when I talk to Iselin. Even about something as simple as Midg?rd''s wedding traditions. Robert was absolutely right - again - and Iselin is far too cunning and draws conclusions, even more than Kari. It is so difficult to translate and describe what I mean without Iselin asking follow-up questions. It does not help that she understands that we are withholding information and Iselin deliberately tries to trap me with ''innocent'' questions or ''clarifications'', or when I am not prepared and we just talk to hang out. Because Robert is more careful than me and better to think about what he says. Iselin is dangerously disarming, charming, funny and smart.


    Doesn''t she have any faults?


    Robert shows up and saves me, as I can let him take the lead about music for their wedding feast. It''s almost disgustingly cute to see how much in love they both are, and entertaining how their different ways make them show it, or not show it as is the case. Robert is uncomfortable with intimate displays in front of me, the others or the staff, and Iselin understands that and holds back, even though they both want to do more than just kiss and then sit next to each other. Iselin gets such a happy little content smile from his arm around her, and without thinking about it, her fingers start to caress his while she leans against him and relax. I really wanted a boyfriend who makes me feel that way, and know that it is answered and genuine. Robert and Iselin can probably sit like that for hours. He can with Ciara.


    It''s a bit tragic that even here in his home, it takes a closed door for Robert to feel comfortable and really be able to relax and be who he is, and everyone has understood that. He seems to get used to his new life here, but it takes time as every meal or action with the staff reminds him of his role, and it is undoubtedly a role to be the Lord of the house and the Lord of the Islands. A role he does not like to fill. Robert only seems really comfortable when he is alone in ''his'' rooms - because the rest of the house is not truly his - and only in front of someone he really trusts, and that list is short. Too short. Only Iselin, Ciara, Alith and partly me.


    Everyone has noticed how uncomfortable and conscious he becomes of his appearance or ''mess'', and puts on a sweater or discreetly tidies up a bit if Kari, me or the maids come in. How he tidies up before their maids do. As if we were all guests. And he don''t want to disturb them in their work and often, with a pretext, leave the room. So nowadays rooms are cleaned when he is not there. So it is invisible. But Iselin, Ciara and Alith have told us that he has changed, and now he tidies away more in his rooms because he knows the staff will clean. He never threw dirty cloths on the floor, but they used to be in a pile on the bed, and now he hangs them up on the back of the couch. Not unexpectedly Robert have a more relaxed behaviour about him when he is alone with one of them, but it depends on the situation or what room it is, and it hurts Kari that she has not fully been let in behind his walls except in the bedroom. She is worried that her lessons in how to behave makes him feel the need to always fulfill it in front of her.


    It''s entertaining, and good, that Iselin doesn''t shy away from making a stinging comment that Caecilia can sing really well and play various instruments and is not just sexually skilled. Robert just lowers his gaze, and takes a breath to avoid becoming more embarrassed, and then continues talking after Iselin kiss his cheek. Not as a sorry, but just to show that she loves him as he is.


    Iselin will not be a meek submissive wife, but Robert wouldn''t want her to be, nor would he have accepted anyone who would is too controlling. Iselin has probably understood that too, and I wonder how much she have changed to be what he desires. Then again, most people around him seems to adapt, and understand that he doesn''t like being a Lord. That power is something to avoid being used, or even be reminded of. Kari made it clear how they explained to him that he have to let the staff call him Lord etc, and the guards are proud of their powerful Lord.


    Caecilia - of course - quickly appears when Robert shouts her name; ready to be of any service he wish, and I wonder if Robert have understood how intensely she tries to learn to be his personal maid, and adapt to what he expects and wants. She really seems to see it as her goddess Freya chosen duty in life, and will do it as good as she can. Caecilia almost always knows where Robert is or does just like Ciara, but Iselin, Ciara and the guards keep her informed to make Robert''s life easier - and so he doesn''t get reminded that she is always nearby. They''re all so focused on that Robert is protected and gets as much as possible of the life he prefers. But it is no coincidence that Caecilia usually finds something to do so she''s within earshot - but out of sight. Nor does she close her bedroom door except when she''s going to sleep, and just because Robert wants her to have privacy too. When Robert closes his bedroom door for the night, Caecilia hurries to go to bed, so she is up, freshly washed and alert when Robert wakes up. At whatever service he wants from her. What a change of life this must have been for Caecilia, but she seems happy for her new life. She and Elvira make sure to wake each other up and both seem to love being of service. Even if it is going to be a hard working day, they always seem to be in an annoyingly good mood. At least Caecilia sing or hum if Robert isn''t near by. He gets annoyed by exuberant morning people and singing. He prefer that his first half hour or hour is quiet and calm, and it is obvious why his bedroom and office is as far away as he could make it from the kitchen and staff rooms.


    Caecilia probably really sees Robert as her goddess''s messiah, not least considering how he has sex with them, and she seems completely convinced that Freya brought both of us here. But she is a master of circular thinking and that the gods are behind everything important. That she was there and could ''save'' Robert after he was drugged at Radgeirrson''s feast, she takes as further proof that Freya guided her to Robert. Of course Freya knew about Radgeirrson and his associates, and Robert was Freya''s hand to end it and so the guilty were punished, and the innocent got a better life. Caecilia also believes that I - just like her, Iselin, Ciara and Kari - have been guided to Robert to make both his and our lives better. Ciara is completely sure of that.


    Iselin has probably helped Caecilia through some religious crises due to Robert''s views on sex and what is right in terms of relationships, minimum age, age difference and more. It is fortunate that Robert explained that his upbringing has shaped his view of what is right. Which Caecilia has taken as even further proof that Robert is here because Alfheimr needs him, and that Freya also wanted to ''save him'' from a sexually starved life in Midg?rd. Caecilia was really upset and actually cried when she found out what his life had probably been like in Midg?rd, and that Robert seems to have given up seeking female companionship. Decades of excellent sex and love lost, and she cannot believe human women can be so blind. Caecilia feels so honoured that Freya thinks she is worthy of ''compensating'', and she is convinced that her high sex drive is to ''make up for lost time''. That they consider Robert to be divine in bed only reinforces Caecilia''s view that Freya rewards them and that he really is Freya''s messiah. Robert''s own comment, shrug and annoying smile were appropriate though infuriating; "In the land of the blind, the one eyed man is a King."


    The men here are really blind, because Robert doesn''t seems to be that good, and pretty vanilla. A bit oral sex, fingers and different positions: Oooh ... so advanced and so kinky.


    Pathetic!


    But Caecilia is worried that I''m here because Elvish women won''t be able to give him children. Like Iselin and Kari, she wants Robert to have many children, and everyone is more or less worried that Caecilia might be right. All are so damn indoctrinated that every woman should marry and give her husband children and be a good mother, to really be a woman. No matter how good the woman is at business, politics, art, combat, crafts or anything else.


    Bloody primitive culture.


    Regardless of what Robert have said, I think he will be able to fulfill Iselin''s and Kari''s desire to become a mothers. Robert wouldn''t have been as careful as he apparently is with IUDs, condoms and where he shoots his load, if he didn''t suspect the same.


    You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.


    Has Liv become pregnant? She was so enthusiastic and honoured by their agreement. I wonder how many Sejdwomen will be the same?


    Then again, it is utterly absurd how many women seems willing to give Robert children, especially if it means that they themselves will also have a good life, which he certainly would give them by this ages measure. How the staff here live says a lot. It feels weird to know that he could have built a mansion like this, and he could have chosen among a bloody hoard of volunteer women to fill that mansion and have it as his harem. Not bought and forced slaves, but actually volunteer women from all walks of life. A truly genuine harem with dozens of women. Honoured to be his concubines or just mistresses and live comfortable easy lives, and just have sex with him and try to give him children. With Robert! And their culture would give both him and the harem women more respect and status, and no one will complain or even seen anything wrong with it and just be envious, because Robert is ''Freya''s man''. Its lucky that a harem is such an uncomfortable thought for him.


    Another then again, is that Robert with corresponding power, status, wealth and honour wouldn''t have a hard time getting many ''girlfriends'' in our world either, even with our social pressure against it instead of for it. Especially if he liked bimbos. I''ve met a lot, and their goal in life is to be a rich man''s mistress, and get a luxury life with expensive living, food, shopping and travel, for sex and to be arm candy at parties. Selling themselves like expensive whores in all but name. Some don''t seem to have any scruples at all. They will do anything, with anyone, as long as they get a luxurious life. And the older they get, the more desperate they become to secure it for the rest of their life. And that is in our luxurious modern world, not this primitive savage world.


    It infuriates me that I will probably be single for the rest of my life, because as a propertyless woman without powerful relatives, few Elvish men will want me as his wife. As that is the only thing that matters. I am not even a real woman in their eyes, just because I have more body hair than they do. But I also don''t want to be a Viking wife with all that entails - and would be completely useless as it. I also don''t want to be a trophy concubine, or live in a common longhouse. Hell, I don''t even want to live in a bloody Castle. Kari told me enough about that. All romantic ideas about the Middle Ages have definitely gotten a huge ''reality check''. Knights in shining armour, yeah right! Robert''s explanation what Chivalry really comes from, and was and how it was used, killed that notion too.


    I blurt out a "What?" when they get my attention. What were they talking about?


    Caecilia is good at playing several instruments, but I surprise myself when I blurt out that I can play the piano - another thing that my mother thought I should learn as a child and I took lessons in for far too many years. Am I really so desperate to impress them and show that I too know things? So desperate for their approval? Sickening.


    It seems like there are no pianos here, which I can not help makes me smile, but according to Caecilia, there are stringed instruments that lie in the lap and strings are tapped on with small hammers. Of course, Robert''s creativity and ingenuity immediately begins to rev up, and he''s thinking of making something piano like with a keyboard. He zones out and starts talking and describes how it would be an interesting challenge, even though it would be simple and there will probably be several prototypes with limited range before it is even acceptable, especially if he has to make a standing piano as a grand piano takes far too much space. Iselin''s expression makes it clear that she''s immediately interested, but my narrowed eyes and face makes Robert realise it is something I won''t appreciate, and with a small cough he changes the subject, and waves away the slate board Caecilia tried to give him. I ignore Iselin''s disapproving gaze.


    I realise that Robert would actually spend a hell of a lot of time and gold trying to make a piano for me if I wanted it, and that he wouldn''t do it to hit on me or try to bribe me. He would do it just to help and make his friend happy - and because it would be an interesting challenge. That insight and feeling is quite nice. Maybe I should let him try? It would be interesting to see how well he succeeds and how it sounds. I could explain how it should feel and work. It''s not just hitting a string with a hammer. Again, the details are so important, and everything is ''difficult level''. He would probably try to build a grand piano and sacrificed the space if I really wanted it.


    In the future, his Academy should include a proper music education class. Musicians are important and of course everything here is with a personal teacher, apprentice to someone else, or self-taught. It would be nice with many different modern instruments, in a real concert hall. Hmm... the slump south of the Academy might be an acceptable outdoor amphitheatre, and it could actually be used for theater and stage productions as well, but the stage need to be facing south for the sake of light, or maybe southeast so the evening sun is used after the working day, and the audience shouldn''t have the sun in their eyes. Maybe something like the Hollywood Bowl?


    Urgh. Bloody Robert. His thinking has really started to affect me. But it is so annoying to see his slightly disappointed face if something so obvious is missed.


    My thoughts are interrupted and I blurt out another pathetic "What?" as an answer to a question I never heard. Robert has the same thoughts as me, and not surprisingly, it is memorization and learning that applies here when it comes to music and music pieces, just like everything else. Of course I can read musical notes and lyrics, but when Robert asks me to write down what I can and try to create a book on how to describe music - I hesitate. Can I do it well enough? Do I really want to do it? Especially to start writing down songs and music we brought with us. It will be terribly difficult to try out what sounds right, and impossible to get all the instruments, or the tracks completely written down, and it will not be exact. Acoustic pieces are always different. Considering he have several thousand MP3s with him, if I try to written down just one song made per day, it will take something like 10 years. But far from all are good, and he have a wide taste in music. However, some would be worth the effort, and expanding the types of music they listen to would be really good. Maybe I can ''corrupt'' the next generation? That would actually be kind of fun.


    I explain that it will be very difficult and a huge project that will takes years, but as soon as the words leave my mouth, I realise how stupid that answer is. Even something very difficult and huge, Robert doesn''t really see as a problem - and he is right. It''s worth doing, and someone must be the first here to write down and teach people to read music from notes. Even if it isn''t perfect, there is probably no one here who knows it better than me, and it would be something more to do. I don''t think his tablets audio editing programs can help, and a piano would have been more practical to try it out on so it sounds right. I shouldn''t be surprised that he has a simpler synth keyboard program on the tablet, and Caecilia, Iselin and Gunhild are so very enthusiastic - that I agree to do it. It is something really useful that also helps to make the future better. Something more than just painting. Something that shows that I too am knowledgeable and valuable.


    I want to roar out my frustration and bang my head against a wall as soon as I hear my own pathetic thought, and I remember what I said and bet. Why couldn''t I just keep my stupid mouth shut?! Why is it almost instinctive for me to tease him and allude to sex?! Why didn''t I just agree with him that it was a bad joke when he gave me such a nice way out?! I don''t want to have sex with him, and especially not because I may have lost a stupid one-sided bet, and now he expects me to want us to have sex, even though we''re both uncomfortable with it. Why can I never learn?! Why do I always drive my foot deeper into my mouth?! I wasn''t even content with a hand or blowjob, oh no, I had to go all the way to anal sex. Nice one, Jane! What does he think about me after that!


    ARGH!


    I just want to keep him as my friend, that I can joke and have fun with. Why did Kari have to tell him that they''ve given me permission for us to have sex?! That they want me to get pregnant?!


    Fuck Alfheimr and its culture!!


    It sure does not help that they have so absurdly much sex, and I sometimes hear the sounds or smell. They could at least keep it in his bloody bedroom! Not that it helps much when it is Ciara. It''s also so bloody annoying that his sexual reputation is hyped as hell - just because they have incredibly low expectations. It''s even more annoying that he agrees! Like it''s something positive that everyone else is worse. He is still an older chubby nerd, and there are so many sexy muscular bodies here where most people work hard every day. Hrappr looks so much better and is half his age! But, oh no; everyone ignores Hrappr. Even the guards and maids. How distorted isn''t that?!


    But sadly, that is also what many men are - a sexy attractive body - and I do not need more experience from ego-tripped Adonis who believe that they are God''s gift to women and flirt with everything with boobs. Even when they have a girlfriend. Or muscle headed cavemen who think women should be their slave, take care of the home, and give birth to children. Which more or less describes all the men here. The wife is literally bought from her parents for the wedding, and I will never be someone''s damn property!


    I will never find a good man that I like, who respects and treats me well and equal.


    Bloody primitive world.


    ...


    ?!!

 Tosra & The Auction - day 39, The globe

    Apparently I got my wish about a human who knows some music, and Jane''s skill with art and painting has been very useful. Many would take that as a reason to thank the local Gods, but I still don''t believe in them or any other Gods. Jane seems to have found a new hobby to keep her busy as she excuse herself and disappears. Maybe I should try to make something piano like next year? I should make tuning forks etc, and in a few years there might be an expansion of the Academy for a music education, and other arts like a theatre program if I can find someone willing to teach acting. I assume there is some kind of actors down south, the question is: can I find someone that speak Norse, and is willing to move here and teach? Honestly, different types of art are a good thing to educate people in, as music and art are appreciated by all classes of society, and all cultures. Jane''s willing to teach painting and sketching with ink or charcoal. I would need a sculpture artist too. I should encourage students to try different forms of art and crafts.


    Caecilia really wants to hear more Midg?rd music, and promises to learn some songs, and adapt the lyrics for the language with my or Jane''s help. It''s cute how eagerly Iselin offers to play Midg?rd music for her, but Iselin loves my MP3 player.


    I''ve got other things to focus on, but I notice the Risk board game. The glue for my Risk game map has dried, and I now have a game board. I''m quite pleased how it turned out. I used a wooden board that was actually meant for Jane''s paintings, but she has many more, and we''ve already order more. Jane has also started trying to paint on canvas, and I''m seriously happy that Jane is here to introduce proper painted art. I have no real interest in it, and she is obviously so damn skilled and knowledgeable. It''s also nice to see how eager Caecilia and Iselin is to learn. I accepted Jane''s offer to decorate my Risk game board a bit when I explained it was a variant of Risk, which is a game she recognized. She understands why it is not a world map, and she can actually see herself joining a game as Risk is less nerdy than table top miniatures, although that seems fun to play. I pointed out that there is no person here who will disapprove if she plays nerdy games, it''s completely in her head. But unfortunately; her head wins.


    I have used the playing field''s empty space to draw tables for the value of regions, what different cards give, the dice rules, etc, and Jane has added nice doodles and ornaments on its edges. The only thing I myself added to the decoration is the little Academy logo where the Academy roughly is on the map, but Jane drew a larger logo as part of the decoration.


    I get pulled away as Asta has arrived, and I did say I had something important to show her today. I just showing her the globe without saying anything. Asta touch the globe, notices it rotate and starts looking closer at it, trying to figure out I want her to see. It dawns on her what it is when she sees Europe and the Nordic countries. She has learned to recognize those shapes from the maps, and she understands how to use a sextant. I just love to shock people with knowledge or technology. They sometimes get the most interesting faces and expressions. Asta just stares at the little Academy logo and needs some time to process what she sees, how small her world was before. She has calculated trigonometry etc to use the sextant, but again, knowing and really knowing are two different things. It just hasn''t connected that the earth is round, and I tell her about gravity etc, and I use an oil lamp as a sun.


    I let Asta have all the time she needs in front of the globe as we prepare other things like attaching a couple of flags and banners for the mansion and in the harbour.


    <hr>


    I pass the globe on my way to lunch, and Asta is still just sitting and studying the globe, but Alith has joined her and Asta explain things to her. I ask Asta not to discuss the globe with others outside my sambos. Alith is okay though, and Alith seems to have gained a lot of respect for the globe. Alith has apparently told Asta how I created an ''accurate'' map of the small surroundings outside Skiringsalr without ever being there, and together with the other maps I made that seems to be correct, they don''t doubt that the globe is correct, although I make sure they understand that it must be verified with voyages. Voyages that Asta is eager to make. The diameter and size of the globe are probably correct even if the land masses are not, because the time of day is the same, gravity is the same and the sextant works as it should.


    The lure of good food can eventually tear Asta away from the globe, but while we eat she is distant and thoughtful. I believe I know what she really wants; to sail around the globe. When I ask Asta, she confirms that she not only wants that, but to explore everything. There is so much to see and experience, and she is absolutely right on that. So I tell her that in a few years there might be a larger ship equipped for long distance voyages, hopefully with at least another ship as company and safety, with the best I can equip the ships with in food storage and navigation aids. I also plan to work on a couple of solutions for the longitude problem and other things that are needed, and start this winter.


    The first long-distance voyage will not go all the way around the world but will be done gradually for experience, test and create depots or check what is there, and the first voyage around the world will probably take two years since there will be a lot of stops along the way, and some exploration, but in the future she may be part of that voyage. And maybe be its Commander.


    I think using the Clipper route is more efficient from a time and wind point of view, but not from an exploration point of view. Who knows? Here in Alfheimr, there may be a connection in Central America where the Atlantic and the Pacific connects, so South America doesn''t need to be rounded. Or maybe the world is completely different outside the Nordics and Europe. Asta definitely has a new dream, and she is very willing to spend time this winter to map the night sky, and measure the angles between important stars. The collected data will be saved and marked down with angles between stars which we can then transform into a celestial sphere.


    After lunch, Asta wants nothing more than to return to the globe, but I tell her that I think it''s better she takes it with her to the ship and installs it in the corner in my cabin. It''s supposed to stand there anyway. If she wants to study another globe, there is one in the library and I show her that I''ve made another. I also tell her that I have parts for a third, and if she wants to spend some time making it, she can have that one in her house, so she has something to study in her spare time - as long as she keeps it secret for the rest of the crew. And that Lifa swears to keep the globe a secret. They can cover it with a cloth when not in use. The one on the ship should also be covered.


    If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    Asta might be small, but she sure as hell can give an intense hug. Kari pointedly coughs, which makes Asta embarrassed, but she stop hugging me and take a step back.


    Maybe I should send an expedition to North America, and try to establish a trade route and colony there? If there isn''t already peoples and nations there. It''s very likely. There are problems here in the north with land and opportunities for the slowly growing population, though there is waste areas covered in forests that can be cut down. More farm land can be created especially in the inland, but for the people in ''Norway'' there is limited options. It is after all why the Norwegian Vikings headed out across the sea.


    After a first expedition to prove that the globe is correct and the land exists, and to try to find a place and possible contact with the indigenous people, it should be possible to send a larger colonization force of a hundred men and women with animals and livestock. As long as they try to establish good contact with a likely indigenous peoples by showing respect for both people and their different beliefs and cultures, it should succeed. Any colonization effort have to think about diseases, respecting cultural differences and try to be diplomatic etc.


    Perhaps an introduction of horses, iron axes and knives could be a foundation for trade and successful exchange of skills? Maybe it cannot be applied here, but I know how important the Tomahawk became in Midg?rd, and that might make the indigenous people more positive if they don''t already have good iron production. Maybe they''re bad at building ships and the people here and change that. There should be something to establish trade, language and skill transfer. Knowing the local fauna and flora, food production, iron tools and salt will be so important for a colony.


    If successful, the colonies will become their own small kingdoms, and I wouldn''t be surprised if the colony start as a Viking ''nobility'' but marriages to locals gradually change the population to a more mixed one, due to how the culture here is that slaves should be integrated in society no matter where they come from. Say what you want about the culture here, but they are really not that racist as in seeing other people as lesser beings. Probably because there is lots of different peoples and worlds according to their religion, and their Gods comes from other worlds. And they believe in all kinds of intelligent creatures and spirits in the mountains, woods and water. Sure, they look at that black woman in Borgarsandr with suspicion, but that because she might literally be from another world. If they meet a new culture while travelling here, well then they''re elves. Like, duh.


    There is a good chance that there will be exports of ''exotic'' slaves back to the north and Europe, but as long as it doesn''t negatively effect security there, it will probably happen. If there is people over there, they probably have some kind of slavery, and the buyers and sellers will just change a bit. Trade is more efficient if it takes place in both directions, but what is traded depends on what each side want, and what resources there are to sell.


    I could actually sponsor an expedition to establish my own colony under my rule, and the beginning of a future mini-empire and colonial power. It would also be good for the Academy to have saved important information in several places. If there is more than one Academy, a more or less accidental fire wouldn''t be devastating for information in saved books and documents. It would also be quite satisfying to be able to spread the Aesir belief and the culture from the north over large parts of the world before another part of this world do it, even though that belief and culture should have minor modifications.


    As for the emigration part, I might make use the classic that those who want to travel there commit to paying for the journey afterwards, but to not to be greedy about it, or just think long-term and give people some land if they colonize. The goal isn''t to make short-term profit. After only a few years, I should be able to send merchant ships with goods there and get something else back, and in the future even such things as perhaps crude oil. Island hopping between Kambsnes, Faroe Islands, Iceland, Greenland, New Foundland and the west coast of North America in the summer, and maybe the Azores, Bermuda, etc, in the winter.


    At least in the beginning and for the first emigration steps, it may be best to send a small group when there is plenty of food available, which means just after the start of harvest, and the first settlers should focus on wintering and preparing for others, by felling logs for house and clear land and prepare for next year and that growing season. I should focus on slightly more southerly latitudes for a milder winter, but not too far south and have problems with drought. I just assume it will require a new shipload of food and supplies before the settlers get seeds in the ground and can start feeding themselves. Should they even have a chance to sow a harvest in the first autumn, the journey must go quick and they have to find open fields, and have time to plow and sow seeds while praying for good weather. They could live in tents until the seeds are in the ground, but some kind of pre-built hut with a stove would be good. Kind of like the Antarctic explorers built to overwinter before their try for the South pole. It just feels too much of a gamble, but if I improve efficiency in the agriculture here, it will also be easier to set up a colony.


    It is a pity it probably won''t happen in this future as colonization won''t be a secret for hundreds of years, but I can almost visualize the vision of proud European explorers that reach land after a long perilous voyage across the sea;


    "Land! Finally land! God have guided us to virgin land, where we can make a future for ourselves, plant crops, cultivate the land and create a new natio .... Norse ships?! Oh for fucks sake! Again?! They''re fucking everywhere!"


    When I tell my thoughts about colonization to Iselin, Caecilia and Jane, there are two completely different reactions. Iselin thinks about the future and thinks it is a great idea and can do everything so much better, and she would of course like to take a journey in the future just to see exotic lands, and Caecilia agrees. Jane just laughs and loves how much it will fuck it up for everyone else and differ between the history of Midg?rd, and suggests that ''we'' should seize the best pieces first like the Bahamas, Bermuda and the whole Caribbean, followed by Hawaii, Maldives, New Zealand and more. We should raise rune stones or carve into rocks and basically in several languages say: "Welcome Losers! We were here first! Now piss off!"


    Apart from the fact that I think that several places probably have people and nations, I think it is fun how all of a sudden Jane considered herself to be one of us, when she otherwise usually distances herself, and she completely blanks out when I ask if she means ''we'' as in northerners, or ''we'' as one of the islands residents. Iselin quickly adds: "... or ''we'' as in one of Robert''s women." Which makes me blank out. Jane just gives us a look, but say nothing as she leave. Iselin''s wide grin and face says what she thinks the answer is, and considering how Caecilia giggles with her, Caecilia seems to agree.


    I got work to do in the workshop.

 Tosra & The Auction - day 39, Unn and Amba

    Iselin and Asta work with the halves for a globe, and I sit and build more for the Auction. This is the last day to build before the King''s visit, and thus before the Auction. And we have forgotten to stamp the goods with my mark and numbers. I remember I decided to give Asta a candle lantern for each crew house so they have some light, and decide that I might as well just give each house an oil lamp along with a jar of rapeseed oil. That should last for a few days and we have a lot more oil in the basement they can refill from. Just talk to someone on the staff. After all, it is my houses and furnitures that they only borrow as part of their employment. The rapeseed oil is a small cost, but that doesn''t mean that I want them to wasted it. But it will give them more light to extend the coming short winter days. Ida will help Asta carry it and show how they work and are used.


    <hr>


    It is late in the afternoon when one of the crew comes running and lets us know that a faering with Fj?lkunniga Unn has arrived down in the harbour with some of her packing and household stuff. I send Jalida to light the fireplace in Unn''s house, while we go and meet her.


    One of the people living in Lysesund has sailed her here - curious to get a closer look on the mansion, but as most people, haven''t dared to disturb us, but now that he had a good excuse he quickly took it, and I tell him that he is welcome to return another day and go for a walk along the road, just don''t disturb the work. I don''t mind if ''neighbours'' visit the islands, just don''t be a bother. A couple of the workers, under Caecilia''s guidance, will transport Unn''s belongings to her house while we go ahead, and I send some of the crew to take the much larger Knarr to bring the rest of Unn''s belongings here, as well as her horse and so on that is guarded by Unn''s young apprentice Amba. There is enough daylight remaining that it shouldn''t be an issue getting it all sorted tonight.


    Iselin, Kari, Ciara and my shadows Alith and Bodil comes along as I show Unn her new house and she is so surprised and overjoyed when I show the little greenhouse on the south side below her common rooms window, but that is just the first surprise she will get tonight. It''s kind of fun to see how she behaves like she''s stepping into a holy place and I show her the rooms, and the part that can be screened off for bathing or showering and the back entrance with the toilet. Then I show and explain that she has both hot and cold water, just like the mansion, although we havn''t really tested everything yet because the water pump was installed yesterday, and I forgot to do it today. Just let me know if she finds any small leak or something.


    I have decided that Unn will get two oil lamps too considering her job will require good light around the clock. An oil lamp with a reflector and a double as a ceiling lamp she can move around depending on which room she needs light in. They also gives of quite a lot of heat. While I''m talking and explaining, Unn has just walked around and touched everything, looked around, and she''s overjoyed.


    "All this is really mine as long as I work for my Lord?"


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    "When it''s just us or my closest like now, it''s Robert. But yes, this house with its contents in furniture and other stuff is yours as long as you work here, and in the future if you deserve it, maybe it will truly become yours, although the land probably won''t come with it."


    Unn just slowly move, overjoyed and taking deep breaths to calm her emotions while she inspect the fireplace and its features, and she enjoys the heat.


    "This is such a wonderfully beautiful house with such incredible luxury, and more than I ever dreamed of. A large house of my own, with several rooms and beautiful walls, fine wood and stone floors and so many large beautiful glass windows. It''s so bright inside! Cold and hot water from the wall. A greenhouse of my own."


    Unn is crying with happiness as she look out through the window over the greenhouse and admire the view of the lake. I invite Unn and her apprentice Amba for supper after all their stuff have arrived, and Jalida will stay here and give them a lesson in how the fireplace with its cooking accessories works, and answer other questions. Then we leave and let Unn just enjoy her house, and on the way home we take a detour and sit on hill and look out over the lake and the valley and the sun that is soon to set, while I hold my sambos.


    It''s been a good day.


    <hr>


    Before supper, I show the first aid kits to Unn and Amba, and there are some things that should be changed or added. I didn''t even consider that there also should be ''thread'' to sew together wounds made of sheep intestines, as that dissolves in the body. Jane react at that idea, but I just ask if she has ever heard of English catgut, after Cattle Gut. In Midg?rd today that is probably synthetic, but it wouldn''t have been just 50-70 years ago. There are other important things to tweak and stuff to add to the first aid kit, but I have counted on it. They''re a work in progress. On the other hand, Unn really likes the curved needle, and the whole concept to have them ready. Most people doesn''t have a Fj?lkunnig near by, so they do what they can, and if it''s bad the sick is brought to the Fj?lkunniga or vice versa. That my Furstdome will have its own Fj?lkunniga is very appreciated among the locals and workers. I''m just happy that they won''t come to me with their medical issues.


    During supper, I tell both Asta, Unn and Amba that the mansion and Island will receive a low-key visit from King Aeriksson and his family for a few days and that they should arrive tomorrow, which they were not prepared to hear and both get a little panicked, and Unn coughs while Amba is half shocked as she is trying to help Unn. My sambo''s and Jane''s looks and comments inform me that I should learn to say such things in a better way. I give Unn and Amba another little shock when I tell them about oil lamps, and explain how she can move it between the rooms and we just need to attach hooks to the ceiling beams. The oil lamps will help her especially during winter, and give a nicer life when she doesn''t have patients.


    Elvira offers to give Unn and Amba a lesson about oil lamps after the meal, and Hrappr will arrange more firewood from the storage down by the barns tomorrow. He has also taken care of her horse, pig, chickens and goat until enclosures can be made.


    After supper we try to play my new Risk. Me, Kari, Jane and Iselin. With a larger audience. Eventually I win, and I kind of expected that, but I learn that Jane suck in understanding game dynamics. A fifth player might be suitable for better dynamics, and I may need to do a couple of tweaks, but the game works well enough that it is nice to play, and well balanced enough as I have to play it more times to be sure of changes. But I write down my thoughts for the future and then we just talk about stuff. I hug Ciara who have curled up next to me on the couch as she embroidered something, while waiting to go to bed.


    This has been a good day.

 Tosra & The Auction - day 40, The royal family arrives

    Tosra & The Auction, day 40


    The royal family arrives


    One of the locals arrive to tell us they have seen a ship with King Aerikssons banner, and a quick peek from my bedroom balcony with my binocular confirms. So we get ready and walk down to the harbour and arrive pretty much perfectly. We welcome King Asbj?rn Aeriksson, his wife Queen Haera and their two Princesses Sefa and Ulfarna, and introduce my sambos, and also Caecilia and Jane. Two maids and four guards also steps ashore, and it''s no surprise Gunhild and Hillevi knows them. This is the first time any of the royal family is here on the islands, even though they owned them, and the first time I will really spend time with his wife and daughters, which is one of the reasons for the introductions, as well as introducing Jane to them. The weather is nice and we take a nice walk back to the mansion while we talk about the work here and buildings.


    It''s fun to see that Asbj?rn and his company is clearly impressed by the road and then the mansion as we walk around the cliff. Yeah, the roads route was pretty much due to nature, but man is it effective on guests arriving from the harbour. Kari looks very noble and calm but I know she''s proud of our home, while Iselin makes a heroic effort to blend in with our guests high status and noble birth, but she does blend in well. I assume I''m the worst at it being regal, but I don''t care that much. When we reach the courtyard, Asbj?rn just wants to stand and look at the mansion, with its shiny copper roof and all large windows, and he slowly nods and smiles. I''m proud of the mansion, but not the outside as much as the amenities inside. At least the youngest princess Ulfarna can not avoid showing how impressed she is when we walk in and open the doors to the great hall and see the mezzanine windows. According to Kari she is kind but seems to be a bit of an airhead, while her big sister Sefa takes after her mother Haera and shouldn''t be handled lightly.


    We show them their guest room. The king and queen will of course have the larger sunny guest room to the south, the princesses the smaller guest room on the opposite side of the corridor, and the maids and guards will stay in the wings attic. Asbj?rn is very pleased with their guest room. Many castles and fortresses have mostly small rooms due to many meters thick stone walls, and Feast halls and Longhouses don''t have many rooms and they''re quite big, so although the room is smaller than the common longhouse part for important guests, this is a separate and luxurious bedroom with a door, which many houses lack, and this room is much brighter, warmer and nicer than any other with nice views out through the large windows. Sadly the glass mess up the view a bit. The fact that the princesses also get their own room is even more impressive. Asbj?rn really likes it and does not hold back with the compliments, while his wife Haera and the princesses also give several compliments, but more ''restrained''. Then again, that is the culture here for an occasion like this. They have exactly the same grace and elegance that Kari usually exudes.


    We warn them to not touch the exposed parts of the copper radiators and the pipes on the wall because they are very hot. Then we start the basic tour to show the amenities, and as we show them the bathrooms with cold and hot water, showers, saunas and the toilets, Asbj?rns smile grows wider. Everything is very eccentric, but interesting. I point out that their guards and maids can use two of the toilets and the small bathroom if they wish, and show the symbols on the doors and on the guest towels. That really surprises them. Especially when we clarify that there is no outdoor toilet except down by the barns. We''re all happy that the separating dry toilets works as well as they do, and even Jane agrees that it is good enough, and a wet toilet actually isn''t needed.


    Asbj?rn is very curious to go for a walk and see the island before lunch, and so with our personal maids and two guards each, we go for a walk.


    <hr><hr>


    Robert has no objection to show me the island before dinner, and we start in the harbor. I do not mind taking the shortcut there, but I of course understand why we took the road the first time. If I had such an incredible road with such an impressive view of my castle, I would''ve wanted visitors to take that road. And the shortcut is quite steep nature, easier going down than up, and there is no doubt that the roads route was the only practical path for a road to be built across the island.


    I shouldn''t be surprised that Robert does not see the wide and quite deep strait between the islands as a problem, but to actually make stone piers and build a bridge across? That is no small project in its own right, and something few Storman and Jarls would do. But the bridge makes it clear that the islands are one and the same small Furstdom. Joined together. What a change the last few months must have been for the people here. Like many on the islands across the huge archipelago, they have lived quite isolated, but now this is Robert''s land, and Robert has plans. The population has already increased, and that is nothing compared to what will happen when the Academy starts and he gets the craftsmen he wants here. These islands will be so important, and with such a bridge and road, everyone will immediately understand that this is a special place.


    Robert introduces Captain Asta, and she''s just as small and skinny as I''ve heard, but she has to be skilled for Robert to make her his Captain. The crew has obviously bathed and made themselves presentable to prove worthy of being Robert''s crew, and with such incredibly nice little houses he built for them, they should be grateful. They even got oil lamps. The tour of the Millennium Eagle makes it clear that the ship as expected is in a class of its own, and so incredibly much better than my flagship in every way, and that is without counting the ship compass. Robert really loves glass and light. There is even glass in the deck to get more light below deck. I should try to build a similar ship next year, just for the time it save on longer voyages. I''m the King, and with the reputation this ship has already gained, it will be unworthy to use anything less.


    This damn road. I want such roads in Borgarsandr, and at least a bit further out like to Tingshamn and the Northmen Tings location. My desire for roads like this does not diminish when Robert explain how the ditches can be covered to get sidewalks, so horse and carriage traffic is not disturbed, and it is also safer.


    Why am I even surprised when he shows me the barns? I should expect that everything here will make me impressed, and it is telling how impressive the mansion on the cliff is, as I barely noticed how special the barns are as we walked passed. Of course with glass windows, a water system, a ''waterpump'' and everything else. Everything planned to the smallest detail. Robert''s animals have it more luxuriously than most of the population. Even a separate dairy and brewery, and Ida who is working is quick to explain how well it works, and her whole person shows how much she loves the barns and her work here. Sure, this barn is not finished yet, but I understand why Robert''s staff has been impatient, and that it includes Iselin is not surprising. What a change the last half year must have been for Iselin, but Robert recognizes gold when he sees it glimmer.


    That they will plant large orchards for apples and pears for their own production of mead and cider, proves just how far in advance Robert plans, because it will take a decade until the first harvest. But it feels good to hear that Robert intends to spread deep roots here. Kari has again been proven right about Robert. Robert only talked about his Academy and the technology it would lead to, but I wonder what kind of progress agriculture will go through here, just because Robert lives here. I have only heard positive things about straw basket hives before, but in Robert view they are inefficient, bad for bees and even bees should get small special houses built. Optimized for them to build honeycombs, produce honey and to make it easier to handle bees. Which of course will be spread out across the islands to give a large production of honey and to pollinate all plants and trees. Houses for bees.


    The carriages are at least something I understand and now really appreciate, and we''ve already ordered a winter carriage. A coach. We quickly decided that after the first trip down to the harbor. Riding is good and practical, but it can be unpleasant in the winter, especially with a lot of rain and when the temperature is just above freezing. And it is not good for ones health. It rained on two of the trips that Haera and our daughters took, and they were dry and warm when they got out of the coach, and they also appreciated not having to wear anything on their head. No roads are as good as the one here on the island, so four horses will help a lot if the road is bad, and if needed, there is a horse available for each person in the carriage. Haera is also right in that it is both an advantage and a disadvantage that it is hard to see who or how many are traveling in the carriage, and that it is possible to have a discreet conversation while traveling. Or just take a nap, so that the journey goes faster and you arrive rested.


    We keep talking as we walk along the road, and Robert explains how the road is built and drainage, and if it is maintained, it will last for hundreds of years. Well-built stone road lasts. Once again, Kari''s suspicions have been confirmed. The reason why Robert was an unexperienced rider is that - no matter how incredible it sounds - he has hardly had to ride before coming here. Midg?rd must be full of roads like this everywhere, and with fantastic carriages and coaches. I don''t think Alfheimr is ready for his thoughts on letting people rent carriages in a livery stable in Borgarsandr, but there may be a limited market for special transports, injuries, marriages and such occasions.


    It is a pretty view down over the lake and the houses, and I look forward to return here in the future and see the village between the lake and the valley. It will certainly be something completely new. Robert introduces Fj?lkunniga Unn and her apprentice Amba, and tells me how they apparently arrived yesterday and must have been up early to have time to plant in their greenhouse. A house with a lot of glass for plants, and Robert''s own is bigger... Great Oden.


    It feels good to see something I recognize, like the beginning of a hen house and intertwined branches to protect something they''ve planted. With Unn''s permission, Robert shows me her ''10x5 craft house''. Entrance hall and with several large rooms. Fireplaces with chimneys, water system, bathroom and toilet. Even a small cold storage in the floor in the common room. And of course large glass windows everywhere. Moving here and into a house like this after living in an ordinary village and sharing a longhouse with other families - what a change. If Robert intends to give houses like this to craftsmen, he will not find it hard to get skilled people here. Unn doesn''t really know how to behave in our company, but she tries to be a good host. Robert thanks and apologizes for disturbing them before we leave. As it is perfectly natural that he, the Furst and Regent, owner of the house and the land, thanks and apologizes that we have disturbed them. Robert is not like other men, and I understand why artisans, craftsmen and ordinary people like him. He is a wise, strong and powerful man who does not hesitate to use his power when he needs to, but only when he needs to. Which proves his wisdom.


    The incredible road is almost completed all the way through the village, which gives an estimate of the time to build a similar road to Tingshamn. Of course, a nice wide stone bridge has been built over the small stream and the beginning of a side road to the hill where the Academy will be located south of the village. We passed other buildings and projects while we walk there, but I listen attentively as Robert explain how a large V-shaped building will be built on the hill, with the courtyard facing us, and so that the other side of the building face south and the classrooms will have plenty of sunlight. Caecilia gives Robert a slateboard and he quickly sketches how it is planed to be.


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    Future visitors from the harbor will first be impressed by the harbor, then even more impressed by his mansion, and when the mansion has disappeared from view, then they will see the village and the Academy behind it. People are already talking about Ackerek and Robert''s mansion, but come summer, this island will probably be legendary with a far reaching reputation. People are already taking detours to sail past, just to catch a glimpse. I don''t think Robert even considered that the Academy with its copper roof and large glass windows facing the sea to the south, will be visible to everyone sailing past there, because if Robert wanted to brag could have built the Academy on the higher top slightly to the east to get all around views where the building had also been seen from the harbor and Lysesund.


    How big has he planned for the Academy to become?! The entire forest and surrounding area; from the mountain top to the valley, and from here down to the grassland towards the sea in the south will be set aside for the Academy''s future expansion. Great Oden! That is hundreds of steps in each direction! With buildings like that there will be space for hundreds of students!


    We return to the bridge, and Robert explain how he is thinking of letting the side road to the Academy turn and go down to the valley in front of the Academy''s entrance and continue back up to the main road, which will continue north along the valley side where there is a normal path now. There the main road will meet another road that has made a loop from the mansion entrance via the northern part of the island, and then the main road will continue past the old longhouse farm and further across the islands to Orusingen. Great Oden. Roads and bridges all the way to Orusingen?! And not because Robert or the people here need it, but simply because it should be there according to his world view. How much silver will Robert actually spend on these islands?! But of course, once it has been done, it is done, and it will undoubtedly make his Furstdom the center of the surrounding region. It will probably be a good idea to sell some of my Lysedal land on the mainland to Robert. So he can invest there too, and dig deeper roots in the area.


    Master builder Pedr meets us, and together they show me another craft house before we reach the bridge, and explain how Robert plans for there be more here between the lake and the valley. He don''t want the craftsmen and artisans wasting time and energy taking care of fields, but each will have a small garden for the household''s need for vegetables and herbs. We stand on the bridge and Robert explains about the future village square facing the lake - of course paved with a nice edge towards the water - and how there will be some kind of gathering place on the other side of the square, like a small feast hall, and maybe a pavilion between the stream and the square. If everything is built and the population increase that much, then there will be so much trade and markets as well. A good road and harbor only makes it more enticing.


    The stream under the bridge is led to a drop and a canal to a large wide pond, and it becomes difficult to follow along when Robert explains how water wheels will power one thing after another. Sawmill, smithy, mill and more. Great Oden.


    I know Robert does not like slaves, but it becomes clearer why he thinks slaves should not be needed. Water and wind power can do a lot of their work, and Pedr is so pleased and enthusiastic about the wheelbarrows and how they have changed the work. A short time is all that is needed to see how much it changes. They are my slaves, but they have true reverence and deep respect for Robert. He is the one who made their working days easier and that several of them are getting training as craftsmen. He is the one who thinks about their health and life. He who makes sure that those who stay over the winter will do so under a warm roof and certainly more comfortable than large sections of the population. He who sees them as equal to a common man and works along side them when needed.


    I understand that Pedr is happy with the little house he has lived in for the last few months. Of all that Pedr has built, it is everything here that will be the high point of his career. Given how Robert is, it would not surprise me if he offers Pedr to become a resident and live the rest of his life here. Robert will have enough projects to keep Pedr busy for years, and certainly happily busy.


    On the way back to his mansion, Robert talks about technology and improvements in so many different areas that it''s hard to keep up, but it is interesting. About the design of buildings and why they are built the way they are. About water systems, wells, drains and chimneys. How important it is to keep drinking water clean, and to clean drains. I really want to see how these islands will change over the coming years, and I say there are so many incredible projects and improvements at the same time. I see Robert''s little smile and realise that I probably only been told a small part. How much does he really do?!


    We take a walk around the mansion so I can see Robert''s own greenhouse, and on the way I get to see the pavilion. Which also has fireplaces with chimneys along with a beautiful view. Is that Robert''s greenhouse?! It is a house. In glass. And so warm! This greenhouse has more glass than the castle! To grow plants in. Great Oden. I just listen while Robert explains about the greenhouse and about fruit walls. Can it really do much to have fruit trees standing by a stone wall to the south and shape its branches along the wall? A stone wall is only warm if its been in the sun.


    Haera, Sefa and Ulfarna come out together with Robert''s sambos, and Robert repeats a bit about how they should have fresh vegetables and medicinal plants available all year round. Sure, we all see the value in it, but is it worth that much silver? The warmth in here proves that it works, and I''m not surprised that it''s important to think about ventilation. How hot won''t it be on a really hot summer day? I''m starting to understand that Unn''s high expectations will surely be met. And Robert is already thinking about maybe expanding the greenhouse along the front to the double its size, and that it might be next summer. Haera and my daughter''s comments make it clear that some parts of the castle garden will be used as fruit walls, and if this greenhouse works as well as it probably does over the winter, I would not be surprise if a greenhouse will be built next year somewhere in the castle. Haera has plenty of her own silver to spend on it. Since Haera''s first visit to Reiekr?ne a couple of decades ago, Haera has loved a beautiful garden. She is rightly proud of the castle garden she has made. But Robert will surely build a terrace garden over the cliffs to the south, and that garden will surely be as impressive as everything else.


    Robert explains that the boiler room that heats the entire mansion is on the other side of the basement wall, and like a flash of lightning, it becomes clear how well thought out everything is. That he planned to let heat from the house''s heating also be used out here, so that the greenhouse stays warm even in the middle of winter surrounded by snow and ice. Cold and sunlight are of course the biggest problem for plants, and cold is something he has already planned to do something about. That there isn''t a fireplace here in the greenhouse, is probably proof that he don''t think it will be needed. How the hell does his heating system work?


    Robert gives us a tour of the boiler room with its weird big fireplace and again lots of copper, and of course there is a reservoir for water to the greenhouse too. It is a very clever idea to have a larger, more powerful fire down here in the basement, and then ''move the heat'' to where it is needed. Obviously it works. Somehow. We understand that it is easier to keep warm on a cold winter if you wear several layers of clothing, so of course it is easier to keep a house warm if it is well insulated. But double glazed windows? There is so much glass - everywhere. Everyone is talking about this mansion''s incredible amount of windows and large windows. I wonder how they would talk if they knew it was double glazing? Or that the exterior windows have a thick iron bar mesh inside, which is incredibly clever. Anyone who thinks they can just smash a window and get inside, will get an unpleasant surprise. But that is something we will keep secret. Maybe it''s worth replacing some of the castle''s windows? Robert is probably completely honest when he complains that two windows unfortunately mess up the view, and the best glass is where there is the best view, but he is considering trying to improve window manufacturing next year. To better see the view. Great Oden.


    It is certainly true that this complicated system consumes much less wood than if all the fireplaces in the mansion had been used, but it is also correspondingly less work to manage and spend time keeping lit, which is certainly just as important for Robert. In addition to the guards taking an occasional trip down and throwing in some firewood, Hrappr manages to take care of the rest himself. While he does other work at the barns. Just part-time work from a single man to keep such a large mansion warmer and nicer than anything I have even heard of. And it gives them hot water too.


    Robert takes us up the stairs to the wings corridor, and show a funny brass thing behind a small glass pane. Of course, the guards don''t have to run down to the basement to keep an eye on the fireplace, but can do so from up here. What do his guards do during the day? When Robert says the heating system can be dangerous if you don''t do it the right way, it''s probably true. I wonder what the rest of the things on the wooden box do? More brass behind glass and funny symbols, and there seem to a small door with some kind of lock? But Robert has secrets and certainly many projects. Robert''s mansion really is completely unique, and completely different from everything I''ve heard about and seen so far in my life. Not even the huge old cities and estates in the south have anything like this. It will be really interesting to see what the future holds.


    The others go to the meeting room, but Robert takes Iselin''s hand, gives her a kiss and a hug, and makes her tell me an anecdote about how they made several such ''meters''. It is a clear indication of how important Iselin is to Robert, and proves that she understands how everything works and helps him in his work. It''s safer to assume that Robert has understood one of the purposes of our visit.


    Haera has already whispered that we have a lot to talk about, so I wonder what she''s found out, but I can guess why. With everything we have experienced so far today, Sefa will be completely unbearable if we don''t get her married to Robert, and preferably before Ulfarna''s marriage this summer. Sefa''s comments that Robert is ''too old'' and who she thought would be a good husband for her now that Hunulfr is dead, changed after she met Robert and really understood what Kari thought. Concerns about future children disappeared with the knowledge that Robert uses sejd to avoid making his women pregnant, and with everything that has happened since then and his reputation...


    Sefa has always disliked traveling around the land and preferred to stay in Borgarsandr, and with the wonderful life they live here...


    Sefa will not listen to reason. She was annoyed that I had given Kari to Robert even before Kari''s wealth became known, and became furious afterwards. I shouldn''t have pointed out that Sefa wasn''t in Borgarsandr, or at first were uninterested in Robert. Or that I obviously knew about Kari''s inheritance, which is bigger than what Sefa would bring to her marriage. I must have a good explanation prepared when Hagthorn returns, and I might have to admit that Kari is his cousin. Why else would I refuse to give Kari and her inheritance to him?


    Did Skarde laugh when he sacrificed himself to Freya? For more than 20 years he suffered from what he did and distant glimpses of Kari growing up. For 20 years the Gods kept him healthy and strong, and he thought it was just so he would suffer. He must have enjoyed when he understood why, and he certainly knew what problems his death would cause me. The Gods really know how to get a man to learn a lesson, and that we are all just strings of thread in the norns weave.


    Sefa refuses to accept that Robert is more interested in taking a former slave like Iselin as his wife. Kari and maybe Jane are further obstacles to a possible marriage, because Robert will obviously not distance himself from them just because Sefa wants to be his wife. I saw how they behaved at the mansion in Borgarsandr. It would not surprise me if Robert marries Iselin in the spring, Kari in the summer and maybe Jane before next winter. Kari is now an incredibly desirable wife, and Freya has certainly blessed her with Robert and her life here. And Jane is a human like him.


    If I only knew what the Gods and Norns have planned that needed Hunulfr dead...

 Tosra & The Auction - day 40, name of the game

    The lunch is a bit delayed as the tour took time, and Asbj?rn would very much like to know more about some things, which I partly tell to show the respect his position deserves and that he is a huge reason why everything has come into existence so fast. He doesn''t understand all of what I say, but he understands it is important, and that not everyone will find out that information. Haera and the princesses have been given a tour of the mansion and the kitchen, which they are very fascinated by, even though they hardly cook. Wonder if they ever did?


    Lunch is far to formal for my taste but I did expect that. My sambos want to show that they can behave in good company with nice table setting and cutlery. Honestly, I think we''re more used to using cutlery than our guests. I explain to Asbj?rn how I think the sale tomorrow should go, and that it will be an auction. We will auction off things until half has been sold, and the average price for those will be the price Asbj?rn pays for his. If he doesn''t want all of the rest, then more will be auctioned off. He can just signal with his fingers how many he wishes to keep, then they are set aside and the rest are auctioned off. Asbj?rn agrees that it is most right according to the agreement, and it is clear and a practical way to do it.


    I give him a summary of the auction items, and start with oil lamps; wall mounted, table top, reflector, doubles and finally storm lanterns. Then there are a dozen monoculars, followed by a few sundials, a bunch of candle lanterns, some deck chairs and finally 30 north arrows. The amount shocks then, but I can''t really say that it''s because they are so damn easy to make. Asbj?rn asks if he can buy a sundial in advance, and get it set up in Lysesund tomorrow before the auction, but I choose to donate one so I have contributed something to the trading place.


    I decide to send Hrappr over with it today to prepare everything, and Asbj?rn will give Hrappr a written message with his seal to leave to his representative there, and a formal guard his man will recognize. Hrappr''s day definitely becomes better as he gets that assignment from King Asbj?rn Aeriksson. Hrappr may no longer live in the kingdom, but he grew up there and King Asbj?rn Aeriksson has been an almost mythical figure just like he was for Unn and Amba, and that also gives Hrappr the possibility to brag that he was a messenger for King Aeriksson. Hrappr feels a little more important than normal does when he takes care of the animals, builds enclosures, cuts down trees, prepares firewood, makes coal, etc.


    We already have a fairly good stock of wood for the winter both in the basement, in one barn and outside the barns, but the other houses also need firewood and Hrappr usually gets help and company from a couple in the crew when they are anchored. They seem to have become friends, and he sometimes helps with the fishing as well. The crew just take it for granted that they should help and work for me here when they''re not sailing.


    Asbj?rn directs conversations to the mansion''s amenities and we confirm that for the last few weeks all the inside heat has been via the heating systems radiators. The only fires used are in the steam boiler in the basement that heats the whole house, those out in the kitchen for cooking and the one in the guards day room, but it is only used because they are making miniature figures for a game and need to melt lead and tin.


    That lead the talk in another direction and Asbj?rn would like to see a table top miniature battle, so after lunch time is spent with Gunhild and Bodil showing how they play. They now have more than enough figures, and they have made simpler paintings on clothes and shields. The miniature I painted shows how good they can look, but they''re not up to dry brushing and painting finer details yet. Not that the miniatures have those details in the mold, but a bit of paint makes a lot of difference and give that impression. Trees, buildings, walls, fences, bridges, etc, have also got a little color on them so they look good, and it is a Viking against ''enemies'' game. Asbj?rn looks closely on the simple small miniatures and asks quite deep questions about rules, tactics and how it works. The funny dice are also interesting. Asbj?rn help Bodil throw the dice and help her play a bit before he is content and thank them for the show.


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    Asbj?rn takes the opportunity to suggest other suitable ''enemies'' figures for the future, and after some comments I understand that he means Daes. Which is understandable as his family and Daes King Magnbjorn''s family have a long history of battles, wars, etc. Both try to ally with surrounding kingdoms and powerful families. There is a reason why Asbj?rn and the kingdom support the construction of fortresses south of the great ridge in what I call Sk?ne, and that Asbj?rn allows the counts there to retain their power and help them, even though they are basically feudal vassal states with their own rules of government. According to Kari, until a generation ago there have been recurring feuds over the throne in Asbj?rns kingdom as well. Both between different families and within Asbj?rn''s family, but for the last twenty years it has been quite calm. Asbj?rn''s side is too powerful and he has retained power and the support of the people.


    <hr>


    The oil lamps are lit and the whole royal entourage is very impressed with them, how bright it is and how many oil lamps there are. They are everywhere. I havn''t really thought about it, and just hung up oil lamps where I think it is needed, and I have higher expectations when it comes to light levels in rooms than the average person here who is used to fireplaces, torches and tallow candles or rapeseed oil candles. Although we have electric light, we also need oil lamps, and it is sometimes practical to have more light by combining. So the mansion has nine double ceiling lamps with two in the combined meeting room and dining room. Each room and corridor has at least one standard table or wall lamp, and the simpler ones are more than twenty, and some with reflectors as work lighting. I am a little surprised at how many oil lamps there are, as I have not thought about it, and I have given some to the other houses as well.


    We realise that sales of oil lamps just a few more than those we have and I''ve given away. We need to get more made, but tomorrows auction was a bit unplanned. It should still give me a lot of silver, maybe up to 500 ounces of silver or so if Kari''s estimate is correct, which for an estate the size of the islands is unbelievably huge even as total profit in one year. Future auctions should be slightly larger on things but smaller in profit, but 500 is a hell of a lot of wealth for a small investment and amount of work. Not that I worried, but food and more plus the salaries for the guards, staff, crew adds up.


    I give our guest a quick showing of other games I have made: Ludo, Chess and Risk. Risk is of particular interest to Asbj?rn as it is fairly simple rules that can be quickly learned, while being very different.


    So we play a game of Risk, where Kari and Iselin participate and Haera, the princesses, Ciara and the others watch and participate in the discussion around. Eventually Kari manages to win. She is a gracious though satisfied winner. Asbj?rn really likes all the games. Of course there are dice games, Hnefatafl and other games for entertainment, but not in this way with tactics, dice and variation, where not least the cards change the balance and can give unpleasant surprises. That''s how Kari managed to win. A good starting position and she got ten troops as reinforcement, twice in a row. Small rule changes can also make a big difference in how the game plays. Like, can you only do one attack with a force each turn, or several in a row?


    <hr>


    Both Iselin and Kari joined me in bed, for safety sake, and we keep the bedroom door locked with the security lock. Iselin does not know why, but understands that there is a reason. We talk about marriage and they want to find out some traditions from my world, and maybe use a little bit of them, so it''s not just from here. Jane seems to have told them a lot already.


    I confirm that we have several different ways of getting married depending on the culture and religion the couple has, or if they come from different, and most often from where I come from, a wedding is in a church with a priest or in a town hall in front of a Tingsman, and I describe a simplified ceremony of each. There are no family names here, and most are descriptive names of different types just as it was in Midg?rd; Harald Fairhair, Harald Bluetooth etc, or the lineage they belong to as Folkungar, or the place someone is from or lives in as Iselin from Ackerek or Iselin from the Academy. They want us to combine as, for example, Iselin Robertsfru of Ackerek. I think it sounds weird but Iselin and Kari really like the idea of being called ''Roberts wife'', and of course I won''t say no; it is what they want to call themselves after marriage, and I''m honored by that. It''s also a relief that Kari is obviously looking forward to being able to call herself ''Robertsfru'', as insecurity is a hell of a thing.

 Tosra & The Auction - day 41, The Auction

    Tosra & The Auction, day 41


    Day 127, 1 Nov


    The Auction


    Caecilia woke us up quite early as I her to, and we could all shower before Asbj?rn''s maids woke them up and it was their turn. Everyone seemed to have taken quite an entertaining long time in the bathrooms.


    During breakfast, the last bits of the logistics is discussed and how we should be transported over to Lysesund. The Eagle have already gone over with most of the goods, tents and so on, and there will be tours of the Millennium Eagle later today. I understand better than to suggest leaving a portion of what Asbj?rn will buy on the island; it is better and obvious if he buys it on the spot in front of all the witnesses. Again it''s ''show, don''t tell''.


    We will travel over in my Knarr and one of Asbj?rns Longships. Me, Iselin, Kari, Ciara, Caecilia, Elvira, Jalida, Alith, Gunhild and Hillevi. Asbj?rn will only take his maid Sylvi, three of their guards and a some warriors as rowers and for protection. Haera, Sefa and Ulfarna will stay on the island, which makes us a little worried, as they are not using the opportunity to try to show Princess Sefa to the visitors and present her to possible suitors. The official reason is that Haera, Sefa and Ulfarna will relax and take a walk on the island while we are away.


    I''ve asked Jane to secretly copy my Risk game and cards, and I hope to give it as a gift to Asbj?rn before he leaves. Bodil has promised to ensure that the game pieces are manufactured and the playing field is glued and prepared. Ciara and more will help when we return. In the end, it is possible to give Asbj?rn my original game if the new one isn''t finished in time.


    <hr>


    There are so many ships of different sizes in Lysesund harbor, probably far more than there have ever been, and there are a huge number of tents in different sizes and combinations. Most are visiting buyers, but some have come here to sell things or just because they figured it would be a bit of a market, and according to Hrappr it was a good feast atmosphere here last night, and some will stay another day or two to exchange things with each other, talk, etc. I should have realised that in a world where you don''t just drive a car 200-300 km in a couple of hours buy something and drive home, it becomes a bigger thing, and an Auction like this becomes an improvised market and meeting where people also meet, discuss alliances and strengthens relationships.


    We''re met by King Asbj?rn''s man Boli, the kingdom''s representative in Lysesund. Boli currently lives in a longhouse they rent, but will have a house built with a market hall outside, and they''re collecting stone and timber for the construction. Asbj?rn has changed his mind about what it should look like, and now wants it to be like two larger houses, based on the ''craft houses'' he has seen, where one is just for living, with a roofed pavilion so it becomes a U-shaped mansion with a stone laid courtyard between. All with copper roof and the same style as the Academy. So it both matches the Academy''s appearance and impresses, and he will send people to prepare for it and really plan the construction when he returns to Borgarsandr, but it is a little late in the year to start building. They will continue preparing until spring by transporting materials here.


    Many merchants and travelers will see this building and marketplace as part of the outward face of the kingdom - a face of the monarchy - so it needs to be good and nice even though it does not have to be huge since its suppose to be a small and somewhat exclusive auction. I get shown the place where it is intended to be built at the outskirts of Lysesund, on a slightly elongated hill overlooking the bay with a place for a harbor below. Several piers for ships will be built, and that they will start with before winter. For now there are a couple of huge open tents erected with tables inside to display the goods, and there is a couple of storage and privacy tents behind. In the future the somewhat flat field next to this place will be for visiting guests camps. The plan is to start the auction at noon which is a couple of hours away, but our arrival have already started attracting people.


    Before the auction''s bidding starts, there will be demonstrations of what things are and how it works. For example an oil lamp will be lit and burn while Elvira shows another oil lamp and how it is lit and adjusted, oil is refilled, how it can be hung up, etc.


    After talking to Kari and Asbj?rn last night, I understand that it is not viewed negatively if Iselin and Kari answer questions or explain things as long as they don''t do the primary demonstrations, which is one of the reasons they are here in addition to showing them off as my women and making them famous. Which is probably part of the reason why Jane isn''t here. Some of what is shown is basically ''magic stuff'' so at least northmen will expected women to show it and understand it, and it only raises their own status as knowledgeable women, which raises my status. I''m pretty tired of this whole status thinking, but I just have to accept that life here is like this, and I have to adapt to it. This is now my life.


    Hrappr has already prepared and there it a spot chosen for the sundial and it will be installed without any ceremony, and Iselin will again perform the alignment. The weather isn''t very good today, but there is a bit of sun from time to time so it is at least possible to use the sundial.


    <hr>


    The auction will be packed with people. There are at least forty obvious buyers here, and there are some guards on the outskirts some distance away, but most understand better than have armed guards with them when the King is present, and only the King and my guards are fully armed inside the area, and there are about 20 of Asbj?rn''s guards scattered in groups.However, there are a lot of servants here, but they too are kept at a distance from us, and add family members to buyers and others. I recognize some people from the Tosra meeting, but many I have no idea who they are, and there are plenty of dialects and even languages. The rumour about this auction seems to have travelled far. Or it is just merchants who was in Borgarsandr that have taken a small detour. As Jane isn''t with us, Iselin promise to use the camera to take many pictures and record some film clips, which she absolutely doesn''t mind doing. I will too.


    As expected Myrun is here and she immediately informs us that Liv''s life is unfortunately unchanged - which means that Liv isn''t pregnant - and that Liv is here in the hope that we will be able to ''discuss sejd''. That is a nice way to convey that Liv wants us to make another attempt at trying to make her pregnant. Myrun and I chat, and of course she have talked with King Asbj?rn as well. I ask Myrun to stay after the auction as I have a message, and that I want to talk to Liv as well.


    Storman Maurr has been waiting for me to finish talking to Myrun, and he is happy to see me and eager to update me on how well it''s going. The ferry is finished and so is the rope across the river. I ask him too to talk to me after the auction, as he will get the plans and drawings for the inn, and I will send a man with him back to oversee the construction. The construction is special, and it will be different than he is used to. Unfortunately, I cannot invite him to visit me this time, but Maurr has already perceived who my guests are, and that they have the princesses with them, so he probably draws the correct conclusion, and does not seem to mind.


    Jarl Naeswulf is here with his wives, sons and daughters. Naeswulf seems to be a bit of a sore loser, and that is a striking contrast to his uncle. They have missed my rise to Storman, and if I had already been married to Fiolmod or promised to, they would now have received a nice reinforcement for their clan. Fiolmod seems really jealous of Iselin and Kari.


    I talk to Danr and he congratulate me for my title, the islands and that I am a Storman, and I introduce him to the King, but they apparently know each other from before. R?thny is also here and very charming, but the fact that the King and Queen with the princesses are visiting us, definitely puts a stop to her hope of being able to be a guest in my mansion. That I am now a Storman has not made me less desirable in her eyes, but she has probably realised that she has less chance of becoming my wife. Partly for the size of my properties, and partly because I now own a lot of land many days travel from hers. It will be interesting fun when she eventually finds out about Kari''s possessions, which are more than double mine. They will become official at the Northmen Ting in late February.


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    Liv shows up, and she''s found out from Myrun that the royal couple and the princesses are visiting us, so it will be difficult to have that ''discussion'', and we can''t really disappear here with so many eyes on me. But if she waits a bit after we have talked, and then goes to the Millennium Eagle and waits on the deck, then I can get there in about half an hour and we have a quick ''discussion'' in my cabin.


    <hr>


    Many charming and seductive women seek me out and want to talk. Some older women even have a daughter along to introduce. Eventually I take it as an excuse to inspect a thing on the ship before the auction, and that I will be back soon. Iselin, Kari, Caecilia and Alith definitely enjoy my discomfort and annoyance over the situation, but try to avoid showing it. They also enjoy that I use it as an excuse to sneak away to literally try to make an out-of-relationship woman pregnant.


    Liv is waiting on the bench outside the cabins corridor, with one of the sailors in the crew watching over her. Good to know they''re guarding. I signal that she is expected and greet her like a friend, and I show Liv inside. Alith guards in the corridor, looking out over the deck through the small window in the door with Caecilia waiting next to her, while I take Liv''s hand and lead her into my cabin.


    My heart rate is back to normal, but I''m a little sweaty when we come out again after 10-15 minutes later. We have been both quiet and efficient, and I show Liv the spare cabin where she can wait. Through the window she can see when the Auction has started and then leave, or just wait 20 minutes or so. I go out and inform the crewman that Fj?lkunniga Liv is preparing a sejd thing in the spare cabin and to not disturb her. She will leave when she is finished, but it may take time. He nods and we leave the ship.


    <hr>


    When the auction starts, I greet everyone, introduce myself and my company, and present King Asbj?rn to those who have not met him before or havn''t understood who he is. I briefly explain about the Academy and its purpose, and that we will start with educations in various subjects and professions as early as next spring, even though everything will not be finished. The start and first years will be limited. The number of students, taught subjects and objects made will increase in the coming years. The next Auction is the day before the spring Tosra gathering at the spring equinox. Two days after the Tosra gathering is over and four days after that auction, the first admission for Academy students will take place. There will be a poster here in Lysesund that informs, and that this will be the future place for sales and Auctions. Asbj?rn requested that I also clarify that at the next Auction it will be free for ordinary people to gather here as well, and there will be a larger and organized market where people can sell and exchange goods.


    Which honestly is a really good idea. A couple of major markets every year in the fall and spring, and sync it just before the Tosra meeting in the fall and spring. Markets will gather even more people, and if the Academy Auction can attract more long-distance visitors and merchants, it is good for everyone, and more will have the opportunity to participate in the Tosra gathering, so that gathering will also become more important. Buyers can then brag about what they bought for a couple of days here and at the gathering, and it will be just after the autumn harvest and in the spring hopefully not mess upp the spring sowing completely. It will also make Storman Jolfr Lum more important as the one who organizes the Tosra gathering, and the people in the region will have a large market. Basically a win for everyone.


    I introduces Asta as my Captain and points out my ship the Millennium Eagle in the harbor, and inform that navigation technology and ship equipment will be an important part of next years class, and those who are curious can talk to Captain Asta after the auction and join a quick tour. But she is the Captain and her rules and limits on visitors apply. Asta is proud of the attention, but I remind her to not show them my cabin or the globe, and that I have hung a piece of cloth over the globe. She will continue to repeat information about the next auction and Academy.


    Then I call out the auction rules. How it will be struck with a hammer when it is final, and how winners receive small notes with what they won and the sum. They will pay afterwards, in silver or gold only, and if they are residents in the kingdom, they need to pay a purchase tax on 1/20 to the kingdom, after which they will receive what they bought. What is special is the sundials and installations will take place on occasion in a few weeks by Digraldi and have to be in the region nearby, but they will transport the sundial home themselves and arrange installation time afterwards. I remind them that a sundial requires a sunlit place and it will be facing south to work. I also inform that all future sales of sundials will take place via craftsman Digraldi in Borgarsandr, these three are the last directly sold by the Academy.


    Lastly, I repeat the order in which things will be sold, and how many there are of each, and that when half are sold, it is up to King Aeriksson if he wants to allow the sale of more or buy them on his own or the kingdom''s behalf.


    <hr>


    The bidding is just insane! Everyone wants oil lamps and the double ones for hanging from the ceiling all go for high prices equivalent to a couple of horses each, and the storm lanterns are also incredibly popular. Not unexpectedly Asbj?rn buys almost all the oil lamps he can, because even though he knows there will be more and cheaper ones in the future, he really wants them during this winter, and Myrun also wants oil lamps. I''m pleased to see that in addition to Myrun, other women involved and bidding on things, including R?thny, and there are some women who are partners to bidding men. The monoculars go for almost the same huge sums and it is mainly warriors who, together with seafarers and merchants, that drive up the price. The sundials goes for lower sums but I have expected that. The simple lanterns go for unexpectedly high sums, but it is mainly merchants and seafarers who buy them. Some think others are too eager and should share. Asbj?rn only buys a directional lantern and a all around one, because as he jokingly says, he already has enough light, as everyone clearly knows. There is a lot of envy that Asbj?rn can just buy up to half, and he have probably gotten a lot of respect for his wisdom in including that part in our agreement. Asbj?rn has of course also gained a lot of prestige by giving me land and title so this Auction and the Academy is possible.


    Even the deck chairs go for several times what they are worth, but some seem to bid just because they want to buy something at the auction. Myrun buys one of the chairs, and she has also bought a double oil lamp and a storm lantern. She bid on a table lamp as well but gave up, because it both became expensive and she started to get comments about being too damn greedy, so she withdrew with the comment ''so that those with less in their chests can win''. Burn.


    Then it comes to North arrows. It was a good idea to make so many, as I could have probably sold double. And the sums are not low. Damn. An auction really raises the price, and I feel like a scammer. I understand that Asbj?rn ''only'' buys three more north arrows. What would have happened if I had sold the north arrows first?


    It is a good idea to sell north arrows via the trading house, and I can set a minimum price that is lower than the bidding pushed it up, and then it is up to the Merchants what the north arrows can be sold for.


    <hr>


    It takes a lot of time to arrange all the payment afterwards, but Asbj?rn''s man Boli is efficient and fair, and we also note which serial number is bought by whom. Unnecessary, but fun to keep track of for the future. People like that everything is marked because it makes things a little more official. A little more exclusive, although most people can not read the numbers.


    In the end, I have become incredibly rich, much richer than we thought, and I have literally 20kg of silver and a little more than 13kg of gold in my chests. North arrows contributed most, and they were absolutely the easiest and cheapest to do. We have 9 times more than Kari thought we would get, but she had miscalculated how much bidding would push up prices, and she totally forgot about the north arrows. Iselin is basically in a ''syntax error: does not compute'' by how much gold and silver it is. Something like 300 times what a common person makes in a year.


    The kingdom has also become richer, although Asbj?rn has spent a lot. I suspect he will appreciate the oil lamps over the winter. Who knows how many years Asbj?rn has left in this world, because life is shorter here. Carpe Diem. Haera and the princesses have probably told him to buy all the set aside oil lamps no matter what, because they love them. Asbj?rn congratulates me on the fact that I am not only by a wide margin a Storman, but I am now one of the richest men in the north. As I spend silver, that won''t last.


    <hr>

 Tosra & The Auction - day 41, Invitations

    I take Iselin with me and go a little aside with Myrun and Liv and we officially invite them to our wedding at midwinter and the week long feast. They warmly congratulate us and say they''re already looking forward to it and are honoured to be invited. Myrun wonders if Siri can come along too. Siri has talked and talked about our wonderful mansion since they came home from the Tosra gathering. Of course she can bring Siri, but we warn that there will be no other children at the feast. I also warn that the wedding will be a bit different and basically just friends, as Iselin barely has relatives, and I have no relatives here - which they havn''t thought about, and they''re slightly sad for us - but we will do our best for it to be a good and happy feast. Myrun is looking forward to a wedding in the middle of winter. She has never experienced it before, but of course it will be special like everything else we do. She jokingly comments that Sejdmann Robert Arnesson of course can''t have a normal boring wedding in the spring or summer.


    We invite Myrun and Liv to supper and inform them that we have spare rooms. I recommend Myrun to take the guest room beside the meeting room, and if it is okay for Liv, a room in the wings attic, which is more secluded. Liv immediately understands, and is quick to accept the invitation and happily says yes to the attic room, followed by Myrun for her room. Apart from the fact that we needed to invite them to the wedding, there are only benefits if at least Myrun is invited tonight too. That should make it clear to both Myrun and the royal family that I''m not interested in marrying her or Sefa. Whether they want to take it as I marry for love and/or to stay unallied is up to them.


    Elvira has found Danr and after he congratulates me on becoming a real merchant and so rich, we give him the same wedding invitation, and we ask him to invite Hagan for us. Danr receives the same information about the feast and says that it will require an intervention from the gods to keep him from coming, and he knows that Hagan will say the same. Danr laugh while saying that Hagan only stopped demonstrating the life preserver when it got so cold in the water that he was shaking and couldn''t talk properly. Danr has never seen anyone bathe and swim as much as Hagan have, and Hagan have also learned to swim. But there are hundreds who have tried the life preserver, and Danr has heard that homemade life preservers have already saved the lives of a fishing father and son, which feels good to hear, not least because saved lives is the best PR for life preservers.


    We also tell Danr that Jane now lives in my mansion and paints and makes art for me, and he will be able to see some of her creations during the wedding. We don''t share a bed, but we''re good friends and I am grateful for his contribution in helping her reached her destination and me without any problems. It''s always good to clarify and thank for such help. If he hears of another human or round eared person in the future, I would appreciate it if he could help them too.


    Storman Maurr congratulates me on the hugely successful auction, and he seems really impressed with how it turned out. I introduce him to builder Bresir, who will lead the construction, and Bresir will train some of Maurr''s men in the construction technique and craftsmanship. I can not say when I''ll visit, but I will do it in the near future, so a week plus-minus a couple of days, but it will be a short visit. My life is quite hectic, and it will not calm down until spring. Or even then.


    <hr>


    A beautiful and very expensive adorned and jewelled woman in elegant fur greets me, escorted by two guards and a maid. She makes an elegant cursty and introduces herself as Miss H?ek. In a nice way, Miss H?ek wonders if we can walk away from curious ears, which I accept because it is clear that she means other ears than my company. With a charming accent although in quite easy to understand Norse, she gives me praise for the Auction.


    On the Caelhart Society''s behalf, she invites me and my company to an exclusive auction that takes place this spring in Reiekr?ne, and after some recalculation of dates and reference to the spring equinox, it turns out to be around 15th of April. It is cumbersome when there are many different calendars and so on. Not even the change of year takes place at the same time. Miss H?ek hands over a sealed and expensive looking document, which is my official invitation, and attendance also gives me the right to sell articles, where Caelhart Society takes ''a small fee'' of 1/10. The auction is to sell or buy the most exclusive goods and that which normally can not be bought. Everything from unusual merchandise and exotic animals, to unique artifacts and deep secrets. She has an elegant devilish smile, and I get a fleeting thought of a devil trying to sell sins, and honestly; there are probably some men who be willing to sell their soul for a night with Miss H?ek. A-ha! It was probably at that auction that Radgeirrson bought the land and the title. Which says something about what can be bought. Miss H?ek informs me the auction takes place outdoors where participants are separated into small tents, to keep who the participants are a secret as well as make it comfortable. Participants receive cloaks and masks from the Society. But participants can mingle and look at most of the artifacts before, or alone, and some things can be brought and look at in the participants tent. The auction is done so that the participants don''t know who the bidders or the winner are, by each participant signaling one of with several different numbered paddles, and goods can be delivered discreetly to ships or far away homes. For a small fee of course.


    Miss H?ek hands over another impressive document, which is an invitation to Queen Damman''s spring masquerade. The day after the auction, Queen Damman arranges her big spring masquerade, and the auction participants are only a small part of the masquerade''s guests. However, it gives auction participants the opportunity to mingle and maybe show of something that has been bought.


    It''s a hell of a thing to be invited to, both the auction and the party, and it can be really good to have access to such people, even though the auction feels like something to brag about among the absolute elite. So I of course thank for the invitation, and I will attend unless the Gods decide otherwise. Miss H?ek rewards me with a beautiful smile and a further document is given by her maid to Caecilia which contains details and how to contact the organization after we have arrived in Reiekr?ne, if they for some reason don''t contact me first.


    Miss H?ek does a graceful curtsy, leaning a little further forward so I get a good view down her cleavage, and she gets a dangerous twinkle in her eye through her eyelashes, and after a nod from me, she bids farewell and leaves. Yeah, that is a woman who can start wars, and knows it. Wouldn''t surprise me to learn she has done it, just to see if she could. I wonder if the Caelhart Society has any other purpose than just arrange the auction, and if there actually is a society, or that is just a front for a person or two.


    We start heading back, and when Miss H?ek has disappeared and we''re alone, Caecilia whispers that she has heard rumors about the Caelhart Society''s auctions, and what is sold there. Participation is by invitation only, and not even kings can count on ever receiving an invitation, because it''s not just about being rich or having power. It''s about contacts and exclusivity, as well as having exclusive things to sell or be a known buyer. Caecilia has only heard of people who have been invited to the auction, like know someone who knows someone, and there are wild rumours about what has been sold, which also include noble titles with land, secrets for extortion or allegiance, or marriage to a princess etc. Just to be able to participate in Queen Dammen''s spring masquerade is huge, and it is suppose to be so impressive and wonderful. I remember that Caecilia does not know about my secret properties there. At least I think she don''t. I should probably tell Caecilia about Radgeirrson''s property there. Damn, I also need to go there to officially try to claim the properties, but it will take at least two weeks. With the ship that Iselin needs for her parents journey. And I have to visit Laxlanda etc before. So probably only after the wedding to Iselin. Maybe like a honeymoon trip? But how fun is it to spend a week on the North Sea in January on an unheated medieval ship, and another week to return home?


    Well, at least I know where I will be around 15th of April next year. Kari immediately says that I and them need to have suitable clothes for it, and that language will be a problem. The language is called Laitje, and she only knows a few phrases and the like. Caecilia points out that it is her native tongue and she will be happy to help us learn it, and she has been to the Reiekr?ne before. Right, Caecilia is from across the sea to the south. Doh. Is she from the Damman Queendom? No, more likely from a neighboring kingdom. The queendom is ruled by the Damman lineage, and the queen or one of her princesses are the only ones that are known to attend the Caelhart auction each time. It is not possible to arrange such an event near the capital of the queendom without the consent of Queen Damman, whose castle is located in Reiekr?ne.


    I''m starting to contemplate what I can sell. I assume I need to sell or buy something, to be invited again. But what is exclusive enough?


    This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it


    <hr>


    It''s afternoon when we return to the mansion, and it''s nice to have the Auction done. Life feels pretty good right now. Asbj?rn knows that Jarl Skiringe and Fj?lkunniga Liv will show up and join us for supper and stay for the night, which he at least gives the impression of thinking is really nice. He and Myrun don''t meet often but are good allies, and he fully understands that someone who has experienced my mansion once, will be happy to experience it again.


    With all the help and in my own home, it is easy to discreetly visit Liv in the attic in connection with shower and toilet visits, and we have an intense moment together, where it becomes more than just trying to make her pregnant. Liv is enthusiastic and good in bed. Liv has definitely understood why Princess Sefa is here, and that we are trying to make her pregnant while Myrun is played against the royal family has made Liv''s engine rev hard.


    <hr>


    Myrun has heard about our new carriage so she gets a tour. She is very interested and sees the benefits. She also understands more what I meant about carriages when we visited my properties outside Skiringsalr during summer. The new barn with its brewery and dairy is also a novelty, but interesting. Myrun jokingly say she is looking forward to seeing what have been built when she return for the wedding.


    The wheelbarrows are fascinating, but it feels a bit absurd to discuss them as cutting edge technology. The wheelbarrows leads to a good and interesting talk about more efficient constructions and transportation that Asbj?rn and Myrun like. We know Pedr loves the wheelbarrows. Above all, the ''big wheels'' are fascinating because they are much cheaper than a wagon or even handcart to make as they only have one wheel, and a big wheel can move a lot on narrow paths as long as it is not too steep or roots everywhere, and they do not require a horse like a wagon. A large wheel also provides easier movement over bumps and more gyro stabilization, especially if the wheel is heavy. They have downsides, but big wheels are certainly valuable to many poorer people, and they are even cheaper if they don''t have iron-shod wheels.


    Both Myrun and Asbj?rn suggest that it would be a good idea to introduce the wheelbarrows at the next Northmen Ting in a few months. Myrun will definitely get a few made to test them in Skiringsalr. In a town, they can be extra useful compared to draft animals as the wheelbarrows take up less space, work better in narrow places and can use wood boardwalks, make tight turns and won''t cost anything when not in use. The wheelbarrows don''t require a lot of food and don''t poop. The workers have apparently also shown that it is possible to move a person sitting on either side without much issue.


    Of course, I have told both about my project with the ferry across the river, and there are many rivers in Myrun''s region that would have benefited from it as well. A reaction ferry - or ''current ferry'' as people here have started to call them - can be a cheap and effective solution, and during the Northmen Ting she will visit Laxlanda to test the ferry.


    <hr>


    We have a nice evening, and interesting conversations both during the meal and after. At least I did not notice anything about a possible marriage with Sefa, but I have to admit that doesn''t mean much. Ulfarna definitely liked the kites that were shown after we got back, and according to Kari, Sefa also seemed to think it was fun and interesting, but didn''t want to show it.


    What is clear, however, is that Miss H?ek also gave invitations to Queen Adella Damman''s spring masquerade to Myrun, Asbj?rn and Hagthorn, and we confirm that we also received one. There is no hint of the Caelhart auction from them, so it might have been just me who received that. They might have received auction invitations, but keep it a secret, because that''s what my company have decided to do, including not mentioning anything about the masquerade unless we heard at least Asbj?rns family got invited. Both Asbj?rns family and Myrun have been to Reiekr?ne and Queen Damman''s spring masquerade before, but that was two and a half years ago, although Haera together with Sefa and Ulfarna were at Prince Bertrim''s wedding outside Reiekr?ne this summer. Prince Bertrim is Queen Adella Damman''s 16 year old son.


    Since we are regents, mine and Asbj?rn''s masquerade invitations specifies that we may be armed and have two bodyguards, and accompanying wives may also have a bodyguard, and we may each have a personal servant too. Some that can bring guards don''t, to be more discreet, while most do so to even masked it''s clear that they are regents. The invitation includes married partners, concubines and older unmarried children. Jane has already realised that she is not included in the invitation, and is not at all jealous.


    There are so many enthusiastic conversations about clothes, and they will take a long time to sew, so my sambos are already planning a visit to Borgarsandr. It''s a bit reluctant that Jane sketches as they try to figure out what is acceptable, but at the same time luxurious and special. My whispered idea of dressing up as modern Midg?rd humans was met with looks. It was worth a try, and unfortunately it is not that type of masquerade. Kari has heard the stories from the royal family''s previous visit, but together with Iselin and Ciara, she tries to get more details. Each participant is given a mask when they arrive, but most bring their own to distinguish themselves or recognize each other, or just be more comfortable or luxurious. Some change masks during the evening, and a cloak with a hood that can be turned inside out for another color is also common. It is not a requirement to wear masks, and later in the evening many people tend to not wear them. One reason why the masquerade is in April during spring, is because it is cooler and the least chance of rain, and many go out to cool off if they have danced a lot. It''s obvious that Haera really likes the feast palace with its large beautiful garden. Because of course the masquerade is in a separate palace just outside Reiekr?ne.


    I''m trying to understand what kind of party it is, and it doesn''t seem to be very hedonistic, even though the garden is a popular place for couples to disappear out into for different levels of intimacy later in the evening. Masks also don''t seem to be to keep participation a secret. It''s more of a show and for the mystique, and to make it harder to see who''s talking to whom. Just the fact that some guards have tabards with their lady''s or lord''s symbol makes it clear that the mask is not to keep the lord or lady''s identity a secret, but on the other hand, the person they''re talking to can be discreet. Asbj?rn points out that it is not uncommon for guards and regents to wear chain mail under outer garments, although it is looked down upon if it is not discreet, as it gives the impression that one doesn''t trust the Queen to keep guests safe. But it is a great opportunity for assassins, so it''s not wrong to use some protection and be careful.


    Caecilia has enthusiastically offered to give me and the others lessons in language, culture, music and dancing.


    Oh joy.


    <hr>


    Asbj?rn wants to play another game of Risk, and this time against Myrun. As the winner of the previous game, Kari joins us again. The game becomes a bitter battle between Asbj?rn and Myrun over the north, no matter what would be most tactical for them, while I almost exterminate Kari and then take exactly what I need to complete my secret mission, and I win. Asbj?rn, who has finally managed to push Myrun back, is not happy about that, but he has completely forgotten about the secret missions.


    I havn''t really considered it until Myrun brought it up, but the Risk game is also a much more accurate map of Europes outline than what is the norm here, although I deformed the map to adapt to the boards surface and other practical things, and the game map has very low detail and have no marked cities or rivers. So if I sell copies of this Risk games, I also give away better maps of Europe. I do not mind that, but I hope Asta, the merchant and the navigator from the SW routes knowledge of what different regions are called is correct enough. I''m most worried about the eastern Mediterranean, but if anyone from there whine, I''ll probably never find out anyway and it''s possible to correct future releases, or I''ll just delete the names. Each region already has a number, both of the type I am used to and the runes here, which is what is used on secret missions etc, because I can not count on all players being able to read.


    Or I just use the military''s humorous views on maps. If the map does not match reality, then reality is wrong.


    <hr>


    The evening ends with fireworks under a almost clear starry sky. The three rockets work as they should and the sight and sound effects the royal family. They''ve heard of fireworks, but the description does not do it justice. Myrun and my company helped them prepare for the experience so they could enjoy it a little more, and chairs had been carried out so they sat down. Apart from their guards and staff who have been carefully warned by Alith, Gunhild and others, Ulfarna is the most impressed and had huge eyes and a gaping mouth, or she is just bad at hiding her shock compared to the others. Ulfarna excitedly applauded, and quickly got the others to join in.


    Myrun thanks for a pleasant evening before retiring, and with a discreet wink and whisper she says that she wouldn''t have minded continued company. But the same goes for Liv, and it''s a bad idea considering the other guests. Myrun compliments me that my tactic of letting players distract each other as I move towards my goal, serves me well. I don''t think she means Risk, and she has certainly drawn conclusions about the princesses presence here, and her own invitation.


    Apart from the special agreement with Liv, it''s only a matter of time until I get used to the attitude that social sex with an unbound guest of the opposite sex is acceptable, and sometimes a good idea to strengthen friendships, and a socially acceptable discreet half hour is easy when there are so many rooms with doors, even with other guests in the house.


    Unfortunately, female unbound guests like Myrun can start visiting for sex, which feels wrong and something I really want to avoid. Unfortunately we live on the coast and highly traveled routes go past these islands, both by ship and by road. Many travelers from ''Norway'' might think this is a suitable overnight destination, to then travel on to Borgarsandr or the Stor Ting the next day. Denying travelers overnight accommodation can have major consequences in reputation, especially if they have higher status. Hostels and inns are only available in larger villages or cities where there is enough travel for it to be a good idea, but it can be a very good idea to build an inn here.


    I go up to my bedroom, and as I see Iselin and Kari are already waiting, I close the doors behind me. With the auction done and so successful, a heavy weight have been shrugged off.

 Tosra & The Auction - day 42, Arildsdottir

    Tosra & The Auction, day 42


    Arildsdotter


    During breakfast, Asbj?rn declares that the royal castle needs to have a bit of renovations done, and Haera and the princesses nod softly and agree. Myrun says that her home are getting improved and larger windows, and there have also been a couple of fireplaces and chimneys installed, but she wonders if she can get a tour of the heating system before she leaves, which I of course agree to show her. Down in the basements boiler room, it becomes obvious that Myrun also wants to ''get her blood flowing and warmed up'', as a thank you for the help, so it takes a little extra time to ''explain''.


    I accompany Myrun and Liv to Myrun''s ship, and Liv wonder if we can take a ''closer look at the brewery'' on the way. Man, I am gonna need a couple of days to recover, but I have now tried three times with Liv, and time will tell if she becomes pregnant from this visit. The timing is better compared to her period, and Liv is hopeful while Myrun is a little jealous. Myrun doesn''t seem to actually want to carry, give birth to and raise another child, but she kind of miss some parts of it. If Liv gives birth, I assume ''Auntie Myrun'' will spoil Liv''s child.


    When they say goodbye, Myrun hopes that in the future, my wives will allow me to strengthen our bonds of friendship from time to time, and that there will be a nice new farm at Skiringsalr next year. Myrun is nice, in several ways, and even though I probably won''t say no to future sex, it would be better if she got some kind of sexual relationship with another man - concubine or not. I would prefer to be her friend without any sexual pressure lurking in the background, and when I get married I should get permission from my wives to have sex with any woman other than my ''official'', ie Ciara and Caecilia. It is not a legal requirement to get that permission and I wouldn''t be breaking any wedding wovs if I have sex with someone else, but it is disrespectful to them and their status to not get their permission before.


    I can only have sex with Iselin, Kari, Ciara and Caecilia. Poor me. How will I cope?


    <hr>


    Asbj?rn together with Haera want to talk to me and Kari alone and without guards, and we can guess what it''s about so we, we close the doors and sit opposite each other in the meeting room sofas. Asbj?rn breaks the silence:


    "As the weeks have gone by, it has become clear that you really are the man I was hoping for, and I am very pleased with my decisions, both about the Academy and Kari. We''ve been thinking about trying to bind our families together through Sefa, but at the same time it has become clear that for you, love and the relationships you have are the only thing that matters, and it is probably best for everyone that you continue to be unbound to any family or clan. Your words the first time we met is proof that you understood that, and stuck by it. The weave that Freya created is truly worthy of her, and she and the norns wasn''t finished with Skarde. A wise King follows the will of the gods."


    Well, at least I don''t truly understand the last part of that, but I''m glad they''re not trying to persuade or force me to marry Sefa. She is charming and very ''not ugly'', but for me totally uninteresting. I believe Kari, Gunhild and Hillevi when they say that Sefa is spoiled, bullheaded and bothersome in private, which seems to be true. Not surprised considering Sefa is a princess, and raised like that. Add that Sefa''s social status and what it means for me and any children would just be a burden. I would also need to make her pregnant and preferably have two or three children, which would have been an unpleasant discussion to have with them if they had offered marriage, but I could perhaps partly and officially blame Radgeirrson for that.


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    "Kari, Robert. I received a copy of Skarde''s new will and I am not entirely surprised; I just did not expect that Skarde would sacrifice himself to Freya like that, but I should have understood he would find one last way to be a thorn in my side. And maybe that was what was needed for Freya to welcome him to Folkvang. Giving Kari her inheritance was very cunning, on several levels, and rewards all of us for our participation in the Sagan."


    Uu-uh, okay?! I try to act neutral as I don''t understand all the cultural and religious nuances. It may very well be true that Skarde took his life or sacrificed himself, we just haven''t thought about it, but if it means a final win for him against Asbj?rn, I can buy that Skarde did it, and I wonder what the old will said. I doubt that Kari was the main heiress. It might have been Asbj?rn instead as Skarde lacked close heirs. Who is Skarde''s closest heir without counting Kari? Did Skarde have brothers or sisters?


    "What Skarde wrote in the will is true, but what happened is buried and should not be brought to light, especially officially; it will not lead to anything good for you, the kingdom or us. Enjoy your life here, just like the both of you and Freya wish, because it''s better than any alternative. It seems like I guessed right that at least Kari has thought and drawn conclusions, but officially I can not confirm any conclusions, but if you want and I get your words on what hints off stays between us, I can give a nodding yes or shaking no answer, but that''s all."


    My poker face isn''t good, but my confusion over the religious aspect seems to have helped. We look at each other and I whisper that it is Kari''s decision, and she thinks for a while and then take my hand and look at Asbj?rn and she says;


    "It was Robert who immediately saw a loose thread before I had time to notice it, but after I persuaded him to whisper it to me, I could only confirm that his thoughts might be correct. We havn''t told anyone else, and we had not intended to say anything because we both understand reality and some things are better if they stay buried. But when a hint can be given, the question is; Princess Arildsdotter?"


    Asbj?rn looks at us and slowly but clearly nods twice with a small smile that grows contentedly, and he seems proud to actually be able to admit it, even though it will never be official. Kari closes her eyes, draws a deep sigh of relief and hold my hand, quickly whispers that she wants me to tell them about our marriage plans for both Iselin and her, and to invite them to both.


    "Thank you. But that name has no future. Robert?"


    "I here by officially invite you and your children to my and Iselin''s wedding which will take place here during the Midwinter celebration. One month after that wedding I plan to propose to Kari and tentatively we will get married a week before the spring gathering at Tosra. Besides us here in this the room only Iselin knows about the second marriage to Kari, although several assume it, and I can not officially make an invitation to it yet, but we hope you can keep the week free. We have already talked about this between us, and Iselin and Kari proposed to adopt a tradition from Midg?rd. After the weddings they will be known as Iselin Robertswife of Ackerek, and Kari Robertswife of Ackerek. There is almost no family for any of us who can attend any of the weddings, and your invitation to both will be like friends, just like most others. No one will be able to guess that it is anything more."


    Asbj?rn and Haera just quickly look at each other before they happily accept, but I don''t ask them what they''re happiest for. I call in Iselin and they congratulate us and accept the official invitation to our wedding, and we give them a little more details about the event.


    <hr>

 Tosra & The Auction - day 42, Reactions

    Asbj?rn and Haera want to take a walk across the island for themselves, and I advise them to follow the beach south, round through the village and take the road back. There are no people living there before the village, and the cliffs straight south are a nice place for a small fika without anyone nearby. There is a nice view and the sun makes warm cozy places amongst the rocks. They love the proposal and walk away happy, arm in arm, with their maid Sylvi carrying a small basket and three guards following a bit behind. If they didn''t actually plan to try to arrange a marriage between Sefa and me, I honestly think that Asbj?rn and Haera saw the last few days as a bit of a holiday. To get away from their ordinary life in Borgarsandr.


    I know that Asbj?rn usually takes some long trips around the country for a few months each year; on their properties, visiting relatives, Jarls and other important people. Like a lot of larger kingdoms, this has been a traveling kingdom, and to some extent still is. It is to strengthen the bonds, get a personal contact, stay updated and avoid transporting food. Naming Borgarsandr as the capital and spending much of the time in its castle is kind of new historically speaking. Asbj?rn also tries to slowly make others used to his son Hagthorn being in power and be the next king, and have for at least 3 years given Hagthorn more and more responsibility. Hagthorn is now a married man and for the first time have traveled by himself with his wife on one of those journeys while Asbj?rn and the rest of the family stayed in Borgarsandr. Asbj?rn don''t plan to leave the throne for at least another 5 years as a lot depend on him personally - like the peace agreement between him and Dase King Magnbjorn is between them, not their kingdoms. And shit happens. These few days is more to get away from being King for a day or two, and only having his immediate family and minimal people around him.


    It must suck being part of a traveling kingdom and on the road for 6-8 months a year. Or more. Add a lot of feasting and talking with people for most of it. Sure, some will enjoy it, but I know I''m not one of those people. Even if I was the king. I hear the princesses talking to Jane, Iselin and Kari. Seems to be about clothes and shoes, so best not to disturb them.


    I look at how making extra Risk games go, and it turns out everything is finished and painted game pieces are drying. I find Ciara in her room and give her a kiss on the cheek as a thank you, but she wants an intimate repetitive thank you, which I do my best to fulfill, and she force her face down into a pillow and use the blanket to keep the sound down. Everyone knows that Ciara can''t really avoiding being loud when we have sex, and that I sometimes find it embarrassing. So that''s her solution as the princesses are in the house. I''m really going to need a couple of days to regain my energy. Ciara is relaxed and happy when I kiss her cheeks, each breast, and mouth before I leave. Good day. Exhausting, but a good day. It always warms my heart seeing Ciara content and happy.


    Alith has a smug face while leaning against the wall outside the bedroom door. I silently close the door and leave Ciara enjoying the moment. Alith asks: "So, don''t Jane deserve to be thanked for her work too?"


    I give Alith a little hip bump and reply: "That is Jane''s future choice. Oh! Did you bet on today?"


    Alith smugly reply that her date is in six weeks, and with a wink she just happens to give me the exact date. She also happens to repeat the date one more time. Oops.


    We reach my workshop, close the door behind us and I start to check how many parts I have left for oil lamps and lanterns. I don''t really get how Alith can be happy with her life to just stay close and guard me like this, day after day. Mostly just lurking in the background and watching me work, maybe reading a bit or helping if she wants too, or I politely ask. I would be bored out of my mind. I guess she is used to another way of living than me.


    I ask if Alith thanked Ciara for her help a week ago. Alith goes quiet and after a while quietly responds it was completely unexpected. Of course they talk often and not just about sex, but she had mentioned the feeling with the sword and how she have realised she really loved having something big ''there'' during sex, even though so far it has only been a few short moments with me. She jokingly complained to Ciara that she wanted to experience it again to be sure, but she had not counted on Ciara just saying that it was easy to fulfill, and dragging her along to me after checking where Caecilia was. She hadn''t anticipated that Ciara would react in that way, but it was so damn nice even though it felt weird walking afterwards, and since then she has fantasized more. She has found herself looking at things and wondering. Alith looks at me and completely serious ask if I know the limits of what ''fits'' in the butt.


    How the hell do I answer a question like that?


    Alith is serious, and I''m a guy with the internet since I was a teenager, so of course I''ve seen clips and pictures even though I havn''t exactly studied the subject. I was never one of those who went to LANs to download Pr0n and stuff. I''ve never seen a complete porno as it just feel so very weird, and not that enticing. Hell, I always skip intimate scene''s in movies if I can. I also know that the body can get used to a lot and not just concerning sex - just look at ballet, gymnastics and some circus people - but does Alith really want to? It becomes a philosophical discussion about moving boundaries, and she may find it difficult to enjoy normal sex without it eventually. Which can make her future family life with a man really difficult, but she doesn''t seem to care. So I warn her that with wood she shouldn''t push the boundaries too much, and that even oiled wood is bad for dildos, because it has no give and is a porous material that can carry bacteria and other things that enter the bloodstream via small scratches she won''t notice. Even if bacteria are already present both inside and outside the body, including in the butt, it can be fatal if the wrong kind enter inside the body and bloodstream. It can also give painful infected wooden splinters in places she really doesn''t want it, and there is very limited healthcare here. She also has to be careful if she tries to push long things up in her vagina as it can damage her uterus where the IUD is and her ability to have children. There is also plenty of tales of objects getting stuck inside and needing a trip to the emergency ward. I scare Alith when I tell about consequences, and they all know how fussy I became when she was sick and taught them about disinfection and bacteria. Hell, that still happens if someone has a cold or sneeze nearby.


    Honestly, everyone in the household seems to be go in isolation mode if someone is the least bit sick, as they do not want me to get sick. Above all, Ciara takes it deadly seriously, and together with Alith, Iselin and Kari, they have taught the whole household the ''rules''. That Jane has confirmed - and come up with suggestions as a face mask on someone who has a cold - has not diminished this. They have sewn a few face masks for others to use, and Ciara has made two really nice ones for me that are even embroidered on the side. I use one as a protective mask in my workshop. It''s sweaty and slightly uncomfortable, but Ciara''s face and eyes when I''m in a dusty environment without protection just hurts my soul. So I use it.


    I explain to Alith that materials are a huge problem for me and my constructions and introduction of technology, because flexible materials like rubber doesn''t exist here, and I need it so much. I can not create it either because I don''t know the chemistry, and it is incredibly difficult, even if I have plans to try making rubber and latex via dandelions and vinegar or something. The white sap that seeps out from dandelions? That contain latex. I assume it will be a large difficult project, and I probably need to start cultivating for selective type of a good dandelion.


    Alith wonders what I mean, so I show her the Fenix watch strap and show it in silicone, and then I bring her to my study and find my 3D printed tablet support in thick ''ninja flex'', and show how she can abuse and deform them - barely even cut the material - but the material is dead and soft. I show her more examples such as my folding cup etc, and tell her about silicone and explain a bit about how it is used for so much. I show O ring seals on both the firestarter and the pill holder in my pocket. Alith understands what I mean, and that there are far better materials than wood, bone, or metal - just not here. Alith really wish to experience a latex condom just to know the difference, but I didn''t bring any. When I tell her that they are disposable one-time use items due to hygiene, she is more shocked. Alith lives in a world where everything is done by hand. Mass-produced products and how it makes something exact and cheap is not something she truly understands.


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    But Alith still wants to know the limits with the right material, even if she can never see or try it. So I show a diameter and a length between my hands at what I guess, and Alith''s chin falls. She mimics the length with her hands, and tries to measure against her back, which is entertaining when she tries to turn around without messing up the measurement between her hands, and I try to show on her body. She gives up and instead tries to measure using her arm, which goes from elbow to knuckles, and she stands with her own arm against her back or between her legs and just shakes her head in complete disbelief.


    I need to distract Alith, and myself, from the thoughts her arm gives, and do so by telling me how important it is with materials and metal that are against the body, as in jewellery to avoid rashes and infections. Alith eyes grow big and she asks if the body can react to different metals? I give her a lesson in allergies, both to plants, animals, metals and pollen etc. Alith is very serious when she asks me specifically about certain things I just said. So I just confirm, and repeat. Alith says that it happens that people get rashes, not just from jewellery, but it is often seen as someone has received a curse or it''s the gods who say something is wrong or curse a woman or man. Someone else can wear the jewellery or wedding ring without getting a rash or problems.


    I ask Alith to fetch Jane without saying anything about why, so she can confirm, and when she soon returns with all my sambos, Caecilia, Bodil and Gunhild, I really understand how important this is. So I have to make it clear that it is widely known in our world. I gesture that everyone should sit down and before we discuss more details I just say; "Jane, explain nickel allergy. Please explain nickel allergy."


    Jane looks at me a little questioningly, but easily describes it in her bad Norse and without it being something special. How cheap silver jewellery, gold or white gold can make one sick, what the rash looks like and how long it takes before they heal, but that some people are more sensitive and get rashes faster than others, etc. Our audience have shocked faces as Jane calmly explains as it is obvious and as given as water is wet.


    I continue that it is no curse or punishment from the gods - which immediately makes Jane understand and totally agree - but it describes different types of allergies. I describe how pure gold or silver is, is important and what the rest of the metal actually is. Even if 19/20 parts is pure silver but the last part is nickel, it is dangerous for at least one in ten humans and the same likely apply to elves because it is a biological chemical reaction. Most common animals had reacted more or less the same way. But if that 1/20 part is copper, it is safe for almost everyone. The roof is copper because it is easy to shape and forms a green oxide layer that protects for decades to centuries, but the roof could also be made of lead sheets. But the reason all water vessels and pipes are copper is not because it is easy to shape, but because it specifically kills a lot of microorganisms, algae and stink and makes the water cleaner and safer to drink. The body needs small doses of copper to be healthy. But a small cut from copper will take so very long to heal compared to a cut from a regular iron or flint knife, due to tiny tiny amounts of copper will be left behind in the wound. Healing will be slow due to coppers effect on cells.


    But the body is not allergic to copper. Copper jewellery can even be healthy for some people to wear, as the body needs small amounts of certain metals to function properly. For example, blood is red because it partially contains iron, and they can match the color when iron rusts with dried blood. In case of blood loss, it is good to eat meat, especially red meat, to more quickly restore the iron content in the blood and body. But just eating a piece of iron or drink blood is not the same thing, and a bad idea. The blood may contain diseases and another person''s blood may be different enough that it will be difficult to mix. Giving blood to another person might save their life, but its more likely to kill them.


    I continue to explain how certain metals and substances are toxic, and how the same water system but with lead pipes and containers would have been dangerous in the long run, because the body accumulates lead and it will make a person crazier if done during a lifetime, and it is a bigger problem the longer you live. Had the roof been made of lead, I would not have collected it in drinking water reservoirs in the basement, nor would I have let the rainwater run out into the fields for farming, or be used in the greenhouse. Jane completely agrees.


    Kari asks about lead drinking vessels for wine from the south, with religious inscriptions to make the wine sweeter. I confirm that yes, it gives a sweeter taste because the wine reacts with lead - the inscription does nothing - but it is not healthy to drink or eat from lead vessels. Jane''s face makes my point very clear. I explain that technological use of lead for various things in Midg?rd seems to have led to a larger part of the population in polluted areas to become criminals and perpetrators of violence. We all have lead in our bodies, and it is not possible to completely avoid or get rid of it, so if you want to live long and healthy, you should try to avoid lead exposure.


    But it''s not just about lead. Drink really fine silver dissolved in water or similar, and the body''s skin, organs and the whites of the eyes will slowly turn bluish gray, as the silver atoms spread throughout the body, even if the person is otherwise healthy. Gold is also toxic if drunk or eaten. In really low doses, it might temporarily help against rheumatism, but it is more of a slow poisoning.


    In principle, everything is toxic, and it is just a matter of dosage. Drink too much of the purest water and it is still deadly. It can cause cerebral edema. So in hot climates when you sweat a lot and need to drink a lot of water, you also have to get salts and minerals. Again, Jane agrees with everything, even though she didn''t know about silver and gold use. Jane say that there are human women who are allergic to semen, and it can itch and give a burning sensation where semen has been, or give rashes all over the whole body. Jane enjoys everyone''s horrified expressions, but above all Caecilia''s finds it utterly terrifying:


    "How can that not be a punishment from the gods!?"


    Caecilia is really shaking and horrified, and Jane tries to make it worse by making her imagine the horror of getting horrible burning and rashes every time you''re with a man. Caecilia is nope''ing hard and covering her ears and loudly humming. Yeah, Caecilia probably have new nightmare material. Kari finds it funny and whispers that I''m right; it can always be worse.


    Iselin gets Jane to stop by threatening to exclude her from pancakes and maple syrup. To get back to topic, I tell them that there are safe metals for jewellery such as pure gold, but it is difficult to make gold 100% pure, and other safe jewellery metals are what we in Midg?rd call platinum, titanium, etc, but most can not be produced here. The bracelet on metal watch is titanium. Not iron or silver. It will never rust and is lighter than iron. You can actually implant titanium in the body, and it will not be rejected, and I explain about joint replacements, bad skull fractures and titanium screws and plates. They''re astonished about Midg?rds medical possibilities. Jane just nods and say that she knew a guy that was in a really bad accident and had 49 screws in his head. She and also mentions rhodium for jewellery, which surprises me, but I should''ve expected that Jane knows more about jewellery than I do.


    The gathered women in front of us are silent, and Jane has long understood the seriousness of this information. After a while Kari says that the information about jewellery is so enormously important to be spread. There has literally been wars over gifts that are believed to have been cursed, or women who have been shown to not be able to wear jewellery at all. Men are also affected.

 Tosra & The Auction - day 42, Tests

    When Asbj?rn and Haera come back after an hour or so, they can see something is serious and we hold a meeting with them and their daughters, along with my company.


    We explain the same thing about metals, allergies and how the body reacts to them, and a sufficient amount of metal in the body, will make one sick. Even gold, silver and copper, and never using lead in anything to do with food or drink, while storing water in copper vessels overnight makes it healthier and reduces the risk of disease. Just the fact that the mansions water is stored in copper vessels helps to make all the people in the house a little healthier. Dishwashers doesn''t exist, but I still point out that if they are going to start storing water in copper vessels, the vessels must be cleaned by hand, not with something that is too aggressive or abrasive, because in the long run it can give too much copper, which is bad. There is no cure for that too. Everything is a balance.


    Jane and I have to specifically answer questions about certain things, and I give more examples, which become a little more important when white gold is mentioned for certain special jewellery because it quickly becomes clear that it can probably only be made here with nickel as whitening. I don''t know all the alloys, but Jane knows that real white gold is more expensive than gold, because it probably use platinum as whitening, and here where they don''t have that, she will avoid white gold as some one carrying a plague. White gold isn''t much of an issue here in the north as they consider true gold to be more valuable and clearer proof of wealth. When they talk about silver metal flowing like water - which is mercury - I warn them that it is worse than lead and that they should never touch it. If they have small wounds, it enters the body. It takes time before they get sick, but it is very toxic and it reacts with so many other things in nature that it is difficult to say how toxic just mercury is, but a lump as large as a dice can kill if eaten. However, there is another metal that is really dangerous. Arsenic. It''s everywhere, but is harder to identify than mercury and I do not know how to do this.


    Asbj?rn, Haera and the princesses just silently look at each other, but we can see that they, just like the others, understands the consequences. They are very careful and ask if it is sejd, and I say no and Jane agree, but it is such a terribly powerful and complicated knowledge that in most cases it will be perceived as sejd, but it is possible to prove how it works far in the future. In the near future, I can only do simpler tests of certain things, such as how copper keeps water cleaner. I''ve made a small copper vessel and taken a earthenware flask. Hrappr has filled a bucket with lake water. Soon we will pour the same water in both and look closer at that water before they leave. But those who really know? I point to me and Jane. And I know more than Jane, even though she''s demonstrably better at jewellery. I continue saying that it would not surprise me if some sejdwomen know how certain things are dangerous, but don''t know why, just as they probably know about plants. Some might know that some people are more sensitive than others. Some men as well as women may have deliberately helped poison people or made them sick, but there are many better poisons than metals.


    A careless comment from Ulfarna makes it clear that they take my comment about better poisons as if I probably know a hell of a lot about poisons, which probably no one here knows. It might not be a bad idea that they think I could be a master poisoner if I wanted too, because it is an invisible threat that is difficult to protect against. So I just smile but keep talking.


    Knowledge is power, and poisoning can be done so very discreetly for a long time. I discuss how important it is with exactly what metals jewellery consists of, how 1/20 nickel in, for example, jewellery is really dangerous and a high chance of rashes or worse, but some react in a day, others just take time for, but it can be years. There are no cures either. The body can heal itself to some extent, but not all wounds and there are limits to what the body can do.


    We discuss how knowledge of certain metal allergies can be spread in a good way. Asbj?rn asks if it is possible to test how pure some silver or gold is, especially without destroying the object, and yes, it is somewhat possible, but if it is to be exact, it is difficult, and some substances are too similar. Destructive testing will sometimes be the only practical solution, and there will also be losses in the material. Gold is actually among the easier to measure purity in due to golds high density, which means weight in relation to size. It is not that difficult but requires a little knowledge and equipment. Asbj?rn asks if we can do a test on something, even if it is not really accurate. So I answer yes, but a bigger object is better and preferably something that is only gold. Without gemstones. Asbj?rn takes off his gold crown and holds it up in a challenge. It makes me smile, because I know the story of Archimedes and think it was a golden crown then too. I ask if the test should have witnesses, and Asbj?rn replies that everyone except the servants should see it.


    <hr>


    So it will be an interesting test, but I have to think of a practical solution. Measuring the volume of something as big and with as much surface areas as the crown will be hard with the accuracy I need. Measuring displacement will be hard as surface tension and the crown will hold water, and the measured rise in any large container will be small. I have no pure alcohol that can be used instead of water. I will try to measure the crowns displacement and weigh the water, but I want to try something else. Thankfully, the crown has no precious stones, only gold, and don''t seem to have any voids. I think for a bit, and I take one of my balance scales and modify it a bit with small filed V cuts on one bars top so that the hook or string loop can be moved to be adjustable instead of staying in its hole. We take a couple of large vessels where one has sufficient size for the crown to go down without touching the sides or bottom, and Asbj?rn has made them fetch one of his treasure chests and picks up a few bars of gold. I doubt that the gold is as pure as they think, and they should probably be happy with 18 carats, ie 75%, but it is less of a problem if I compare density between two gold pieces, instead of determining absolute density. Purer gold will have a smaller volume.


    There is a fairly large gathering of people with all the guards when we stand inside the meeting room. I explain the principle on a large slate board and have an extra slate board on the table. I have also written down the specific density for Water, Saltwater, Wood, Gold, Silver, Nickel, Copper, Tin, Lead and the most common brass type, and also made a scale they can compare via. Numbers is abstract. I point out that Copper and Nickel are too similar for it to be possible to distinguish in weight without major issues and very sensitive special instruments, and Nickel''s proximity to Silver makes it more difficult. But it is possible to determine the relationship between brass and bronze that are alloys, because copper weighs more than zinc and tin.


    Everyone knows that gold weighs more than silver, and both weigh more than water or wood. I explain that this is what is called the density. How much a specific volume of something weighs. If you take an unknown substance of known volume and weigh it, you can calculate its density. If it matches directly with the value, it is pure, or a combination of something that gives the same weight. If it is then, for example, a mixture of silver and gold, its density will be between the two, and that makes it possible to calculate the ratio if you know that it is only silver and gold. The problem is to measure the volume of something with a complex shape, such as a crown. It is possible to do, but it is difficult to make the measurement accurately enough, especially with the equipment I was able to quickly arrange, but in the future it will be easier.


    I start by showing how to measure solid lumps of different metals volume with water, and since I don''t have any purpose made vessel, we measure overflow with a slightly tilted vessel with a pouring spout. The level is carefully maxed out with another jar, and the overflow measuring glass container is both weighted. By very slowly lowering something completely down in the large vessel, any overflow is the displacement, and we measure the weight increase. From that we can calculate the volume of the object since we know waters density. I show the procedure for a piece of painted wood, and then weighing the piece. A bigger piece is more accurate, but they see what I mean, and that using this simple equipment and water does have a bit of error in it. I measure two copper pieces and calculate the volume, then measure their displacement one after another, and again there is a small error. It makes them used to this not being exact, but it works surprisingly well enough. We weigh Asbj?rns crown, and then measure its displacement and calculate its volume, and it is surprisingly pure. Asbj?rn is relieved.


    Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.


    I also show another method which will hopefully work well and with far less math and complexity, and we use the scale with my filed cuts. This is a by making a comparison between the crown on one side of the scale and a lump of gold on the other side. When the scales are in balance, they weigh the same amount, which everyone understands because that is how payments are made here. But we can not use balance bowls as we just want to check density against density, so hang them with the same total length of spring to minimize the strings impact, I move the gold weight until the scale is in balance. I have everyone''s full attention, because this is an advanced technical demonstration. I explain that when we immerse both sides in water and they are completely covered, it should still be in balance. If both have the same purity, then they have the same density and the scale will still be in balance. If it differs, the scale will tip upwards on the side that''s lighter and ''floats better'', ie have less density, and thus is purer gold.


    Everyone''s eyes are on the scale when it is slowly being lowered. It is almost completely in balance, and I hang on a small weight on the side of the crown to balance it out, which considering the total weight of the crown is a very small error, and they know there will be small error. Again I reassure Asbj?rn that the error is so very small that if we use another large piece of gold, it will surely also differ in some way, and Asbj?rn wants us to test that too.


    One lump of gold after another is tied with same length of thin thread and balanced, and similar small error appears between lumps. Some are purified, some a little less pure or have small unlikely air bubbles inside and I explain that no one is probably completely pure as it difficult to produce, and these small errors is quite impressive. After five measurements, another large nugget of gold turns out to be far too light and the room becomes dead quiet. I hang on a large weight, and the scale is still not in the balance. It is with a very controlled face that Asbj?rn states that that is not pure gold and I nod. There might be a large air bubble even though it is very unlikely, but only way to see if that is the case is melting it down and redo the measurement. No one believe there is an air bubble. After measuring its displacement and weighing the gold lump its obviously less and Asbj?rn ask me to use silver as a mixture instead of pure gold. There is a bit more math the king and the others can not really follow, but as Iselin, Kari, Jane, Bodil etc can, and I let them use slate boards for that. They each confirm they have got the same result, some faster than others. I can only feel a certain satisfaction that they all gets the same result even though speed differ a lot, and someone needs to get a small error pointed out.


    The light gold lump should be about 30% silver, and that''s enough for me to guess there is partly copper in it to keep the golden hue and increase density, and with that it feels like deliberate dilution. Asbj?rn is not happy. But he thanks for the physics lesson as I call it, and he understands how it is easier to check that at least gold is pure, and when he gets home he will get them to check all his gold.


    I do not even want to mention that I believe it is possible to separate gold from other impurities after first trying to dissolve impurities with nitric acid which dissolves both copper and silver, which should give silver nitrate. Which a small memory say was used in photographic plates in some way. Anyway, when it is dissolved, I believe a copper rod can be used to make the solution precipitate silver, perhaps with salt to get more out - if I remember my chemistry correctly. And it should be possible to use electrolysis with a copper cathode and something like a carbon anode to extract copper out of the solution, or just drop in an iron bar. Aqua Regis, royal water, a mixture of nitric acid and hydrochloric acid, can then dissolve the gold, which I probably will have had to melt down and make more unclean with copper just to make it react better, and eventually filter and separate out pure gold. If I remember correctly. I should probably write it down and actually test it and see that it work and get solid numbers and experience. There will be losses in the process as nothing is exact - especially not here.


    I also have read, that sulfur has been used historically to purify gold, and there must be an industry here that purifies gold from silver, because usually the metal that is mined is a mixture of them, called electrum or something like that, and I know that separation has been done for thousands of years where they definitely did not use electrolysis, but there is some salt process as well. And probably mercury in some kind of amalgamation. Some mines used a lot of mercury, and I remember reading that in South America mines the Spanish used forced labour, and a lot died from mercury poisoning. Actually wasn''t that silver mines?


    I really have to develop a good procedure for this in the future, and see what I can come up with. I have to build lab equipment, and definitely something that takes care of acidic fumes etc. I can guess that nitric oxide or nitrogen oxide or dioxide will be created with the nitric acid, and I do not want to inhale shit like that. I don''t know how bad it is, but it''s probably bad. The only things in the lungs should be air.


    <hr>


    Some of the people and most of the guards are asked to leave, and we discuss the information about metals and allergies for all kinds of things. It is difficult, but we can initially limit the information to metals and jewellery in particular. I point out that the main problem is that we are all born with a certain resilience to things, and not just metals. Some people get problems from animals with fur and are sensitive to dogs or cats, and some can die from a bee sting. But it is just a matter of how much the body can tolerate of something. It has been decided by fate before the child is born, and most people will understandably see it as being punished by the gods from birth, as something an ancestor did or the like. The only way to avoid problems is to avoid contact with the substance. It is possible to test how sensitive someone is to different things even as a child, but it is not possible to cure it.


    Asbj?rn asks if the Academy in the future could test people, or objects that are said to be cursed by gods or poisoned, at least to ensure that it is a form of allergy and the object isn''t pure enough, so it really isn''t a cursed object. Of course, in their minds curses, witchcraft and other such things is still a real possibility. I answer yes, but that will not solve the problem. Real tests on certain objects will destroy the object. The object must be carefully dissolved or melted down to even have a chance to determine its composition etc. I would also need to have a few different pure metals to build the test kit with, but right now I am not ready to do that. I will need to build special equipment and it will take time and be expensive. But I have already planned to build some of it for other purposes. I skip mentioning that I need to produce much purer copper for tests with copper oxide diodes. One advantage is that I have a lot of exact densities especially for metals, so I don''t have to try and purify to measure it.


    I suggest that a simple solution to start with, may be to try to get the information out to some people, especially V?lva and Fj?lkunniga who will be called, so that they can have a dampening effect and hopefully reduce problems. Maybe those who are ''cursed by the gods'' are special instead of cursed. Nickel allergy? No, the gods consider the person worthy of pure gold jewellery. Gift given is not pure enough? Bad craftsmanship due to ignorance or the craftsman has been cheated, as the craftsman might have bought the bad material without knowing it. Asbj?rn and others nod in agreement that it can work, but how can the common people be persuaded?


    I just shrug my shoulders and say that many will never be persuaded. They are too ingrained in their old ideas and they will not change. But I have, and hopefully will have more influence among sejd women, and I have already contributed some really important knowledge during the autumn gathering and I will already try to get a newer generation of sejd women to slowly accept a different view of much. But it will not happen overnight, and it is probably a good idea to take it slow. Just sowing the idea that there are different opinions, might help dampen and confuse.

 Tosra & The Auction - day 42, Repercussions & Tings

    The atmosphere is slight sombre at the beginning of the evening meal but it passes and we have a nice meal. Tomorrow our royal guests will leave, and they thank us for some very educational and wonderful days here. The oil lamps were expensive, but will be worth it in the coming winter, and they all completely agree. Asta have already admitted that when she during the Auction discovered what the oil lamps were sold for, she almost lost her shit because I let the crew houses have one each, and Unn has two. The good news is that they are definitely careful with the oil lamps.


    After supper, Asbj?rn and I relax on the mezzanine sofa, and we talk about the future, the Academy and so on. Asbj?rn really like the sofa''s too and I explain how it''s made and from whom. Asbj?rn agree that it is better than benches or chairs with furs, and from hints I get there will probably be one made, plus chair cushions too. Everything here is just so... different. From the house layout with corridors and so many rooms, all the comforts and with warmth and light, to even new and special furniture. Asbj?rn seems completely honest that he considers this mansion to have no equal. We have a short discussion about different styles on houses and that Midg?rd have a lot of interior decorating, and I can see a slight worry in Asbj?rn. Haera and the princesses did stay here yesterday, and have spent a heck of a lot of time talking with Jane and the others.


    We talk about future laws, and the law book I will create. I''ve only made notes so far. We get into how things are going with changing the slave laws. Asbj?rn says it is a fight but should go through, and this spring at the Northmen Ting at the end of February, a vote will take place that should lead to a ban on forcing a slave to have sex. If a slave says no - man or woman - it must be respected just like a free person, and the owner won''t be allowed to punish the slave if the slave says no to sex, even if nothing stops rewarding a slave who says yes. It will probably be a fine for forcing oneself on a slave. The exact Law will be decided and vote on during the Ting, so future will tell, but it will be better than before. Richer people might still deliberately rape a slave and chance that there won''t be a fine, but can still pay if they are sentenced to do so. That happens with free persons too. However, should even a rich person repeatedly commit the same crime, they can be convicted of deliberately disrespecting the law, which is far more serious. Then the options are slave for life, niding, execution, torturing to death and blood extermination. Asbj?rn likes my idea of making the fine variable according to the amount of mantal the perpetrators family has, in addition to a minimum fine. So it becomes expensive even for the rich. To help prevent false accusations to become wealthy, most of the fine will go to the Northmen Tings chests instead of the victim. That''s how things are often done, like when Radgeirrson became a slave, he became the Ting''s slave. The law here is hardly perfect, but it could be far worse. Like it seems to be basically everywhere else.


    Asbj?rn is the King, but he is an elected King and he can not force through laws. The king can decide a lot of things and declare war and so on, but if that decision is very unpopular, there will be a new king at the next Northmen Ting. They hold on to grudges and slights too. Laws are voted on by Ting''s, but a higher order Ting has priority, and the highest is the Northmen Ting, so Asbj?rn is working hard to get allies to show up at the Northmen Ting, and opponents are kept away from it, which Radgeirrson''s case has greatly contributed to.


    Asbj?rn says that this is not something that might become generally known, but the worst of Radgeirrson''s ''friends'' have also gotten into trouble, and as his men made unexpected visits to several estates and farms, it turned out that Radgeirrson was not the worst. Unfortunately, a man Asbj?rn has considered to be a close friend his whole life has been one of the Radgeirrson''s friends, and the man has enjoyed sex with far too young slave girls and even slave boys, although he has treated them overall well. Asbj?rn also needed to punish him to avoid being accused of being selective, and his friend understood that, and admitted to what he had done and that it was wrong. A good man in general and a loyal ally in most cases, but Asbj?rn has realised that this man has also been the voice who together with Radgeirrson partly persuaded him away form ideas like the new law or making it better for slaves for more than a decade, and Asbj?rn now knows why, which feels like a deep personal betrayal.


    But there are more or less rich and powerful who have been punished, and alliances between families that are weakened or crumbling. Whipping. Forced castration. Slavery. Convicted of multiple murders and executed. These are some of the judgments that have been given. It will change the balance of power in coming Northmen Tings, and many will be afraid to vote against the new law proposed by the King and his allies. A couple of the convicted men and women will be present at the Northmen Ting as witnesses. They know that a proper public testimony of their shameful actions and those of others who were worse, is part of their punishment.


    Asbj?rn continues to talk, and say a deep wound in his soul is caused by a noble woman named Thekla. She was the driving force behind her pathetic husband, where the couple in addition to slave girls of all ages also abused their own daughters since they were children. The man began to admit everything, like he was relieved to end it. Asbj?rn can not understand how a mother persuades and makes her husband have sex with their own daughters at least once every month from the age of nine, and it has been going on for six to seven years and there have been children. Thekla was proud that her weak husband finally made both of their daughters pregnant. They got two low-status neighboring sons drunk and claimed the sons forced themselves on their daughters. Both sons died in the following First Blood Duels by one of their guards and they took over their property as the children''s inheritance. The children had been raised in the family as grandchildren and they planned to let their ''grandson'' inherit everything. All to keep the blood ''pure'' and increase their familys holdings and power. The man just kept talking and also admitted that he discreetly used drugs from a V?lva to make him less fertile and for his daughters to have miscarriages the first two times they became pregnant, but was away on a long journey the last time and couldn''t prevent it. That confession made Thekla absolutely furious for his utter betrayal. Thekla deserved something more than just being executed. Asbj?rn says that he should have sentenced her to execution just like her husband - but he didn''t.


    He now regrets his decision because it blacken his soul as well, but in that case he unfortunately let his anger take over. Asbj?rn sentenced her to be a slave, branded her chest, and took her away from the estate to the outskirts of the nearest village, where he chained her to the stone wall in a barn with some hay to sleep on. He ordered a slave to take care of her, wash her and force her to eat and drick if she refuses, and a guard to make sure that no one helps her or kills her. Anyone who wants can for a penning mock her, spit on her or give her a slap, and for five penningar rape her for a short time. The money goes to keeping her alive and well. A V?lva removed Thekla''s ability to have children, as she isn''t worthy to spread her blood in this world.


    Thekla had made so many enemies. Before Asbj?rn left at the end of that first day, the pot to keep her alive had passed four ounces of silver. Most had been donated, but there was a queue outside and most of them were local women. Thekla had lost her voice from shouting, cursing and insulting everyone who visited her, and tried to kick, kneel, hit, scratch, bite, pee and shit on the men who raped her. A careless man had lost an eye.


    If Thekla is still alive after the spring equinox, Asbj?rn will visit her just before his new law hopefully comes into force. She knows that only death or that law will end her punishment, because he will then let her commit suicide.


    This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.


    That is a hell of a story I would rather not have known, but this is the world I now live in, with its variant of Laws and Justice.


    I need to write a new law here on the island, because as it is now, I am a dictator here, because the law is basically still a copy of the Kingdoms. So even though it is technically a Ting here, I am the only one who has any right to vote according to Northmen''s law, because all land is mine and the islands are considered to be one large estate with several subdivision farms and extra buildings. Those who lease the land have no voting rights according to the old agreements, because then the lease would have cost much more, or not been given. In this region of the kingdom, as in most, the law is such that in order to have a vote, you must be a free adult weapons carrying landowner, and your voting right if there is a carefully counted vote, is your landownership in mantal. Generally that is no huge problem as a Ting covers a large amount of farms and small plots of land, but here there is just me, and I can demand to be judged by the Ting - which is myself.


    While taking part in a Ting, the idea is that I should try to represent those who leases land on my property, but it is not a requirement and not expected. All free men and women who live within a Ting''s area have the right to participate in a Ting and put forward proposals, discuss and contribute even if they have no voting power, and in many cases it is basically considered a duty to participate where you are a resident, to stay informed about decisions and events. Even slaves can stay in the back during a Ting, to learn how it works and see that it works, and if they become free necks, they too should have a more active part, and if they have land they get voting rights too. It is very common that slaves that have become landowning free necks participate in every Ting they can. To show that they are free and have a vote. They are usually very active in the smaller village Tings that deal with smaller disputes about animals, land borders and so on. Since people might chose to become slaves due to economic problems or from a failed harvest, and some slaves have a very good reputation, in most places there isn''t a huge stigma against former slaves. It''s assumed they earned their freedom, and once they''re free, they''re free. Being know as a dishonest lying asshole is worse than being a former slave. Especially if you have land.


    If you are a Storman who has property under many Tings it becomes unreasonable to travel around and participate in every Ting, especially all the small local village Tings. But every landowner have the right to appoint someone to act and vote on the landowners behalf, but the person must be confirmed to have that right in front of witnesses in the Ting. You can not just show up and say that you have the owner''s voting right. A wife/husband will automatically have her/his spouse voting right if the spouse isn''t there to vote, unless publicly stated otherwise. Everyone will know there is bad blood and distrust in the marriage if that voting right transfer is stopped, but I sure understand why that is done, as that power also can be used to sell the land and properties. A concubine is a one way street, and for example I automatically get my concubine Kari''s voting power from her land if she isn''t available, while she doesn''t for my land. Generally a concubine doesn''t have any land properties or just very low amount, so it is no issue.


    My property outside Skiringsalr gives me the right to vote at the local Ting in Skiringsalr, which also means in the Stor Ting for that whole region. Myrun would probably want me to show up at that Stor Ting, but Kari and more says I shouldn''t, as I have very little voting power there and have to stand in the back. Considering how voting etc goes, it''s better that I''m not there at least the first year, so I get known for my large estate and landownership elsewhere first.


    The farms in the south and in Borgarsandr give me voting rights in several local Tings, which gives me the right to vote in V?stmark Ting, which is the Stor Ting for the west coast, and is this spring. The location for the V?stmark Ting is by a burial mound a day trip northeast of Borgarsandr. We passed it on the way to the Jarl Naeswulfs feast even though the location is not visible from the river. The V?stmark Ting was moved there a generation ago according to Kari, and I have to participate there, just to show that I respect the V?stmark Ting and the law, as well as make contacts and stay informed about news and what has happened in the Kingdom. It is basically a long day by road, but we can sail most of the way there. Its the end of February, and I assume the weather will be cold, wet and suck. It is also important that Kari shows up, since she have an enormous voting right due to her huge properties that are all in the same Stor Ting region. She has a large voting right at the local Tosra Tinget next time due to her property on Orusingen.


    There are many regional Stor Tings within the Kingdom, which makes it a bit of a mess when it comes to laws and such because the law is not exactly the same everywhere, especially not in Skane region in the south with its Counts, but the law is slowly being made the same, year by year. A special Northmen Ting is held every year at the end of winter at the February-March shift that serves as the Stor Ting for the Kingdom, and it takes place at the V?stmark Ting site. The Northmen Ting was moved for several important reason, and one is to be more centralized in the kingdom geographically and far easier to reach for the western parts of the kingdom via the sea. Kari has made me understand that it was also done to weaken the influence of the powerful eastern families and clans on the laws of the Kingdom. If it is too far and difficult to get to the Northmen Ting from ''Norway'', many people were missing, and that gives locals more power over the Kingdom as who is the King is also vote on. Asbj?rn''s family who came from that region gained prestige, honor and acceptance by ''weakening themselves'', even though they didn''t actually weaken that much, and they still travel to the Northmen Ting with a lot of voting power. It takes a few days more to go to the Northmen Ting, but compared to all those who saved two or more weeks on their journey back and forth, it''s nothing. Then the northern regions simply have fewer people and less total mantal, and it is still a long way and weeks of time for the common man to go each year. Importantly, the move have made the Kingdom more united and Northmen Ting to be more accepted and seen as fair, while Asbj?rns grandfather and father solidified their bloodlines hold of the Kingdom. They have manage to keep it since.


    The Northmen Ting location change, normal trade routes and Queen Haera''s family is also why Borgarsandr has become the capital of the Kingdom, even though the royal family is mostly from the eastern parts of the kingdom. The Queens have been from larger families in the region, and the Royal castle in Borgarsandr was Asbj?rn''s mothers family home. Another important thing for the former and current king, is that they''re centrally located. The king can be in Borgarsandr for most of the time, and he starts his journeys from the middle of the kingdom and can return there between journeys. According to Kari, there are generally three long journeys per year for the King, and Asbj?rn confirmed this before, as it came up during Reiekr?ne discussions. North along the coast via ship, a loop south and a loop east-northeast. Large events like important weddings and such might change when a journeys takes place, or stop it from happening or be shortened.


    Two important political features in the Kingdom are to acquire powerful alliances through relatives and marriages to vote unanimously in Tings, as well as to protect each other''s property or to travel together to Tings to make everyone a harder target. An important political ''trick'' is to try to prevent people from coming to Tings to vote. There can be a lot of dirty stuff going on behind the scenes on the way to Ting, where one faction tries to delay another. It does not even have to be an enemy faction, and can be an innocent third party, because if that third party does not show up, the balance in total voting power will shift. Legally, there is something called Tingsfrid, meaning Tings peace, and a participant on the way to Tings or at a Ting should be safe, but ''shit happens'' in forests and out on the sea, and you are not a real honorable weapons carrying man if you cannot defend yourself and yours. If you cannot make your way to a Ting, you have been uncareful and the gods didn''t think you deserved to exercised your voting power. Sabotaged or stolen boats are more of an issue on the sea routes, while forests have bandit attacks.

 Tosra & The Auction - day 42, Steeling the show

    We change the subject of conversation and talk more about the Academy, and I tell Asbj?rn about my ideas with the Academy again, about its basically equinox to equinox term period. I have two probable craftsmen here from Digraldi and Olafr, and I''m making metalworking shops and a good forge. Asbj?rn replies that he has heard of my special sword and asks if he can have a closer look at my sword. I don''t wear it at home, though I did at the Auction and when we went for a walk on the island. I nod at Caecilia to fetch my sword, but I point to the swords on the wall between the windows in front of us. Asbj?rn is entertainingly shocked.


    "Those two swords also have that special iron?"


    I just nod and we get up from the sofa and look closer at the swords. I say I cannot easily remove them from the wooden plate, as an excuse why I don''t take them down. They look like they are permanently mounted. Alith, Gunhild and a couple of Asbj?rn''s guards comes closer, also curious. Alith and Gunhild are a bit pleased when we discuss the steel, and they do like those blades.


    "These swords do not look that special, and if I hadn''t asked Olafr to make those discreet inlays that shimmers with a short form of my name in letters, few would have even thought that they were anything special, even on a closer look. Just two ordinary swords. You know that special blade iron, usually with patterns as ripples and waves that are good for cutting weapons? Radgeirrson had a set?" Asbj?rn nods. "In Midg?rd that is called Damascus steel from the place that got famous for making such blades. But the pattern does not make the blade special. The pattern is a sign that the iron is different and it comes from the forging process and treatment of the iron. The sejd is actually from the person who made the iron and the person who knew how to use it and shape it into a weapon. These are similar. Sejd in the steel from me, and Olafr who with his skill and my advice and tips learned to forge it and made these beautiful blades."


    Kari comes by and joins us as I talk and hug her closer with my left arm around her waist and kiss her cheek before continuing. I like to do it and be rewarded with a little smile from Kari, and it''s only good if Asbj?rn sees our feelings for each other. I would not be surprised if Kari has planned to just happen to show up right now when we are no longer sitting on the sofa. Caecilia delivers my sword and a thick piece of leather to protect against the edges.


    "That rippling pattern can be imitated and recreated, and it is also possible to make other quite interesting patterns such as Gunhild''s spear, and more or less visible patterns. But these swords are not iron swords or damascus steel. These are pure steel swords - an evolution and improvement - and that they don''t have a pattern or irregularities in the blade but is the same uniform metal all the way, which means that the steel is completely without variation from the tip of the blade to the pommel. This makes the blade stronger because the blade has no obvious weakness or weak spot. It takes a lot of force for these swords to crack, split, deform or lose their sharpness. These swords do not break against a shield or normal sword - they bend and then spring back like a bow, and it is quite possible that they might cut through a bad sword with enough force. Look at this."


    I show how the blade bends, to their astonished looks. I take my knife from the belt and show Asbj?rn that it is also special, with the same inlays and look. Asbj?rn just looks carefully at the knife in his hands, then I see his head jerk back, and he looks at Kari''s knife which looks the same and he looks at Alith and Gunhild''s knives. Gunhild shows that their knives are the same and have the same blade. Slightly shocked, Asbj?rn asks;


    "How many knives like this have you made?"


    "Three swords and ten knives. In addition to my sword and knife, I have given knives to Kari, Iselin, Ciara, Alith, Bodil, Gunhild and Hillevi."


    Asbj?rn and his guards are quite shocked as they hear that, especially as I''ve given them away, and Asbj?rn just shakes his head, hands back the knife and replies;


    "Two such amazing swords just hanging on the wall in the middle of the house, fully visible, but no one will understand how special they are. How many times have I just walked by since we arrived?"


    "It doesn''t matter if someone understand how special these swords are; for me they are beautiful and a reminder. I got the swords made because I could, but after realised that I had no use for them, and at the same time I just didn''t want to give them away to someone. They are weapons made for killing, and better they hang here where I can appreciate them, than they are hidden away in a chest in my attic. They are also a daily reminder.


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    I do not like to use my knowledge for weapons, or where it would hurt people. A knife is a tool with many uses such as crafts, cutting and eating - but a sword has only one purpose. It would have been quite easy to produce many swords like this, and for a couple of years sell them all over the world and then live a luxurious lazy life, or amass enormous wealth. But I''m uncomfortable living such a life, and I don''t want my life here to mainly contribute to better weapons and to make it easier for people to kill each other. I''m interested in steel for a lot of other things, which can not be made with iron, or where iron is a bad solution."


    I show my Boomstick as I continue: "This too is steel and I am doing more complex things where iron won''t work. Bladesmith Olafr in Borgarsandr is currently working on a couple of projects for me in steel, but they are not swords or knifes. Olafr loves making things in steel and unfortunately I think that ordinary iron forging and making swords have started to lose its joy for him. Steel is very special to work with, so it requires a really skilled blacksmith who has learned how to do it, and the material fights against the smith and does not give as iron. It takes a lot more time and skill, so I''m just happy that Olafr is excited to do other projects just because he gets to work with steel, and that my projects is so different from making blades. A challenge and something new. I hope to persuade him to do other projects in the future. I have given him steel as payment, and Olafr has made a pair of really beautiful swords for himself, which he is rightly proud of and sees as masterpieces of his sword making skill.


    Right now I have no plans to make more steel for swords, even though it might happen. In the end, my Academy is about spreading knowledge and making Alfheimr better, and the world doesn''t need better weapons. But making steel and teaching how it is processed and forged will be part of the knowledge that the Academy eventually spreads, because steel has so many more uses than weapons. I will not prevent a skilled blacksmith from doing what he wants with the steel after it is sold, so there will be more steel swords in the future. But not from me."


    We just stand there looking at the swords, until Kari breaks the silence by softly saying: "Robert, we have talked about this. Most people judge the value of objects, crafts and what is important in life very differently than you do."


    Asbj?rn starts laughing, shakes his head, turn to Gunhild and say: "Let me congratulate you and Hillevi on an excellent decision when you chose to accompany Kari to Robert''s service. Such gifts. Such wonderful comforts and life here, with beautiful surroundings. So very easy comfortable service for such a good Lord. Your prayers to Freya were answered beyond imagination. Excellent decision. "


    "Thank you King Asbj?rn Aeriksson. We also appreciate all the games our Lord creates for us guards to pass the time - it help to make it easier to endure."


    Asbj?rn and Kari can not keep from laughing and Alith tries but muffles a giggle, but Gunhild has a wonderful deadpan face.


    <hr>


    Both Iselin and Kari joins me again to go to bed and Kari recounts the incident with the swords and Gunhild to Iselin who is giggling. Both are also happy and pleased that Elvira told Kari that she happened to hear Princess Sefa complain to her little sister Ulfarna. Both that their father gave Kari to me, and that Asbj?rn and Haera won''t try to get her married to me. Sefa was mad and loud that Asbj?rn had apparently told her that if Freja wanted us to get married, they would at least have been at home when Sejdmann showed up. Burn.


    Our guests will leave tomorrow after breakfast, and Asbj?rn will receive half a set of math books and a Risk game. Asbj?rn, Haera and Myrun think that the Academy will sell Risk and other games in the future. There are many richer people who will be bored during winter and have the time to play year round, and Haera in particular is attracted by the fact that it is a subtle way to spread the image of ''the world'' down south. It''s a rather subtle way of saying how much knowledge and wisdom there are up here in the North, because we have a good map on a game board, and not as art or as a secret for someone rich. I will of course keep really good detailed maps as a military secret in the future, especially those that show fords, anchorages and the like.


    We''re all pleased with life right now. Jane is also happy, because during the auction when we were away, Jane made several good sketches of Haera and the Princesses and showed other art. Jane got silver as a thank you. It''s proof that her art is worth something, and that she won''t be dependent on my goodwill in the future. Personally, I assume that after those three years, Jane will be widely known among the rich in the north, and most will want to be painted and sketched. Beside being pretty and impressive, it is a way to have your legacy live on. That we are very easy to reach for many and just a day from the Northmen Tings location is an advantage for Jane.


    I''m so pretty damn pleased that everything has gone well so far. The auction proves there are riches to be made from other stuff than swords. I have escaped marriage to Princess Sefa. And I can fall asleep between two wonderful women who are hopefully my future wives.

 Midwinter calling - day 1, Going green and roping in people

    Midwinter calling, day 1


    Day 131, November 3rd


    Going green and roping in people


    After breakfast, we accompany our guests down to the harbour. Jane gives Asbj?rn a couple of sketches she''s made of their time here as a memento of their stay. We stand and watch their ships sail away. Finally back to normal. No stressed construction or anything. Just my normal pressure on myself, and lots of projects. I have to make the most of days with good weather.


    It''s nice to just sit on my bedroom sofa and I stare out the window front of me. In this moment I don''t have anything to worry about. Fewer people nearby. Quieter in the house. A somewhat freer feeling. I just lie down and look at the ceiling, close my eyes, and relax.


    <hr>


    It havn''t been long enough before someone come in, and I felt a body seductively lying on top of me. I recognise the body, breasts and smell and know it''s Caecilia without opening my eyes, so I just hold her and keep on relaxing. It''s obvious what she wants, because it was a while ago. At least it''s entertaining that Caecilia is comfortable enough in my presence that she just lies like that on her Lord and the local dictator. After a few minutes, she just sigh and with a resigned voice says: "A whole week." Like it''s the end of the world.


    So I spend time with Caecilia. We start with a quickie, then just hugging her while taking a little nap, followed by more and wilder sex when she wakes me with it as the quickie was just to take the edge off, followed by more cuddling and holding on to her. Caecilia really seems to like lying in bed and being held against me, and I''m not complaining. If Caecilia continues to be a part of my life as I think she will, then the chances are high that my tombstone will say ''Death by Snu-Snu'', and my sex bunny is probably the main cause.


    Unless it''s Kari.


    <hr>


    Iselin will journey to try to find and buy her parents from slavery, and see if they want to move to the islands, but Iselin wants a few days with me before she leaves, and we still need time to prepare for her journey. A couple of simple aquascope will be built, and the crew will also arrange a 200m long sounding line, as it would be interesting to start collecting depth data as we sail around in the future. Sink speed vs forward speed is and issue, but can be slightly compensated for, and it does not have to be perfect if it''s very deep, but some depth data is better than no data, and it''s something to do. The ship already has a lead plummet and line, but it''s just long enough to check that the ship doesn''t run aground, and that it is shallow enough for the anchor to work, and to try to get a sense of how the bottom is. Is there sand in the lead weights bottom cavity? Sandy bottom. Did it clonk? Stone. There are several on the ship, as they tend to get lost or stuck from time to time. Like anchors.


    It will probably take three weeks or more until Iselin is back, and she will be alone on the journey. Kari is needed here for the marriage preparations and someone needs to be in charge of the household, which is traditionally the wife and women, and apart from the fact that they''re adamant that I shouldn''t do it, I am also busy with loads of things. That the staff can manage most on their own is irrelevant, and I guess Kari wants an excuse to stay here. No-one thinks giving Ciara that responsibility and task is a good idea, and that includes Ciara. Ciara almost panicked at the mere question of accompanying Iselin and leaving me for so long and so far away, and that was before she remembered it''s back to Jarl Steinnes region as well. Then I had to hold and comfort her. Neither Caecilia nor Jane will come along as company. Caecilia is suppose to be my personal maid, and Jane absolutely does not want to be on a ship and go on a long sea voyage if she doesn''t have to - and it has nothing to do with sea monsters. So Iselin will journey ''alone''.


    As Iselin is going back to Kambsnes-Dufansdalr region and further inland, I have a plan that she can try to teach someone how to collect nitrates, and will buy any yellow sulfur she happen to find. I have decided to hire a man to travel around and collect nitrates, and Iselin can be the one to teach him how to do it, as she knows what I am looking for. At the same time, there are more benefits to having an employee for various jobs when he eventually returns.


    I send Hrappr around the island''s people to ask if there is anyone who wants a job to do various work, which includes a lot of traveling, and that they must try to be independent and manage on their own. Those who wish can come the next morning and one will be selected. If no-one seems interested he will take a trip over to Lysesund and ask there.


    <hr>


    A lot is present when we officially inaugurate the greenhouse. Sambos, guards, staff, Unn and Pedr. Most people have never seen a thermometer and obviously don''t understand the celcius scale yet, but I explain my plan is to keep the temperature stable as a cool to a hot summer day between 18-30C in the summer half of the year, and autumn and spring day around 10-15C in the winter half. Lower temperature makes it grow slower, but it grows. Frost and ice are the main problem and should hopefully not be too big a problem here with the steam boiler room on the other side of the wall, even if the outside temperature is a few degrees below freezing. Extra insulation will help and the greenhouse will need protection from high temperatures as well, so we will install thin white curtains in the roof and on the sides to protect, and be extra insulation layers in the winter. The curtains will probably be used throughout the summer and there may be an external awning as well to keep sunlight from getting inside. In the winter, some plants will probably be under an additional layer of glass so they get more insulation but maximum light, and the walls and surfaces will be painted white. We will try to stick to large vessels and soil connected to the ground to stabilize the temperature in the soil even more. A clear advantage is that there is bedrock under the cover stones, and together with the basements stone wall, it will provide great thermal stability. It would be better if there was more daylight in the winter, but thermal mass helps to keep a stable temperature around the clock, both summer and winter, and here on the coast there should be more hours of sunshine than inland.


    I can not do anything about the fact that some plants will simply get too little sunlight during winter. I can only do something about the temperature. I will certainly try to do a heat and light planter station with an oil lamp that reflects heat and light, but I don''t think it is worth it, because it is the wrong energy and form of light, and no UV. Making some kind of high voltage fluorescent lamp with mercury, or mercury arc light might help, but I believe it has the wrong UV scale and is also very advanced and current draining. We simply have no choice than to grow the plants that can cope with less light, and choose winter plants that are more hardy, and always start planting them in late summer and autumn. There will be some plants growing in our vegetable garden during winter, but I have higher hopes in here. We''re already keeping a logbook about the garden, so will of the greenhouse too. The next few years will be interesting.


    I don''t tell them yet, but I will try to make simple bimetallic switches so that a fan can start and ventilate out if it gets too hot, and another fan starts and pushes heat into the greenhouse from the steam boiler room if it gets too cold. Time factor, ie how long it will ventilate or heat etc are problems, but it will be interesting to play around with. Honestly, a gas thermometer with a larger pressure vessels can be more sensitive and work well enough for the temperature range needed, and then the needle can have direct contact with contacts that switch on a relay, that starts the fans, or perhaps work as a min-max temperature indicator, because two extra needles are enough for that, each just need a small bent arm on each side of the indicating needle which then moves them mechanically in each direction as long as it is with adequate friction. Seriously: If I can automate a simple climate control in the greenhouse? - I will. Air circulation also helps keep then plants healthy. There will probably be no steam radiator out here because the greenhouse is at the same height as the boiler room, which makes water recycling etc difficult to do well. There might be a high on the wall mounted radiator, but then it needs a fan, so I hope a fan using waste heat from the boiler will be enough.


    A humidity meter, a hygrometer, is also on the list as it is simpler. The simplest I know of is just a metal spiral with paper on one side. However, the metal strip must be ridiculously thin and I think the paper needs to be salt soaked to work, but it''s easy to try, and it is possible to make a bimetallic thermometer with a similar spiral if I can make thin enough metal strips. They make very pretty jewellery with fine thread, beads and similar, so that should be possible without too much hassle. Otherwise, a manometer like mechanical solution can be made with hair as the expanding element, which gives the name to classic hair hygrometers. The problem is to calibrate the meter. 100% is fairly easy, but 50% or 30%? The only thing I can try is to build it and see how far down the needle goes and gradually adjust the scale. If we get a clear cold winter day, I can catch the air in a barrel, and heat up the air, and the humidity will decrease even more. If I set the low point as 10% or something, then maybe I should be happy with that scale, even if it is 5-10% wrong. Because it will be wrong. And there might be a range, like the common electronic ones works between something like 20-90%. I also don''t expect the scale to be linear. I kind of need to have very dry air and introduce moisture as steam until the air becomes saturated when its very cold, and try to measure and calculate the steps between. It will not be precise and tricky. And I expect temperature will affect it too.


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    Pedr will have the carpenters build some tables, and shelves we can hang on the basement wall so we use the height, and Unn will help to arrange the soil and plant some small fruit trees against the buildings south wall outside. Hrappr will attach thin ropes and together with the maids arrange white curtains of the extra material we bought for the pavilion''s curtains. There are so many happy women here as they plant and plan, and there is a fairly lively discussion about what should be planted, how much and where it should be placed. Ida, who among other things lets out the hens in the morning and back into the evening, can also take care of the curtains as part of her chores, and the one who takes over her chores if she is away, will do this as well. Just write it down as part of the morning and evening routine. The guards promise to take a round past my workshop window in the evening and check that it is done as part of their regular patrol.


    <hr>


    I use a simple hand pump and two manometers to test whether the brass gas cylinders are airtight. Pump the pressure up to a few bars, close and then leave them. If the pressure hasn''t dropped in a couple of days, I can count on them being airtight enough for experiments. Then I will repeat the same with the iron gas cylinders. There might be flammable gas in these, but they will not be stored in a small space indoors, so some leakage is okay, just not appreciated. Another project I can cross of the list - for now. I''m a little curious if they in the future can be used for shorter dives, but I have to make a regulating nozzle and go much higher up in pressure to get enough duration to be worth it. Really unpleasantly high pressure. I''m not going for 200-300 bar, but 30-50 will be hard enough. Then there is the problem of pipes instead of flexible hoses.


    Am I ever going to get och make some kind of flexible rubber material? Or just watertight and airtight flexible material?


    <hr>


    I''m not in the mood to test the iron cannon, but I need to do it sooner or later. It''s ready for testing, and I''m getting projectiles cast in cement to test shoot with.


    Hrappr returns with the boat builder from Lysesund, and I put the work aside. I asked Hrappr to ask the boatbuilder to come to the island for a larger project, if he was interested and when it suited him. Sure, I understand that it''s a mix of status and that I pay well in silver which makes people so willing to be of service, but it''s still nice when they often drop everything to come quickly. I just need to avoid abusing it, or feel entitled to it. I have to make people understand that it''s okay to say no to me or take their time. In this case, it seems to be the honor to actually receive an official invitation that got the boatbuilder here. Rumours have circulated about the islands.


    However, I surprise because Boli has come along and present me with my new slaves I didn''t know I owned. Klakki is 37 years old, Eym?rd is 33 years old and Hafle is 21 years old and the son of Klakki. I thought everything with the Auction was settled and all payment would be made in silver, but this is not the case due to a ''misunderstanding''. They became my slaves as part of payment, but only became mine after their previous owner left Lysesund, which has now happened.


    Yay.


    Oh well. Accept reality, learn and move on. They can help with construction work and other things. I present my sambos, guards, etc, and all three are happy to swear a similar oath that Jalida and Elvira did, and then I free them. Klakki seems happier about his son''s freedom than his own. They''re sent with Hrappr to Pedr to see what they can help with.


    I did not consider of all the visiting people who were still in Lysesund when we launched the fireworks, and many noticed the first bang that made them really see and hear the second and third go off, but it the whole thing has just made the islands and my sejd more mysterious.


    The bridge connecting my two islands will soon be finished, so I want contact with Orusingen and partly use a ferry. Of course it is also an island, but does not feel that way due to its size and the fastest land travel here is by horse, and driving a modern car around the islands will still take a couple of hours, so a horse will be far far longer. It is not the most desirable place to visit, and I have no real reason to go there, but it is the largest landmass nearby that I can connect the islands to. The mainland would be far more desirable and useful, but it is not possible. It''s about a kilometer across the water, and its like 15-20m deep water. Even using the big island in the north east as a halfway point, will mean about two 400m sections over deep open water. So Orusingen will be it for now. There will be a road and two smaller bridges there via the islands in between which are already mine, but the longest span is a problem, although it is less deep and just half the distance across the strait between the two Ackerek Islands where they are finishing a bridge. A road to Orusingen won''t be as important or used as much.


    In general, small rocky islands like the two between Orusingen and Ackerek don''t have much value if a few sheep is all that can barely graze there, and it''s not economical having a shepherd guarding just a few sheep. And leaving a few sheep unguarded on a rocky island might mean some bastard steals them during the night. But if there is a road and bridge there so those sheep can be removed and brought back, or just locked in during the night, then the risk is lowered.


    The landowner on the other side where my ferry will dock does not mind me building a ferry pier there, especially as I offer to pay them to help build a road to connect the ferry to the road network that snakes from farm to farm across Orusingen. It''s work that they can do this winter, and even if the trees for the road construction become mine, there are plenty of trees there and they get silver in their hand, which they value more. The forest is big and full of trees. They will start with a path, which they then widen to a wagon road. The rumours about my road on the island has of course spread, but it is no use doing a short stretch in stone when the rest of the roads on Orusingen are not. And the road probably won''t see much use. It is also better to focus on making the roads on my islands impressive stone roads, as those will see far more use and it will be a more impressive appearance on people coming here.


    Ackerek islands has not been important, and those who lived here have had to fend for themselves like everyone else in the archipelago, but now? Now the islands have become important and if I want to spend silver and manpower on connecting them together and with Orusingen, the residents in the area are not the least negative, especially not when the road makes it easier for them to use the area that the road pass through. When they eventually find out about the planned school for some of their children, they will probably appreciate me more.


    In the future I might build a bridge over there as well. All three bridges together are less work than between the Ackerek islands, although the last and longest stretch is fairly deep. In retrospect, a simple rope ferry between my islands would have been a more cost and work effective idea than the bridge, but hindsight is easy, and it''s nicer to be able to ride or take a carriage cross without using a ferry.


    It will be a large catamaran rope/cable ferry, big enough that a couple of horses with a carriage can go on without problems. Just a catamaran with a deck, about the same design as the reaction/current ferry, but since this ferry will not use any current and will travel in the ropes direction, it will be a different design. The rope will make a few loops around a vertical capstan that will be used to move the ferry, and there will be metal guiding loops for the rope at each end of the ferry, and the rope will be attached to the rocks on each side of the water. A loud bronze bell at each anchorage makes it possible to call attention so that the ferryman - a slave or those who live close by - can go and do the work. I plan to give some free man the job with a salary and small house to live in and some animals or sheep that he can take care of and keep track of during the day. Basically combine shepherding with being the ferryman. It will be a small cost per year with increased land use, and I just want the option of easy transportation to Orusingen. Increased connections also lead to increased trade.


    I want the boat builder to build two similar ships. The catamaran design with a large deck also makes it suitable as a test platform for a steam engine. There will be a lot of room on that flat surface, and it''s easier to add a propeller shaft through the deck and no worries about a stuffing box as a watertight seal. So the second ''ferry'' won''t have a capstan, just a bit of the same railings along the sides.


    The boat builder has heard about the project I have in Laxlanda, and he too sees a large market for more rope ferries - this is after all a huge archipelago with lots of islands and people living on them, and sometimes it is close between the islands. He will hire a couple of more people and we make a deal that I get 1/10 on future ferries or other ship designs from me that he builds, in exchange for me referring others to him and not any other boat builder in the area. It''s quite likely that I will make my own shipyard in the future, as I will try to make more modern boats, but then I might hire him and his workers. He''s done good work so far, but it will be interesting if he can handle something new and different.

 Midwinter calling - day 1, Calling for help

    We are building hygrometers, and manometers to become thermometers, and what I call combo LED lamps but my mind wanders and I think about building more automated systems, and alarm systems. There is already a battery bank and electricity here, and a electric bell is easy. Above all, an alarm can be practical for doors that no one should normally use, for example if someone opens the hidden door to the basement vault or the iron bar door inside the basement vault, a bell can start ringing in the guards day room. An alarm button in the day room can also ring a bell in the guards bedroom.


    It can also be a good idea to build a system for summoning the maids. Although I would prefer to have a simple telephone system for it in the future, it is a good idea with something until then. Caecilia is usually nearby, even if her personal assistant role has really become more of a courtesan that do some maid and assistant duties too, which I should have expected. Not unexpected is that I don''t like to have her sitting next to me just waiting to be off service, even though she seems to want to spend much more time near me, and be ''available''. Basically Caecilia cleans my rooms, takes care of my clothes and shoes, and is sent on short errands and sometimes we are intimate, with or without Iselin. If I want a glass of water, I usually get it myself. But I don''t like seeing usually Elvira sitting there just waiting on a chair on the balcony, ready to be of service, and having to shout etc. Some kind of system would be good, and the electrical wires are already drawn.


    So we work and make small jokes and talk. Iselin and Kari help me build gauges while Ciara is make another math book. I let Iselin be in charge of most of the gauge work, while I instead winds coils and make simpler relays with double switching contacts.


    An electric bell is an electromagnet, which attracts a percussion arm that strikes a bell when the electromagnets coil is energized, where the percussion arm otherwise springs away and rests against a small contact plate. But the current to the electromagnet goes via the percussion arm and this contact plate, so when the electromagnet pulls the percussion arm towards itself, the current is interrupted and the arm springs back after the percussion arm has hit the bell. This causes the electromagnet to receive current again and repeat another stroke on the bell etc. RIIIIINNGG.


    An electromagnet that affects an arm with electrical contacts is the basis of electromechanics. Basically the same thing electrically changes what it is depending on what that arm does or what the purpose is. A relay. An oscillator. A buzzer. A bell. An arm that steps forward a counter is an electric pulse counter. An arm that makes marks on paper or the like is a form of printer. It''s electromechanics. It is relatively recent that semiconductors competed and took over from electromechanical switching systems in telephone exchanges. The oldest telephone systems used plugboards where an operator physically connected lines together, but it was replaced with an ingenious system that combined a phone with a dial that made electrical pulses when dialling a number. Those pulses made a contactor arm gradually rotate to the side, step by step. Later systems became more complex and moved in height and to the side. Two electromagnets that chose one of 100 lines very fast. Nowadays, there are tone coding and electronic switches, but there are probably some electromechanical telephone systems left somewhere in Midg?rd. With enough relays of the right contact type and correctly connected, it is even possible to build a relay computer. A very power consuming, slow and loudly clicking computer, but it works. If there are locking relays where only the actual switching pulse draws current, then it can be relatively energy efficient. Very capable computers have been built with thousands of relays, although they won''t play Doom. Their output is generally on an electromechanical printer. Historically speaking, most hard working scientific and business computors output on paper, not on screens.


    I want a ''service system'', and I have come up with a way to signal which room made ''the call'' with a simple electromechanical circuit. In each room with a call button there will be a small box with a button to press for service, and under a safety hatch an alarm button to call guards. The system requires two signal wires per room. The service signal goes to the servants ''staff room'' while the similar alarm system goes to the guards day room.


    When you press the button, it almost works like a bell. An electromagnet is activated and via a small arm a cylinder is stepped forward 1/16 step of a full revolution, but this stepping temporarily breaks the force of the electromagnet, so the arm springs back, connects the current to the electromagnet, which steps forward another step and so on. The cylinder gradually rotates at a high pace. But at the end of the cylinder is an arm that affects a special plate full of contacts, and breaks a contact in each step. There are many push buttons, up to 16, which all have their own line to the cylinder stepping system via these end contacts. So when the cylinder has broken the contact that gives current to the electromagnet, the rotation stops. Along the side of the cylinder can then be a text that describes which room the button is in.


    It is a simple construction, and should be reliable if I get the contact working well. There are some drawbacks to the system, like every room needs separate wires, which I however have laid enough of, and the amount of steps on a cylinder. Yes, it can have more or less than 16 sides, but there are good reasons not too. One issue is voltage drops in wires, but it can be solved with an intermediary relay that drives the stepping directly in the receiver unit. Other issues are that it won''t work to call from the same button twice in a row, because its line is disconnected, and that the push button must be held down long enough for the cylinder to rotate and break connection. Another problem is if someone else calls before the maids have time to check, because they then miss the previous one. But it''s all manageable, and just something we have to live with.


    To attract the staffs attention, the receiver unit will have a small buzzer or bell that is active while it is rotating. In order to not show all the text of the cylinder as it rotates a whole revolution as some places are ''secret'', there will be a small electromagnet that with a small privacy shield hides the text until the voltage is lost and everything stops. The stepping, bell and privacy shield will draw a lot of current, so to reduce the impact of long wires, there will be an intermediary relay to drive them. To make it possible to use the same button twice in a row, a step is sacrificed as a blank reset, and there is a button on the device that the staff can push to reset when they have read the room text, but that button won''t activate the bell.


    I was thinking of a more complex pulse system, where each button generates its own pulse code, and everyone uses the same line to the receiver and so on. But it requires a lot more mechanics in each push button, and basically a variant of an old mechanical pulse phone. It may be in the future, but not now. Should I try to build a pulse dial call system, I might as well try to build a real telephone with voice.


    Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.


    The alarms to the guards are the same system, but it is divided over the most important rooms and zones. A zone is, for example, the east side of the main building''s second floor, and so on. This system can also be connected to vault alarms etc, and I would really like a light signal so it can be quieter, so maybe put a strong LED and a weaker muted buzzer sound at night. One of the reasons for zones is that there are not enough wires, and the guards simply have to check around the zone why there was an alarm.


    It sounds quite complex but is really just mostly simple push buttons, as well as a hell of a lot of copper wires, a bunch of electromagnets, brass and wood.


    I will build a test system and make sure it works before I present the idea to everyone, but Iselin, Kari, Ciara and Alith likes it. Alith wants there to be an alarm bell in their bedroom as well. If an alarm is triggered, it is bad so everyone needs to react, whether they are in the bedroom or the day room, and it is better that guards come from several directions. The bells probably won''t be that loud, but they can be really loud if the bell is big enough and the electromagnet strikes hard enough. Electromechanical fire alarm bells sound quite well. Springs are a problem, because I have none in steel and brass is less good than spring steel, but I have to try it out to make something that works. We can always change for the better in the future. The whole idea with the junction boxes and the wires I have drawn is for the wires to be there. It is not difficult to change what the wires are used for.


    So I continue on the combo LED lamps, while Kari keeps working on gauges while Iselin jumps between that and helping Ciara making some electromagnets and stuff for bells. Making good bells proves both that the bell can be built, and that the electromagnets are strong enough to move the stepping wheels, and that the brass spring also works. I have already made electromagnets that are in the wind turbine, so it is a ''solved problem''. It just takes time and is boring to do. Even if we use the thinnest Alfheimr made copper wire, it is not optimal and it will draw more current than desired, but should work well for most electromechanics even though it will be unnecessarily strong.


    <hr>


    There is a bit of change as Asta returns to making her globe now that the King is no longer visiting, and Merchant Benti and Navigator Bjarnhedin seem to have learned enough from the Sextant and North arrow for their intended purpose during their forthcoming long journey. Asta is allowed to continue, and Jane starts training with Hillevi and Gunhild. Caecilia just went to take a hot bath where I told her to take time to enjoy herself, so Ciara distracts the staff, and Kari and Alith help me to quickly get the big wooden cross down into the secret room. We also move a bed, a cupboard, two wall version of oil lamps and take two prepared simple wooden doors and a bunch of planks, because I will have to do the finishing work myself. Now that it has been moved down, I can block the hidden door, ie the shelf between the semi-secret rooms with the secret rooms, but will do as much as I can before then with sound-absorbing bags etc.


    I ask them to leave me alone, and try to keep Jane and Caecilia away from this part of the house for the next hour, while I try to figure out how everything should be securely attached, and first of is the doors. They made extra holes and mountings when they built the basement, but not everywhere I need it, so I''ll try with a stone drill and hammer. That will be ''fun''. I ask Kari to sit in the library and listen while Ciara sits on the mezzanine sofa while I try to talk and shout a few things to see what they hear, and also try a few strikes with the stone drill.


    The stone drill is heard but sounds weird, but I should be careful when I do the drilling to avoid curiosity. Basically when Jane and others are not in the house. Just speech isn''t heard at all, lower shouts are faintly heard in the library but the source can not be determined, and loud cries are also faintly heard at the mezzanine''s sofa.


    Jane keeps on practising, and Caecilia is sent on a couple of errants. So I stand there in the light of the oil lamp, with hearing protection, eye protection and an impromptu respirator and starts to make a hole in the wall.


    Limited sound attenuation will be better than nothing, and I will first try just stacking sawdust sacks and thick cloth. I need to know how much of a difference it makes before making something heavier. That door will probably never open except in an emergency. If I need to use that escape route, and then I can just toss the few sacks aside, and release the hooks that hold the shelf that acts as a hidden door to the semi-secret basement under the mezzanine. I will also use cloth around the doors and thick wool tapestries on the walls and ceiling to soundproof hard surfaces so it doesn''t echo so much, and as an additional sound barrier. I had intended to use the secret room under the library as Kari''s dungeon, but it is better to use the larger and darker space under the dining room, because then it will be easier to hide. If someone finds the secret passage and room, they will only find a quite boring secret library instead of the dungeon, and the library will work as extra sound proofing. It will be almost pitch black in there, but it doesn''t matter because we will still need one or two oil lamps when we are there, just like in the secret library. I will install a couple of LEDs in the passage as stair light with toggle switches above and below, so it will be easier and safer and help finding and lighting the oil lamp.


    Kari lets me know that the time is up, so I tidy up and then go and wash myself. Kari is excited and worked up about the project, so we have that shower together. She understand that it will take time to complete it all. Construction will happen when it is appropriate, and I feel like doing it. This isn''t a prioritized project for me, and I plan to extend the construction time even though Kari won''t like it. However, I have a very willing ally in Kari who is adamant that it is done as discreetly as possible, and Ciara does what I ask her to do without asking and keeps quiet about things. I trust Alith will keep important secrets to everyone. Well, Ciara might be an exception. Alith has more muscle than the other two combined, but I don''t want her to build anything; she is not a worker, and it''s enough that she keeps track of the other guards. All the guards know that they should avoid going down to the secret rooms unless they have to, and the east part will get a secret door too. A secret that is used too much won''t stay a secret for long. There is far too many people here already.


    <hr>


    Iselin really wants to learn more about electricity and the maid systems construction, so we will have more lessons when she returns. I look forward to teaching her as much as I can about electromechanics, because someone must know it well in the future. Preferably better than I do. It''s late as both me and Iselin are in a ''I just need to ...'' work crunch and neither of us wants to put the work aside, even though Caecilia tries to remind us that Kari is waiting for me on the bedroom sofa. Finally, Kari is tired of waiting, and demonstratively sits down and just watch us work. Her passive-aggressive manner makes both of us ashamed because I literally think this work is more important than joining her in my bed, so I just put the work aside and after a quick trip to the toilet we go to my bedroom, to cuddle and sleep.

 Midwinter calling - day 2, The ring

    Midwinter calling, day 2


    The ring


    I should probably have been more specific about what kind of help was wanted, but it''s late autumn, and most farms have less important things to do, so of course there is several volunteers who want the job of collecting nitrates. It is after all work paid in silver. After a bit of questioning, one is selected, and he gets a quick lesson from me what nitrates looks like and what he will try to buy, and what he can expect from the job and that Iselin will give further information in removing it, and so on. The other three volunteers gladly except to help with construction work on the island. Silver is silver, and paid work is uncommon. There is a lot of barter, especially in the countryside. I ask them to spread the word around the area that I am willing to pay to have several dams for irrigation built on Large Ackerek.


    As long as there is enough inflow to the dam, less surface and deeper is advantageous for cutting down on evaporation losses, and hopefully before summer, water pipes will be arranged to pipe water to fields, so higher-lying dams are better to increase water pressure. Just not too high water pressure, as that will be problematic. I hope the pressure and flow rate will work for simple self-rotating sprinklers, or maybe a center pivot irrigation system. It will be several kilometers of pipes, so making all the pipes in earthenware or metal is probably not practically possible for next summer and might take years, but we can use the classic method of drilling out tree trunks and bury them. Improvements will be done gradual and basically be what is most effective and needed. But the dams need to be done before the springs lack of rain or snowfall, and I should''ve already had dams built this summer. Or the last month. But hindsight is easy and there hasn''t been that much rain. Hopefully at least the dams and the start of pipework will be done before spring or summer. I need to have irrigation systems made for all my farmland to be prepared for when a summer with drought happens, but these islands are prioritized as there is only rainwater to collect here. That huge farm Forsheim in the south have a river beside it, so an under flowing waterwheel can be built to lift water up.


    I''ve also asked them to spread word that I will buy straight tree trunks that are cut down and floated here, and not just for ''pipelines''. There is so much construction that will need wood, and they''re building my sawmill, so I might as well spend silver to get logs here and prepared. I rather spend a hell of a lot of silver into getting things done as quickly as possible, to get maximum use of it in the coming years. And everything takes time here, so time is a resource I don''t want to waste. I want a vacation, but I rather work hard until next summer, and enjoy a better, more comfortable and less worrisome life then.


    <hr>


    I give Iselin, Kari, Ciara and Jane their own updated combo desk LED lamps with extra switches and wires, and they all know how the combo function works as I have updated to it in my office and workshop. The switching system is much like a stair light with two toggle switches. One is sitting on the lamp, the other is sitting at the door. So it is possible to turn on or off the lamp from each place, which is very convenient when it is the only electric light source. Jane is overjoyed. The lamp also has two light modes, with full or dimmed light, since the LED modules are bright. The ''combo'' function is that the LED head itself is detachable and in the future it will be possible to the put the LED head on a battery pack and get an LED lantern to take with us in a tent or similar. The battery pack will of course be charged at 12V, but in use mode the battery is connected as 6V and the LED head then also runs at 6V and has a much longer operating time as less energy is wasted in the resistor. Bodil is building special small battery packs so they become a type of camping lanterns, so we can bring 5 LED lanterns on future travels. The battery will last long enough, especially in dimmed mode. Iselin can bring hers with a NiMH battery pack on their journey. I still have the parts from the first and now scrapped wind charged USB charger I built outside Borgarsandr, and with Tom''s stuff I got more things.


    Iselin, Kari and Ciara are so proud to have electric light in their rooms, and comment that it is so practical. Jane loves it, not least that I ask where she wants the extra outlet. The lamp can then be a bedside lamp, desk lamp and room lighting, and she can move the lamp to where she works even though the color rendition will be wrong. As long as she doesn''t do work with colors, it does not matter. I have very enthusiastic help to install the updated wiring and switches in their room, so the main attic, the guards bedroom and the toilet also get their lighting.


    I have become skilled at soldering things with copper rods, but I want something better when I start building more advanced things, and I need to try making electric heating elements too, so I start making an improvised soldering iron by making some heating elements from thin iron wire that is sealed in ceramic. Iron is basically the highest resistance wire I have, that doesn''t melt at low temperatures like lead or tin will. The soldering iron tips will of course be copper for heat conductivity, and the handles ceramic since it can handle the heat and have bad heat conductivity. The heating element will have a metal casing as the structural element to hold everything together, protect and ground it with a screw to hold the tip, as the soldering iron will surely be a bit fragile and clumsy. I am happy as long as the soldering iron works and is between 30-60W. It will hardly be the first time I use an unregulated soldering iron. Avoiding to use other people''s bad tools was one reason why the yellow ''fix technical stuff'' toolbox was usually in the car. To make soldering more practical and safer, there will be a simple soldering stand with space for a damp piece of paper to wipe off the tip on, a place for a lump of resin and a power switch and LED that lights up when the soldering iron is on. The soldering tips will be consumed quite fast because solder eats up copper tips fairly quickly, and I will have to file them regularly to have a good tip. It also does not help that the tip will be too hot and create unnecessary oxidation and slag on the tip. Definitely not ''long-life'' tips, which is basically copper tips with a coating of iron.


    It would be nice with a regulating soldering iron and I have thought of different solutions such as manometer switch or bimetallic switch, but the third option and what I hope for is to make a magnetic switch that pulses around the curie point, which is the temperature where a metal loses magnetism, which via a magnetic switch disconnect the current until the temperature falls, the magnetism returns and turns on the power again. It is an old technology for soldering irons, with a small magnetic piece imbedded in the back of the tip. So you bought a certain tip shape with a certain temperature. But the question is what temperature whatever I might manage to make will have and whether it is suitable for soldering with available solder. However, a bimetallic switch should be able to work well enough, and is probably the best I can do that is compact enough, and which will also be reasonably adjustable for when contact is broken. A screw can adjust the springing contact. When the tip is hot enough, the bimetallic blade bends too much, loses contact and the current is cut off. When it cools down and makes contact it will heat up again. It will definitely be worth a try.


    Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    <hr>


    Jane wants to jog after her combat training, so we take the usual round, up and down the north and west mountain and round south, and Alith and others will follow. We chat as usual as we jog, and about it starting to get to cold to run outside as cloths and shoe options are limited. But it''s just something we have to do when it is possible. I make the mistake of thinking loudly that maybe I can do an exercise bike or jogging machine and create a small gym for the winter. Jane instantly bites and wants it so much, so we discuss what is needed, where it can be and so on. I don''t want the gym equipment on display for guests, and there is limited options and other things will need space.


    Argh, I should build a more efficient horizontal loom to replace the vertical looms that Iselin, Kari and others have in their rooms. Heh. It would be a interesting to try building a loom that is more advanced, with a flying shuttle and maybe can be programmed to make patterns. An automatic loom would be quite interesting to build in a couple of years. Jane have far more breath as we jog and my mind wanders. I dislike jogging.


    When it comes to gyms, there are really only a few places, five of which Jane knows and talks about. The wings basement where there is most space, but dark, cool and neither of us wants it down there. The small guest room next to the meeting room with a north window facing the courtyard is probably best, but poor ventilation and longer to the shower etc. The little extra room in the wing between the maids room and the large bathroom where Caecilia used to live, but is too small and basically only works for the exercise bike and dumbbells or something, and I don''t want to merge both those rooms and move the maids up in the attic. The fourth alternative is the main buildings attic. Lots of space, can open windows but also absolutely the worst to get there, and farthest from the shower etc. The fifth is the wings attic that could work, but the ceiling is low and it is just not a good exercise space. The sixth is the semi-secret room under the mezzanine, which is larger and with very high 2.7m ceiling and much more light than the wings basement, but ventilation and that it should be a bit secret makes that a bad idea.


    But before space is an issue, I need to do the equipment, and I can start by trying to do an exercise bike. The mechanical and bearings become more of a problem than anything else, and I can completely forget about a chain. So my options are a leather strap, gears or direct drive. The only options I can think of for a braking force is friction, air resistance or magnetic. Friction should be possible with a leather strap around a large wheels outer edge, and the more taut the leather strap is, the more braking force on the wheel. The leather strap will wear but that is manageable and replaceable. The major downsides in a friction systems are lots of problems with heat, wear, sound and dust. Air resistance works with basically a wheel with large blades that can also fan the user, but I should be able to make a more modern solution with magnetic braking via magnets and maybe electromagnets too, which is far more interesting and silent.


    I simply have to build something and try, and pedals will drive a flywheel for no matter what kind of braking, with a seat and handles in front. I have to encapsulate the wheel etc so that pants or dresses do not get stuck in it. I need to try and introduce shorts more thoroughly next year, even though Iselin already likes it and looks so damn good in it. And she knows it.


    If I make the exercise bike in wood, many parts will be thick and quite massive, but the right design on the frame can solve a lot, and still have an adjustable saddle and so on. Maybe a X style frame? Except braking, I''m most worried about the pedals - they must be able to rotate around a shaft - but wooden pedals on a brass shaft might work. Or just in brass? Sprinting them should keep the pedals in place while allowing rotation.


    <hr>


    Jane shows me her engagement ring and tells me it''s platinum and ruby, which surprises me because I have no idea about prices or manufacturing, but it should be one of the most valuable metals in the world, and in the satisfied way Jane smiles I assume it is probably the most valuable metal - at least for jewellery. Jane says that the ring is important to her. She chose it and its design. She spent so much time finding something she loved and considered materials and designs, and she likes rubies. It was so expensive that Tom and she shared the cost because it was just an engagement ring and not a wedding ring. But she really wanted it. She no longer associates the ring with Tom, for the ring and the rubies symbolize love for her. The ring is hers and always has been, but she is no longer in love or engaged, and won''t wear it, as that feels wrong. But she likes that she must have the most unique ring in Alfheimr even though no one here understands it, and shows and tells me because I can understand how special her ring is.


    I have an idea and take Jane to my office. Jane is a bit impatient because I''m obviously sneaky about something, but I avoid her nagging and I find my written down physics book. I look up the melting point of platinum and see that it is 1772 celsius, almost double of gold and silver, and 230 degrees higher than molten iron. I can''t find ruby, but ruby is aluminium with something in it which I think is chrome if I remember correctly from Maiman''s synthetic ruby laser, so it wouldn''t surprise me if it is closer to 2000 celsius too; much more than diamond which is just carbon and easily burns. I was right, and my smug face annoys Jane.


    "Jane, you know that my swords, knifes and other things are steel, and the main problem they have here is that they simply don''t reach high enough temperatures in a fire for a lot of work, including really melting steel and controlling it?" Jane nods.


    "If you throw a gold ring with diamonds in a normal fire, the diamonds are carbon and will burn and become carbon dioxide - they just disappear in a cloud of smoke. Then the gold will melt and same with silver, long before iron melts. Your ring? It will most likely be completely untouched, since wood can not burn that hot. It might not even get soft. They can not melt it, and what do you think everyone here in Alfheimr would call a silver metal ring that weights more than gold, does not rust and can not be melted in a fire? Magic. You pretty much have ''The One Ring'' from ''Lord of the Rings'' - without the doom and invisibility. "


    Jane is so damn happy and she gives me a big hug, kiss my cheek, followed by more hugging. I don''t know how many times she says ''thank you'', but with a Gollum voice she say ''My precious'', gives me another kiss on the cheek and she walks away with a new appreciation for her magic ring.


    It feels good to be able to make her day, and it''s completely unnecessary to mention that I could melt it; modified propane burner, probably with high current, perhaps with focused sunlight, via a gas burner or with termite. Rust is not that difficult to get hold of, and I have aluminium that I don''t want to waste, but I think that zinc or tin can work instead, and that is something I already have.

 Midwinter calling - day 2, Salty business

    Asta works frantically with her globe, because even though she knows she will not finish it today, she won''t be able to work on it for 3 weeks. Meanwhile the crew is making sure the ship is prepared and everything is in good condition. Hrappr will lay out and take in the fishing nets while they are away as we''ve gotten used to having fish, and that new free neck Hafle will help him. Ida will go along as Iselin''s maid and Elvira and Jalida will take turns taking care of the animals and other things that Ida has done. Iselin have made sure to prepare the household and people for her absence, but it''s mostly to show that as my future Wife she will be the boss for the household and she take that responsibility seriously.


    While waiting for Hrappr and the guards to get ready for the cannon test, Iselin helps me prepare more steel crucibles because they will be needed sooner or later, and it will probably be 11-12kg of steel from these. I really should build a proper furnace of some kind with forced preheated air and other improvements. I need to buy more crucibles, and Iselin will try to buy more iron, even though we have a lot of iron on the B-mansion from the basement rooms and other things. It probably doesn''t matter how much iron I have now, as I will most likely always have use for more. It''s nice working beside Iselin and she learns how to make the special steel. Her last months have been filled with learning so many new things.


    <hr>


    The weather is nice and everything is ready for the first cannon test. Technically, it may be the second considering my small prototype black powder weapon tested on that beach outside Borgarsandr a few months ago, but the caliber was probably too small to actually be called a cannon. The guards are so excited, and Alith is occasionally giggling from anticipation. They have heard of ballistas and trebuchets, and this must be something similar but certainly so much more impressive. Iselin has been looking forward to this, which is why we are doing it now before she leaves.


    This cannon lacks wheels, and is only laid on a mound of earth. A simple protractor and plumb line measure the angle. Hardly the most scientific test, but I want to know how well the cannon works and if it''s worth doing anything better. The cannon is light enough that it can be lifted and moved by two people by using the handles, but you hardly want to carry it any longer distance. It is easier for four people with carrying straps or ropes around the body, and they also won''t have to crab walk.


    Hrappr, Ida and Caecilia have helped prepare by erecting special targets and also hanging up wide white ''curtain'' pieces from the pavilion next to each other and in parallel with the expected ball trajectory. The cannonball will certainly not be supersonic and the cannonball is large enough that I hope to be able to film from the side and take pictures in good sunlight, to be able to reasonably determine the trajectory and speed, if sound recording until hitting a target or stepping forward frame by frame doesn''t work. We use cameras and film it with 60fps in high resolution from two directions, one perpendicular and the other skewed behind the cannon. We zoom in with Tom''s digital camera where the first film camera is perpendicular far off to the side and Janes takes care of it. The purpose of the curtains is to provide a fine bright smooth background, and slight gaps between the white fabric works as distance lines.


    I have made lines on the rear sight with a ruler and the permanent marker pen so I can note which sight point I used and where the cannonball hit. I need data to be able to make a proper sight with distance scale in the future, now I just go with an angle and S.W.A.G it: Scientific Wild Ass Guess. This test will only be a few test shots with increased charge, but I still want it filmed and try to get as much data as possible.


    I crouch behind the thick wooden cover, and signal with my flag to Jane to start recording, and she replies that it''s done. Then I move the long stick towards the cannon while I look through the small peephole in my cover. I also wear my protective eyeglasses.


    That was loud! And lots of billowing smoke. In any case, the cannon seem intact and didn''t explode, which is a great relief. It''s quite fun to see the wood splinters and wadding just flying through the air because the first test projectile was in wood. Alith, Gunhild and Ciara are enthusiastic to help me hit the locking wedge, remove the breech loading chamber, and swipe out and dry the barrel. I inspection the outside and even the inside with a mirror and a flashlight to see if there has been a problem, but I can''t find anything. I could see some gas escaping between the breech and the cannon barrel itself, but it works.


    This is the first time that someone other than Alith, Iselin and Ciara is involved in black powder tests, and I show how to reload the breech and plug it. This time we go up in charge. We have to test that the cannon can handle at least double, but preferably three times the charge I intend to use, as to feel reasonably sure that the cannon won''t explode when fired with a normal load. It is beneficial that they see that I use a long stick with a burning rope to light the priming vent. They understand it more easily, and they will probably not see any true similarity with my Boomstick, even though it was a cloud of smoke then as well. And the same smell.


    Ciara feels a small adrenaline rush and slightly shivers with an enthusiastic smile on her face, and I like that Ciara has found something she likes. Kari''s feelings go more in the opposite direction and she doesn''t want to go near the cannon, and stays where she sits with Iselin and Caecilia, and I can see that she tightly holds Iselin''s hand who is trying to calm her. Kari probably don''t like me being this close to the cannon.


    I let Alith and Gunhild be the ones to fire as we shoot two more increasingly powerful shots just to check that nothing happens, but this time with the cement balls, and I make sure to write down where the shots hit the 100m target. Considering that I have used the same sight point and angle, and carefully weighed the charges in advance, the cannon is not very accurate, but I wouldn''t want to stand over there. I assume the cement balls hardly help with the accuracy, but it is cheap ammo that is easy to manufacture. The guards love that we shoot ''stones'', or as Gunhild calls it: "A really awesome way to throw stones at the enemy.". Throwing stones is after all what many siege machines do.


    I adjust the rear sight a little sideways to center it between the hits before we go back down in the amount of gunpowder to shoot at 200m and 300m.


    I don''t think it will help to adjust the sight more. The cannon barrel is probably simply too imprecise for more precision, and we''re lucky to even hit the target. Or well, the left log that held the wooden planks that were the real target. It was kind of an impressive hit away and a good measure of hitting something more solid, but that target is just a write off. The smoke from the cannon is impressive, but I would have liked to get rid of the smoke and the smell. I write down the point of impact in relation to the sight in side and height, and make a 200m mark on the sight and measure from the reference point. There doesn''t appear to be any signs of weakening in the barrel or loading chamber after this shot either.


    I guesstimate the angle for 300m and we reload and aim the cannon and changed the angle. The following shot at 300m is just as effective, even though the ball hits the ground before the target it have a nice effect when the ball makes sand and dirty fly, and bounces into the trees and hit a cliff wall a bit further away, and we can see it probably hit a tree as branches move and the birds fly away. The happy enthusiastic shouts from Alith and Gunhild as they run back to the cannon is quite telling, while Ciara stands smiling at the protective cover holding the wooden stick, and slightly shivers and rewards me with a beautiful smile. I signal to Jane to come back here and bring the cameras.


    I measure and make a small mark for 300m on the sight at this angle. This is not that good of a cannon, but it is a working breech loaded cannon that is very mobile, and dangerous. The cannon will get a small detachable wheeled mount with height adjustment and a box for bullets and ammo, so the cannon is more useful if I actually need it. It is also a small possibility that it is the first cannon in the world, so might as well make it better. It should at least be the first here in the north. But there is no point in continuing to fire at longer distances before the cannon has a proper carriage. How much would a bored barrel help? And how far does the cannon reach by shooting at a higher angle? I should try a shotgun/cannister load as well.


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    Alith and Gunhild''s glances and tenderly caressing of the cannon are a bit telling of their attitude to my creation, and Gunhild promises to oversee and make sure that the iron cannon comes back into the basement, and that everything is cleaned. Both eagerly suggest that we should bring the cannon with us on future travels with the Eagle, and Ciara agreeingly nods. And sure, it does not take up much space if disassembled, and shit happens when you least expect it. It''s good to be prepared and have a backup plan.


    While I go to take a closer look at the targets, I start thinking about trying to get a slightly larger cannon made of cast bronze with a bored barrel, and in the future to try to make that barrel rifled.


    <hr>


    Pedr and more have been lured here by the noise from the cannon test, and since he is here I take him with me and we''re heading south. I havn''t really cared about the cost of a lot of things so far, but it feels especially annoying that salt is so ridiculously expensive. We literally live surrounded by salt water. So I will try to make salt from seawater, but I don''t want to do it by boiling with wood, because it is a bad idea and a lot of work to use wood for it, when the sun can do the work over a longer time. The salinity here is only 2-2.5%, but worse is that we hardly have perfect weather for sun evaporation either, so using huge shallow ponds for seawater evaporation will be difficult. Most storms can be overcome with a protected bay, distance from the waters edge and a reasonably high dam, although a 2 meter storm surge with strong winds will be harder, it doesn''t happen that often, and this will just have to be built to endure. Wind will help to evaporate, until it starts to dry out so much that the salt starts to blow away. Rain, on the other hand, is a bigger problem. It probably falls similarly as it does in this region in Midg?rd, so around 800mm per year, and if I just have a very shallow 50mm sea water depth to shorten the evaporation time, then even quite low 10 or 20mm of rain in one day is really bad, and there can be several rainy days in a row that will ruin the batch, and it will be better to start over from just seawater.


    So I have plans. The first is to make some elongated masonry dams that are about two meters higher than the sea level where there is flatter rocky ground inside the bay here in the south. The surface we look at is not perfect, but it should fits many reasonably large 5x30m ponds, which will be slightly terraced. We will start building one of the ponds, and then when there is time and available labour make two more. I want three ponds finished by the spring, and there will probably be much larger areas later. The ponds are pathetically small for salt evaporation, but I hope to build a movable roof over them once I get a sawmill. So the ponds can be neither too long nor too wide. Each pond has a surface area of 150m2, and with just a depth of 50mm, there is 7.5m3 of seawater in each, which is 7500 liters. The ponds will be built to be 40cm deep, but I need something to start with to know how fast evaporation go, and there must always be a bit of height above the water. Roofs should make a huge difference when it comes to rain, but I have also planned to try huge storage tanks to avoid having a roof to pay for and take care of. If the weather looks bad, the concentrated brine will flow or be scrape down into a storage tank. A wind-powered pump will then pump the brine up to a higher storage tank, so the brine can flow out and fill the ponds when the weather looks good. A similar wind pump will also pump seawater to a third storage tank to fill the ponds. Doing the pumping by hand or with a counterweight barrel rig is simply unnecessarily laborious, and there is basically always some wind here. Might as well use it. However, the salt will mess up the pump, so I need a simple, reliable design that is easy to service. Then I want a fill tank for filtration and sedimentation before the seawater is used, to try and get rid of sand and other things. My plan is to let the ponds be different steps for concentration as the amount of brine will decrease as the water evaporates, although it is an advantage to use the maximum surface area.


    My more productive plan for the future is to try to have larger concentration ponds in maybe two steps, and then crystallization ponds. I also have to learn if there will be any layering that needs to be removed or stuff like that, so testing will provide such experience as well. Seawater is not just salt.


    To test, it must be built, and I want to use it next year to get a better idea of how it goes over a season, and to earn money on it. Salt has double the density of water but there will be losses, so from one pond with 7.5m3 of seawater I should be able to get maybe 200-250kg of salt, which means 600-750kg of salt from three ponds filled to 50mm. The question is how long it takes to concentrate, and how much salt I can get per year. Even if I ''only'' get 600kg of salt in a year, salt is so ridiculously expensive that this project is incredibly worth it, and I will build more ponds and salt production facilities. I should have made a smaller pond from the start this summer, but hindsight and all of that. The last concentration and crystalization can however be problematic, and lead to a certain ''loss'' due to the surface in the ponds, but that salt will remain and contribute to the next batch.


    Pedr is a little worried about the re-prioritization and there being enough time for the stone foundation and chimneys for the Academy before the weather gets too cold and the mortar simply doesn''t harden. The weather can turn bad tomorrow and stay that way until the end of the year. But this is a lower priority and doesn''t require the world''s best craftsmen. The hard part is to make the surface flat enough, and there is plenty of the normal cement.


    I will also always be curious if I don''t try it, so there will be two large moving solar reflectors that focus sunlight on separate boiling vessels. A square meter of sunlight has 1360 watts, minus the angle of incidence etc, but boiling water requires lots of energy, and it will hardly be a perfect mirror. Polished aluminium would be nice, but no can do. So I will get Digraldi to manufacture mirror segments that can be assembled together to become two separate large reflectors of about 10m2, which function as their own systems and focus on a small insulated 5 liter vessel each. Every morning, the angle is set according to which day it is in the year, and thus which path the sun will make across the sky, and then a person will try cranking the mirrors by hand at intervals of about 10 minutes to keep the light focused on the cooking surface and keep track of production. In the future, I hope that a clock mechanism can make this rotation so it requires less constant monitoring.


    I have no idea how long it will take to produce salt via the solar reflectors, and it will of course depend enormously on the weather, and there will be losses I can not calculate. But even if I have a person who takes care of just the solar reflectors, I will still go plus with a ridiculous margin because salt is so damn expensive. The solar reflectors will always have a pathetic output compared to the ponds, but that is okay. I''m thinking of using the solar reflectors to try to boil the already concentrated brine from the ponds, before the last evaporation and crystalization can take place naturally on a dry protected surface. The main reason for boiling is that I am worried about microorganisms and bacteria that can live in high salt concentrations. The pink hue in many high concentration salt lakes is not from the salt but some microorganism, and I''m also worried about seagulls pooping in the ponds. Or as Jane calls them: Flying noisy pooping rats. A couple of hours of boiling will do its part to sterilize the salt. To protect the large solar reflectors from wind and the like, they are built in a slump that runs in a decent east-west direction. We know the lowest sun angle in winter and the highest in summer, so it''s easy to build to that. In the slump, the reflectors also become less visible. However, something will be built around the structures to keep the curious away, but it will probably be in the future. We can make a simpler fence and claim it is to keep animals away, and that will help keep people away. It''s better to not call unnecessary attention to the project.


    No matter how it goes, we will have salt instead of having to pay for it, and hopefully in the future I will be able to expand production by using all the set aside surface and part of the very shallow bay, make more facilities and be able to sell salt. However, I will need to have real fences around the salt production area, and make sure to protect it even if the price drops. But, even with well paid guards it will be worth it. No matter what, I will always be a small salt producer. According to what Ovdhon said about the estimated amount of barrels and other things, it seems that the salt town Brinberg south of Reiekr?ne produces between 50,000-100,000 tons of salt per year. Even if I sell a staggering 100 tons of salt, it will hardly make a dent in that business.


    But if others also start manufacturing salt, especially where the sea have a higher salt concentration, then it could be a problem for those who have earned a lot from salt production.

 Midwinter calling - day 2, Changing plans

    We talk as we go to the village and look at the projects there. I had planned to create the village with scattered 6x4 houses and 10x5 craft houses, but I have realised that it is a rather inefficient idea. It is a lot of work to build one of the 10x5 houses and they have a lot of exterior walls and roof area compared to floor space, and it is simply a relatively poor efficiency and floor plan in relation to the amount of work. Each building also takes up quite a lot of space with garden etc all around, and I will have many craftsmen and others who won''t work from home. The workers have already made a lot on the second craft house, and it is intended to have a foundry at the back, so it is a bit special. But in the village I have changed the plan and there will be smaller residential buildings with identical apartments - ignoring that every other apartment is mirrored. The length of the building means that the ''long sides'' of each apartment adjoin to the next apartments and becomes interior load-bearing walls, and this means that the apartments should have less heat loss, and I save about 25% of load-bearing walls in construction material, and 50% of exterior walls, and 40% of roof area, but each apartment still gets more space internally. Which affects in cost and material, and in the future the exterior walls of the apartments will get extra insulation like my mansion and the Academy, just not so thick, and I plan to make roof clay tiles instead of wood tiles, straw roof or slate.


    Each apartment will be 60m2 spread over two floors, with a small front vestibule and possible an root cellar for food. There is also a rear attached vestibule where the separating toilet will be. The rear vestibule is the ''kitchen entrance'' and goes out into the back garden, but it goes through the bathroom-laundry room so that the kitchen doesn''t become too small, and it makes pipe work easier. A good kitchen with good large work surfaces is so incredibly appreciated among those who have tried it, so it is a priority. The toilet will be unheated just like the vestibule, but you can go ''indoors'' to the toilet, which honestly is worth so much when you get used to it. As long as you avoid rain, snow, wind and ice, the cold in the winter is manageable, and it is always less cold against the house than standing alone out in nature. Many toilets don''t even have proper walls, so the wind blows and snow drifts in. The indoor toilets we have don''t smell much, and these will be ''outside'' and with easier and better ventilation.


    The main entrance is from the north and you come in to a small vestibule for hanging clothes, taking of shoes and so on. A door leads into the living room which occupies most of the lower floor, and has a fireplace in the middle of the other long wall. The living room is 20m2 with a larger window over the front porch and a smaller one towards the back in the kitchen area. Along the other wall at the entrance there is a staircase up, and beyond the stairs is the small laundry and bathroom with a shower, which leads on to the rear vestibule and toilet. There will be hot and cold water in each apartment, and the kitchen which is the rest of the south side of the living room will have a good kitchen counter with sink against the bathroom wall, so it is easy to lay pipes to one place in the house, put taps on both sides, and also drainage is in one place. The chimney heats the rooms upstairs and the hot water tank, and lies back to back against the corresponding fireplace and chimney in the apartment next door, and it will be the solution with cold air intake from below, air ducts, etc. The entire fireplace wall is intended to be masonry stone to partly function as a load-bearing firewall, and also stabilize the temperature inside. The roof of the apartments is intended to eventually become clay tiles both to be water tight and make maintenance easier, as well as feel more luxurious and be better against fire. I just need to manufacture those tiles. The ground is uneven and partly rocky and not optimal to build these buildings on, so only some apartments will have a small root cellar large enough to walk into which is reached via doors under the stairs, and a door at each end down to the basement improves the look and is better for insulation. Some apartments will sadly only have a cold storage pit in the same place.


    The second floor has a ''larger'' bedroom of 10.5m2 to the rear with larger windows and views of the garden, and a smaller bedroom of 7m2 to the front and north. It is possible to change places of the bedrooms if someone would like it, and also vary a little in size. There is also an open area of about 4.5m2 above the front vestibule, and a similar area above the bathroom at the back, but if the area is walled up as a room, the room will be relatively cool because the wall blocks the heat from the living room and the floor below. I expect that the areas will be used for crafts such as a vertical loom etc, but there is a good chance there will be a bunk bed and maybe a curtain for the front area for more children, servants or residents. If the door or curtain is kept open during the day, it shouldn''t be too cold as heat rises, and the outer wall will be well insulated. There will also be ventilation ducts downwards in all rooms where cold air along exterior walls and floors can fall down to the ground floor floor via the corners. I don''t know how well it will work, but it is such a small thing that is easy to test by doing it in an apartment and simply try. If it doesn''t work, we remove it, and won''t build it in later apartments. Together with ventilation ducts outside and above the windows like my mansion have, there should be good air circulation, and relatively even heat inside. There will be a simple ladder to get up to the attic crawl space where it is also possible to store food and other things, but the attic will be hot in the summer.


    People are used to living on each other and together, so there is a good chance that it will be the same here, but having a private life and space is a luxury relatively few ever have, so that can be attractive. In the end I will be the owner of the buildings, and I can make laws for co-inhabitance etc if it goes too far.


    The apartment is basically a ''classic modernish'' residential building design but with an open floor plan on the ground floor, and a modern town person would felt right at home in the apartment and manage well - as long as they could handle the fireplace - and that is Jane''s opinion. However, Jane does not like me introducing residential housing like this, and thinks it will look silly when the front of one length with its road is facing towards the garden and back of the adjacent building. It should be front to front and garden to garden. Jane did not like my counter-question how smart it is to place a garden on the north side of the building and in the shadow of the two storey house. A road doesn''t care that it is the north side and in the shadow, as there will be a small side road leading out to the larger road, and in this case the future road to the Academy. So one end of the building is towards the road and the lake, and the back gardens are in a fairly southern direction.


    Each apartment will have an elongated south facing garden of about 80m2, and we expect that people will build a small hen house, pigsty or maybe a goat pen towards the toilet, because people expect to have animals for their own needs and want it, and the garden will probably be for vegetables etc. Roof gutters will direct rainwater to a barrel at the back for use in the garden, and in the front to cisterns to collect rainwater, and away from the foundation of the building. There will also be a common sewer that will continue down the valley to treatment ponds etc, to eventually flow out into the sea to the south. The residential buildings will also be prepared for centralized water supply, because I plan to build a water tower and connect most of the village, instead of each house having to take care of their own water. It''s inefficient. The building will also be prepared for centralized heating via a steam boiler, but just prepared for it with holes and so on for steam pipes and steam recycling etc. I doubt it will ever be installed because of the cost, but also because every household still needs to use the fireplace to cook. But might as well prepare for it.


    The buildings ends are different, and the end towards the road will have a larger shop / craft room on the ground floor, but a workroom or possibly a home upstairs. In the future I hope for, with everyone who works for me and I who pay with food and wages, it is simply more efficient to plan to gather such things as a bakery, charcuterie, brewery, general merchant store etc as something dedicated people do and provide the village with, than that everyone should do it themselves and take care of their own animals and so on. Yes, there will be some personal animals in most gardens, but by collaborating it is possible to kill a pig and let many people share it more often, and thus overall more often get meat on the table. People do it now by bartering, but this will probably be more organized, and hopefully in the future have a centralized freezer to keep meat frozen. A person who bakes bread and provides everyone with it from a more efficient oven is efficient, instead of everyone having to bake their own bread. The same principle applies to the production of mead and beer, even if, just like slaughtering, it will not take place in the middle of the village due to smell and waste water. Overall, it will also save on the amount of servants and slaves, and I plan to remove slaves on the islands. I simply want to make the village feel more like a small modern village, and that also mean shop windows facing a road. There will be extra shop and craft buildings along the road that partially hide the gardens behind from the road, so that the residential building from above will be backwards L shaped and a row of buildings will look like L L L L. There will be a lot of glass in all the shops, and also prism glass to make the interior brighter.


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    Is shop windows unnecessary? Yes. Will I still pay for it just because I want it? Yes.


    What the other end of the building will be, depends on where the residential building is located and in which direction. Some buildings like these in the middle of the village with a nice view of the valley will be an extra large and nice apartment, or a meeting room, pub etc. At least here in the middle of the village, it is now planned to be four small side roads with a residential building along each, and each residential building will have 6-7 apartments, plus a larger shop or craft home at the end toward the road. So, about 26 apartments that will be comfortable, and for most feel incredibly luxurious. A couple of similar buildings will hopefully be built north of the main road through the village, but they will be built as needed. Once the Academy is finished, I expect that these buildings and shops can be finished by the summer and just be empty until someone moves in.


    I intend to offer even more luxury, and the top home will have double glazing for extra insulation and oiled pretty floors. The mansions floors proves that is a good idea that common people seems to love, and it is quite cheap. It is of course possible to buy and upgrade with such things as oil lamps, ice boxes and more in the future. I hope it will be a prestige to live in the village, and make a good impression on those who come here. I want to attract good craftsmen and that others are willing to pay me rent to settle and make a living here. I want there to be everything ordinary people need, and attract trade from the surroundings area. One of the ends will be a single large general store of about 130m2 area ground floor with crafts, clothes, shoes, tools, utensils, craft accessories, interior decorations, kitchen accessories, spices, salt and so on. It will have a close connection and trade with my merchant business in Borgarsandr.


    A minor change that is linked to the change village plans is that there will be prepared pipelines under the road for drinking water, sewage and rain water, and in several places. The Academy will be located on a hill at the southern end of the village, so it will probably be a water tower that will feed most of the village and the Academy from there. No matter what, I want water pipes and other things prepared, and the Academy will also get sewage with water treatment that flows down into the valley and on to the sea in the south. There will also be special pipes under the main road through the village that is fed from the lake. One is planned for irrigation in the valley because I hope it will be possible to build automatic sprinklers or similar in the future. Another pipe is primarily intended to have the possibility of additional water wheels on the north side of the road.


    As I walk home, I talk with Pedr about trying to change the interior windows on my mansion and attaching the interior glass to the outer window. Basically making a more modern double glass pane window. If the glass just sits 20mm apart the distortion should be far less, and the view to the outside improved. The tricky part is making the inner window openable for cleaning, but that is doable.


    <hr>


    The bell is complete, and it works great. It rings clearly each time I push the button, and Ciara covers her ears. Alith soon looks in along with Elvira. I just tell Alith that the planned systems are moving forward, but no one understands how the bell can just ring like that without someone hammering on it. I almost want to say ''Angry Pixies'', but that is a stupid idea.


    I''m bad at sticking to one project, so I''m fitting the parts together for the new bench lathe''s frame, but it seems to sit flat and be quite straight. Final adjustment must be made when the lathe is in operation. The stability is aided by the thick heavy cement block with rebar and built in strong foot mounts that Pedr had the craftsmen do. The lathe then stands on a very strong and stable workbench, where I can store some tools and accessories on the shelf underneath. Balancing and trying to make the sliding surfaces on the frame really flat is a bit fussy and tiring. But it needs to be done, and done well.


    The biggest problem is the chuck, followed by balancing all the gears and fitting them against each other, and then filing and doing the finishing work on all the lead screws. To some extent, I cheat and use fine polish to wear the surfaces together. There will be play, which is not good, but this is a prototype and I intend to use this lathe to make improved parts and replace them afterwards.


    At least the drive is a relatively solved problem with the line shaft system.


    <hr>


    It''s evening, Iselin and I have our second movie night, and this time it is the movie Johan Falk: Alla r?ns moder, ie ''The mother of all robberies''. I explain it''s a fictional story about bad people trying to carry out a huge robbery and the guards trying to stop them. I explain what a police officer is, and there is violence etc in the movie, she will get a fairly realistic view of a modern Midg?rd society, with modern weapons used in the robbery scenes and it is recorded in this kind of area, she will see a modern big city.


    Of course she doesn''t understand much of the dialogue because it is so different, and don''t understand the technology. Mobile phones and radios are easier to explain, and she have a hard time keeping up with cuts and scene changes, but she appreciates seeing how my world is, even if the story is imaginary, but possible. So many amazing things like watching helicopters fly and motorboats without sails. Incredibly tall residential buildings. The size of it all and incredible amount of people in a large city. How fast the vehicles travel on the roads, and the huge tunnels.


    After the movie - which she really takes impressively well - we listen to some music, dance, and I try to explain the lyrics in a couple of songs from Rammstein and other groups. I will let her bring a powerbank and the MP3 player with her when she leaves, and that alone makes her so very happy.


    Iselin''s reaction to Within Temptation ''Dangerous'' video with Wingsuits is so damn wonderful to see. She would so like to fly like that, and growing up as she did among Norwegian fjords, I can just imagine that extra attraction. She loves the music, but she is completely fascinated by wingsuits and hang gliding, and sees parables with the kites we made and played with. She seems to totally ignore the risk that it is dangerous, or that the person filming part of it died several years ago while filming another jump, so I avoid confirming that a large enough kite can lift a human. Elf. I explain that it won''t happen in our lifetime. Special material and so on, plus hundreds of practise jumps. The music video takes such a long time to watch for the third time as we basically see it frame by frame. Iselin will definitely try to convince Jane that she wants a piano, and that she should teach Iselin to play.


    We borrow a tabletop figure and make a simple parachute that we release from my attic. We fold paper sheets and throw paper airplanes across the room, and from my attic. Something as simple as a paper airplane and paper spinners that spins when we drop them, and Iselin loves it. But she has always loved the Boomerangs and kites as well.


    Eventually she calms down, and we try to combine just feeling each other''s presence with me trying to get Iselin to know how much I will miss her. Neither of us care about sleep that much, and she can''t do much else than rest on the boat.

 Midwinter calling - day 3, Connection issues

    Midwinter calling, day 3


    Connection issues.


    It''s sad to see Iselin leave. 3 weeks without her. I missed her after 3 days. But I''ve given her enough silver and gold that she should have that covered, the MP3 player and powerbank for entertainment, and some paper airplanes she can try to throw out from suitable cliffs or mountains. Two disappeared somewhere in the strait between the islands when we threw them from the mountain this morning.


    I just stand there and watch as the ship lifts anchor and sails away, with her, Hillevi and Ida. Stand there a wave goodbye. Three weeks. Argh. Hopefully she will come back with her parents. Iselin is smart and I trust her - probably more than I should - but not knowing or getting an update will be difficult. I want long distance radio.


    <hr>


    I try to avoid thinking about Iselin by spending time doing monthly maintenance on the steam boiler, checking everything is okay and working properly, that the safety valve trips and falls back, and so on and so forth. Hrappr cleans out the fire under the boiler properly, and we just check that everything seems to be okay. Hrappr pulls a bundle of branches down through the chimney with a rope to clean out some soot and give us an estimation of buildup. It doesn''t really take long and I assume it''s wasn''t really needed yet, but it feels good to have done it, and Hrappr can show a couple of the workers how to do it so they can do it on other houses, which is not that easy as they have to avoid sooting down the inside. I will try to upgrade all chimneys with spark nets to prevent fire, which is a bigger risk on houses with wooden roofs. On some chimneys maybe even install one of those cones that turn with the wind, to test if it helps to get a better up draft. The workers should install work platforms on the first houses, and on the roof of the pavilion to reach the chimneys there. After Hrappr has finished sweeping, he will oversee transportation of horses and the carriage to Lysesund before tomorrow''s departure to Laxlanda.


    I take the opportunity to climb out on the wings roof and replace the wind turbine with the new and improved one after the chimney sweeping is done. To Alith and Gunhild''s worries and Caecilia''s joy, because I''m cold and sweaty afterwards and she insist on accompanies me in the bathtub so I get really clean and warm. Both Kari and Ciara know that my evenings and nights will be theirs for the next three weeks, so they let her have her turn.


    The sand filters for water seem to work quite well, so we won''t touch them this time. We simply have to check when there seems to be a problem and then blow back and rinse out the sand at shorter intervals than that. Sand filters also seem to have a small run-in period of a day or so, which feels weird. Then I have no idea how good this sand is as a filter. The sand in these filters is literally taken from a sandy beach where Hrappr filled a couple of barrels, then rinsed in fresh water by putting in the creek, before filtering, sun dried and then used.


    I inspect how the door lock installation goes, and houses like Unn''s can now really be locked from the outside, and just like the other houses, she got two keys, while we keep an extra key in the mansion. This is both so that I can copy the key if they are carelessly lost, and so that people don''t think that there are master keys. Although master keys seems to be an unfamiliar concept, as each lock and its keys are individually made. Hell, a simple but probably quite effective lock against most would be a screw with a special head. Most have never heard of that concept either as they nail stuff together, and even Iselin have had problems identifying what is a screw and isn''t. And then they need special tools. A big countersunk insex screw would be quite effective.


    When Unn got the lock installed and I gave her the keys, I saw that it was a big moment for her and quickly realised why. The last thing that happens in a marriage ceremony here, is that as part of the morning gift from the husband to his new wife, he gives her the keys to his home, and when she hangs them in the belt, she becomes his wife, the lady of the estate and the one who rules that home. We are not married - or even had sex even though Unn probably would be positive about it - but I had just given her the keys to a house that is mine, but will probably be Unn''s home for the rest of her life and that is huge. Many men would do such a thing to a mistress or kept woman to make her ''official'', but I don''t have to worry about it being interpreted like that because there are several others I will also do it to, which will include men. I also believe that Unn has too much respect for me to even suggest sex between us. Partly because my sejd is powerful in a way no sejd woman can understand. Partly because I also have power, wealth and high status. But also because I let her work and live here in such a luxurious home, and she have gained respect just for that, and will probably get a lot more respect in the future as the Academys Fj?lkunnig.


    <hr>


    I finish the job with thermometers and only have left to create their scales so each shows the same temperature. I''m unmotivated but finish it before I sketch on a radio. I check which components there are on my Wouxun radio according to the service manual, which radio schematics I have stored away and how I needed to pick parts or modify the schematics. I would have managed without it, but it would have taken far longer to measure the pinout on each semiconductor, and then have to test its characteristics, which I still need to do to some extent as I don''t have data sheets on most of it. The components of the ring flash have the same problems. I draw parts from the radio''s schematics on paper and slate since it''s more efficient than using with a tablet and zooming in and moving about, and reverse engineer some of the connections for the ring flash transistors because it gives a basis for what it is, and I write down the lists of the components and their numbers on the circuit board. It will be enough work already to choose what I use for what, and adapt to the component i have, so I take every advantage I can get.


    It''s really almost ridiculous how many wonderful small semiconductors there are in the radio, and I especially like it''s a modern radio with a lot of mosfets that are better for receivers than most transistors, because a mosfet is a high impedance input that is controlled by a voltage, while a transistor is a current amplifier that generally has a couple of hundred times amplification. Unfortunately, a lot of the radio''s transistors have built-in bias, which is bad as it limits their use. But there are around 50 transistors of different types and 35 diodes, plus LEDs, and some nice Op-Amp ICs. It is intended for 5V systems so I can try to use components from, for example, Tom''s powerbanks to be the 5V supply, or use the radios existing voltage regulators converting from it''s 7.4V lipo battery. I can also use 5V USB sockets and power a radio directly. But the radio''s schematic has so many beautiful semiconductors.


    If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    Speaker, microphone and volume control will be ''interesting''. I only have one true potentiometer from the radio''s volume control, so I have to make a multi-position switch and then solder some resistors as fixed steps instead. Speakers can be made, but I have three, because I will take apart Toms'' Bluetooth headphones for parts, and make a pair of headsets from those speakers even if they become mono. It also gives me extra battery, switches, LEDs, components etc, but I still aim for headphones as the volume won''t be loud and headphones isolates from ambient noise. I could use my ear protector design.


    It would be fun to make a couple of radios that not only have morse but also audio transmission for shorter distances or when the atmospherics are good, and even though there is only one microphone in the Wouxun radio, there are technically many microphones; in the MP3 player, cell phones, my tablet, cameras etc, but I don''t want to disassemble them just for that. I''m thinking of disassembling my mobius camera or just joink it from my DSLR camera. I don''t see much use for recording movies when I have a very limited ability to watch them, although recording movies will be useful for some tests and such. My mobius has already been extensively modded and upgraded a couple of times, but just I might as well save that too because it is a small compact recorder that last several hours. Might be a good idea to start carrying it with me, just to record stuff for later viewing, or when meeting people.


    There should be a microphone or two somewhere in Tom''s headset as well, considering the holes on the outside and the noise cancelling function. It is probably possible to make a good enough simple dynamic microphone, carbon grain microphone or metal strip microphone, but everyone of those will probably need a preamplifier and even if I have quite a lot of semiconductors, I should save semiconductors for more projects. More than two radios are very convenient. But it will be a ''nightmare'' and oh so intricate to try to take everything apart and I have to be so carefully to see what can be used. I cannot let the magic smoke out, or nuke it.


    I decide to mix the electronics build styles of ''manhattan'' with ''freeform deadbug'', and split both the transmitter and receiver into smaller sections and then join them together. I can reuse parts of the circuit board from the ring flash and radio if the PCB doesn''t have too many layers that becomes a problem. The build style makes it easier to try to solve one part at a time, but testing and calibration will be a bitch to do. I don''t have the software or data sheets needed to be able to reprogram the radios IF stage, but even if I wanted to, I couldn''t use its IF part as is due to its high frequency of 29.25MHz, and I need to have several radios. One isn''t enough.


    In the end I plan for the radio to be in the 2-8MHz range because I want distance, and I don''t care if the antenna gets long because the radio don''t need to fit in a pocket. Reliable with good distance are the most important aspects. I have space here on the mansion and courtyard, and the ship has two large masts and ropes, but the ship is not huge so I should avoid going lower than at least 5MHz or so, as a dipole element will be about 15m, and that is about the maximum limit for the ship if I want a full length inverted V dipole via the main mast, otherwise I will probably have to extend the mast and use a bow rod or something. Of course, it is possible to use a shorter length and adjust with a coil, but shortened antennas usually lose efficiency.


    Damn. Okay, the sails when tacking are a future problem.


    A big problem is that the atmospheric and ionosphere bounce condition for low frequencies gradually change during the day, and differ from day and night. The high latitude up here does not help due to the large difference between summer and winter, and how low the maximum usable frequency (MUF) is on the day for Near Vertical Incidence Skywave, so-called NVIS. Maybe I should try to make the radio multiband with two frequency ranges? That will be more problems, which are manageable, but the antenna tuning will be bad if I don''t stick to double the frequency, and that''s not optimal either. I''m hardly limited by any radio regulations here, so practically a good frequency plan should be something like 5MHz during the day and half that at 2.5MHz at night, and an antenna can work on both frequencies with a little tuning when changing frequencies. I have no real idea how the radiation pattern will be affected. I''m not that good at radio signals and antennas.


    It may also be a good idea to stay in the frequency range of a Midg?rd radio amateur, because if someone else here were to broadcast or listen, it would probably be a radio amateur from Midg?rd or a technological descendant from one, and most likely they would then try to use or listen to ''their'' frequencies. It would be interesting if I got a radio contact with another human here, especially if they have a slightly more advanced civilization around them. Both to know they exist, and to be able to cooperate, or discover if they are a threat. I''m a bit relieved that I will never have to show a really good radio amateur my builds, because many would have given me a big applause because I built a radio, while a few would point out all the mistakes and ways I could have done it better. It is human nature, and it doesn''t matter in which area it is.


    Had I known better, I probably would have done it better myself, but I''m not a radio guru like H P Friedrichs, although I can find some of his experiments. Hell, it was his experiment with copper oxide diodes that made me download and read the original patents, and just the knowledge that copper oxide semiconductors exist and were used would be enough to know instead of starting from scratch, but those PDFs was saved in the ''miscellaneous'' folder on the tablet. That man would have built radios completely from scratch without cheating with modern components even though he probably used them if they existed. I also can not build my own electronic vacuum tubes like Claude Paillard, but I will try in the future since it would be so damn important to show it work even if they''re bad, but it will require so many machines, metals and steps until I get there and can even start trying. In the end I''m not a specialist in anything, just a good amateur above average in a lot.


    I should build that spark gap transmitter and crystal receiver just because it''s simple, and to prove I did it and radio can be done with 100% Alfheimr parts. I will also build a speaker with amplification, and use the radio''s speakers and its amplifier part to begin with, so I can play music from my MP3 etc, and can use it instead of headphones for later radio experimentation. The speaker can be powered by a USB powerbank for a long time and will be portable. To increase the sound, the speaker will have a large horn of the folded model with a large wide opening, but I have to ask a carpenter to make that.

 Midwinter calling - day 3, Darkness

    It''s afternoon and I have temporarily put the work aside because Ciara thinks I need to rest and relax for a while, and we ended up in her room for a change. She would have preferred to have me in here all the time and every night.


    I lie sweaty and naked on my back on Ciara''s bed with Ciara naked next to me and as usual with her head on my chest and an arm around me, when there is a knock and Jane just opens the door and steps in; ''Ciara, can you ...'' Panic rises and I try to throw on the blanket that Ciara is lying on, but Ciara doesn''t care at all, so I throw my hands over my man parts and avoid looking at Jane. Jane spins around and says "I''ll wait in your office." before she steps out and close the door behind her. So I sigh, put on my shirt and shorts, and kiss Ciara who sighs that I cannot continue to lie here with her, and go in to ask what Jane wanted. I find Jane examining my slate boards and paper schematics.


    "I recognise this. You''re planning something electrical."


    "Yes. You can''t say anything yet, but I''m trying to re-use a bit of what I brought with me to build a few things - Iselin''s journey motivated me to get started. I want to upgrade the ship for future journeys."


    "With what?! That''s no steam engine and I''m no sailor, but even I understand that ship is bonkers for this age! I''ve seen how other sailors react to it, how they want to make love to the compass or crane." Jane looks at me with suspicious eyes. "Do I really want to know what you consider is an ''upgrade'' for it? If you say GPS I''m going to hurt you."


    "Don''t be absurd. Don''t you know how insane that is? GPS require atomic clocks, computors, advance and powerful radios, solar panels and dozens of satellites in precise orbits. Each one is an insane project. Just a high altitude liquid fuel rocket would be insane. Just an insane waste of resources and years just trying to make the machines to make the fuel, and then you have material science, along the stabilization and control problem that requires electronics, and without a usable payload... which is an even more waste of time and resources. Do you have any idea how large the United States and Soviets rocket programs were? How much time, money and effort they had to spend just to send something like Sputnik up, that just went beep-beep-beep for a few weeks? Over a few generations with a heck of a lot of money maybe something like the V2 rocket to send up something Sputnik like - but not in my lifetime. The first dozen rockets will most likely blow up too. There is a reason why ''rocket science'' is synonymous with being hard. The highest altitude I can reach is probably with some kind of hydrogen filled animal bladder balloon, that might reach 10km or more if I am lucky, and space which starts 100km up cannot be reached by a normal balloon launch, and I need double that for Low Earth Orbit, and I need to accelerate the object to something like mach 20. The space race happened in the fifties and sixties for a reason, and was between two super powers."


    "As fun as it is to see you go on a nerd rage tangent; quit stalling. What is this?"


    "The ship isn''t a ''millennium'' eagle yet, more like 400 year eagle. So I''m trying to build long distance shortwave radios."


    "Radios? Bloody Radio?! You''re building radios, just because you can''t talk to Iselin for three weeks?!"


    "No! Not only. It would be nice if the ship is on a long distance voyage or I just want to know everything is alright, or you know; ''Please buy toilet paper'' or something when the ship is in Borgarsandr. And it will help with the longitude problem for navigation, and clock calibration if I get enough range. Building a simple radio to just tick that of my list isn''t a problem - long range and actual usefulness is."


    Jane just sits there in my office chair and looks at me with an incredulous look. "Bloody radio. You''re going to build radios - in the Viking age - just because you miss Iselin. You really love and miss her. Radios. Long distance radios." Jane looks away and it''s an silent minute before she with a low voice ask; "What would you do if someone kidnapped Iselin or really hurt her? How far would you go?"


    I sigh and sit in the extra chair Iselin or Ciara usually use, and I too look down at the floor.


    "I don''t know. I really hope to never find out. Not just for Iselins sake but for mine too. I fear I might get angry and loose it. We all have limits, but I pretty much don''t get angry. I might get annoyed by things, but I usually don''t really get angry. I can''t remember the last time I was angry. Probably a decade or more. Since I grew up I have never screamed in some ones face, accused someone of things loudly or thrown insults just to feel better and ventilate or thrown or broken things. I can''t remember that I ever did that in my teens. I never even heard if from my parents that I did it as a child. I was a quiet child.


    I havn''t been in a fight since lower school. I can remember the last time I used direct force against someone in a fight situation. I was probably about ten and it was in school and the bully came after me, so I sent him sailing between the benches with a shoulder throw. The bullying didn''t become really physical after that, and I worked to limit situations where it could, so they used more shame, name calling and making themselves feel good at my expense. Sabotage. Stealing things. It was hard.


    I was the shortest in my class when I was 13, and I didn''t do sports because there was few options when you''re small and skinny, although I tried a couple. All the girls where taller. Easier target for bullies. The parents and teachers where not prepared back then, but I don''t blame my parents. Telling only made the bullies learn to be smarter, and that is part of the reason for my view on apologies, so now you know that too. Anyway, I hid in the library during breaks, avoided situations, avoided places where I could be cornered, got first to the shower room, was quick and left before they got much chance do or say much. Tried to defuse situations with diplomacy or not being there. I''ve never been one for crowds, but I guess bullying made it worse, and probably shaped my life and personality more than I like to admit. I will never know what my life could have been, so I don''t think about it.


    Going by statistics I was probably the smartest in my school. I did a couple of IQ test later in life due to other things, but I never told anyone the real results, and I won''t tell you. I didn''t really care - still don''t - and I learned young that being smart and telling or showing it isn''t helpful. For me it is only really good for being quick to understand complex thing, learning faster, see patterns and handle complex decision trees in games and thinking ahead. Fading in the background and not draw attention was better, but it did kind of mess up my life as an adult. I will say I could join Mensa but I never saw the point, and that the military conscription tests I took places you in ranks on a bell curve, and it was easy to be placed in the highest in the intelligence test, and electronics test. I didn''t do bad in physical either - I was biking and swimming a lot back then, and mopeds and such was never really my thing.


    I know how to hurt people. It''s mostly just book knowledge and I never used it, and I don''t just talk about using force or traps. Force and violence is primitive and I don''t like it - it feels caveman. The bully way. Throwing or destroying things in an anger fueled temper tantrum is a very effective way of making me loose respect for someone, and I mostly don''t care if you have one of the common diagnoses. Especially if it is used as an excuse, instead of trying to improve, which is often the case. Saying ''Sorry'' after will not fix what was broken, and I don''t really accept excuses that you didn''t think or couldn''t control yourself. Accept your mistakes and learn. Never do anything like that with malice. Do that, and you will not live here any more.


    I didn''t want to do martial arts or something, some bully''s did, and there were few options where I grew up. But more important I really didn''t want to know how to hurt someone and practice using violence, because I might be tempted to use it. Learning how to defend is close to hurting, and it wouldn''t end well. There is also the fact that someone who never trained anything physical will have an slightly easier time trying to claim accidental death if shit happens, especially when they''re young, small and skinny. That, and that I really didn''t want to use violence, is one reason that a bully never needed to learning to live as a blind person after accidentally loosing both eyes while bullying the weak kid.


    This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    But anyway, there are two people living and probably having good lives never even thinking how close they were to ''accidents'' or ''getting sick''. No one would probably be able to bind me to it. This was way back when forensic shows wasn''t a thing, before every child had a mobile, and it was a small town in southern Sweden. I would have alibi. You don''t make a huge police investigation over simple stupid accident for a young boy or accidental poisoning, when there don''t seem to be any foul play at all. Very sad, but shit happens.


    That''s one thing about reading books in a library; who would be able to say what was being read if you didn''t check out the books and you didn''t need help finding them? Just because you sit in the technical section and usually read a crazy amount of technical things, doesn''t mean every book you read are from there, and the library people were used to me being there reading and not asking for help. Hell, I knew some parts of the library better than them. There is a saying: If nerds ruled the world there wouldn''t be any wars, just a lot of weird freak accidents.


    But one of the main reason I never actually did anything? No one could know. Ever. So one bully might die. Very sad for his family and friends. But it wouldn''t stop the bullying. It might make it worse since the others might miss their friend, and need to take it out on someone weaker. The usual victim. Me. I would never even be able to use it to frighten another bully - never even hint at it even by mistake. And more accidents? Two would be pushing it, even if spread over say a year, and completely different, or at the same time so the blame would fall on the other. I was very careful. Learning to watch your back makes that, and the fear that it would be known was of course there. Shit happens, no plan survive contact with reality.


    Understand that I didn''t care about myself, and I was a minor anyway, but it would make my family sad - it was a small town. People would talk. I didn''t want to put my family through the possibility of rumours, and maybe forcing them to change their lives or move. It''s pretty much my empathy and compassion that stopped those bullies that didn''t have empathy or compassion, from having ''accidents'' - isn''t that ironic?


    Same with suicide, which I did think about and even made plans to seem like murder and blame a bully. But I didn''t want to hurt my family and make them sad. But later in life? Even in Midg?rd? I''m happy I never got pushed, that no-one really hurt someone I cared for too much. It also helps that technology and forensics are powerful, and I respect a skilled interrogator enough that I would do my best to never co-operate, even if innocent. It''s their home field and they''re the professionals, but they might still be wrong. I would see an interrogation or ''interview'' as a hostile action, and I would try to shut up, or use the military response: ''I can''t answer that question'', and wait for a lawyer. It helps that I don''t really get angry or confrontational, even when I''ve had angry people yelling in my face, pushing me and trying to start a fight, or make me lash out or feel insulted. Shutting the fuck up and just letting my mind wander will help.


    But here? Where it is so easy to use ''magic'' and ''curse'' someone or make people believe that the Gods caused it? Here; where I can make crazy preparations that no one but you might guess? It wouldn''t be hard to get away with murder and more, and that''s ignoring that I now can use the laws to my advantage. The only thing that would really protect people is my aversion to violence and my focus, and I wouldn''t want to hurt guards doing their job or innocent people, but I can live with a few as collateral damage. If I am ''motivated'' that count would increase fast, and I don''t want to know if I was angry. I might give an expensive sword as a tribute or the payoff but having it being radioactive, but that is much harder than just biological or chemical warfare. Poisons like ricin, methanol, hydrogen cyanide, heavy metals, booby traps of all sorts combined with poisons, electrical weapons or torture, poisoning or gassing a house or castle, suffocating them with nitrogen, carbon monoxide or dioxide. Fun fact, the body doesn''t have an alarm for lack of oxygen. Or I could just blowing someone up with blackpowder or hydrogen or shooting them from a distance with a rifle. Maybe silenced or an airgun.


    Those things I literally just thought about when speaking that, and I tried avoiding things that are harder to do, and to be honest I wouldn''t tell you all. If I have time and real motivation... I really don''t want to know. I don''t think I would even try with stupidly dangerous things like nerve agents or Botulinum toxin which you probably know of as Botox. They''re just absurdly dangerous and would probably kill me or the persons hired to make it. It takes like half a kilogram of Botulinum toxin to kill all seven billion humans on Earth, and takes just millions of a gram for a person inhaled or swallowed, but you could make it at home by accident if your unlucky or stupid. It happens, because the bacteria is pretty much everywhere in the soil, and it is why you have to be careful with canning food and other foodstuff, and one reason gardening gloves are a good idea. It''s also one reason you shouldn''t give honey to babies."


    I know I talked too much, but I really needed to ventilate. When I look up I see Jane just staring at me with her mouth open, but I can not read her expression more than the shock. She probably doesn''t know what to say, but I cannot help but continue a little more. I''ve never talk to anyone about this. Never. Just so that no one would know. The best kept secret is when only one person knows, and nothing is recorded. There is no second best.


    "I do like backup plans, and I have made a few things already no one knows about - you''re the first one that even know I have made something - and I like having surprises and backup plans. Not even Iselin will have a hint. Just because I could, or it would be fun to try. But they''re not really that lethal or magical. I have many more ideas. Remember that you didn''t realise my cane, my Boomstick, was a firearm. Do you have any idea how many things can be made to launch a projectile? Or all the ways to inject a poison covertly? Just the insane amount of poisons and all the different methods of exposure to make someone sick or insane. Someone here who don''t even know the possibility, what would they see or understand? I don''t remember who said it, but: ''everything is a poison, and there''s poisons in everything. It is all a matter of dosage.''


    So yes. I really hope I never find out what happens when I get really annoyed or angry. I will most likely not rage, and instead will be cold and detached, and make sure it''s an effective and long term solution. I don''t think I would rage and attack a farm or two over a few days; torturing, raping and killing in front of their family to make everyone know I was angry, and maybe start a blood feud or giving relatives a chance for revenge. That is not my style, and I just don''t see any point in torture. It wouldn''t give me anything, and I''m not that cruel. I hope I''m not, because there is so many horrible ways to torture people.


    My style is probably more in getting precise info. Then quickly attack with overwhelming force, on multiple locations, and during one night exterminating a family tree quick and efficient with minimal suffering, burn everything, salt the ground and disappear without anyone knowing. I might just use the easy option of building or hiring an army and conquer the enemy place with might and technology. Go for ''Shock and Awe'' and maybe combine with ''magic''. I might use money and knowledge to buy allies to turn everyone against the enemy for a more long term project.


    If it is really bad, I dread I might go completely nuts and then people might learn what fear of the unknown is, because here a plague like the vengeance of the gods isn''t impossible to create, but it might be impossible to stop until it has run its course. I would have to be nuts and not caring about anyone to even touch biological warfare, but during the 1300s the Black Plague killed about half of Europe''s population over a few years, and that is without someone deliberately cultivating and spreading it."


    I sit leaning forward with my elbows on my knees, and when I look up I see the shock in Jane''s face. Definitely time to stop talking and I don''t want her to say anything. I hope what I said does not change things between us too much, and that she don''t see me as a monster. But that ventilation kind of felt good, even though I kept some things to myself and gave incorrect info. So I just leave the room, and go back in to Ciara who seems to just recently dressed and is still standing and straightening it. Ciara sees my face, my eyes, and she doesn''t hesitate and just takes my outstretched hand and follows me into my bedroom without asking.


    I just lie on the bed and hold Ciara while I try to avoid thinking. Ciara understands that something has made me depressed, but I stop her from trying to cheer me up in her usual way and we''ve just had sex and I''m not in the mood. I say it''s just a bad day; memories and thoughts that have come up, and it''s nobody''s fault. I just want to lie there and hold my wonderful Ciara. I try to sleep to avoid thinking.


    <hr>


    The afternoon turn to evening and I still havn''t come out of my depression, and they eat supper without me. Ciara doesn''t like my depression and she sends Kari in with a tray of food, and Kari tries her best by being caring. I have several wonderful partners who really care about me, and I have a comfortable life even with Midg?rd''s standards. I can honestly spend the rest of my life here in Alfheimr doing what ever the hell I want. There are no real demands or ''must'' other than the ones I give myself, and as long as I continue to do something small now and then and have someone else teach navigation etc, I fulfill what I said to King Asbj?rn as well. But I''m not that person, and my goal is not to get away with a minimal amount of work, and my hobbies can make this world take a leap forward in technology, and make life better for them. I should probably focus on getting shit done over winter and try to make the Academy take care of itself, and then take a long easier summer.

 Midwinter calling - day 4, Laxlanda

    Midwinter calling, day 4


    Laxlanda


    It was cumbersome to transport everything to Lysesund via a Knarr, but that was mostly Hrappr''s problem - it''s good to be the Furst. I should make a steam engine ferry. It does not have to be fast or particularly good, as long as it works. It would be very practical with something like a Higgins boat they used for landing during World War II and later, with a loading bay and ramp at the front. There are relatively few ports adapted for ships such as the Millennium Eagle, but there are plenty of beaches.


    <hr>


    The weather is slightly above freezing with high humidity, so sitting in the carriage is hardly warm and cosy, and the covered winter coach would have been so much better. I think we will order another coach once we have solved the transport problem, and could perhaps make a more caravan style wagon, with a stove for heating and cooking, with a table to sit at and then a place to sleep when the table is lowered. Something like that yellow wagon in Stardust and other fantasy movies?


    But it is pretty nature we travel through, and the forested mountains is quite beautiful with the low clouds and the rain hanging in the air. For this to be a less important country road going from Lysesund, passing through a village called Svenlum and on through the mountain valleys to Laxlanda, the road is perfectly okay, at least with suspension on the wheels and at a relatively slow pace. But it takes time to travel like this, and I miss having a car.


    The guards agree that it is a good idea to practice how we should react if we are attacked, and it may feel silly, but it can save lives. The most likely attacks are three situations. Ambush from the sides, with or without being blocked by felled trees. Frontal attacks with or without blockage. And finally that we''re chased. Appropriate reaction depends on the terrain, but it is something to do on the trip. We will probably make it a habit to do at least one exercise on each trip, at least now in the beginning. Having firearms to decimate attackers would be really handy, especially from a more protective covered compartment in a coach. It would also have been better with a more discreet carriage that is far less visible than this one, which a coach easily is with just a little darker oiled wood. Pretty on the inside, and discreet on the outside.


    Tents come up as a topic of conversation, and of course, we have a good tent, and tents are practical and I have often used tents - but I don''t like sleeping in tents. There is always a concern that something might be outside, animals or people who are assholes. I feel that anxiety sleeping in my car. Which has been a reason why I prefer to camp very discreetly, and have discreet natural colors on tents, except my larger 3+ tent with an anteroom which is for large camping sites. That too is green-gray, but brighter. I have often preferred to use my basha in British DPM camouflage when hiking, or just use my poncho. Each is smaller and lighter than my tent, which can be a disadvantage as it is just rain and some wind protection, but it is also very difficult to detect if I am a little sneaky when choosing the place to make camp, and it is also possible to discreetly look outside and quietly and quickly leave. And here in Alfheimr life is much more dangerous.


    So I talk about how insecure it feels to sleep in a tent, and how I usually camp when I hike. An easy way to try to kill someone here would be a rain of arrows against the tent they sleep in, and it can be done from a distance and perhaps disappear in the dark. Probably with arrow tips smeared with poop or similar to hope to give infected wounds. Just 5 people at 50-80m should be quite dangerous and could quickly fire many arrows, and most people are kind enough to have luxurious tents in bright light colors that are easily visible in the dark, with large banners that makes it clear who sleeps where. I''m a little surprised that a powerful Jarl like Myrun doesn''t have at least one layer of hardened leather or the like strapped under the canvas to at least reduce the force of an arrow. But sure, I understand that most people want light into the tents and uncolored light beige fabric is practical and cheapest.


    We can color our tents in a light green or a brown shade even if it gets darker inside, and compensate with window opening. But I have made a calculation of something and I want to try to make a large chain mail ''mosquito net'' as inside protection, or just for the bed. Just chain mail sewn between two pieces of fabric for a more discreet look, and can be made in a finer colored fabric with simple decorations to mask the rings and reduce both light and sound. It can be hung from the roof pole of the tent or standing poles, and fall down on the sides and outside the bed. A simple wood stick frame can give a rectangular roof section that can hold the weight, and the weight will compress the frame. There is quite a lot of surface on normal mail armour for a body, and from what I measured 1m2 is about 6-7kg. A large protection of 4x2.5m plus head and foot end, thus becomes 80kg. Yep, it''s heavy and very expensive, but honestly feels worth it, because we have no use for silver if we are dead. We have oil lamps, lanterns and combo lamps we can use for light inside the tent, and with the right design it is possible to make ''windows'' to let in more light during daytime.


    My company exchanges glances, but agrees. Ciara and Alith absolutely want to see it done because I have given them something new to worry about.


    The B-mansion had some chain mail that we took with us and is just stored in our basement, so I want to try to get a protection screen made to see how it turns out. If it''s just a terrible idea, it has just cost time and silver, and the chain mail can split apart and be made into body armour. It will take time to get made, and Gunhild and Alith can do the final sewing of large armour pieces themselves to hide the purpose, and we will probably also split the screen into slightly overlapping parts that are T hooked together to make transportation easier, and openable for cleaning and rust removal. To try to keep the real purpose secret, we will call it a ''privacy screen'' which is to mute sound, light and make it warmer. We can even add some pockets on the inside because that would be practical, and maybe a couple of thin ropes and loops to hang a shirt, socks or the like to dry. They will get fabric, and also see if it is possible to get hold of other used chain mail, although most are inherited. It''s expensive and lasts.


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    One thing that works poorly in a rocking carriage is to write or sketch, and it''s worse without modern writing tools. I''m so damn tired of a feather quill that I''ll try to make a simpler dip pen in wood and metal when I get back. It will be very hard to get a nice one, but it''s still better than a feather, and more durable. I will eventually try to make an acceptable fountain pen, because it is the best writing instrument I have a chance to make in my lifetime. The the ball in a ballpoint pen or gel pen is way way too high precision and complicated, and it will be difficult enough to get capillary cuts and fine notches just right. Just the ink might be difficult enough.


    We use a lot of the time for Caecilia to start to teach us her primary language Laitje, and it will take time. She has written down a lot of words with inflections, and we sit and practice, and write on slate. Inflections and the right word depending on the circumstance will be difficult to get right. Caecilia is good at a lot of things, but she is not the best teacher. It could have been worse, and it''s not a Roman Centurion with a sword against my neck.


    Heh ... ''Romans go home''.


    <hr>


    Storman Maurr greets us with a big happy smile when we arrive, and we are warmly welcomed, and he introduce his eldest daughter with husband and two babies, and they have been here a couple of days to ''visit her father''. Maurr also introduce an older woman around his age as his concubine Lyngheida. Maurr is a good host, but he knows we will not have time to stay for several days, and hopefully we can finish the ferry and open that for use.


    Storman Maurr is proud to show his farm, which is easily defended and beautifully perched on a large and high hill, with his fields stretching out all around. It is a nice view, and he has used the shape of the mountain and a cliff edge as natural defence, so there is no high palisade to the east, and the view is nice out over the valley and the river with Laxlanda. The farm is like many larger farms several longhouses with stone foundations but just a few have glass windows. Honestly, it almost looks like Edoras from the Lord of the rings, only the hill isn''t that high and with glass windows and there is no village below. I take pictures and Jane will be so jealous that she chose to stay on Ackerek. She will probably come along when the Inn and so on will be inaugurated. Unless the weather sucks.


    <hr>


    They have done a really good job with the rope''s support and anchoring. It will be fun to see how well it will function and how much use it is all year round, but they are used to building with wood under these conditions, and Maurr has made sure that they painted the wood with some dark tar to protect it better. The supports are basically large pyramids with the top offset over the top land corner, as all the load will be to the down to the ground, downstream and over to the other side, and the anchoring makes it work a bit like a suspension bridge.


    As far as I can tell, the ferry has been well built. It can definitely be improved, but the boatbuilder and his apprentice are anxious to show how well they have tried to follow my sketches of what it should look like finished, and the ferry feels strong, stable and well-built. They paddled the ferry upstream here, so even though it was difficult, the was more than enough room for several men. I''m also pleased that they have followed my safety and equipment directives to the letter. There are 6 paddles to be able to paddle the ferry to the rivers shore in the event of a rope rupture, and also a pair of lifebuoys, and 8 life preservers. To help people keep their balance and give people somewhere to rest, there are seats on the storage compartments along the downstream side, and it is under these that paddles and life preservers are stored.


    So the block is installed, a rope is pulled to the ferry and attached to its lever. With me and Storman Maurr standing on deck with Bresir, the boat builder, his apprentice and a couple of guards each for me and Maurr, we cast off and move the lever over, and the ferry slowly begins to work its way across the river to the cheers of the audience. It doesn''t take long before we reach the other side. There is no jetty here yet, because we needed to see where it ends up with the rope adapted to the jetty on the other side. So a pole is knocked down in the river bottom, before we move the lever and the ferry starts to work its way back across the river, where we are meet with more the cheers.


    Kari definitely takes the opportunity to prove that I''m her man with a big kiss and hug, and Ciara doesn''t want to be worse, even if she is less hungry. Caecilia also gets a quick little kiss because she really looked like she wanted one with slightly pouting lips. Maurr laughs, shrugs and gives his concubine Lyngheida an enthusiastic kiss, which makes her giggle like a teenage girl.


    We have to adjust the length of the rope a bit so that the ferry docks correct at the jetty, but the ferry work. With the rudder, it is also possible to adjust the speed, and it helps to be able to steer when the rope eventually snap. Hopefully, inspection and maintenance will ensure that the ropes are replaced in time, but how well it goes and how often it will be remains to be seen. The ferryman will check it once a week. I make sure to pay the boatbuilder and compliment him and his apprentice for work well done.


    Kari is proud when she shows the banners she has arranged which will be on each side''s jetty and two small flags on the ferry. Both my own and the Academy''s logo. It must be clear who owns and designed the ferry. I casually suggest its just missing a runestone, so that will definitely be erected to tell about the ferry, the purpose, the date and who raised the runestone. We make another trip across to mark where the jetty will be built. Maurr has men and material ready so it should be completed today.

 Midwinter calling - day 4, Laxlanda (Part 2)

    For the rest of the day the ferry across the river is free, and the ferry makes many many trips across the river and there is a substantial crowd on both sides, that have increased. Many people just go back and forth, and there is a festive atmosphere, not least because Maurr invites everyone to mead. Maurr spends many many trips sitting in the middle of the ferry and inviting people to mead.


    I have now at least started to learn the difference between mead and beer. I''ve always thought beer, wine or alcohol taste like shit and seen no reason to drink it, and havn''t been especially interested in learning anything about it, and it still applies to some extent. So there were several in my company who with the wedding planning and Reiekr?ne conversations told me what the difference is, and that much of what I assumed was mead is beer. Ordinary home-brewed stuff is generally mead made from various crops, but it doesn''t last and can go bad in a few days to a week. Properly made beer on malt stays good and last well even during summer, and can last for 3-6 months. Reiekr?ne is known for its beer production and huge export, but the knowledge of how beer is made has spread, and since a couple of generations, there is now beer production in some places here in the region. So a lot of what we bought is beer, not mead.


    Kari has on Iselin''s suggestion sneakily brought some kites with her and Elvira shows how they work and lets the kids test. Kari can not relax and act ''childish'' when it is so public, but otherwise she likes kites just like Iselin.


    Since this is one of the few times I have good flowing water to try, I test fly fishing on the river, and I have a pretty good audience. The fishing line of braided strands from a horsetail is bad, but works. Fly fishing is not really my thing, but the fishing rod and fly work. The swinging rod and line whipping by at least makes people stay away from me. It must look rather absurd to see me fishing in this way, especially at a distance, where I stand in my pretty chain mail and wave a stick. But I get a couple of fish, which is a relief, and Ciara''s applause gets accompanied by others watching me. I have to explain it several times, that the point is not to be the most effective way to get fish, but for sport, challenge and relaxation, and Maurr gets to try. The equipment can be absolutely be improved but it is cheap to make.


    The ferryman I hired to take care of the ferry is annoyed over all the sweat and effort he put in for years and years to row people over - all the pain and ache he felt - when it can be so very easy and fast. He was afraid that he would have to quit in a few years as it is quite tiring to row and load goods, and it is very visible on his body how much he has worked in life. He does not look like he''s just 38 years old, and the difference between us is very striking. When it is this simple and effortless, he will be able to work for many more years, and he is so grateful to be offered this work. For the time being, he will continue to live in his house as it is quite close and he will hear the bronze bells.


    This type of ferry has already been popularly nick-named a current ferry, and that is quite logical. A ferry that uses the current: Current ferry.


    It would have been nice to have larger weather protection on the ferry, but I am worried that it can catch too much wind and counteract the journey over. There is a couple of smaller spaces in the bow of each pontoon where passengers and the ferryman can sit and take shelter, partly to prevent rain and snow from filling the ferry''s pontoons, but the roof is low and the space is open to the platform. Each is only suitable for four adults and a couple of children and goods. So I pay to have the boat builder add in a couple of glass panes on each side to shut out all rain and wind, and attach a small door over the opening with another glass pane. The corresponding rear spaces are storage space, but on the next ferry there will probably be small shelters there as well. So it is there if it is needed by travelers, otherwise it will be storage space.


    Bresir is commissioned to make a rain and wind shelter on each side, where the ferryman and passengers can take shelter while waiting for the ferry. A couple of signs with pictograms that travelers should signal with a bronze bell will be put up, which also explains the cost of transport. Cheap for people, more expensive for goods, and if someone wants transport in the middle of the night, it will be much more expensive. To prevent someone from taking the ferry over at night etc, a large lock with a chain will be fastened on the side with his cabin, and in a small ceremony, the Ferryman gets the key.


    <hr>


    The inn will be located along the west shores road to the ferry, and only about a 2 minute walk from the ferry where the ground is more rocky and three to four meters higher, and there can be a basement in the stone foundation under the kitchen. I''m a little worried about the river flooding. It should not be a major problem, but why risk it? Beside the inn there will be a stable, barn and fence enclosing the inn''s courtyard. The inn''s area is ''large'' in part because this ferry can become very popular as the main road to Borgarsandr and Tingshamn runs on the other east side of the river, and the road on the Inn side goes both west towards Lysesund and north before splitting to north east towards Storsj?n and north west towards the coast. Kari''s property should be somewhere over there too. But those roads mean that the inn can attract a lot of people. There are parallel stretches of road on this side of the river, but further down at Tingshamn the river splits in two, and the river to Borgarsandr is large and wide, but much slower. There Northmens Ting is on the east side, a day''s journey downstream. Maurr will send someone to Borgarsandr to order windows for the inn and make sure the windows are delivered here. Considering how many horses I have, we will move two here, and there will also be room for a couple of wagons in the barn.


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    All the people at the current ferry makes it easy to find those who can sell me some animals. Of course the inn needs it, and a large vegetable garden will also be arranged. That I employ a farmhand and maid from Maurr''s estates to take care of animals and help with the inn is definitely appreciated, and there are several advantages to hiring locals. I have to hire someone who will be the host and manage the inn for me, but I can postpone it for a few months. Maybe one of the maids at the B-mansion is suitable?


    Considering that the land I own lies against the river, and the rapids have a fall height of a couple of meters where a canal can lead water to a water wheel, Bresir will build a larger water-powered facility here. A sawmill, with extra buildings for flour mill, cloth stamping and maybe more. I make sure to add extra space for expansions. There is a lot of flow in the wide river, so that won''t be an issue, and there might be some industrialization here in a few years. The stamper and flour mill won''t take up much space, but the sawmill will be quite large as the potential supply of logs is huge. Due to the amount of work the sawmill will probably see and certainly require at least two men, there will be a small living area in the same building. Actually why not create a smaller adjacent building based on the new residential building? I can make them share a chimney, and it is a more luxurious larger apartment for the sawmill manager and two or three smaller ones for workers. I sketch the surroundings and take more photos and movies so I can plan the layout better. I miss Iselin''s photobombing.


    The sawmill interests Maurr very much, and I''m not surprised by how much forested mountains and land he seems to own. The mountains on both sides of the river valley are just forest, followed by more forest, with small lakes, streams and the occasional small plots of land around a farm, all the way to Svenlum about 12 km away to the west, and even more to the inland in the east. Most of the road here went through that western forest. So Maurr owns considerable areas of forested mountains, especially on the west side. Our agreement is that he simply pays for the road transport and sawing of planks. I will be able to buy all the timber I want, and he is responsible for timber transport out of the forest to a road. I will have a new type of wagon made as a timber wagon with a simple winch. They drag logs after horses, and it is practical in the terrain, but it destroys the roads, so they try to do it during winter when the ground is frozen. But Maurr''s horses and men will drag the logs to a road, where the logs with their help are loaded on a timber wagon for travel to the sawmill during most of the year, and then the planks can be transported on the river or a regular wagon. About 60km downstream there is Borgarsandr and the whole coast. I better make sure that if the need exist, that I can increase production by adding many sawmills in the same industrial area.


    Of course, I''ll probably hire some more men from Maurr''s land to work for me at the sawmill. It''s definitely best to hire locals, and Maurr probably wouldn''t recommend just anyone. The blacksmith in Maurr''s village will be commissioned to make sawblades and other parts. So basically Maurr sells timber or planks, and pay me to transport logs and turn them into planks. Considering that Maurr owns lots of forest and is closest, he expects that I will buy almost everything I need here from him, which I will do, and he will be able to sell planks cheaper than others due to the amount of forest he has and that the forest is closer to the sawmill. However, log floating via the river should make it possible for other landowners upstream to sell timber, and it is an advantage to let the timber lie in fresh water for a long time to leach out sugar etc and so the planks don''t split as easily, but it takes several years. Yeah, I should plan for a combination of drying on land and soaking, and I probably have enough land upstream for that. A relatively narrow dug canal can be used to float timber to different storage sites and the sawblades to make transport easier. I should probably look at making a simpler conveyor system or hanging route in the future.


    But we will see how popular the sawmill will be, and how in demand the planks will be, which of course is affected by the price. But it should make shipbuilding and the like much easier, cheaper and faster. To brag and show of what planks can be used for, the Inn and other buildings will get a plank fence, and maybe a facade like A-mansion. Even without wood shavings as extra insulation, the log wall is protected and the still air provides an extra layer of insulation. There will at least be plenty of sawdust. Maybe I should consider selling sawdust as insulation? Or make paper out of it? Both?


    Maurr''s worker have been very fast in building the jetty, but they had material prepared. So the ferry take the carriage across with mounted horses, and it is so easy to just drive off once the ferry is tied to the jetty.


    <hr>


    Maurr has prepared a hearty feast, and Maurr has definitely learned from Jarl Naeswulf''s mistakes with placement and my status. I''m there as Furst Arnesson, and the local Fj?lkunnig woman is also invited, but there are a limited number of guests. Probably partly because he could not be sure when the feast would be, and his children live some distance away. Hence youngest daughter and husband. Maurr has not remarried since his wife died in childbirth, but the relationship he has with his concubine Lyngheida is definitely dear, and she seems to have been a good mother to his daughter. Both Maurr and Lyngheida believe that they are far too old to have more children. Kari and Gunhild''s coddling and playing with the babies indicates how much they like children. I hope I don''t have to disappoint Kari. Liv''s disappointment was noticeable.


    Maurr is drunk when he reluctantly says that King Asbj?rn was a very wise man when he gave me land and title, and Maurr think that I is the best thing that has happened to the region in recent years. He praises Kari and Ciara, and regrets that Iselin is away. He congratulates me when I tell him we''re getting married, and I invite him and Lyngheida to the wedding. Maurr is actually quite nice to talk too, albeit a little too lively and loud. His praise and volume only increase as he becomes more intoxicated, and he is boisterous, happy and enthusiastic about the future. He even complains that his own sons lacks such drive and vision. He at least whispers when he says that it is definitely true about his wastrel son-in-law further down the table.


    I change the subject to fishing, and Maurr instantly bites, and as the evening continues it becomes clear he will try it.

 Midwinter calling - day 6, Getting hot

    Midwinter calling, day 6


    2 days later


    Getting hot


    Early morning it is minus two degrees according to my little hiking thermometer but a clear blue sky, which means very low moisture in the air, I carefully empty and then fill the manometer thermometers with propane and seal them. Any air remaining in them will have very little water, and hopefully accumulate out by the scale and not in the high temp sensing body. They are made so the pointer rests at about 10% of the scale. Using water and ice in a vessel, I mark the 0 Celsius on all the back of the scales with a small scratched line from a knife tip. Then I use boiling water to mark 100 Celsius, and since the heat also rise and heats up the thermometers themselves quite unpleasantly hot, I suspect that the temperature error is small enough. Metal conducts heat well, especially brass, since most of it consists of copper. I improvise a clay oven around all the manometers sensing bodies, and use an oil lamp and a tiny bit of mercury to get another mark on the scale for when that boils. The scales match what I expected, so after that I clean and calculate the whole scale for each thermometer, and also a corresponding pressure scale to mark on the backside. Then I engrave each scale and fill in the lines with dark paint, and let them dry. Due to the difference in the tube spiral that create the movement before it is amplified, one only reach 350C while another reaches 800C and still havn''t bottomed out. It sounds like a huge different, but the actual difference in movement at the end of the spiral tube is very small, and they are all made from the same small tube and flattened and formed on the same jig. I''m just pleased that it works, and Kari, Ciara and Caecilia who help are fascinated and happy that I''m happy. One thermometer will be installed in the oven on the modern stove, and one with a low range will become a general thermometer for the kitchen to try to use when cooking.


    We also calibrate the bimetallic thermometers, but since they have a much smaller temperature range and no sensing body, we let them lie in the same space and then mark that temperature on each after they have stabilized for 10 minutes, and repeat for different temperatures. Outdoors, in the greenhouse, in the basement, high up in the steam boiler room, in the great hall and on a shelf by the ceiling in the kitchen. Then we calculate and adjust the temperature scale according to the markings.


    Two of the gas cylinders hold pressure well enough. Had I thought about it before, I would have made Digraldi try to solder the bottle together before the heat-shrinking ring was put in place, or soldered by the heat the ring had. I will have to saw the ring apart and try to do it myself. But the iron bottles are actually tight enough. One does not seem to have lost any pressure at all. So I drill a hole, tap, install a valve, seal and permanently mount a manometer on the valve body. Now I''ll just have to try to fill the bottle with suitable gas. Thankfully, there can be some air contamination in the gas, so I can pump out a lower pressure, and then pump in more gas.


    <hr>


    My improvised soldering iron and soldering station is clumsy and ''primitive'', but works okay and is about 40W. Honestly, it feels good enough to have a soldering iron, and hardly the first time I use an unregulated soldering iron. In the future I might try to make a special tweezer like soldering iron to make it easier to loosen small surface-mounted components, but heating and lifting by using the fine thin stainless steel blade on the small knife from my Victorinox Swiss card Lite works well. My sambo''s love my soldering iron, and they have already learned to respect its high temperature. They think it''s almost as magical as something that moves. Heat enough to melt metal without any fire or flame. Just flip a switch and it gets very hot. It''s probably only a matter of time before I make an electric wood-burning tool, and probably with custom tools for runes or symbols. Bodil really wants to use one, and I have a couple of extra heating elements since I didn''t know how well they would work, or how fragile they are. Thermal cycling might also kill them quite fast. The highest powered one will become a high power soldering iron for larger metal works.


    During the time we were away, Bodil has done a lot of work in wood, and finished building the box for a horn speaker, and oh so carefully, I manage to finish building an amplifier and the rest of the electronics. It is like a large power bank driven computer speaker in a wooden box, and the box is quite large in relation to the speaker because I wanted to try to make the bass and sound better, but the frequency curve will be ''meh'' due to the design, and the power output is maybe one watt, but it works.


    Sure, I have soldered simple things before here in Alfheimr, but this proves that my plans for soldering tools work well enough to build and use. Also that I can desolder and reuse more sensitive surface mounted parts from the radio without frying them, which has really worried me. Then to solder or glue the components to the brass plates and circuit board pieces and make an amplifier. I needed that confidence boost. I needed to do a more technically advanced thing than just molding metal, wood and glass. I should have built the spark gap transmitter, but it didn''t happen. I started with the horn speaker because it was complicated with its audio amplifier - but not critical - and if it went to hell, I wouldn''t have sacrificed the more important mosfets and transistors.


    I gather Kari, Ciara, Caecilia and Jane, and proudly show my progress and after connecting my mobile to the speaker, low music is heard in my office. The sound quality is bad with even worse bass response, but it has a better low register than the phone''s speaker. It''s magic as usual for the others, but Jane seems to understand how advanced and difficult it was, and gives me a congratulatory hug and kiss on the cheek and is also happy. I''m relieved that she accepts me for who I am, and that my ventilation havn''t made her distance herself from me. When they understand that Jane is impressed, the others become more impressed. After a while we discover Gunhild curiously looking in through the door, wondering where the music comes from.


    I didn''t think of that. Oops. Eh, what the hell. Might as well show them.


    So I gather Alith, Bodil and Gunhild together with Kari, Ciara, Caecilia and Jane in the meeting room, close the door and give them the same introduction to my and Jane''s world as a few already got. I take a couple of discreet photos with the compact camera and a new group photo of everyone gathered in and around the couch. Jane grins as she makes rabbit ears on Kari who is sitting neatly next to her, so there is another picture, and then I show the camera. I have learned to not show every picture, and downloaded and removed some from the camera, so I do it better than before.


    The guards are surprised by all the pictures I''ve taken, especially Bodil in pictures from the first voyage to Borgarsandr. I show Jane the picture where Iselin photobombs and Jane starts laughing, and I tell her that just that made me love Iselin a little more, which Jane understands. I miss Iselin. Some of them are more shocked than others, but they understand us better. And they know that I trust them a little more, which especially Gunhild appreciates. It''s tragic that Hillevi has missed this, but she will get an introduction when they return. I show my own hike, the tent, the empty bus and the first picture in front of the car. The roads, the bus and the car really interest them.


    I pick up my tablet, show its camera, and play some music. I prepare to show a couple of music videos for them after Kari explained it more clearly that what they will see is not real, and in Midg?rd we can create and distort photos and videos however we want, which Jane confirms. I''ll play Lindsey''s ''Shadows'' first. I''ve learned that it is better, and it is again effective and helps them understand that it is not real, because reality isn''t black and white with text that magically appears.


    ''Ohne Dich'' is shown after Kari, Ciara and Jane all assured them that it too is not ''real''. Alith asks what the man sings and what the lyric means, so I give them my bad interpretation of it as I can''t translate every sentence. Even Jane is touched by it because Till''s voice fits nicely to the subject. She''s heard of Rammstein before and some of their more high tempo songs, but never really bothered listened to the lyrics - it''s German, and she can ''only'' speak decent French.


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    There are still exclamations and cries. Gunhild was definitely not prepared, especially not with Till''s bluish red foot. I pause and she explains that she had a friend that happened to. They had to chop off his leg and burn the stump. He may be alive, but he has difficulty working and making a living. After she has gathered herself, we continue to play ''Ohne Dich''. They wonder why the video does not have the same story as the song, because they think the lyric is about a man''s love for a woman. So I ask how they would feel if they climbed mountains but one of them injured herself so badly that she will die, and they fulfill her last wish to reach the top to die there. Would the birds sing? Would the world be colorful? Alith doesn''t understand why the skin on her arms have goosebumps like she is freezing, so I explain about Frisson. We watch the same music video again and it is a moved collection of women watching my little tablet when the video comes to an end. Alith, Kari and Ciara are the most untouched, but Alith must make an effort. Bodil just cries and is calmed by Alith who herself has a few tears.


    There are discussions about mountain climbing, which basically isn''t done here to just reach a peak, but they are fascinated by the equipment and what I explain about mountain climbing in Midg?rd and that the highest mountain peaks are above the limit where the body slowly begins to die due to thin air, and is about 8 times higher than the highest mountains in southern and southwestern norway several of them come from. In addition to the fact that it gets colder with greater weather changes the higher the mountain, the air is literally so thin and oxygen-poor that even the most fit person dies if you stay there for 24 hours, even at rest in a warm shelter and with water and food. The thin air creates moisture in the lungs, and many people die every year when mountaineering, although in different ways. High-altitude pulmonary edema can kill even at an altitude of 3000 meter, and it does not matter how fit you are, but it is possible to slowly get your body used to a higher altitude day by day, something like 300 meter or so per day. People who live at higher altitudes adapt and cope better. Over generations their bodies have literally changed to better cope, but that only helps so much.


    The problem also gets worse because thin air and cold affect the body and brain. You have no strength, and every meter up is painfully exhausting. You lose appetite, get a headache and stop caring. Stop worrying about saving yourself. You just sit there in the cold and slowly die. The body doesn''t work as it should, and some people think they are dying from warmth and start to take off their clothes and die of the cold faster. The air gets thinner the higher up you get, it starts to become noticeable already at 2000 meters altitude, and at 3000 meters altitude you experience that the energy just isn''t there, but as soon as you rest 5 minutes you are alert again, then the energy plummets again when as the body can''t get enough oxygen to the muscles. That become a bigger and bigger issue the higher up you get, and more problems are added. High mountain climbing requires training and good physique.


    They really can not understand why anyone would climb such high peaks, so I use the classic answer; because the mountain is there. Some of their ancestors wondered if there was anything on the other side of the ocean. If it is possible to live in the north. What''s in that huge forest? I''m not much for just climbing up on mountain tops, but I like hiking in mountains and other beautiful nature, and Jane understands. There is just something about standing on a high peak and looking out. Maybe we should take a trip to Hildifjoer next summer and try to go up on H?rteigen?


    Kari thinks they should see the third video as well, so they get warnings just like before. Within Temptation''s ''Memories'' is good. Jane is also moved by it when she really listen the lyric, and feels more than she usually does from music videos, partly because she know she won''t see many more in her life. For us those experiences and life is over. For the rest this showing have been lots of revelations and new experiences, and they talk as they start to leave.


    After a few minutes, it is just me with Ciara and Caecilia curled up against me on either side and Jane sitting in the opposite couch. Plus Krosp laying in our lap, which Ciara and I pat. Cats have no tact.


    "How far have you really told and shown Iselin?"


    "Before she left she saw a modern Swedish crime movie, with cars, guns, helicopters, road tunnels, highways, computers, mobile phones and everything. It''s taking place in Gothenburg. She was so excited and really loved it all and was so fascinated by it, even though she doesn''t really understand it. It''s science fiction for her, but she knows that is life in Midg?rd. We talked so much and she understands us better now. Then I showed her another Within Temptation music video with Wingsuits and motorized Ultra lites in it. She so wants to fly and do things like that, and she wondered if a very large kite could carry her. I''ve sort of limited that train of thought due to the danger. But that is why we were throwing paper airplanes the morning before she left. "


    "Wow. She can actually accept and handle that knowledge?"


    "Seems so, and I''m really impressed by it. Just imagine how small and simple her world was just a few months ago. Now she dreams of flying, instant communication, and all the other things. It seems that for every new thing I tell or show her, the world just becomes more magical and fantastic. She understands that Elves too will be able to make that in the future, it is just so very very hard. When she understood how I made the stone shine during that feast in Kambsnes? She loved it. Of course it was a good show, but mostly because it literally was magic on a scale they couldn''t fathom. My small LED flashlight really is unbelievably high technology. A glowing filament with a dry cell would be magic enough, but its a microprocessor controlled voltage boosting circuit with a powerful small white LED, driven by a lithium battery in a titanium covered aluminium shell. Just think about all the technology required to make each part of that, and that the electronics or LED couldn''t be done 30 years ago in Midg?rd."


    "Okay, that did sound impressive. Huh ... I guess I never really saw things that way. I can only imagine how magical and wonderful it is for her."


    "Iselin saw photos and pictures from Mars before she saw our modern world. Iselin have to be the first woman to know about the Pale Blue Dot and the size of the Universe and its 14 billion age, before she knew the modern world. I can''t even imagine how it''s like to be told what a light year is, and the expansion of the universe that makes it possible for us to see about a 93 billion light years in diameter, when you have been that uneducated. I don''t know how she handles it. But she does, and seems to remember everything. "


    "Oh, I''ve learned that! Everyone has annoyingly good memory. But, what do you mean by ''the pale blue dot''?"


    So I pick up the tablet, send over the Pale Blue Dot text with bluetooth to my mobile phone which makes Jane a little depressed as I can not transfer things to her mobile so easily, then I scroll through the file list in the explorer so the pictures aren''t visible and select the zoomed Cassini picture called ''The Day that Earth smiled''. The weird picture means nothing for Caecilia or Ciara, but I show it to Jane and point out Saturn and the pale blue dot. Then I read Sagan''s Pale blue dot from my mobile.


    I don''t have Carl Sagan''s emotional voice, but Jane needs to hold back the tears when I''m done. She has never thought of the Earth like that. It is logical and she knows it, but never thought of it that way, and she will never see that Earth again. Never see our world again, because it''s not the same here. Jane wants to be hugged, and Caecilia moves to the side so Jane can snuggle in while she looks at the picture.


    Caecilia is curious why Jane is sitting and staring at the picture in that way after I said something to her for a few minutes in a language she doesn''t understand. But Caecilia is probably not ready, because even though she has seen the Globe, it has probably not really connected as it did for Asta. Only Jane, Iselin, Asta and Alith really appreciate the globes. For the rest it''s just funny art. They probably don''t understand what the globes show and mean, but I suspect that at least Kari is trying to avoid knowing.


    Jane gathers herself and sigh: "With you ventilation a couple of days ago, which was ''Holy shit level'' of insanity, especially about you casually saying facts I really did not need to know about Botox, and lets not even talk about the bloody black plague... I had to get blotto, and now this... Crap, you''re dangerous being around. I need to be blotto. Again."


    Jane gets up and walks away. I can only guess what blotto means, but I believe she''s going to get drunk.


    Again.

 Midwinter calling - day 6, Color of magic

    Under Jane''s management, the guards have helped build a home gym in the former spare room across the corridor from the library. It feels silly to dedicate the room before my marriage with all the guests, but the guests should have enough room or get a house for themselves in most cases, and this is the most suitable place in the mansion for a gym. I should have made the mansion bigger, but I guess I''m just bad at going for overkill or future proofing when it comes to space. Although I was more focused on something that could be built before winter, and didn''t know how fast it would go. In a future expansion of the mansion, a small gym will be built.


    The gym has a shelf with improvised dumbbells, a pull-up bar and jumping rope, and Gunhild has sewn a medicine ball in leather with side grips and a punching bag according to guidelines from Jane. Jane has far too many ideas because she has spent a lot of time in gyms, but as long as she can sketch and show how something is meant to be used, we can probably build something. So an exercise machine with different handles that lift lead weights in ropes, will be designed and parts ordered. But with the future exercise bike and that machine, there is no room left for anything else to Jane''s disappointment, even though she agrees that the gym must not be too crowded. Three will be able to train at the same time if they use different things, and a training buddy is useful.


    Jane is happy that we now have a gym here, while at the same time seeming a little depressed. I think it''s yet another reminder of her old modern Midg?rd way of life, which is a reminder of how different life is here, and will be for the rest of our lives.


    To take a step back of radio thoughts, I sketch on mechanical scales. Both with a scale and with weights that are moved on an arm. It is practical to have a smaller household scale with a zero function in the kitchen and in my workshop that directly shows the weight on a 0-3kg scale, instead of using a box with different weights and adding, but I am ambivalent to a larger scale to stand on and weigh a person. I''m afraid it can lead to a bodyweight issue when there hasn''t been one before. Is there any good reason to actually build it? Any real need? But Jane has spread the idea of a bodyweight scale to my sambos and guards in connection with talks and planning for the gym.


    I do not care what my sambos weigh - or what I myself weigh as long as I can physically do what I want in hiking, kayaking, cycling and skiing. Would it have been nice to have a more toned muscular body and weigh 80kg instead of somewhere around 95kg? Yes, but I have never been motivated to get it or keep it, and I''m not vain. I''ve also always thought that a little unhealthy food is a vice I can accept as long as it doesn''t go to excess. But fast food has never appealed to me, nor has beer or copious amounts of sweets, cakes, chips and dips. Why buy a pizza or similar when a good piece of meat and potatoes with sauce are so much tastier and cheaper, and I can do it quickly at home without having to drive away to pick it up? Especially in the winter? Unlike many of my fit and well-trained friends and acquaintances who have become untrained and fatter as they have become parents of small children with a normal work life, car use etc, I can still use the same pants and clothes as 15 years ago. And many of them are much younger than me. They have at least stopped giving me comments about my body shape and fitness, and it''s kind of satisfying seeing them complain or not keeping up and seeing it from the other side. Some really don''t see the irony, and I generally avoid pointing it out. In Midg?rd, I would probably have continued to be at the same body and physical level for another 10-20 years because my life and attitude probably wouldn''t change much, but here with this company, the food, the gym etc, I will probably be more in shape. If I don''t become fatter due to more orderly meal times, more of them, more cream in the food, etc. Something to think about.


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    Ironically, I feel a pressure on me to get somewhat more in shape for the sake of my sambos and guards, even though they don''t seem to have any problems with my current body and fitness. Jane has fun with that subject, and that normal female forms here are more reminiscent of the 1940s-1950s ideal with curves and healthy strong looks, than androgynous slim 1960s and 1990s, or 2000s yoga and long slim busty supermodels. Of course there are different attractions and tastes here too, but as long as the person is not too thin or too fat, it is quite insignificant compared to giving an overall healthy impression and what kind of person you are, even if blondes who are clean and well-groomed with long pretty hair and fine clothes generally have an advantage here.


    Ciara and Iselin are tragically not considered that beautiful here because they have red-hair and freckles. The reason is that red hair color and freckles are reminiscent of ''earth and nature'' and it is basically assumed that those with red hair and freckles are not very clean, or as a sign from the gods that their soul is more ''down to earth''. In the rest of Alfheimr, it differs depending on whose opinion is asked, and their religion. Some believe freckles is Gods way to characterize someone so they can not blend in with ''honest'' people, or that they are hot-tempered and violent because ''their blood'' is so visible in both face and hair - which can be good or bad depending on the circumstances and the profession. Or that they can not use magic. Or that the gods won''t listen to them. Or they are by nature unlucky, so if you want luck, buy a red-haired slave and sacrifice the person to the gods to reduce bad luck. And so on. In Alba, Ciara''s soul is considered to be ''down to earth'' and that she thus has a harder time reaching heaven, and also that she is more ''common folk'', which can be a disadvantage in contact with nobility from the south. On the other side, light hair and blondes are youthful and must be close to the sun and heaven. Right?


    So Ciara and Iselin are a little jealous of Kari who is blonde with fair skin, and Bodil who has white hair and also fair skin. Kari even have blue eyes. In some regions across the sea with the House of Heaven religion, Alith would be very sought after. Very feminine shapes, and with her light blue hair and blue eyes reminiscent of the sky, her soul must be very close to heaven. Green hair is associated with nature, fertility and magic, which also applies to eyes, so Iselin''s green eyes combined with her hair and freckles might be taken as there is some magic in her blood and she might be a good Fj?lkunnig. Considering what I''m teaching her and how much she loves it, that is ironic. Jane has realised that with her black hair, dark eyes and slightly different face, she is generally assumed to be heading in the other direction, and probably can''t really be trusted.


    It''s not just a fun/annoying thing, as in say a court where Alith and Jane both claim innocence and accused the other for a murder, Alith is more likely to be believed. Evidence isn''t really a big thing here.


    <hr>


    After supper, Kari wants to use leather again, and since last time we have talked about possibilities and limitations, so it will be a different variant. It will be difficult to create new things and ideas. But I have made a list of small variations we can slowly tick off, which should be enough for 6-9 times before I need to get more creative or make more things, and Kari have her own ideas. We''ve also talked about trying to limit it to once a week or less. So it becomes more special when we do, and Kari kind of likes that I suggest rules and limits on her sexual experiences. It appeals to her fetish, while she knows that it is only a matter of time.

 Midwinter calling - day 7, Teething issues

    Midwinter calling, day 7


    Teething issues


    Too early in the morning for me, but I''m very awake. Kari have made sure of that. I would still like to go to bed again, but after a shower it just feels wrong to return to bed. So I just stand there outside my workshop, listening to the kitchen preparing breakfast and looking at the main panel - the battery bank seems to charge well - and contemplate whether I should go into the workshop or up to the office. Stairs. Far away. There is a couch in my workshop. The door to Jane''s room opens and Caecilia comes out and quickly looks around. Lightly dressed and with tousled hair. She just smiles at me as she quietly closes the door. I smile back, and she tiptoes towards me, increase speed and jumps up in my arms, gives me a hug and a kiss I answer, which makes her smile more and kiss me again. Caecilia like that I actually let her kiss and hug me in everyday life when it''s private, and that we don''t just have sex. Caecilia whispers that she wish she could stay in my bed every night so we could have sex every night and morning, but whispers that Jane was nice too, but she prefers me and Iselin. Jane mostly needed someone to hold, and she will probably have a headache when she wakes up. I give my jumpy sexbunny a hug and whisper that it''s good that she and Jane help each other when they feel like it, but keep it discreet for Jane''s sake, and I know it''s been a few days since she shared my bed. Caecilia corrects me with exactly how many. Caecilia''s breath can kill, so I send her on.


    Dental care and brushing teeth is something they do here, but not in the same way I''m used to. Well, not everyone does, and some people''s teeth and breath are horrible, especially some slaves, but thankfully I move in the upper social classes and there are more options here, and the women around me have always needed and wanted to give a good impression. That is partly why Iselin was a servant at the feast, because she looks good and has good teeth, and thus suitable to be shown as a visible servant for the most honored guests. Still, Iselin and Ciara teeth isn''t the best, but they are not as bad as they could be. A little uneven but not particularly yellow and they all have teeth. But the diet here also doesn''t have much sugar. Not surprisingly, Jane has a beautiful white smile worthy of a movie star, and they have all given Jane praise for her teeth.


    The food is so different here, coarser and more fibrous, lacks a lot of sugar and acids and so on which is such a big part of modern and pre-processed food. So we guess it helps teeth. Most of the diet is from rye or wheat, and the bad part is that when it is ground, cheaper flour has some stone or sand in it, and it acts as an abrasive and you can feel it when you eat it. Many older people have large gaps between the upper and lower teeth, and soups are common. Both because it can be made from most things and bad ingredients, and soup doesn''t require chewing, and just a pot to cook in. Since it became my choice, we have only bought good food, and that include fine flour. When it comes to teeth, I don''t know if it is an advantage that many people drink mead or beer with a fairly high alcohol and calorie content for most meals.


    But dental care is primarily a piece of stick with a spread out brush like end and with a pointed end, to pick and scrub your teeth with, plus maybe something to rinse with. The next common step up in dental care is pine resin that is chewed, and both is something I try to get everyone on the islands to do often, because we have plenty of pines here. For richer people like us, there are also oils and a form of alcohol for use as mouthwash. Many people reuse the same liquid for a couple of weeks or more, but I have forced a higher standard, so my sambos use new liquid every day, or every other day because they still think it is unnecessarily wasteful, which it probably is. Jane have also introduced tongue scrapers and together with Unn we''re trying to find a good dental floss.


    I myself have been careful with my toothpaste and brushed with toothpaste every other night but combine with picking and scrubbing my teeth and chewing pine resin and alcohol mouthwash. Jane has adopted a similar solution, but ran out of toothpaste a month ago and use some soap on her toothbrush, followed by the mouthwash. We don''t know if it is a good idea, but it makes Jane feel better and I havn''t really come up with a better solution. She have quickly adopted the stick to pick and pine resin to chew because that is in my survival manual which makes those modern military approved methods to keep soldiers in fighting shape. My toothpaste should last to January, but eventually I will have to adapt, and will probably use some soap like Jane. We have not prioritized trying to make toothbrushes, and toothpaste with fluorine? It won''t happen. Fluorine is basically so dangerous by nature, that I don''t really want to try to make it. Fluorocarbons are very bad for the environment. Hydrogen fluorine would be very bad to make by mistake in pretty much any concentration, and just reading John Clark ''Ignition'' about chlorine trifluoride makes that a hard nope. When ''extremely toxic'' is the least problem, and it burns sand, glass, ash and react explosively with water?


    Nope. Nopetiy-nope.


    When people have problems with their teeth, a lot of it is magic, prayer and superstition, although there are some herbs or remedies. Kari, Iselin, Ciara, Alith, Bodil, Liv and Unn have all told us what they know and can. The British Isles mostly seem to be prayers, pilgrimages and superstition. Like having a special golden earring so the pain moves there, engraving things on nails, pressing it down under a tooth and then hammering the nail into a tree, or luring the ''worm'' out with smoke and other things. Ciara''s descriptions gave Jane a cold shiver, and she quickly left the room until Ciara stopped explaining and it was ''safe to return''. Iselin''s universal solution is pine resin to rub or press against the tooth, plus mead, which was what Alith and Bodil also knew, along with that earring.


    Liv basically said prayer, herbs, and try to wiggle a bad tooth loose. Unn gave much more details about herbs, but many things you simply cannot do anything about. So she go for extraction, both with thread and tools, followed by herbs and extracts for healing and preventing what I guess is inflammation. Unn excitedly talked about it and proudly showed a small leather case with a thin pointed small knife that can be used to carve and dig out the tooth, a small hammer and chisel to crush the tooth and remove the parts with a tweezer like tool, or use the big pliers to pull the tooth. Unn is really proud to know this and of her small toolkit. I understand that it is advanced dental care and Unn is rightly proud of it, but I really don''t want to have those problems here. I''ve had enough trouble visiting the dentist, and with Unn''s options and description, I don''t think Jane will let her come near her mouth. On the other hand the people here on my islands are very happy for Unn''s skill, and that I brought her here and pay for their health and dental care. She''s already had very grateful patients, especially among the workers as they are of course included, and her apprentice will get plenty of practise and her own dental tools.


    In the future I hope to be able to do a dental drill, but then something is needed to fill the tooth, and it will not be pleasant to do that experimentation. Filling with gold is so far the only thing I know can be used, because amalgam contains mercury and other metals. I guess it''s some combination of the usual silver, tin, zinc and copper. At the same time, amalgam may be better than the alternatives, and cheaper. If a tooth can be kept it''s obviously an advantage compared to loosing it, especially in the long run as there is a fixed amount of teeth, and there will be many volunteers for her to practise on.


    According to Kari and Unn, there is a skilled woman named Gl?a in Borgarsandr who specialize in what I would say is dental care, and large parts of the richer people and nobility travel there to get her help, often in connection with the Northmen Ting, and she is expensive. I hope she might know more than Unn and should be more skilled, and I would like to talk to her in the future. It can be difficult to persuade her to spread her secrets and information, but I may be able to entice her with the amenities, which honestly can be a great advantage for the future. Luxury, more respect and reputation should help to attract skilled craftsmen here. At the same time, I don''t want the nobility to come here for dental care, because then they would probably want to visit me and be social. Which is contrary to my wishes. Maybe I should do a hospital in Borgarsandr, which also do dental care?


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    During breakfast, I pretend that I don''t know where Caecilia spent the night.


    <hr>


    As usual I have help in finishing a new and improved electromagnetic magnetization rig with a flexible length iron core. It is a practical thing to have, to make it easier to create better compass needles and stronger magnets for swivel coils, speakers, generators, small electric motors, etc. Everyone agree that magnets are so very magical little toys, and that include Jane. Magnetic force work through paper and fabric, and hanging a magnet on a string and approaching it with different metals is ''interesting''. I am thinking about making a display of magnetic fields by hanging up a powerful magnet that can attract strings with small iron needles, without them actually touching.


    However, the work on magnets has led me to remember induction damped compasses, so I will try to make it in a couple of compasses and compare how much it does. If what I build makes a noticeable difference, it will be in all future compasses. Induction damping should be very simple, and just a wide copper ring around the compass needle. When the slightly magnetic needle moves, a weak current is induced in the copper ring, which creates a magnetic field that counteracts the compass needle. So it dampens oscillation faster than without. And copper is not magnetic, so it does not affect the function of the compass. Induction damping won''t be as effective as fluid dampening, but has no problematic fluid. Especially here that is a huge problem. I have more than one fluid-filled compass that has had a large air bubble due to airplane flights or just from being at higher altitudes or in the sun.


    The magnetization rig is followed by the next small and frankly ugly construction, which is a simple hand-cranked machine for winding coils, as there will be ridiculously many coils made in the future, with thousands of turns. This winding machine is guaranteed to be upgraded in the future, but only something to crank around with a wire holder that keeps the wire stretched is worth so much, and a modified odometer acts as a turn counter. If I really start to build spark transmitters for long range use, the secondary coil will probably need hundreds of thousands of turns. Which is many kilometers of fine thread. But coils for transformers and electromagnets are bad enough to turn by hand.


    While Ciara enjoys making accurate electromagnets, and Kari annoyingly magnetizes everything made of iron in my workshop, I continue to build the prototype of the receiver part of the servant system, and the bell is the easiest part. The step mechanism is a bit hard to get right so it ticks flawlessly. The mass in the wooden cylinder contributes, but Bodil don''t mind putting her work on nicer lamp housings aside and helps to lighten the cylinder. Eventually it works well and fast, and with four buttons connected to the contact plates, we can test that the stepping works as it should. Some form of automatic reset would be nice, but right now I have no good idea how I can solve it other than making an electromechanical timer. And I prefer to focus on pendulum clocks before that. The simplest pendulum clock with just an hour hand shouldn''t be that hard to do.


    When it comes to the servant system, Bodil will build a simple case for the receiver unit when she has finished marking the runes and room symbols, and they will also be filled in with color to become more visible. Or just burned in. Yeah, I should improvise that wood-burning tool instead of making Bodil spend time engraving it. And the case is actually not needed to try it out.


    <hr>


    After dinner, a man Alith recognise as one of Olafr''s apprentices arrives with two large wooden boxes and a small bag, and we can guess there are flintlock stuff in them. The apprentice thankfully introduces himself as Ketill since I''ve forgotten his name, and Gunhild help him carry the wooden boxes into the meeting room. I''m getting familiar with that staring expression when someone sees and experiences the mansion for the first time. Ketill reacts to the two swords hanging above the stairs. Of course he recognise them - he must have spent days grinding and polishing them.


    Ketill talks while showing the craft, but I almost zone out what he says. In addition to my prototype in brass, the first box contains a completed flintlock musket. Olafr has made it completely finished even with carvings on the wooden buttstock, and Olafr has also made them add the cross hatched grooves for the hand grips. Damn. I only sketched it as an example, but he has made them do it. And do it really well. The musket is not as heavy as I feared, and as I look along the barrel to the sight, the reflections make the barrel look impressively straight on the outside. I hope the inside is just as good. It is quite thick steel in the barrel but becomes thicker further back where the explosion will take place. Under the barrel, the ramrod to push the charge down is stored, and it is easy to pull the ramrod out and in, while still spring locking in place. Nice. Even if they don''t understand the purpose, everything seems to be done according to specifications. Sure I made plenty of sketches, but Olafr really listened to what I said, and this is damn fine work for someone who has never made firearms before. Well, there was my boomstick, but this is in a completely different situation and league.


    Olafr has understood the ergonomics quite well, and the distance to the trigger and the feeling I wanted. The safety feels good, although it is possible to improve. I test the flintlock mechanism, and that too feels quite good and seems to work just as it should. There is a nice shower of sparks down in the pan, which I actually expected. Ketill points out he is really impressed how much spark there is, and it really can light straw for a fire. Although Olafr havn''t really done mechanisms like this before, he understood its purpose as well as I could explain it to him, and everyone uses flint and steel to light fires.


    Olafr and his apprentices must put their souls into this work. Ketill is rightly proud as he explains and receives praise, and much is surely his craft as well. I have a feeling that Olafr sent Ketill here to deliver, to give me an idea of which apprentice he recommends, and an opportunity to evaluate him.


    In the second box are two flintlock mechanisms, two wooden rifle stocks and two rifled barrels with grooves that corkscrew down the barrel until they disappear in the dark. Not much light from the small side hole in the end. These are not assembled yet, although it can be done here on the islands as long as there is a workshop or forge. He has tools with him. Olafr wanted me to check the grooves, mechanisms and barrels if it seems to be good enough, and at 62cm they are shorter than I asked for, but I did say a shorter barrel would be better than a longer but worse one.


    Ketill also shows the molds for the lead bullets for the finished weapon and other parts, as well as a wooden stick with a follower to be able to check the rifling in the barrel. There are also 20 finished bullets for each weapon, as well as 40 smaller shotgun pellets. Ketill says that Olafr wants to engrave the outside of the barrel and flintlocks, but wants to be sure that it works as it should and it''s okay to do it. This was a lot of work. The musket stock is a demonstration of their skill. Olafr also needs more steel to be able to make more of these, including those with double barrels.


    I make sure that Ketill is offered some food and given the opportunity to wash himself and rest a bit in the small guest room after his journey. Hrappr together with a couple of workers will arrange shooting targets and a simple but thick wooden shield to protect the shooter''s body and head during the first shots, as well as improvise sandbags. Everything is carried into my workshop after I have cleaned the main bench, and I limit who is inside. Kari and Jane is somewhere on the island, so it''s just me, Ciara and Alith.


    Alith just stands and looks closely at the flintlock and her fingers twitch. She saw how I held it and she have shoot my Boomstick. She absolutely understands. I let her feel and hold the musket and she just have a wonderful overjoyed and expectant face. Child at Christmas comes to mind. I don''t need to ask if she wants to try shooting it.


    I inspect the rifle barrels with my flash light, measure and verify the rifling twist, and both seem more than excellent considering this era. A certain length, twist a certain degree, all the way, and seems to be the same on both. This actually feels too exact to be made by hand.


    When I ask how they succeeded, Ketill just apologetic shakes his head and says it was difficult, but that he isn''t allowed to tell as Olafr wants to tell it himself. But the rifling took more than a week, and many attempts on iron pipes. I accept that answer. Secrets are part of the craft, but I guess he''s made some kind of machine with a reamer or self-rotating reamer. We quickly discussed machines for my Boomstick''s construction, and there were sketches in the documents. It is absolutely too good to just be shaped around a form of rod, and then adding rifling shouldn''t be this good.


    Ketill will spend the evening after testing to assemble the two rifles so I can test them tomorrow. I prepare test charges by carefully weighing different amounts of blackpowder and placing it on paper that I wrap together and write the weight of each. I make sure I have enough of each, plenty of rags to clean the barrel with and buckets of water and so on if shit happens. I will need to make more blackpowder in the future but I already have about 300g, which is enough for the planned test shots.

 Midwinter calling - day 7, Shooting my load

    It probably takes a couple of hours to prepare everything, and Ida has also been sent to warn workers and master builder Pedr that it will sound a bit like thunder later in the afternoon, and that everyone should stay away from the area south of the road around the mansion.


    The beach and open meadows around the cove south of the manor is the test area, where the forest and the mountains is good cover and back stop and there is a few hundred meters of mostly open ground. Beside the targets, Hrappr have also carried down two small tables and four chairs. Ciara will of course participate but Kari will records results as she is better at writing Norse. Last time Kari worked for the King and had to stay in the garden while the rest of us were on the beach, so now she wants to see it closer. Jane is also welcomed because she already understands, even if she doesn''t know how blackpowder is made. Alith is of course here, but also Bodil. I tell Caecilia to stay with Gunhild who can watch from the mansions pavilion, so there is someone there and they can get used to it. This will take time, and there will be more tests in the future. So better to look from a distance and know what to expect.


    Everyone has understood to cover their ears with their hands, but we have brought earplugs for everyone, and I will also use the earmuffs. More earmuffs need to be manufactured. I''m a little worried about firing an untested weapon and using improvised sandbags and ropes to stabilize the rifle and hold it in place, and a long string is used to pull the trigger. A simple thick wooden shield stands in between that can catch splinters, and I of course wear my eye protection as well. It is a bit difficult to reload as the whole table must be tilted, but better than holding the weapon if it goes ''kablooie''.


    <hr>


    The tests are very successful. The shots echo out over the water, and we hear the echo''s return seconds later from various islands and cliffs. Ketill just stares with his mouth open during the first shots but starts to collect himself and helps with tilting the table. He doesn''t really understand what I do. After the first two shots, I have gone up in size gradually, and with how the sound changed and the sharp crack, the balls definitely went through the sound barrier each time. Jane reacted to the change with a: "Now that is a proper gun."


    The sound wall will absolutely be a future subject to explain to Kari and Iselin, but the important thing is that everything still works fine, and the last three shots have been with the largest load. I still can not find the slightest hint of any problem with the barrel, the attachment of the barrel to the stock or that particles etc would fly into the face of the shooter. The last one was checked with sheets of paper where the head will be, although that might happen anyway. I''m very happy with that. I don''t know how much the slightly angled pan helps, but I am satisfied enough, although I will continue to use eye protection because it is an unpleasant pyro effect near my eyes. Maybe a little metal shield or other protection in line with the eyes? Hardened glass just feels unnecessary complicated.


    I may have over-specified the thickness of steel and Olafr craftsmanship is undoubtedly excellent, but the flintlock weapons are something I or people I care about will use and I do not want it to explode or hurt them. Now in the beginning, we will continue to check the barrel and so on after each time they are used. But the normal load is planned to be only half of those three biggest test loads, so it feels safe enough that I will try shooting the musket.


    <hr>


    The tests continue but as hand-held in a sitting shooting position at the table or standing, with cleaning of the barrel between every other shot. The sight needs to be adjusted a bit and in the future I''ll probably replace the rear with a better diopter sight with screw adjustment in height and side, but the musket is intended as an all-round weapon, with either solid round ball or shotgun pellets, so it has other requirements than hunting rifles or target rifles. Most people use more instinctive shooting with shotguns - not so much the sight - but for a solid ball, a slightly better rear sight is more practical. Maybe a folding sight? For now I use a file to tweak the sight.


    Making a reflector sight or red dot sight feels silly and hard to do, especially getting its curved glass surface right, even if that should just be a matter of time and effort. There will be many attempts to make something to reduce the parallax error, but it won''t be much problem if the dot is close to the middle. Even if I have some small surface-mounted LEDs etc, the battery will eventually run out, even if I use rechargeable batteries. However, it can last my life here, so maybe in the future. It would be kind of fun on a shotgun, but the question is how visible the dot will be in most light conditions without color filtering coating on the glass that increase the contrast between the dot and the surroundings. The dot doesn''t have to be red, but it''s usually a good color contrast against nature that is at the end of the spectrum for filter coating, and the earliest red dots by Swedish company Aimpoint was severly limited by 1970s LED technology.


    On the other hand, a telescopic sight about x3 or more with a simple German post or cross is not difficult, as long as I stick to making the adjustments in the sight base, and don''t move the sight around between weapons. But for this musket, I guess a simple flip or rotating rear sight for two or three different ranges will be most practical. A ''diopter'' for precision at longer distances like 200 meters for shooting a lead ball, and a quick one for shorter distances and faster alignment. Even if the ball will travel far, it feels like two sights are enough because the spread is probably too large further away to be really useful. Maybe three ranges.


    When it comes to powder load, I just go on the sound and guessing, and how the musket feels against my shoulder. It is possible to make good hits on the wooden target of 50m without problems as long as I think about the delay. The ball just punch holes straight through the target, which is quite impressive when the wood splinters fly. I should have told Hrappr to use thicker planks, but he must have figured we would put one of those straw arrow targets in front. However, it is quite easy to see where the hit is, and there is enough precision that the target could have four marked circles. In the future I will test the precision and spread, but will now move on to try some shotgun loads.


    Which proves to be effective, but they don''t make holes straight through. But I sure wouldn''t want to be the target.


    Alith almost drools as she studies the target at up close, and gently caresses the musket. I will not make a fucking joke about this as with the sword, but it is probably too thin for her taste even if the length appeals. When we return and I offer Alith to try, it''s like she teleports. Suddenly Bodil is standing there alone holding two spears and shields and looking confused, and Alith is sitting at the table with the musket in front of her.


    Alith must have studied me very carefully because she tries to do exactly the same thing, including my quick finger and hand flexing. I use her to give the all instructions for grip, handling, aiming and trigger control, and I lend eye protection. I let Alith shoot three times, and the last shot standing. Alith seems to be on the verge of an orgasm, so I take care of the weapon and ask if anyone else wants to try. Everyone wants to, and Ciara is first. Alith, who is controlling her breath, slowly returns to Bodil, takes her spear and shield and sits down on the ground next to her, staring in front of her with a smile. Bodil seems a little hesitant to try.


    This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    But everyone shoots at least one shot, including Ketill. Ketill seems terrified of the weapon, but he shoots anyway. Kari is quite useless and closes her eyes, looks away, etc. Jane is less bad, but no one likes the pyro effect from the flintlock and its delay. Ciara could probably be a good shooter; she doesn''t even seem to flinch from the firing, and my instruction to try to keep her eyes open and on target shouldn''t prevent reflexes. I really hope that a directive from me won''t prevent her reflexes.


    We summon Hrappr to tidy up the range and carry stuff back to the basement, as well as make new targets for future tests.


    <hr>


    Bodil has gotten the wooden parts for most lamps and switches done, oiled and pretty, which means that it has to dry. But it''s only a matter of days until I can replace all lamp installations with nicer solutions. Bodil loves to use my scroll saw for woodwork, and is proud that she is the only one besides me and Iselin that is authorized to use it. Bodil don''t always know what I''m building, be she is quite eager to help. Bodil seem to like building things like this, as carpentry isn''t really seen as women work, but most of my stuff is weird, small and intricate compared to furniture. And there is sejd inside.


    Oh man, now I really want to make a ''sejd inside'' branding symbol inspired by the old ''intel inside'' from 90s. Sejdmann inside? No. Bad idea.


    Ketill is in my primitive forge down by the barns, so I install the prototype servant system in the staff room and install push buttons in suitable rooms. The stepping cylinder will be replaced in the future when there is a another receiver built and more rooms connected and with that shield hiding the texts, but for now I connect wires for my three rooms, Iselin, Ciara, Kari and Jane''s bedroom, the meeting room and the great hall. Tomorrow I will connect the two guest rooms, the gym, the library, the attic and the vacant room on the second floor. A luxurious bonus in this system is that a room can have several buttons connected in parallel, so in my bedroom I install one button by the bed and one by the couches, and in the meeting room and the great hall there will eventually be similar systems with two or three buttons.


    Even though Ciara and Kari know how it works and helped build it, it''s almost magic that I press a button in my office, a muffled bell rings in the staff room and they see it quickly ticking to ''Office'' on the wheel. It is above all that it rotate in steps with that ticking sound that they are fascinated by, along with other internal clicking. Something that moves by itself without anyone being around, and this is smaller than a steam engine. But they have learned to connect an ''electromagnet'' via two wires in the ''electrical socket'' and the spool with copper wire attracts iron, but not any other metal. Honestly, it''s kind of hard to not call it magic.


    The staff think it''s impressive as hell, and that I spend such time and energy saving them from running around or standing ready to serve. Because that is how it''s usually done among the richest here. A maid is just standing by a wall waiting to be of service or run a errand. One of the maids, usually Elvira, has often just sat on the chair by the wall on the balcony in the middle, and done some needlework while she waited for someone to need her help. Someone is always available when we eat. I''ve now gotten used to it after many weeks, but I still don''t like it, and how hard is it to pour a drink for myself? But my sambos and maids have cooperated in making sure I don''t do it. I can''t reach any without getting up, since they make sure that the jugs and bottles are never close to me. I can order them to put the jug within reach, but as the Lord of these islands and the man of the manor, I will be served. Period. Jane, Iselin, Ciara and Kari understand me, and I can''t really complain that they try to make me embrace the culture and get used to it. Some meals are different and less formal, although it feels like a reward for behaving the rest of the time.


    The maids can now spend most of their time in the staff room or kitchen instead, and do some work, hang out with each other or just relax a bit. They are currently carding and spinning all the wool from the estates in the south that we got via Tingsman Jensi who sorted out Radgeirrson''s mess. However, they have put some wool to the side so that I can try to make machines to do that work. They''re really curious about those machines. With everything I''ve made they have high expectations.


    If someone needs a maid, they will be called directly to that room. That they might have to make an extra run just to ask what is desired, doesn''t bother the maids at all. I''ve warned the maids that there will probably be a lot more calls in the beginning because everyone is eager to use the servant system, but eventually it will become an everyday thing. Kari and others think that I should get better at using Caecilia or the maids, instead of going to the kitchen and fetching stuff myself. It just feels so unnecessary and a waste of time, unless my hands are full.


    Anyway that is one project finished well enough, so I start building on the spark gap transmitter. A spark gap transmitter is ridiculously simple if the range only needs to be very short, and the first parts are two small batteries in series for higher voltage, a button switch to press to transmit, and then the most important part: a spark coil / transformer. It''s basically an inner coil primary and a secondary outer coil with multiple times more turns, with a small contact blade at one end that attracts to the coil when the magnetic field becomes strong enough and thus breaks the current to the primary coil. This break create a voltage spike in the secondary coil, and a simple capacitor reduces sparks on the contact blade. A similar system but with the contact blades actuated by a cam are used in old internal combustion engines to provide sparks to the spark plugs, and a more modern electronically triggered one for modern cars.


    The high voltage side of the spark coil / transformer have a variable spark gap, and since I want a more efficient frequency tuned system, a variable capacitor and a coil / transformer, with an output coil to connect the antenna that is just a long wire in each direction, or preferably grounded in moist ground at one end, and a very long wire that goes high in the air on the other. These are unnecessarily many components for something that just needs to work, but I would like to achieve a range of at least 30-50m in fully mobile devices, and I aim for about 14.4MHz to be easier to manufacture in components and antennas, as I have a crystal oscillator for that. What takes time is to wind the coils and especially the secondary on the spark coil, but I try to limit the size and amount of wire that is needed. If I wind the coil one turn after another like a normal electromagnet or transformer, it might spark inside the coil windings. Which is very bad. The solution I will use is to build in many thicker disc shaped coils which are then insulated, stacked and connected, so the highest voltages are further apart. It also makes it easier to manufacture because each disc has only a small part of the total amount of turns, so everything doesn''t need to be done at once, and more discs can be added afterwards. I have a limited amount of fine copper wire.


    Then I need to think about adapting everything to high voltage to prevent sparks where it shouldn''t be. Which gets tricky especially with the capacitor and coil. I only have simple iron for the core, but the problem with eddy currents in the core itself can be reduced with a core that consists of many small insulated iron wires. In common transformers the core is usually sheet metal pieces in EI form, but that won''t be good here. I want the coil to be long, and also need to isolate the core from the high voltage, so sparks don''t use it as a path. High voltage is tricky, and I might encase parts in ceramic or some kind of resin that is a better insulator than air.


    I will only get an estimate of what the frequency is. The resonant frequency can be calculated with f=1/(2¦Ð¡Ì(LC)), and it is also possible to calculate the L value of coils and C value of capacitors, but that is not exact enough when combined with my construction options, so I will have to tune it. Which won''t be fun, as that is tricky enough when you have measuring tools for it. I''ll probably have to build something. Whether it ends up as 13MHz or 17MHz is quite insignificant, as long as everything is tuned to each other.


    Huumm... is one of my big carbon resistors good enough to be used as a dummy load antenna? I should improve those anyway with some kind of pine tar soot mixture pressed into shapes, and then heat it enough in an oxygen free environment to carbonize the mixture. Can I make carbon rods like that? A carbon rod arc light should be kind of impressive even with short duration. I''m gonna get wicked UV burns if I use that for too long and unshielded.


    And now I kind of want a white lab coat, with big cloves and welding goggles on my head...

 Midwinter calling - day 8, Ordering people about

    Midwinter calling, day 8


    Ordering people about


    After breakfast there is my usual combat training which happens twice a week, and since I started to learn the basics in Krav Maga too, that has become four times a week. I really dislike doing physical training so early in the morning, but today it''s the best time for it since we have new tests to prepare. Hrappr is arranging targets, and carrying things down to the test area etc. Since those preparations take time, I go for a walk with Ketill, and along comes the usual entourage. I show the harbor and its buildings. They have made contact on the other side between the harbor bridge and the stone pier, but still have work to do to complete the bridge. But it is possible to balance over without getting my shoes wet, and the contact makes me feel somewhat less ''cramped''.


    We follow the road back and say ''Hello'' to Unn and introduce Ketill as we pass Unn''s house, where Unn and Amba are working on making a small enclosure for her pigs. She wonders if there will be more loud bangs in the future and cautiously asks if she can watch - from a closer distance. I should have realised that curiosity would make her and Amba go up on the mountain behind Unn''s house to look at yesterdays tests. I would. We will continue to test after we return to the mansion, and they can watch, but stay up on the mountain or at the mansions pavilion for safety. The leaves have fallen so they should see enough. There will be further test in the future, so just get used to the noise.


    We continue down to the village and see that the second craft house is finished on the outside but there is some work to do inside, and they are almost finished with its foundry and hot work extension. When Ketill understands that this will be a house for skilled craftsmen, a worker like him, and understands how nice it is with windows and hot and cold water, indoor shower etc, he is really impressed. We continue on to where they are building the first apartment building and I explain that most craftsmen and workers will not work in their homes, but in separate workshops, the smithy and carpentry, and that these new apartments will actually be more luxurious and larger than the craft houses, but they will have far smaller gardens. Unn obviously needs a large garden for medical herbs.


    Except the wheelbarrows, I think my most appreciated idea so far by the workers is the tool vest and tool belts. But for people who have never had pockets even on their ordinary clothes, it is an incredibly revolutionary idea, and a leather belt with a hammer, axe, knife and chisel plus pockets for nails, a meterstick and other things like a hook for a saw or planer, has become a prestige symbol for a carpenter. It makes work easier and faster. My requirement for a safety harness, however, is not as appreciated, but is simply something they have to use when working at height. I really should make better ladders.


    I describe how I intended the smithy etc to be so Ketill can explain it to Olafr. So much is being built that the workers and craftsmen have a priority list depending on weather, but it won''t be more than a few weeks before this is also finished if the weather cooperates. Olafr is apparently really looking forward to visiting the island when it''s done, and our hunt. Ketill knows what I said about hunting with thunder, and it has been such an honor for him to to visit and see and experience everything - he even got to try a thunder weapon. Ketill just shakes his head - the sejd here is so powerful and fantastic.


    <hr>


    We do similar tests as yesterday, and again no signs of any problems with the barrels, attachments or the stocks. And again the bullet crack the sound barrier with what I intended to be the standard charge. It is just a good idea to stick with the same powder charge on every weapon. Tests take longer as the targets are further away, and it takes time to check on the targets and return, especially as 200 meters quickly turns out to not be far enough away. The design I chose and Olafr did far exceeded expectations, was a 70cm rifled barrel for a 12mm elongated minie ball that weighs about 30g. They didn''t manage to make the barrel as long as I hoped and it is ''only'' 62cm, but that is more than enough, and the rifle still weighs about 4.5kg. I''m not a trained shooter, but the I can hit the 200m target without much issue and get a fairly good group. It is more my shooting skill and the sights that seems to be the issue, which is really impressive. I really need to get used to a flintlock. This weapon must be useful to 400-600m depending on target size and if the target is stationary, but I need to really test the spread, and the bullet drop will be high at those distances. I don''t doubt the rifle is deadly at double that distance. I''m quite eager to get a rifled barrel made for my Boomstick, but that would reveal its secret to Olafr. However, I could ask for a rifled barrel in the right dimensions, and then cut it down and modify it myself, or I simply try to make my own rifling solution reamer and just hammer it down since the barrel are removable and I have several.


    I really need to upgrade the rifle sights and make sure they can be adjusted sideways and in height because they are not correct, which makes any more tests just a waste of blackpowder. A telescopic sight is unnecessary but would be nice, and in the end I simply want a telescopic sight even if I don''t need to use it for shooting. It''s good to get a better look at something without having to use a separate binocular. Olafr can add a dovetail or picatinny style mount on the side, attached to the barrel, and the rest of the sight will be done in brass. I will make something based on the straight sextant telescope for minimal distortion. Just longer. Something with three to four times magnification and 15-20mm optics will be good enough. Clarity and usefulness is more important than field of view or magnification, and that will be hard enough with the glass here. Hell, I should try to do a lot of better optics this winter and seal them when the air is cold and dry. It will really help against fogging. I have built weapon sight and mounts before, but mostly for image intensifiers, thermal and digital stuff with very low magnification and recoil, so the precision requirement have been less, but a P8079HP cascade tube sight was still about 2kg. It worked fine and had a really nice contrast. I actually liked the image more than my Gen2 and Gen3 NVDs, and it was a small fraction of the price.


    Oooh... That would have been something to have here.


    Image intensified sight with a focused IR 850nm illuminator that could be used at 200-300m, on a flintlock rifle, in the Elvish Viking era. That would be so wonderfully absurd. Unfortunately, it is impossible to build. Maybe I should make that red dot sight just for the absurd factor, and my Mobius camera have a small red laser...


    We end the tests and I discuss weapon improvements with Ketill. The right side have the flintlock so the telescopic mount must be on the left side so the mount doesn''t block the iron sights, and with the mounting bracket and adjustment on the side, the telescopic tube can be lower over the barrel without blocking the iron sight. Beside the sights, most is actually about different parts of the stock. From simpler things like adding a slots to keep the ramrod channel clear, to improving the lock for the built in cleaning kit and storage compartment for a few shots. An adjustable cheek rest would be handy, but I decide to not complicate the stock any more for Olafr, and will sew a padded cheek rest instead. I might make that mod in the future, but explaining that will just be hard. However, adjustable length of the buttstock with wooden spacers feels like a useful idea. Alith needed a shorter stock, and it''s stupid to make all the weapons for me since I''m unusually tall, and 7cm taller than Kari who is tall to be a woman and taller than most men. I would really like to do it quick adjustable since shooting from prone or kneeling becomes tricky when there is a telescopic sight and the distance between the sight and the eye change. Oh, well this is after all a prototype, so another future project.


    The guards show Ketill the games and he will try Risk or something simple in the next few hours while I sketch things I want to see Digraldi make and cast for me, because Ketill has already offered to leave messages and orders in Borgarsandr.


    There will only be two or three telescopic sights so I can make each by hand as long as I get the large complicated parts cast. While I sketch I can''t help to think that I really want to make a larger cannon with a flintlock too. I have a pile of collected projects, including sketches for a slightly larger cast muzzle loading bronze cannon with flintlock, height adjustment, simple sight and molds for projectiles. A lot of directives and sketches for vertical casting so that the shrinkage and slow cooling are taken in consideration, and that the mold is in the ground so the pouring can will be easier. It will be very heavy and a pain to have so much melted bronze at once, and to move it over to the mold. I assume there might be more than one pour if done by hand, which needs to be synchronized. Then there is also the enormous splitting pressure on the mold due to the weight of the material over that height and all that surface. It just feel easiest to bury the casting mold and tightly pack sand around without disturbing the mold, but I have plans for that too. Then dig it out when the cast has cooled down enough a couple of days later. It is not a small project, although it will be a small cannon compared to classic old cannons; they could be about 3m long and weigh 3 tons. I don''t need one of those huge cannons, and all that metal would make it very very expensive. My small cannon will be expensive enough.


    Stolen story; please report.


    I will need to make a proper mechanism for drilling the barrel, which will be a pain in the butt to do, and I need a machine for that work, but I have hydropower. Then I''m worried that there will be irregularities and cavities in the casting which might mean melting it down and starting over. And the larger the cannon ball is, the more it weighs and requires more blackpowder, which means higher pressure. But I want a larger and better cannon than the iron cannon for this to be worth all the effort and cost. I also want to try rifling the cannon barrel, and make an enlarged minie cannon ball in iron or lead, but it too will be a future project. That bullet might get an iron core and tip with lead in its outer shell to limit rifling wear. I know myself and rifling will happen sooner or later.


    But this won''t be the only order to Digraldi. I have that project pile, which include the parts for an exercise bike, some better dumbbells for strength training, scales etc, as well as parts for ship compasses, pendulum clocks, sun mirrors, more oil lamps and lantern parts. Digraldi is gonna have a fit. Or just be giddy over all the silver I will pay him. I write two letters, one each to Olafr and Digraldi about details, what I want to have made and so on, and include a satchel with sketches, drawings and templates. The template for the right shape on the sun mirrors won''t fit in the satchel. I also write that I will get married and invite them to my marriage to Iselin at Midwinter, but since we both have almost no relatives here, it will be a different and smaller feast.


    If I''m gonna make a cannon, it needs wheels for it to be moved, so I order that from wagon maker Obaeinn. 8 spoke wagon wheels seems about right, as I want to put wheels on my smaller iron cannon, but smaller and lighter wheels, and overall nice wheels are useful. Might as well add a couple more. I got ideas.


    I know that I am trust enough that I don''t have to pay in advance any more, and can use the excuse that I am busy with too much to do right now, but I will come to Borgarsandr to pick it up myself and pay then, but I send some silver with Ketill. Especially to Digraldi, but all the craftsmen and craftswomen will have some.


    I take a break and watch how the game goes for Ketill. He seems to have a nice time, but seems a little uncomfortable surrounded by Shieldmaidens and hang out with them in this way. I hope that if Ketill moves to the island he might will form a relationship with someone here in the future. Unfortunately, marriage is most planned here and not for love, but I can hope. I have a feeling there will be quite a lot of more young people here a year from now.


    I also place an order for the Jeweller, who is a neighbour to Digraldi. I need pretty necklaces with precious stones that I have sketched way to much versions off, as it needs to be ready for Iselin and hopefully in the future Kari, and ask the jeweller to keep everything secret and not show or mention any of this to others. I also order three more of Ciara/Kari''s buttplug, but with blue, white and green glass crystal. I just dislike the knowledge that Alith continues to use one made of wood because of the problems I told her about, and it might be a good idea to have a couple in the ''tool kit''. It will be picked up in about three weeks, but if everything is not finished, it is acceptable. Iselin''s necklace is the priority.


    I realise I need to talk to Jane, so I knock on her door and she asks me to come in. She is practicing painting with Caecilia as a model. The colors she gotten hold of apparently make skin tones and shading difficult - at least according to Jane''s high standard - and she doesn''t like to show her failures so I don''t ask. The colors don''t mix as they should, or doesn''t layer well, or it all gets fuck up when they dry, or if she paints over. So Jane tries to find a solution or work around it with the limited palette and tools at her disposal. Brushes are a problem even though she has become better at making them in different sizes, shapes and with different hairs. She has become very good with a quill and ink, but painting with colors is ''problematic''.


    Jane complains when Caecilia moves, starts flirting and caressing me, but I say that Jane and I have to talk and ask Caecilia to leave for a while, which she does after giving me a kiss, and with a sexy smile also a good view of her cleavage. It''s probably time to be intimate with Caecilia. Is she training me to give in to her seduction, or do I train her to be extra seductive and suggestive when she really wants to have sex with me?


    Anyway, once alone I explain that I want to surprise Kari and maybe Ciara and Iselin in the future, but I need information, and I wonder if she has any information about sex toys that can be made here. There is very limited material options and I have poor knowledge in that area, but I know there a small balls for the vagina, but I don''t know size etc. Jane''s smile grows so incredible wide and she is so utterly pleased and happy. She just takes several deep breaths and enjoys the feeling. Damn smug face.


    After I have accepted that Jane will get a set as payment for this valuable information etc, and put up with Jane''s smugness for far too long, I know more than I wanted. She had a friend who was ''quite adventurous'', and they are called Ben Wa and I have enough data to make a specification, and a far too detailed description of how to use them, which she insisted on giving me as I was embarrassed. She knows that I am uncomfortable and embarrassed by certain topics of conversation. Sure, I have several sexual partners but I''m still uncomfortable talking about things like this, especially to my female friend. But that just made it all the more entertaining for Jane and probably the biggest reason why she was so detailed.


    Jane suggests I focus on building a small electric motor, specifically a vibration motor, ''to ease my heavy burden'', and she offers to try the prototype so it''s safe for Iselin and the others, but I''ve pushed that to the future. I have already made good drawings of electric motors, but they''re not so small and efficient that even the smallest will fit in a dildo. Although a slightly reduced size one might fit in one of those ''wand'' things Jane oh so helpfully informs me about, and it will really be a magic wand. Nudge Nudge wink wink. But bad unflexible power cables with poor insulation and body fluids feels like a terrible combo, even if it is really low voltage at just six volts or so. Jane definitely agrees, and quickly withdraws her offer to test it.


    But I have made those sketches of electric motors, just because I want to test how bad-good they will be. I should finish the drawings and include them to Digraldi, and I need to get the commutator and the brush holders made of ceramic.


    Once back in the workroom, I make that order to the Jeweller for silver balls. 25mm and 35mm, 10 of the smaller ones and 6 of the larger ones, with an approximately 6mm hole through each, and try to make them hollow with half the weight or less of solid bullets. Also 5 tube like spacers 25mm long, because I have an idea I want to try, with stacked balls and spacers. Silver is heavy, 80 grams for the smaller ones, which according to Jane is far too much. Not to mention the price. Without the work to make them, that is more than 2 ounces of silver per ball just due to weight. Gold might be better but almost double the weight and would be insanely expensive since gold is also worth eight times more than silver. I could spend the money, but it just feels so wrong to spend more on a sex toy that will see little use than what a good horse costs, and it''s suppose to be two of those small balls. Jane suggest they thread the balls on a leather strap or something, since again there are limited options here. At least they can easily be boiled for cleaning as long as the leather strap is removed or replaced, but not my problem, and some of my sambos seem to have too much free time as it is.


    Since I will order the parts for the electric motors, I also have to give an order to the potter Ruskva, but unfortunately she can not fire those parts since I reckon that they have to be reworked a bit to make them fit and so on. But they will certainly shrink a bit when firing, so probably better to plan to modify the metal or include a spacer that can be modified in the design. Ruskva can make several sets to try a little different scale and shrinkage amount, plus do other jobs such as battery vessels, various switch parts, earthenware spacers for screws, connectors and more. Some she will be able to ''stamp out'' with the simple tool I made. I just hope the earthenware doesn''t deform too much or shrink too much. Everything I already ordered from Ruskva when it comes to electrical stuff have been good enough. I will also take the opportunity to order a bunch of air humidifiers to hang on the radiators. The air is already too dry for my taste, and it will only get worse if it gets colder.


    There will be a small order for the glazier as well so that I can get glass parts for the other orders. I realise that glass is neutral, safe, cheaper and lighter than silver, and the glazier is able to mold glass well enough, so might as well have him try to make a couple of glass dildos. I sketch three different models in the right scale on paper, without any of them actually looking like a penis, and ask him to try to make three of each. However, glazed earthenware would be even cheaper and is not as design limited. It may be better to make balls of instead of glass, so the potter gets another order to make the same dildos, and the stacked one. I can have both do it since that will be ''cheap'', and remove the stack silver design as that is just incredibly unnecessarily expensive.


    I really need technical glass for lab work, and even though the glass won''t be that good, durable and heat enduring, it will be good enough in many cases. So I also draw glass bottles, beakers, retort, flasks, test tubes, transfer pipes, stirring rods, funnels, scales, pipette, burette, stoppers, density meter etc. I''ll need a few of each, and the glazier will simply do what he can. A bonus is that it helps mask the purpose of the dildos even more.

 Midwinter calling - day 8, Caecilia

    I''m a tired but a happy man in the evening. It has been a good day with rifle tests, gifts and other stuff prepared and invitations made etc. Before Caecilias joins me in my bed for the night, I give Caecilia a simple little desk lamp made of a single white LED, and I do the installation in her room. There is already power, so quick work. Caecilia loves that I pamper her and almost treat her like the others, which indicates how important she is to me. Honestly, it was because it would be practical for her and reduced a fire hazard, but I don''t say that.


    After that we just sit on the couch, and I have Caecilia in my arms snuggling up against my shoulder and listening to some music while we cuddle. It just feels wrong that I find myself thinking I would rather sit here with Iselin, or Ciara. Caecilia is nice, charming and knowledgeable, besides beautiful and sexy, and I don''t appreciate her enough for who she is. Before we go to bed, Caecilia plays music and sings for me. I like her singing voice which reminds me of some of Eiv?r P¨¢lsd¨®ttirs songs or Sissel Kyrkjeb?, although Caecilia of course does not have such control and training. How was she taught?


    Even though I still believe I don''t really need a personal maid, or a courtesan, I can''t complain about any of the jobs Caecilia does. It''s not even certain there is anything every day besides making my bed because I''ve been banned from doing so, but Caecilia does a good job of keeping my rooms clean, and making sure I have clean clothes hanging in the closet, and my office and workshop is in some order. Caecilia knows that I don''t want her to touch certain things, and Ciara tend to be the one to make sure that every tool is back in its spot. Caecilia reminds me of things, and always tries to accompany me on trips on the island if I don''t ask her to not come along, which is pretty much like Ciara. I''m trying to get used to it, but it still feels weird going for a walk with Ketill, and have Alith, Gunhild, Caecilia and Ciara following along. Sure, I ''need'' a guard, and it''s practical that Caecilia always make sure to bring her shoulderbag with a water bottle, slate board, notebook and other useful things. But there is no real reason Ciara needs to come along except she really dislike not knowing where I am, and try to cover it up with always being eager for a walk. It''s just that bit of a extra hassle as both Caecilia and Ciara have to make sure they look pretty, and it all becomes so... Official. Instead of two blokes walking and talking, it''s the Lord with his entourage making a tour and showing a guest. I miss being a nobody.


    Caecilia is quite bad being an assistant as I work in my office or workshop, as she just doesn''t have the understanding and interest. Iselin and Ciara still helps me a lot when it comes to my work, but we''ll see if it changes when I marry Iselin. I''ve told Iselin, Ciara and Kari that they don''t have to be interested or helpful when it comes to my projects. They are my sambos, not my assistants. But Iselin is usually interested and wants to help and learn. Ciara just wants to be helpful, and seem to be most pleased when she do something tricky that takes time, and I am happy with the result instead of doing it myself. Kari prefer to make sure I have time to do what I want by taking care of the rest of the household. I have not understood what really interests Caecilia yet - except sex and music - although she seems genuinely interested in the greenhouse. I didn''t expect thermometers to be interesting, but that might be Caecilia taking the opportunity to be ''available'' when Iselin isn''t here helping with projects, and Caecilia may also be trying to make herself more interesting to me. We all have agendas.


    But I should appreciate Caecilia more for the person she is, and not just because she''s nice to cuddle and snuggle with, and damn nice to have sex with. Iselin is still the nicest in bed but Caecilia is second and together they''re unbeatable, and not only because they are two bisexual young women who love me and each other''s company, but also because I don''t feel such pressure on me to satisfy them both and be fair.


    Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.


    My plans for testing at the Academy selection next spring, have led Jane to create other tests, including one with several questions for sexuality. Just to place everyone on a scale ''for fun''. I seriously don''t get that, but most women in the building seemed interested in it. But, on a 1 to 7 scale with hetero at 1, gay at 7 and bisexuality at 4, Iselin ended up at 4-5 while Caecilia is 3. Which both agree with.


    It feels weird to know that the sweet young woman in my arms who sings a beautiful love song to me, also shares a bed with my future wife, and my female friend. I see nothing wrong with that, but I''m still not really used to such a flexible sexual relationship. As far as I know, I''ve never had a homosexual or bisexual friend before, even though the odds are that someone should have been. Definitely no one who has been as open about sex as Caecilia is. Then again; I''m a man, and we don''t talk about stuff like that.


    It is just ''different'' to have Caecilia near me most of the time, especially knowing that unlike for example Ciara who just wants to be close most of the time and be useful, and sex might happen every two weeks, Caecilia would prefer if we spent an hour in bed, every day, and it''s not limited to the bed. I do not think any of my sambos would say no, or say they have a headache etc just to avoid me. I''m honestly more likely to do so if they gets obviously seductive or ask. But Caecilia is still different, because it''s like she''s never satisfied. I know she can go from just sharing Jane''s bed and having sex with her, to immediately being hungry for more with me, or Iselin, and she''s so open about sex that I''m careful about accidentally giving her ideas. Definitely a sex bunny. I''m glad Caecilia is there for Iselin - and Jane - because I''m not man enough to have that appetite, and it might help Jane''s loneliness.


    But my morale in some areas is clearly negative nowadays and continues to fall. I who was anxious to have sex with Iselin when she in the beginning were my ''employee'' and young, now have much more sex with my 3 year younger and still 17 year old courtesan. I still feel dirty about that when I actually think about it, but often I simply don''t think about it. It''s been a hell of a transition to going from living alone, to having three girlfriends and a courtesan under the same roof in just a few months, in addition to all the other casual sexual partners I''ve had, and the attempts to make Liv pregnant. Has Liv become pregnant? I may be a on my way to become a father. That is a though I havn''t really accepted.


    I want radios or telegraphs. I need to finish my simple ''crystal'' receiver and test a complete 100% Alfheimr system. Considering how that radio will be able to be made by more people and is easy to explain, I should probably call the receiver a diode radio, and mention that future crystals work as a diode. There is literally some that acts as LEDs and give tiny glowing points. It''s just stupid to use two different names. Such a receiver will only work at close range from a transmitter in AM voice mode or spark gap transmitter that is not pure sine wave, but it proves that radio doesn''t require any ''magic'' components at all - the magic components only make the radio better. Maybe make a coherer receiver instead so I can test without anyone''s assistance?


    Caecilia brings my wandering thought back as she plays with her hand in my hair on my chest, arms and legs. I feel sorry for Jane when Caecilia talks about how hairy Jane''s arms and legs are starting to get and how Jane feels like an interesting mix of masculinity and femininity, especially with how much hair she has between her legs. Humans are definitely very hairy, and it''s mostly just problems and can get stuck in teeth, but she likes to feel my hair. And play with Jane''s vagina hair and it smells different.


    That''s a tactical TMI, as I really didn''t need that mental picture of Jane. Jane drops tactical TMI''s intentionally, but Caecilia does it in for her normal conversation.


    That''s enough for tonight so I take Caecilia in my arms, and head off for bed.

 Midwinter calling - day 9, Wax on, wax off

    Midwinter calling, day 9


    Wax on, wax off.


    After an early breakfast we say goodbye to Ketill who leave with the weapons, crucible steel, letters and so on. Quite a lot of very valuable cargo in that boat. It shouldn''t take long to finish the weapons, and he will ask Olafr to make limited engravings on the barrels. It is unnecessary to weaken them now that they''re tested, and will remind Olafr to not make engravings that channels water into the flintlocks. When Olafr thinks the three weapons are finished, he will come here for our hunt, as the hunt might inspire improvements on the other weapons. Until then, I''ll prepare weighted blackpowder charges in paper.


    <hr>


    Today''s electricity and installation work means that all rooms that should have electric light now does, and all rooms that should be connected to the servant system are, with the right amount of switches installed. I''m in my office feeling quite pleased with myself while updating the buildings schematics, when Kari comes in and sits on my lap, kiss me, and then hungry kiss me more and deeper, before resting her head against mine while making a content sigh. Kari wonder if I can say which Midg?rd technology requires coarse fabric, honey, beeswax, candles, wooden sticks and strong wine or beer. I have no idea what the hell she''s talking about - until she says that Jane is collecting it and doesn''t want to say why.


    Then it dawns on me that Caecilia must have said something to Jane about her body hair, and Jane plans to do something about it. I''ve never done anything like that myself, but explain that considering the amounts, Jane probably intends to do a full body wax. I have no idea how painful it will be, and having to repeat it over and over all over her body, only to know that she''ll need to do it again in the near future. Kari knows how painful it is to pull a hair from her head and looks really worried, and it feels good that she cares about Jane, so I give her tips on offering to help, because Jane will probably need and want help, and check with Unn if she has anything to help for pain relieving or anaesthetic.


    <hr>


    I need to let the Lab Ovens dry for a few more days before I fire them for the first time, even if it is mostly the extra insulated high temp one that might be a problem. I was about to make a mistake as I didn''t think about airflow to the oil lamp, but I could put channels for it on both. Both inlet and outlet ducts can also be plugged up to reduce heat loss. I made extra insulation at the bottom where the burners are on both ovens so that minimal metal surface comes into contact with the ambient air and can be closed off when the burners are turned off, and it is also possible to heat indirectly via external channels to slow down the cooling rate.


    I''m look forward to being able to start playing with the glass tubes and hopefully make good mercury thermometers, and will try to make test tubes and tempered glass, and preferably more advanced glass objects. I have not solved how to make hoses and connect the lab glass, but in some situations impregnated leather works, and in others hopefully tapered glass tubes will work well enough. With or without some form of sealant. I hope a form of Faraday wax will work for most. The wax does not have to be perfect as long as I''m not going for very high vacuum, and I hope a mixture of one part beeswax, several parts resin and one to two parts venetian red will work for the need I have. Sometimes it''s good to have an artist who likes to brag about how much she knows about pigments and other things. If the wax doesn''t work, I have to try different things and glues.


    I''m actually quite happy with all the glass tubes I have, and that the glazier was able to make three that were more than a meter, but they are far too large internally for a thermometer but can be good for lab equipment or in a mercury barometer to measure ambient air pressure. I need to test the tubes with the thinnest inner channel, so I know what size I need on the bulb at the bottom to get a certain temperature scale. But I cannot directly measure such a thin channel and I assume the channel is not even all the way. So the method I will try is to make a ''large'' metal container in brass with a known volume and attach a tube to the end with wax so I can remove the glass tube after testing without destroying it.


    Then fill the brass container with mercury and seal it, followed by placing a millimeter scale on the glass tube, and attaching my real thermometer to the brass container so it also measures the same temperature. By exposing the container to different temperatures and see how much the mercury rise in the tube, I will get data on internal volume and hence diameter. I''ll also see if it rise evenly over the entire length. Even though it certainly won''t be one hundred percent correct, it is good enough to get an estimate for the bulb. I will obviously have to calibrate the finished mercury thermometers.


    There will be a lot of fiddling about, but if I choose a larger volume, the mercury movement will be greater with a larger thermal inertia, and during tests I just want to measure the diameter of the inner tube in different places and use as long a tube as possible. To stabilize the fragile glass tube, the container gets a tall brass support to which the glass tube is attached at multiple locations. I miss having different types of tape, but string work well enough for this. I can only test one glass tube at a time with this method, and need to make the hole for the glass tube slightly conical for different tube diameters, but this is a test, and I can then calculate how much mercury the finished bulb must contain to for example have 1 or 5 Celsius per 1mm. With wax, I should be able to test a few tubes a day, while glue takes annoyingly long to dry.


    I want several different types of mercury thermometers, with different scales and accuracy. The temperature range is limited between -39C to plus 357C because mercury otherwise freezes or turns to gas. For higher temperatures I so no real need for higher precision and I already have a working solution, and even though it can get colder than -39C in the inland up north, I don''t intend to be where it gets that cold. I also find it highly unlikely that I will be able to make a freezer anywhere close to cold enough that it becomes an issue. I''m happy if the freezer works and gets below freezing. It''s simply a future problem for either an alcohol or a sensitive gas pressure thermometer.


    What I want are several normal outdoor thermometers with -30C to +50C range, that can withstand being outdoors, but the scale only needs to read to 1C accuracy. I can manage quite well with -20C to +40C range if I need to. Then I want to build a few long precision thermometers for -35C to +120C or higher for lab use and other things, and preferably be able to read half a degree Celsius along the entire scale so it is easier to have an exact 1C scale. These will become long and are a compromise like everything else. 1mm per 1C still means a short 155mm scale for that range, so the thermometer will at least be 250mm long in total, but more likely about 300-400mm long. The last type is a high temperature -10C to +320C range with a precision of 5C or better. I can make a line for every other degree or even every fifth degree if needed for a manageable size and readable scale. But one or two is enough, and must not be too awkwardly long and fragile. There is also the issue with bulb size, and fragility. The bulb simply cannot be to large for some uses, especially if I hope to make a fever thermometer.


    You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.


    <hr>


    I show the guards the newly finished flashlight, and say that it is for general use by me, my sambos and the staff too, but its storage place is on the shelf in the guards dayroom. With a 2300mAh battery and about 20mA current draw, it will last something like 100 hours, so it should be enough to charge it once a week if it is on during half the night. They can always checking the battery with the multimeter in my workshop once a week or so if it is unknown how much the flashlight has been used. If the battery starts to run low, the flashlight should be charged by standing upright in the charging cradle and not continue being used. The cradle has a simple integrated slow charge so it will take about 16 hours depending on how discharged the battery is. For the time being, they should avoid using the flashlight if we have guests, as it is better that we keep certain things to ourselves. It is after all a small magic light.


    I should have expected the guards to quickly start dazzling each other by shining in their eyes, even though the flashlight is weak. It will surely be done so many times over the coming nights.


    Kari and Jane are drunk, somewhat uncoordinated and smell wine when they discover me sitting on the couch on the mezzanine where I think about radio, coherer, thermometer, glass processing and how I have to make everything and in what order etc. Jane gently sits down and is obviously a little sore, while Kari crawls up to me and gives me a kiss. Kari change so she sits across my lap, and says that she is so happy to not be a hairy human woman. Especially in the face, under the arms and between the legs. I silently thank Kari for that TMI. But Jane is happy and satisfied while she shows her arms and a calf and in English say:


    "I never should have let it grow that long. When I got here I did not think about it, and when I did it was kind of nice not having to care for once. Not having to shave or wax. But when I noticed I just couldn''t let it go. I was minging! Hardly the perfect tools for a proper job, but it worked! I have to keep doing it once a month but it''s better than letting it grow. I started to look like you!" And repeat "I looked like you!" in Norse before giggling.


    Kari also starts giggling as Jane pokes at my hairy arm. How much have they drunk? Kari''s breath isn''t fresh. Kari replies: "You did not. Your breasts are bigger and you miss a part I love."


    They keep laughing and giggling, and Kari grabs me between my legs to make her point clear. More giggling. I give Kari a kiss, and embrace her; "I like your body too." Her breath? Not so much.


    Kari grabs my head with both hands, and she have a bit of hard time focusing and keeping her balance when she stares into my eyes - definitely heavily intoxicated.


    "I love you Robert. Love you above all else. Your good kind soul. Your intelligence. Everything you do to give me wonderful sex!"


    Abruptly, Kari hungerily starts kissing me and digging into my pants. I try to stop her, but she angrily grunts and doesn''t let herself be stopped. Besides Jane, I see Alith and Gunhild watching us from the day room.


    "Kari, ... Jane and ... the guards ... are watching." I manage to get out between Kari''s intense kissing, and eagerly digging in my pants.


    "Let them! I want to feel you in me!"


    She manages to loosen my belt and pants enough as there is a button fly and I have already reacted, so she lifts her dress and contently sinks down on me with a satisfied smile, and a cute satisfied sound as she grinds her groin and settle. Shit... Oh well. I help Kari ride me there on the couch, and help with one hand under her dress and one on the outside caressing her hair, neck and breasts. It''s distracting as hell that Jane happily looks on with her head resting on the back of the couch and refuses to leave, but Kari doesn''t care and bites me a little too hard in the lip and loudly moans as she finishes. Kari must have been very horny, but I''m happy she didn''t squirt which is quite unusual at least for the first orgasm. It doesn''t take long for myself after that as Kari havn''t stopped grinding, and then we just sit there, and hold each other.


    "You are cute together." Jane''s Norse has become much better and she is quite easy to understand as long as she doesn''t get hung up on any word or inflection, even if the accent and pronunciation are a bit weird and she miss pronounce, make the wrong word sequences and inflections, which I do too. But she rarely uses Norse with me. It feels more normal and modern to speak English. She sighs and says; "I miss have man friend."


    Close enough and we understand her meaning. Kari answers her while she casually rests her head on my shoulder. "You know you can borrow Robert as long as it''s just sex."


    "Not same. Robert''s yours."


    I don''t know what to say, because it''s just too absurd. I''m sitting here after having sex with Kari, and can feel how I have become limp in her. Alith is leaning against a wall looking smug, with Gunhild peeking over her shoulder, and Kari talks to my friend Jane about lending me out for sex. What happened to the concept that sex is the man taking a woman? I''m just about to reply with something ingenious and witty, when another voice breaks in and Caecilia''s opening comment as she comes bouncing up the stairs is; "My turn?" Caecilia seductively leans towards me on the couch, and with flirting eyes gives me a handkerchief for cleaning. I guess her sex sense tingled, and it has of course been many hours since we last had sex this morning.


    "No. Tonight Robert is mine." Kari casually replies followed by a deeply satisfied sigh as she continues to hug me and resting her head against mine. So we just sit there; hugging each other with Jane dreamily looking on, while I discreetly try to clean myself and Kari under her dress and button up my fly. It doesn''t help that Kari grinds her groin against my cleaning hand, and seems ready for more. After far too many pointed hand gestures, I manage to get Jane and Caecilia to leave.


    I take Kari up to my room, but we just lie there snuggled together. Holding each other and just enjoying the others presence. Kari with her long golden hair and her pretty blue eyes. My sexy, sinful, stately and right now very drunk goddess, who is just happy and cuddly in a way she usually is not. My brain makes a mental jump and I have a fleeing thought of Alith as my sexy valkyria who rides me to Valhalla. I really hope I don''t die in battle, but again ''death by snu-snu'' is a possibility. If you die gloriously in battle, according to the Aesir belief you will probably be brought to Valhalla by a Valkyria, or be brought to Folkvang, but nothing is said about what happens if you die of sex. One should be brought to Folkvang by Freya; The Goddess of magic, war, sex, love and death. Anything else would just be wrong.


    Kari mumbles how she is just so happy for her wonderful life, and how her future have completely changed during the last six months. Kari giggles and whispers in my ear that it is ironic how cousin Sefa actually has worse prospects than she do, and Kari feel slightly bad that she enjoys it. They''ve had a fairly similar life in front of them, only with different end statuses. Sefa also grew up with the knowledge that she will be married for an alliance, and love has never been a part of it. But, unlike her younger sister Ulfarna, Sefa has never been interested in love. For Sefa, marriage have always been about prestige, power, luxury and the kind of life she will have, and how her surroundings look at her husband. She cares less about how the man is, compared to the other things. But Kari is happy that I''m not 10 years younger because Asbj?rn and Haera are definitely thinking of grandchildren, and Sefa should have a man her age or just a few years older.


    When the Royal family left, Sefa was obviously jealous of her, Iselin''s and Ciara''s lives here. How luxurious, comfortable and pleasant it is, and that they only travel when they want too. Sefa''s ego is huge and she likes to be honored with feasts where she is treated like the princess, but really dislikes travelling around, sleeping in tents, with the rain, damp and cold that often means. Kari giggles in my ear and whispers: "Just like you", before snuggling in a bit more and dragging the duvet tighter over us.


    Kari continue explaining that Sefa also dislikes the ''countryside'' and unimportant remote or small places in the middle of nowhere, and refuse to live in such a place. Because then she will also become unimportant, which is unacceptable. Which is also one reason we didn''t talk about the exclusive Caelhart Auction, since as far as Kari knows - Asbj?rn and they have never been invited. Kari is also worried that Sefa is petty and probably feels deeply offended that I avoided her, especially since I am almost double her age. She is Princess Sefa: The most coveted unmarried woman in the north. Kari knows that Sefa''s ego is big enough to believe that Freya must have planned for us to get married, simply because she can''t possibly be an ordinary unimportant woman on the periphery of my Saga. So it is likely that Sefa will find petty ways of getting revenge. Especially if her eventual husband doesn''t match up to her high expectations.


    Wonderful.


    Just wonderful.

 Midwinter calling - day 10, Wave on, Wave off

    Midwinter calling, day 10


    Wave on, Wave off


    Kari is horrified and ashamed by what we did last night in front of everyone, and it is of course my fault that I did not stop her, for which I just accept the blame. If you are right, you lose. If you are wrong, you lose. Might as well just accept that and move on. I promise to really try to avoid something like that happening again in front of the others - except for the start of our wedding night. That improves Kari''s mood. Which honestly feels good to know.


    I''ve tried to avoid too public intimate moments with just one or two of Iselin, Ciara and Kari, since I don''t want anyone to feel left out. Sure, I didn''t really chose to have a relationship with Ciara or Kari, but it''s not like I dislike them, and I will try to make our relationships work. But it''s hard, and I''m not the most caring or thoughtful man.


    <hr>


    It can actually be very easy to build a primitive radio transmitter with the right parts, and a receiver is easier. A primitive receiver for Amplitude Modulated radio - ie AM radio - can be built as a diode radio, also commonly called a crystal radio, or foxhole radio when made by soldiers during World War II. The receiver consists of just a few part like a really long antenna wire, and an earthing nail pushed into the ground. Metal wire wound as a coil and a variabel capacitor works for tuning. That capacitor might be improvised, like two metal cans insulated with paper and stacked one inside of the other, and changing the overlap is the tuning. A rectifier  was often improvised by a rusty or blued razor blade with a safety pin or piece of graphite pencil that sprung against the surface of the blade. And finally a pair of high impedance headphones or rather piezo headphones. That''s all. No battery or other components, but it is a bad receiver and requires a strong AM transmitter for the radio energy is what you hear directly in the headphones.


    A really primitive radio transmitter is almost as easy, and my spark gap transmitter is actually quite complicated compared to what was initially used on Midg?rd, but they did not understand how important resonance and tuning is and a lot of people like Marconi though the ''whip crack'' of a spark was required for radio to work. The easiest transmitter is just a pieces of cable connected to a battery that you tap against the other pole so it sparks, and do it with a long antenna wire on one side, earthing on the other and a higher voltage battery, and it is basically a spark transmitter. A pure spark gap is inefficient and with an ''ugly'' dampened wave ''DW'' signal, which without tuning, is basically a jammer that all radios hear regardless of frequency setting.


    But spark gap transmitters work and if a few kilowatts of high voltage are used they reach far and was used to transmit across the Atlantic to primitive diode / crystal receivers. Powerful spark gap transmitters with more than 100kW was made in the early 1900s. It is possible to make them frequency tuned - which is what I''ve done with my spark gap transmitter - and it is also possible to make a fast pulsating spark gap with an electric motor and a rotary gap, which gives a better and more melodic signal. Higher spark rate is easier to hear. It was a variant of an electromechanically tuned transmitter with rotary spark gap that the Titanic and similar ships had, and that radio had a few kilowatts of output in the then common range of 0.5-1MHz.


    It is also possible to build a more mechanical transmitter of Alexanderson model in the so-called Very Low Frequency ''VLF'' range of about 15-200kHz, but it requires precision machines to manufacture something large that rotates fast enough with the fine tolerance needed without destroying itself. And lots of power. But it is possible to build electromechanical DW, CW and AM transmitters of several hundred kilowatts. The only preserved Alexanderson type transmitter in Midg?rd is the ''Grimeton'' station in western Sweden a bit south of Gothenburg, and it is damn fascinating. I have visited and heard it several times, because when standing beside it in operation you want to use hearing protection, which the museum lends out. The mechanical and electrical problems that need to be solved when working at that level are impressive, and I respect the engineers that had to solve all those problems. Having an idea and sketching it on a paper is one thing, actually building it is often the real problem. The museum starts the transmitter up on a few occasion, but transmit just once each summer, and it can still be heard around the world. It''s VLF signal is so low at just 17200Hz that it can be received far away with just a coil plugged into the microphone port of a computor. That is all kinds of impressive when you think about it.


    The simplest all-electric radio transmitter that actually makes a pure tuned signal, is an interesting but very primitive narrowband ultra-low power transmitter using a classic crystal and making a Zinc Negative Resistance transmitter. But its output power is measured in microwatts, so even with a really good antenna and sensitive modern receiver, the range from a mountain peak without any obstacles is ''only'' a handful of kilometers. But such an ultra low power transmitter is neither practical nor usable, and I also lack any suitable classic crystal, and I sure won''t try to make one any time soon. There is a big difference between a classic two-legged crystal and a modern 5V powered crystal oscillator with digital output. The transmitter in a car keyfob or similar short-range remote is a few milliwatts, so around 1000 times stronger, and everyone knows how short the range of those are, but it is hardly an optimal antenna for both the transmitter and receiver. In unobstructed line of sight, you can reach surprisingly far with very low signal strength, or if the signal is extremely narrowband with the right atmospheric conditions. Radio amateurs have succeeded with impressive feats. A simple cheap UHF PMR446 radio usually reaches only a few hundred meters in normal terrain or city, but go up a mountain and it is possible to reach 100-200km, or longer when atmospheric conditions are right.


    Hmmm ... I actually have my car keyfob in the keychain. Can I do something with its high frequency at probably the standard ISM frequency 434MHz or 868MHz? I have no idea if I can reuse anything from Jane and Tom''s rental Tesla keyfob, but it should have a couple of crystals as well, and a couple of push buttons. But again ultra high frequency. Everything modern is on even higher frequencies, and often at 2.4GHz.


    The absolutely simplest transmitter I can build is to connect the antenna directly to the output of such a digital output crystal oscillator from my Wouxun radio and just supply it with 5V, but it is also not practical for my use even if it is possible to transmit both CW morse code and AM voice with it. The transmitter has too high a frequency, and I still need to build an output stage to increase the power to something usable. But it is a frequency stable fine narrowband transmitter. And tiny.


    If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    So to achieve my goal, I need to make better and more efficient radio designs for both the receiver and transmitter sections, and I need to build at least two complete radio units that will be relatively compact and energy efficient. Thank the gods I brought stuff with me that I can take modern amplifying semiconductors from, and it helps that the mansion''s electricity is close enough to both 9 and 12V which is the usual voltage in most radio designs. But if the radio is to be mobile and use power banks, that does not work so well and the radio must be a 5V design. Or maybe just use two series connected power banks to get 10V.


    Another problem for better radio designs? I have no integrated circuits, crystals, ceramic filters, prefabricated filters, ferrites, or even trim potentiometers and switches. So, any designs that require crystals, ceramic filters or integrated circuits is just a no-go. It will be a very analog design, although the semiconductors I have will make the radios performance good. Simple inductors, capacitors and resistors can be made, and I know that my power resistors works, because the ones I made for the wind turbine have worked fine for three months, and I my newer ones are better.


    I borrow from different radio designs to put together a transmitter and receiver. In my phone and tablets radio subfolder in the electronics folder, I find several I can build straight off, as long as I replace and adapt components. I find a pair with a very simple design with a transistor and a mosfet that is switched between receiving or transmitting, but I can not build them because I lack suitable classic crystals, and it doesn''t have much output power and would need an amplifier stage, although the regen receiver has good sensitivity. ''Regen'' is an abbreviation for ''Regeneration'', and is a design developed in the early 1920s to use as few expensive vacuum tubes as possible in a radio receiver, but still provide a sensitive receiver. Mosfets makes such a difference to input sensitivity and amplification that the regen design principle is improved. However, I want to try to avoid dealing with regen receivers, and even super regen. I just don''t like them.


    A lot of thoughts and designs to contemplate. The spark gap transmitter is basically finished so I make an improvised RF signal strength meter. A moving coil meter with a capacitor, diode and a tuning LC circuit, becomes a simple field effect meter, which helps me to calibrate the maximum output power from the spark gap transmitter, and more accurately determine the frequency as I can better calculate the meters LC circuit. The higher the voltage the moving coil show, the more powerful the transmission is, so by resting the RF meter in a suitable place and reading its value, adjust the transmitter, read the value, adjust, and so on, a good tuning can be done. Since that the antenna will also receive, the antenna should also be tuned for reception as well, although the input stage must also be adjusted to a weak transmitter.


    As long as everything is tuned with each other, it doesn''t matter that much what the frequency is, but it would have been nice to do it exactly, and it would be far more efficient. Just because it''s as good as I can measure, doesn''t mean it''s as effective as it could be.


    It''s a bit stressful to build and solder electronics when it''s with inaccurate tools and I don''t have the appropriate equipment to test it afterwards. I miss my workbench at home. In addition to my soldering irons and soldering station, I miss my signal generator, my oscilloscopes and different meters. Man, my yellow toolbox for ''fixing technology'' would have been worth so much to have right now, but of course I left that in the car. I also have a red toolbox for ''mechanical stuff and various jobs'', but it was left at home. But I am happy for what I have, and the soldering iron is a vast improvement over the copper rod.


    A small problem is how I will determine the frequency of what I build, and thus be able to more easily calculate antennas and resonant circuits etc. It is possible to test and count backwards etc, or try with my RF field effect meter, but that is not particularly accurate without being calibrated to references. So the plan is to build a simple frequency standard with one of the crystal oscillators from the Wouxun radio, so I at least have something with a stable frequency to center everything at.


    The crystal oscillators I have from the Wouxun outputs 29.25MHz, 14.4MHz and 32768Hz, where only 14.4MHz is practical to use. But for practical reasons it is still too high frequency, so the plan is quite logically to halve that in to stages, so from 14.4MHz I first get 7.2MHz and then 3.6MHz. A good frequency standard with basically sine wave output makes tuning and making filters so much easier. Another advantage is that 3.6MHz is in the middle of the 80 meter radio amateur band even if the frequency is a little too low compared to what I wanted. Since range isn''t the priority for my spark gap transmitter, I can use 14.4MHz to tune my spark gap transmitter and receiver, and higher is better to protect the sensitive lower frequency radios.


    So I need to build a transistor solution to lower the frequency, but it is at least an exact output frequency and not variable frequency, so easier to do. It is possible to make a simple flip-flop of two transistors plus a diode to halve the frequency or make it even lower, but I don''t want a square wave or pulsed output because it is bad to test frequencies with and give unpleasant harmonic signals, even if it is possible to add LC filters and get a better and more sinus wave signal. But a tuned oscillator just over half the frequency that is triggered in a similar way to the flip-flop can give a better signal, and it can be built with just a transistor and a diode, even if it requires a little more tuning to work and get it right. But it can halve the frequency, and it is possible to trigger one with the output of another, and thus lower the frequency four times. I guess I just have to try to build and see what works best. If I make the divider frequency flexible I could use the 29.25MHz oscillator too, and get more references at 14.625MHz and 7.3125MHz, and there might be other usable oscillators in other stuff to get other frequencies.


    Hmmm.... Decisions, decisions.


    <hr>


    Ciara sits and press the button on my spark gap transmitter in the meeting room, so I can tune the diode receiver''s sensitivity. While I sit and tune, I realise that this is probably the first real radio transmission made here in Alfheimr, but I need to make a contact diode and Alfheimr headphones to be able to say that this is really 100% Alfheimr tech. The headphones will have low impedance of just a handful of ohms, so it''s probably best to try to make an output transformer that adjusts from the high ohm output on the diode receiver.


    I have added a coherer in the same receiver. A coherer is a non-conductive tube with metal plugs that almost meet much like a spark gap. The space between is filled with metal filings, and I''ve used iron, but I wonder what is best. Copper? Iron? Tin? Gold? Silver? In normal resting state, the coherer has a high resistance, but when a weak electric signal appear over the plugs, the filings start to ''line up'' and conduct electricity much better. They stay like that even when the signal disappear, so you have to tap the tube for the filings to ''come loose'' and regain higher resistance. That''s why the coherer should be suspended in some kind of springing mount, although the tap doesn''t have to be that hard. An electromagnet that is feed current from a battery when the coherer conducts, can then tap the coherer tube, which causes it to stop conducting if the signal is gone. If the signal is still there, the coherer immediately starts to conduct again, and it works a bit like a bell and the tapping makes the receiver make a sound bell or buzzer like.


    A radio receiver only needs to be a coherer connected to ground and a long antenna wire, with a battery and a ''bell'' arm tapping on the coherer. However, it will react to anything that makes an electric field, so a tuning circuit is needed to make it frequency selective, and other things make the coherer receiver more practical.

 Midwinter calling - day 10, Music waves

    There are several major practical problems for radio here. I live below two mountains, and even though I don''t live in the valley, there are forest covered peaks 20-35m higher within 200m of the mansion, which is not optimal for signals going north or west. Except to the east or south, I can not count on using the ground wave, ie the part of the radio energy that travels along the earth''s surface. To get around that problem, hopefully the better radios will be sensitive enough that I can use NVIS for normal use. NVIS stands for Near Vertical Incidence Skywave, and is basically as good as it gets in a mountainous environment, because the radio energy is sent in a high angle upwards and the upper ionosphere acts as a reflector and sends the signal back down, and I hope to reach about 400km, day and night. The biggest signal loss is the ionospheric bounce, not the distance since that is open sky, so 10km or 400km is not that big of a difference when it comes to NVIS. I just need a sensitive enough receiver and a powerful enough transmitter that I can handle that path loss. A pretty good analogy for how the ionosphere can be for radio waves, is like using a diving mask in a swimming pool and looking at the surface from below and out to the sides. At a certain angle, there is a full light reflection and you can no longer see through the surface and instead see back down into the pool, and even if you look towards the surface above, you can see a faint reflex of yourself if the roof is darker in an indoor pool.


    The ionosphere works a bit in the same way for radio waves depending on frequency, time of day, sunspots, auroras, etc etc. It gets very complicated. This is a high latitude of 58 degrees north, and I''ll probably need to transmit to slightly higher latitudes, so the maximum usable frequency (MUF) during the day for the ionospheres ''F'' layer may not even reach 7.2MHz which would be nicer to build and would have meant shorter antennas, so a lower frequency is better like around 5MHz. At the same time, the sun during the day creates the ionospheric ''D'' layer which attenuates lower frequencies a lot, so 3.6MHz is not optimal either, and the antenna length for a 3.6MHz dipole is almost 40 meters, which is a bit too long for my ship due to Lateen sails poking out upwards to the sides, etc. The ships is also half that length, so it can be an ''interesting'' antenna solution on the ship, and not just pulling up a wire in a mast or simple line from the mast down, or between the two masts. Sure, the antenna doesn''t have to be a dipole, but in general, a larger tuned antenna is better than a small tuned antenna.


    Another major problem is the so-called skin effect. A solid conductor that conducts current creates a magnetic field around it, and when the frequency increases, a magnetic field is also created in the middle of the conductor so no current goes there, and the higher the frequency, the bigger the problem. This is the skin effect, and named so since only the ''skin'' of the conductor is used. So lower frequency would be much better, preferably below 0.5MHz, but I need to use several multiples over that to get manageable antenna length and work with the ionosphere. At such a ''high'' frequency as 3.6MHz, the skin effect will be large as only the outermost 35¦Ìm actually conducts the signal, so even if the wire is 3mm in diameter, only the outermost 0.035mm of the surface conducts the signal. 99.9% of the copper wire is just unnecessary weight and cost, and could have been a pipe. It could be insulating plastic with a 0.035¦Ìm copper layer on the outside.


    In addition to using coaxial cable for higher frequencies, the common way to reduce the problem in ordinary low frequency cables such as to headphones, is to use many many thin small conductors that are lacquer insulated and intertwined in something called Litz wire. However, it is impossible to make something that good here. I will need to buy and combine more of the thinnest copper wire due to the skin effect in the antenna''s copper wire, but I will not be able to get as many strands as I want in the antenna feed. If I need 30 meters of antenna conductor between the radio and the antenna, just four strands becomes 240 meters of handmade wire for each conductor. The skin effect is a big problem, so I should stay on low frequency just because of that, and also high signal voltages that are less affected by ''resistance'' compared to high current signals. Sure, I could make a coaxial cable in the form of a tube with a copper rod internally held in the middle of the tube using glass or earthenware spacers, but that''s not a flexible solution, and will be cumbersome with impedance matching, but impedance matching always need to be done every time the signal changes ''circuit'', and different antennas and feeds have different impedances. So, I need to match between antenna and antenna cable. Between the antenna cable and the transmitter output and the receiver input. Internally in the radio circuits.


    If not everything is matched and tuned, the transmitter might output 80W, but what actually leaves the antenna is far smaller. The worse the tuning the less, so maybe only 5-20W leaves. And I expect the transmitter to output about 8-10W. It is also about reception, since it''s terrible if only 1/8 of the signal the antenna receives actually makes it into the receiver. So it affects the range of the radio very much and can easily mean half the range or less if it is wrong. If both radios that are communicating with each other have the same problem, it will be much worse because it is multiplied. 1/4 leaves the antenna and 1/4 of what is received goes into the radio, ie 1/16 compared to if everything was tuned. Radio signals arn''t linear and are measured in decibels, but it quickly becomes bad. This is the reason why radio amateurs are very focused on antennas, impedance matching and measuring the SWR, which is a measure to determine how well-tuned electrical signal conductors are and stand for Standing Wave Ratio. Technically, it should be a V for Voltage in front of SWR, but most people don''t care to say so. Hmmm... I might be able to build a simple SWR meter.


    Radio can be so simple, and so very very complicated and tricky.


    So I have to accept a compromise, and 3.6MHz seems to work about as well as I can hope for with all my limitations, problems and compromises. At least during long winter nights, one or two large directional dipoles, horizontal loops or rhombic antennas should be able to provide long range when I need it, and maybe a compact loop antenna or frame antenna works when the larger antennas can not be made. The balancing of radio output-input, feed and antenna wire will be pain in the butt to do and get it tuned - but is important. I have long since realised that it will probably be a free wire ladder solution with ceramic or glass insulators of about 600 ohms impedance, and have already bought ceramic insulators for it and other stuff.


    <hr>


    When I inventory my electronics, I take the opportunity to disassemble Tom''s Bluetooth headphones to see what useful parts it can give me. There is significantly more useful parts than I expected, and in addition to two speakers in its own suitable small acoustic plastic cases, it has four small microphones, which I think it''s for actively attenuating ambient noise or some form of automatic filter calibration. Or be able to take a phone call through. There is also six small push buttons and four small blue LEDs on the motherboard. A copious amount of small capacitors and resistors, more than a hundred of each, which amaze me. I wasn''t expecting this. Unfortunately, I won''t be able to use most of it. Wrong values. There is also a small 3.3V switch regulator I can remove and reuse. There seem to be four diodes, one of which is more powerful, and three what I think are mosfets but I need to test them better to verify and get the data on them and follow the paths on the circuit board. The IC circuits are quite useless, although I can guess what a couple of them do and for example, I could try to reuse the headphone amplifier, but that''s probably too much work. I will try to avoid fucking up what I don''t need.


    I am very grateful that the manufacturer made it easy for themself, and used a finished bluetooth module that has nice printed text saying what the different pins are, but it''s also printed on the circuit board, so I should be able to use it with the above regulator. Maybe I should try to update my home-built speaker to Bluetooth, with pause, forward and back buttons? Wireless option would be handy.


    You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.


    There is also a small separate circuit board with the charge controller and two more surface mounted LEDs, red and green, which are connected to its Lipo battery cell, so that is also useful. I can build another flashlight or something very simple with this, ready for charging straight off. Just connect to USB.


    Then of course some nice little screws and a whole pile of useful plastic. What I really like is that the cables between the headphones, among other things, are audio type Litz cable with many tiny beautiful strand that are individually lacquer-insulated, and the icing on the cake is the magnetic locking to make a compact unit when not on the head. Four small wonderful neodymium magnets. Together with the strands from the Litz cable, I should be able to build either four more small speakers, or four sensitive moving coil instruments. Of all the things Tom brought with him here, these ''cheap'' bluetooth headphones are probably the most valuable item, which just is dripping irony considering his expensive camera with its lenses and other high tech things.


    <hr>


    My electrical thoughts have made me realise I can make Jane''s life a little easier, better and more luxurious, and won''t force her to charge her precious mobile phone in my workshop.


    With Jane''s permission, I try to modify her 230V charger, and when it works, I connect it to the mains power supply in her bedroom, so she can now charge USB stuff on her bed table. Jane can now charge her mobile phone or her Airpods whenever she wants, and play music etc without thinking about draining the mobile phone''s battery. I should have done this several weeks ago.


    Jane is ecstatic and gives me a hug followed by a really intense kiss, with enough feeling that it''s damn close that I try to continue and make it more, and considering how we stare at each other? I bring Caecilia with me and leave and close the door behind us.


    Deep breath.


    Argh, it''s getting more and more uncomfortable between me and Jane. She has a perfectly okay personality, is nice, with a sense of humor and I like her - except when she''s a dumbass or teasing me. Dangerous. Especially since Kari and the others have already removed the biggest barrier. Caecilia is quick to notice and offer to fix my pants problem, and her sensual hand stroking that spot, her gaze and sensual whisper makes the problem bigger, so I lead her into the workshop to take her suggestion.


    <hr>


    It''s nice to be able to play some music while I work, even if it''s distracting when I''m not alone. There has been a small sofa in my workshop for a while just because I like to lie down and think about certain problems, and the sofa is also used by Alith, Jane or my sambos who I usually let listen to music whenever they want, even if they look funny at the speaker when some music is playing and comment most music in the background. Which can disturb my concentration, and especially if Jane tries to explain the text and asks me for help translating.


    But it''s cute to see Ciara sit smiling and head bobbing to things like Nilvah''s ''Tekno Wily'', and Xonotic ''Rise of the Phoenix''. Ciara likes several New Retro Wave synth songs because it sounds so happy and The Beach Boys for their harmonic voices, although Iselin also likes The Beach Boys. Iselin is turning to a metalhead and loves guitar solo''s, although Alith doesn''t seem to mind some symphony metal. Kari and Caecilia are more for music closer to what they''ve heard before even though they don''t understand the lyric, just more powerful and impressive, like most of Malena Ernman, Sissel Kyrkjeb? or like Tatu''s ''30 minutes'', Unsun''s'' The Last Tears'', although some of Epica and Within Temptation are also okay as well as Gregorian monks, The Hunt for Red October, Orff''s ''O Fortuna'', and other classical music.


    Kari and Ciara look funny at the speaker during Just D''s ''Vart tog den s?ta lilla flickan v?gen''. Weird Rap really isn''t something they get. I try to explain the title means ''What happened to my cute little daughter'' it is a humorous text in Swedish and the men who raps wonder what happened to their cute little daughters as they now parties, travels, raids and has sex, and feels so dirty for thinking ''Oh god'' when his daughter showers. The translated text is okay, but not the song and style. Most of my music is so different to them, and things like Iron Maiden, Sabaton, Metallica, most Rammstein, The Prodigy and so on are just too different. Unleash the Archers reminds Kari she have other things to do and needs Ciara''s help, leaving Jane behind. Jane might not like all my music, but she enjoy their reactions and that I have it.


    The music makes me miss Iselin who has almost become a metalhead. She can start headbanging and bouncing around to something like this if the song fits, and it''s just the two of us. Iselin thinks it''s a shame that the guards won''t understand Sabaton, because she thinks they would like that they only sings about historical battles, heroes and heroism, about the good and bad sides of war. She doesn''t understand the lyrics but remembers my translations very well and likes 40-1 and Purple Heart, and others like Hammerfall''s ''Glory to the brave''. She does not know if they will accept the music, and I have promised she will be there when I eventually introduce it.


    Jane is sketching me as I build, because radio is important, and she too can listen to music, and music is something we can talk about with modern references. La Bouche''s ''Be my lover'' starts playing, and Jane starts dancing to the song, and starts to mimic singing along for certain parts. Soon her paper and pen is laying on the workbench as she focuses on seductively dancing and singing in my ear, and drumming with her fingers on my shoulder. Given our shared look and the reaction before, for once it might be more than having fun at my expense. Or my thoughts just make too much of the situation. But I also know the song quite well. This is my playlist from my tablet, and I know this song well enough, and I can feel the devilish smile growing on my face.


    Jane is not prepared for me to get up, stare into her eyes and rap back when the man does and even though I only know certain parts I dance around behind her, emphasizing ''getting down'' in her ear and gently caressing her body sides and arms before I get around again, stare into her eyes and sing along to the ending ''oh yeah, want to be your lover''. I turn my chair towards her, sit down like a boss, and as I lean back I look her in the eyes and with a sinful smile sing along to the rest of the song.


    "I hear what you say, I see what you do.


    I know everything, I need to know about you.


    And I want you to know that it''s telling me:


    You wanna be my lover?"


    Jane just stands there completely petrified staring at me, while I sit there, singing along and emphasizing certain lines. It''s interesting how much meaning I can hint at in just the ladadada lines, especially with a glance at her body, a little facial expression, playing with my tongue on my lips, faces and the occasional raised eyebrow etc. And I often catch her eyes still staring at me. During the final ''Wanna be my lover?'' lines I just stare into her eyes, with my elbows on the armrests and with my fingers together like a movie villain, with a completely serious face.


    When Usher''s ''Love in this club'' takes over, Jane jerks and quickly disappears from the room, completely ignoring her sketching tools. I skip to the next song, and I can not help but say ''Fatality!'' when the Utah Saints'' version of ''Mortal Kombat'' starts playing.


    Yeah, I will try to improve my horn speaker with the Bluetooth module. It will make it easier to use the speaker and I can hang it in the corner, and a cable is an unnecessary risk and can be used for other purposes. Caecilia opens the door to check if I need something or she can run a errand, so I just say it''s okay, wave her off and keep working.


    <hr>


    Jane wants to be alone and eat in her room, so Caecilia delivers a tray. Maybe I shouldn''t have done that, especially considering how the situation between us was after that kiss. I can hear the little grumpy voice in the back of my head defensively whining a ''She started it!''. I''m not really looking forward to having any kind of sexual relationship with Jane. I prefer to have her as my best friend as we both share the same huge life change, than to have her as some kind of friend with benefits. Or girlfriend. It''s probably good that I avoid alcohol. Damn my morale is aiming for rock bottom, because I don''t feel like a huge bastard and betrayer to Iselin, Kari and Ciara.


    Honestly, it feels more like a betrayal to build and test radios without Iselin. I hardly want to officially test my spark gap transmitter and combined diode / coherer receiver, but Ciara gets to sit and press a repeating series of pulses I don''t know the pattern of, but avoid ''1'', and I write down what I hear from the speaker, before switching to the coherer''s buzzing sound that gives the same signal. When Ciara comes back and tells me that she did 4-2-5 and repeated it several times, I show the paper where I wrote down the same sequence. This is in the house where the servant system etc already works and is similar in components and appearance, and Ciara isn''t good with electricity etc, so I doubt she understood what we just did. Or truly cared. We should go out and repeat this in nature with others as witnesses, but not tonight. Might as well call it a night, and cuddle with Ciara.

 Midwinter calling - day 11, Radio ga ga

    Midwinter calling, day 11


    Radio ga ga


    The tests on the finest inner diameter glass tubes have given very positive results so useful mercury thermometers are possible, and I also try my two lab ovens for the first time and test how they work. They get really hot, and I heat up the best insulated one to 500 Celsius and make sure it''s at that temperature for an hour to tests who slow it then cools down. Both seem to work great in any case and I''m glad I chose the two gas thermometers with the highest scale for the ovens, and I''m also glad that the workshop window can be opened a bit to let out the waste heat. There is also the issue of having a fire indoors, and carbon monoxide/dioxide poisoning. I will need to do a couple of proper top range and cooling tests by lighting the fires in the morning and setting alarms in my mobile phone every hour and recording the temperature of each oven as it cools down during the day and creating a spreadsheet. But the ovens need to be really thoroughly warm first.


    <hr>


    In the afternoon, there are a few fairly small electronic modules on my workbench, as I''ve also soldered together a preamplifier for a microphone and made a simple receiver with only two mosfets to be in my office. But it''s enough for an official test, and I get Jane to help, which she is happy to do. I leave most of my equipment in the workshop with clear instructions to Jane what to do, and what not to do, with written notes and arrows. I have also made an ugly mod so I can record on the tablet using the microphone input. We shout instructions between us, with Caecilia in the middle as a repeater. After we changed places and I fiddled a bit with the equipment, I can clearly hear and record the morse code, the ''Shave and a haircut'' signal and Jane''s voice coming from the speaker.


    WO! HO!


    Of course, everyone else is wondering what the hell we are doing, and as I shout to Jane to come up, there are many curious people. I already have Kari and Ciara sitting in here, who looks very confused as they''ve heard Jane''s voice in here, when she is clearly not, and it doesn''t seem to be a recorded video. They''ve both learned what that is. So I use the tablet''s built-in speakers and Jane hears what she just said, and she gives me a careful hug and rewards me with a: "Congratulations Robert!".


    I''m very proud of my build and gladly accept it, even though I''m a little uncomfortable when she does that. I also notice Caecilia''s quick look on my pants turn disappointed.


    When it comes to the radio design, I cheat like hell by partially using high tech components, especially irreplaceable semiconductors, but to actually be able to build something that works with primitive soldering tools, not optimal components and something I improvised...


    Yeah, I''ll admit I''m proud of this. This is so incredibly important.


    The others see we''re excited to hear the recording of Jane''s voice, but they don''t really understand. So I ask Ciara and Kari to go out and whisper something secret to Jane, so Jane can run back down. Jane starts giggling and laughing in the corridor and I hear her thunder down the stairs, and I hope they didn''t say anything too embarrassing. I start recording, turn up the volume so that the static is clearly heard from the speaker, but all of a sudden the static disappears and Jane''s clear voice cuts in, and after a quick giggle;


    "Jane speaking in the workshop to everyone listening in the office. Kari said; ''I love Robert''." Jane switch to English: "Robert, you really have to think about what you say to Ciara because she took it literally that she should tell me a secret!" Jane starts laughing over the radio, and I facepalm while I wonder what secret. In a teasing voice Jane sings: "I know there is a secret cellar! I know there is a secret cellar! Sneaky bastard! Now you have to show me!"


    Jane continues to laugh and happily sing ''We are the champions'' through the radio before she says she''s coming back up. Everyone is staring, looking at each other and the stuff in front of me, and some are looking out through the corridor in the workshops direction. Total confusion, not least considering what Jane said and how she laughs.


    "Jane talks in my workshop in what I built on the bench, and we hear her here. It''s powerful and incredibly advanced technology. Ciara, it''s my fault that I was vague and I''m not mad at you, but I did not mean that you should literally telling something that''s secret to Jane."


    Ciara realises her mistake and instantly turns horrified and tear flowing sad, so I wave her to me and say it''s okay while I hug her in my lap. She did nothing wrong; it was me who was unclear. Kari and Alith gives me and Ciara annoyed looks. And they''re probably wondering what Ciara said.


    Anyway, the radio test is a great success, even if the others doesn''t really understand how important this is. But I need to build another transmitter and two improved receivers to really be able to test, and I need to add the final stage amplifier, and better match the output. But the oscillator seems very frequency stable, and it is possible to set frequency about 10% plus-minus, and CW (Continuous Wave) for morse and AM (Amplitude Modulation) for voice works. I need to make the radio units matching in adjustment, and make all the switches, housings, proper antennas, etc etc. But it works. Chances are quite high that we just made the first real voice radio transmission in Alfheimr.


    I let people go down to my workshop and say something that the others can hear, and they run back and forth for a while, and Jane is smugly responsible for making sure no one is touching anything and handle the PTT (Push-to-talk) button. I also let the staff try, and I take a couple of photos as memories. A good one of Alith talking into the microphone, and another where Kari and Gunhild attentively listen. I record them too, but don''t play it for them - there will just be too much explanation that you don''t sound like you hear yourself and so on.


    Jane will sketch a whole pile of these pictures and add it to the chronological books. It is not possible to create photo albums, so that is the closest, and Jane is good with a quill. I''ve already whispered to very smug Jane that I''ll show her the secret tomorrow.


    <hr>


    This is a day to celebrate, and the staff is preparing a small feast while we go outside to really test the spark gap equipment in nature. I want to test how much long antennas with grounded transmitters and receivers affect the range compared to two dipole antennas suspended in trees, and a simple loop antenna. Ciara''s questions about helping like she did yesterday, leads to a fun reaction from our company, and I again comfort Ciara that yesterdays test wasn''t secret. It is an interesting test that shows that the house wasn''t close to the maximum range, and the spark gap transmitter is overkill to just show that it works. I explain why these devices that are so much simpler isn''t something that I will continue building on. However, Jane is very impressed that I''ve actually made 100% Alfheimr radios, and with some duplication of components and lead acid batteries, ''short-range'' morse ''walkie talkies'' is possible to make. I point out that a simple remote control would also work, and there were simple toys made in the 1950s that used similar systems, as the coherer''s electromagnetic reset can power an electric motor, or activate a cam system to cycle through functions.


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    <hr>


    It is annoying that the most difficult thing about building electricity and electronics here - beside component deficiency - are insulators. Wood is not good enough in many cases, and insulators are needed everywhere. In all sockets and switches. In variable capacitors to separate between the moving part and the fixed part, and to prevent contact with the hand to parts that are a part of the radios circuit, for the human body is a large bag of water and can affect the tuning. All cables needs to be insulated, and there is no plastic or rubber here. Well, not enough of it. Add coils where the copper wire is up against the next turn. It''s just one problem after the other. Air as an insulator only works sometimes, and everything can not be done in ceramics, glass, lacquer, paper and cloth.


    What solves a lot of the more complicated insulator problems is that Jane and I are modern people, and we have lots of plastic things with us, even if everything isn''t useful. A lot of plastic can be heated, melted and reshaped. Thank goodness for waste plastic from credit cards, headphones and so on that I can use for some insulation problems. But plastic is just a very limited solution, and I really need those earthenware insulators.


    The lower frequency a radio use have, the larger the value the coils and capacitors need to be, and this means a variable capacitor with many more or larger metal surfaces that should lie stacked close to each other, the closer the better, but not touching each other. This will be for low voltage so air works as an insulator as long as there is no condensation on it. A coil needs to have many windings and it often has to be insulated, but I have lacquer paint for that, and the copper wire I bought is painted. I can not use any of the small surface mounted coils from the VHF and UHF parts of the radio, since they are nano or micro Henry. I need larger values, a thousand to a million times higher inductance in the millihenry area, but luckily that don''t always mean a million times bigger. So I will wrap my own coils without ferrite core because I lack that too, and using lacquer, paper, cloth or glass.


    I need to make some kind of iron core transformers in the future, and test the frequency response and see if I can improve the iron core with some method. What exactly is a ferrite core? My best guess is some kind of ''ceramic'' made from iron or rust along with more exotic elements, but I know that they don''t conduct electricity. So I''m probably boned on making that, but I''ll probably need to find ores and just try. That''s going to take time and be very annoying work that I hopefully can pay someone to do.


    Each problem with components must be solved separately. For example, I can tune in with a modded trim potentiometer until it works well and seem close to ideal, then measure and recreate that resistance. But changing the type, size and construction of the component effects the performance and need, so I have to test for the same performance. So possibly with several positions via switched resistors where the design needs it. Not optimal. So I choose designs who avoid potentiometers, although for things like Volume and Squelch multi-position rotary switches works fine. I just have to think about everything failing gracefully when there is a problem, so the highest value is the default, and minimizing any spark problems.


    I''ve known about this problem for months, and it''s a good idea to standardize and mass produce exactly the same multi-position rotary switch, and make it so that the switch can be changed to different configurations. Like the common solution by limiting the steps via removable blocking pins. One of the switches I''ve designed and sent templates and sketches to the potter, is a 12 position rotary switch. The design have a variable amount of contact plates so the same design can be changed from 12 position 1-pole switch to 6 position 2-pole, 4 position 3-pole, 3 position 4-pole, or a 2 position 6-pole. Just change the contact plate, connect the inner parts as needed and move the blocking pin. One and the same basic switch can then become a part that is modified depending on the function, instead of having to have several different parts made. Which is also great for spare parts. Mass production also allows me to streamline production with jigs and templates so production goes faster and easier. In addition to all possible combinations, a 12 position rotary switch also allows the volume knob to go to 11.


    The contact plates can also change the function from break before make, to make before break. A switch that changes current or functions needs to disconnect before the new contacts are connected to prevent a short circuit, while for example, a volume control and squelch should make contact before the previous contact is disconnected so that the volume doesn''t jump to 0 at the actual switching moment. For those two examples it''s not actually important, but for other future use it might be very important. If I use the rotary switch as a mechanical position encoder, that will matter. For rotary position encoders, ''gray code'' is often used.


    The manufacture of capacitors is in any case quite easy because I can both calculate them, and measure the capacitance with the multimeter, and the metal is less critical, rigid, solderable and easy to file. I am not limited to Leyden jars. Hopefully the stackable earthenware insulators for the M4 and M6 screws will be good, but it must be the absolute smallest and weirdest earthenware that potter Ruskva has ever made. And I want many dozens of them.


    My final choice for general use and testing in the 3.6MHz range works well as a starting point, and it is likely that I will add dual band function around 7.2MHz as well, and maybe triple band to get 1.8MHz too. It is not particularly difficult to do with the design I have chosen, and I worry that I will need more frequency options since the ionosphere and sun will cause issues. I want a more reliable radio contact and for that I expect I need options. So there will be space inside and on the front. However, it still feels unnecessary and a complication if it doesn''t turn out to make a significant difference in radio contact reliability or range, and there is all the issues with tuning and being on different frequencies. Standard frequencies, a schedule and watches will be needed. Maybe I should just make a radio with several fixed frequencies and fine tuning?


    It''s likely that I''m the only one who will be building radio in this world during my lifetime, and the Q factor on the parts, ie how narrow range the radio''s filter has, is probably ''not good'', but is not likely to be a huge problem and makes tuning easier. Narrowband antenna affects, but we should in principle use only one frequency. I have a good IF filter I can try to use on one radio, but it feels like a bad idea making a special solution when I can not repeat it on other radios. Although it might be valuable with the most sensitive and selective receiver as the mansions permanent radio if I build several more radios in the future, which is very likely. I will have components for it and radio is very useful. A couple of walkie-talkie style radios would be nice, and I can certainly find a use for all radios I can manufacture. Hell, that spark gap walkie-talkie would be very useful.


    I find suitable wiring diagrams for 3.6MHz in my radio directory because 3.5-3.8MHz is a radio amateur band, but I also have plenty of diagrams and examples of 1.8MHz, 7MHz and 14MHz, and a few others far higher up in frequency on radio amateur frequencies, and those bands are generally in the following double or triple frequency. Harmonics then interfere with other radio amateurs instead of commercial traffic, and there are frequency and antenna advantages. But it is often easy to tweak a circuits frequency range, if you understand how the circuit work. Being a bit of compulsive ''always saving stuff, since it might be useful or might have gone offline'' is now turning out to be useful. The antennas gets a little unmanageably large, especially if I need multiple antennas on the ship which is a little too small for it. A good thing is that the ship''s antennas will be over salt water which is a good conductive surface and helps, but it is a future problem.


    I will finish the frequency standard and give it a nice case, and also make my simple RF field effect meter into a practical well-built measuring instrument. Making a sensitive moving coil meter is a lot of work, and important components, so I should probably make a dip oscillator meter out of it as well to get more functions. It''s quite easy even if I make the instrument cover a few different ranges from 1MHz up to 30-40MHz or so, but without good calibration references it won''t be exactly correct. I can''t measure inductance and just a limited range of capacitance, but what I can do is work from one known component that resonate on a known frequency, and calculate the unknown components value. That can then be verified and used as a reference for another. I will get errors, but it''s better than just assuming. I might mix crystal oscillator frequencies to get interesting sums that I can filter out and use as a reference for calibration.


    <hr>


    I let Ciara spend the evening and night with me so she knows that the mistake was my fault, and I make sure she knows that she didn''t break the concubine agreement''s rule of secrecy, but Ciara is very sorry and really tries to make up for her mistake, so it''s a nice ending to the day.


    Radio now exists in Alfheimr, and I''ll make much better radios. Even if I''m cheating. Making vacuum tubes will be a true pain in the butt if I even ever succeed, and I have so many machines and tools to make until then. The lathe has only been slightly improved but is basically useable, and I have barely done anything on the other machines, and then there is all the material testing.

 Midwinter calling - day 12, Going down with style

    Midwinter calling, day 12


    Going down with style.


    Since Ciara only said ''there is a secret basement'' to Jane, I can show Jane the least secret part of the basement under the mezzanine, and with Ciara waiting in the alcove, I show Jane the secret door and we go down. Jane loves it, but also thinks that it should have been obvious to her that there is a space under the mezzanine. I explain that when I designed the mansion, I did so with the intention to building on sloping ground with only a basement under the wing, or part of the wing, and be mirrored so my bedroom had evening light. But the location here and the shape of the cliff meant that I had to mirror everything, and the shape of the cliff under the south side of the mansion meant that there was a space I never planned to exist. So the whole wing got a basement, and there was some space for a basement here. It was less work to make an inclosed space instead of filling it, and of course I had to use it for a secret room, as that is cool to have, even though the stairs are a bit steep and I had to enclose the alcove under the stairs and add the drapers and mosaic window to try to keep the secret door more hidden.


    As expected, Jane loves the secret basement and completely agrees, even though she''s a little annoyed that she''s lived here for two months and didn''t notice. I comfort her with the fact that Caecilia doesn''t know either, and in the staff only Elvira knows to be able to keep it clean. The room will probably become more known as someone happens to see people disappear or appear from the alcove under the stairs, but we have to be smart and try to not use the room when there are guests in the house. I just have no idea what to use the room for. Jane''s eyes light up;


    "Ooh! This would be a perfect place for a secret sex dungeon for you and Kari!"


    "No. I still don''t like to really dominate and we''re fine with my bed, plus there is no true lock on the secret door, and this place don''t have soundproofing. The stairs are just above our head, with just a normal roof section between, and you know how popular the mezzanine sofa is."


    "Oh please! It''s almost three meters high in here! Plenty of space to add soundproofing if you wanted to, and besides; with a gag in Kari''s mouth it will work fine anyway. You seem to be sneakily quiet during sex."


    Jane''s face makes me worried that she will give Kari more ideas for the dungeon I am building. But Jane becomes suspicious as my own smile grows.


    "So you have finally realised that since there is no rack for Kari to be tied to, your ass will be mine after New Year. I''m a bit disappointed. I thought you where looking forward to it."


    Jane regains her own smile, puts a hand on my shoulder while she disappointedly shakes her head; "Robert, Robert. Think man! You can still turn this into a sex dungeon - you just have to wait with the rack until after New Year."


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    Damn, that''s a win for Jane, and it''s starting to get hard to joke about that, and my mood is a bit uncomfortable when we return upstairs. Not least because the stairs are steep and Jane make sure to seductively wiggles her ass as she slowly walks up in front of me. However, Ciara is waiting in the alcove and is happy to help me solve my pants problem with a short intimate moment right in the alcove.


    I really need to remember to take Ciara''s loudness in consideration.


    <hr>


    I blame my brain for going on tangents, but Jane''s talk about having Kari tied to a rack makes me remember to make three rope ladders for possible fire escape so it will be safer to evacuate via the guards attic windows and my bedrooms external balcony. The third rope ladder will be stored in the future sex dungeon under the meeting room, where it is many meters down from the secret escape route, right down the cliff. We also need to store a long rope with knots in the bunker under the pavilion, as that rope is meant to help climb down the cliffs under controlled and quieter conditions, especially if it is raining. Since Hillevi isn''t here, Alith has to store that in the pavilion bunker. It is no big deal to build rope ladders and custom hooks so that the rope ladders can be securely attached to their respective places. The carpenter Engdrid and Hrappr will do most of that work.


    Carpenter Engdrid has become my go-to guy for weird jobs and he gets a lot of them, but he is good at understanding what I mean and implementing it. I hope he can make a good enough drilling machine for the cannon as that is not an easy project. Especially since I''ve complicated it even more in that the same machine should be able to rifle the barrel once it has been drilled.


    <hr>


    It wasn''t difficult to make a hardened reamer for rifling, and in the end I just literally hammered it down through the barrel. The barrel is after all just a removable pipe so it was not difficult. The weather is good, so I test the Boomsticks rifling, but I can not shoot too much so as to not reveal my Boomstick''s function. The rifled barrel is better than the normal ones, and gives what I think is good enough accuracy at 70m, which is more than enough for its intended use. It is also a pretty good test that the Boomstick and its cartridges so far are quite reliable. That feels good to know, and I will use the rifling reamer on the other barrels as well. When Olafr has finished the rifle, I should try to persuade him to make some pistols, because it would be practical to have if necessary. Alith have already volunteered to practise and become good with a gun.


    <hr>


    Common sense from my guards, Kari and Ciara stops me from being the one to test that the rope ladders really work to evacuate from the guards attic windows or my bedroom balcony. It is an unnecessary risk, so Hrappr is quick to offer to test it and prove his masculine and Gunhild also wants to try. It goes without issue, and if there is a crisis enough to use them, I sure won''t care that the rain gutter is damaged. But just like fire drills and other safety stuff we all need to practise this a few times, but future practise will be done with a safety rope. Shit happens.


    Other good news is that the lab ovens work beyond expectations with a long cooling time on the most insulated one. So now I can try to temper and anneal glass.

 Midwinter calling - day 13, Frustrations

    Midwinter calling, day 13


    Frustrations


    As I start working on building a useful radio and measuring tools, it quickly becomes a wooden box with brass plate as a shield around radio parts to make it a little easier with all the insulation and grounding. Contacts are recessed in the wooden box and glued or screwed in with another wooden plate that blocks, just to keep it in place for recurring use, but so the forces for plugging in / out doesn''t load the glue joint. I really want to send someone to Borgarsandr to pick up what Ruskva should have already done, but I expect to upgrade with those components in the future.


    Since the Wouxun radio and ring flash are already disassembled, I also use their plastic housing to make insulators, including the radio''s battery housing whose inside is thin and flat. I can make quite a few plastic parts if I carefully consider every use before cutting, but it is tediously frustrating work, which is also an interesting challenge. I have to repeat the principle of how I made IUDs and cast certain plastic parts, even though I can simplify and fuse plastic into a lump, I then modify and keep the plastic residues I carve away or drill out. A clear advantage is that its probably the same basic black ABS plastic in most of it. And another is that the few black plastic pieces together with the wooden box and the shiny brass will be quite nice. Black ink lettering will add to that.


    Both radio parts, transmitter and receiver, is built into the same wooden box to minimize contacts and keep down unnecessary duplications of electrical components. Only one external connection for battery. Just one On-Off switch. Just one small surface-mounted blue LED to shows that the radio is on. Just a single oscillator etc. A single switch to switch between transmitting or receiving, which in addition to switching what the antenna is connected to also changes how a pair of transistors are electronically connected to save important transistors. Some functions like squelch, mic gain or speaker amplification are only needed for transmission or receiving, but transistors in important and sensitive RF sections shouldn''t be switched since the wiring to the switch will become an issue. Transistors for audio signals are quite easy. Diode or relay switching of the antenna is just unnecessarily complex, unnecessary components and unnecessary current. In the future relay switching might be used, but not right now.


    Another advantage of building everything in the same box and the electrical design I have chosen, is that I can use the same oscillator for both the transmitter and receiver. Sure, the exact frequency for transmit and receiver needs to change, but that is done with an extra trim capacitor. So just a single frequency dial on the front, plus a small fine-tuning dial that normally should be in the zero position.


    Bodil is again a helpful angel and just like to be involved in the project, but on the condition that I won''t give her anything for it. I''ve already given her so much and she likes the idea that it is her craft that protects and contains the most advanced sejd in the world. I understand that reasoning, and it also seems that the work with first the chess board, then hearing protection, the miniatures etc, the junction box symbols and the lamps has awoken her appreciation of doing crafts. The joy of doing something. Since we settled here, she''s done quite a bit of small intricate work and wooden boxes. She likes to make good wooden knobs for me, and when I come and ask what is the easiest way to do something on the wooden boxes, she immediately offers to carve out holes, engraves text, symbols and scales and says that she really likes to do it, and don''t mind seeing it as part of her service. I''ve done and still do so much for them, like the games, the light, etc. I just thank her and let Bodil accompany me in my workshop when she wants to work with it, and she likes the scroll saw and is really looking forward to the table router.


    Ciara and Caeilia are wonderful and make more durable insulated cables for me by braiding or twisting thin purchased copper wire so it becomes more flexible as there are already lots of curves on the wire, and they insulate the wires from each other by wrapping paper with glue or braiding cloth and threads in a pattern so that the copper wire has a ''casing'' that protects and prevents the wires from making electrical contact with each other or being touched. Some protection is needed, but the requirement is low as it is low voltage DC or Audio. Different colored thread, cloth and paper even makes it easy to follow which wire is which. Since I can forget about future plastic-insulated wires, I make sure to add a circular weaving machine for small diameter cable to my list of important future projects.


    Everything, including most of the components, is handmade, so I have to make an adapted frequency scale in engraved brass for each radio with room for future extra scales. I have to assume there might be drifting frequencies depending on temperature and humidity as well. However, it should be a minor problem, and these radios should mostly be used indoors in a more or less controlled environment, and won''t have much internal heat. I''m a little more worried about the antenna when it''s raining or snowing, as well as static charging, so I''ll need to add a high ohm grounding of the antenna to prevent static charging, and for safety''s sake it will include a spark gap as well.


    It''s a slow frustration to just do something as simple as a connection for a morse key. Building the morse key from brass and wood works well - there is so much brass in my constructions - but then I need to connect it. With screw terminals and other things that must be manufactured, or plugs and jacks. Every time. Where the signal conductor must be isolated from the brass screen. Every time. Which must be attached to the box with something, and minimize problems with gaps, looseness or oxidations. I miss being able to pull out a sorting box and have a selection of buttons and switches, or pick between the boxes with different connectors.


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    <hr>


    I think this is the first time that Kari is interested in why something works. Not just that it does. She really wants to know ''how in Freya''s name'' a little brass and copper can make a voice be heard from a distance. It makes me believe that Iselin would really want to be a part of this, and it hurts a little when I think about how sad Iselin will probably be that she missed all this. But I promise Kari that if she want she - and very likely Iselin - will learn more about electricity, electronics and radio. There will be more constructions, and when I have more experience of problems and constructions here, they will be able to help and I can provide better information. In the future I will let them build a simple diode / crystal radio which they know is 100% Alfheimr. By their own hands.


    I will also need someone to help me perform tests at a distance, and Kari now understands that these radios are not only meant to work from one end of the house to the next, or a few hundred meters, but a bit of the distances I hope to reach. That I hope to reach the end of the world she''s just heard rumors about. That I hope to be able to send a message to someone, maybe be able to have a conversation, via two boxes, to the end of the world. Where it takes weeks or more by boat, with as she sees it; a few funny shaped pieces of copper and brass in a wooden box. Mind. Blown.


    I confirm to Kari that this is extremely high technology compared to the life here, but it can evolve to something much more incredible. I will not be able to do that as it is incredibly advanced, but in Midg?rd we can not just talk from one end of the world to the other. I show the mobile phone, which she has seen many times but mostly heard music from or seen pictures from, pretty much like my digital compact camera. She knows that all three of us humans from Midg?rd had one each, and that we were out hiking in the mountains. It''s one of the few things we all really had one each of.


    I explain that it requires huge amounts - really insane amounts of advanced technology and constructions - but in Midg?rd, two people with such mobiles can talk to each other, almost anywhere in the world, even between many ships in the middle of the oceans. Immediately. See each other on its screens, live video instead of just a camera that saves a picture. Can hold up and show what each party sees and show it while we talk. Take a picture that others can see. And it is common technology we take for granted to work. In large parts of our world, almost every person has one in their pocket every day. It is not a luxury, it is basically needed for everyday life, and it does not have to cost more than a daily wage for the simplest mobiles in the richer countries, but it of course depends on how much a daily wage is. And if you want a fancier model.


    There are millions of conversations between people all the time, who may be in the same house or in another country. Or on the other side of the world. Had this been Midg?rd, I would have expected to be able to call Iselin whenever I wanted, or anyone in the crew. I would be able to call Digraldi in Borgarsandr and he could sends a picture of how the work is going, och call me to ask a question about a job for me. We can even quickly give orders to a bank that keeps our silver to transfer it to another person in another bank, and it happens right away. So I could call the Jeweller and talk about what I want. He can send pictures I can look at, choose which one I want, pay and he sends someone with it to me already the same day - without me having to even leave my chair. We have fast enough transports that it could have been delivered here in a couple of hours, otherwise I would have expected it to arrive a few days later by normal mail. I can do the same to most countries in the world, and the package will arrive a few weeks later. I''ve ordered plenty of stuff from the other side of the world, and actually been annoyed that it took more than a month.


    Kari just sits and stares at me, the mobile phone in her hand, and in the empty air in front of her. After a while, she asks if Iselin knows about this. I nod and says she knows more than that. Much more than that. Kari wants to know more. Know more about Midg?rd. So I warn that it will totally change her worldview, how she sees this world and the environment, and the world will never be the same again, and maybe she should wait until Iselin is back and can talk to her. But Kari wants to know. She no longer wants to be a slave in the countryside who only cares about her local area and takes the day as it comes, but a wise traveller who have seen the world. Understands the world. Understands it better than any Elf except Iselin.


    I bring Kari to the library and roll out the map that shows where we are. Where she went to buy Tom''s things. Where Iselin is now. Where Skiringsalr is located. She has seen it many times before and now understands that the map describes the world. So I explain more. When Kari better understands the map and the scale, and why Asta really became fascinated by them, I show her the globe. Like so many others, Kari has not really thought about it: It is a funny paper globe with a lines on it like a work of art with some use she has not yet understood - which me and Iselin built and Asta focused on copying for herself. Sure, Asta sat staring at the Globe, but Kari didn''t really think about it. Why would she? Or she has deliberately avoided thinking about it. I show how the big maps, which describes such a large part of Kari''s world with places so far away, is but a tiny place on the globe, and that this is a real map of the world she lives on.


    The world she''s always lived on.

 Midwinter calling - day 13, Perspective

    When Kari gathers herself, we have a discussion about gravity, that you will not notice that you are on a globe if you don''t specifically test for it, and that the earth she is standing on is a globe, which is the reason she can''t see far over the sea and the horizon. I can only guess how difficult it is to understand, but she accepts that what I say is true. And we have magnification, so we could just find a very high coastal cliff and watch a ship disappear over the horizon, only to reappear as we climb up, and the hull will disappear first. It feels impossible, that water and people just don''t fall off, but I''ve done so much that is like magic so she accepts it is so. The Earth have its own sejd that pull everything in towards the center, even if she doesn''t understand gravity, and I don''t touch on time dilation. My measuring tools like the sextant works because it is true. But she knows that swinging a bucket in a circle can hold water in an open vessel, and there is evidence of how forces affect each other. Planetary scale is just bigger and works a little differently. Kari understands why Asta stared at the Globe, as Asta who thought she had sailed everywhere and seen most things now understands it is such a small part of the world, and there is an end as it loops back on itself, and Asta deeply wants to know and experience what is out there. She wants to know what there really is far across the sea that isn''t infinite.


    We sit on the couch in my bedroom and I show her a couple of pictures of Earth from space. I explain that the technology that makes it so one can talk and see pictures from one side of the globe does not have to be limited to the globe, because it goes through the air. I continue to explain about rockets, that are insanely powerful machines can leave the Earth''s strong gravity and go straight up and up. Machines far far more impressive than my tiny fireworks, but based on the same principle. Machines taller than the castle that travel faster than arrows fly. Faster than sound. Straight up, far higher than any mountain or birds reach, into space. I show pictures of Astronauts in orbit. The selfie picture Mike Fossum took on himself while space walking, where you can see the camera in his hands and the reflectors in the visor, which really sells it and makes it real for her. She sees the camera and other things in the background. She recognizes a those types of cameras, not least after she herself was the one who travelled and bought Tom''s camera, and it''s such a human thing to take a selfie picture. Kari has done it. All our mobiles and tablets have cameras, and both Tom and I had large cameras as well, so of course people take one with them when they travel into space. She would.


    Kari sees that I have many pictures of a lot she doesn''t understand, and that I only select a few. I show a couple of pictures of illuminated big cities, and she understands when I say it is a variant of electric light where people are in the dark, like the flashlights and room lights, but on a vastly different scale. She stops me slowly changing picture and is actually crying as she see Tracy Caldwell lying in the dome of the ISS and looking out over the Earth below. I knew it would get a response. That is another thing she can understand - looking at the view through a window. And that is a hell of a view to have.


    Something like ten minutes pass as Kari just sits and hugs me, staring at the picture. Her world will never be the same again. Finally, she asks me about the moon. What is the moon? So I explain that it''s a globe like the Earth, but just a big rock with nothing on the surface. No water, no atmosphere, no people and no life. Just stone, and it also spins around the Earth due to gravity. Technically, there is water in the form of ice, and much of the regolith is oxygen and metals, but this is neither the time or place for the nerd in me to be that correct. I tell her that the moon is huge, but small compared to Earth. The moon looks big in the sky, but it is actually so much much bigger; it is just so incredibly far, far away, but if you were to travel there and look up, you would see Earth with its sea blue color, green forest cover land and sand deserts, covered by white clouds. Earth would be much bigger in the sky but still only a small part of the whole sky.


    It is with some trepidation that I browse through my directory for the moon and the Apollo program. I show Buzz saluting the flag. It''s just a couple of funny man shaped thick suits on a flat sandy gray surface with the weird lander and a flag in front of him with dark sky - but it makes an impression. The horizon is flat and there are footsteps everywhere. I explain that the sky is dark because there is no air, so even though it is in the middle of the day you see the night sky. It''s hard for her to understand. I show another picture of the camera and the moon car, and a GIF video where the moon car drives and bounce around. Kari understands it is a carriage with built-in hidden magic horses, which is her way of thinking about cars. I have 97 images in just this directory, but show only a few, like Earth Rising. I don''t think Kari is ready to see more pictures and get told more information today. So I turn it off and put the tablet aside, saying it''s enough for today. Kari hugs my wrist so hard, stares in front of her and tells me to continue. Asks me to continue with a very serious look. To please continue with a pleading look and voice.


    My attempts to say she has to contemplate what she''s seen fall at deaf ears. She wants to know how much further Midg?rd humans have gone, and I explain we haven''t. The space is so unpleasant to travel in. There is nothing there. Everything has to be brought along on the journey, and even though we can travel so much faster than she ever imagined, and have to do it just to be able to escape Earth''s gravity, it is not far enough. The space and distances are so enormous it is impossible to compare with anything down here.


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    I restart the tablet and show Earth Rise. She now knows how much bigger the world is so I give an example of how far, far away it is in that scale. I say it is 10 times longer to the Moon than Earth is to travel around in a straight line. With the globe in our library, the moon is equivalent to the other end of the room. Travelling between with the high speed they had in the Apollo program took them 3 days if I remember correctly. With Millennium Eagle''s highest speed it had taken almost 3-4 years. No obstacles, full speed. Kari stares and confirms. 3 days what had taken my ship 3-4 years without stopping? I just nod. When their capsule travelled back down to Earth''s surface, they had to slow down from 12km/s. With that speed the distance to Borgarsandr takes about 4 seconds, and I count slowly: "Here, 3, 2, 1, Borgarsandr.


    Kari might have heard of or seen some stars move slowly across the sky compared to the rest, a little different each night. That is other planets, places like the moon and the earth. But to travel to the next planet - our closest neighbour in the universe that humans call Mars? With the high speed that was only 3 days to the moon? Half year or year. Living in a small enclosed capsule, and then you have to have everything with you to survive. Air to breathe, water to drink, food to eat. Take care of what you poop and pee. If you land, you will not return. You can not leave gravity again due to the fuel it requires, so must send another ship there before to have fuel and supplies for the return journey. If there is any major problem during the journey, you are dead. So humans have not travelled to Mars and travelled no further than the moon.


    But many are working every day to make it possible. Humans could travel to Mars, and have been able to for a while. But it''s not worth the effort, the silver and the time, and they travel to their death even if there are volunteers. Some want to be first no matter what. It is not possible to live and have children on Mars yet. There is no water and nothing can be grown. So just a short visit is possibly, but the journey back and forth then takes about 3 years due to the planets moving apart and the timing must be very exact. But Mars is only slightly better than the moon. Humans have sent machines there. With radios and cameras. It is a reddish stone desert without any life. I show a couple of pictures and panoramas of Mount Sharp. I displays an image where Curiosity takes a picture of itself. It makes me remember that the next robot - Perseverance - that humanity will send there has my name on its microplate. I added my name to the list this spring. I hope the landing goes well.


    I turn of and fold up the tablet. I might show her the Pale Blue Dot some other time, as well as the other planets, and explain about Voyager and other probes like New Horizon.


    <hr>


    Kari avoid people for the rest of the day, and when she accompanies me to bed for the evening, we don''t have sex - she just wants to lie and hold me and be held. I repeat a few things and explained some details. Kari asks if Iselin knows this too, and I confirm she has for 3 months. Iselin knows more because she so desperately wants to know, and doesn''t stop asking. Iselin looking for things to ask about. For her, everything just becomes more sejdish and wonderful when she gets it explained or shown. She feels hope and a desire to discover. But I don''t demand that Kari or Ciara learn it. It''s their choice. Only if they really ask, and I think they can handle it. Ciara probably doesn''t care, as her focus is quite focused on me.


    Kari wonders if Jane knows all this. Hard to say. She knows most things, even though she probably doesn''t know the times and distances. Iselin has already asked her a lot to confirm. This and much more is generally known knowledge that we learn in school, and can easily read about. The pictures on my tablet are available to everyone and so much more. Three is researched published each day. With home-built equipment, we can listen to the radio signals from what humanity has sent into space if we want, and if I had had the corresponding amount in gold in Midg?rd, we could have built our own small satellite and had it launched. All our mobiles and wristwatches also have something called GPS, which means global positioning system, and the mobiles listen to machines with radio transmitters that spin around the earth and from their precise coded radio signals, the mobiles calculate exactly where we are on the earth''s surface, down to a few meters. I show her the map on my wristwatch.


    The reason why Tom and Jane got lost the first day is that they relied on it during their hike and it of course stopped working when they came here. Had it worked here, Asta with a mobile phone in her pocket would have been able to know exactly within a few meters where she is over land or sea, how fast she travels, in which direction and how far it is to her destination. It is accurate enough to be able to tell where the ship''s bow is in relation to its center and its stern. Asta could have had maps on her mobile that showed exact depth, warns of shallow ground and seen currents. She could have received weather forecasts. There are machines in space looking on the clouds, and we can see storms coming. There is also a built-in small North arrow in the mobile, and I show her how it works and how the mobile can also feel how it tilts etc, and the flashlight, and shows similar functions on the wristwatch. Add that the mobile can be used to take pictures and call someone else and send messages etc.


    Kari understands why most people have a mobile phone.

 Midwinter calling - day 14, Shock

    Midwinter calling, day 14


    Shock


    The tests to use lab ovens to temper or anneal glass have gone ''okayish'' and took some time before I realised exactly how I had to heat it up and slowly cool it. Several failures that led to broken glass, but I have collected it to melt and reuse, and at least it entertained Ciara and Alith. But I seem to have managed to temper a couple of glass plates, and Ciara thought it was interesting that the glass shattered instead of breaking into normal shards. As long as I stay below the point where it starts to deform at about 550-600 degrees according to the thermometer, and let it cool down overnight where one burner is turned off and the guards gradually lower the other, it seems work. So my current plan is to make sure the oven is through hot and at about 500-520C and keep it there a couple of hours with the glass in before I turn it off, and after a couple of hours lower the second burner, and open it up the next day when it is still is a bit hot. Then I can have the glass in the air without anything seeming to happen.


    I have put four small pieces of glass tubes and two glass plates that started at slightly different temperatures as a test in an empty ceramic pot for battery cells, which I placed in the south window so the glass will be exposed to some sun and night cooling cycles. We''ll see if any of them burst as time goes by. There will be mercury in thermometers so I want to be sure.


    I also make some polished glass plates for future eye protection in my workshop, and for forging and lab work etc. If they are cracked, glass shards is likely hurt the eye, but tempered glass shards are not as sharp as the shards of ordinary glass, and something that crack tempered glass would probably have crushed the eye if the glasses weren''t there. A sturdy frame that absorb shock would also protect the eyes. As I see it, sparks and other things are a bigger and recurring problem, than glass broken in an accident.


    <hr>


    I build parts for two radios at the same time, so I can learn and improve my craft more easily, and actually try the radios properly against each other. Well, it''s more correct to say ''we''. I have a lot of help.


    The calibration of both transmitter and receiver filters and coils is annoying but must be done. Thankfully I can use both the frequency standard and a mobile phone that constantly plays music and not use an amplified transmitter signal. It''s not just about getting some parts right, but everything right and about the same frequency range. Even Jane helps me by sitting and shouting from my office after I have given her clear instructions, and I make a small adjustment afterwards, and Caecilia is again the repeater in the middle. However, I can adjust the receiver myself, and Jane is quite happy to avoid listening and shouting. Yes, it''s important, but boring and annoying. Kari often silently looks on, although I give her brief explanations of what I do and why.


    Most of the work is to build components modules and make it practical and manageable. So much time is spent to take it apart. Do some small work. Put it back together. Test. Change or continue. Take apart. Do some small work. Repeat. Had I been at home and used bought components, switches and connectors, I would probably have built it in a day. Or just done the same but with a proper soldering station, tools and test equipment over a long weekend, and that would includes 3D printed boxes or manufactured metal boxes. Because it would be easier than making them out of wood like here.


    It might be frustrating, boring and a lot of sore fingers, and a some blood. But honestly? I love this and the satisfaction of when it is properly done and work. Unfortunately, there is a severely limited amount of times I will be able to do this for the rest of my life. No new components. But I also know that as long as I can focus and become fascinated about something else, it will not be a real problem - there is a reason that I have a lot of hobbies. It''s only a matter of time before I build watches with bimetallic rotating balance spring and balance wheel, and complications such as sound, date and so on. It''s annoying that the staff and guards don''t have a good clock. I should make a few pendulum clocks. Right. I''m building radios.


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    <hr>


    Sometimes it''s annoying to be interrupted during a building crunch, but in the long rung it''s good, and I need interruptions for other things than food and toilet breaks. I''m grateful that the guards make sure to give me weapons training and that Ciara and Caecilia try to make me relax through more sexy methods. Every one of my women seems to appreciate when I go down on them, and it''s damn satisfying to be able to turn someone I love or really care about into a happy drooling relaxed contented body. It annoys me a bit that sex is now such a big part of my everyday life, because it sometimes feels more like work or a duty than something that I do for love or pleasure, but usually it is a nice break. There isn''t much else to spend a lot of time on here.


    However, I have basically stopped going down on them when they are half lying on the table in front of me in the office or workshop, because we have lost balance and tipped over on to the floor a couple of times. It''s not fun to bang my head and the sex abruptly stop, even if it then sometimes continued on the floor after kissing and making sure we''re okay. Getting a concussion from sex is just... bad. And I would never hear the end of it from Jane. The sofa in the workshop has seen quite a lot of use and its pillows and cushions are practical. Hell, there is even a rolled up big thick sleeping pelt, which will probably never be sleep on, but has already seen use. I assume Caecilia is the reason for it being there, as Caecilia have her own version of ''Learn. Adapt. Move on''.


    The more expensive sleeping pelts that we have bought have a clever design. A large square or slightly isoceles trapezoid thick sleeping pelt, which has either loops or oblong sticks attached to three sides, so it is possible to thread the stick through the loop and thus create a sleeping bag with a bit of overlap. A bonus is that two sleeping pelts can be connected together and you get a sleeping bag for two people, or three if you really squeeze together or use more pelts. The thicker and more luxurious sleeping pelts we have are not small or easy to take along, but most importantly it fulfills its function, especially during a cold winter. Many people use the same sleeping pelt in their bed, or it is the only bed they have as they sleep on the floors in the longhouses.


    <hr>


    In order for me to relax and to make Ciara feel more appreciated, we had a nice evening, inspired by the day when I proposed to Iselin with a bath and lots of soap, massage and candles, followed by more than an hour of just cuddling. Ciara really likes to cuddle, but it gives me time to think, and it is nice.


    I don''t know when Kari will recover. The others have noticed something has happened to her, but Kari just say she needs to think about something, and I have asked them to let her be. However, Kari have talked a bit with Jane about it and other things, because Jane came and asked what she could say to Kari. But Jane confirmed that as far as she knows, I didn''t lie, and the distances and other things are probably correct since I am a bloody nerd, and Iselin asked her similar questions. Jane pointed out the Maldives on the globe to Kari where she had been - after I told Jane where it actually is - and where Jane MMS''d pictures to her mother, and the timestamp when her mother answered. Kari may not be able to read the text, or really understand the time, but she understood it''s like writing a message on a piece of paper and handing it over. Jane confirmed that they were lost because they used GPS, and Jane was reluctant to admit that I did not become lost because of course I had backup plans. Several maps and compasses. Jane is annoyed that I could demonstrably make a compass with what I brought along, while Tom missed he had one on his bloody wrist.


    Nowadays I usually wear the Fenix smartwatch and have set it so I have a pedometer, height and barometer diagram on the watch face. Kari had a pleased little smug smile when I showed her the small compass needle in the bottom of the fire starter. All my sambos and guards will get their own small North Arrow. It is good to have and can literally be hidden in a seam on their clothes.

 Midwinter calling - day 15, Cheering up

    Midwinter calling, day 15


    Cheering up


    I do not know if I will have time to finish it before Iselin returns, but the carpenters here on the island will make the frame for a classic Scandinavian foot-treadle floor loom snap locks on the wrap beam and cloth take up roll, hanging batten with adjustable position, adjustable tension on the thread and four treadles so it offers a lot of possibilities. They will also manufacture four different shuttles. I have a couple of different designs, and I simply don''t know which one is best. I will make the reed myself from thin brass or something, and most likely it will be a better loom made in the future after they have to try to use the loom and can give their opinions about what they want, if something is a problem or just make adjustments for them. My plan is that those who want and have space will get their own loom, and considering how much they already weave etc, it wouldn''t surprise me if there are three looms here next summer. At least Iselin and Kari have space in their own bedrooms, and then there are the spare rooms and also the attic. This prototype will probably be placed in the spare room across the hall from Kari''s room on the second floor and the loom will be free for anyone to use. It''s the first prototype, and weaving might not be noisy, bit there are some sound, and better that that room is used for something.


    <hr>


    The need for round part for the radio parts has made me prioritize getting my new lathe ''finished''. It makes its first real brass chips, and I start to adjust it properly so that the lathe is straight and doesn''t make conical cylinders, but before really making parts for the radios, I need to improve the parts in the lathe and make it better balanced and get rid of vibrations, and just improve parts and accessories. The roller bearings are the first to be improved. The bearings on the ship winch may have survived so far, but it hardly has a high speed or seen much use.


    I have learned to keep most people out of the workshop when I do something that rotates, but I guess there are curious elves outside given the unusual sounds. Alith leans against the attic stairs at a safe distance away, and basically as far from the lathe as possible, but ready to defend me. Because the lathe might jump up and attack me or something. I have demonstrated the usual handle to connect or disconnect the line shaft system, and already put an emergency stop line above the floor as well. Everyone has also been warned about long hair and rotating machines, and almost everyone here has long hair. Jane will paint more warning signs for me. I''ve also only made 3 simple safety goggles, which also keeps people from the machines. Jane thinks I should do more steampunk like goggles, but I need airy eye protection that don''t fog up all the time. I will probably still need to have two glasses I switch between when one starts to fog up. It has been a common solution so far in my life. Sweating and eye protection sucks, and the only really good solution so far is thermal lens goggles with a small fan sucking air up.


    But the lathe works. This is a big day, because I''m pretty sure this is the first machine of this type and capacity in the world, and 100% Alfheimr. The lathe will only get better, and allow me to make better machines. The first true parts that are manufactured are bearing and shaft parts that are rounder, and in the future I want to replace that and more with even finer better parts in steel. I will fix the gears and other things, so it is possible to do finer work and make it possible to increase speed and machining speed, and increase the durability of the lathe as a whole.


    <hr>


    Ciara seems pleased with her new assignment. Take a couple of books and count how many times each letter is repeated over many pages, for each letter in the alphabet. Just use a slate board and draw lines and then sum it up. Both for runes and for Laitje/Frigones letters, but on separate charts. I need to create a morse alphabet, so I need to know which runes and letters are most common here, not in English, and then customize morse for that. Not unexpectedly, Ciara is happy to do the job, without complaining that it is monotonous. The data will also be useful when I eventually build a printing press, or if I need to try and crack encrypted text and it is a bad crypto.


    In the future, someone will have to count bigrams for Norse so I get some statistics on that as well. Bigram is two letters, any two at all, that follow one another. Written text has structure and peculiarities that are special to that particular language, and some such combinations are common. As an example, English has many bigrams like ''th'', ''he'', ''in'', ''er'', ''an'', ''re'', ''nd'', ''ea'' etc. There are also trigrams which are common combinations of three letters, such as English ''the'', which are found in common words such as the, there, their, they, them, then, other, together, northern, father, feather, weather, leather etc.


    By analyzing the commonality of an encrypted text of two consecutive symbols, it is possible to get an indication of whether an encrypted text seem to contain correct sentences and structure, or it is random, and can be used to give clues to structure if it there is relocation steps, or how well encrypted it is. Bigrams and trigrams are a method to try to analyze the encrypted text, but nothing definitive, and finding a way to maximize the amount of bigrams does not provide the right decryption method. The problem here is that Norse don''t really have what a modern human calls a structured language, and there are plenty of ways to spell something depending on dialect and skill. Frigones seems to be the most widespread and structured language in the nearest regions, so it should be important to analyze Frigonese. But then I need to learn Frigonese. Yuck. Laitje is bad enough, and I need to analyze Laitje too.


    I have realised that if I continue to insist on using the Norse language and runes for all the books I primarily create, hold lessons in Norse and so on, then there is a decent chance that runes and the Norse language will become so much more important in scholarly circuits in the future. If I create colonies with Norse people, it will only make the language stronger and more important, especially as a commercial language. I can not say that it doesn''t appeal to me even if runes are a bit annoying, and honestly a lot should be simplified. In any case, all this work keeps me quite well distracted from the fact that Iselin have been away for two weeks.


    Argh. Damn. Until something makes me think about Iselin. Again.


    I miss her.


    I miss doing things with her. Discussing problems. Teaching Iselin things. Her wonderful smile when she understands something and comes to the right conclusions. Her face when she is playful and makes mischief. I miss seeing her come tipping on the toes, or her hair flying as she dances. I missing her presence. Miss feel her presence and to be able to hug her. I miss my adorable wonderful nerdy goddess. I look forward to calling her my wife. Look forward to having her with me for the rest of my life.


    Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.


    I''m depressed and just leave the work to go hug my pillow because Iselin is gone. I discover Jane seems to be even more depressed and unmotivated where she sits on a couch and just doodles, while half looking at Kari who sews. I sit down and watch what Jane doodles. Jane clearly feels lonely again, and just sadly and melancholy looks at me and just leans against my shoulder, and I put my arm around her. Most days are good, but sometimes it strikes her how isolated and different her life is now, and will be for the rest of her life. This is her new reality and future life. Some days it''s just hard to accept reality, and I think Kari''s questions about Midg?rd have made it worse again.


    I decide to try to surprise Jane with something that can lift her spirit, so after a while I get up although Jane sighs that I do, and go to the kitchen. There I try to get Rikvi''s and Jalida''s help to make hamburgers. There is no tomato or ketchup, and dressing is a bit ''not really'', but I''ve always avoided dressing in foods like burgers, kebabs or salads, so it''s more for Jane''s sake and something she can take if she likes it. But they manage to do some pretty good hamburgers like things, with freshly baked bread, good steaks, onions, acceptable cheese and a few vegetables from the garden. I''ve asked them to do enough for all the others in the house too, but I will have another movie night with Jane and eat in my room.


    So while the food continues to be made, I find Jane and tell her she needs to be cheered up. So she will shower, change into Midg?rd clothes and we will have a movie day. I''ve arranged special food.


    <hr>


    Twenty minutes later we are sitting in one of my bedroom couches, with the tablet on the table in front of us and the speaker connected, eating hamburgers that are perfectly okay while we watch ''Frequently asked questions about time travel''. Some parts give a little recognition to our own situation, but the movie is fun and Jane likes it. We sit and sing along to Bonnie Tyler''s ''Total eclipse of the heart'' when they sing it in the movie. We laugh at how they are in several places and meeting themselves, and even if some nerd humor transcends her knowledge, she likes the humor and that they are British guys in a pub. Jane suggest that this island should have a proper pub. Jane complain and say that she too liked Narnia when she was little, and even though the movies were okay, she just can not stand to see them nowadays. Jane sees definite similarities between me and the character Ray, even though I don''t care about time travel, even though I half made one. Jane laugh while saying:


    "See! I shouldn''t be visiting another bloody dimension! I don''t have everything pierced either!" Jane grins, elbows me and whispers: "Alith or Ciara... now they fit that description better."


    Jane likes the short scenes after the credits, and approve of the film. This was a good idea and she thanks me for it. Both of our moods have improved, and we sit curled up on the couch next to each other. Just two friends eating hamburgers and watching a movie together. Jane start to poke and needle me to discuss my view on time travel, and how the characters in the movie could have changed their own history in a better way.


    One thing leads to the other, and I tell Jane about the Swedish Christmas tradition with ''Kalle Anka och hans v?nner (Donald Duck and friends)'', which is quite uniquely Swedish. Since 1960, a small Christmas special with then already classic Disney films called ''From All of us to all of you'', has been shown on Swedish television. It last one hour every, and is show on every 24th of December at 3 p.m. In the beginning, the content changed a bit, but the basis has now been the same since 1980, and in modern times, a short clip from a new Disney movie is usually added at the end. It is just tradition to see it, even though that is starting to disappear, but most activity just stops during that hour in Sweden. Start saying lines or sing a song from one of the clips and pretty much every Swede knows what it''s about and can sing along. I wonder how many times it has been said ''rikta den d?r slangbellan ?t ett annat h?ll'' (point that pea shooter the other way) or ''oroa dig inte Sheriffen, hon ?r s?ker gamla bettan'' (don''t you worry none, Sheriff, the safety is on old betsy) just within the military. So I explain to Jane that there are very few Swedes who don''t know how Robin Hood robbed Prince John, or how and where Sir Hiss sleeps. Or how Cinderella''s dress was sewn by the mice, and how the dwarves in Snow White play music and what the musical instruments look like. Or the scene where Mowgli meets Baloo in The Jungle Book, and how Ferdinand''s entrance to the bullring did not go so well, and how Lady and The Tramp''s first date at Tony''s went.


    A new satellite channel - which most people couldn''t see - bought the rights to ''From All of us to all of you'' in the mid 90''s, and thought they had made a smart move to attract viewers to the channel. It became a PR nightmare and it was almost warlike outrage and headlines in newspapers and television, and the channel back pedaled fast. The program is always in the top five list of most watched programs each year - no matter what happens in the world - and often tops the list. For many, it is when Christmas really begins when you as a family sit and watch the program together, then eat or have the Christmas gift give immediately afterwards. Jane finds everything incredibly entertaining.


    There have been full combat kitted soldiers standing in line and singing the mice work song in Cinderella. I prove it by singing parts of Baloo''s song for Mowgli followed by humming the music they play in Snow White and after Jane''s teasing, I sing a part of the mice''s work song from Cinderella - of course with a silly high artificial voice. You just have too. Jane has clamped hand over her mouth and is bursting with laughter but doesn''t want to interrupt me.


    I think it would be a fairly effective schibbolet to ask for phrases from the program to see if anyone is Swedish. You don''t even have to take advantage of the fact that the ''sje'' sound is uniquely Swedish and try to get someone to say the phrase ''Sjuttiosju sj?sjuka sj?m?n sk?ttes av sju sk?na sjuksk?terskor p? det sjunkande skeppet Shanghai'' (Seventy-seven seasick sailors were taken care of by seven beautiful nurses on the sinking ship Shanghai).


    When I try to teach Jane to say that, she completely mangles it - she knows it, but laughs. Teaching her to make a northern ''shhuup'' sound for ''yes'' is easier - they have all heard me do it. It''s basically inhale while saying ''you'', possibly with a slight shoulder jerk or slight backward nodding of the head.


    We start to look through stuff on the tablet and I show her ''My bic is mighty'', ''waiting for pizza'' and more sketches by Stjepan Sejic, and say she has expectations to live up to, but her work is good enough, and I doubt he did anything with goose pen and iron gall ink. Actually, it wouldn''t surprise me if he had - because he is after all an artist. I have built primitive stupid things in electronics when I really did not need it.


    We look at a few of Stjepan Sejic other works, and Jane loves a lot of the humor and art even though she don''t get it all, but she has seen many of the Marvel and DC movies. Sejic has got another fan, even though she thinks he often disproportionates bodies and she is quite critical. She loves some of the ''Frozen'' references. I explain the ''Death by Snu Snu'' meme and she laughingly agree it may be my biggest danger. Should that actually happen, Jane promises to make sure it is written on my tombstone. I transfer the pictures I have to Tom''s mobile and also Death Vigil and Ravine and the PDFs, but I don''t even mention the Sunstone catalog, and I''m happy I''ve sorted stuff by title and not author. I miss that I can''t lend her my Sejic''s books on the shelf at home, because a book is just nicer than reading from a mobile.


    Over all it has been a good time and Jane is in a very good mood when Kari wonders if I''m free for further morse and radio lessons.

 Midwinter calling - day 16, Morse & Music

    Midwinter calling, day 16


    Morse & Music


    Jane is sketching like crazy to copy pictures from my compact camera, and occasionally she take a new picture of me when I work, where I have to pose a bit so it''s clearer what I''m trying to do. She loves my idea of a logbook, because this is not only important to me and us, it is this worlds history that is created and given a new path. It should be documented, and it give her something to do, that only she can do well enough, and Kari gets to help with the text because she is the best writer. It is also a good opportunity to evaluate and test my dip pens, and try different inks and tips to try and find a good combination. One difference between me and Jane is that she wants more flexible tips to be able to vary the line width with pressure, while I want a stiffer tip with a constant width, and I prefer two different pencils for different widths. And different colours. It''s basically the difference between wanting an artistic feel vs a consistent line for drawings and pure documentation. Exactly how any mass production of ''cheap'' pens might happen, is a problem for the future. If it is to replace a goose feather, it needs to be good and should be luxurious since it will cost far more. Which a fountain pen with ebony feed and gold tip would be. But producing something good enough? Future problem. We need to buy more paper, ink and so on. I thought we had a good stock, as we basically bought all the paper the craftsman had in stock last time, and we had plenty of ink. At this rate, it will be used up in a month or two.


    Since I don''t want to tie up my camera and phone for Janes work, I have transferred pictures to Toms'' mobile phone. They will make a book for the Tosra gathering, and they are working on a series that will become the Ackerek and Academy''s history. Then it will be a separate book for radio, electronics, etc. Jane is glad I''d already taken pictures and made notes before she came to us, and her work becomes easier after I''ve improvised a variant of Camera Obscura with a camera lens that uses the mobile phone as a projector. It is not bright, but it is a projected image to sketch from before getting artistic, and in the dark room it works quite well. Since it is a mobile phone, Jane use it to also play music while she works.


    Jane love that this work, combined with her paintings, should make her name known and that her work most likely will survive far into the future, perhaps referred to as something like one of Midg?rd''s famous Renaissance painters. I understand that it appeals to her. Jane have studied the masters, and here she might be counted as one of them, and it''s obvious that she really want to be seen as one of the greatest, and the one who introduced so much here, but I also understand that she thinks it is wrong to be known for the techniques they developed; it feels like stealing their honour. I feel the same for heck of a lot technical stuff, which is one reason I keep Midg?rd names for a lot of things, units and more. Not only because it is practical, but many things are named after their discoverer.


    Finally, it was some of the Sejic pictures that got Kari out of her contemplations about the world. So many sexy sketches and interesting clothes. After I gave my okay, Jane also showed Alith some pictures and I''m not that surprised that Alith almost started drooling over decorated armour pictures, and loved those beautiful pictures of warrior women that can look so realistic, even though some armour or weapons would be idiotic.


    Jane likes my lathe because it makes my workshop more Midg?rd, and after a thorough explanation she now knows how important a lathe is for creating more advanced machines. Ciara is just happy and fascinated, while Kari and Alith respect the lathe and are happy. Bodil is fascinated, and wants to try using it. The rest avoid my workshop if they can. It does not matter if the lathe is running or not, and neither Elvira nor Caecilia clean my workshop as they usually do, but I''m not forcing them to. Yet. Caecilia avoids staying in my workshop, which is quite a contrast to before.


    <hr>


    Kari really makes an effort to learn how to operate the radio, how to say things and end the transmission. To make it easier for everyone, I improvise a wooden panel with extra controls which is a decent copy of the Radio''s front panel, and I connect one of the finished morse keys and add a buzzer on the inside. So she and others can practice a bit without actually transmitting, and so Kari have to operate the controls so she gets some experience and feeling for practical operation. I will build a better training unit in the future, because it''s likely I have to train someone or several. When it comes to radio, it does not help Jane that she is from Midg?rd because she has never used radio in this way, and she don''t know morse code. She didn''t even get the SOS signal right, and she was annoyed that I had a disapproving face. Like it was my fault. How hard is it to remember; three short, three long, three short. Pause. Repeat. Making the correct durations and intervals is far less important than getting the pattern right. It is a deliberately simple and distinct signal.


    Ciara did a good job with counting runes, I have used that information to make a morse alphabet adapted to the language, where the most used rune slash letter gets a dot, the second most dash, and so on. The runic alphabet has 32 characters, but two runes were much less used because they are too similar to another and its likely to be the same sound in many dialects, so I combined them so the code only had to deal with 30 symbols. All combinations from one dot or dash, to four dots or dashes, is 30 combinations. Five characters are used for numbers according to the same pattern as regular morse code, where 1 is a dot followed by four dashes, then more dots to 5 which are five dots, then 6 starts with a dash followed by four dots to 0 which is five dashes. Combinations of six dots and dashes are for punctuation and some special characters, and I''ve tried to use distinct combination for certain more used symbols, like punctuation mark, comma, question mark, exclamation marks, plus, minus, slash, and I''ve added a few others that may be useful like ^ and #. I have made a simple Huffman coding tree root similar to a flow chart, where a dot means left and dash right so it should be easier to find which symbol is meant, even if visual learning of morse is a really bad idea. I have a tablet computer and mobiles, so with the computer''s help and audio editing software I will make audio files so we can use the Farnsworth and Koch method to learn to recognize morse code, which means full speed but longer between letters and fewer combination in the beginning.


    Hummm.... Instead of morse code maybe I should call it Norse code.


    Geez, a nerd joke in a language that only Jane could possibly understand. Still...


    It would have been nice to test the transmission range. It would work with fixed transmission times to be able to get an update around every sunset and sunrise because those are the times that are easiest to follow without clocks and should generally give good signal conditions at this frequency. In the beginning I''ll probably have teach two people in navigation technology so they can determine where they are on a map, and then send them away with my merchant ships and make regular transmissions every night from the mansion so they can record in the logbook what they heard, even thought they can''t answer. Although there will be a couple more radios built, and I will build them with Iselin.


    Stolen novel; please report.


    <hr>


    It has been a long time since I and Alith talked through and discussed how the mansion could be attack and we both have tried to think of security and I''ve also thought about alarm systems etc. The best security features are the iron bar security windows and the security doors that I added from the start, but every small improvement help. The new interior doors between the entrance and the great hall add to the protection, even though they partly have fairly large glass panes and lack full iron reinforcement and a full iron frame the security doors have. But they are strong thick wooden doors that are well attached to the walls, and have a discreet locking mechanism that hook the doors together and have bolts locking up and down when the handle is moved, which makes them harder to force open.


    I have solved how I can easily alarm the basement doors or something. I only need to close an electrical contact, so it is quite ridiculously simple in most cases, and I can do normally open or normally closed with a small relay or just amplify a signal to be sent to the alarm receivers. But Alith and Gunhild really wanted me to try to figure out some warning system for my bedrooms outside balcony, which was embarrassingly difficult as I simply thought too high tech. I was thinking of some kind of motion sensor. Heat. Radio waves. Vibration. Capacitive feedback. Sonar. Mercury sensor. Everything felt too difficult or impractical, and many of those solutions have problems in weather like rain or snow.


    But the balcony deck are made of planks and since they''re not pegged together like the floor inside, they flex a little. It''s not much and I don''t really notice it walking on them, but even a few millimeters are enough, and that flex will basically not happen by itself unless there is lots of snow on them. So I will install a couple of contacts on some planks, and if they move, an electrical signal is lost or made. If the balcony door is properly secured and locked, the signal is sent to the alarm. That door will always be properly secured and locked as long as no one is out there, so if someone is moving out there with the door locked they have climbed up, which is rude and unfriendly.


    I expect that there will be false alarms, but it is not difficult to construct the contacts so they are reasonably protected from rain, snow, ice and wind on the decks underside. I''m more worried about corrosion, spiders and insects, but it''s high up from the ground and out in the open so should be less of a problem. Being awoken by a false alarms at night will suck, because I will install a hidden alarm bell over by the door as well, but it feels better to be woken up immediately and get a warning before Alith & Co comes rushing in with drawn weapons and wakes me up that way. It''s not really worse than the morning alarm clock I''ve lived with for work, and the good news is that the alarm will not be waking me up every working day morning.


    There will be a similar solution at the main entrance, the wings ''kitchen door'' and the pavilion door. The issue is that the they have stone surfaces instead of wood that flex. So those entrances get a wooden grille like a foot scraper a few centimeters high that tries to be alarmed in a similar way with contacts and flexing surfaces, but signals to a small bell in the guards day room. There will after all be guest and visitors that shouldn''t lead to a full alarm. All these doors will probably have a small red surface-mounted LED hidden in some kind of artwork above the door so it lights up if someone hides outside when it is locked. If the alarm bell has been switched off, the light should still light up as a reminder and warn of hidden danger in a blind spot before opening the door.


    I made the mistake of not installing enough signal wires from the wing to the guards day room, so the guards will get the same alarm from both exterior wing doors. I will tell the staff to not unlock if the art work glows, and instead tell the guards if they are not already on their way or is actively clearing it. The guards will also do regular weekly tests of the functions as part of their chores. The artwork above the doors might be a raven with an eye that can shine, and I might add similar artwork ravens without a shining eyes on the outside. It is not a bad idea if people make some kind of connection to Odin''s ravens watching them.


    <hr>


    Since I gave the musical instruments to Caecilia, she and Jane have music sessions where Caecilia is dead set on learning to play Midg?rd music, and she just spend a lot of time listening to the same song she wants to learn as she practice, and partly as Jane sketch in the dark room. Caecilia''s problem is that there are so many songs and pieces she likes, and she don''t understand the lyric. When they have a proper music session, Jane tries notes and short segments and tries to create sheet music for their favourite songs and write down the lyrics. Gunhild loves to participate when they practice, and she is pretty good with a flute, and Hillevi occasionally joins them playing drums. Alith may be good at a lot, but she just don''t have a talent for music. Ciara accompanies them quite often even though she rarely plays, but she is hardly alone in just listening.


    A note book is something that Caecilia and several others finds very interesting and it is a fascinating concept. A written language for music. I have already introduced so many concepts and written so many books, so why not one a book from Jane that describe music? But it''s good that Jane can do it, because I can''t read sheet music. My musicality is limited to clinking on a piano and trying until I have found the right notes and can play a simpler song. I can not read notes, although I can open an audio file and analyze what tone or tones are heard. It''s been a long long time since I took guitar lessons so it''s all forgotten, and it was never something I really enjoyed. Basic music education in Swedish primary school didn''t lead to anything either. It might be a huge reason why Sweden export so much music, but it just wasn''t for me. What I can help with is translating words or lyrics that Jane is unsure of into something that works in Norse, or at least explain it well enough that Caecilia can figure out something that sounds better when sung. Jane basically write down songs in English, to be translated in the future, but translation doesn''t always work, or have weird concepts that doesn''t translate, so they also make their own lyrics for a lot of songs.


    Lindsey''s ''Shadows'' is one of the songs they practice, just like Ji Pyeongkyeon ''Sad Romance'', and The Corrs ''No good for me'', although Jane and Caecilia changed the lyrics when they translated, and I have no issue with them taking liberties with lyrics or certain parts of the songs. The Corrs are generally popular with many in the mansion, and they also work on ''Only when I sleep'', and ''Heaven knows''. Era and Enya are other favourites. When Gunhild joins them playing flute and with Jane on drums, it honestly sounds good. The drums are a bit awkward and I have suggested building frame and a foot pedal to make it more drum set like. Jane loves that idea and she wants to try to get hold of or make something like big cymbals. Why am I not really surprised that Jane prefer hitting things and making a lot of noise?


    Usually Caecilia or Jane sings, but I have to admit that Caecilia sings far better and with more control than Jane. When Ciara joins in on the tambourine during Rolling Stones ''Paint it black'', it honestly rocks. Queen''s ''We will rock you'' works well, although the acoustic ending will be different. ''Hijo de la luna'' fits perfectly with the musical instruments they have, and lets Gunhild steal the show. I have the instrumental version, so I haven''t even bothered mentioning that the lyrics is quite tragic. Gunhild also loves Dana Dragomir''s pan flute version of ''Mio min mio''.


    During a break, we listen to Dragonforce''s ''Cry for eternity'' which makes me think of Iselin. The performance impresses Caecilia. Even though she doesn''t like the music, she likes the way it sounds and appreciates their skill. Delain''s ''Breathe on me'' starts up, and it is with emotion that Jane sings along while emphasizing certain sentences and words more than others, and we both understand that it is some kind of revenge for the La Bouche incident. I just reply that if Jane wants me to ''Breathe on her'', she knows where I am, and I give her a wink while I look her in the eyes with a playful smile. In the way she closes her eyes and holds back an ''Argh'' as she leave the room, I count that as a win.


    I should get back to work, but I also feel bad that I have basically completely pushed aside lessons in reading and writing, but building helps, and the others in the household still hold lessons in it as well as math. Eh, screw work, tonight I want to play some Risk.

 Midwinter calling - day 17, Magnetically speaking

    Midwinter calling, day 17


    Magnetically speaking


    I''m so pleased with how well the mansion turned out and how comfortable it is, as we have classic unpleasant Scandinavian November weather; cold, windy and mostly raining and just a handful degree above freezing. It does, however, justify staying indoors and continue working with radios which takes a lot of time, but then again, I also mix that work with my tests for the thermometer tubes, tempering and annealing of glass, as well as improving the lathe and other things.


    Bodil is definitely the one who has used the scroll saw the most since it was built, and she makes sure to keep the blades sharp. I don''t mind Bodil using it to improve the miniature tabletop terrain by making simple walls, towers and buildings, and the Viking longship she made is so damn cute. Ciara even embroidered an Academy logo on the small sail. Still, Bodil is mainly making headphones for radios and parts for speaker elements. If I don''t solve the speaker shortage, the radios will only have sound in one ear which isn''t ideal, and will limit the amount of radios I can make. The only ready made speakers is to split the speaker elements from Tom''s headphones for two single headsets to two radios, although we will still add the other earmuff just to isolate the ambient sound, and make it easier to hear the signal. I really preferred stereo sound as that is just easier for the brain to interpret, and two speakers in series raise the impedance of the headphones. But, right now at this point, the amount of headphones is more important.


    I need to solve the speaker shortage, so Bodil has helped me prepare to manufacture speaker elements in three sizes by making wooden forms for diaphragms for a small 3cm, a middle 7cm, and a large 15cm speaker cones, plus the speaker frame itself, which will have contacts to solder the wires from the speaker coil. It''s very handy that brass is not magnetic, so brass screws work fine to screw it all together. The wooden form is used to form a paper cone with rippling waves outside to attach the cone to the speaker frame, so that the finished speaker''s paper cone can easily move, while the actual cone and roll for the coil have more paper layers to be stiffer, and keep the cone in place in for the magnet. The center hole will be sealed with a small paper roundel. The forms have been painted and will have a waterproof surface. By soaking paper, I can use the mold to get the paper cone shape pretty good, and papier-mach¨¦ solves the rest, making it stiffer and more durable. Obviously the larger models will have more paper and be stronger. I have quite a lot of plastic bags and slightly stiffer plastic folders and so on, so I will also try to build plastic film diaphragms. I assume that they will be more sensitive and better than paper for small headphone speakers, but unless voice is used, even and high frequency response is quite unnecessary as the ''Norse'' signals will have a much lower tone. Unless I need it, I prefer to go with durability and 100% Alfheimr made is more important. The speaker coil is easy to create by winding fine wire around a shaft, but the thinner the wire, the higher the impedance, and for the finest best headphones I will use precious Litz wire.


    Another limit in how good the speaker will be is the permanent magnet. It will be a magnetized iron ring outside the coil and an iron rod inside the center, since that is about as good as I can do. Making permanent magnets stronger and limitations in magnet strength is something I will just have to live with. During my lifetime here I will only have bad magnets made of magnetized iron, followed by more powerful electromagnets when it can be used, but that''s what humanity had to use for a large part of history. Neodymium is a fairly recent invention. In my shelf back home I actually have a damn book about magnets and their history, but I simply don''t remember any relevant information from it. And magnets are needed for so much of what I want to do, and especially on a smaller scale or where an electromagnets power consumption is problematic. Permanent magnets are needed for speakers, microphones, small electric motors, relays, some sensors and so on, and a good magnet just makes some things better. Except battery technology, there is a reason why electric motors have seen a revolution the past 20 years, and why electric drones, vehicles and such have far better performance or is simply possible. The difference between a modern cordless brushless drill and one made just 20 years ago is huge.


    I have those four little neodymium magnets from the magnetic locking on Tom''s bluetooth headset, and when I was careless with one of my rectangular neodymium magnets I can use in my magnetic ring, one split in two. The magnet has a countersunk hole for a screw in the middle, so it broke in two when I accidentally put pressure on it. After the first thoughts of ''nooo'' and ''shit'', I realised that the strong magnet is now two strong square magnets. Since I have so few neodymium magnets, they are far more important to use for the best measuring instruments, where a weak current in the coil produces a larger effect, without the permanent magnet needing to be too large and heavy. If the radio headphones is slightly heavy, that is not a huge issue.


    Once I start making speaker elements, Bodil will start making a new larger speaker box that will use a 15cm bass-midrange and 7cm midrange-treble. I want to build a new stand alone speaker with better bass and treble as well as having bluetooth so I can produce louder sounds and it will be better for playing music. Honestly, I know I will have to make a decision about electrical component usage, as stereo sound would be nice, and more stand alone speaker with amplifiers will also make electrical music possible. I know Iselin would like that a lot, and it''s hard to not prioritize making Iselin happy.


    Audio range sounds is low enough in frequency that a Mag Amp, a magnetic amplifier, might be possible. At least for a separate bass system, but hopefully for 2-4kHz voice range, which would be useful in possible telephone systems as well unless the distortion is bad. Magnetic amplifiers are clever old school tech and very reliable since they use a transformers saturation point. They have been used for more than 100 years, and to some extent are still used where their advantages in operational reliability, mechanical and environmental tollerances and that they basically don''t age, are worth the disadvantages. Disadvantages like the power consumption, weight, low amplification and a high volt+current oscillator that feeds at about 10 times higher than the frequency of the signal the Mag Amp must amplify, unless they are used as a ''simple'' control in industry, welders or for something like stage lightning. A simple relay oscillator doesn''t work at the frequencies needed for speech. But hopefully in the future, some other form of powerful Alfheimr made oscillator in 30-40kHz range can be made.


    <hr>


    My tests with the glass tubes and mercury have given good data, and each glass tube has a piece of paper tied to it with this data written down. I have several I should be able to use but even the best get a fairly large mercury bubble at the end. The problem is I can''t make the bubble exactly as big as I want, but can only make it roughly what I need and I will then measure and adjust the scale. I still have to get the right amount of mercury into the bubble, and the only way I can think of is vacuum and let the thermometer suck up really hot mercury, turn it right with the bubble down and cool the mercury down so it collects down in the bubble. Should some mercury remain in the glass tube, that is just the way it have to be. It''s good that I do this project now as I will need the winter cold to calibrate and so on. Heating stuff is easy. Cooling them down? Not so easy. I will probably need that cooling effect that saltpeter can do, and I don''t expect the winter to get really cold. Maybe I can mark -5 Celsius or so, but with a calculated scale further down.


    I should be able to shape the bubble on the glass tube by heating the end until it melts and then when the glass is malleable, gently blow on the other end so it is forced out. I want to avoid round bubbles, so I will try to use a two-part clamp mold I heated up and then inflate the tube in the mold and thus get some control of its internal volume, by measuring the length.


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    Building a good enough vacuum pump will be frustrating as I don''t know how low pressure I need, but I can make a primitive vacuum pump that uses falling mercury to pull air bubbles out as it falls, and I can build it out of glass parts, brass and seal with Faraday wax. If it doesn''t work, it might be enough to heat the tube and the air in the bubble to maybe 340C and let the cooling and thus the volume change of the air pull up the mercury. I''ll just have to try and see. Both to make the bubbles, vacuum, etc. Regardless of the method, it will hardly be perfect, but it should be usable.


    <hr>


    Since the afternoon actually have nice weather with a bit of sun, I join Kari and Ciara for a long ride with a picknick, and we can use it to inspect work. We ride over to the other island and the harbor bridge is an absolutely wonderful idea. So nice to not to feel as trapped any more on the small island, and it is so much easier to pop over for a visit, and will do much to make the islands feel as the same community. I still dislike the feeling of being the Lord coming to inspect the peasants work, and I want to be approachable, so I make sure to step off the horse and take a real look. Nobody likes the boss checking in on them, so I try to make them feel appreciated. The farm for Iselin''s parents is finished on the outside and the barn is getting there, but man, does it feel strange to that my mother-in-law and father-in-law will live here. I''m actually getting married. And not with either of the two lovely young women accompanying me on this visit. Our guards ignored. Sometimes it just hits me how strange my life have become.


    We make a loop south and then east before heading back towards the harbor bridge. I can''t stop thinking about the fact that I''m actually living in a viking slash medieval world and this is my furstdom, and travelling around like this will be a part of my life. I guess today is just one of those day. Working with something high tech in my mansions workshop while listening to music doesn''t really feel medieval.


    I didn''t think of the aquascope I had the crew make as an ''invention'', but to the people here it is, and it has led to several more being made, and as I see a couple of the local children take turns to look through one from a faering, it is just a nice feeling. Seriously, it is just a water proof housing with a glass plate and a couple of handles, and cheap to make. To me, being able to look under a waters surface is nothing special, but to many it is. I know there have been a small queue when they have been up at the little jetty on the lake and on the jetty by the bath house''s. I should try to make a good diving mask and snorkel.


    The road over Small Ackerek have been stone paved to the village, and the workers have started to building the road over to the bridges and ferry to Orusingen. That road doesn''t have to be stone all the way, but it will be in eventually, and honestly I think it won''t be long before the ferry will be replaced with a wooden bridge like between the islands, and probably with a bascule portion.


    A problem is that the village has no name other than ''the village'', and Jane is starting to get ''creative'' but so far has only come up with bad suggestions, which is both luckily and unluckily. I''m a little worried that Jane will persuade my sambos to name it something that annoys me, which will spread to the public, and then de facto become what the village is called. Maybe have a form of naming competition for suggestions? Although that might end up with a Boaty McBoatface name that gets stuck.


    The village residential building project is progressing well, and it''s pleasing to see how impressed Pedr and the craftsmen are with the concept and the luxury the apartments will have, but there is a lot left to do, and especially to build the central water and sewer system and get it connected and all problems with that resolved, and I don''t expect it those systems working before spring. There will be a lot of work to upgrade to better pipes once there is a proper production of pipe sections. Sure, it''s fairly cheap to do everything, but it takes time, and that is also a resource when the days are getting shorter and winter is approaching.


    The work on the forge etc is also seeing progress, but it is not optimal that the forge, sawmill, and so on will be located right here in the middle of the village and below the nice apartment complexes, but that is where the hydropower is, and many will work there. Jane has been amused that ''those that know'' seem to believe this is nice high-tech manufacturing and something to be proud of that it is right here in the middle, but Jane agrees that it doesn''t visually fit in the middle of the village. It is at least somewhat fitting that it will not only be a forge and sawmill, but also a machine shop and carpentry. The north side of the creek will be metalworking and the south will be for woodworking. It also feels like a good idea to break up hot work and metal shavings with woodwork and sawdust. With water in between and easy accessible.


    I''ve made Pedr and Carpenter Engdrid swear to keep details secret, but in order for them to really understand the line shaft system that the machine shop and carpentry are going to get, I took them into my workshop and showed them my system with its steam engine. It helped them understand what it is they are building with the water wheels, and problems that can arise, and solutions. Just seeing the scroll saw impressed them, and of course there are wild rumours about what I do in my workshop. Both really want to see the finished sawmill, not least for the enormous amount of work it can save. When I designed the mansion, I didn''t consider that of course all the planks had to be sawn or split by hand, and Pedr had a lot of workers just making all the planks. I look forward to it all being built, and should have paid to have more workers here during summer when the weather was better and the days were longer. But I really didn''t think about time and what building everything by hand really meant. Or how much I needed to have built.


    We''ll need the space and sleeping places during the wedding, but until the wedding we can let some temporarily move into the craftsman''s house or the apartments in the residential buildings. During the wedding week Olafr and Digraldi will share a craft house, Liv and Myrun get an apartment with their servants and guards. It will give them get some privacy too, alternatively switch and let the King''s entourage have the apartments. It would be nice to not have the royal couple or any other guest living with us all the time, even if Asbj?rn is nice to talk to. Danr and Hagan can use the little extra farm house by the barns if there isn''t enough apartments available, but it feels wrong to house Maurr there, and I hope there is enough apartments ready. Unn and Asta already live on the island so they are no problem. Sure, I can probably persuade Unn to let Liv live there, but it feels wrong. Iselin will hopefully have her parents, but they will have their own farm just a couple of kilometers away and not be an issue.


    As our trip ends and we return to the mansion, Jane and Caecilia take their own riding trip and Jane is a bit miffed we didn''t ask her to come along. Since they''re out of the house, I take the opportunity to do a lot of work in the secret cellar, including improving the LED lighting.


    <hr>


    The weather is still fine and the wind calm, so Kari and the others have suggested taking the opportunity to inaugurate the bath house and the hot tub, which is a good idea. Sauna Friday have become a tradition, and sometimes more than once a week, and we still do short ''winter baths'' every two weeks.


    The sauna works well. My black swim shorts work fine, and they let me keep them on, while Kari and Ciara are naked under their small towels. Jane started with panties and a bra, but once she got some wine in her body and Kari pointed out that we could see everything through them, Jane took them off to tease me. I went for a swim when she started to stretch. The bath house jetty works fine, and the small ladder is good for climbing back onto the jetty.


    After a couple of turns in the sauna with cold water dips, we move over to the hot tub when the hot tub water has gotten hot enough. A nice evening with nice company while drinking cider or wine isn''t wrong, but the air is cold so it''s nice that the water in the hot tub is deep enough that only our heads can be kept above the water. Well, their heads. I''m taller, but still not an issue.


    Caecilia have served well as our personal maid and along with Elvira tended to the fires and fetched drinks and dried towels, so when I whisperingly ask Kari and Ciara if Caecilia can join us, and they invite her, Caecilia is awfully quick to take her clothes off and join us. It gives me a small win against Jane, who has a bit of an inferiority complex about Caecilia but also Ciara''s bodies, and now she gets to sit and watch them.


    Or the look she gives me is because she have taken this as me bragging about the women I have sex with.


    Shit.


    <hr>


    Even with just me and four naked women in the hot tub, it was just a nice evening and nothing happened there, so Kari have convinced me that we should practice for future ''B-room'' activities before we go to sleep. B-room, which can be mistaken for ''bedroom'', is what we have started to call her dungeon. Our dungeon. Another thing I never thought I would be involved in.

 Midwinter calling - day 18, Serving information

    Midwinter calling, day 18


    Serving information


    While I have been building radios, accessories and stuff I have gotten several ideas and it feels a little embarrassing that it took me 2 months to figure it out a way to maybe transfer pictures and files to and from Jane''s iPhone. Thankfully, I''m in the habit of never throwing away files or programs that might be useful, and I am too lazy to carefully select what I''m copying if it doesn''t take up too much space. I have copied over a lot of program installation files to the tablet and copied the most important ones to my USB stick in the wallet as well, so once I came up with the idea it was easy to find what I needed to basically set up a FTP file server on my tablet. I was easier than setting up a web or email server, and it works on both Android mobiles, but then again, so do bluetooth, so who knows if Apple''s closed system cooperates. The tablet works as a local WiFi hotspot that Jane should be able to connect to via IP address and download or upload files. I have Caecilia asks Jane to come in with her iPhone to my workshop.


    "What''s up? Why do you need my iPhone?"


    "Connect to WiFi, password is ''jane''."


    "What?"


    Surprised and perplexed, Jane discovers that there is a WiFi network called ''Abacus'', as that has always been my default name for home WiFi. Abacus is both early in alphabetical order and an ancient counting tool, and computers are basically modern calculators. Everything will just take too long to explain so I nab her phone and with Jane peeking over my shoulder, enter the IP address and deactivate web security for the site, but she is still perplexed as I set it as her homepage. I have a big smile as I show her the files, pictures and music she can save or upload and I download a picture I''ve taken of her with the others, and I start to download all my MP3s. I''m happy and satisfied that it works, because it will make Jane happy, but Jane is ecstatic when she gets it, and I reassure that I''m not shitting her. Jane kisses and hugs me so many times it''s uncomfortable, but this time she doesn''t seem to be affected and Jane just loudly shouts:


    "Nerds are so bloody underrated!"


    Jane is giggling as file after file is downloaded, lost in the possibility of being able to use her iPhone for so much more. Her giggling turns to ecstatic joy as she plays the first song and she try to explain to Caecilia, and I point out that as long as my tablet is on, she can connect from her bedroom because it''s just a dry logwall in between. Jane can now use her own mobile for so much more and beside playing all the music I have and transfer pictures, also watch documentaries or the movies. So worth it. Jane gives me another kiss and hug and say she''s going to watch ''Atomic Blonde'' again, just because she can, and as she leaves say she is going to save the unwatched movies for movie nights - which feels good.


    From the glances and smiles, Caecilia - and everyone else lured by Jane''s shouts - have of course noticed my pants problem, but my smiling bouncing sexbunny becomes disappointed when Kari pulls rank to deal with my issue and starts shooing everyone out with a smile. After two months in this house with a dozen women, and several who specifically pay attention to me or guard me, I can only guess how much talk, gossip and rumours there are.


    <hr>


    My ferry to Orusingen isn''t finished, but rumours about it has spread and Jolfr Lum, the biggest Storman on Tosra and a bit of southern Orusingen, makes a visit to get more information. It''s the first time he''s been to my islands, and I should have invited him and the other Storman in the area, or visited them, but I''ve been too busy with everything. Terrible excuse, but true. At least I have not visited some, and ignored some. I recognize Jolfr Lum both from the Tosra meeting and from the Auction, but there were so many people I talked too at both times. I invite Jolfr to the wedding, and inform him that it will be an unusual event and small with mostly friends and almost no relatives, but he is looking forward to participating. Especially when he finds out who the other guests are. So Jolfr gets a tour of the mansion and some of its amenities, and I introduce my sambos, Jane and guards etc. We go for ride where I give him a tour of the harbor bridge to the village and introduce him to Fj?lkunniga Unn. Unn has only been here for a few weeks, but have started getting visits from nearby people as word quickly spread about a new Fj?lkunnig that was easy to reach by boat, and as the Academy''s sejdwoman Unn has instantly gained respect.


    Jolfr has been inspired by my ferry, as well as what Storman Maurr said about the ferry in Laxlanda, and of course Jolfr wants to show that he too can spend silver and prove his status as a Storman, and he wants to connect Tosra with Orusingen via a rope ferry between Mosra and Orusingen. There is already a bridge between Tosra and Mosra, but between Orusingen and Mosra it is too deep and far. A ferry is not a huge expense like a permanent bridge is, and easier to build even if it partially block the boat traffic between the islands, but there are no large deep-drafting ships here, so if they let the rope sink into the water behind the ferry, maybe with the help of stone or lead weights, then most boats or ships can just sail over, although I advise him to spread the word to avoid sailing there until it is tested how deep the rope sinks, and still put up big wooden signs with symbols showing to not sail in front of the rope ferry, and keep in the middle of the strait. A ferry there makes it so much easier and more efficient to move between the islands as not everyone has a boat, especially not big enough for a horse and cart, and the boat can be somewhere else along the coast. The islands here are large at 150-350 km2, so not short distances. A ferry also gives an opportunity to collect a small toll even if Jolfr won''t do it. At least to start with. It is after all a prestige thing as much as useful, and Jolfr wants people to uses his ferry and be grateful. With just a bit of design change, the ferry doesn''t have to be manned, and there can be windlasses in each end, but that is not as impressive as having a slave do the work while taking care of the ferry, jetties and fishing or something.


    As we ride I also talk with Jolfr if it would be possible to try hunting larger animals somewhere on Orusingen or Tosra. It''s just a couple of animals and I''m not sure anything will be killed, it''s more if it turns out that hunting on the islands is unfruitful. Jolfr owns land some forest covered hills fairly near and gives me permission to hunt and gives me suggestions for best locations and how the terrain is, and he will inform the farms there on the way back to his own mansion.


    Kari have already suggested that we hunt on the land she owns on Orusingen, and of course she is happy to come along, but she doesn''t want to shoot. She will stay at the farm and prepare for my return. Hunting can be fun, but most future shooting will probably take place on the range to try to get better and target shooting might be a hobby. Right now, projects are keeping me busy, but in the future that will decease, and without the internet and annoying transportation issues and severely limited entertainment etc, I''ll need to find something to fill my spare time, which I as a rich person will have more of, and I can''t have sex all the time. I can almost hear Caecilia as Barney Stinson in the background shouting ''Challenge accepted!''.


    I could say ''fuck it'' and just try to enjoy myself for the rest of my life, but that will just disappoint a lot of people, and if I''ve contributed to making this world nicer and more technical, I''ll ultimately enjoy it more. Both because I did something good, and because the world is more technical, which will be more interesting for me too.


    <hr>


    My two radios are finally finished. Complete with transmitter and receiver in the same housing, and they are basically identical on the outside, except for the small engraved brass plate with the text that says which radio in the order it is and the plate with the frequency scale, although I tried to tune the radios very similarly they''re not exactly the same. The only major difference internally is that I have used the good IF filter in the mansion''s receiver, because it is an advantage if it is the most sensitive and selective of all radios.


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    A radio is powered from either the house''s 12V system, a large or small 12V lead batteries or via two series connected 5V USB battery banks. One radio will always be here at the mansion and powered by the house''s 12V mains. But the other one, which is intended for the ship, has basically been given two permanent power banks and it has a bolt-on pocket for the power banks, but the power banks will be charged in the mansion. Both radios will have excellent operating time as their power consumption in reception is very low, especially with the squelch activated so the speaker is not powered.


    There is a simple multi function moving coil instrument in the front behind a glass plate, and via a switch can be selected to show the voltage input, show the output to test that the radio really is transmitting, or work as a bad S meter that measures received signal strength. Unfortunately the coil is insensitive, and I didn''t want to sacrificing semiconductors just to make that unimportant function better. As I have quite a lot of small colored surface-mounted LEDs, I have used a blue LED as an ''On'' indicator that sits inside the glass plate of the moving coil meter so that the LED is protected. If I need the LEDs in the future, I can just remove them. The On/Off switch is pretty clear, but an indication that everything is right is nice, and the LED is angled downwards to also provide some light in front of the radio for taking notes on a dark night.


    These two radios are CW+AM. CW which stands for Continuous Wave and is for Morse/Norse code, while AM which stands for Amplitude Modulation is the voice mode. It was simply easiest to make a modulator for AM, and making an AM detector in the receiver was far easier then demodulating FM, DSB or SSB. AM is less efficient and more sensitive to interference than other voice modulation systems, but easy to understand and build. And I just felt more comfortable doing it, having only done CW, AM, FM and data before. Currently, there is a simpler stand-alone boom microphone with a preamplifier on a plate, and a separate Norse key that I am quite proud of, as they are small works of art in brass and wood, both with connectors made of wood and brass. In the future I hope to make good carbon microphones, or dynamic microphones with a simpler internal preamplifier in the radio, because it saves components, but I was impatient.


    There is plenty of room in the radio case and some on the front for a couple of future upgrades that may prove necessary, such as a switch for future frequency bands or something else. Since it is mostly surface-mounted components, the electronics are small, and it is controls, coils and rotary capacitors that are large. The low frequency and manufacturing limitations simply makes them big.


    For sound, Bodil has finished two headphones, with padded edges and everything, and I''ve also built a pair of headphones with the speaker elements from Tom''s scrapped bluetooth headphones, and it will be here at the mansion for as an extra headset. It has absolutely the best sound and frequency range. Regardless of the headset, there are screw terminals on the outside with strain relief, and they plug into a separate socket on the front of the radio, but there are double sockets so two can listen with separate headphones even if it affects the volume in both. If the small connectors turn out well, they will be installed.


    I must learn to use Norse code well, and train someone people in it. Ciara and Kari do the best they can and we practice and will continue to practice a little every night. After I created a library of separate files for each Norse letter, number and special characters, Jane was willing to help by creating many small playlists, which means I don''t know the code or order until we verify. It''s a fairly efficient way, and since many people can listen to the same file, several people can practice at the same time. To practice transmitting, we sit in the same room and practice with the simple test panel, where one transmits and two practice writing down. It feels silly but it works quite well at our pace and still gives semi-realistic practice that I will improve in the future.


    What is left is to make and install proper antennas, as I won''t do any more real radio tests until Iselin is back. It''s bad enough I did all this work without her. It''s a bit tragic that building and developing radios feels more like a betrayal to Iselin than if I have sex with other women, but I think she agrees.


    I can use my mobile horn speaker for my tests, and while I was waiting for the Bodil to finish parts I installed the bluetooth receiver from the headphones, which works fine. It was so easy. So the horn speaker is now a bluetooth horn speaker and can be connected to mobile phones or my tablet, with pause, forward and back buttons, and apart from being practical, it will make Jane happy as her mobile of course lacks a 3.5mm jack.


    During the time I''ve built, I''ve also prepared to build a simpler CW only radio where most of the parts are the same. The radio will lack squelch and only work with Norse code, but Norse code is more important because it gives much longer range than voice. It is possible to add upgrades, such as AM voice if it turns out that it actually works well at least to close distances like Borgarsandr. However, I need to make the microphones and transistors for microphone amplifiers can simply be used for other things. If voice is basically useless with the NVIS antenna, it is very unnecessary to use components for it. The CW radio should hopefully be able to work excellently in the ''local area'' such as Borgarsandr 43km away, and if it is possible to reach Skiringsalr 150km away reliably day and night, that would be excellent.


    I must have the quietest radio environment for radio experiments ever. Here there are only thunderstorms and other natural phenomena. I doubt there is electricity anywhere else, and here there are no high voltage wires, spark gaps, gasoline engines or even AC voltage in the house. I''ve taken care to shield the USB chargers and it''s basically only the wind power generator on the roof and switching in the service system that can give some interference spikes, but I''ll shield them and add a couple of filter capacitors at the next service just because it is a good idea and not much work.


    Radio astronomers would surely be jealous of this, because the extreme radio silence is a great advantage and makes it easier to hear my fairly weak transmitters. I''m not looking for the occasional lucky contact, but something that works practically every day. Once I''ve tested the radios and know how well they work, I may build more, and maybe set up relay stations for messages from others, although I don''t know if there''s a market for this so it''ll be mostly for my own sake. There isn''t a post office here, and nobody has addresses.


    I will probably want more radios for more ships, and even a pure radio receiver would be useful if the mansion sends signals that tell the time so they can set clocks and to give an update or collect information which radio signals were heard and when. Hopefully by the summer I will have finished measuring and calculated a rough time equation for sundials for which I am still taking measurements. That doesn''t happen every day, but when the alarm goes off 10 minutes before and I''m nearby, I do it. Since at least one more radio will be built and I still need some parts for other projects, a couple of boxes of spare parts have been accumulating, and the idea is that Iselin and I will build the next radio together.


    I''m thinking of taking apart my digital SLR camera. It is in worse condition and cheaper than Tom''s model, and apart from a small speaker and microphone, I''ll get a few more buttons, LEDs, springs, some small electric motor that I might be able to take apart for really nice thin varnish-insulated wire etc. There may be a few electrical components or semiconductors that are useful, but I don''t have a wiring diagram for the camera and have to test everything. The glass in the lenses should also be useful. I want to build a good telescope for watching stars etc, but it need a lot of light and magnification. Before I start taking anything apart, however, we are going to try casting glass in a crucible to see if it gets hot and good enough to get better large glass without air bubbles, and by hand grind and make a ''simple'' telescope with two lenses and long focal length. Iselin wants to do most of that herself, so it''s hardly a burden for me. But I might try to melt glass blocks as a surprise for her homecoming. Might as well to do three at once, and that is something the guards can help with.


    <hr>


    I am doing what I can to prepare an antenna installation tomorrow, but it is time to make a proper vacuum ''pump'' and continue with the steam engine improvement, line shaft system and making more machines. I want to put a generator on the steam engine so I''m not wind dependent for charging, and when it comes to machines, a router is a priority, along with a simpler roller. Before I start working with the vacuum pump and other machines, I make three prototype thermometers where I heat up the ends and form bubbles with the help of two wooden blocks I''ve drilled, carved and filed out and attached clamped handles, with support and stabilization of the glass tube and the template. I also make three pairs of glass bulbs I''ve been thinking of trying to make the simplest light bulb out of. The glass is quite thick so I think it will be durable enough, and I put them in the heated oven to anneal the glass.

 Midwinter calling - day 19, Installation

    Midwinter calling, day 19


    Installation


    The biggest remaining radio problems are antennas and antenna cable. In addition to sheer size and mounting problems, I have to use free-wire ladder as the feeding cable, which needs to be matched to the radios impedance once I have mounted the antenna, and it will be affected by rain and ice. The radio has its own tuning, and it is better to put a tuner on the antenna, so that the radio can be moved or replaced, and the antenna keeps its tuning, and the antennas static discharge and lightning protection are connected. If it''s not one problem, it''s something else.


    I expect there will be several antennas - partly because it will be fun to experiment - but I prioritize a simpler loop antenna and NVIS dipole, i.e. an antenna that radiates upwards and uses the ionosphere to bounce the transmission back down to earth and reach other stations that should be the most used antenna. I hope that with the sensitivity of my radios and antennas it will work up to 400km or so, although the NVIS principle itself can work much longer. 400km covers the whole of southern Sweden to Stockholm, Gotland, all of Denmark and Norway to the north of Hardangervidda. Where I have problems fitting a dipole or similar like on the ship it can be a long curved rod, compact loop antenna or a magnetic loop antenna, but they have around 10-15dB loss compared to a dipole, and loops are very narrowband and I have to make sure no one is near the antenna due to high voltage across the gap. The difference in loss and other signal path can be so great that a loop antenna does not make contact at all, while the dipole reaches 1000km with good contact.


    On longer expeditions where the ship is far away, the only contact may be when they can go ashore and erect a better-aimed antenna between trees or simple field masts with support lines, as ionospheric bouncing is used instead of NVIS. So the antenna here will have to be adapted for that, and it will probably be a directional horizontal antenna to have some signal gain, hopefully a rhombus or simpler yagi-uda antenna, but those antennas will have to be up on the mountain top west of the mansion. A small cabin and transmitter station can be built there with two antennas with almost 90 degree angles to each other. One directed to the south west, and if I achieve 2000km range it will reach northern Portugal and cover the coasts of England and France. One in the north west or north direction primarily for Iceland or Southern Norway. I need to reach 3000km to cover the Mediterranean, 4000km to reach Canada, 6000km to reach the Arabian Sea and the New York area. There is little chance of sporadic contacts especially on winter nights and especially to the south, but not certain. The problem is also that the transmitter site may have a good atmospheric condition, but the receiver site does not. The sun moves, the Earth is round and long distance radio is tricky. For example, during the summer night it may be possible to reach South America, South Africa, India or Australia, but it can never make contact with the east coast of North America which is closer, and may not be able to reach England during the day. There are also no radio propagation beacons here to listen to. Radio, propagation, antennas and frequencies are ''complicated''.


    Even though large amounts of copper wire were used for conductors and electrical installation in the mansion, I have enough and I will build two NVIS dipoles and a relatively compact loop antenna, all with tuning. The antennas for the first test may not be optimal, but it is part of future tests to try to find better antennas, and to optimize antenna installation and tuning.


    But I have to decide where the radio station will be in the mansion, since that determines where the antenna needs to be. I could attach a big horizontal loop but that have issues with attachment points, and the dipoles 40m length and shape with antenna connection in the middle, limits where the antenna can be installed. I''ve asked the craftsmen to arrange some at least ten meter long wooden poles that we can shorten depending on the attachment, and also make extra attachment and brace poles. The suitable places for the radio in the mansion are the guards attic room, my unused attic room facing the courtyard, in the guards day room, or my workshop or office. All have their pros and cons. The guards day room feels most suitable because there is almost always someone there 24 hours a day, and is conveniently located almost in the middle of the house. The day room provides a fairly simple antenna feed out and up, which helps as I intend to use the mansions massive copper roof as a ground reflector for the NVIS antenna, because bedrock is a poor ground plane.


    Having a house on top of a cliff means I don''t have any suitable trees to attach an antenna to either as they are all lower and below the cliff. What I can do is to attach the antenna to the trees further up the mountain in the north, and run the antenna fedd via the outside of the wing, but then the antenna goes over ''dry'' bedrock with a much longer feeding cable. The kitchen pantry at the end of the wing would have made a good radio room for a shorter feed, but it is the kitchen pantry and is not practical, and the same goes for the toilets and the wings attic. Even with a long end line, it will only be a triangle loop or end-fed antenna. I am a little worried that the antenna will be bad in the west-east direction if the NVIS does not work well, and it is very likely there will be for future changes.


    So the guards day room it is. The guards don''t need to monitor the radio all the time as there will be specific transmission times organized reasonably well, especially if the ship has a clock. Each transmission can synchronize the time of the clock. Timed schedule also helps to save batteries if it is not possible to charge the batteries during the ships journey. If I''m going to have lead batteries on the ship, I need to build wind turbines for the ship as well as adapted lead batteries that can handle waves motion and bad weather better. I''ll probably have to make new battery vessels specifically for it, so that the free surface area changes and it doesn''t slosh rounds in them, although I think the shape of the lead plates and the distance between them act as decent slosh dampers in both directions, and the cells are already tall, long and quite narrow which is good.


    Hrappr and the craftsmen help build, erect and attaching the mast poles. One end will be on the gable outside my bedroom which is one of the places where brackets were installed during the mansions construction, and will be the easiest to attach too. There is even an access hatch under the small corner window. The middle post is attached to the west of the window above the day rooms window, and the other end of the antenna is a pole erected on the pavilion roof. All poles get simple loops so we can raise or lower the antenna via lines. I completely agree with my sambos and guards that it is ugly with the tall poles sticking up from the main building and the roof of the pavilion, but I have no better choice, and in the future they will accept it as worth it to get radio communication, and they just have to accept that the antenna dictate where the poles must be, and have other requirements than purely aesthetic. As camouflage and for extra use, the poles also receive extra loops so that simpler pennants or smaller flags can be raised for certain occasions.


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    It is a bit of work to attach the mast pole in the middle to the log wall as the outer facade have to be removed, but worth doing well when there will be 10 meter tall post. I''m also not that happy about the issue of having to run the feed line through the exterior wall, but it have to be done because I need to keep the feed away from all the iron and the metal that is the windows with their frame and iron bars. More facade planks have to be temporarily removed, but it is below the center antenna mount in the wall above. I run the wires inside through a pair of outward-sloping ceramic insulators, but to avoid the issue of rain seeping inside or along the wall, the antenna wires makes drip loops before going up to the two shielded junction boxes at the bottom of the pole mount. It''s probably a small loss but shouldn''t affect too much at these low frequencies, and worth it to have the option of trying other antennas, or improve the feed. The ceramic insulators holes have room and only got wooden plugs at the ends.


    <hr>


    I''m the one who gets a surprise when Kari and Ciara along with Jane present two chandeliers. One with rock crystals, the other with glass crystals. They''ve kept it a secret but started it right after we moved in, and Jane is beaming at the others praise of how well it''s going. Sure, the chandeliers are relatively simple, but it looks luxurious. They know I like glass and Iselin loves the prismatic light effect, so when Jane sketched three angular prisms with holes in them and other small faceted glass spheres and shapes, they decided to try and have it made in glass and rock crystal.


    Sure, all the work in my workshop certainly contributed, but I haven''t noticed that they used an extra room as their work room and ''pimped'' slash ''bedazzled'' two double oil lamps by stringing crystals up on brass wire and made it beautiful. The chandelier is bigger and is made to have eight regular candles, but everyone agrees that fire and candles should be limited as much as possible due to the risk of fire, and they love the LED light they didn''t see coming, and want me to install the LED modules in the chandeliers so we can leave the candles unlit. The main hall needs more light, and I have scrapped the idea of a light module in the library where we don''t spend much time, and I will install a simple LED reading lamp for evening use. So, the more complex glass chandelier is modified with 3 LED modules and hung in the main hall, while the rock crystal chandelier is hung above the long table in the meeting slash dining room and gets two modules.


    The glazier has gotten good at casting simpler glassware, and it''s much easier and cheaper to get a chandelier made of glass, so they''ve already ordered parts for two more chandeliers. The idea is to use them on the pavilion during the wedding, because out there light will be needed and fire will not a big issue there.


    <hr>


    Since I actually have a couple of larger Alfheimr made speakers I''m curious if the signal is even audible if they are connected together, so I just run two wires on the floor between the meeting room, through the house to my workshop. We can wave between the door holes, but it reduce quite a lot of the sound. A 7 cm speaker is attached to each end. By tapping a hand on the speaker, it moves clearly at the other end, and by cupping our hands and talking quite loudly, we can actually hear what is being said on the other end, albeit very faintly.


    I let anyone who wants to try, and everyone wants to. And yes, I confirm to Jane that this is a very primitive telephone, but it works as she thinks. If I''m actually going to build a working telephone, the signal has to be much stronger, and without amplifying electronics, that means I can''t use a speaker, or dynamic microphone which is the same principle, just adapted to be a sensitive microphone. Strip microphones are even worse because the signal is weaker. The classic solution in particular telephone systems is that the microphone is a carbon microphone, which is a variable resistor instead of a coil that produce an electrical signal. But by feeding the carbon microphone with a battery, the variable resistance of the microphone means that a larger current varies with the speech. The current goes through a transformer and the output signal can then be sent long distances and still drive a speaker. It is actually possible to make a primitive audio amplifier by connecting a speaker to drive a carbon microphone. That''s how long-distance telephone systems were made in the beginning, but every amplification degrades the sound quality, and it''s hardly High Fidelity sound from the start. But speech does not require high fidelity to be understood and something like 300-3000Hz is fine. It''s more noise and interference that is a problem.


    The principle behind a classic carbon microphone is simple, and the Swedish name ''kolkorn'' ie ''carbon grain'' says a lot, but making a good one will surely be difficult although the principle is easy. The details always gets you in the end. It''s a small shallow container, with an electrode at the bottom and a movable conductive membrane as a microphone surface, with carbon grains between. The sound causes the grains to move, and the resistance changes. It sounds simple, but I can already foresee several problems in building the carbon microphone. The fine membrane will be tricky, but I can probably cheat in the beginning and use Midg?rd material I had with me. The carbon grains will certainly need to be a certain size to work well for a certain voltage etc, but it is possible to filter by grain size. The carbon will probably pack up and work worse, and I don''t really know how big a problem it is, but I remember seeing them disassembled in museums with the bottom part having funny shapes, and I know that people used to tap the phone against the telephone box to loosen the carbon grains. Carbon will attract moisture and exhaled air is warm and humid, so I probably need to make everything waterproof, but at the same time keep the membrane movable.


    People''s fascination with the speakers makes it easy to slip away and do some secret wiring in my secret escape route down to the secret passage behind the library shelves to the basement. It just takes time doing some things, but I finish the electricity, LED lighting and alarm signals.


    <hr>


    In the evening we celebrate the various successes we''ve had with radio, telephone and chandeliers etc, and that the radio have been installed. As Kari and I passed a rather difficult Norse test, the evening ends with me rewarding Kari for her work in learning how to operate radios, which means leather accessories for Kari and for her it''s a wonderful end to a good day, and I also get a reward. I have to admit I''ve started to appreciate our sex games.

 Midwinter calling - day 20, Hidden treasure

    Midwinter calling, day 20


    Hidden treasure


    I''ve not used the tablet case since we moved in, and just thrown in the accessories, but I need an memory card reader and remember the small internal extra compartment I''ve practically forgotten about where I''ve kept a spare memory card reader and memory cards. I feel something else and remember I''ve thrown in a couple of USB sticks as well, but what I take out is not a USB stick. I just look at the small cheap USB SDR dongle, software defined radio, which I''d completely forgot was there. I bury my head in my hands as I remember I put it there a couple of years ago together with a thin 5 meter wire antenna. I stopped using this SDR a few years ago when I bought a better one for home use, and put it there because the SDR dongle is ''good to have''. An SDR can be used for a lot with different software - software that I have installed on the tablet. Why didn''t I find it a couple of weeks ago? Why didn''t I even remember I put it there? It would have made radio construction easier, and more accurate. Why didn''t I think about the SDR when I was lying in the tent up on Hardangervidda and panicking? I had been able to search through all frequencies for Digital radio, FM, medium wave AM, analog or digital TV and more. Sure, I wouldn''t have received anything, and probably started to suspect something was broken or something, but I could test it with my VHF/UHF radio by recording on the tablet and walking away 200m or so.


    FAIL!


    Done is done. At least I can control the frequency range precisely and fine tune the various parts a bit so that I might get a little increase in signal and sensitivity. A dB here and there means a lot in the end, and I can now actually measure the dB difference. The SDR is still oh so valuable, not least because it already has HF input and I have all the software on a tablet plus schematic for it - opensource FTW! Since Jane loves when the tablet''s server is online, I''m going to string up the antenna wire in the ceiling and leave the SDR receiver on for longer periods of time to scan the lower frequency ranges, plus focusing on the most likely frequencies someone might have brought a walkie-talkie for, such as hunting bands, marine radios and PMRs. There is a tiny chance that some other person has come here, and built or brought a short or long wave radio transmitter. Unfortunately, walkie-talkies are quite rare these days, and if someone brought a ''common'' PMR UHF walkie-talkie with them, I won''t hear them more than a couple of kilometers away. And why would anyone within such a short distance to even try? Since it is over open water, I might be able to hear someone in Lysesund, but not much further.


    It''s very unlikely someone is near since no one so far mentioned any rumour of another human or technologically advanced civilization. Yeah, best to scan the longwave bands, and trying to find long wave skip.


    I look through the compartment to see if there is anything else I missed, and also find a small USB ISP dongle for Atmel/Arduino programming, and a micro 32GB USB stick and the microSD reader I was looking for on the bottom, that have a 32GB memory card in it. My fondness for buying compact small USB sticks and microSD readers is both an advantage and a disadvantage. It makes me remember that before the trip I actually took out a flight controller FC+ESC for a quadcopter from the last Drone race flight. That is so damn tragic, because that ESC had something like 24 powerful push pull mosfet, voltage regulators, leds, and capacitors etc. I could have built so many powerful amplifiers for audio or radio with one that it is a bit ridiculous, because a 40A Mosfet for 6S lipo batteries should be able to make a 300W amplifier for audio or radio, and it doesn''t need to be high frequency capable for my use so they certainly are capable enough. It would have been hard as hell to unsolder without a hot air station, but at least the components would have been here, and I could improvise a hot air solution. I really should have brought at least the Karearea Titi quadcopter or Cinewhoop, Fatsharks and the small RC radio on my hike. So many uses for that, in many ways. Why haven''t some time travelling novel ever included the helpful tip to bring a small ESD ziplock with surface mounted mosfets, transistors and diodes? Oh, and PowerLEDs.


    Learn, adapt and move on. And I am very happy for the things I had with me.


    I can''t practically use the USB ISP dongle. I can write programs for the ATmega and have that software too on the tablet, but it is probably an OTP processor; One Time Programmable i.e. cannot be reprogrammed, nor can it reprogram itself. I could use the 12MHz crystal in my frequency standard, but I''d rather use 3.6MHz instead of 3MHz because of the antenna length, which is about 1/5 longer. If it had been 4MHz, I would probably have chosen it instead and tweaked my radios, because it would have meant 1/10 shorter antenna length, and that would be 4 important meters, while 6MHz feels a bit too high a frequency and too much work to rebuild everything to. It''s just easier to just leave the ISP dongle as it is, although it wouldn''t be wrong to have more reference frequencies in the frequency standard build, and I can re-use the three surface mounted LEDs for other things.


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    I check what''s on the memory card, but that''s just blank. The USB stick isn''t, and I find some backups of images, roleplaying files, programs and other things, but also some books and a few documentaries like ''Moon Machines'', ''Eiger; Wall of death'', ''Dr Horrible''s sing-along blog'' and some movies too. YAY! ''John Wick'' feels like it will be hard to explain, and ''The Martian'' and ''Spaceballs'' even more so, but something like ''Frozen'' could be fun to watch, and ''Maleficent'' could definitely be interest. Iselin probably wants to see ''The Martian'', and maybe Kari too. ''Trolltyg i Tomteskogen'' i.e. the animated ''Gnomes'' feels appropriate for this culture. Iselin will probably want to see the documentary series ''Moon Machines''.


    <hr>


    I tell Jane about my find before dinner, and she is so happy for all the movies I''ve found. She has only seen ''Frozen'' and ''Maleficent'', but she likes both movies. Jane can''t help to try to talk about movies as we eat and try to explain it to Ciara and Kari, which is a bit entertaining. Jane is right that the animated ''Frozen'' might be a good movie to show them, since it is animated and have similar culture to here. Jane enjoy I have a Disney movie, and that one. We change subject and Kari gives me an update about building projects, and when the Ice house comes up, I point out that in ''Frozen'' they cut ice blocks for an Ice house, and that''s why Kristoff sells ice blocks in the summer. That just hasn''t connected for Jane, and she facepalms and groans about being a moron and blind.


    Everyone is looking forward to the ice house being built by the road east of the mansion. The location is behind the mountain and should be well protected from direct sunlight all year round, and only on early summer mornings will the sun shine on that spot, but then there are leaves on all the deciduous trees and shouldn''t be a problem. If it seems to be a problem, we may have to erect a free standing wooden wall so that the outer walls don''t get sunlight, but I am most worried about wind in combination with warm weather. Last summer was warm. The ice house will be almost 6x5m on the inside and around 5m high, and will have external walls of stone with a lot of earth outside, with an internal wooden house behind well-insulated walls and roof. It is a good solid floor with drainage, because 90-120 tons of ice will hopefully fill the icehouse this spring. An advantage with the location, is that we have been able to use the slope of the terrain to make loading-unloading ice easier, and drainage is also easy and the water flows out to a lower reservoir for ice-cold water in the smaller ''cold house'' below the Ice house. We will try to store food and use the Cold house more like a root cellar with ice-cold water in it, but we still have to be careful about opening the Cold house and letting warm air in.


    Carpenter Engdrid has completed a large and well-insulated ice box. He is getting very good at understanding and recreating what I sketch, and the water collection should work well. I''ve even added a little insulated window with three panes of glass to check the ice without opening the door or hatch. We''re just waiting for it to get cold enough to freeze some water in buckets overnight. Having the ice box in the basement would perhaps be better than the pantry, but even with a food elevator it is harder to use, so we will try there first.


    To change the topic from her own ''Frozen'' blunder, Jane enjoy talking about my SDR blunder, and after dinner when I show them, Jane, Kari and Ciara helps me fine tune the radios. Jane also pokes at me to build those carbon microphones. By designing something more like a classic telephone handset where you talk into the microphone instead of into the side, there should be less of a problem with the carbon grains being packed uneven, and certain patterns on the rear carbon plate should also help. By hanging the handset upside down on the side of the phone box, gravity should also help to loosen the carbon grains between each call. We actually have barrels of charcoal in the basement, so carbon is less of a problem, although it''s hardly pure carbon.


    <hr>


    The problem with lying in bed and trying to sleep is that my mind wanders, especially listening to the rain and wind outside. So much has happened in the last few weeks while Iselin has been away. Almost 3 weeks have passed. Anything could have happened and I might never know. Is she even coming back? I should have built radios after Kari sailed with Jane to buy Tom''s stuff. That way, Iselin could have helped me build and we could test sending messages, signal strength and range during this journey. Even if we only reached part of the way, that would still be contact a day or two earlier. Hindsight is easy.


    Crap. I shouldn''t have said that I wanted a night for myself again.


    It is hard and I feel a little dirty and guilty as I push the button to Caecilia''s room. I feel a little better when Caecilia arrive and she realise that I finally used the button the way she wanted since it was installed a month ago, and seductively and smiling Caecilia slips under the duvet.

 Midwinter calling - day 21, Ciaras day

    Midwinter calling, day 21


    Ciara''s day


    <hr><hr>


    It''s early morning and everything is so quiet and dark, so the only sounds I hear are Caecilia waking Robert up with morning sex. It is strange that lying in my bed and hearing Robert having sex with another woman feels comforting, but Alith is right that it at least means I know where Robert is and that everything is all right. Alith is so smart. I still wish that Robert snored. And that he were louder during sex. I know I don''t need too, but I still lie quietly and listen until their sounds become quiet as they are sleeping or cuddling. I wish I could cuddle with Robert every day, but you can''t expect every day to be perfect and this is a good happy life, so time to get dressed and go down to the toilet and check on the breakfast. Rikvi, Elvira and Jalida does good work, but I still want to check that the food is good and ready. Good healthy food is very important.


    <hr>


    Robert don''t mind me accompanying him as he modify the workshop machines, and I have memorised what all the tools are called so I can be efficient and help if needed, instead of Robert feeling like I am in the way or not helping. Robert and Bodil is annoyed that the machines want to wander around and apparently the belt drive doesn''t help. So I just sit there and watch and learn as they discus the problems and try to figure out solutions, and it''s easier when he draw with chalk on one of the slate boards. It feels good that Bodil doesn''t understand everything either, especially what Robert means with anchoring machines with expansion bolts in the stone floor isn''t possible, and we both listen and learn as Robert explain about how the stone floor can not be drilled into like the concrete floors he is used to, since the stone will crack or become loose. So in the end the solution they try is to give each machine thick leather feet, and weigh each machine down with stone filled boxes on the side of the stand, plus secure the machines to a suitable wall. With all his creations and machines, many of this workshops machines will eventually be moved to the carpentry workshop in the village, but for now they stay here, and help make other machines and stuff. That is a good word. Stuff. We''ve all learned so many new words from Robert. And Jane.


    It warms my heart when Robert is quite pleased how well it work, and casually explain how it is an unexpected advantage that the rotating forces partly cancel each other out. The belt rotates in one direction, but via transmission, the mass of the machine rotates in the other direction and tempo. That is nice.


    The next issue is to install the workshops ''simple'' overhead crane. Bodil doesn''t think it is simple, and I trust her opinion is what others would think. The machines Robert is working on have become bigger and heavier, so through one of the windows they lift in a long heavy beam which they fasten to the rafters. A simple long attachment block on a pair of rollers hangs from it, and there is a primitive hoist block hanging from that. I listen attentively as Robert explain about how it is basically just a cylinder to which a rope is attached, which is rotated with a worm gear that has a small hook, where a crank handle much like for awning hooks into, to crank around to hoist the load up and down. Since I am not alone in not understanding what that means, Robert shows it as it is installed, and it is always nice when Robert is quite pleased with a solution to a tricky problem. And when he kiss me. I miss Iselin, and wish she would hurry back as Robert miss her so much, but I''m happy for all the extra kisses that Robert have given me these last few weeks.


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    I just listen as Robert talk with Bodil about how the worm gear system prevents the load from making the hoist mechanism rotate backwards, and also gives a high gearing so it becomes easier to hoist something. There is a wedge lock on one arm so without the long crank handle being pulled down, the worm gear cannot rotate even from vibrations, although lubrication is tricky since there is a lot of friction, and he need to enclose it to prevent dust and dirty fouling the lubricant. The hoist and the load are moved by simply pulling the load, or by the crank handle. With Roberts instructions I try to use the hoist to lift a basket filled with heavy things, and it is of course just as easy as Robert said it would be. Just a lot of turns on the handle, and they wonder how much it will lift with a block and tackle instead of a simple hook. Robert is a bit disappointed that this is as good as he can make it, as the crane only works in one direction along the beam, but the crane really makes it safer to lift something heavy up or down from the workbench or to the attic, and that is a very big improvement. Robert knows that I like it when he try to be safer and avoid hurting himself, and another kiss on my cheek just makes the day even nicer.


    They start to finish the work on the table router, and we all know Bodil have been eager for that machine since Robert told her about it. The router looks a lot like the scroll saw, just not with the dangerous sawblade moving up and down. I don''t understand how a small quickly rotating metal piece will change woodworking so much, but Bodil''s fascination and eagerness show it of course is another important innovation that will change everything. Robert show us that it basically work the same way as the scroll saw as he used most of the same parts, which is the reason he of course planned ahead and had many parts made. Bodil is so quick to learn how to used the machine, and to change the rotating bit and set the height and so on, and Robert will make more rotating bits on the lathe. The rounded corners and chamfering is nice and pretty, and it is almost insulting that Bodil is surprised how exact and pretty they and the grooves are. Of course they are nice and will change so much, because that is why Robert made the machine.


    Bodil can''t wait to see the planer in the sawmill, and perfectly planed planks just waiting on shelves. It sounds very nice and it will make both of them happy. Robert and Bodil will continue to work in the workshop all day, and I don''t want Robert to feel like I spent all day just watching him work and since Kari is busy with a secret project, after lunch I model so Jane can paint me. She is such a good painter, and I feel a bit bad that we''re all helping Jane hide how good to make it a proper surprise for Robert. Still, a good thing about sitting model inside her room is that I can hear Roberts muted talk while working in his workshop. I still sneak a peek into the workshop when I have to pass by when going to the toilet, and after painting, I fetch Krosp from his cat tree. Krosp is a good cat.


    <hr><hr>


    The day is productive and me and Bodil get a lot of work done. The night have fallen, but we continued to work after supper. Bodil with playing with the saw and router while making wooden boxes etc, and me with the vacuum pump and the lathe. The lathe has been improved and now has built-in feed, and can now make threads too. Sure, it''s limited in pitch options and I have to change the gears instead of there being a multi step gearbox, but this is a very big important step. I am very pleased that the lathe can actually work iron and steel. Iron and steel will wear much more than brass or copper on the cutting tips, but worth it in the long run. Considering how much Bodil uses the scroll saw and now the router too, and I use the lathe, it''s lucky I didn''t try to make the machines electric. The wind turbine doesn''t charge enough to use like that, and to be honest I''m a bit worried about all the electricity use this winter with the lights and my soldering iron, but this is the coast so it''s quite windy.


    Kari eventually manages to make me leave the lathe by hugging me from behind and then placing her foot on the edge of the lathe, and I can''t help but follow her leg up as she seductively pulls the dress up to reveal special underwear. The knowledge of exactly how close the race was, I will take to the grave.

 Midwinter calling - day 22, Olafr

    Midwinter calling, day 22


    Olafr


    It''s afternoon when Caecilia informs me that very unexpectedly, Olafr have arrived. The first thing he does is say ''Yes'' to my wedding invitation and congratulate me with a back breaking happy slap, but I have to inform him that Iselin is still away on a journey. I update Olafr that my ship is picking up guests from Borgarsandr, but leaves very early two days before, and there is space for him if he doesn''t want to travel here by his own way. I give Olafr a tour of the mansion, while they prepare a meal for him and his other apprentice Bruinn. Olafr will stay in the small guest room, while the apprentice will stay in the wings attic. Olafr is looking forward to trying a hot shower, but he''d like to show off the finished weapons first. So we go to the meeting room to look at his creations.


    Olafr is proud when he shows the finished hunting rifles and musket. He has completely finished the first three weapons. They are fully engraved, the stocks have been modified and decorating. Scope bases have been made, and open sights changed as I desired. He''s even had padded carrying cases and leather weapon straps made, and of course I should expect the craftsmanship on those to be fine with embossed decorations to match the weapons. His work is more than worth the gold he wants, and he gets a nice bonus.


    Olafr has started work on the other weapons, and he has made the separate flintlock that he doesn''t know are for the cannon. But Ketill had talked a lot about how the weapons sound, the smoke, and how they split wood at a long distance and the force against the shoulder etc, so Olafr was so terribly eager to experience it himself, and then Ketill has talked a lot about the mansion. Just seeing such a beautiful copper roof was worth the trip here. Metal on a roof. Forging on a roof. Even though it''s not his kind of craft or metal, Olafr loves it. It''s very masculine. I fill in that I did promised him a hunt and it''s almost winter, and Olafr is very pleased that I haven''t forgotten about it. I''m gonna send Hrappr to prepare new targets and the range for tomorrows firing tests and we''ll just have to hope it doesn''t rain.


    I explain to Olafr that it will be one to two days of preparation before we can hunt, as the test and sight setting need to be done before then. So while Olafr and his apprentice showers and rests, I fix a couple of small details on the weapon''s sight, adjust weapon straps and check which stock length is most suitable and fix it in place. I choose a slightly shorter stock on the musket shotgun as Olafr and Alith are shorter people and probably prefer it, and I myself prefer a shorter stock to one that is too long. I''ll also prepare the scope and trying to finish it in time, but I can''t spend too much time on that.


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    Since Olafr is here, I want to be a good host, and in the evening I teach Olafr to play Chess and Risk, and he thinks both are quite fun, but prefer Chess as dice have never been his friends. However, Olafr likes to see a bit of the table top miniatures being played.


    I have a lot to update in my diary log tonight. Although Caecilia isn''t that good at writing Norse, she have apparently spent a lot of time the last month practising since they all know both me and Jane consider writing important, and Caecilia have taken it upon herself to improve and loves when I let her write down my thoughts and other things, and she keeps a journal of what happened during the day, so that I don''t have to spend time on it. Which is nice, but I still have to write my own log since it is faster, and I too have to practice Norse and I can add technical doodles and so on. And honestly, I still use mostly Swedish.


    -------


    Ciara is happy when we go to bed, and have been since I ask if she wants to sleep in my bed tonight. I spend quite a bit of time just hugging, kissing and holding my cuddly fanatic under the duvet before we try to fall asleep. It''s nice that Ciara doesn''t equal sleeping with sex like Caecilia do, and truthfully, I do love Ciara now, and especially when Iselin isn''t around, it feels nice to know that Ciara is always near. Iselin and Ciara are the two most important people to me, but Kari is third.


    Ciara is mostly just content as long as she knows I''m nearby and safe, but doesn''t need to be in the same room at all as she doesn''t want to disturb, as long as she knows she can visit me whenever she wants, and as long as she knows that I only go somewhere on the island and have at least one guard along. Preferably two. Or three. It is sadly not unusual that Ciara occasionally peek in or walks by, smile, and return to what she was doing. Or I hear her knock, we say hello and I get a kiss, followed by her asking what I''m doing and then she leaves. It''s a good thing I don''t have a normal job in Midg?rd and don''t come home until the evening, because I think Ciara would have had a hard time with that. Not knowing where I am or what I''m doing during the day. It would have probably been a hell of a lot of text messages, and certainly been a lot more difficult and annoying for me. I don''t think she would have been satisfied with a tracking app, because I could leave my phone and be indoors where the GPS doesn''t work. But there are psychologists in Midg?rd. The big question is: Am I helping or doing it worse by letting her keep tabs on me?

 Midwinter calling - day 23, Echos

    Midwinter calling, day 23


    Echo''s


    It''s a cloudy morning without sun and a cold, but light wind without rain, so that''s positive. After breakfast we will start the shooting tests down on ''the beach'', and every rifle need to be checked and iron sights adjusted. I''m really curious about the hunting rifles accuracy. As usual when it comes to firearms I try to limit what people see, so it will only be me, Olafr, Kari, Ciara, Alith and Bodil.


    I try to explain to Olafr what will happen, and that the sejd is in the tiny black grains, the powder in the flint lock and the fire the flintlock sparks give, and what to do if the weapon doesn''t fire, there is a malfunction or other problem. I also repeat firearm handling rules for everyone; always assumes a weapon is loaded and the safety is off; never aim the barrel at something you''re not okay with dies or gets destroyed; keep the barrel pointing slightly down; always consider what''s behind the target before putting your finger on the trigger; keep your finger off the trigger until you are about to shoot; use the safety; firearms are not toys, so don''t play with them.


    An advantage is that this is single-shot flintlocks, and if the flintlock''s hammer isn''t cocked, it is safer. The disadvantage is that the only way to make the weapon completely safe is to fire the weapon. It cannot be easily unloaded as with a cartridge. As far as I know, black powder guns can be stored loaded as black powder isn''t corrosive as long as it is kept dry, but I have to do some screw or corkscrew solution to try to unload. That is easier in a musket without rifling, especially if shot is loaded, but the bullet is a minie style expanding bullet, which helps. We will probably keep a couple of guns loaded just for home defence, and it doesn''t waste black powder. If the guns are loaded after the hunt is over, they will be stored loaded until the next time. We just have to very carefully clean the barrel from any residue.


    <hr>


    We shoot to make sure to guns can deal with a double load of black powder, and we use a string to pull the trigger. I use it to have loading lessons with all of them, and we fire 3 aimed shots with the rifle basically attached to the bench with a lot of support on a short range to roughly zero the sight, and use it as part of the handling practice. After Olafr gets over his initial shock, he becomes happy and very pleased with his craft and the magic of the black powder. Just like me, Olafr seems to have never had any interest in hunting, but now he looks forward to it.


    After that, I do shoot each hunting rifle six times at 100m to be able to determine the center of impact, and to get some idea of how much wide the dispersion is. One rifle seems to have slightly tighter group, or I just had more luck, but I decide that it will be my primary rifle for now. I''m honestly impressed with how good the groups are. After all six shots I adjust the rear sight with the rifle attached to the table, so the 100m sight line up with the center of the group. I shoot another shot to make sure it''s correct, and then make a small mark where the zero on the sight to be able to easier reset if I have to remove it. It''s honestly interesting and entertaining enough to just shoot and try to get a nice group, that I''ll probably do it quite a lot in the future. I''m not particularly into hunting, but I have a feeling that I can really get bogged down in getting as consistent bullet velocity and as tight as possible group. There is a pretty good chance that there will be better rifles made next summer, just to see how well I can make a rifle, and I''m interested in trying to make different bullets. A solid lead bullet is good for a lot, but for higher penetration, a drawn iron tip will probably be effective, while a hollow point or crossed bullet may be more effective in certain types of hunting. I am simply curious and want to know, and I assume I will have the finances and time for it.


    I have Olafr learn to load and shoot both a rifle and a musket from standing and kneeling positions, making 4 shots with each weapon, and trying shotgun pellets in the musket. He actually hits the 100m target with two of the rifle shots even though the hit is more than a meter from the center, but all of us have at least a bit of adrenaline shakes. I remember the first time I shot a real gun; hands shaking with adrenaline as it was a completely different experience than air rifles or Airsoft. The instructor actually complimented me on my handling and accuracy, especially with that much adrenaline, and found it hard to believe I had never shot real guns before. Since Alith badly wants to shoot, I let her fire two shots from both a rifle and musket.


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    We''re heading back to the table after setting new targets at 200m to see penetration, accuracy and bullet drop, when all that stuff is forgotten - Iselin is standing smiling and waiting for me over by the table. Shooting is ignored as we kiss and hug each other. After a couple of minutes, I inform everyone there will be a break until after dinner, and Alith, Kari and Ciara will bring the weapons and so on back with them, while I take Iselin hand and we leave. As soon as we have put a little distance from the others, our pace quickens and we hurry into the mansion, up to my bedroom and close the doors.


    <hr>


    Iselin seems to have missed me as much as I''ve missed her, and after the first half hour we mostly lie and hold each other and talk. Iselin is not happy about how much has happened here while she has been away, and that she missed the speaker construction, shooting and thermometer tests, but above all the radio construction makes her unhappy and she confirms my guess. It soothe and makes her pleased that I have saved some that we will build together, and that we havn''t done any real radio tests yet. Iselin will help me upgrade my spark gap transmitter to give it more power and give it a dead spark system, and she definitely wants to learn Norse code. I promise to show her pictures and play recordings from the tests. Iselin has of course also noticed the antenna but didn''t understand what it was, and again she becomes a bit depressed by how much has happened while she were away and how much she missed being involved in, but it is what it is, and she looks forward to testing and learning it.


    We change the subject and everything has gone well with her parents. It took some time to travel to Storman Eidr, ask about his parents and buy their freedom. It was no problem, and if possible became easier once Storman Eidr understood that Iselin was to become Sejdmann Robert Arnesson''s future wife. Eidr attended Jarl Steinnes feast, and he had informed her parents that she had been given to me. My reputation has since spread far beyond Kambsnes, and the previous visit of my ship and the sundial installation has not gone unnoticed.


    I''m not surprised that it was an emotional reunion between parents and daughter, more than two years after they last saw each other. So much has happened to Iselin and her life has changed so much. Her parents have gotten many shocks, not least when they realised that her jewellery and clothes were her everyday items - not feast clothes - and the big impressive ship they were travelling with was there just for them, and Iselin had a personal guard and maid. It was the first time such a ship has been anchored in their fjord, and of course it was a great event when they left and friends said goodbye. Iselin avoided Kambsnes and bought better clothes and more for them in Njahamrar.


    Iselin has of course talked a lot with her parents during the time they travelled, and told them about me, etc. She has deliberately not told too much, and the mansion and their own small farm with animals will be a surprise. They have had so many surprises already.


    Caecilia knocks on the door and tells us that dinner will soon be ready, but we have time to shower. As we pass by the workshop, we plug in the MP3 player and the power bank to charge, since Iselin as expected has used them until they were almost empty. She knows better than to run them completely empty. Iselin is saddened that in the future everything like that will just stop working, but she hopes, just like me, that our technology will last many years into the future, even though the batteries will probably need to be replaced and the MP3 player or mobile phones will no longer be so mobile.


    <hr>


    Iselin introduces me to her parents, father Iuli and mother Gyra, and they look so much older than me, even though they should only be a couple of years older than me. Dinner becomes a slightly strange experience. They are cautious and they are not used to being in such company or eating in a room like this with forks and so on, so we don''t press them with lots of questions and the prepared meal is easy to eat with our hands. We''re all just trying to be friendly and let them adjust. They are, after all, two former slaves who have lived their entire lives on the same small and fairly isolated farm in the interior of southwestern Norway, hardly ever leaving it, and never having been further away than Kambsnes.


    I have no idea what the biggest shock to them is, but it is a huge adjustment just knowing that their daughter socialise with the Royal couple and Jarls, and the man she marries is a Furst who will make her his Furstess. The King, Queen and Princesses will be at their daughter''s wedding and live in the mansion she becomes the ruler of, and the royal couple already love the mansion. Their daughter marries the only known Sejdmann, and Iselin have told them when I arrived here and the Aurora they too saw. It is probably impossible for me to understand them.


    Just the journey here and the experiences so far are so much more than they experienced in their entire previous life, not to mention seeing the mansion or that the banging noise that echoed far across the water as the boat arrived were created by something their daughter''s future husband did. The man they are just sharing a meal with. The man with such impressive female company, including a Storman as concubine given by the King, who will still marry their daughter Iselin as his first wife.

 Midwinter calling - day 23, A world of Magic

    The weather is still okay, so we take the open carriage when we show Iselin''s parents to their new home on the other island, which means we have a small entourage of guards plus Caecilia, and we introduce them to people we meet along the way. The small valley with its arable land of about 250x200m and with a shallow bay to the south, and is theirs to farm or do what they want with for the rest of their lives, and Iselin show them the house with its fireplace and water system plus the big nice bed and furniture, before showing the animal barn. Iselin informs that once they have settled in, we will buy them animals that will be theirs, they just have to decide which they want. What they produce or make is theirs, but they don''t have to work the land or take care of animals if they don''t want to, since we will provide them with food and firewood. Iselin is so happy to show and explain, and say she will pay someone who can help them with everything or just make fences and so on. Iselin mainly want her parents to make themselves at home and get used to their new life, and a few quiet months over winter will help. She would have liked to give them their own slave since it is a status symbol, but like many she wants the islands to be slave-free in the future, and it is quite likely that she will buy someone that her parents can free for oath bound servitude when spring comes and there will be much more work to do.


    Hrappr is preparing to deliver food and has already delivered firewood, and Iselin and Ida will show them around the islands and introduce them to the other residents, and also teach them to use all the stuff in the house like the oil lamp and fireplace. We reassure them that they will never have to worry about food or clothes again, and that they of course are welcome visit the mansion whenever they want.


    They have a huge adjustment to make.


    <hr>


    The detour to Iselin''s parents valley didn''t take long, so the shooting continues so we will finish before it gets dark. It''s late in November so the days are getting shorter and shorter, and the mountains and low arcing sun mean that we''re partially in the shade. This time, Gunhild and Hillevi get to join us, and both get to shoot the musket twice. Gunhild likes it and is pretty much as attentive as Alith have been, but Hillevi is impressively bad at hitting the target, but this is after all her first time. Of course, Iselin gets to shoot several shots with both the musket and a rifle, and Alith gets another shot just because she is like a kid in a candy store. Alith is getting surprisingly good, but her muscles certainly help, and that she really listens to what I''ve said about shooting position, grip and breath control and following through. Alith is the best shot after me, and incredibly proud of it.


    I hit the target well at two hundred meters, and carefully I make a proper 200m notch, and we do the same for 300m. In the future I''ll add 400 to 600m as well, but I''m more interested in doing those ranges when I got the scopes and they aren''t finished yet, and it will save time and black powder to do those alignments at the same time. I am keen to try many different iron sights like a rotating rear aperture sight for 100-600m in the style of a H&K G3 battle rifle so I can improve the 100m sight for low light since hunting will often happen during dawn. Maybe I''ll just modify this rear sight, so it gets both a range adjustable aperture and a fixed 100m with larger hole for faster shots when hunting, or a wide V with some white marks. The rear sight is removable just to give me future options, and I didn''t trust Olafr to get it 100% right. Before we call it today, I make sure to mark all the ram rods so that it is easier to determine if the weapon is loaded or not. Forgetting it''s loaded and adding another load on top feels very dangerous. I will also make an oblong hole in the other end of the ram rod so a piece of cloth can be pulled through and the ram rod can be used to clean or dampen embers for faster reloads.


    According to the island map I can make a permanent 600m shooting range here on the beach to the south west, but that sort of ruins the fields towards water for animals and horses and is less than optimal as I may want to build a small simple road to the south. I don''t want to be shooting towards where people might be walking. Instead, I can build a shooting range to the south that cross the bay and use the mountain on the other side of the bay. The distant mountain is an okay back stop without much use and bay is just shallow water and deep mud with sharp shells hidden. I want some discretion from the road, and if I leave about 100m of trees and meadows before the shooting range booths and probably some kind of fence, there is room for a 200m shooting range towards the water, and I can make some kind of half floating 300m target that can be winched in. I can also add 500m and 600m targets against the mountain on the other side of the small bay. If I move the firing point forward to the 200m target, those targets become 300m and 400m, so I get the full distance scale from 0 to 600m. It will be annoying to go and inspect the targets across the bay, as I have to walk around the bay which is more like 800m, but I''ll probably have to live with it and exercise is good. Or maybe I''ll use the solution that some military shooting ranges use, with one person standing in cover to lower the target down and mark it. 100m and 200m feel like the primary distances to shoot at in the beginning, and then we''ll see what is possible with the rifles. I suspect that the bullet loses a lot of energy so hunting will probably take place at a maximum of 200m anyway, and it is difficult to aim with iron sights at 300m. I want that magnification and focus that scopes give, especially as I''m probably going to starting having vision problems in a few years. I can do a couple of short range shooting ranges towards the mountain this side of the bay for shotguns and in the future probably pistols. That would be cool, and with a couple of shielding ramparts between short ranges, I can do some tactical shooting practice too. Yeah, this have been a good day, and those ranges will happen. It''s hardly much work to make.


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    <hr>


    Iselin has arranged a little gift for me which is a very nice version of that game I heard about when I introduced Chess - Hnefatafl. Again not the most easily pronounced name, like much here, which is why I keep thinking of things in my own Swedish or English terms, but it is a pretty interesting game that can be played in different ways. One is to brag about who can escape with the king in the least amount of moves and then prove it, or you play twice and switch, and whoever escaped in the least amount of moves wins. The rules are fairly simple and I have played it before and it only took a couple of games before I was pretty good at it, much to Hillevi''s frustration when she asks if I wanted to play my new game and I beat her. It was partially luck, but her being a bad loser makes the win a little sweeter. But Hnefatafl is probably another game she will no longer want to play against me.


    We have a nice evening, and besides games, there is so much talk about tomorrows hunt with Olafr. Alith and Bodil will come along, but we can''t be many if we want to have a good chance of seeing anything. I will use my rifle and Olafr the musket with shotgun pellets. Hopefully we''ll shoot something tomorrow on Large Ackerek, but we will hunt on Orusingen the following day. That will be a real hunting trip with my entourage along, although most won''t participate in the hunt and just stay and see Kari''s properties and prepare food and so on.


    Iselin remembers to tell me that the man I hired to look for saltpeter found more than 4.5kg during the days she was away and is back on the island again, and when I check the jars it seems to be good saltpeter. So I send Ida to fetch the man and give him the task of travelling around on Orusingen and Tosra, and then further into the region if the weather seems okay this winter, and buy all the saltpeter he can on my behalf. I might as well buy up all the saltpeter I can get my hands on, especially since I already have a cannon and ordered another, and there will also be more fireworks in the future.


    Saltpeter is also useful come summer, since together with ice, it should be able to make ice cream. What can be scraped from walls will probably be enough for most future need I have, and I''m not keen on starting to separate it from stable soil, urine, etc, even though a significantly larger amount would become available and cheaper. There will probably be few cellars or stone walls here on the islands that grow saltpeter, but it is worth sending someone to buy it, and the terrain is hilly and mountainous.


    <hr>


    The evening is cold and with a clear starry sky, so the staff set out a few buckets of water in the hope that it will freeze, while I take Iselin out with me so she can try the spark gap transmitter and receiver. They really work impressively well. As a surprise I open the spark gap transmitter and remove the spark gap cover, and in the dark a tiny spark is visible, and Iselin thinks it is absolutely fantastic and extremely manly. Her future husband can create thunder and lightning just like the God Thor, and it doesn''t matter that mine is on a much smaller scale. What other woman who isn''t a goddess can say the same? Alith and Bodil had NOT expected that the transmitter use tiny trapped lightning, as that is something I have kept secret even though they''ve heard the sound. Spark is one of those words and concepts that the Norse language didn''t associate with electricity, so it didn''t tell them anything. As far as they are knew you get sparks from flint and steel, or hammering on iron. They knew I can make ''thunder'', and that I''ve made it rain indoors - Alith understands how the ''rain'' was made but she refuse to reveal that even to Iselin, no matter how much Iselin wants to know - but now I also make lightning and keep it trapped and hidden inside a box. To quote the movie Predator 2: ''Voodoo magic! Fucking Voodoo magic man!''. I''ve said that enough times that Jane generally just rolls her eyes at my bad Jamaican accent, and Alith knows it by heart.


    We head back to the mansion, and find Olafr just sitting at the bench by the sundial and looking at the mansion and enjoying a beer. With so many of its windows lit up by oil lamps it really is a strange sight to see in this world, since every where else it is dark. There is no lights from distant houses glimmering across the water, and no street lights. Most houses have a fire in a firepit and few windows, so not much light slips out. The mansion is like a beacon of sejd and wonder underneath the starry sky.


    Before Iselin and I go to bed for the night, we have a little music evening with dancing, and Iselin loves the updated blue tooth speaker. She thinks it''s so wonderfully magical that it can play music from the mobile, and control the mobile without there being anything between them. After all, she has just learned about wires and cables, and accepted that so much impressive music can come from a tiny little plastic box, and led into her ears via wires, and now it is wireless. Like Jane''s weird earplugs. When she talks, I realise that Iselin practically lives Sci-Fi each day, with plenty of what is magic for the rest of this world.

 Midwinter calling - day 24, Hunting

    Midwinter calling, day 24


    Hunting


    The days are so short nowadays with just seven hours of daylight, plus about an hour of dawn and dusk on each side. So even though we were to try to make full use of the daylight and start hunting at dawn, the morning isn''t actually early. We can see that the sky is starting to lighten when we eat breakfast, and we put on extra layer of clothes for the morning cold. It froze last night, so they have brought in the ice and started using the ice box. Hopefully we''ll shoot something that can be put in the box so it''s not just fish and vegetables.


    Alith guards me, and Bodil guides Olafr, but we stay fairly close to each other. Iselin would have liked to come along, but I''d rather have her and the others as safe as they can be for now, as we are two extremely newbie firearm hunters, and I don''t have that much faith in Olafr, so we will hunt in different sections to have some nature and distance between us. At least Airsoft Mil-sim have taught me to make sure it is an in-game player wearing eye protection before I start shooting, and to check what''s behind the target. It is not unusual to run into bird watchers, berry or mushroom pickers, people walking their dogs, hunters, tourists and or other outdoor people when playing in Sweden, and most of those sure don''t expect Mil-sim players. Some don''t realise that the big signs saying that they shouldn''t go inside the game area actually applies to them, and that the right to roam doesn''t apply when the land is rented for an event. Just because they usually go for a run, bike och walk their dog here, doesn''t mean they can do it during a game. Running into wild animals can also be interesting. I''ve mostly scared birds, rabbits, deer, foxes and the occasional elk that have run away, but I know people who had other experiences and an Airsoft rifle won''t do shit against a pissed of boar, elk or bear, and we are far more likely to run into dangerous animals here than in a forest in modern Southern Sweden. Honestly, in the future, hunting might be to sit quietly in a hide or hunting tower and wait since that is easy, comfortable and can be made quite safe. Kari, Ciara or Jane does not enjoy walking off track in a forest even during summer, so wet cold soggy ground and nature during November or December? Nope.


    Alith and Bodil bring their bows, but leave their shields and spears. I hang my sword on my back along with Boomstick, since it is quite comfortable and doesn''t make any noise or gets in the way. I hadn''t intended to bring the sword, but my sambos insisted, and it should work fine. We only bring some water to drink, and each bring a larger piece of orange-red cloth to mark any animal shot if it is big and can be retrieved by Hrappr by horse or wagon. Alith and Bodil also have six meters of thinner rope each, just to be able to tie up any animal to make it easier to carry. A dedicated hunting bag would be handy, and I should also make sure to make a leather cover for the flintlocks, which both protects against rain and snow, and can hide the mechanism from prying eyes. Coveralls and their pockets are nice as outerwear, and several like the pants and the pockets. It''s a pretty good contrast from us to Olafr who is dressed as a classic Northman.


    Olafr have decided to target smaller animals like rabbits or birds and has loaded with smaller and more pellets, as yesterdays shooting shows it probably gives him a better chance of hitting something, and it is far more likely to see animals like that on these islands. I remind Olafr to always be sure what''s on the other side of the target, always think about whether he can shoot or not, and have to be very careful if the animal is running and he''s sweeps the gun. Personally, I will go for larger animals, as there are deer and elk here, although they are probably not that many and I''m unlikely to shoot anything. We have seen deer and elk several times before as we have walked or ridden, but it won''t bother me if I don''t shoot something either today or tomorrow, as I can hunt whenever I want and I rather go for something rewarding. Olafr can''t.


    We don''t think there will be much left if I shot something small with the rifle, and the sound will certainly scare away everything else, so if we see something small, Alith are free to shoot it with her bow, and the same applies to Bodil, although Bodil will let Olafr have his moment.


    <hr>


    It is a pleasant experience to just carefully and silently stalk through the foggy forest as the sun rise. Smell the scent of nature and the trees. Hear the occasional sounds of birds echoing in the forest. This is what in moderns Sweden would be called old forest, and there are lichen and moss on the fallen trees and stone. It just feels wilder than planted forest. It''s just nice to have a quiet hunt with Alith, and we are careful about sound and pay attention to the surroundings. Alith obviously love this, and I know she said she enjoy bow hunting. It''s kind of sad that we havn''t tried that yet, but we will have plenty of time to do it. I should practice more with my bow, and make a good crossbow.


    With her bow, Alith shoots what she whisper is a grouse, and she quickly tie it up before we continue hunting. The smile on her face warms my heart. Yeah, we will do this more in the future. There is a loud bang echoing through the forest from Olafr''s gun some distance away, and Alith pokes me and points out a deer that has poked its head up and moved some 80-100m away. Hard to see through the forest and my heart is pounding as I try to calmly and quietly push the safety away and take aim. Clear behind. Aim at chest, heart and lungs. Exhale, hold.


    BANG!


    The smoke makes it hard for me to see, and I think ''shit!'' when I finally see the deer is running away, but the deer collapses just as I''m convinced that I missed. The deer tries to get up and falls down again. We hurries toward it and find the deer lying among the rocks and the bilberry shrubs, and it makes one final twitch of a leg before staying completely still. I feel sad, but I''m still proud. Both because the deer didn''t suffer too much and because the flintlock rifle works well. I don''t bother reloading, because this is more than I thought I would shoot over these two hunting days. Alith gives me her bow and then casually throw the deer over her shoulder and carries it out to a path.


    <hr>


    Our shot have attracted Olafr, Bodil and a local free man who is curious about the sound, and he quickly offers to carry the deer to the mansion. Olafr managed to shoot another grouse, and he is so incredibly proud over that, and that he shot it with a sejdish thunder weapon that he helped make. He has a hard time believing it. Alith proudly tells everyone how quickly the deer died, and at what distance I shot, and how hunting with rifles is so much better, or thunder weapons as they have come to be called. Everyone is satisfied and happy with the hunt and the experience, but we will still hunt tomorrow. We make our way out to the fields and since we''re not silent any more, we scare away some animals, and Bodil takes a few quick steps to the side and shoots a hare with her bow. Bodil is definitely good with a bow.


    As we walk towards home, the freeman brings up the matter of negotiating the farms leasing agreements. It has been postponed as they know that I intend to let them have the same agreements with me as they had with the King, but it still need to be done. So I ask him to spread the word and gather the other residents in the afternoon and come to the mansion.


    Once back at the mansion, Jane takes photos of us, where Olafr doesn''t understand why he should pose, and then we join Hrappr, Ida and Rikvi as they take care of the animals. The kitchen is pretty full since everyone wants to see and take part. Rikvi complains a bit about the damage the rifle did to some of the body parts compared to an arrow, and it is very impressive, but I make sure they remove a bit more so there are no lead residues in what we eat. Maybe I should use copper bullets and pellets for hunting? Unfortunately, it is more difficult to make due to coppers higher melting point.


    <hr>


    It is forenoon, and it will take a while until dinner, so we go for a walk around the island. I show Olafr my simple little forge and carpentry workshop in the mansions barn, and then we go to the village and the craftsman house for brass, bronze and copper which is completely finished with its attached forge and foundry, which Olafr like. Well, almost finished. I have realised this too needs a crane installed. We move on and I let Olafr inspect the first basically finished apartment in the residential building, and for him it is a very strange idea to build like this, but as we talk and I explain my ideas for the apartments and village as a whole, Olafr seems to really like it.


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    We continue down to the water wheels below and the buildings there. The buildings framework and roof are basically finished, but we haven''t focused on making the walls as the sawmill will make planks for that once it is finished. The feed to the water wheels is complete, and likewise the outflow and bypass flow. The metal workshop and sawmill''s water wheels are in place in the canal, but not the carpentry''s smaller one. We stand on the wide bridge over the outlet channel as I explain the function, and talk about the wide dam on the other side of the bridge which feed more but less prioritized water wheels in the facilities below. Because the dam is so wide, preparations have been made for pairs of water wheels in two places, so that there will be three long buildings below the dam separated with pairs of water wheels. The two end buildings will be longer and especially the northern one as I''ll need the space, and the length match with the forge-machine shop so the overall look is better. I want the village and workshops to look nice. If the metal workshops, sawmill or carpentry are not used and there is no high water in the lake using the bypass, there will be very little water flow past the upper water wheels to the dam, but according to the locals there is almost always some flow unless it is a real drought, and no one will be working at night so the dam should fill up. The dam is simply a buffer and flow equalizer for the lower water wheels.


    The southern part of the lower building is made to be the village mill for flour plus a stamping mill for cloth, but there is also a power take-off at the end because those two mills will not see much daily use, and it is easy to avoid using it at the same time. The power take-off is for temporarily attaching something that needs power and will be under a large outside roof. I have realised that there will be plenty of experimentation with different types of semi-automatic machines for different professions or experiments, so in addition to the power take-off in the south end, the whole northern building below the dam will be what I refer to as the mechanical laboratory, and the hall will be prepared for prototype activities and experiments. Hence the need for plenty of space. The building in the middle does not have any specific use right now, so that is two unused water wheels, although its is likely that the one towards the mechanical lab will be used to make electric power, so that might be a turbine or Pelton wheel instead of a water wheel like the rest. Hopefully there will be some electric light available next winter, and then electricity will be needed. If the metal or wood workshops are used a lot, the dam''s overflow will probably be used to create electricity.


    One thing that will be produced quite quickly and use the power take-off, is a simple machine for producing roof tiles. I want to manufacture good roof tiles on the island, and the simple machine is basically a clay extruder, that push clay through a template for the correct profile with a back edge for roof battens. The clay is cut to correct width by hand according to a template, and two holes for nails will also be made by hand just like the final shaping of the back edge. The tiles must be carefully dried before being fired in a purpose-built, reusable kiln which must be kept hot for two days so the tiles produce a ceramic ringing sound when the tiles are lightly tapped against each other. The kiln will use a lot of wood, so a better kiln saves wood and hence work. The kiln is sized to give something like 500 nice, good roof tiles from one firing. The problem is that a residential building requires something like 7,500 roof tiles, so probably 16 firings just for that. In the future I hope to change to roof tiles on barns and outbuildings as well, and just a small 6x4 house is roughly 750 tiles, and a craft house is 1500. There will be a lot of waste heat from each firing, so the plan is to try to direct the hot air in a simple structure that will be use to dry the next batch of roof tiles, but some of the waste heat will produce salt from seawater. So two very good reasons for the special reusable kiln. I intend to give Klakki and Eym?rd the tile making job.


    The carpenters and workers are doing good jobs on the sawmill, the forge, the water wheels, the line shaft system etc, and I take the opportunity to inspect and take a closer look at most of it. Details are very important. The automatic hammer now has an adjustable stop and adjustable speed. The speed of course depends on the water flow, so there is a simpler gear solution with three speed settings, where the slowest pace is a fourth of the fastest pace. They have also managed to implement my idea with a latch so a foot pedal can control the hammer strokes; the latch simply locks the hammer arm in the upper position unless the pedal is pushed down to an intermediate ''on'' position. If the pedal is pressed harder and to the bottom, it functions as an emergency stop that must be reset manually.


    The big power hammer have been harder to do right and have some interesting problems. I don''t know the appropriate weight for the hammer, and neither do Olafr or others because they have no references for something this big, so it will be a hammer part in iron with probably variable weight. It will be interesting to see how useful it is, but 200-1000kg focused on a fairly small area should be useful for shaping or similar. The gearing will need to be changed to balance speed and weight of the hammer, but everything should be oversized to handle the load and impacts. Again, there will be a foot pedal with the same emergency stop function, but this pedal need to be stepped on to get a single stroke and then released. I''m not alone in thinking the big power hammer will be too dangerous without that feature. They all like the small automatic hammer, but the big one will be scary when finished.


    The metal workshop crane has already proven how useful it is just for construction work. It''s hardly perfect, and there is still a lot of manual labour to lift and move stuff. But the crane is wonderful to lift heavy things, and that lift can be done with minimal help. Once the wall between the forge and the machine shop is in place, there will be two cranes, but there will be hatches and a big gate to enable a heavy and big load to be moved between the work areas and cranes, and two iron rails have been added to the floor to roll very heavy stuff in a future rail cart. Most building here will have at least one crane installed to help lift things, and many will have purpose built loading or unloading cranes and winches, and a few will be driven by the line shaft systems.


    We test the fan system for the forge''s hearth and it has a much smoother air flow than the two bellows working alternately. I have overspecified something again, because Olafr think the air pushed into the forges fire from below is too powerful, but the flow can be changed by replacing the gears, and in the future there will be a proper gearbox. My idea with extra ducts in the forge works well, and by moving a flat slate stone I can direct where the air goes. Normally the air will feed the fire, but it can be redirected to a duct leading outside, or somewhere in between to change the air flow to the fire. It was mostly intended to feed air to a furnace on the small backyard where we will melt steel, so that won''t have to be pumped by hand, hour after hour. As a backup and to be able to control the forges heat a little finer, there is also a simple manual bellows system that have both a foot pedal and a handle. Yeah, there are three air systems, but my point in designing all of this here is partly to test what is good and most suitable for different jobs, and learn. There is two extraction fans too, and one really suck the air up through the chimney while the other is just below the roof, so the air in here should be good, and keep the forge cooler in the summer.


    For me it have already been a learning experience to make things like gears etc from hard oak, although the gears will probably be replaced with metal in the future, and get proper bearings. Most of the gears have cross-reinforced parts, which sit on a square part of the axle and can be replaced, and are locked in place with a pin that is also tied on. All gearboxes will get protective covers because it is dangerous to get fingers, clothes or hair between the gears. And most have long hair.


    It wasn''t planned from the start, but a drinking water system have been or will be installed in each building, because it will be useful and the water will be cleaner and healthier than the lake water. Not unexpectedly, water flows well to the well that is below the lake and the mountains, although the well is shallow. Since the forge will often be lit, there is waste heat to get rid of, so a warm water system will be added in here.


    Olafr really really likes the forge and all the interesting possibilities, and looks forward to trying to use everything after the wedding feast, knowing that he will be among the first smiths to do so, since of course the builders will start using the forge and test that the hammers work and so on before that. I''m quite happy with the work so far, but the light in here will be poor with the walls in place even though they have windows. So the workers will have to change the roof to add skylights. It is a problem that the all the hydropower buildings are aligned with the front towards West-Northwest, so the skylights will be angled to the south, with a white-painted wooden roof inside to scatter as much light as possible down. There will be many, many skylights to make the workshops as bright as possible, and most buildings will have several skylights. Daylight is important and cheap.


    We walk over to the sawmill, which is having its saw mechanisms and roller conveyors manufactured and installed. It shouldn''t be more than a couple of weeks until the sawmill is in actual operation, but longer before everything is fully built. There is a lot of mechanics to get right, and it won''t be just a simple single saw blade going up and down.


    The workers are now quite used to it, but my willingness to work together with slaves just as well as craftsmen has earned me quite a bit of respect from everyone, because normally I don''t care about formalities, and especially not when we are building something together. So it has just become the now common ''Sir'' from most although ''Lord'' is common from the slaves. What I didn''t count on is that everything I build to automate and do better work like water powered hammers, the sawmill, grain mill or the fan systems, is perceived by many as me literally trying to reduce the amount of slaves and how hard they have to work in the future, and stuff like the cranes and wheelbarrows are taken as other example of that. So the slaves are especially happy that I do so much ''for them'', and most of them seem really proud to work here on the islands no matter what they do.

 Midwinter calling - day 24, Tenants

    As we walk over to the Academy, Olafr can''t stop talking about the forge and all its high tech equipment and it''s fun to see how giddy he is about it, and I will let him visit it again and bring his apprentice Bruinn to see it. Unfortunately there is no available water power at his forge in Borgarsandr, so most of the upgrades can''t be made. Available water power will dictate where mill and so on a built in the future, but I plan to try and make wind power mills and sawmills.


    The Academy''s basement and foundation is complete, and they are working on the fireplaces and chimneys and have started on the walls and framework. But there is also road work being done and the bridge to Orusingen is getting finished. I have asked Pedr to hire those who showed up and want some simpler work, and when the weather isn''t right for laying logs or masonry, work is done on bridges and roads, or roads are paved and ditches are dug etc. Lack of daylight is primarily what limits working hours. Pedr have a couple of men to spare and they will have time to finish the shooting range and make the small booth with is roof and walls, but he don''t know how much they will be able to finish this year; it is very weather dependent and those few hours of daylight. It hasn''t started snowing yet, but a week before midwinter is the last week of work for the free men - they''re going home to their families before winter really sets in. He''s going to start sending slaves to Borgarsandr in a week or two because they simply can''t build when it rains too much or is too cold and snowing. The mortar doesn''t harden as it begins to approach freezing, and rain only traps moisture, which can become ice and cause problems if it then freezes. It is also not possible to work outside if there is too much rain because the wool clothes cannot handle it. Wool continues to keep the bearer decently warm, but even by a fire the clothes won''t have time to dry overnight, which only means sick workers and other problems in the long run. We have had unusually good weather so far this autumn, and although we have had cold nights, it has generally been good and warm enough during the days. I''m very glad that they got so much done since summer, and would have been happy with just the mansion without the exterior facade.


    Hopefully it will be a mild winter, and those who have chosen to stay will continue building when the weather permits, but construction will mainly pick up speed again at the end of winter in mid-February when at least the days are longer. 9 weeks off is the usual time, i.e. 2 months. Again, 9 is an important number in this culture. It seems that about eight men will remain here over the winter and a little more in slaves, and there will be housing for them to at least sleep inside. Some of the men have their young wives with them.


    I need more housing, but when my future craftsmen move into their houses and apartments, it will be a problem for future larger feasts. The marriage with Iselin shouldn''t be a problem, but Kari''s could be a problem, and it feels like a bad idea to push the workers out for their apartments, and my guests will probably be important people that needs to be impressed. So I want Pedr to build a small luxury guest house for two smaller groups or one large, basically a 14x6m house almost exactly like the inn that is being built at Laxlanda, but with different decorations and furniture, and the small dormitory on the second floor will be furnished as a large bedroom with a double bed. The so called ''guest mansion'' will be built north of the small lake in the middle of the island and close to the mansion, with a little side road going around the lake to the backyard with its small barn for horses and a couple of carriages, but also for the animals the guest mansion might need. The view over the small lake and the road across the island on the south side of the lake will be nice, and in the future there will probably be a small garden in front, with a veranda. I''ve been thinking about clearing up and planting more meadows around that small lake, which will continue past the Icehouse and down to the orchard by the mansion. Pedr likes the idea and it will look good. Of course, this guest mansion must have amenities and be very comfortable, so it will include a steam boiler system. Partly for more practice building it, but also so that the first installation in my mansion wasn''t a fluke. The guest mansion project build speed will be completely dependent on the weather, but since it won''t have a large stone basement it should be manageable, and Pedr say he have a few people who can start on it today.


    I will probably have more needs and changes, but the forge/sawmill is prioritized because things like planks will save a lot of work for all the other buildings. Then the Academy and apartments are prioritized. We''ll just have to see when it''s finished. Weather determines everything, especially when it comes to masonry. The important thing is to finish the Academy before the middle of March. I really should have taken it slower on starting the Academy and waited until next fall, but I only have myself to blame, and I''m still adjusting to thinking in Alfheimr''s time and pace.


    Since master builder Pedr will still be staying here over the winter, I invite him to the wedding, and after he happily accepts, I talk to Pedr about the feast and a day off with a feast for the workers on the day I get married. It won''t be a big expense as there won''t be many left here, but there won''t be any women from the ''troop'' in Borgarsandr this time. It should be okay as many who stay over the winter have their wives along, and a couple of men have also started some kind of relationship with the maids who work for the construction team.


    Neither of us know what to do in the future. If there is no opportunity for female company, it can lead to great dissatisfaction, bad work and pure sabotage. Most workers probably won''t be a problem, but there is always ''mold'' that tends to spread and have a greater effect unless it is taken care of quickly or prevented.


    <hr>


    Once back, me, Olafr and Bruinn enjoy some time in the sauna and relax before dinner. The buffet with grouse, hare and deer meat is nice, and Olafr really enjoy the meal, but so do Iselin''s parents who will also take home some of the deer meat. I should probably take Iselin''s father Iuli on a bow hunt or go fishing or something. Anyway, there will be more hunting in the future, but we can not hunt too much on the islands to protect the wildlife here.


    Maybe I can buy land on Orusingen to be able to hunt somewhere close to here? In the near future I will have a ferry there, and eventually there will be a bridge. I can easily trade land I have from Radgeirrson a few days south of here, for something that is closer and more practically useful for me. Of course most don''t want to move, but might be enticed with a gain in animals or land area, and I can loose some land, especially if I gain much more in forest for hunting or just trees close by. Hopefully there is water power available. It can be an advantage that people here don''t really value forest, lakes or mires, although silver for extra animals is obviously the better deal for me. I need to talk to landowners on Orusingen and with Jolfr Lum.


    After dinner I talk to Iselin and Kari about the tenants that lease land on the islands. At the moment, my grasp of how farming really works here is simply too vague, so I plan to try to use next year to learn and see opportunities and try improvements. My idea is to gradually improve production, streamline and expand agriculture on the islands, and partially use the farms here as experimental farms. We''ve already started a bit with easy to do things like silage. So the tenants can continue to lease for a year as they have, but I don''t want to bind the lease for too many years because there could be restructuring as early as next year. Even with hopefully increasingly agricultural machinery, I think the amount of work here will increase as time goes on, so they don''t have to worry about being workless or thrown out. So we make plans about what to say and about the lease agreements. They will of course be without voting rights, but they already expect that, and basically the lease is for a certain amount of animals, wool, crops and hay. Sometimes firewood, silver or workdays are included. I have no real idea of what is appropriate and both Kari or Iselin is a bit fuzzy on the subject, but we know what they paid to the King, and both along with Ciara agree that we will continue with it, because as far as we know it is basically a standard agreement. There will be a few small changes as I need their help to improve the farms more than silver.


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    The farms and longhouses are quite run down, and longhouses don''t last that long if they aren''t built properly for it, which they haven''t really done here or in many cases in the countryside. Usually the farm is moved and new houses and barns are built after 15-20 years when the wood rots and the roof is not worth fixing, and the farm is gradually moved around the land about once a generation, and the move also helps to spread the wear on the land so it is not worn out completely. In many cases, a lot of the logs are re-used to save work. In many places where nature does not offer much choice, farms are more stationary, but usually built to last with a better foundation and so on.


    According to Hrappr and Ida, the farms here should have been moved or new ones built a couple of years ago, but it is simply too much work to build new ones and people are not really that motivated when they lease the land and the buildings are not ''theirs''. Many of the lower status and poorer families live semi-nomadic lives where they lease land for a few years, and then maybe change farm if they haven''t managed to save up to buy something of their own, or interpret signs from the gods that say they should move, or they are simply evicted because someone has offered the landowner more for the lease. According to tradition and practicality, moving happens at the end of May, so that people can leave and others can arrive. If it''s an empty farm or new farm, that''s another matter. Add complications about food, sowing, crops, etc. It''s not easy for those not owning their land and home, and in places like ''Norway'' where there is limited farmland and almost all tied up in Odal that can''t be divided, the poor have few options and might have it worse than slaves, since slaves at least work at the same place and have food and shelter. It''s no wonder that many end up leasing land from Storman owning a lot, and that new land across the oceans is a luring prospect, and there is quite a lot of Norse people in Alba.


    I expect my constantly expanding construction plans will limit manpower and resources for what can be done next summer, and I don''t want to mess about too much the first year, but the year after that it feels like a good idea to start building new permanent and updated farms during spring and summer, and finish the remaining buildings the following year. These new farms will be built in the same style as all other new buildings and they won''t be longhouses, and the first rebuilt farm will be on this island so everything here is new and the same design. Those future farms will be equipped with things we have already tried that works well like better kitchens, toilets, bathrooms, fireplaces etc, but each main farm will also have things like root cellars, brewhouses and dairy. I am thinking of making each farms main building look like a classic 19th century Swedish farm manor with two floors, and proper windows and roof tiles and so on.


    <hr>


    The tenants appear, and they have obviously washed and dressed in their fine clothes, and there are more of them than I expected, but at the same time not that many. Of course they already know about how we live in here, and have heard a lot of rumours about it not least from Ida and Hrappr, so they remove their shoes and are cautious and curious when they are shown into the meeting room by Jalida and we welcome them there. It''s fun to see their faces as the look around. Just the fact that they are welcomed through the main entrance seems to have made an impression, and I go barefoot to show that it is completely normal. They obviously know that, but seeing it is another thing.


    The meeting is short, and they are happy to continue as they have done, and seem to be looking forward to the coming years. Everyone is only interested in if they can stay here. I can imagine that they are terribly curious about how the islands will change, and it feels good that no one seems to doubt that life here will be better in many ways. So we write contracts which is new to them as it is usually just a verbal oath and arm grabbing to seal the deal. Only one can read and write, and badly, but he force his way through and helps the others understand that it is exactly what we verbally agreed on. When they put their house marks as signatures, there are happy faces all around, and the maids come in and offer them beer, cider or wine, cookies and fresh baked buns.


    After the short celebration, they are given a quick tour of the downstairs areas and the great hall with the huge windows and stained glass plus the chandelier and decorations is really impressive. They get a more thorough tour of the wing''s kitchen, staff areas, bathrooms, sauna, laundry room, toilets, etc. Of course, this is what is really interesting for them after everything they have heard, and Ida and Hrappr are very pleased to be able to act as a guide and give them demonstrations, as it is their parents, friends and neighbours. Just playing with the hot water faucet and feeling the radiators heat makes them smile in wonder, and Hrappr is so proud and eager to show them his attic room that also have a double-glazed window. The parents are so proud of their children''s new lives, and the children are proud to show it.


    Since Olafr and Bruinn have gone for another walk to just enjoy the nature - and to most likely visit the forge again - and since Hillevi missed the music night, I give her a proper introduction to music, camera, pictures and music videos, and there are many who just ''happen'' to participate and want to hear the same thing again.


    <hr>


    I''m exhausted and sweaty as I just sit in my bed with Iselin lying blissed out beside me while I stroke her thigh and stomach. That was... nice. Caecilia gives me a kiss as she return to the bed with cider mugs for us, and she could probably keep going on all evening. As usual I want to stop sweating and dry off a bit before we crawl under the duvets to fall asleep, so we talk about firearms, hunting and trading land. They absolutely understand why I want to do it and agree that it would be more useful, because fresh meat is a luxury here where it is not possible to freeze food, and well-salted meat is not that nice to eat with a lot of other things. Both like my plans for a future community system for sharing meat. It is of course already done in many places, but it can be much more organized here, and the more people who participate, the more often something can be slaughtered etc.


    I should really look into trying to make a freezer system. It would be so very worth it this summer even if the system cannot be spread to the public. The icebox alone will be worth so much and I''ve already realised we need to get bigger and more iceboxes made, plus a warm box for slow cooking and keeping food really hot. In the future, I will build another and bigger ice house and import far more ice, so that everyone living on the islands can have an ice box, and maybe it can be used to create a fishing industry and ship fish and other things. Next year we will check how much the ice melts in the ice house to get a rough estimate, and I plan to put a counter on the run-off in the cold house where a tilting liter measure is filled, and automatically tipped out while incrementing the counter, and statistical data can be collected per day or week and tracked along with weather. We also need to know how much ice our icebox use up during a season. After that, it will be easier to scale for all households on the island and oversize the Ice house it for other use. Ice will not be free, but hopefully cheap and is more of a symbolic sum so that people won''t waste ice on unnecessary things. Or there will be a rationing where it is possible to buy extra.


    Caecilia cuddle up against my back and wraps her arms around me as we continue to talk about the future regarding the Academy and technology.

 Midwinter calling - day 25, Spoiled

    Midwinter calling, day 25


    Spoiled


    We are a fairly large group who early in the morning take our Knarr north. We bring clothes, food, two fire baskets, oil lamps and sleeping pelts, and just to be safe, I have brought my sleeping bag and inflatable sleeping mattress. Kari has sent Ida with a couple to check and prepare her longhouse mansion for our visit, who have brought four horses and a wagon that should be waiting for us. The tenant neighbours takes care of Kari''s longhouse mansion and other buildings so they''re in pretty good shape even though no one lives there, and the roof seems good and so do the rest - according to this era''s idea of what is good. But it means we can sleep there, and use the longhouse''s fire pit to cook and have warmth.


    The plan is to inspect Kari''s land, spend the night, go for an early morning hunt and then return home in the afternoon. Transportation takes time when it''s done the Viking way, and time is limited by daylight, but it is the end of November and expected. It is less than a month until midwinter and the wedding.


    <hr>


    Iselin, Ciara, Elvira and Ida take care of the longhouse and other things while Kari, me, Alith and Hillevi ride around and check her land and properties, talk to the people who live there and use the land, and we inform that tomorrow there might sound like thunder in the forest. The farms that lease the right to use the fields and keep animals here are not allowed to hunt in the forest or fish in the lake unless they have bought those rights, but of course it is hard to check that when it''s bow hunting for smaller game, unless the forest is patrolled, and most have limited hunting and/or fishing rights. Hunting is to put meat on the table, and they can''t freeze meat and salt cost too much, so it''s mostly birds, hares and so on.


    I still haven''t really learned to see land in mantal, and how much it can differ in size from place to place because it is a measure of the farmlands productivity and not area, but Kari''s 22 mantal here on Orusingen is really big and is on the southern shore of the lake that in Midg?rd is called Kollunger?dsj?n, although the lake seems larger and I have to correct the map a little. Just like the islands, the land here and on the mainland is mountainous, and Kari''s land include a lot of mountains and forests to the south, and we travelled through some of it on the way to her mansion. As the boundaries are pointed out to us and we find boundary stones and markers, I would say the 22 mantal here it is approximately three square kilometers. It says a lot about how large her entire inheritance of 380 mantals is in size, and then add all the animals which makes it extra valuable. According to Tingsman Jensi, my land from Radgeirrson in the south is very good farmland with the usual 1.5-2 times more in forest covered mountains, but due to the mountainous terrain, Kari''s land is far more forest covered mountains than farmland in area, and her main property of 310ish mantal farmland must be huge.


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    It truly hits me how damn rich Kari is. And that she prioritize staying with me instead of visiting it even once. Kari admits that it is weird that she is so reluctant to visit her properties, but if the weather permits, she will visit her main property after the wedding week. Which is a month from now, and then it will be winter.


    <hr>


    After supper, we mostly sit and talk and just relax and do some crafts or play music. Ciara is knitting something as usual. We haven''t really spread the news about Kari''s inheritance, and Olafr and Bruinn is surprised to hear about it and that she is Skarde''s granddaughter, and give Kari their condolences, but at the same time they are happy for our sake.


    The evening is long and it''s time to go to bed for our early hunt. After Kari and I inaugurated the mansions bedroom and bed, Iselin joins us in bed, and it is very different to lie down and sleep in such a ''primitive'' home compared to what we''ve become used to in the last months. Above all, Iselin feels that she has become so incredibly spoiled in no time at all, and less than six months ago, Kari''s longhouse and properties here would have been an unattainable dream for her. Kari just smiles and give me a kiss before agreeing, but the unattainable dream that has almost been fulfilled for her is to live in a nice home and owning large property, and be married to a wonderful man she loves. Given that both the first and second are very fulfilled, it boosts my confidence in our future marriage.


    Kari is proud to own this land and longhouse, but as we talk it is clear she think it is so primitive and she almost feel ashamed to have us as guests here. We talk a bit about how it might be a good idea to make a new building here in the future, just like in Skiringsalr, and have some free couple take care of the mansion and the building for her. It increases the value of her property and we can have it as a ''vacation home'' or ''hunting lodge'' near the Academy. With the future ferry, it will be easy to ride here in a couple of hours, and we will be able to spend the night and have a relaxing time, and then ride back the next day. It would give us more routes for a walk or ride, and get some variety and to be able to ''get away from everything''. Kari thinks the idea is excellent, and she suggest prioritizing trading for land adjacent to her property, which we agree with.


    It feels pretty good to know that Kari''s heritage, at least so far, hasn''t seemed to change her desire to be my wife, because I like what''s grown between us so far. I was also absolutely correct in thinking that Kari is a superbly competent woman who I am a lucky man to have in my life, and the sex isn''t bad either.

 Midwinter calling - day 26, Hunting

    Midwinter calling, day 26


    Hunting


    It''s early morning and we repeat the hunt from two days ago, but this time Olafr has a rifle and Alith has the musket in addition to her bow. When I handed the musket to Alith and asked her to choose between bullet or the two shotgun pellet sizes, it was pure happiness mixed with decision anxiety. In the end, Alith chose a solid bullet reasoning that she might be able to shoot something bigger like a deer or at a longer distance - after all, she has her bow for birds and other smaller animals.


    Just like the last hunt, we spread out in hunting pairs with a few hundred meters between us, and the wind direction means that we will have a little headwind or crosswind if we keep a long ridge between us, which is good for safety and avoid getting lost. We will slowly follow the ridge until we meet at a field along the the small forest road on the other side about 2km away and will decide what to do from there. If someone shoots something, they will of course stop and take care of the animal. Regardless of what happens, we will return to the longhouse for dinner. I should absolutely make some kind of signalling kit, like at least a good whistle or a bullroarer, and some kind of emergency flare would be a smart idea too. The problem is that I don''t have any magnesium etc, so it will be difficult to make something that glows for a long time and is visible during the day. We should have improvised bullroarers last night, but we can''t waste time doing it now.


    <hr>


    This is difficult mountainous forest to walk in and as we''ve walked I''ve started thinking about hunting towers and hides. Alith and I take a short break, and we drink water from my water bottles while whisperingly wondering if Olafr shot anything, because we have heard a couple of shots echoing from the other side of the ridge. I hope he kill a deer or something.


    The sound of snapping branches draws our attention, and we are surprised when we see two elk slowly walking through the forest diagonally towards us and they will pass something like 50m from us. Alith grips her musket hard and they have her full attention. I will absolutely take a shot, but realise I''ll need to take cover behind a fallen tree and quickly draw my Boomstick if the elk rush at us, before drawing my sword, and I visualise fighting of a elk with a sword and failing. Oh, well. I whisper: "Shoot if my shot doesn''t kill."


    I use the side of spruce and a branch to carefully aim as I silently push the safety off, and I wait until one of the elk comes out into a clear space. The elk see us, and just slowly takes a few slow steps as it looks at us. Area behind the elk is clear, and the muzzle is clear. Chest, heart, lungs.


    BANG!


    What the hell? The elk just stands there and looks at us. Alith seems equally confused and we exchange questioning looks.


    But then the elk just slowly collapses. As if it were inflatable. We both just stand and watch and the shock on Alith''s face probably matches mine, then Alith quickly takes aim at the other elk just 15-20m behind who for some reason haven''t run away.


    BANG!


    That elk starts to run away, and Alith swears as we both start to frantically reload while trying to keep track of where the elk is running, because we haven''t actually considered that we might have to follow and search for a wounded elk in these vast forests, at the same time as we have a elk here. Shit! My thoughts goes wild as I plan to cut off a strip of orange fabric and quickly tie it around a branch so we can find the lying elk that might just be wounded and very dangerous. Elks are fast and we might need to add more orange guiding strips, and gather people to hunt the wounded elk. Shit! We really didn''t plan this hunt well!


    My heart is pounding in my chest as I reload, but in the distance between the pines, we see Alith''s elk slow down and start walking slowly, until it take a few steps and collapse.


    Incredible. We can see another elk further away running away, but we don''t care as long as it doesn''t threaten us. We have finished reloading and carefully approach my elk, which is closest. We''re both worried that it will start moving or attacking. Elk''s are not to be trifled with and wounded animals even less so, but it feels silly to stand here behind a pine with the rifle ready to fire as Alith flanks the elk and with an arrow at close range ensures that the elk is actually dead. We locate the other elk lying where it appeared to fall and we repeat. The arrow cause the elk to twitch a bit before it too is dead. Two elks, just like that. Holy shit. That will probably never happen again, no matter how much we hunt.


    We lean the firearms against a tree and Alith literally jumps with euphoric happiness while making incoherent happy noises, and we hug and congratulate each other. Adrenaline, endorphins and emotions are peaking, and our celebration quickly turns into intense sex against a pine and on the bilberry shrubs, and it''s amazing!


    <hr>


    I hold Alith against me as we sit and watch the elk a few meters away. Alith starts to talk:


    "Killing an elk with a bow or spear is unusual, and can be so dangerous that most people don''t even try if they are alone. The wise choice is to slowly back away if you encounter an elk, especially if there are calves. Just like with a bear. Elk hunting is usually several men with bows, spears and dogs scaring an elk over a cliff, or chasing the elk into a pit trap they built with simple fencing directing the animal towards the pit. We just killed two."


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    Alith holds the musket in front of her and just looks at it. We realise that we have to get the two elks out of the forest. We need help; there are more than half a ton of elk here, in the middle of hilly mountainous forest. We adjust our clothes and take a several pictures and videos posing with the elk we shot, then hang up a large orange cloth and tie it to a tree after cutting half away to make four narrower strips. We hang one strip above the other elk, clearly visible. Of course we can''t split up as Alith is my guard, so I take a compass bearing, and a picture of that compass heading, and we start heading down towards the fields and other road. We are careful to try to keep the same heading through the terrain, and after what we think is a third of the way, we hang another strip of cloth clearly visible, then we continue in the same compass heading and repeat after another third until we come out of the forest and tie the last the strip of cloth very visible.


    <hr>


    It''s lucky the hunt was in the morning, since it takes hours to get hold of people and lead them to the right location, and then transporting the elks out is hard work. But in the afternoon the elks have been transported to Kari''s longhouse mansion. Olafr and Bodil have joined us and are happy for our achievement. Bodil managed to take another grouse with her bow, but things didn''t go well for Olafr. He missed both a deer and a bird he was trying to shoot, but we all believe his shots spooked the elk toward us, which help make Olafr very pleased with the hunt.


    Olafr and Bruinn is overjoyed at what the thunder weapons can do, and they are terribly proud of their craft and what Olafr has experienced in the last few days. Their pride and joy is not diminished when they realises that the tale of this elk hunt will spread far and wide, and they have made the weapons and participated. For Olafr it doesn''t matter he didn''t shoot anything and it was my sejd that made the weapons work. We have taken plenty of photos and some video for future sketches, including one more where Alith and I pose with the elks, but so do my sambos. I''ve already asked Jane to sketch a couple of pictures for Olafr so he can bring it back home and show others.


    Alith enthusiastically tells the hunting story to anyone who want - or doesn''t want - to hear, many times, and it is a huge moment. Two thunderous booms echoed through the forest; two dead elks. Alith is so happy that she didn''t load shotgun pellets, and she receives enthusiastic congratulations by the others. Apparently everyone expected me to shoot something, but Alith shooting an elk with the musket is especially unexpected and she is a fairly short woman with definitely female forms. I should expect that many see hunting as very masculine, and elk hunting is unusual and even more impressive. It is only bear that beats elk in praise of the hunter, and we hunted the elk. Man against beast, and we didn''t try to scare them or drive the animals to their deaths. We hunted. Our thunder weapons are looked on with awe and respect, and many have absolutely heard about master blade smith Olafr.


    The elk hunt is soon the big happening, and many many people arrive on foot or on horseback. It feels really weird because I wouldn''t have guessed there were so many people living nearby, and it sort of feels like people just appear out of nowhere as I got another feeling as we rode around. How many people can actually live here nearby? Children run around and play, and we are many with smiles on our faces as we see a couple of girls imitating Alith''s musket with a branch.


    A few of the men start taking care of the elk, and when I see how they start to butcher the first elk, I give clear directives as they don''t care to keep their hands clean, start touching the fur and the meat with the same hands, etc. I''m hardly a master butcher, but cleanliness is important and given my status and it''s my kills and meat, they follow my directives. Even though Alith shot one elk, status-wise she''s just my guard, and the hunt is on my concubine Kari''s land. So my rules apply. It feels better when only one cleaned hand touch the meat, and we clean knives etc properly and sanitize them before and after. The elk furs will be cleaned and treated so we can use them. It''s a status thing to own a elk fur, and these have almost no damage, which is really impressive, and even more confirms the power of the thunder weapons. When they find the small hole they are almost scared. Such a small hole, but such huge damage to the elks heart and lungs. I am very proud of that clean kill, although I have to admit it was lucky.


    We will salt and smoke a lot of meat, but it is such an awful lot, and there''s no freezer here for really long-term storage, so after a quiet conversation with Kari, Iselin and Alith, we decide to celebrate and get some good PR, we will have a barbeque grill for the people here. We will bring meat to the residents and workers on the islands, and we will send some meat to Storman Jolfr, the local V?lva Gauthild and the closest Storman to the north, Hariwulfr, that I meet at the Tosra Gathering. We will include blood pancakes, a jug of blood and some other things for Jolfr, Hariwulfr and Gauthild. I have no interest in the blood, the hooves, the tongue, the liver, the heart and so on. We keep the best parts for ourselves and a lot will be dried, smoked and salted, but the weather is cold and meat keeps pretty well right now, and we have a working icebox. The ice house is also finished, but very empty. We will definitely have a little feast at the mansion tomorrow as well. It also feel right to sacrifice some to the goddess of hunting Skadi and goddess of sejd Freya and the god of thunder Thor.


    I''m not that interested in hunting trophies but this is special, so I''ve had the elk antlers taken care of to be mounted on wooden plates. Alith''s antlers are bigger than mine, but I don''t care. It wasn''t until we got back to the longhouse before I realised both elks were bulls. I didn''t think about it until then, although I was extra scared of the antlers in case they attacked us.


    The barbeque grill is a great success, and everyone eats their fill of freshly grilled elk meat, blood pancakes, bread, fruit while drinking mead and cider, prepared or brought by the neighbouring people. Blood pancakes is a classic old Scandinavian meal and basically small ''pancakes'' made from blood, milk and egg, and something I avoid eating, so for me it is very unexpected that it is so appreciated by men in particular. But if they think they can get magical power and strength by eating blood pancakes made from elk blood, from a elk killed with thunder? I won''t argue. More meat to the rest of us.


    Kari inform me that she have talked with the people here and has asked them to spread the word that we are happy to buy land here, and it is intended for hunting during the fall and winter, but we can also trade against other land south on the mainland with silver, goods or animals, so those who decide to move will get something for their trouble. Anyone interested in selling or a land exchange can find us in our island mansion, and we are also interested in elk and deer hunting rights on larger areas. Several landowners might join together to offer that to us. We guess that there might be a lot of that since elk hunting isn''t a big thing like in modern Scandinavia, and it''s likely that the landowners will divide half the meat between them. It''s basically free meat or silver for them, and if there are volunteers to form a line of beaters driving game towards a line of hunters, they will be rewarded. Considering what Kari, Iselin and the guards have heard so far, that will likely be very popular.

 Midwinter calling - day 27, Fishing in the mansion

    Midwinter calling, day 27


    Fishing in the mansion


    It took some time, but just before noon we are back home, and Alith has again told the story several times, and we have shown the pictures to those initiated about cameras. Unn and the ships crew are very grateful for what they gets from the elk hunt, and Hrappr and Ida come back from having distributed to residents as well as Pedr and the best craftsmen, who thanks us very much, and apparently there were tears on a few of them, including Iselin''s parents. Definitely a PR boost in several ways, but it just feels good to be able to give it away.


    Bodil is in the workshop as she was quick to offer to make triple gun racks to hang the firearms above both my bedroom fireplace and in the guards day room. As far as I know, black powder is not dangerous to store loaded - well, more than the obvious - as long as there is no moisture which, along with residual sulphur in gunpowder, I assume can form some kind of sulphuric acid and corrode metal surfaces. So as long as it is kept dry it shouldn''t be a problem to shoot the load many years later. I know weapons have been found where the charge can be fired even after a hundred years.


    The reason that many people in the past - especially in the USA - kept weapons above the fireplace is that it was dry there and easy to access, because the weapon was for self-defense and loaded. It was also simply too expensive to waste black powder and bullets on firing a weapon empty every time. These weapons are meant for hunting, but it would be stupid to not have a couple of them loaded and available if shit hits the fan. In this case some of our weapons are already loaded since the hunt. After we carefully tried to clean the barrel a little, we have tied a small orange piece of cloth in the trigger guard as a reminder that the guns are loaded. Letting go of the flintlock hammer was a bit nervous the first time, but as long as it doesn''t have steel to hit against, it''s ''safe''. I''m thinking about a possible lock for the weapon rack in the future, but it feels quite unnecessary in a world where many people walk around everyday life with knives, axes or swords in their belts.


    <hr>


    One of my merchant ships is anchored and has been awaiting our return, and its combined Merchant, Captain and Navigator Ithuin have come ashore to speak with me and be introduced. This Cog''s trade route is to England-Ireland-Scotland, but the ship will be in Borgarsandr for a couple more weeks. So I visit the ship together with my sambos plus Caecilia, Jane, Asta and the guards, and the crew is introduced, and we get a tour of the ship. The crew swear allegiance to me and I give standard orders that even orders from my three sambos are to be taken as they come from me. This ship doesn''t have a real name either, so I name it ''Sulaco'' and ask them to make signs like the other ships. Jane whispers questioningly:


    "Sulaco?"


    "In a spur of the moment thing, I named the first one going the longest route to Spain and Portugal to ''Nostromo''. They''re the ships from the old movies ''Alien'' and ''Aliens''. It might be a theme, because I have five merchant ships and I kind of like the names ''Narcissus'' and ''Auriga'' and the last will be ''The Betty''."


    "The Betty? That really doesn''t match."


    "The others are Weyland-Yutani corporation or military crafts. The Betty are criminals and kidnappers. It is what it is, and I don''t remember any other ship name from the Alien movies."


    I speak to Merchant Ithuin and there are two large important slave markets over there, which account for a considerable proportion of the profit along with tin imports and copper exports, so I won''t his trading in slaves, but I ask him to avoid buying the youngest slaves, which he is happy to do. He has never liked trading in children, and he has suspected things with the deliveries to Radgeirrson, but to get that trade route he had no choice when Radgeirrson was in charge. Unfortunately, from this voyage he has already delivered a young woman to the B-mansion, specifically what he call an ''untouched beautiful bed slave'', who thankfully is a young adult and not a child, but also nine slaves to the Merchant Empire.


    Merchant Ithuin receives information about sundials etc, and to spread the Academy''s reputation and information. I can almost see the growing horns on his forehead and the greed in his eyes when he understands that in the future there can be very exclusive things to sell, and when I show him the monoculars and oil lamps, I can see that Ithuin immediately begins to fantasize about the gold he can sell such items for. He have heard about my sword, and I show that too, and from his touch and words it''s clear that he just see gold if swords like that ever becomes available to sell. Just the fact that I let all the Captains and Navigators have a North Arrow is incredibly impressive, especially when it became known what they were sold for. He is the Navigator on the ship, but he will train the crewman that practically is his second in command, and let him have the second North Arrow. In the future I will probably upgrade all the merchant ships as well, but Asta will show him my ship ''The Millennium Eagle'' today and give him some Sextant training, because we are going to Borgarsandr tomorrow.


    This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    I take the opportunity to offer the merchant ships crew some elk meat and blood pancakes, which are hugely appreciated.


    <hr>


    Since Olafr and Bruinn is again enjoying working a bit down by the forge and we have firearms that have not been loaded after the hunt, we use them together with the guards own melee weapons and wooden training weapons, to do a small ''fighting in the mansion'' exercise. There are many modern military terms for pretty much the same thing; urban combat; close quarters battle. Personally, I''ve always like the British humoristic version of calling it FISH - Fighting In Someone''s House. Practice it was something Alith and I talked about a couple of days ago, and we all freely discuss what works, what doesn''t, how they can sweep corners, where they can''t shoot, and how they can use flashlights or oil lamps, etc. It''s quite an interesting exercise they really like and all of us will try to figure out how we would attack the mansion from the outside and fight our way inside, both as the enemy and ourselves, with more or less information about the inside and weapons.


    It will definitely be a different battle compared to longhouses and normal farms, and mostly because of the design of the house. Undoubtedly, the mezzanine is the most important defensive point in the main building if windows are forced open on the ground floor, which is not too difficult. The mezzanine controls movement between the sides of the main building, has the stairs as protection, and with a couple of shields against the railing or sofa that is moved, it becomes a simpler protective wall with a height advantage of one meter and it is a bottleneck. The mezzanine also provides a direct field of fire towards the main entrance and the doors there, and there are two swords on the wall behind which the guards and my sambos know how to remove.


    The second floor balcony also give quick movement between the rooms on the second floor for shooting towards the courtyard, and the mezzanine provides an overview of the entire south side of the mansion and partly the road around the cliff. I decide to make a couple of special ''wooden railing shields'' that can be hung and quickly attached to the railing, much like the walls of the pavilion. Three-four pieces are enough, and it don''t sacrifice the guards own and less optimal round shields without attachment points. It is possible to make two or three hidden compartments under the mezzanine floor in the space above the ceiling of the secret room below, and use that opportunity to dampen the sound down to the secret room a little extra. The wooden shield will also function as a bit extra sound barrier. There is no real need for the sound damping but it is good if it is there. If the defenders gets a minute, they can open the hidden compartments and detach the railing shields. In a crisis situation, we won''t bother to put the facade planks back. The guards can also get three wooden railing shields inside their bedroom, both as improvised riot shields or hung down here or up on the balcony railing which is exactly the same.


    The guards like those ideas. If we throw caltrops on the floor, it will be extra unpleasant because almost everyone here has normal shoes with leather soles. Attacking when you have to slide your feet across the floor or use a spear shaft to sweep in front of you isn''t exactly effective if the defenders have ranged weapons or firearms and can reload. Bows are bad enough, but rifles go through shields. Attackers won''t be prepared for caltrops either. When I quickly improvise and show how a metal caltrop looks and works, and mention that I can get a couple of hundred made that they can throw out if needed, Bodil grimaces. Gunhild''s evil grin gives her opinion loud and clear. So some blacksmith or Digraldi will probably be happy to get the job.


    It''s not that useful outside of the manor, but cheval de frise of spears or pointed wooden sticks would be useful in some outside cases. Bodil wonders if I couldn''t install a row of spears that rise up diagonally from the floor. The floors are made of wooden, so the spears can lie just under the floorboards, and if we pull on a rope, they can be angled up and automatically locked in the raised position towards the entrance or in the corridor towards the wing door. Of course that would work, and could make a similar handle solution as the balcony in here have, but I don''t mention the balcony''s function. Having a barrier that delays the enemy from just charging in or quickly advancing through corridors is a nice idea, but I''ll have to think about it. After all, there are many ways to make traps, but they have to be extremely safe and not accidentally hurt anyone, and that''s a difficult problem. They also have to be properly installed and have a reliable mechanism, without calling attention to there is something weird there. By sambos - and everyone else - really like the good and pretty floor as it is.


    If everything here hadn''t been made of wood, I could probably have introduced some kind of Molotov cocktails, and I can order earthenware bottles for that or just try to use some of the empty wine bottles we have. I''ll have to try if I can find a good high grade alcohol - what Unn uses for wounds might work - because rapeseed oil isn''t volatile enough, but its stickiness can be unpleasant, and I can test combinations of high grade alcohol and rapeseed oil, with more stuff in it like tar, resin, fat etc. It need to burn really well, be sticky, and hard to put out.


    Matches would be nice to be able to make, but I don''t want to play with phosphorus, and while I know it''s possible to make small amounts of phosphorus from bone or boiling urine, I''m not sure exactly how, although it shouldn''t be that difficult considering when in history it was produced. Shit, that''s like saying ''how hard can it be?'' and basically guaranteeing that it will be damn hard for me. Oh well. Laboratory work with urine is not something I look forward to, especially not to create something unpleasant such as phosphorus. But it would be useful and along with saltpeter be an important product that both come from urine. Those future experiments will not take place here at the mansion. I need to make a proper chemistry lab next year. Away from everything.


    However, returning to defensive works, it can be a good idea to make bayonets for the firearms so that they become spears and not bad clubs when the distance is short or the ammunition runs out. Reloading takes time. The guards like that idea and will practice with it. I suspect Olafr can be persuaded to forge it in steel.

 Midwinter calling - day 27, Vapor

    Apart from some discreet morse practice, there hasn''t really been any work or crafting done in the last few days. But Olafr is still enjoying himself helping out at the forge, so I can do some work. The work with trying to make mercury thermometer has fallen by the wayside, but none of the glass tubes have cracked after annealing, so time to try filling them, as well as trying to seal my light bulb prototypes.


    The light bulb prototypes are fragile, and are spaced out metal wire bonded together in a lump of clay, which has a carbon source attached between them from a mixture of tar and carbon black from the oil lamps. By heating it in a closed metal vessel, the carbon source is carbonized, and since the tar is also carbon, it is also carbonized. What remains are spaced out metal wires with carbon filament between. To help the carbonization, I have thoroughly smeared the carbon source with the tar-carbon mixture. To increase the chance of success, I try three different carbon sources; reed straw, string and a piece of paper I had with me which I soaked and spun together. I also want a long filament for more light and higher resistance, so the string and spun paper makes several loops between metal wires, while the reed forms an arc. Having many filaments in each light bulb, will make it faster to experiment, as I can try different lengths and parallel or series connect different sections, and when I burn out a segment, I can continue experimenting with the other sections.


    I prefer to allow extra time to get as good a vacuum as possible, especially in the light bulbs, so most of the time is spent letting the mercury slowly fall down the tube to make a vacuum, but for obvious reasons this is done well ventilated and outdoors. Mercury vapor settles like an invisible poison on all surfaces, so the small workbench for this will be dedicated for mercury experiments. One problem is that I don''t trust the vacuum seal once removed from the vacuum system, so it has to be quick, but the design of the vacuum system allows me to use the brass parts to fill and seal, and there is also a simple magnetic valve. Sure, there will be extra mercury I have to empty back, but I have plenty of mercury.


    I heat a pot of mercury and thermometer tubes in a lab oven, but the oven is not completely sealed as that the thermometer tubes poke out. However, the inside shouldn''t be too hot since mercury boil at 357C. We prepared a mug of water with ice in a container with sawdust for extra insulation, and Caecilia comes with a jug of freshly boiling water and one of cool tap water.


    With Iselin, Kari, Ciara, Jane, Caecilia and Alith as focused observers, I begin by carefully remove the mercury pot and removing its lid. I take out the thermometer tubes, put the vacuum system tube into the mercury, open the valve and watch the vacuum suck up mercury to the bulb in the top while I blow on the glass tubes bulbs. It seems to completely fill the bulb, and I become slightly annoyed that it surprised me, especially as the tube is angled. There is vacuum inside and I know how high a mercury will rise in a mercury barometer. I lift the tubes out and turn them bulb side down. First they get a long dip in the almost boiling water and I separate them from vacuum system. Then I put the tubes in the cool water to bleed of heat, and then finally in the ice cold water to make the mercury shrink to its lowest point. Elvira comes and leaves a new vessel of boiling water when Caecilia calls for her.


    I need to seal the tops and light bulbs and heating the end with my modified jetboil is quick, and I just flatten the light bulb prototypes around the metal wires as the glass starts to melt, and put them in the hot lab oven. Next is the thermometers and when the glass seems to melt together completely, I take the cup of previously boiling water and lift it up so that the bubbles of the thermometers become hot, the mercury rises and forces out a small air bubble at the top. I quickly remove the heat, cool the thermometer in the cool water and turn off the jetboiler. I can''t anneal the thermometers, and I really hope the thermometers glass don''t crack. But I can''t do anything but wait and see. It will be fun to see how good the light bulbs are, both in terms of light and lifespan.


    They help me clean everything up and we are extra careful with the mercury. I know there will be more mercury use in the future, but I''m not looking forward to it. I need to make some kind of fume hood lab station, with forced ventilation, prepared vacuum system and other things, but a separate exhaust over my workbench will be good for when I''m soldering too.


    If these prototype works, next time I will make even more at once so I save on the jetboiler gas, even though I have already tried to add a shroud and heat focus to the burner so that its surface is smaller and the heat more focused.


    <hr>


    Me, Kari and Ciara are getting pretty good at recognizing and transmitting simple norse code, while Iselin is learning at a blistering pace. We can now use norse code, and the exercises with the norse code trainer works well enough. They all think norse code is a very good name for the system, so that will stick.


    For now, the goal is not high tempo, and we will transmit using a rather slow tempo and there will be more than three lengths between letters, and pauses will also be longer. But it does not matter. The only important thing for testing is that it works, and that we hear and can communicate. We will primarily use a simple code list like ''Q codes'' for this test, although they''re basically Z codes due to the changed alphabet. Simply a distinctive sounding letter that few words or things start with, followed by one or two more letters, and I''ve written a list what different letter combinations have for different meanings, both technical descriptions as for signal strength, make a long transmission so I can set the tuning, transmit with low or high effect, repeat broadcast, return shortly, go to voice, etc. There are also simple ones that everything is okay, we will stay one more day, we will leave tomorrow, etc.


    <hr>


    We have a small nice feast in the evening where Merchant Ithuin, Asta and Pedr are also invited along with Iselin''s parents and of course Olafr. Olafr will accompany us back to Borgarsandr tomorrow, and so will Merchant Ithuin and two of Pedr''s workers to upgrade the B-mansion. All my sambos are in complete agreement that since we are going to keep and use the B-mansion every time we are in Borgarsandr, we should upgrade it with some amenities. After spending a few days here Olafr absolutely understands that, and is thinking about upgrading his home. When he returns for the wedding he will bring his housekeeper Bekkhilda so she can see the kitchen and learn how to use it it all before he have it built next summer. Olafr does not cook. Or wash clothes or clean. That and the home is women''s work, while the forge, fields or forest is men''s work. Sure, I might dabble in everything and Olafr have no problem with that since I''m a Sejdmann. He is not.


    The others leave, but sambos, Jane and the guards join us as we relax in the sofas and talk, and Olafr is so pleased with these days, and says that I more than fulfilled my promise that we would hunt together and it would sound like thunder. The first morning hunt was wonderful, but the second one still managed to beat it. Elk hunting. Elk. The first time Olafr ate elk meat, and so too for a lot of other people, and we all liked the barbeque grill. The weapons are so terribly powerful and excellent for hunting, and Olafr completely understands why I wanted them. It is an incredibly powerful sejd that is very manly and Olafr is so pleased that he could do a good enough job. Olafr will make sure that the remaining firearms are finished and will serve their purposes well. After all, we have gained experience with the weapons and hunting and there will be three double-barreled shotguns and one more rifle, because hunting big game was fun, and I will give Olafr a couple of more steel lumps for the extra weapons.


    This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.


    When I started asking leading questions, Olafr understands that I figured out how he made his barrel machine out of iron and wood to make the rifled barrels. He started thinking and built a simpler machine when he made the tubes for my cane, and we talked about a machine back then, and just because it was interesting, he kept tinkering with it afterwards. When I left the firearms drawings he thought more about it, and it was the only way they could be made good enough, so he worked on it. The barrel rotates freely and is handled by the apprentices by hand, and a fixed part can be slowly fed in to cut the inside round with a hardened steel tip. He used his contraption to make the musket and hunting rifles because making such a long and really straight pipe with such a small diameter is impossible, so he undersized the tube during forging and slowly drilled out the last few millimeters in diameter, then added an end plug for one end of the tube which was heat shrunk in place and then riveted. For the rifled barrel, he made a self-rotating reamer they hammered through the barrel, and used two different reamers to get the bore finished before adding the end plug. Finally he used the machine to make the outside smooth. They practised on ordinary iron pipes before trying with the steel barrels, because there is such a big difference in machining them. Steel doesn''t cooperate, but is so much nicer and gives better end results, and he understands why steel is needed after experiencing the finished thunder weapons.


    Olafr promises to show the machine on my next visit to Borgarsandr, and it is clear Olafr is so proud of his machine. It was far a more interesting challenge to make it and the barrels than just another sword, axe, spear or knife, and again he starts talking about the village forge and sawmill. Olafr might be a renowned master blade smith, but I think he is just bored doing that kind of work day after day, so it is no wonder Olafr enjoy making my firearms and have spent so much time helping the workers building the forge and sawmill. I really want to show him my workshop machines and their line shaft system and steam engine, but that will have to wait until at least after the wedding. Who knows? Maybe I should offer him another hunt.


    We all debate if a double-barrelled musket maybe should have one barrel loaded with bullet and one loaded with pellets when hunting, to give more flexibility depending on what prey shows up as long as the distance is not too far, but it requires a stronger heavier barrel to shoot the bullet, so a pure shotgun might be worth it. Everyone agrees that the double barrel shotguns should be able to shoot both as that is best for all round hunting, because getting a prey and food is more important than what the prey is. It is also possible to load one barrel with small light pellets and another with larger and fewer for bigger game.


    We talk about ballistics etc, and we toy with the idea of making a double barrel weapon that combine a rifled barrel with a shotgun barrel, which is something Olafr is eager to do once the concept have been explained, but for now he will do three double barrel shotguns in an over-under configuration, where the upper barrel is thicker to handle solid bullets, but no rifling. It is very likely that most hunting will be birds and small game such as rabbits, hare, foxes and so on, which shotguns will be best for, and having two of the same load will be best for bird hunting. Olafr will also make a new and improved musket, as the double barrel shotguns will be heavy, and hard to handle for some shooters. Olafr is also going to forge a pair of longer thinner steel butcher knives and make a meat axe and bone saw for butchering, because that will happen and the animals are worth it, and he wants to try to follow my quick sketches. It won''t need to be his excellent craft, but Olafr volunteered to do it just because it will be ''fun'', and he want to match the look of butchering set with the weapons. He want to do inlays.


    When it comes to equipment and firearms, what I would really like more than anything else is silencers for the rifles. It is damn unpleasant without hearing protection. As long as the sound is muffled and reduces future hearing damage, it feels like a good idea, because even though that silencer will need to be cleaned after every hunt and reloads take more time, it feels worth trying to do it. For the time being, I will bring ear muffs, which can be moved down over the ears if time permits.


    The subject change to hunting methods, good equipment for future hunts and so on. More orange cloth for marking is a given, and I mention that the hunters can wear it. Most animals will not see orange in a green forest, since they cannot see red at all, and some animals cannot see colors. They find it really hard to believe, but that''s how it is, and Jane say that most hunting clothes have some orange to help see each other. I will try to prove that it is so, the question is how? But having an orange vest or headgear works well and it is good for safety if there are several hunters spread out or walking in a line, and my sambos decide they will make a couple of simple orange vests with pockets for hunting accessories, and orange bands for hats.


    A small good sports whistle will be good for calling attention or coordinate people, and we will try to make a good bullroarer too and see how useful it is. Neither a whistle or a bullroarer take up a lot of space or are particularly difficult to do, and it will be possible to send ''Norse code'' with them. Simple clear patterns that are repeated can mean different things, because we only need a few different signals, which makes the guards more motivated to learn the Norse code.


    A small hunting radio would be useful but still problems with getting the sound out and the radio being big. But a really mobile walkie talkie radio would be practical, especially if it works with voice in the surrounding area, because then the mansion can reach the one carrying the radio or vice versa, and can be especially useful in the event of accidents or other things like we''re on Orusingen and get visitors here. More like a cell phone than a hunting radio, but same same. There will be future tries with different hunting methods like using hunting towers, hides and orange dressed beaters who drive animals towards hunters. Maybe hunting with dogs too, although I don''t want dogs here. I''m not a dog person. To be honest, it will be a bit of fun to try different hunting methods, and sitting in a hunting tower or hide for a morning or several is something I can visualize doing and liking even if nothing happens. It can be peaceful, and is a good future pastime. I sure won''t complain about more meat on the dinner table, and everyone sees hunting as very manly, so it''s good for my reputation too.


    Kari will stay on the island while the rest of us go to Borgarsandr, so we can do the first true long-distance radio tests, and we will try to transmit to each other every afternoon before sunset and after sunset, as well as the morning before we leave Borgarsandr to return here. I need to install an antenna in the B-mansion, but I don''t think I''ll have enough time the first evening even though I will try. The short days effect sailing to Borgarsandr as well, but with improved sails we should make it down by leaving really early in the morning and we should arrive just after dark. I don''t know what the proper name for the sails are in Midg?rd, but the Millennium Eagle now has two different front sails for slightly different wind directions, and the crew enjoyed how fast the ship generally travelled during Iselin''s journey.


    Because Kari will stay here, I spend the rest of the evening and night with Kari, and we both appreciate it.

 Midwinter calling - day 28, Cool project

    Midwinter calling, day 28


    Cool project


    Ciara insist that we use the hammock and enjoy ourselves a bit during the voyage to Borgarsandr, and it has become a nice and sexy tradition we both appreciate. Afterwards, Ciara stay lying on top of me as we slowly rock as the boat sail. I say I want to surprise Alith with a ''jewel'' plug of her own, simply because I care about Alith and I don''t want her to use a wooden thing and get sick or get splinters, but Alith''s will be in silver and with a blue crystal. Ciara will still have the only one in redish gold and will remain so. Ciara thinks it''s a great idea, and doesn''t mind her friend who introduced it to her getting one, but she is mostly happy that hers stays special, and that I care what Ciara thinks enough to talk to her about it, so she knows she is special.


    <hr>


    The Millennium Eagle have left Sulaco behind, and its crew is sailing her to Borgarsandr without Merchant Ithuin who appreciates getting a ride in the Eagle, and it''s a little hands-on training too since he''ll be collecting sextant data on his upcoming trip. The Eagles crew have sailed her many times before, and Astas second in command can navigate without her, so Merchant Ithuin, Asta and I have a longer discussion about writing down and making navigation books, describing hazards and where they are, and creating more detailed charts with highlighted shallows, safe deep passages, bottom type, currents, common wind directions, safe anchorages etc. It''s a quite long discussion, and it''s a problem that things like this are actually what separates a skilled, experienced navigator from an inexperienced one. Area familiarity and general knowledge. I know how important navigation books were historically that told about routes and the like. It was literally military state secrets, and some information I will try to keep secret just to get an advantage. But I want that info and as good as possible and not just in the immediate area, and will probably send someone to map the immediate surroundings and measure depth sooner or later. It is very likely that the merchant ships will partially function as exploration ships in the future, and while they sail and make their routes, they collect facts and depth data etc. They may also partly function as training ships where one or two students come along and gain experience of long voyages, other cultures, languages and trade.


    <hr>


    It is quite dark outside when we anchor in Borgarsandr, and we borrow a horse from the Merchant Empire to send Elvira ahead to prepare the overnight stay at B-mansion and sent the carriage back. Olafr thanks us for some of the best days of his life, and Jane gives him two sketches. One from the photo after the first hunt, and other is from the elk hunt, and Olafr is really touched by them and thanks her. He carefully rolls up the sketches, and carries them very tenderly as he walks away with his apprentice Bruinn. It''s probably just the cold and the wind that brought tears to Olafr''s eyes.


    Since we are just waiting, I talk with Ovdhon so that in the future we can store at least the winter carriage together with a couple of horses in the barns of the Merchant Empire. Nowadays we always dock here and we can then take the carriage directly up to the B-mansion instead of having to waste time to wait, but it gives them some time to start the fires and prepare for our arrival. It would be nice with a future radio in the B-mansion just for the convenience of being able to let them know when we plan to arrive, but it would have helped a lot with a telegraph line between the Merchant Empire and the B-mansion. I''ve basically done what I need to for that, the problem here is that I have to get permission from all the landowners in between. And it is a long distance, which needs a long copper wire.


    The Merchant Empire actually has four relatively large round whetstones with a square hole in the middle for foot operated knife sharpeners, and I buy three. I need one in my workshop, and the others will be in the mansion''s small forge in the barn, and in the village forge. I will probably make the one in my workshop both line shaft driven and give it a foot pump. When I ask about exotic woods, that is something Ovdhon has a bit of, and that includes what must be something like ebony. It''s dark and feels like it and smell strange. So I buy it and a few other woods, and ask him to increase his stock but not to rush it.


    Ovdhon has found two women who wish to carry out the underwear trade, so if it is possible we ask him to try to get them to come and visit us at the B-mansion tomorrow or early the day after tomorrow. One will take the Southwest route and others will take the Southern because those are the languages they know, and there will probably be a stronger market for these luxuries in the Queen''s Kingdom and among the other rich covered in the Gweibeau organization.


    It is some time since Kari told us about the small Hansa-like organization called Gweibeau, and it came up more during the Royal family''s visit in connection with the discussions about Reiekr?ne and the route there. Especially Queen Haera told us more about it as she have spent more time away from the Kingdom and visited the other countries in the south several times, especially the Damman Queendom. The Gweibeau organization is primarily between Queen Damman and several important cities, nobles, merchants and a few guilds where they strengthen each other and have various advantages, such as cheaper fees, priority for goods, port location and the like. Ovdhon have already told me that Radgeirrson hoped to be able to buy his Merchant Empire entrance in Gweibeau.


    Queen Haera explained that Queen Damman''s primary power base and economy consisted of control of the two major cities of Reiekr?ne and Dammau, and trade to and from and between them. I think of them as Hamburg and L¨¹beck since they pretty much seem to be at those locations, and considering how important and powerful each city has been in the history of Midg?rd, I am not surprised that the same applies here. It''s simple geography. Two important rivers and huge trade routes, one towards the North Sea and the other towards the Baltic Sea, and Queen Damman controls both and earns wealth from both. There is a paved road between the towns which is well guarded and is called the ''Queen''s Road''. There was discussion as to whether we should take the faster and shorter route straight south to Dammau and then use the country road, or round Daes Kingdom and up the long river Reie to Reiekr?ne. We have carriages, but I want the ship with radio and storage available and my women wanted to make our presence more obvious, and our invitations also gives us special privileges in Reiekr?ne during the visits. So we chose to sail directly to Reiekr?ne, and so will King Asbj?rn''s family.


    Just such a thing as the incredibly important and huge trade in salt from Brinberg south of Damman takes place via the rivers and the two towns. Most of the salt used here in the north comes from Brinberg and not from southern ''Poland'' as I thought, and the Queen earns a little silver on each barrel because the trade goes mainly through Dammau or Reiekr?ne. This applies to most of what is traded between north and south since the only bridge across the wide river Reie is in Reiekr?ne, and there is also those merchants with goods going from east and west who want to avoid time and the dangerous sea route around the Daes Kingdom. There is a lot of goods moving on the ''Queen''s Road'', and there seem to be just insanely many shiploads of food, fish, butter, copper, iron, furs and beer. And Queen Damman earns silver on everything; port charges; road fees; transport. Add that there are unloading laws in both towns. Those laws means that ships, wagons and traders that want to sell or buy must unload and display all their goods for three days and give merchants the opportunity to buy them. However, it is possible to avoid this time and trouble - for a small fee.


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    However, the unloading law makes it dangerous for ships travelling on voyages with many stops, because it can happen that the merchant are forced to sell goods there that he doesn''t want. There are fixed recommended prices, and if any buyer is willing to pay 50% above this fixed price, the goods must be sold. The problem is that the goods might be sold for far more somewhere else, further away, and if it is food or the like, it''s bad to spend time in port, especially in the summer. In principle, a lot of trade is just from or till the towns and then back. However, luxury items and special items such as North Arrows are not included in the list, but the unloading law applies to them too. So the merchants there will know what goods are being sold and moved. However, all the wealth and all the merchant ships make it a huge thorn in the side of Daes King Magnbjorn and a couple of powerful Daes Jarls. They would of course have wanted more trade to pass through their Kingdom and regions so they could earn silver. Historically, there have been raids against Dammau in particular, so the towns are well protected and fortified.


    We continue to talk about trade, and the ship travelling the northern route that doesn''t travel during winter, will get a new winter job of acquiring ice blocks and have to make an estimated 5-6 trips, each roundtrip taking about two weeks, but it is on the least dangerous sea. When I explain the purpose in more detail, Ovdhon thinks it is very interesting, especially when I mention that I will build a large ice house here in Borgarsandr for ice sale to the public, and the ship can then transport ice in the winter months because we cannot rely on the amount of ice nearby. Storsj?n will have insane amounts of ice, but transporting it down past the rapids to Laxlanda by road is incredibly impractical.


    The Merchant Empires location is by the harbour, but isn''t really suitable for a larger ice house as it has sunlight all day although there are some deciduous trees that can provide some shade, and it is possible to make an underground ice house in the future even if the drainage becomes a little more complicated and needs to be bucketed up. Or I put it on the edge of my property at the B-mansion, or somewhere else. It should be close to the river. Maybe at the basket maker? Although it is also possible to make an ice house that stands on stilts above ground.


    Eh, I might as well try a half submerged ice house here. So Caecilia fetch the two builders who came along to upgrade the B-mansion and have experience with my projects on the island, including the ice house. I sketch and let Ovdhon be responsible for building an ice house of about 10x20 meters, which should give an internal surface of about 8x18m. This close to the harbour, the ground will probably be waterlogged and mostly sediment, but Ovdhon will hire some workers so they can dig down maybe 2 meters and build 3-4 meters high, and check that the ground is firm enough and how big the ice house can be so there isn''t bedrock or something. Then build they will build a foundation with drainage down to a lower tank, just like the ice house on Ackerek has. There we use the height and slope of the land to have run-off lower down where there is a tap and overflow protection. Here, that won''t be possible and will simply be a water pump for now, but there will be a huge amount of water if the icehouse is filled, because if everything melts, it will be like 600m3, which is literally a large and deep pool, so it will probably be a wind-powered pump. The water will be ''clean'', so they can use it for drinking water for themselves and the animals this summer, and both the upper and lower tank must be lined with copper on the inside to keep it cleaner and prevent growth. He can contact the copper guild about it. Just like on the islands, the upper tank can be in a cold house on the north side where Ovdhon can store food.


    They will build up the floor, walls and then a roof above. Anything dug up can then be piled on to the sides and on the roof as insulation, but they won''t be able to make a masonry roof during winter, so a wooden roof is best for now, and prepare to replace it when the ice melts next fall, and until then get stone and mortar for a vaulted roof. The roof should be insulated incredibly well, and there will be an internal wood house as extra insulation from the ground and sides, and there will be a simple counterweight system to lift and lower ice blocks, and so ice blocks can be slid over to a cart for deliveries from a separate cold house to work as a air buffer. There will probably be some form of horse or man-powered conveyor belt in the future.


    Ice block transportation from a ship and out to delivery will definitely require a suitable cargo wagon, and it is not wrong to have a better wagon for other transports the Merchant Empire does, so I will order one for it. Our own new wagon should be ready, so we''ll collect it tomorrow so Ovdhon can see it. To be honest, more than one wagon will probably be needed, because it is quite easy to calculate the amount of trips with, say, 0.4 tons of ice per load, which is 1500 wagon loads. Just unloading from a ship means that the ice house should be within crane distance from the ship, but I simply don''t have land for that. If ice becomes the popular commodity I expect it to become, then future ice houses might be further inland where I can by harbour land, and special insulated ice wagons will be manufactured, with a logo on the side. It feels like a good idea to keep it as its own trade organization specializing in ice.


    Just shipping 600 tons of ice here by ship will be a lot of work, and maybe it''s better to tow a smaller iceberg and saw it up right here? There are places in Norway where glaciers go out towards the coast, but it is hardly optimal. Maybe I should team up with Myrun? Myrun have many merchant ships and should have better access to ice. There''s a damn big lake on the other side of Skiringsalr, just a few kilometers from the harbour. We looked out over it when we were there, and a shorter return trip means that more ice can be transported during the same time, and safer. But the question is, will there be enough thick ice there? And do I want to tie myself up in an ice company with Myrun? Or should I try to buy from Hildifjoer? There is a more than adequate lake there too, and should be a longer and colder winter with high mountains blocking sunlight on the south side. However, it is more than 3 times longer distance, half of which is on the North Sea in winter. The time and distance makes it very impractical. Although there should still be thick ice when the lake in Skiringsalr have thawed.


    We are still discussing the details of sawing, tools and special wagons when the carriage arrives, and I have made a drawing of an icebox and a top loaded larger icebox that he can order to start selling to his customers, and try for himself. However, we will limit the number of customers this year in order to calculate consumption etc, and it depends on how much actual ice that is transported here before spring. Ovdhon will manufacture three stylish and decorated ice boxes, and five cheaper but still functional ones, plus three big top loaded for large households. A pretty one and a large one will go to the B-mansion, another set will stay as a demonstration unit here and for their own use, and the third set I will give to the Royal Castle. Since the boxes will be finished before the ice house, Ovdhon can try freezing ice when it''s cold, just like we do.

 Midwinter calling - day 28, Language

    We are well received at B-mansion and they were quick to arrange some food and fires in the rooms. ?sa seems overjoyed to be of service, not pushy and more that she finally gets to ''earn'' her pay and do something for us, and Soma seems generally happy too. We only make a brief introduction of the two men who will upgrade the B-mansion, but we make sure the women understand that the men will sleep, eat and work here, but sexual service is not included. They are free women, and obviously we have not spread the story about their previous life.


    It''s been more than five weeks since I was last in Borgarsandr, and they seem to be doing well, but the last two months must have been one hell of an adjustment for them, even if they managed on their own before when Radgeirrson was on one of his other properties. It''s kind of funny that there are several times more maids here, where no one is, than in the Ackerek mansion, where we all are. It feels a bit iffy considering their background, but at the same time practical to have a couple of more maids helping with the wedding feast, and that we can probably trust enough. Many wedding guests require more maids for cooking and other things that pop up. We will accommodate them in the wings attic, or in the extra servant''s room that has been vacant since Caecilia moved. Damn. Even the open part of the wings attic by the water tanks is so much more luxurious than the basement here. Warmer, airier, brighter, and they have the amenities in the floor below. Their life here is now much better than before, although I understand that they think it feels empty and quiet. However, they appreciate the time to adjust to their new reality.


    The new slave girl, the ''beautiful virgin bed slave'' Gisela is impossible to understand, and appears to be from Frigonien. That they say where doesn''t help me understand better. Housekeeper/maid Frida knows the language and helps translate, and Ciara can also talk to Gisela reasonably well.


    After a lot of confusion - at least from me and Ciara - and help from Gisela we all understand that Frigones are three different languages depending on which region it is and which social class that is speaking. Because of course it is. Frida comes from the northeast, which seems to be the Netherlands-Belgium, and like everyone there speaks Frigones regardless of social class. But the language is also called East Frigonese. Gisela comes from further west, and more inland, and also speaks East Frigonese. But the rich and the nobility there speak what they call High Frigones which is considered better and is Gisela''s primary language, and is what Ciara can speak reasonably well. High Frigones ''resembles a bit'' modern French according to Jane, if you stick to the simplest numbers and certain words, and according to Jane it may be more like Old French or something, and then there are also dialects. South towards the Mediterranean, they speak the South Frigones, which is a completely different language and not related, which Gisela cannot speak or understand at all except for simple phrases she learned, to greet and say yes, no, etc. Then there are some difficult regional dialects and small local languages as well.


    East Frigonese is the primary trade language, and especially used along the coasts, but everyone is proud of their language and in certain contexts and regions like where Gisela comes from, someone from the nobility refuses to sink to speaking the ugly common East Frigonese, and speaks High Frigonese to their servants and common people. The servants must understand High Frigonese, but must answer in East Frigonese so as not to offend those of higher status, so the nobility understand East Frigonese to understand their servants and thus merchants as well, but they will answer in High Frigonese. Which is why Gisela is fluent in both, and have now learned to answer in the same language. Holy shit.


    A wicked thought strikes me that there seems to be something in the soil over there, for the Frigonese people seem as annoying and a pain in the butt as some French in Midg?rd. But several countries in Midg?rd have similar language complications so they are in good company, and add things like the Christian church used Latin and held services in that language which the common people didn''t understand, and so on.


    I already know that Frigonien is not a unified kingdom as I think of countries and the world, and it is many small counties and religions that are allied via marriage or alliances, and not surprisingly, it can get really complicated. Supposedly it is common with minor or major wars combined with intrigues and ''accidents'' to try to rule over a larger part of Frigonien, and as far as I understood Kari''s lessons about the mess, there are 3-5 major factions due to terrain, religion and family, but ''The Kingdom'' actually consists of something like 20-30 divisions depending on how that counting is done and who currently inherited who or married to whom etc. Many generations ago, it was a man who succeeded in creating the ''Kingdom'' of Frigonien. But King what-was-his-name had many sons who didn''t get along, and add a couple of alliances and promises the sons didn''t keep after their father''s death, and along with other families who thought it was their turn to rule, so the kingdom was divided and hasn''t been united since. Close, but fell on the finish line twice. One time due to a Viking army who had been persuaded that it was a good time to raid and loot, according to the idea that ''everyone loses, but my enemies lose more than me''. I mostly feel sorry for the common people there. Since it costs money to make war and requires warriors, there are usually attempts to ally and gather support outside the kingdom. Often through marriages or promises of land and so on. Religion in particular has been used several times because it motivates to fight for a cause, justify the actions, and costs less, but it is tricky if the enemy have the same religion. The latest information have just help to solidify Frigonien as something I won''t touch with a ten foot pole.


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    I understand why Gisela was bought, and given that description. She claims to be 16 years old, which is probably true, with beautiful long blonde hair down to her bum, light brown-grey eyes, good teeth and a large bust. She definitely has apperance similarities to Caecilia. Gisela can read and write High Frigones and East Frigones, but ''only'' knows a lot of words and a few phrases of the Norse language here that Frida has taught her, which is roughly what she should call her Master and Mistress, what things are called, praise the masculinity of her owner, that she is untouched and how much she wants to spend time in her master''s bed etc. Definitely trained, and not seriously meant. Of course, the maids here haven''t dropped their indoctrination in such a short time, so of course they''ve taught Gisela that given her ''description'', and I asked them to teach each other ''useful skills''. In any case, it amuse Iselin and Jane, and Jane amuse herself by teasing Iselin for looking jealously at Gisela''s breasts. Iselin also give youngest Soma enviously looks, who actually seems to have a bigger bust, but that might have to do with body proportions as well.


    Anyway, Gisela is some form of low nobility if you go by her language, history and behaviour. She was kept by some powerful man in Avalune on probably the south coast of England as insurance, but when her immediate family was decimated in a war during late summer, Gisela lost her value and was sold as a ''beautiful virgin bed slave'', with Gisela again repeating that she is a virgin, which I''m not going to be the one to change. She has only been a slave since the end of the summer slash early autumn, so about 3 months. Gisela shows that she has a beautiful singing voice, even if it''s not really my taste in music.


    If my merchant ship Nostromo heading for southwest hadn''t already left, I probably would have freed Gisela and sent her back home. But she will live here at the B-mansion until the ship comes back and in the meantime Frida can help her learn the Norse language. It might be useful to have another maid in the mansion, but difficult when she doesn''t know the language, although someone who speaks, reads and writes fluently High and East Frigonese might be useful in the future. But Kari, Ciara and Frida seem to be good enough, even if Ciara is alone with High Frigones, and doesn''t seem to pronounce it that well. Maybe I should ask if Ciara want to practice with Gisela? I just don''t want to pressure Ciara, and I know that Ciara was not the best student, nor was her education prioritized by her family. Ciara doesn''t even try to learn Laitje beyond greeting phrases. Iselin and I are the biggest students of Laitje, although Alith and Kari also practice, but not as much. I have to admit I am not the best Laitje student either. I''m not exactly motivated and have so many other things to do, but it''s an advantage to have a personal maid whose native language is what I''m trying to learn. Caecilia talk to me in Laitje a lot so I will learn to understand it quite well, but I just have to admit that Iselin has a hell of a lot better memory and more dedication in learning the language. Learning another language well is also a status thing for Iselin.


    There is some humour in the fact that neither Kari nor Ciara have noticed that the other speak a different type of Frigones, but both were probably not present when it was spoken or a subject for discussion. I need to get Kari to look at those books that Ciara couldn''t read. I also need to talk to my partners about Gisela. Maybe Gisela can articulate better than Kari and improve the translation of my math books? But will Kari feel insulted if I ask?

 Midwinter calling - day 29, Upgrades

    Midwinter calling, day 29


    Upgrades


    All the maids have been up early and the morning begins with a good breakfast of eggs, fish, bread, jam and a few ''winter'' vegetables. Experiencing just one night in the B-mansion makes it so clear how much better and more comfortable the Ackerek mansion is, and how nice it is to avoid fire baskets and fireplaces. There aren''t even many fireplaces here, and of course no real chimneys. Several of the rooms cannot be heated in the winter but have used coal in a form of an open iron fire basket much like a tent at the Tosra Gathering. It feels so damn primitive and really medieval, plus the risk of fire increases a lot not to mention the smoke and carbon monoxide poisoning.


    So, together with the workers, we take a thorough look at the B-mansion. I''m taking pictures, video and notes and upgrades on the B-mansion shouldn''t be that hard to do well, and the boiler will be in the old ''training room'' because it''s possible to run copper pipes up and down there and there is a hole from the yard that can be used as a fire wood chute. That room will feel really good to remodel and turn into something completely different. It''s an bit oversized, but it doesn''t matter if most of the space just becomes firewood storage.


    The same hole from the yard can be used to run a water pipe down, so there will be rain gutters on the roof and the water will be led to a large copper container in the basement room, where the overflow is led further out through the ''hole''. However, I like backup and it should be possible to use the small pond and stream outside to pump water into a well in the yard to make it easier for animal husbandry and watering. A hidden pipeline underground is a lot of work to do, but I''m happy to pay for it. Dual systems are good when it''s for important stuff like fresh water. Hot water will be two tanks, one that is heated by the kitchen chimney and is for the kitchen''s needs, and a larger one that is heated by waste heat from the steam boiler in the basement and becomes hot water for the bathroom/laundry room/toilets. They are going to do a lot of masonry work, and improve all the fireplaces with chimneys, and put in a couple of more fireplaces, so that the B-mansion has double heating methods just like the A-mansion. It won''t be possible everywhere, but almost. Chimney sweeping will be a little trickier to do here, but shouldn''t be too difficult or dangerous. One chimney used only for room heating, will also have a small balcony slash tower add-on, simply because there is a load bearing wall and it is possible with a practical place for a staircase to get up and down there, and the view will be nice.


    The kitchen will definitely be upgraded, and as much as we can, it will be a replica of the A-mansion''s kitchen. The whole smoke hood has to be replaced anyway, so they will build a ''modern'' stove with a bread oven. Everyone is so damn impressed with it, and the stove makes certain cooking so much easier, so of course it will get done here too. A proper bathroom with a shower can be built, but it shouldn''t be much of an issue to make a small addition to the main building against the stable for four separating toilets and a small combined bath and wash room, as well as a sauna. Generally the people here have washed and bathed outdoors in the stream and pond. The living part of the stable must be improved anyway, so it is just work I happily pay for.


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    To increase the thermal insulation, the roof of the mansion will be much better insulated, and there will also be insulation in some places between the floors, but that will have to wait until we have Laxlanda sawmill planks available. It is no more difficult than attaching planks to the ceiling on the floor below and filling the space with insulation, just like in the A-mansion. It''s nice with both the heat insulation and sound dampening. We will upgrade the windows with a double glass solution and replace the outer windows with rebar security windows. They work well and it will just feel better. I''ll talk to the window manufacturer about the same special windows here with built-in ventilation. The windows are already high and narrow, and we take measurements and make notes. Likewise, the front and back door will be replaced with a security door solution, and it will be tight against the door frame, instead of the gaps it is now. We don''t live here, so if the renovation takes two or three months to do, it''s not a problem.


    We''ll split up to do today''s shopping. Jane and Iselin take Ida, Hillevi and Bodil to the seamstress guild to get things, and will then go to the jeweller for Jane''s jewellery, and on to the saddle maker for the special saddles. Then they have to collect all the clogs and so on.


    It is only the third time in her life that Ida is in Borgarsandr, so huge for her, and she really loved being able to make the trip to far away Kambsnes. Ida will get her quarterly salary so she has some silver to buy something with although most of it will probably be saved. I''ve asked Iselin to surprise Ida with cheaper everyday underwear, although most people here don''t really understand the point of panties after going their whole life without them, and they mostly see it like a variant of sleep wear and luxurious. However, many people like bras once they get used to them, and especially after Jane''s improvements. Not unexpectedly, women with larger busts like Alith and Caecilia like them the most. Soma and Gisela are likely future candidates. Jane has kept the system I introduced with 2 cm difference between each size, and in runes, because Jane agrees it makes sense. She has never liked the double or triple letter systems, or that there are several different systems. Plus manufacturers variations.


    I probably have a lot waiting for me at Digraldi and have to go around to many places, and even if I hate riding, I still have to visit the wagon maker, and can use the cargo wagon. The winter wagon will be my sambos. So that I don''t run into my sambos at the Jeweller''s, that is my first stop. Alith will of course come along inside, but I''ll leave Caecilia and Ciara outside.

 Midwinter calling - day 29, Shopping spree

    I am surprised when I see a ship similar to the Eagle lying in the harbour, but it is a little bigger, and higher both front and back, and the hull is different. The planks lie against each other instead of overlapping as they do on Longships, Knarrs, Cogs and the Eagle. I feel stupid when I get museum flashbacks and realise that is called a caravel ship regardless of the design, as the name is from the construction method. I shouldn''t be surprised that the shipbuilders here used a technique they were used to, but it must have made the design more complicated. All the larger ships I know of later in history were not built like Longships and Knarr with overlapping planks, but had flat hulls with planks butting against each other. It must be for good reasons, and I suppose a larger ship needs to be stiffer and stronger when loads from sails and waves are spread out over a larger hull. A box where everything is properly attached and secured to each other will do better. So the Eagle is probably about as big as the design should be, although there were 30-35m Longships. If I''m going to build much larger ships, it should be with caravel technology. But then I need to get hold of shipbuilders who can do it. Urgh! Now I am annoyed since I shouldn''t call the Eagle a caravel. The Eagle is probably a Frankenstein ship. I should also design better more modern anchors that take up less space and is better for different sea bottom condition, and make sure the Eagle has a few extra anchors.


    Well, it is as it is. So I take the opportunity to discreetly take several pictures.


    <hr>


    The jeweller is happy to see me, and I ask if he has received my order, which he confirms, again promising to always fulfill all orders from me. With the distinct sketches etc, there was no doubt that it was an order from me. He tells us that the silver balls were problematic, but he is proud to have succeeded and shows them lying in a wooden box on top of cloth. Silver quality is what I wanted, and the smaller ones weigh about 1.3 ounces each, and the larger ones 1.8 ounces, even if I have to pay a little more because of work, that''s to be expected. The three plugs are also finished.


    Not unexpectedly, a lot of gold and silver changes hands, where I get silver balls, plugs, gold necklaces with precious stones, and he gets pure gold and silver from me. I''m spending too much silver on things like these, but I''m rich, and they are after all worth their weight in silver anyway. I tell him that my sambos will show up, but he has to keep this job a secret and that I wasn''t here. He just nods and smiles.


    Alith gives me suspicious looks and before we go out she discreetly asks if the silver balls are some kind of sex thing. She had probably already figured out who made Ciara''s ''jewel'', as well as she saw the three new ones, and of course she has a hard time figuring out what else it could be for. I did informed her about allergies and what metals are good for, and have several times said that I only see silver as useful as jewellery or payment. Silver is fairly useless for anything else although it is a good electrical conductor and can be used for mirrors or in some chemistry, but that doesn''t apply to the silver balls. So I confirms yes, they are a sex thing and if she is nice and keep quiet about it, even to Ciara, she can try when they''re done. Someone has to be the one to test if my idea works, and Alith gets a smile when say she will sacrifice herself to make sure it is safe.


    It''s kind of amusing and very nice how Alith changes her posture and manner if it''s just the two of us alone, like when we were hunting and as soon as we left the others she was my friend who used Robert, to when we have others around and Alith is more proper with different posture, positioning and addressing me with Lord.


    <hr>


    Digraldi is very happy to see me. He congratulates and thanks for the wedding invitation and promises he will be there, like everyone else he has heard the rumours about the mansion. I update him that my ship the Eagle will be in the harbour at the Merchant Empire and leave Borgarsandr very early two days before, so coming the night before is a good idea if he wants to use the boat, which he is happy to do.


    We change the subject and talk about my cannon. It was one of the hardest and heaviest projects he''s done, and they seem proud of it, thanking for the sketches that helped them avoid mistakes. The cannon is bigger, heavier and much more expensive than I thought. Bronze is heavy, most of it is copper, and this is like 5-6 man weights of it. Oops. Kind of obvious that I made some mistake in my calculations. It will be difficult to move and lift, but I have planned to have the cannon on wheels. Hopefully the cannon should hold up well and I hope there aren''t any internal cavities, but I also don''t intend to shoot with a powder charge of 40-50% of the cannon balls weight.


    Digraldi shows me the rest he has done in the last few weeks, and as expected, the craftsmanship is just as good as I hoped it would be. Some of the parts for the future eccentric press are also large and heavy, but I have expected that since they need to be. I would have rather made them in iron, but iron casting is not done here and it would not have been cheaper. Ironically they mine copper and several other metals as tin, lead and so on, but at least here, most iron is bog iron and collected. Thick heavy bronze is better than wood when it comes to stability and precision, and it is just good that a flywheel have a higher density, since mass in motion is the purpose. The tools themselves will be made of hardened steel, but bigger tools might be bronze with iron inserts.


    The electric motors housings might work well, and so might their bearings, but as expected there are a lot of fine work I have to do by hand. The actual parts for the magnets, and the rotors that will be an electromagnet have been made in iron according to sketches. Digraldi does not usually work in iron, but he can work in it. I have no idea how strong the motors will be, or power they will draw, which is a reason there are two different sizes. A small 5 cm diameter I hope can drive a fan or something small, and a larger 15 cm and more powerful one we''ll see what it works for. A lot also depends on how thick copper wire I wind the rotor with and in what way.


    Digraldi says he''ll load his wagon and send it to my ship, and grins when he says he''s ordered a new cargo wagon, the same model I made with fold-down seats on the sides and a simpler tent roof and sides. I say that the drum brakes work well, but we are still testing wear and which ones work best in all weather and time of year. However, it is a good idea to order more parts, for many more carts, so I do. The prototype works well, and it''s time to equip the remaining wagons and carriages with it. Then I take out more sketches and order other things like the winches for the timber wagons. These won''t be as oversized as the winch was on the ship, but powerful enough and more geared. A big heavy winch is not a good idea since it will be on a heavy loaded wagon pulled by animals, and the wagon won''t have a real free-lifting crane and the winch is for pulling up logs via a ramp. This is followed by the drawings for propeller parts, shafts, gears, modified drum brakes and a few other things. I''m going to pick up my small steam boiler, and in the future I''m going to get a suitable boat, so I need to finish the rest before then.


    I can buy more lead ingots from him, and also more tin for soldering and table top miniatures, plus copper and other stuff. I''ve got a decent workshop now, so I will be doing more metal work.


    <hr>


    Wagon maker Obaeinn greets me warmly. Business is going great! He''s happy to pay my part of the deal, because I''ve got so many rich and powerful interested. The Royal Family, Councilor Efi, Jarl Skiringe, Jarl Naeswulf and Storman Maurr. He have a queue! Obaeinn and his apprentice Erlindr are not enough, so he has hired two men to help. Craftsmen have also started asking for the wagons. My cargo wagon is finished, and they are proud to show it and the six extra wheels I will have for cannons. But I''ve ordered extra wheels before so they don''t even ask, they were just a little worried that any existing wheels have broken.


    Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    So I order two more cargo wagons as I want one in Laxlanda and one here in Borgarsandr, a timber wagon and another covered ''winter carriage'' in a new style. Jane has sketched quite a few carriages, but I will introduce them a bit later. The new carriage is a little bigger and more luxurious and with a better turning mechanism, and it will be possible to change the bed to sleep in it pretty much as the summer carriage. It could be useful if someone is sick or wounded. The timber wagon is interesting because it is longer and will have to handle a lot of weight and load, so the wagon is much stronger and has double the wheels in the back, and they are stronger and wider too, as well as matching stronger suspension. The timber wagon also has fold-out support legs and a couple of too chests below the bed, plus ramps. We''ll see how well they can do it, and how good the timber wagon will be. The timber wagon is more of an experiment, so we''ll see. I don''t have to worry about ordering an ice wagon until later this winter.


    <hr>


    My stand alone steam boiler is finished and the blacksmith will deliver it to the Eagle. It will be fun to see how good it is, and how well it can withstand pressure. The last one he made that is used to heat the mansion works well, but it runs on really low pressure. This need to work at higher, and has received reinforcement rings etc, but is also physically much smaller because I intended to try it on a boat. I already have the parts for three more steam engines, two 6cm and one 10cm, and I will try to use a 6 cm for this one, simply because the power is probably sufficient, and the boiler is smaller, so I need to use less steam.


    Again, the work is good enough that I order another house heating steam boiler, but with some improvements we discuss, because the Academy will need a steam boiler and that steam boiler will need to heat a very larger volume. Honestly, we might have to use two, and the Academy will be prepared for that.


    Ah, anchors! I quickly sketch two more modern types, where one is the kind with two teeth that move and bury in softer bottom, and other that is hook-shaped with a spade and arc out on the sides to get it to rotate and position correctly. Checking bottom condition, choosing the right anchor and learning its good and bad sides and how to best use it, is something for the crew to do.


    <hr>


    The window maker greet us well, which I understand as I am his best customer ever, and he promises to send what he has made to my ship during the day. A couple of days ago, he delivered windows to my constructions in Laxlanda. In addition to all the windows for the B-mansion, and all skylight windows for the workshops, I take the opportunity to order some larger glass panes as well, as it is sometimes more practical for some work. I also place an order for the first 50 windows for the Academy, of which 10 are specially reinforced with iron bars. When I ask if he received an order from Jarl Skiringe for similar reinforced windows, the window maker just smiles and says he is waiting for them to be picked up. I give him a heads up that there will also be orders from King Aeriksson in the future. It would have been difficult to get any agreement deal on special windows now, but considering the huge discount I''m getting? I''m happy. The window maker has definitely realised that the market for windows can increase, as in addition to what I buy, I push others to install and buy. Next spring or summer I should let him visit the islands to see how all the glass has been used, because he is definitely curious and have heard rumours.


    <hr>


    The Academy will require doors as well, so we visit the same blacksmith as last time, and I order four security doors, of which one is a really nice double door for the main entrance. We will visit carpenters to place an order for thirty regular doors for the Academy. From various carpenters we place several large orders for furniture for the school such as tables, chairs, benches, beds, bunk beds and shelves. Some furniture will be simpler, some more ornate, and many are of a different design than what is normal here. It is so much that I have spread it out to several separate artisans with their own apprentices, who are not unexpectedly very happy. I say that I need everything ready in three months at the beginning of spring, but will collect and pay later when I visit here. They can also deliver to my Merchant Empire.


    <hr>


    Potter Ruskva has done a really good job, and she is so terribly relieved. My works is always so strange. Her daughter Svala seems extra proud of my praise, and Ruskva confirms that she did a lot of the work. It''s actually kind of funny that, just like the jeweller and Digraldi, they didn''t question that the orders really came from me, because it''s the same kind of sketches and drawings of strange things they don''t understand the use of. I am the only customer she''s ever had that orders strange things like these. It''s quite funny how Ruskva and her daughter have put in a lot of effort, just because it was me, and ensure I know that all jobs from me will be accepted. They don''t seem to understand any of the more ''personal'' things they designed and made, but it disappears in everything else I''ve ordered.


    Both the electrical plugs and contacts are earthenware molded in two parts, which will clamp blade contacts and are screwed together with screws and nuts. The ''large'' one is good enough and has such useful niceties as a wider blade contact to be zero, and the contact cannot be reversed due to it. It''s mostly DC systems and often LEDs, so that was important, but there are ground connectors on the side, so in the future that might be changed. The socket will be screwed onto the outside of walls, but the hole for the plug is slightly recessed so that it is hard or not possible to access the live blade when the plug is inserted. The plug and socket are, for easily explained reasons, very reminiscent of an older hard plastic earthed 230V electrical connector in Swedish households, but with blade contacts. In the future I hope to be able to punch out things like blade contacts to mass produce it, and it''s easier to make flat things that work well than round ones. The small connector would probably have worked well electrically for most of my electrical use, but is primarily intended for low power and has four blade contacts plus ''screen'', and is inspired by a DIN connector but with flat pins. I tell Ruskva to manufacture three times as many more, and significantly more insulators of several types, they have no idea what I will use all those things for, but are happy for the work. I''ll probably also give Ruskva an invitation to the island sometime next year.


    Even after taking into account the clay shrinkage, the parts of the electric motor do not fit completely on the electric motor shaft, but I have expected that. In the future, I will probably be able to provide ready-made templates that can be modeled after.


    The fact that I only order strange things is proven even more by the fact that I order many more updated sinks with drain plugs, drain pipe segments and bidets. I will need more crucibles with lids for steel so I will order 50 of those too, because they will be used sooner or later, and once I start making machines it will go quickly because one is used up for each melting. I might eventually sell it, so I have them add a small Academy logo at the bottom of 40 of the crucibles. The logo is symmetrical, so she doesn''t have to think about making it mirrored. The last thing I order is more brake pads for drum brakes. She did a great job on them, and I want more. They wear, but it''s manageable. I just want a good stock when I need to change.


    <hr>


    The glazier greets me warmly and is eager to show me the updated oven. My points about how the oven and door could be improved for limited reheat works really well even though it takes more coal. He has already made deck prisms for my ships and delivered them to Ovdhon for installation, and he has supplied glass for my ''current ferry'' in Laxlanda. I order some wooden doors for shelves that have glass, but I intend to fit them with locks myself, and do the final fitting to the shelves. I could have ask the window manufacturer, but I want to spread the orders out a bit. He has succeeded with most of what was ordered, and above expectations, which honestly was quite low, and the sex toys are also good. The lab glass will be useful although I have to test how they withstand fire. I''m used lab glass being Pyrex heat-resistant glass, but Pyrex is a brand name, and the name doesn''t say what kind of glass it really is. Boro-something? And how do I even identify it? I''ll have to try tempering some of the glass.


    I ask him to make three hour glasses and we go over my sketches of how they should look, size and how small the hole between them should be. I ask if he can arrange wooden frames for them himself or I will do it, with leather discs at the ends against the glass, but he is willing to arrange it. I give him clear instructions for them as well, such that they must be able to be taken apart and how, although I don''t say it is to get sand in, or more likely really finely powdered eggshell. Getting fine sand is tricky. Finely crushed eggshells isn''t. I have no idea how long these hour glasses will time. I tried pouring fine sand through a hole and calculated the volume, but I can calibrate with the volume. I hope that 15, 20 or 30 minutes will be possible. And then I will know how big to make future hour glasses.


    <hr>

 Midwinter calling - day 29, Calling Ackerek

    I am focusing on making an antenna cable from thinner copper wire, building a feeder line and setting up the antennas, since I also mount the simpler loop antenna. This ground is also bedrock and bad for radio, and there is no huge copper roof to use. It is ''only'' 45km as the crow flies to Ackerek''s mansion, but it will be interesting if this works and how the antennas affect the signal. After all, the NVIS signal has bounced up in the ionosphere and travelled many times further and become greatly attenuated on the way, so there is a huge signal loss that I can''t do shit about, which is called path loss in English. Only after that does it affect minimizing loss in the antenna, antenna cable, the radio''s input filter and amplification. So the strongest possible signal is amplified. In most cases, minimizing losses and tuning are most important in combination with receiver sensitivity and selectivity. Then comes pure transmitter power, and the difference between 0.5 watt or 32 watt is smaller than many people think even in direct line of sight contact. The general rule is that it takes 4 times more power to reach twice as far. So 0.5 watt to 32 watt gives about 8 times the range - not 64 times - but attenuation in terrain makes a bigger difference so it''s not sure that the signal is good enough and get that reach. But power can make the difference from a weak noisy or chopped up signal that is barely decipherable to a signal that is weak but clear. The good thing about going with NVIS sky bounce is that I don''t have to care what the ground is in between.


    There is a small awkward chamber of not even four square meters that is suitable as a permanent radio room here in the B-mansion, as the chamber has a small narrow glass window that lets in light, and where I can pull out the antenna wire. There is an accessible roof a few meters outside which makes antenna attachment easier, and I can attach the loop antenna close by and that way access its tuning strings. Alith help me move out one of the shelves that is in the new radio room, but keeps another and I find a small desk-like table with two drawers in one of the bedrooms and a couple of chairs that we move into the radio room. I''ve heard that the others have returned to the B-mansion and said hello to a couple, but everyone knows we''re going to test the radios, so they avoid disturbing me.


    It''s a bit early but when the time starts to approach everything is ready enough and I start listening with the headphones. About half a minute apart, I send two short signals followed by a long, pause and repeat the same signal. To say I can hear my heart beating is no understatement, but the headphones also block out some ambient noise. This is so important, both for the future and for my own confidence. Iselin and Alith sit dead silent on chairs next to each other.


    After only few attempts, I hear the same code repeated. Kari has started broadcasting, and I feel a huge relief that I hear something. She must have been sitting in front of the radio waiting. So I reply, and immediately I get the same thing back. It works and the others understand when they see my smile and activity, and seeing Iselin''s face is its own reward. I ask Kari to send signals so I can tune my antenna, and I slowly move the tuning knob until the signal is strongest and clearest. I try muting the signal and still hear it fine but scan to find the strongest point, and I feel my smile grow as I switch back to full signal and switch to the speaker. Iselin and Alith are curious as hell, and we hear the tones from the speaker clearly. Kari finishes her transmission and asks me to transmit so she can also tune her station, and we switch back and forth a bit with simple tests. I am glad the squelch works too, because even if it''s a bit too slow and mess up Norse code, the squelch can be on until you actually start listening, and then it turns off. At least it keeps the person monitoring the radio from listening to noise, and as a bonus it also minimize power consumption as the speaker isn''t making white noise.


    We start sending simple messages back and forth and the wonderful tones are heard beautifully, both in sound and how they sound in ''softness''. It was worthwhile to do some smooth CW switching. I don''t bother to replace and try the loop antenna, because I just want to keep using the radio. Iselin takes a photo of me after filming a bit, and takes a photo of us kissing beside the radio while Alith fetch the others. The room is immediately packed and they stand inside or look in through the door; everyone is quiet and can hear the Norse conversation back and forth, and I write down on a slate what is being said. I send the code for us to go into voice mode which Kari confirms. So I adjust the microphone and switch to AM mode, and Iselin whispers that the camera is recording. Deep breath.


    "Kari. Kari. Kari." There is silence for what feels like eons.


    "Kari listening. Shift." Kari''s voices comes out clearly from the speakers even if it''s a little low, so I turn up the volume on the radio and the speaker.


    "Hi Kari, this is Robert calling Ackerek. You can be heard clearly. Shift."


    "Robert. You can be heard clearly too. Shift." I can really hear the joy in her voice, and that it is Kari who is talking.


    "Kari, we now have the first real radio conversation in Alfheimr history. Shift."


    "Robert. I know!" It''s quiet for a while, and Kari has a hesitant voice when she comes back. "I don''t know what to say. Shift."


    There are some giggles and relieved laughs behind me.


    "Kari, you''re doing a great job. Iselin is bouncing on the chair beside me so I''ll let her talk next time. Shift."


    I push the microphone to the side so it is in front of Iselin. I will take care of the radio, and we hear Kari''s voice: "Iselin, can you hear me? Shift."


    Iselin takes a deep breath and begins to speak. "Kari, this is Iselin. I can hear you clearly. This is amazing. Shift."


    "Iselin, we are a whole day''s sailing apart and we can talk with these wonderful radio boxes Robert built. I hear it is your voice. This is beyond amazing. I have just given Gunhild the earpiece so she can hear and talk. Shift."


    I wave Bodil forward since she deserve to be first on this side after her job with radio parts and the headphones. The microphone is pushed to a free place so that everyone can come forward and try while I continue to manage the radio. I tell them to just speak calmly at a normal conversational level.


    "Gunhild can you hear me? This is Bodil. Shift."


    "Bodil! I hear you! I really hear you!"


    There is silence for a while, then we hear Kari breaking in. "Gunhild has finished talking but forgot to say shift. Shift."


    "Kari, it''s good you''re doing it for her. Jane and Alith are excited about saying something and I''ll let one by one say something now without switching back to you."


    "This is Jane. Robert, you''re a nerd, but a wonderful nerd. This is Bloody Awesome! Radio in the Viking Age! And I just said the first English words over proper long distance radio!"


    "This is Alith. I just wanted to say something too, but it feels strange talking into a wood and brass box and know it can be heard so very far away. Shift."


    It goes back and forth like that, with nothing really to say, but everyone wants to try and it''s conversations at a distance. We are ''only'' 45km from each other and this is absolutely wonderful. It works fine before the sun have set, and as we continue to talk the signal conditions gets slightly better. Ciara surprises Kari by playing a simple piece for us on the harp, but with the microphone close to the sound box, it transfers well enough according to Kari and Gunhild. Once we finish, I tell Kari and Gunhild to try to have a nice evening, but we can talk a bit tomorrow at sunrise too, because I want to try changing the antenna and stuff.


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    This is so worth celebrating. Iselin took pictures and filmed as I asked her to, and Jane did too, and I hope Kari filmed a little. Jane will sketch this in the history book. It was probably the first real radio conversations on Alfheimr, and also music playing via radio. Jane is confused by references to Norse code, but facepalm and starts to laugh when I tell her I named the morse code system to Norse code. She really loves that, but the others don''t understand what''s so funny about it. Eventually I explain to Iselin even though she still doesn''t really get the humour. If you need to explain a joke, it loses a lot, and she don''t get the context.


    <hr>


    The joyous atmosphere for radio is not made worse by the fact that all residents of B-mansion get to try out clogs, and they each get a pair. I make it clear that it''s not something they have to use, but it''s an option I want them to try and feel free to give their opinions on, good or bad.


    Jane is so smug when she proudly shows the other women her two pairs of high heels with 8 cm stiletto heels that she finally got made for her. The reaction is not what Jane expected, and Jane loudly complain and call the other women barbarians and philistines, who do not understand the greatness of high heels. I can only agree with my sambos when no one buy the concept of stiletto heels, and everyone agree they are completely impractical, and will sink into the ground and be dangerous to walk around in. Alith seems to like the idea of gaining the height but thinks the shoes are utterly useless and life-threateningly bonkers, although everyone is impressed when Jane shows that she can jog in them and dance, and Jane looks awfully good in her slim Midg?rd jeans with her stiletto heels. Not something seen in this world before, and the heels also work well with the slim tight dress she also had made for her and want to show off. Many of the women appreciate and understand the dress, and of course Jane looks damn good in it too. Apart from the ones with slits, I''ve not seen anything like that here, and the slit dresses are nowhere near that red tight dress she had to lace on, with one slit freeing up her legs enough to walk. Jane definitely isn''t wearing a bra or panties under her dress, and Jane have a satisfied smile and is smugly pleased that I noticed. I should be used to it, because almost everyone goes commando.


    Damn, when Jane is flirty and playful like this, it''s hard to see Jane as just a friend, but I''m afraid of losing our friendship and disappointing the others. Thank Gods I already have several sambos, but damn hormones and the devil on my shoulder. The question is how much of Jane''s behaviour is her true self? Maybe it''s just normal flirting that isn''t meant to be anything deeper, or deliberate seduction to mess with me. Both seem likely. What does Jane really think and feel about me?


    The others have not noticed my thoughts, but Jane has changed tactics to justify high heels and get them to embrace stilettos greatness. Her explanation hits home when she say that beside the gain in height and to some extent different body profile, if you can wear shoes like these and a dress which is restricted and impractical to move in, it is a sign of wealth and prosperity. You can have such impractical expensive clothes and shoes specifically because you are rich, and you don''t have to do any work in it, and your home have good nice floors that allow you to walk in such shoes.


    Show, don''t tell; female edition.


    Iselin''s protests that Jane shouldn''t wear outdoor shoes indoors, ends immediately when Jane explain that her shoes are primarily for walking indoors and feeling sexy in, because they don''t work well outside in nature where all other shoes work. Stiletto heels are inside shoes. The third pair with a slightly lower and solid wedge heel actually seems to appeal to Alith, and they''re not completely impractical. No stiletto heel that can get caught in dresses, and the small step in the heel makes the feet stay better in stirrups. I believe that was a big reason why heeled shoes were created and heels are still found on, among other things, cowboy and riding boots, and low heels are something everyone can see a use for.


    Jane puts me in the spotlight when she gets me to admit that I think what she is wearing looks good, because anything else would be a big lie. Jane is discreetly showing Iselin a few pictures of her Midg?rd shoe collection on her phone, so I also confirm that it is common with heels for Midg?rd women, and collecting shoes is a big interest for a lot of women.


    However, I am impressed with the craftsmanship. Of course it easy to see that these shoes are made here and not in Midg?rd, but they are impressively well made in thin shaped leather with even small stitches. Apparently, Bodil has secretly helped Jane make wooden templates for her feet, as well as a simple prototype that the shoemaker could use. According to Jane, it''s a steam-formed, laminated wooden sole with red-dyed leather on the bottom, since that for some fashion reason is important. The top half of the heel is in dark wood while the bottom half is in brass and it narrows down to the tip that is approx. 8 mm in diameter. It''s a nice contrast between the goldish metal, dark wood that has been oiled darker to match the leather on the top and overall the shoe goes nicely with Jane''s skin, black hair and red dress. I am not a shoe person, but it looks like really good craftsmanship, especially for being made here. I understand that Jane is very happy with the heels and praised the shoemaker, and it probably couldn''t be done much better, although she has a few things she wanted him to do differently and she wants a couple of other designs. These are after all basically prototypes. Jane obviously like the she can get hand-made heels, and that they are probably the first in this world.


    Jane wildly objects to some of my suggestions due to ''Fashion Sense''. She has one and I don''t, so I should just shut the fuck up when it comes to shoes and clothes, which Iselin and Caecilia obviously agree with when Jane, with my help, manages to explain what ''Fashion Sense'' means. Even Ciara and Alith nod in a matter-of-factly way, which feels like a small betrayal. Is it really so wrong to want discreet practical clothes without a lot of embroidery and jewellery or stupid fur accessories? That I think a truly magnificent dress isn''t actually worth a horse or three? Honestly, all of Jane''s heels combined are dirty cheap compared to a single one of those dresses, and Jane now has a small substitute for all her dearly missed Louboutin''s, Blahnik''s, Choo''s, etc, etc.


    Just a few minutes later, I see Iselin very carefully walking around in Jane''s other pair of high heels with a big smile - even though they don''t quite fit and Iselin doesn''t care - so I guess high heels are here to stay. Especially when I recognise Iselin humming Rihanna''s ''Umbrella''. How many times has she actually listened to that song? Shit. I know Iselin was impressed by Rihanna''s shoes in the ''Umbrella'' video, or just Rihanna as a whole. I had to copy all the Rihanna songs I had to the little MP3 player. In retrospect, it has become obvious why she liked Rihanna, and Iselin have continued to notice clothes and shoes when we watched movies or she have seen pictures. In the end, Iselin is soon a Furstess and our home will be her domain, and if she want a pair I don''t really care. Both Iselin and Jane look sexy, but the shoes won''t show under the common long dresses, but feeling sexier and more confident makes them a little sexier, and I don''t mind letting Iselin wrap me around her fingers.


    <hr>


    After supper, Caecilia plays music for us. She is really good and seems to know many pieces of music, and it is funny how she switches between Alfheimr music and Midg?rd music.


    I have talked to my sambos about it, and we are willing to give ?sa a chance to manage the new inn by the Laxlanda ferry. Honestly, her eagerness to be of service gets on my nerves, and she''s a bit bossy with the others. I believe ?sa will make an effort not to disappoint me, and at the same time it will probably become more harmonious here, although Elin can come along to help and act as support for ?sa, and will continue to teach ?sa to read-write and count.


    Of course, ?sa is overjoyed by the incredible responsibility and future life, and the others seem a little jealous. I really hope they don''t think it''s a reward for her annoying behaviour, and try to act the same. Guess I''ll have to make that understood once ?sa leave. She and Elin will take a couple of horses with them from the B-mansion and head there tomorrow morning. Iselin and Kari have arranged dresses, clothes and shoes for them and other staff there, as well as banners and lots of other things for the interior so it is beautiful and nice, plus pillows, mattresses, blankets and so on. Then everything they can think of that a household needs in practical things and for cooking, as well as food, mead and some wine. Iselin has arranged for everything to be shipped to Laxlanda with a ship that leaves tomorrow.


    We''ve told the staff here about the wedding and that we want two of them need to come with us to the mansion for the next month. Of course, everyone wants it even before ?sa''s offer, so we have a draw to decide which two it will be, which is won by Ima and black Shakini. I give Frida and Gisela the task of trying to get Gisela to learn the language reasonably well in the next few months over winter, and to improve reading and writing for everyone. I will need people who can read and write, even if it''s just as an assistant to someone who can''t.


    Iselin doesn''t have to work hard to convincing me that we should celebrate radio communication a little more intimately. She is a sensual sight in her new Fashion Teddy she proudly shows off. I should really give Jane a bonus for designing different types of underwear and sleepwear; it''s so worth it just to see Iselin in it, and Iselin loves it.

 Midwinter calling - day 30, Lights in the dark

    Midwinter calling, day 30


    Lights in the dark


    The two saleswomen for underwear come to the B-mansion and introduce themselves and we chat a bit as they technically work for me but I leave it to Iselin, Ciara and Jane to talk to them about their experiences so far wearing the underwear etc. I happily let them handle it, and instead spend the time playing with the radio and testing antenna tweaking.


    I talk with Kari over the radio and try the loop antenna, but the dipole is clearly better, although it can be a completely different main radiation angle and ionosphere condition as well. On the other hand, it is very good news that voice works with the loop antenna as well because it is a worse antenna. The dipole will remain here for future visits, so next time it is only a matter of bringing a radio and attaching the antenna leads, while the loop antenna will be brought home. Maybe try it on the ship?


    The tests are over but we continue to talk, and I quickly understand why Kari asked me to use headphones and not the speaker. Radio communication isn''t even a day old when it is first used for radio sex chatting, as Kari describe what she wants me to do to her when I returned to the island, and I think she is playing with herself. I did repeat that the chance of anyone listening is practically zero, but I think that tiny tiny chance is enough to entice Kari, while not enough to deter her.


    She needs to get laid.


    And I realise that is exactly what Kari is talking about and plans to be, in specific inventive ways.


    <hr>


    The sky is gray and it is still morning, but somewhere above the clouds the sun is up and we board the ship and set sails. We need to take advantage of the available daylight, although the wind and direction is bad and Asta warns that we probably have to anchor and spend a night like that. The gray gloomy day brings up the subject of lighthouses, and it is a good idea, but it feels like there are simply too few ships for that to be practical. However, it has to start somewhere and I hope to introduce lighthouses and get people used to the concept.


    I would like to have lighthouses on this stretch of the coast, but both Borgarsandr and Ackerek is deep inside an archipelago, so even two lighthouses for each location isn''t enough to guide a ship in or out to open sea. The 60 kilometer route between Borgarsandr and Ackerek will require an awful lot of lighthouses, and that applies for both the archipelago route and open sea route, and going both ways would require even more lighthouses. Automation isn''t an option, and although I can live with paying to have a lighthouse keeper on an island, there are so many islands, and so little boat traffic it''s impractical. Most of the time it''s just burning fuel for light that no-one will see or use.


    As far as practical navigation go, the stretch from the open sea south of Tosra in to Lysesund and Ackerek will require about six lighthouses if they are used for navigation, and all but one can be on the mainland or a large island were finding a lighthouse keeper is manageable, but still too costly. There need to be harbour lights too. Borgarsandr is about the same, but may be worth it to King Asbj?rn, to show that there is a safe passage in and possibly out in the dark when seafarers learn to navigate by lighthouse, because that trip in to the harbour or out to open sea take several hours and will extend the sailing day during the winter season at dusk and dawn. Lighthouses might attract more shipping and trade, and merchants going to other ports will spread the word about the system, and who to contact about lighthouses like those. I will bring it up with Asbj?rn during the wedding feast.


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    When it comes to the practical side of how the lighthouses will work, I will basically copy how it works in Midg?rd to steer towards a light, where there are colored fields on the sides. Probably yellowish white light straight ahead, with side fields in green or red to inform of which side of the correct white path you are. So you steer and sail towards the white light until you see the next lighthouse and steer into its white area and stay there until the next lighthouse and so on. It is possible to follow a long route from lighthouse to lighthouse. But that route will be slightly complicated as it will have to be adapted to use places and islands where lighthouses can be and work, as well as someone to be the lighthouse keeper. In some cases it would be possible to build the lighthouse on the mainland or large islands and have someone look after them as part of their daily life. But only in some cases.


    The light sources I have are also so weak, even if the lighthouse use the most powerful oil lamp with prisms or reflectors. The large reflector version can certainly work well enough for a fairly long distance if the weather is clear if the light is high, so proper lighthouse towers need to be built, and probably 8-10 meters. I believe a lighthouse light from about 10 meter above sea level can be seen from about 20km away, a few kilometers more if you climb higher up in the ship, but to reach 40km, a magnitude higher light height is required, i.e. 100m height. I can calculate it as I know the diameter of the Earth, but it is quite unimportant since I don''t have a powerful light source, especially since weak light won''t work in bad weather with low visibility. So more than 10 meters height is probably unnecessary, although a high tower will be a visible landmark during daytime navigation.


    One navigation technique is to know at what distance the lighthouse begins to dip below the horizon. If you see the lighthouse light appear and disappear as the ship goes up and down in the waves, you know the approximate distance to the lighthouse, and with a compass bearing to the lighthouse, you get a decent position fix. Even refraction of the light can give hints of distance, but only with a strong enough lighthouse.


    <hr>


    We didn''t make it all the way and we anchor for the night before it becomes too dark. I would have to be an absolute idiot to argue with my Captain to keep on sailing in the dark, and it''s really dark. The spinnaker helped, but if the wind is weak or from a bad direction, then the wind is weak and from a bad direction. I have jury-rigged the loop antenna on the back mast and try to use the radio. Again it works fine and even with voice, so I tell Kari where we are and that we''ll be home early tomorrow. I have Caecilia ask Asta to come in and it is entertaining when she hears Kari''s voice and when I let her talk to Kari. Asta speaks without introducing herself by name, but Kari recognise her voice and we can hear how pleased Kari is when she replies:


    "Hello Asta, this is Kari talking to you from our mansion on Ackerek. Now you know what Robert is going to equip the ship with."


    Kari and I show Norse code and who it is possible to transmit messages with tones, and she gets to try it too. I explained to Asta that I really plan to equip the ship with a radio like this, and a better antenna, but there will have to be some remodelling of the ship''s rigging to attach the better antenna, and it is something they will do while we are in Laxlanda. I explain that if the transmission is at night or at dusk and dawn and the Gods wills it, far longer contacts can be made, and I hope Norse with a radio like this will work over the entire area she has ever sailed and show her on the globe. And it can sporadically work at much longer distances. But the equipment is extremely valuable, because only a few can be made. I cannot replace it if it breaks in some ways or is lost. Not unexpectedly, Asta wants to learn everything she can about radio and vows to protect it with her life.

 Midwinter calling - day 31, Let there be light

    Midwinter calling, day 31


    Let there be light


    I really dislike short days with few daylight hours when our travel is depending on it, so it''s just an hour before noon when we finally anchor at Ackerek. If there hadn''t been a damn wide river, and I lived on an island, it would have been way quicker to take a carriage back from Borgarsandr. Or walked. I want a quicker ship. And ferries. It will take time to unload the cargo, but the crew know what to do and Hrappr help, and after that he need their help to transport the open summer carriage and new cargo wagon to Lysesund, so it is ready for our departure to Laxlanda tomorrow.


    The craftsmen are ready to replace the greenhouses temporary wooden panels and install the last windows. The greenhouse plants are coming along nicely and is starting to produce vegetables, although not much as the growing tempo is low. But it works! Overall our vegetable garden down by the barns works surprisingly well too. At least surprisingly for me and Jane. Urine mixed with ashes from the kitchen and steam boiler diluted to a 10% solution with water, seems to work quite well as a fertilizer, and we are doing scientific experiments with different types of fertilizers, and in the future will try different concentrations as well. Different sections on two different fields as well as parts of the vegetable garden, are given different fertilizers to see how much difference it makes compared to the control section without any fertilizer, and we also try to see how it affects different crops which have slightly different need. Classic fertilizer is known as NPK, which is nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K), and what we test is the urine-ash mixture, just urine, just ash, finely crushed bone from the meat we eat aka bone meal, and dung from the manure pile. There are risks with spreading things on crop and animal fields, so we won''t use human feces on root crops, and using bone meal doesn''t feel that good, but as long as it''s local and for plants and not in animal feed, it should be quite safe. Mad cow disease in the 1990s showed how dangerous it is with meat and bone meal that is imported and fed directly to animals as a nutritional supplement. I honestly just want to get all the animal and growing vegetables things done as I just can''t find it that interesting. Obviously important as hell, but interesting? No.


    I give the maids a quick demonstration of how to use the simple air humidifiers, and they are simple as it is just a stiff sheet of paper soak to up water. We hang the humidifiers on the radiators, and I tell them to check the humidifiers daily and fill up with water, and they should keep track and make a note about how much water each use per day. The greenhouse has led to discussions about humidity, and many know the problems with dry air on cold winter days, but have just accepted it as a natural part of life. Most find it funny that I of course do not accept it, and I have bought enough humidifiers to have in most rooms, and on every radiator in the rooms I spend time in. In the end, they don''t have to use the humidifiers, but now they can try the difference, and it''s a bit rewarding to see Jane almost facepalm with how simple the humidifiers are. She thought I would use something producing steam or water vapour.


    Kari lets us know that she got a visit from the local V?lva Gauthild about doing the marriage ceremony who is looking forward to it. That ceremony requires a V?lva, and Unn is ''only'' a Fj?lkunning.


    I take a shower, and I am not alone in enjoying a shower. I''m also not alone in the shower as Caecilia thinks it''s been far too long - again - and well; I admit it''s nice to make her happy. I hope it doesn''t bother Ima or Shakini who have moved in to Caecilia''s old room, but it is a stone wall between, and they might as well get used to it.


    It still feels a bit dirty and wrong considering Caecilia''s age, but that is easy to ignore when she have her arms wrapped around my neck and I feel her nails on my back and the pressure from her legs wrapped around my hips, as I enjoy the sensation and the way her breasts rhythmically squeeze and move against me as she rides me pushed up against the wall. I have a squeeze her butt cheeks, while she maniacally pushes my head and mouth against hers with a hand on the back of my head.


    <hr>


    I''ve given Caecilia, Ida and Hrappr the task of having the island inhabitants try which clogs fit them best, and that include the craftsmen and slaves. Caecilia will collect information about sizes, amount and which gender. Each pair is marked with burned-in size runes. We need feet information to estimate future quantity. After that they will just give away the clogs to try them out, and explain why they get the clogs and I need honest feedback that can be anonymous. They will prioritize the inhabitants, followed by the craftsmen and slaves and prioritize those who will stay during winter. If it turns out that there is missing sizes, make a note and it will be bought in the future, or made once the sawmill and carpentry is done. Good enough durable cheap shoes that can handle a bit of mud and wet will be very important, and will have a far bigger market than Jane''s high heels.


    <hr>


    Now that the radios have proven to work very well, Iselin, Kari and Asta are helping me do the final touches for the mansions antenna and a permanent radio installation in the guards day room. It doesn''t need much more than a table with a chair, and most of the time the space will be unused, but the carpenters will build a new small custom desk with a couple of shelves on top, with a front cover for the lowest space that can be lifted up and pushed in above the radio with its accessories. That way the radio will be hidden and protected when not in use, and there will be a hidden latch in the decoration to lock it open or closed. Shit happens etc. The shelves and a couple of drawers will house accessories, a couple of books, two slates, a radio logbook and ink and so on. Each radio contact and message must be recorded. The desk will replace the rooms small extra table and we will move their small wall lamp so that it is attached to the top of the desk on a moving arm. There might be a need for radio contact at night, and they can still use the desk for smaller games or so at night.


    Since there isn''t much to do after setting up the radio, we continue with a proper antenna installation on the ship. I don''t really know which antenna is best for the ship, so I''ll try a couple of different ones, and it will probably be Asta''s job to try antennas, but for now the ship will have the loop antenna, which I know works at least to Borgarsandr and I think it will work decently for most use. That the boat floats on salt water might help. It''s a simple practical installation because the sails move and rigging ropes are a bit in the way and this ship has Lateen sails and the spinnaker. I don''t really know how to get a long dipole out of the way of the sails when they switch sides of the mast when tacking, because ship''s performance is important. We have talked about changing the sailplan, but that is not decided yet.


    In any case, the ships radio gets its own place inside Asta''s cabin, and just like in the mansion, a switch is put on the wall before the antenna is connected to the radio, so if there is nearby thunder, or an electrical storm, it is best to switch over and disconnect the radio and ground the antenna to protect the radio''s receiver. The antenna can also be normally disconnected and just connected when the radio is in use. The antenna switch also switches the radio''s output into a resistive load, aka dummy load. It''s one of those safety things that also includes a high-ohm resistor to protect against static charge, and the output tuning means that there is no direct connection between the antenna and sensitive mosfets. The crew will attach a zinc sacrificial anode to the ship by the rudder to ground to the seawater.


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    Asta really wants to learn the radio, and Gunhild was the first of the guards to say she wanted to learn radio handling and Norse code, but the others follow right after, so I have promise that everyone will learn and they will probably be better than me. Training and use makes increase skill, and they will also try using bullroarers for Norse code. Jane still gets a smile when she hears someone say Norse code. She really loves that name, and also wants to learn it because radio is super modern, and she is right: It is somewhat ironic that I actually introduced properly tuned radios before telegraphy.


    I have already made plans for improving my Norse trainer by using a transistor to make an oscillator so that the trainer will have a more realistic tone, and the training units will look like a radio front with ''working'' controls, a Norse key and use real headphones, so handling and feel are trained. I can add internal options to muffle the sound so it can be difficult to hear the signal, and perhaps introduce some noise or interference. Unfortunately, I don''t think I can make the frequency adjustment correct, but much better than nothing.


    <hr>


    The carpenters appear with the loom, and I realise I have forgotten to finish the reed and other parts for the loom. Oops. I have the loom parts carried up to the spare room on the second floor across the hall from Kari''s bedroom and assembled there. Most are really curious as it is a strange wooden thing with lots of moving bits, and it''s not easy to see it as a loom when all the threads are missing. I just ask them to wait until it is finished. The carpenters are tasked with making the wooden stands for the grindstones.


    The reed I have started on consists of two thin split pieces of wood 1.2m long, lots of flat thin brass sheet that has been divided into fine strips and is getting smooth rounded edges so they don''t wear on the thread that are supposed to go between during use. I stack these and use string that both loops around and separates the brass pieces from each other and binds the wood pieces together. With glue, it will be stable and good enough. I should absolutely figure out a better and cheaper way to do this for future looms.


    <hr>


    Carefully I reduce the resistance and thereby increase the current flowing through one light bulb filament. This is a bit nerve wrecking and it doesn''t matter I made three since they are a little different, with different filaments. Nothing happens, so max resistance and I step up in voltage before slowly decreasing the resistance again. I make another note and repeat as I step up again. All the time I keep track of the current and voltage, and read out the values. Iselin also note down the results I say because I might make some mistake, which is one of the reasons that Jane is recording video. I have a small led light in the back illuminating a white paper to act as a reference light source since I hope to use the video to get some output measurement and colour tone. I can measure the resistance through the filaments, but I don''t really know when something will happen, and it might go very quickly when something happens. Since nothing happens I have to connect more batteries and up the voltage.


    Light! The filament glows dimly but that is deliberate electric light. I decrease the resistance a little more, and the wire quickly heats up and starts to glow brighter, way to quickly so I release the dead man switch that disconnects the power. Oof! That was probably close to burning out, and sweat is dripping. I really need better equipment for this. I step back down and the filament works way better as I slowly increase the power again. A lot to note down. I should absolutely connect a pure resistive load in series with the filament.


    After many attempts and combinations, I have gained more respect for those who developed things like this. It will be an absolute bitch to make an acceptable lamp, especially if I don''t accept it will draw copious amounts of current to barely provide reading light, and which does not flash and break. It''s a bit of the ketchup effect, and after the first high power yellow flash from the filament, it becomes better at lower voltage, so I think the flash heating changes and improves the carbon filament, and maybe the filament becomes graphite or something like that. The flashed filament works at a lower power and behave more stable, but the lower power and heat makes the light quite bad. Relatively speaking. I need to develop some better load than a resistor, maybe other bulbs or something similar, because some type of automatic regulation would be best. I will definitely have to wait with making electric light bulbs until I have improved equipment, and higher voltage and more current available in the electrical system. Arc lamps might be a better and far more useful solution for lighting a large room, but that is a completely different future project.


    However, this is a lot of usable information and a very good first try, and there are still a few filament sections that are intact and functional after shining for 15 minutes at usable brightness. I think all the people in the mansion are hovering just outside the door and take turns peeking in through the open door as they prepare for tonights celebration, and they are clearly very impressed. Yes, there is already electric light in the mansion, but these are made here.


    Voodoo magic, man. Fucking Voodoo Magic!


    Ima and Shakini are absolutely shocked by what they learned today, but even Jane is impressed that I have made 100% Alfheimr electric light bulbs.


    <hr>


    We celebrate that radio communication works well and the success with probably the first Alfheimr electric light, and we have a feast with fairly luxurious food where the staff also participate. Everyone in the staff is so terribly impressed and proud that there are already some LED lights in the wing, but all electric light is something they will continue to keep secret, and we will use the oil lamps when we have guests. That will change sometime in the future but I can''t say when.


    There is a lot left to do when it comes to radio communication, not least to build more radios, because both the B-mansion and maybe my S-mansion in Skiringsalr will get a radio, and preferably another future ship. I need to build and test antennas both for fixed installation, ship use and mobile use, as well as do proper range and frequency tests. So plenty of future work to tick of the list and learn from.


    Jane play Infernal''s ''Electric Light'', and I have to translate the chorus so the others understand, and Jane point out the line about ''I want my heels sky high''. It''s not long before the speaker is brought and most of us are dancing around, and we play more Infernal like ''Self Control'' and ''I won''t be crying''. Iselin loves to dance and bounce around to a good beat, but she is hardly about about liking a good drum beat, and it feel so much better than the boring dance that Caecilia has taught us for our future Reiekr?ne visit a few months from now. Iselin''s favourite is just bouncing and spinning around, with more or less intimate moments involved, so it is not that surprising she really like the Swedish dance called Bugg, which is a type of swing dance. Jane is a far better dancer than me and knows a lot of different styles, and she is absolutely influencing. It''s fun to see how Ciara and Caecilia try to let loose, while Kari is obviously uncomfortable with it in front of the others and especially the staff.


    <hr>


    I sit in my couch and wait for Kari to join me for bed so I can fulfill Kari''s wishes she told me about over the radio, when I get a surprise as Kari comes walking in revealing that she too has had a pair of high heels made for her in black leather with red soles. She looks surprisingly comfortable walking in them, which is explained when she say she has been practising walking with them inside her room. Kari asks if she too looks good in them, and I can honestly say she looks absolutely stunning and sexy in her luxurious red and black Fashion Teddy, and the shoes of course match. Though I point out it''s because Kari is the one wearing it all. I should have expected Kari to have high heels made, since that is her payment for being Jane''s ''manager''. I rise from the couch and Kari have a naughty smile as she walks over and gives me a deep kiss.


    <hr>


    Kari is happy and please as we turn the lights off to sleep, and so am I. I took her heels of as part of our game, but it won''t be the last time Kari wears high heels because she liked how she felt while wearing them, and being as tall as me. Kari really liked to look me straight in the eye as we kissed, and I sure don''t mind.

 Midwinter calling - day 32, Laxlanda Inn

    Midwinter calling, day 32


    Laxlanda Inn


    This time we are a larger group travelling to Laxlanda, but in the cold damp weather it is not a fun experience. But I better get used to this, since this is my now my life. And it''s not that bad inside the coach. Honestly, parts of this journey is kind of beautiful through ''wild'' feeling nature, but the journey just take too long for my liking even though it won''t actually take that long. We take a couple of breaks along the way to stretch our legs and warm up, and also a break after another ambush exercise. Caecilia suggests a different kind of exercise to keep warm, but I decline her offer.


    As we travel, we have conversations about a lot of subjects. We pass a bog, there is talk of bog iron, which Jane was completely unaware existed. But here in this culture and way of life that it is incredibly important and most of the iron actually comes from bogs, so I''m not surprised to hear that there are battles over bogs, and who will inherit a bog. Bog iron is the only truly renewable metal resource in existence, and those who have a good bog to ''harvest'' usually divide it into 20 to 30 parts, and harvesting one part each year. It''s a very valuable steady income. It''s a rather fascinating biological process and the explanation for the common ''oil slick'' surface on bogs here in Scandinavia. Somewhere below there is iron forming bacteria. Or someone have actually spilt oil there. Jane and Tom took pictures of that when they were in Norway and when they hike on Hardangervidda. They thought it was tragic that there was environmental damage even in such pristine nature.


    Talk of radio also brings up telegraphs, and I really want to try to build a telegraph and solve any problems that will have in the near future. I have solved all the basic problems of telegraphy and can start to build as long as it is over land. Connecting between islands and across the river is a big problem. A hanging copper cable will never last, even if I run it all the way via Tosra and the small islands to the mainland. The longest distance there is something like 300 meter, and the copper wire will simply weight too much in relation to the tensile strength. It need to handle wind, ice and birds. Thicker means heavier, and there will be more ice and wind load. So I am planning to try an underwater cable. I will have to electrically isolate it very well in multiple layers, which will be hard. I can hang the wire down to the harbour, run it under the bridge, and over Big Ackerek. It is about a kilometer from Big Ackerek to the mainland, but I could run the underwater cable via the larger island northeast of my islands and then on to the mainland, because then it will be two stretches of 400 meter or less, which is a better idea. I did check, and Asbj?rn owns those islands, and I don''t think he has anything against a cable there, and I can probably buy that island from him. Two shorter underwater cables will be better than one long, since it is easier to make and cheaper to replace if something goes wrong. For the future of Telegraphs here in Scandinavia, shorter underwater distances will be absolutely needed, as there are plenty of river to cross, although 400 meter will be about as long as it ever needs to be. The next step up for an underwater cable distance is probably 5-6km, and the next step up after that is more like 15km for routes to the Dae''s kingdom and through it. Those will be a huge problem just to manufacture, and will require a special cable laying ship etc. But that is a future issue.


    But once ashore on the mainland from my Furstdom, which way should the telegraph go? The obvious destination is of course Borgarsandr, but the way there will probably be to Lysesund and then follow the winding country road across the inland to the river across from Tingshamn, under the river to Tingshamn and further down to Borgarsandr. With a Telegraph station in Tingshamn, each distance should be something like 26-32km. It will be interesting to measure the signal loss over those stretches, and the resistance will be high. With a 2 mm diameter solid copper wire it will be something like 6.5 ohms per kilometer, but that depends on how pure the copper is so it will be slightly higher. So with 8 ohms per kilometer, over those distances there is something like 240 ohms of resistance, which makes it very important how much current the receiving electromagnet at the end draws, and the Telegraph has to work with a fairly big margin because snow, ice and rain can affect it. I need to build it just to gather data about that. It is of course possible to compensate with high voltage or a larger diameter, but the exact details remain to be seen. A 2mm copper wire still weighs 29kg/km and 3mm wire is not only unpleasantly stiff to handle, is more than double the amount and weight, but also half the resistance. Then there will be some kind of capacitor effect. 30km of cable is about 180m2 of surface. It''s good I don''t intend to run high-frequency signals through the wire, because that would probably caused problems. Then I don''t know about the difference in the Earth''s electrical potential over that distance, and if the Earth''s magnetic field affects the system. It may be possible to use just the difference in ground potential to operate the telegraph, but the greatest potential difference should be between north and south, not between east and west. In the end it is just easier to build a test section and found out. One thing I have to test, is to use coherers from the spark gap radio as a receiver in a telegraph. The coherer needs to be adjusted, but it should be more sensitive than an electromagnet, although I suspect there will be interference problems with since the telegraph wire will act as a very long antenna. It might react to all kinds of things and be very very annoying.


    For telegraphy to be a success and not just an expensive project and for my amusement and use, other people need to use it, and that means more places need to be tied together, and important places with people who have a reason to send a message to that other place or places. And that is hard since few people even write letters. I''m not sure there will be demand, so my idea is basically to make the system and try to get at least rich people or merchants to use it. So the idea is to build another telegraph line that follow this road from Lysesund to Laxlanda, and build a telegraph station in the Laxlanda Inn. After all, bells can be used to attract attention, and the station won''t take much space and can be in the Inn where a combined telegraph operator/maid works. There will simply be too few messages for a dedicated operator. Then another telegraph line up to Elfrhamr and that Inn. Further expansion should go from Borgarsandr and south, and I could put an Inn and station on my property there. People will visit the Inn or pass by, and it might simply be useful to send a message ahead to book a room for the next night or something. Richer people might like that. That I will be able to send a telegraph message to my usual destinations is of course just a lucky coincidence.


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    All of it means that I might as well start testing on the island, so when we get back I''ll have workers erect poles and run telegraph wires. The first section will be from our mansion along the road with a side line to the guest mansion that is being built, and further down to the village. Hopefully I''ll be able to replace telegraphs with telephones in the future, but for now it is enough to run 2 wires with space for more, but it is very likely that there will be another line to the Academy. Erecting posts and hanging wire will go quickly, so the question is more the fine details. The telegraph station will be beside the radio, via existing wires to probably the pavilion, and from there down the slope to the road. If I solve the telephone microphone and speaker problems, it shouldn''t be impossible to eventually make some kind of pulse-controlled telephone switchboard instead of using plenty of wires and a manual switchboard and operator. In the beginning it might simply be a ''party line'' if I get sufficient signal strength, i.e. everyone connected can hear everyone instead of dedicated lines.


    So yeah. There will be a small telegraph station beside the radio in the guards day room. Both will use Norse code, and the guards will get practise and quickly become quite good at using both. I need to practise too. Since any future network will require a switchboard and far more wires, I might as well run at least ten wires through the house to a junction box on the outside.


    <hr>


    We sent a guard to ride up to Storman Maurr and tell him we are here, but we continue on to the Inn. We need to use the daylight to inspect the Inn and work so far. Jane agrees that Storman Maurrs large mansion is beautiful, and that it reminds her of Edoras. The Inn seems finished as we see them working on the stable and barn behind, and there is thin smoke coming out of one of the chimneys. ?sa is half-panicking as she rush out to meet us with Elin close behind, and the young woman I hired to be a servant comes out behind them.


    The Inn is ready for use, and has been so for days. Bresir still lives up on Maurrs mansion, so we are the first guests, and I tell ?sa to relax; just treat us as guests so she can practise it. I take the nice large room with a large double bed with a view of the front and the river. Iselin, Kari, Ciara and Jane take the two double rooms with bunk beds on the short side that have a river view. Caecilia, Elvira and the guards spread out in the other two smaller rooms. Most wealthier guests will not let their guards have their own room, but we have basically filled the Inn with the exception of the small dormitory.


    It feels luxurious to be able to take a shower when we are not at home, and then go into a proper bedroom, and the others enjoy it too.


    <hr>


    Storman Maurr appears and he has been eagerly awaiting our visit. He has avoided a proper tour of the Inn to have one with us, but of course has heard about it from Bresir who seems to eat with Maurr every night to keep him up to date about all the projects. Together with Maurr and his concubine Lyngheida, plus invited Bresir, the ferryman and our guards and maids, we have a simple but good evening meal in the Inn''s common room. The main reason for this visit is to test and inaugurate, and at the same time test that the staff can handle the work and responsibility, and the guards and maids means our meal and evening becomes more informal and a better test. It''s a nice evening, and Caecilia uses the instruments to play some music, but Lyngheida is also skilled on a lute and Maurr is surprisingly good on both flute and lute. Apparently he dreamed of becoming a warrior poet and musician when he was young.


    It''s just very nice to sit by the fireplace and talk, and we grill apples and pears on sticks. Maurr tells us that Jarl Naeswulf was here a week ago and tried the current ferry, and he is definitely impressed with everything. Naeswulf looks forward to a similar construction being made up in Elfrhamr, but apart from the ferry, the inn and sawmill will probably not be built until spring. Jarl Naeswulf will have a shipwright build a ferry with the improvements we have already learned, and see to it that everything else is prepared, and he brought the bronze bells and the block I left for the Elfrhamr ferry back with him.


    Maurr loves the ferry and Inn and how much more people there is travelling through here or visiting, and he clearly enjoy this evening and the relaxed atmosphere, and right now he absolutely isn''t a Storman and is just Maurr with our guards and maids. From what Bresir and he talks about and how, I think Maurr loves to have guests and be ''one of the guys'', and used to be damn bored. They have made their own fly fishing equipment, and Alith have their full attention as she tells about our hunts they have heard rumours about, and Maurr reminds us that he have plenty of forest covered hills and valleys we are welcome to hunt in.


    With this location, and from what Maurr have said, I might as well plan an extension of the Inn. I''ll keep that extension to a couple of larger rooms or common rooms on the ground floor, and a couple of dormitories on the second. It is no problem to build on the west short side as there is a corridor on the second floor and just a wall in the common room on the ground flood, both with windows in them that can be enlarged to be door holes. I just have to think about adding a couple of chimneys so those rooms will be heated as well. The extension may also need its own toilet and washing facility, because it has to be balanced against the number of guests. With this and other things, I just have to admit I am bad at estimating how much space a building need.

 Midwinter calling - day 33, A moments talk

    Midwinter calling, day 33


    A moments talk


    This morning suck as I have a headache and feel nauseous. ?sa is very worried that it is the food they prepared and she feels guilty, but it could just as well be the journey here or that it just happened to happen today. If I don''t feel better quickly, we will travel back tomorrow instead. Again few daylight hours decide my pace and life, and I really dislike that. Yes, horses see better at night and we could drive slowly since we do have storm lanterns with reflectors on the wagon, but is not an ideal situation. An improvised antenna helps us connect with Gunhild, and it''s definitely nice that it works, and in the future I should upgrade the carriage with a proper antenna. After that I spend the time in bed, and I just want to be left alone. The others take it literally, and since Jane really wants to see Maurr''s mansion, the others join her. ?sa, Elin and the maid are to fetch animals and have other work to do outside like the vegetable garden. Bresir and the craftsmen have been given a day off, as well as a small reward for a good job so far. So apart from Alith sitting in the armchair by the stairs reading a book, the Inn is empty and pleasantly quiet.


    Argh. I should have brought my small hiking first aid pack with pills.


    <hr>


    My headaches and nausea go away faster than expected, and I hardly complain. The others are still away so I get a little bored, and rummage through my bags to find a slate plate to sketch on. At the bottom I find the bag with sex toys and plugs I hid away so the others wouldn''t see. Damn. I forgot to take it out.


    Although, I did say that Alith would get to try...


    On the way to the toilet, I tell Alith that I''m fine and ask if she wants to ''help me test some silver in the bedroom''. A confused face switch to a growing smile as Alith realise what I really mean, and she puts the book aside and goes to wash herself. When I return back up, Alith is leaning against the window frame with a sinful smile, and there is a bottle of oil along with bottle of cider and two mugs on the table.


    <hr>


    We lie sweaty beside each other as we talk. Alith is depressed at how insanely expensive all the toys are, although she liked knowing the value of the silver when she had it in her, but even the two Ben Wa cost her a little more than a quarter''s salary. She just can''t spend so much silver on that, but the glass favourite isn''t that expensive, and she really like the stacked one and feeling it as we had sex. This is not the time to tell her that I''ve already have stuff made.


    We continue to talk about everything possible; firearms; hunting; navigation; alarm systems; radio; telegraphy. I just lie there in bed under a blanket with my arm around Alith pressed against me, and eventually my fingers starts to play with her breast ring as we talk, to which she don''t mind. We have a complicated relationship. My bodyguard and friend, and sometimes with benefits. I stretch to the bedside table and take the plug with the blue jewel and show it to her;


    "The three I recently got made don''t have red jewels, because I want hers to be special. The first ones were red because Ciara likes red, and it was gold because she deserved it and to match her nipple piercings. The silver one was just an extra but Kari really wanted it. The green and white one will be saved for now, but this blue one is to match the eyes of its intended owner."


    Alith turns around and her bright blue eyes look questioningly at me as she wonder;


    "Will Kari get another one? Iselin has green eyes and Caecilia has green-grey? Are the other meant for them?"


    I just hold up the plug and switch between looking at Alith''s questioning blue eyes and the blue crystal a couple of times, then I reach around behind her and slide it into place in Alith''s butt, and she has a surprised face when I smilingly reply:


    "Alith, you get this plug from me but not because we occasionally have sex. It''s because you are my friend and I don''t want you to get sick or have problems from using wooden things."


    <hr>


    When we collapse in bed, satisfied and exhausted, we again just lie and recover as Alith rest her body against mine and I caress her back and behind. We should get up and clean up. The chance of the others coming back just increase, but this is nice and if we hear them come I, it won''t be hard to give an excuse and the door is locked.


    "Alith, this has nothing to do with the plug you just got but I need your help coming up with gift suggestions for Bodil, Gunhild and Hillevi. Something they really want is better than just something expensive, especially if it is difficult to get or they won''t be able to get it. It doesn''t have to be a thing either. Cost is less important. You know them far better than I do and spend more time with them. The silver plug is already yours and doesn''t count."


    "I''d love to help you, as long as it''s not too expensive. So you already know what to give me?" The curious tone in her voice is obvious.


    "There''s a chance I do. I know I''ve actually already given you all so much valuable stuff it''s kind of silly, especially considering the time we''ve known each other and how long you have worked for me. But since the beginning I have not really seen you all as my employees or faceless guards, but more as friends who also protects us. The chain mail was given because my friends Alith and Bodil live a life with a high chance of battle, and I wanted you to be protected. The gifts like the chain mails and the knives are of course expensive, but as I think you understand I don''t see their value that way, although you shouldn''t expect to often get such expensive things.


    It''s when something comes up that I think you deserve or should have that it will happen. I would appreciate it if you tell the others too, although I will let them know if I remember to do it. The problem is honestly more about being fair. You are easier to give gifts to than the others because I know you better, in several ways, but I can''t give gifts only to you. Especially not things like the plug which I hope you can try to keep secret from the others, though Ciara have know you would get one before I ordered them. I don''t want them to think you''re my main bodyguard or the Captain of the Guard because of the sex we sometimes have had."


    "You are both a good friend and a Sir to serve like no other. But you must be careful about gifts to us and how it is perceived by others, and I really hope you understand that you didn''t need to give us anything at all until possibly in the future when our service ends and we have earned it. Do you know how many years of faithful service Gunhild and Hillevi had for King Asbj?rn, before they each got their own saddled horse they left to serve your? And remember it is King Asbj?rn Aeriksson we''re talking about. The King and from one of the richest families in the lands. The knives you gave us are worth more and basically unique, and you gave us them more or less right away instead of waiting. And you expect them to be used and not be decorations or ornaments.


    I know you don''t truly understand how I would have reacted about being shown and told about a knife like that before I came into your service. That is a gift you get after earning it, otherwise it would be an unobtainable item for a shieldmaiden like me. I would never be rich enough that I would buy something like that, especially not to use it in everyday life, and it is unlikely I would ever be in a position to buy it even if I had the money to spend. Lets not even mention one of those swords. Weapons like those swords are almost never used in battle, because anyone that have a sword like that are important enough to not fight unless something have gone very wrong. If taken in a raid weapons like those doesn''t stay in common hands for long.


    Whatever you think of it, you have to understand that just gifting us the knifes makes us all feel obligated to earn it afterwards, and that others who hear about them will think we need to earn it. Even if you don''t like to hear this, you must understand that with every gift we receive, our ''debt of honour'' to you increases. So we don''t expect any gifts at all. We guards have talked, even with your sambos, and we all know you don''t see it this way, and don''t give us expensive gifts to force us into continued service, or try to get any sexual service from it.


    Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work!


    We don''t have sex because of the gifts you''ve given me, and I know you better than to assume so. In the beginning we had sex because you are a charming attractive man, and it was so incredibly hard to stay neutral in the background that night with Liv. I really wasn''t prepared for how you have sex with women. No woman will be prepared for that. The next day I was worried about having gone to bed with my Sir, but you behaved as usual and as if nothing had happened. I realised several things when I guarded outside when you and Jarl Skiringe had sex, and later I realised even more. I knew I would succumb to temptation again, and the bathhouse was a big gamble. I''ve had a sinful fantasy about having sex with my Sir while he was bathing, where I was taken from behind like a slave woman before being sent away to guard duty. I took a chance on you being a really good Sir, and my life with our moments have only gotten better. You have been a so much better Sir than I ever hoped to serve.


    The way you reacted from the first time and how you treated us all more as equals and friends than just your guards or employees, and how concerned you were about our health. Plus clothes, bras and so on... None of us could have predicted it.


    Our guard service with luxurious living, and everything you have done for us...


    Everything you have done and are doing for all Elves...


    Robert, correct me if I''m wrong, but I''m not alone in believing you feel... anguish that you must have staff, guards, and maids, and you dislike having people like us do such work for you?"


    "You''re basically right. I''m uncomfortable with it. You know I''ve lived alone, but that also means that for the last fifteen years I''ve washed my own clothes, cleaned, shopped, and cooked. It''s boring, yes, but I feel bad about someone else taking care of me or ''my shit''. I should do it myself. It''s my responsibility to deal with it. I really hate the whole status and Lord thing, and I don''t see myself as more important or worth more than for example you, Iselin, Elvira or Hrappr. I can somewhat act the role of being a Furst and I know why I''m more important, and I know how everyone else sees me and you. But it doesn''t change how I feel and see myself. Nor do I want to change so much so I do. I will happily admit that it is nice to not have to take care of cleaning, washing and cooking, especially here in Alfheimr where it''s a lot more work and harder, but I feel uncomfortable when someone comes and cleans or makes my bed or serves me. I''m trying to get used to it, but it will take time partly because deep down inside I want it to take time to change. How would you feel if I made your bed, cooked your food, and watched over you while you slept?"


    Alith just go blank from that idea and it takes time before she responds.


    "You really see it that way. Really really believe that we''re all the same?"


    I just nod.


    "I''ve had this conversation with Iselin, Kari and Ciara before. I know what they said. It doesn''t change how I feel. To me, it feels like I''m forcing you to put your lives aside to serve me, even though I know that you don''t see it that way. To you, your life here is a great career and success and you love to be here. But I can''t just see you all as faceless employees to ignore as part of the background, and frankly I hope I never really do as I will have been corrupted by wealth and power and lost an important part of me. It''s important to me that you are people I care about, but that makes it hard to see my friends ''sacrifice'' their lives as that they work for me.


    That is especially true for you, because I got to know you and Bodil just a week after I came to Alfheimr when the only other people close to me were Iselin and Ciara. I have a much closer and deeper friendship with you for obvious reasons, and we spend much more time together than I do with Bodil. I''ve made an effort to try and keep it that way with Bodil and the others, even as she''s been working on wood and helped with crafts in my workshop. Friends, but not that close. Not so personal. It was hard with Iselin and Ciara too, but they have gradually become more, and have the lives they dreamed of and loves. But you''re still ''just'' my bodyguard, and the way I see it, I haven''t been able to make your life that much better since you are basically living in the background of my life. Even with everything here in the mansion and all the gifts, it doesn''t change that."


    "Because you value freedom and wouldn''t want to live a life like we do. You''ve said that you worked to earn silver to have a life, not that work was your life."


    "Alith, you should know that if you earlier this morning had asked if you could leave my service and buy a piece of land to create a farm on, I would have gifted you that land. I would have been happy to give it to you, so you could go on with your life the way you want it, and try to fulfill your dreams.


    Telling you this is almost as hard as when I cancelled Iselin''s contract and asked her if she wanted to be my fiancee. She could have said no and left, and still can. I know that telling you this it will probably change our friendship and the situation between us, and I don''t want you to become a wife, concubine or kept woman, because I want you as my friend with your own future with your own dreams to follow. And knowing this probably put you under pressure and is uncomfortable for you to know. I don''t like myself right now for what I burdened my friend with."


    I lie on my back with eyes closed and feel tears run down my cheeks. I feel like a coward for not wanting to see how Alith must be looking at me, because I''ve noticed how she moved as I talked. Alith slides her leg over me and I feel Alith''s soft lips touch mine and her gentle kisses. We''ve kissed and had our lips and tongues all over each other''s bodies, but it is uncomfortable how different this feels. So much more emotion instead of being a part of sex. I feel drops on my face and realise it''s her tears joining mine. I see how teary-eyed Alith is, and after another kiss she sniffle before turning around as she glide down beside me again, and she pulls my left arm around her waist as she rests her head on my shoulder. The silence goes on forever as I don''t know what to say, but eventually Alith do:


    "If you really wanted me as your wife or concubine, you could have easily paid my bride price, and my parents would have been happy about it regardless of what I thought. That applies to almost every woman in this realm. Almost everyone would have been honoured if you took them to be yours. I would have felt highly honoured and happy to be your wife or concubine, and we would have had a good life together. But I am not interested in having you as my husband, although I know that my future husband will never come close to being like you. I love my life right now and it''s a dream to be your friend, your bodyguard and to occasional have sex like we''ve had.


    When you asked me if I wanted to help you test silver, that was actually the first time you asked if I wanted to have sex with you, and that was only because we had talked about it in Borgarsandr. You probably didn''t think about that until now, and I know you would have accepted a ''no'' as the most natural thing. You wouldn''t have felt insulted and I wouldn''t have had to give any kind of reason for saying no. I realised that while I was standing by the window and waiting for you. It felt good to know for several reasons. I love that I can leave guard duty and enjoy time with my friend Robert, then return to guard duty without any real issues or complications.


    Eventually I will leave your service and no longer be your bodyguard - how or when is something for the future to tell - but it won''t be for at least a year and a half. Until then, I hope we can continue as we have done and maintain our friendship."


    Alith''s voice shifts from seriousness to the playfulness I love to see and hear, and she wiggles her butt as she press herself against my body, while moving my hand to grab her breast as she continues to speak:


    "I love to feel your latest gift, and I like knowing you really care for me, because I care really deeply for you too and have known since the duel in the harbour. I understand you better now, and no matter how you feel about it, we all love our lives right now. You just have to accept that you are so much more important than us all of us, and that we would gladly give our lives to protect yours and the the others lives. We are honoured to be in your service, and it feels like an insult to take silver for it, even without the gifts. So it feels very good to know how much you care about us too. How much you care about our dreams. I hope we will have sex from time to time, because it gives us an outlet and a sinful secret we both like, and you respect me and our shared secret by never bragging or even implying it to Iselin or others. Also, I just want to add that it feels good to know that not even your beautiful young sexy h¨®ra has replaced me.


    The time we just had, where we tried many new sex toys and enjoyed ourselves without them knowing, is precious. But I think it''s important for both of us that it doesn''t become routine, and it feels good that we share that attitude. When we leave this room, you are my friend Robert, but also my Lord to serve as a guard, and I am your friend Alith, and also your Captain of the Guard and bodyguard. Until next time we get a private moment and it''s just friends Robert and Alith enjoying each others company - with or without sex."


    I give Alith a kiss and a hug, then we get out of bed. Alith says she''s going to clean up what she brought with her, and say I should take a shower. She will also take one. I open the door and it is dead quiet in the Inn. Good. I look back at Alith who is gathering her clothes. The blue crystal sparkles in the sunlight as she bends down, and Alith got a damn sexy body with plenty of curves and muscles. Glass and earthenware are not particularly expensive, so in the future I can surprise Alith with giving her one of those stacked creations.


    <hr>

 Midwinter calling - day 33, Caecilia

    Showers are so nice! I return up to the room, and realise I forgot to bring the bag of sex toys to clean, but I can''t be bothered right now and half throw the bag on the table, and I just lie down on my stomach and hug the pillow. Plenty to think about both on the sex and the talk we had. It feels pretty good, except I really hope I didn''t hurt her feelings. I wouldn''t mind having Alith as my woman, but it''s a bad idea for several reasons and I sure don''t need another official relationship. It''s complicated as it is.


    "My Lord."


    Thoughts crash and I wince from hearing Caecilia''s voice, and even more so when I hear someone rise from the chair behind the open door, followed by metallic and glass sounds and cloth move. Caecilia crawls into bed and lies down against me, with her breast pressed against my neck and give me a hug. I just take a deep breath, as I silently curse myself for being stupid. If Caecilia was waiting in here, she must have been looking for me. Or she heard me in the shower and decided to wait. And Alith showered in the washing room next door. She will wonder why we both showered when we showered last night and shouldn''t have made any sweaty activity since, and I have no doubt that Caecilia first thoughts must have been sex. Damn.


    "I am Lord''s personal servant and h¨®ra. It''s better that my Lord in the future tell me that my Lord intends to have a discreet moment with Alith, for even if my participation isn''t desired, it would be easier to help my Lord keep others from finding out. It is fortunate that I returned far earlier than the others and heard Alith''s moans through the wall, along with rhythmic sounds. I have already let them know that my Lord is feeling better, but my Lord need to rest more. Now you could continue enjoying each other without being disturbed."


    I hold in another sigh, close my eyes tighter and want to sink into bed. Caecilia basically see it as a sin if someone interrupts ongoing sex - unless their interference doesn''t result in better sex. So of course Caecilia would guard me and Alith instead of interrupting or joining us, since we''ve so far tried to keep it secret from her and others. I wonder when she actually returned? I expected to hear when someone came in, and this building have less soundproofing than the mansion. So, Iselin isn''t the only ninja. Although, Caecilia probably snuck in just to try to give me the peace and quiet I asked for, and didn''t want to wake me up if I was asleep. I hear her handling the bag of toys, and her appreciative "Oo-oh" and other sounds just makes me want to sink deeper into the pillow. She seems to feel and smell the toys, making the occasional low expression about how fascinating she seems to find them.


    "Is this why I stayed outside the jeweller? Why would my Lord want to keep something like this a secret from me? My body is my Lord''s to take when and how my Lord wants, and I would be honoured to be the first to experience fascinating things like these. I hope my Lord is not angry with me?"


    I don''t really know what to answer, so I make a small vague grunt and wave my free hand and shake my head. A shiver runs down my spine as Caecilia''s sexy voice whispers in my ear;


    "I can see that my Lord is a bit exhausted and needs to recover, so I hope that my Lord will continue to rest. My Lord should drink plenty of water and recover during the day, and I hope that tonight I can join my Lord in bed and experience feeling both my Lord and all these interesting new creations in every way we can think of."


    I get a kiss on the neck before Caecilia slips out of the room and closes the door behind her while happily humming some music. I hear how she greets Alith and says that she need not worry as she was the only one in the house, and this time I can hear Caecilia taking the stairs.


    <hr>


    Caecilia is in a good mood, and when I join the others after their return, it''s clear that they assumed we''ve had sex, and Caecilia lays the groundwork for joining my bed tonight to continue. I don''t have to worry about anyone thinking it is strange, because it is Caecilia. I feel slightly bad that I can''t remember when I last had sex with her.


    Jane is so very impressed with the Maurr''s mansion, and she has convinced the others that we need to do this Inn in a similar style with lots of carvings. It is not a priority, but she has sketched a high stone patio around the front, with a staircase down to the road and to the courtyard. It is clearly inspired by the Lords building in Lord of the Rings Edoras, with a lot of elements from Elvish Rivendell. The patio flow together with the future Inn extension, with a special place for a damn tree, and some free standing arches with climbing plants and other things. Wood carving is something the Norse elves are really good at, and I probably should make it a theme and build the inn up in Elfrhamr to match. Jane have also convinced the others that ''Rivendal'' is a good name for the Inn, and she loves that it both sounds good and in the dialect spoken here it sounds like the combined Norse word for ''riven'' meaning torn or tear and ''dal'' meaning valley. It actually match the common description of how Gods made certain valleys and fjords, by tearing apart mountains or dragging a huge finger. This is after all a very long river valley about 1km wide surrounded by 100-140m high forest covered mountains and they are Elves. This valley is not a deep Norwegian or Swiss valley with lots of waterfalls, but the valley is pretty, and the Inn will be beautiful and impressive. A nice and slightly luxurious place to spend an evening after a days journey, and enjoy a meal, drinks and good company while enjoying the view.


    This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.


    <hr>


    Besides going through most of Jane''s suggestions and sketches with Bresir, as well as in the future upgrading the Inn and sketching out a schematic for that, a large part of the day is spent planning future sawmills, mills, etc. There are a lot of important details that need to get right, but it will basically be a replica of the sawmill on the island. That isn''t finished but a lot of it seems to work well and there is no real issue or problem. Well, except the slightly dumb location in the middle of the village on an island. Bresir just hasn''t built anything like this before, so it will probably be a visit back to Ackerek so he can see the sawmill in a couple of weeks. As we walk and plan, many poles are staked into the ground to mark, with runes carved in for a reminding description.


    ?sa will have a few weeks to prove she can do the job as Innkeeper, and Elin will act as a discreet assessment of ?sa and the Inn, and in a little more than a week will travel to Ackerek islands to update us. ?sa must keep a book for records, and slate boards have been attached to write prices, what food is available and other information. One inside. One on the outside by the door. A third will be added to a sign by the road on a carved welcome board. There will be both pictograms and text because many people cannot read. We also expect that there will be some bartering of goods instead of silver for food and housing, which is perfectly fine as long as there is a need for it. If they have too much, ?sa can sell on to other travellers. Part of the projects is a fish trap in the rapids, so I hope there will be plenty of fish for the Inn to serve, with a surplus to sell on to travellers. That trap might also trap crawfish.


    The Inn will probably mostly have simple food; baked bread, porridge, some soup or fish. Especially things that can be heated. But more luxurious food is up to what ?sa and the staff have time to make and what the guests ask for. It is most likely that the cheapest mead is served as a large pitcher with a few mugs that the guests can pour from themselves.


    <hr>


    Storman Maurr have brought plenty of gear along to take me fly fishing. Apparently yesterday I misunderstood the extent of Maurr''s fly fishing interest. Maurr is proud to show his equipment, which consists of three different rods and two wooden boxes with the fly lures he have tied. Maurr point out the differences between the rods before letting me choose which one I want, and recommends a couple of different fly lures. He wants my help trying to figure out where the damn fish like to hide and which fly works best. As well as seeming to take it as a challenge, it quickly becomes clear that Maurr is obsessed with trying to find ''the best fly'', spending a lot of time tying flys in different scales, colours and pieces. I barely remember everything we talked about the last time we was here, but Maurr seems to have listened intently to the fishing part, and fallen hard for the hobby. Maurr have started to keep a log book to figure out the best spots and lures, and I don''t think I help that growing obsession when I ask if he also notes down time of day, weather, moon cycle and so on, and he haven''t. Maurr gets a big smile and is so please for those hints. Maurr tries to find out everything I can about fishing, so I explain what a fishing vest is, and some handy tools like fishing pliers and a special clamp to hold the hook when tying and special tools, etc.


    <hr>


    It has been a strange day that ended with a nice little feast in Maurr''s mansion, where among other things, we are served the fish we caught. But it feels nice to leave his mansion and walk down to the Inn and into my bedroom, where Caecilia joins me. Before we go to bed I help Caecilia practise my modified version of the classic Swedish Lucia song ''Natten g?r tunga fj?t''. Caecilia doesn''t really know why she is learning it or why she has to help the staff practise singing the song in secret, but I''ve asked her to, so of course she does. The staff, on the other hand, know more or less of the surprise I''ve planned, because I try to keep information compartmentalized so Caecilia too will be surprised, and so she doesn''t happen to reveal my surprise to Iselin.


    Caecilia is happy when she gets her own set of Ben Wa balls, which I tell her she has Jane to thank for the description of. Caecilia gives high marks for all my creations, although she has favourites and like Alith loves the flexible long one with stacked balls. I think it really appeals to Caecilia that our sex life is becoming more interesting than she previously knew, and would absolutely like to own a few of the models. She is without doubt rich enough to buy it, but she would certainly want to be ''surprised'', as she isn''t very subtle what she like and that she likes the colours orange and purple, which I already knew. I''m pleased that her morals aren''t blue and orange.

 Midwinter calling - day 33, Alith

    <hr><hr>


    Alith lies in bed and tries to sleep, but it is difficult. She took Bodil and Hillevi aside and explained how Robert truly views them, and what choice she was forced to make in what she said. She may not have lied to Robert, but she also didn''t tell him the truth, and that hurts and feels like a betrayal. That she did it for Robert''s own good doesn''t make it feel any better, and Robert is really smart in more ways than one so he will eventually realise or find out how they really see him. She believe he will understand and forgive them, but it still feels like a betrayal, made worse with having such wonderful lives. They all know that their lives is likely to just get better, more luxurious and more interesting as time goes on, and they all love their lives they have. But dreams and desires are powerful things, and can be hard to give up.


    Gunhild seems to have it the easiest, as she has already given up on the dreams she had about a family years ago when her brothers stopped the last marriage offer, and she hopes to serve Robert for the rest of her life. Gunhild seems at peace and pleased with the fact that her life will have a really important meaning and be something she can be really proud of. She really hopes and prays that Robert can have children with his sambos. Gunhild wants to hear the mansion filled with children''s laughter, see the children play, and play with them while she helps to teach and raise the children. They all want to see what wonders Robert will give to his children. More than most, Robert deserves to have many strong children and a wonderful life, and Gunhild have prayed to Freya for Robert to have healthy children, even though she worries that Jane is here partly to give him children. Especially since Jane doesn''t want to get pregnant, and it is likely that Robert will continue to accept that no matter what.


    Bodil has been adapting her dreams and hopes for a couple of months now, and it is now to help with Robert''s crafts and creations while she continues to guard Robert. She hope to marry a good man and have children and live the rest of her life on the islands while serving Robert, but even if that doesn''t happen, her life will have meaning and be pleasant. Bodil is so immensely pleased to have contributed to so many things at the mansion, and that the boxes for the radios are her handiwork. Bodil is so proud that it is her craft that protects the valuable things that makes the radio work. That it is her handiwork that is seen when you look at a radio or at his other creations. She looks forward to telling her parents, and when Robert gives permission to tell about the machines that ''machine'' wood and metal. They all know Roberts plans about factories and production lines and Bodil hope to find carpenter work for her little brother in one of them.


    Hillevi is the one that finds her situation difficult. She loves the life she have, but she really wants her own farm and family. Her own children and preferably many, and a man to call her husband. But then she will be focused on her family and farm, and won''t be able to spend time with them or serve Robert. As Robert show glims of Midg?rd and continue to do amazing things, and they all understand just how primitive Alfheimr is to Robert and Jane, and Hillevi finds her decision harder. She wants to be able to let go of her dream and stay just like Gunhild, but she still has a few weeks until they need to swear a new oath to Robert.


    Jane. What a shock it was when she appeared. Another human. Alith really really wish she understood their shared English language and tries to listen and learn when Robert talks to Jane or translates words or concepts. Alith especially want to know what Robert said to Jane that evening when she step into their lives and they talked in the bedroom. Robert was not happy to see a human woman here and immediately became cautious and on guard, like she was a huge threat. Did he see her as a threat to Alfheimr? Was Jane angry that Robert planned to teach them his knowledge? Make it harder for other people to enslave them? They only know the selective information Robert and Jane have told.


    No one else saw how Jane reacted to what Robert said to her. How horrified and panicked she was as she quickly assessed escape routes. How she gave up and accepted her fate, realising that she wouldn''t be able to escape or successfully hide anywhere now that Robert knew she existed. Neither of them has said what Robert really said to her in there. Said what they really talked about all the time in the garden the next day. And it was a lot. So much. What made Jane be surprised, serious, horrified, and laugh until her eyes watered, especially after her fright the evening before? It wasn''t just because Robert was uncomfortable being attractive and having so many women.


    Alith thought a lot that night and the days since, and she has talked to the others about it, especially to Gunhild who stayed at the farm when they left. Gunhild would see what Jane did and would stop her from visiting Robert''s room, but Jane seemed to just happy to be left there; alone, painting and making kites. She never tried to enter Robert''s room, and she still never enters Robert''s rooms without his permission.


    Alith believes that Jane was furious that she and Tom came along to Alfheimr by mistake, and wanted Robert to send her home to her rich, comfortable life. He could take as many Elves as he wanted as bed slaves and create a kingdom in this primitive world, but she wanted to be sent back. Robert refused and told her she was wrong about what he was like and what he was going to do here. Threatened her into silence and that she wasn''t allowed to return to Midg?rd so she could tell other Humans there. Forced her to realise she had no choice and had to accept living with them. Accept, adapt and make the best of her new life and future here, and that he would try to give her a comfortable luxurious life here, and make her rich and famous. While moving in, Robert took away Jane''s last hope of ever returning to Midg?rd.


    Alith isn''t alone in believing that they might not be able to return even if Robert wanted to, because Alfheimr is too primitive. They can only imagine what it took to open Bifrost in that insane show of power, and they suspect Robert over did it on a trial run that got out of hand. He obviously hadn''t planned for it would be that big and bring anyone else along for the ride. If Robert meant to cross over and never come back, he obviously would have been far far more prepared. Robert would have brought everything he believed he would need or have use for, especially in technology or medicine. Those pills and electrical components are so small and light that he could have brought bags of them. Instead of taking things apart and make do. He lament missing tools and stuff. But Robert understood what had happened and followed his mantra: Learn. Adapt. Move on.


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    He did, but Jane have had a far far harder time and is still adapting. Robert tries hard to be Jane''s friend and help her adapt to her hew life. Help Jane through the hardest days and he really cares about making her life more comfortable, easier and happier.


    No one knows what he said to her a few weeks ago either, but none of them liked it, and it wasn''t just what he might do if someone hurt his women. It worried them that Jane was clearly drinking to get drunk. To drown sorrow, to forget and to sleep, in a way she had never done before or since, while Robert just wanted to hold someone who loves him above all else. To feel loved and needed. What was so terrible?


    Jane is now a valuable presence in their lives, but she hardly talks about Midg?rd, and only about ''harmless'' things and checks with Robert if she is uncertain it is harmless. Jane too knows incredible much and can help Robert with a lot, but it is clear that she was a noble lady who lived a comfortable lazy life without really having to work. Robert was some kind of learned sejdmann and craftsman who worked, because he does not hesitate to get dirty or work hard or long to get a job done right, and he is so used to working with metal, wood, leather and other things and always had tools in his pocket. Jane was a noble woman who amuses herself by becoming skilled in music, dance and arts, and become a skilled horsewoman when it apparently is an expensive and completely unnecessary luxury in Midg?rd. Robert doesn''t hesitate to work in the greenhouse or vegetable garden, and he understands agriculture, growing seasons and storing food. Robert have handled hens, cows, sheep and pigs before and is not afraid of them, thinking about their different needs in pens and other things - he knew stuff like the sheep''s hooves need to be taken care of. Robert knows a lot about kitchens and has cooked his own food, and for him it is normal to butcher animals or cleaning fish, and he knows tools to make kitchen work better. He''s just unused to it and trusts others who are more skilled, while Jane probably never even touched a dead animal before she came to Alfheimr. Jane may know what to do with plants in the greenhouse, but she''s probably barely done it and doesn''t use her hands in the same way. She avoids contact with all animals except the horses and the cat.


    Jane must have had a hard time adjusting to common work life in Hildifjoer, because she is still like the most spoiled and sheltered princess, and Kari, Gunhild and Hillevi agree that Jane is even worse than Princess Sefa and Ulfarna. Jane is happy that her nails are growing long and pretty again. Nails you don''t work with. Decorated nails, to brag that you don''t have to do any work at all. Just like high heels. Just like collecting high heels and having so many that some have never been used.


    Jane has obviously fired guns before and is surprisingly dangerous in close combat, but it''s like a lady who might need to protect herself. Her training is to protect her body, while Robert is focused on damaging and quickly incapacitating, then killing and moving on. No matter how it is done, because in his eyes everything seems to be a potential weapon. Jane has never crawled in woods and mud. Not trained to attack or be attacked like Robert. Not trained to hide and live in nature. Using hand signals and walking quietly in a forest or on a trail. Robert is worried about being attacked when he sleeps in nature, and prefers discreet camps that no one notices, and to cook without making a big fire and to be quiet. The difference in their clothing, colours and the equipment they came to Alfheimr with speaks volumes. Robert didn''t have a piece of jewellery. Jane didn''t have a knife. Robert didn''t have ''nail polish''. Jane didn''t have food.


    It is so clear that Jane is genuinely deeply impressed by much of what Robert has managed to do here. Because Elves are so primitive. Jane can make such amazing paintings, but it will be a surprise to Robert how well it goes, and everyone helps Jane keep it a secret. Jane is so terribly anxious to make Robert like her. That she fulfills her agreed upon task is not enough, and she wants to prove her worth to him in every way she can.


    It''s been clear to all of them for a while now that Jane really wants to be one of his sambos, and it''s not just because she''s finally realised that she probably doesn''t have a choice. Robert is undoubtedly her best future, and her desire for Robert has only increased over time. Alith isn''t the only one that have noticed her looks on him, and how she''s been jealous of Iselin and the others. Jane tries to seduce him in her own way. So Robert will take her as a wife, and get Iselin, Kari, Ciara and Caecilia on her side. So that they like her and accept her as one of them, so she doesn''t upset the balance between them that Robert is so keen to maintain. So she too can feel safe, protected and loved by Robert.


    Alith understands that, because she herself has been gradually changing her dreams since that day on the beach in Njahamrar. As long as she stays with Robert, he will fulfill her life long dreams of adventure, life experience, fame and status. Probably in absolutely fantastic ways she doesn''t even know to dream about - like elk hunting with thunder weapons. There''s a much much bigger world out there, and Robert wants to explore it, populate it with the Elves from the North, and create even more amazing things. And Alith wants to be by his side as he does.


    Alith would have been so honoured, overjoyed and proud to call herself Robert''s wife or concubine, and had loved to call Robert her husband. Because she loves him, and now she knows Robert loves her too - enough that he wants her to live her dreams, no matter how it affects him. It hurt to be rejected even though he did it for love, but she have herself to blame for not seeing him as anything other than a very good master to serve before it was too late. Ironically, just like Robert, she just didn''t see herself being in a relationship for years to come, and she was blinded by her dreams, when she might have had it all. Alith wish she too was treated like Iselin, Ciara and Kari. Got to hold his hand, snuggle into his arms and enjoy the moment like them. Like she got today. Like the wonderful memory of sitting in the woods after sex and how he held her as they talked and looked at the elk they shot. She too wants to feel his hands massaging and lathering her body, and start the day waking up in his bed.


    But then she wouldn''t have been able to protect him, because Robert had made sure to protect her. And Robert is too important. As both his bodyguard and Captain of the Guard, she is ultimately responsible for his life, and it is her duty to follow him wherever he goes. Her duty to stay close, where she get to see and try a lot of things first. Her duty to accompany him on hunts and other things he avoids taking his sambos along for. Her duty to be the only one he accepts is there, when he would have preferred to be completely alone. And when it suits them, she can become his friend Alith and they can have fantastic sex and enjoy the moment ...


    And how good of a dream is it, to toil every day on a farm and fields to get simple food for the day and pray to the gods that the harvest does not fail? With a man chosen by her parents that she doesn''t love and who won''t give her sex the way she wants? In a primitive cold longhouse with dirt floors and a fire pit, where she stay at home with the children when her husband goes away?


    And how fun is it to be Furstess anyway? All that responsibility, keeping books and having to take care of a large estates household, and being proper and social with important guests?


    Alith fall asleep with a smile on her face. Content with her life and dreaming of her future as Robert''s bodyguard and friend. With almost all the advantages.

 Midwinter calling - day 34, Sawmill

    Midwinter calling, day 34


    Sawmill


    We leave Laxlanda before sunrise, and I''m so looking forward to the days getting longer again, but it''s another until the shortest day. Jane laments that such a pathetically short distance is such a problem to travel when you depend on daylight and have horses and a carriage, and living on an island doesn''t help. I really really would like to have some ferry connection to the islands, so I might have to design a proper ferry that can take two carriages next summer. With a steam engine and warm cabin. So we talk to my sambos about bridges, ferries and cars, and that with good roads and high beams that make you see 100-200m away, it''s no problem to drive through the night at high speed. Midg?rd even has street lighting along many major roads. It would have taken something like 20-30 minutes to drive the same distance in Midg?rd, and that journey would have been in a warm, comfortable car. With head lights on the car, we could have driven to Laxlanda before sunrise, checked out everything during the day, and driven home in the evening. Borgarsandr had been less than 2 hours away. Just a car going 50km/h and bridges would have been enough.


    Our conversation is interrupted by Hillevi shouting, "Exercise! Exercise! Exercise! Enemy ahead!"


    <hr>


    The sawmill has finally been completed enough for the first real test. Sure, they''ve done simpler tests before and learned how to use the mechanics, but this is the first complete test, and we have a final inspection before starting.


    One thing that bothers me is how bothersome the transportation of logs are, but it is as it is, because this is where the water power is, and rafting and floating makes transportation easier. Anyway, three logs have been transported to the sawmill feed ramp, and the water wheel is turning. The pulling hook is placed around the log, and the power to the winch is engaged. The rope is tensioned and the force pulling on the hook force the jaws against the log, and slowly the log is pulled into the sawmill and to the end saw''s carriage. Logs are almost always felled with an axe, so the ends are not flat, which is more difficult to fasten and align in the longitudinal saw, and the end saw means that the sawmill can also cut fixed lengths of planks with flat ends. The workers fasten the log with iron hooks, and after a final check that everything is ready, in front of all those present, I pull the lever that engages the saw blade, which starts working up and down. The next lever engages the feed, so when the saw blade returns up, the log is fed one notch forward. The top edge of the saw blade is slightly inclined towards the log, so the lower part of the saw blade starts sawing and the angle causes the blade to work forward as the saw blade moves down. By setting the length of the feed and the angle, different tempos and fineness can be set. It might be unnecessary, but I don''t know what is appropriate and different wood might require different settings, so adjustability was a good idea and not that hard to do. The saw blade has teeth directed downwards to keep the force on the log downwards, and an advantage is that most of the sawdust is pushed down in the same place and is easily collected. Sawdust is useful.


    The saw blade works its way up and down while the log slowly moves, and it doesn''t take long until the end falls off. The carriage with the log is released and rolled backwards and the log is rolled over to the other side. There is an automatic mode where the saw after a certain adjustable distance hits a latch that causes the feed to automatically return, but the system needs to be set against the width of the log in order not to spend unnecessary time where the saw cuts through air, or cuts too short. A large C-like gauge made of wood is used to measure the width of the log and move the automatic latch. We try the automatic system on the second sawing, and it''s a small relief to see it work. Simple, but practical. The sawing does not take long, but there will probably be a small special bell that signals that the end saw is complete.


    The log is then rolled on wooden rollers over to the carriage of the length saw, where the log is rolled into position on the carriage, and another log can be rolled to the end saw. The length of the length saw carriage is adjusted to the length of the log, and the rulers on the ends are used to align the log for the first sawing. This log is straight, so two iron hooks are hammered into each end to hold the log in place, and two hooks to hold the sawn of piece.


    The mechanism of this length saw is basically the same as the end saw, but here the automatic return is more important because several sawings must be made to get several planks from the log. It takes a few minutes until the saw reaches the end and the arm for the automatic return is pushed in. Return is disengaged so the feed and sawing stops and the crowd cheers. This is almost magic to everyone present, but it is magic that is quite simple to see and understand. The return is activated, and the saw carriage returns to its original position at several times higher speed. They release the hooks holding the sawed off piece and remove it, the log is rotated and aligned, and the saw is activated again. This time we let the automatic return be active, and when the saw has finished sawing and returned, the bell chime informing everyone that the length saw is finished. More cheers.


    We continue to watch as the workers realign the log and when three sides are sawn, they start making plank after plank. Pedr and the craftsmen are almost teary-eyed when they see how well the planks turn out, and it goes so quickly while we just watch. I''m almost in tears myself, because it''s a hell of a relief to have this work. In addition to the speed that speeds up building work and make other designs possible, it gives confidence in my ability to build machines here, and for others to realise the possibility of making machines and why it can be worthy to invest in. It doesn''t take long before the log have been converted into some nice planks, as well as four still usable outer planks with bark, and a pile of sawdust in the collection barrel below. It''s nice that the quieter mechanism and downward sawing motion make the saw fairly quiet, and there is no swirling sawdust like from a more modern circular saw. Nowhere near as fast either, but this is good enough and fantastically better and with more precision than having two people sawing planks by hand.


    The men who led the sawing work and sawed all the planks for the mansion''s facade and floors by hand, just shake their heads. They truly understand why they shouldn''t start making planks for the Academy and the residential building etc, and they rightly assume that I didn''t consider that all the planks would be hand sawed when I designed the buildings. Two of them have done a really good job and have Pedr''s trust, so they are offered to be the first sawmill men whose responsibility is to manage this sawmill and saw planks. Both immediately accept, and Sawman Awdgotr''s wife Saeunn is already here on the island. They are a young couple and Awdgotr just turned 20 years old, so I let them know that if Awdgotr does a good job, they will be offered permanent residence and a life here on the island, which is a really good future for the couple. The other man, Jofreydr, is a few years older and unmarried, and if he does a good job, he might be offered the job of manager of Laxlanda sawmill. It will definitely make Jofreydr more attractive to the women there, and there are also quite a few people who will pass by. Working at the sawmill will probably be seen as a very good job, and the sawmill manager will gain more prestige.


    But this sawmill absolutely works well enough, and since there is more than enough space left and preparations have been made, the multi-blade saw will also be completed. It has the same function as the length saw, but with several saw blades beside each other, so several planks are sawed at the same time and it will make sawing planks even faster. The plan is to try how many parallel saw blades work well, and it will also depend on the desired width of the planks and the width of the log, but I hope that 4-9 blades can be used. Basically the work flow will be the end saw first, then the length saw to give two nice surfaces, followed by the multi-blade saw to make the planks. With the transportation rollers between working as a small buffer, it should be a nice production flow. Most likely, the length saw will get another blade to speed up the sawing, but it depends on the saw time between the saws and where the production bottlenecks are.


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    Besides completing the multi-blade saw, their job is to saw planks for everything that is built here. Hydro powered transportation bands to get the logs up the hill to the sawmill will be installed, and to make the log transportation easier, the stream to be widened and straightened. The sawmill have made the carpenters dream of the carpentry and those machines. We discuss tools and other things to facilitate the handling of logs, improving the machines, and make the work safer. Jofreydr and Awdgotr gets the help of more men to use the sawmill as efficiently as possible. Many, many planks are needed, especially for the facade and floors of the Academy. The finest oak planks will be put aside for its floor and furniture. Saeunn will sew leather work gloves and leather aprons for them, and they just have to accept that I want them to wear work gloves most of the time. The discussion about the pros and cons compared to splitting logs and making planks that way is rather long, as what is best also depends on how the planks will be used and log deformations and defects. But everyone agrees that this sawmill is fast, efficient and precise. They are thrilled with how precise the planks are, and it will just take a little planing to get them perfect. Pedr smiles, because he knows about my planned wood planer for which there already is a designated place here in the sawmill, and there will be another in the carpentry along with the saws, router and so on.


    The mill below the dam has been assembled and they are running in the mill stones, which will go quite quickly. Many are looking forward to the mills completion too, and use of the mill will at least initially be free for residents of my islands. I don''t expect outsiders to use the mill, even though there is a ferry. But outsiders will be able to pay a small fee to have something milled. However, there is still a lot of work to do to make the buildings finished, pretty and to get all the details right and in order.


    My newly built foot-pumped and belt-driven grindstone is finished, so we walk over to the forge and machine shop. It will feel good to get it installed, and each machine makes my workshop feel more and more finished. This is clearly the simplest of the machines, but it will save time. In addition to the boxes for stone along the feet to make the machine more stable, there is a trough under the grindstone for water, so that the grindstone is kept wet without me having to wet it by hand. I hope it doesn''t splatter everywhere, but the leather scraper should keep the surface from being dripping wet and reduce splashing, but I assume I''ll be using a leather apron with this just like with the scroll saw and the lathe, and the aprons have pockets.


    Lighter metalwork is already done in the forge, and the power hammer and so on is not something an ordinary blacksmith needs. There are many machines I want to build for the machine shop, but some are more prioritized, partly because they are easier to make, and can make parts for other machines. Besides proper bearings, I really need iron bolts with nuts and shims. Making them one by one on a lathe doesn''t feel sustainable. In the beginning, the requirements are not that high, and neither is the need for different sizes. M12 bolts will be enough for a while, but I really want to mass produce M20, M8 and M6 in the future. Hopefully there will eventually be other both larger and smaller bolts and screws, and in a few different lengths and with different heads. But smaller and special ones can be made on a lathe.


    So as the sawmen enjoy themselves in the sawmill, I talk with Pedr and the craftsmen about building a small production line with an eccentric press and putting it next to the fireplace in the machine shop. To mass produce something, some kind of press with replaceable tools is a very good idea, which is the reason for the ordered parts from Digraldi. I can even save work and costs by making special inserts to fit in a large multi use tool. A clear advantage with an eccentric press is that it is possible to set both the stroke length and the depth very precisely, so making something that punches in an engraving is not a huge problem beside making that engraving stamp, and it can both shape metal or cut metal off. The smaller the stroke, the greater the force, although the size of the press and the energy of the flywheel limit the size of work that can be done. But making a tool that punches out a simpler belt buckle or similar can be done in several steps with inserts, or in one dedicated tool. Holes are punched out, edges are bent and the finished buckle is cut off, possibly with a simpler decorative pattern pressed in. Feeding material forwards spits out the finished buckle.


    It will be a lot of work to finish the parts, create good sliding surfaces and get everything ready for use. I know they can since they make sword blades have a mirror surface. The biggest design problem has been the flywheel engagement and disengagement, but the machine operator still has to have his hands away from the press tool so a large foot pedal will be used so the operator''s body weight is used for that. Of course it will be like taking a step up a low step and hardly optimal, but it should work if I got my force calculations and lever lengths right. For safety reasons, there will be splinter protection and the dangerous parts will be on the back against the machine shops reinforced outer wall. Due to the force of the belt drive and slippage, there are two speed modes. One to start in and one to get higher revs after starting. But the flywheel won''t have particularly high rev or huge power, which limits the press capacity. I want it done, but this work will not be started today because the sawmill is a priority.


    <hr>


    The mercury thermometer project still haven''t been finished, but the tubes are still intact with no cracks or issues, so we make protective housings for them in brass shaped with a V-shaped back and folded edges at the front so that a protective front glass can be slid down. Attachment holes are made at the top and bottom, plus small protective ends, so after that the only thing missing is the scale to complete the thermometer.


    We use the cold outside temperature and hot water to calibrate and match the scale to my small hiking thermometer, and I calculate the colder and warmer measurements outside that scale, adapted to each tubes data sheet. These thermometers will cover about -30C to +70C, which is quite overkill for an outdoor thermometer in this region, but the thermometers have the range they have after they''ve been sealed, and overkill is a better safety margin. After we mark the points on the brass and take the thermometers apart, we carefully engrave the scale as accurately as we can. It''s hard to engrave round shapes so the zeros is six lines, and make every fifth degree line longer to make the scale easier to read. Finally we use black paint to make the engravings and scale easier to see.


    Since the guards and maids will be reading the thermometers, the staff is gathered in the staff room and with fetched hot water, cold water and just before boiling water, I use the indoor thermometer to explain how a thermometer works and how to read it. So this is yet another reason why reading scales and numbers are useful. The best thermometer is hung as an indoor thermometer in the wings corridor outside my workshop. No heat source or cold close by, easy to see, and easy to show guests etc.


    Hrappr fetch the ladder as the bracket for the second thermometer is mounted outside the second floor window on the northeast side above the entrance room, so that the thermometer will be in the shade year round, and it is readable from the inside after opening the inner window. Moving the inner window closer to the outer window have not been made on all windows yet, and these are not prioritised windows. It is a bit awkward, but it is possible to reach out an arm and unhook the thermometer. I show how I hang the thermometer out by hooking it at the top and locking it with a 90 degree twist of the bottom knob. There is a safety cord attached so it might survive an accident instead of falling 4.5m down onto the stone patio, and the safety cord will also prevent the thermometer from falling if something happens to the mount.


    It feels almost ridiculously good to have made a technically advanced measuring instrument that is not electrical. I will make more accurate thermometers that is better placed to start collecting weather data, but this is good enough for practical use, and collecting accurate weather data is not important right now. These thermometers are prototypes and didn''t use the finest glass tubes. I would like to make a max-min thermometer but it will be difficult to make small and accurate iron markers that will fit in the tube with just the right amount of resistance, not to mention actually bending that tube in a U shape.


    <hr>


    The days are getting shorter and it has already been frustrating when we get home when it''s dark, so we install an oil lantern in one of the kitchen windows since they face the courtyard. The main purpose is to give some light on the courtyard and porch, so the lantern have a small reflector and is attached to an arm so it can be moved out of the way or redirected to give more light in the kitchen. It works well enough, and looks quite good. This oil lantern is the only one that the guards will keep lit throughout the night, as it both illuminates a bit of the courtyard and makes it easier for the maids to light other oil lanterns and the kitchen fires in the morning. The guards can see there is reflected light from their day room window, and a nice bonus is that as long as the kitchen door is open at night, there will be more light in the corridor during the night. Sure we have some electric light there, but it''s not much, and we can''t have the electric light on if there are guests here. Although then we will have more lanterns illuminated through the night as well.

 Midwinter calling - day 35, Lessons

    Midwinter calling, day 35


    Lessons


    Kari has decided to visit her inherited lands and mansion after my wedding to Iselin, even if that is three weeks from now. She is needed here, and will send a messenger to her estate. I wonder what the real reason or reasons are, but it means that Kari can participate in electrical training and radio.


    Kari and Asta understandably have a little trouble understanding electricity, but they try to learn. Iselin mind just absorbs everything as usual, and she knows quite a lot already and help Kari and Asta learn. I''m trying to keep the pace down and we do simpler experiments, but this will undoubtedly be a hard and intensive course. Unfortunately, I am hardly the best teacher. It will take a long time with many lessons for them to understand, but at the same time it is good practise for me to become a better teacher, so I note things down, both about sub-topics, explanations and experiments. I will teach electricity, electromechanics, electronics and radio to more people in the future.


    Beside theory, I mostly show and let them try simpler electricity to make sure they get some understanding how natural it is and how it works. Using the explanation where I equate water with electricity only works for some explanations, because they now understand water systems and faucets, and have seen water wheels. But a waterwheel have water in buckets that weight it down, which is not how electric motors work. I show that an LED only works in one direction, the diode is the same without light, and the multimeter helps me show that the body can conduct current and we test resistance, etc. I show that an LED dimly glows if they lick a little on a finger compared to dry skin, as it is more visual than numbers on a multimeter they can''t really read, but we also use an analog meter. Except for Iselin who played with my MP3 player for months. Reading digital numbers and understanding how they go up and down, is something she have learned. An analog scale is much easier to understand than a digital.


    Electricity alone is difficult to learn and understand, not to mention radio waves, and it''s not like they want to take the long slow methodical path. Maths is the somewhat easier part, and I''ve had to start with physics lessons. That electromagnetic radiation is everything from light from the sun that can cause a sunburn, to light from oil lamps, to the heat they can feel from a fire, and far down they find radio waves. I can give so many examples and it''s lucky I know the subject well, because they ask some tricky questions. I can show and explain how something can shine in infrared before it becomes visible red light when heated, and when something is hot it can be felt from a distance, and that radiated heat can be reflected just like light, and light doesn''t have to be warm. The fact that I''ve already proven that radio works at long distances helps, because they''ve seen and heard it.


    I''ve already shown pictures and video clips from one of my thermal cameras to Iselin and Kari, and they had fun reactions, especially that footprints stay for a little while depending on the surface heat conductivity. I know how I liked looking at things through a thermal camera when I first got one, and it''s funny that the same applies to basically medieval Elves.


    It is quite clear that Asta is more interested in learning how to use radios practically, and is less interested in theory, but she understands that this is such important information that she wants to know it, and I can easily explain why she needs to know it since she will have to take care of the ships radio and possibly fix it if it should break, plus she might need to understand and handle a complete electrical system with a generator and a battery. If she is on a long voyage and the generator quits, she need to fix it for the radio to work.


    Kari simply wants to learn because it is something important, fascinating and ''invisible'' that works, and she wants to know why it works. A magic she can learn that she knows just works if she do it right, and according to Jane, electricity is the foundation of a modern society, and she''s not wrong about that.


    It will be a long journey to learn electricity and radio, and this will not be the last time someone has to be trained, so in addition to building a couple of radios, as part of the training we will make a training kit in electro mechanics as well as electronics. Basically wooden blocks that can be combined with copper wire via brass screw terminals to get different effects. There will be several simpler electromechanics kits with parts such as a battery, contacts, switches, electromagnets, relays, hand crank generator, electric motor and so on. Easy to make and a lot can be done with a good kit. The electronics kit is more special. In order to not accidentally fry the irreplaceable semiconductors, they get integrated protection resistors so something is connected to the semiconductors, and a small piece of glass on top physically protects the components. Even with those precautions, there will be very few people I''ll let touch these.


    There will also be work on generator and battery systems. I need power sources other than wind, and the plan is a simple generator on the steam engine. What would be most practical is a system where electricity is generated when the steam engine is running, but nothing is engaged via the belt drives. Except a few small details, I have basically completed a small electric motor and a large one, and they do work as DC generators too. The plan is to build all the motors of both sizes, but try different windings and power for the electromagnet, to gather facts and info for future parts and improved versions, and for pure experimentation and explanation there will also be AC 2-phase and 3-phase generator and motor. Then the problem is how to measure how much power the electric motor have, and how much current it draws. The easiest way to measure power will be to make a simple winch and see how much the motor can lift and how fast, although there will be a simple gear to lower the speed, and I just have take the gearing into the calculation. Basically all future use will use a gear.


    <hr>


    A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.


    Alith and Gunhild give me another couple of lessons in combat as it has been bad the last two weeks with Olafr''s visit, Borgarsandr and the Laxlanda trip. I think my weapons handling is starting to go pretty well now, but it helps to have four teachers, and Gunhild is clearly the best at teaching and has the most experience. Krav Maga with Jane as a teacher is also progressing and we are all happy with her knowledge there, but that training and repetition will also take time. Plenty of time. But I will have plenty of free time. Eventually. A lot of combat training is also just things like footwork and interpreting opponent''s movement and having the correct response so I''m not out of position, unbalanced or doing stupid shit.


    Jane do significantly more training than I do, as she also do body workouts, run, close combat and ranged weapons in addition to languages, maths and radio handling, but then she has few other things to keep her busy and training buddies are easy to find. She''s turning in to a bit for fitness freak, and there is more than a bit of healthy competition between her and the guards. Jane is a better archer than I am, and she finds some satisfaction in having Elvish women teaching her to shoot a bow, but then Jane really loves the Lord of the Rings movies. She''s just a little disappointed that the Elves here don''t have cooler elvish names where Bodil is particularly bad, Hillevi so-so, Gunhild sounds okay and Alith gets a good along with Iselin.


    Jane is not alone in pushing me to try making a better bow, and is something I need to take up with one of the bow makers in Borgarsandr next time I''m there. It would be fun to try making a laminated compound bow more in the Mongolian style, but don''t know if it will work well in this climate. I''m worried that the bow will delaminate under the forces involved. I also want to try making a modern bow with a cam wheels and a sight, because I understand the principle, so should be able to solve it with a lot of tests. Maybe I can get a bow made with steel arms? How strong are their bowstrings and will they work as I need? The elves are generally good with fairly primitive bows, and even things like a thumb ring are advanced for them.


    Crossbow would be an interesting project. It is not used here in the north, but is found across the sea to the south and there are some in Alba. Considering how Ciara and Gunhild explained them, they seem quite primitive. No foot loop at the front and loaded with hands or a belt hook while standing on the bow, and the sear for the bowstring appears to very simple. I''m hardly a crossbow fanatic like J?rg Sprave, but I should be able to make a far better crossbow than what they have told me about. Adjustable steel bow with a foot loop and bow locked to a proper wooden stock with wedges. A rotating sear with a single-stage or two-stage trigger, which is cocked with a goat''s foot lever or windlass, or just an integrated lever down below. None of that is crazy advanced. I have almost everything I need for it; steel, wood and knowledge, even if the knowledge is limited. Besides the help of a skilled blacksmith so I don''t have to do all that work by myself, all I need is a very strong bowstring and an arrow/bolt maker. However, it would be more interested in making a more modern crossbow with compound bows, cams and bullpup design with pistol grip, sights and safety. Still, best to build a simpler classic crossbow first, then make a powerful one, then complicate it in a couple of steps.


    Alith and Gunhild have been experimenting with making a blackjack aka sap for a while now, because it''s a simple less lethal weapon, although the designs I''ve shown are a bit more advanced than a leather bag with a weight in it. Still, even the advanced one is just four thick leather layers with a lead weight of about 300-400g and a long piece of spring steel down through the shaft and ending in a leather strap. Blackjacks in all their forms a more or less compact weapon of approx. 15-30cm which is very effective against an unprotected body, and intended to be used against the neck and head for blows to the sides of the neck, ear, temple and skull. They have already learned the difference compared to a thick wooden baton, and there is no question that blackjacks will become common weapons that my sambos will also learn to use for personal defense. That doesn''t have to be more advanced movement than figure 8 punches or windmill circles, but a couple of quick strikes to soft spots or hands and then taking a step back can be enough when it''s not a matter of life or death. It is after all intended to be used as a more effective alternative when the goal is not lethal violence.


    I am glad that Jane''s Krav Maga training has resulted in the guards having made good thick padded training protections, and a couple of training mannequins have also been made in different styles and materials. Even things like the reed mats work quite well, but are cumbersome to carry in and out as they are tied together. Most training equipment has been given dedicated bags to carry it in, but it would have been good to have a dedicated combat training room.


    There is so much training and practising going on. Ciara and Jane practise Norse basically every day, while I don''t really practise it any more, but I get lessons from every day talk and I take notes. One issue is very technical words that they simply don''t know if it even exists in Norse, and if no-one in my company have heard of it, we basically borrow a Swedish or English word. Then I try to learn Laitje too, which I almost regret since Caecilia try to talk to me in it all the time, which can be annoying, and not just during sex. I really hope that Laitje will be worth learning.


    Lessons with Maths, physics and other things also continue, but they manage quite well without my help nowadays. When they get stuck or have questions, I try to explain and help solve it, and give problems to try to figure out, especially from things I''ve already encountered. Just such a thing as figuring out the volume and thus the weight of something, or the density of something, are simple but advanced problems for several of them. But they didn''t even have a good value of pi. I''ve lost track of how many times Jane have complained that she can''t escape math even by travelling to the Elvish Middle Ages, but at the same time she is relieved that they really are primitive so she is one of the regions, if not Europe''s, best mathematicians.


    A recurring problem they use for practise is sun measurements and the time equation which we get more data on week by week, and we now have enough to get a pretty good idea of how the curve will be, because it will be a distorted figure 8 shape. Also, math is practised more or less all the time when they see numbers and use them in, for example, in the games to calculate what the dice must show, or in the economic ledges that Kari is teaching Iselin, or like Asta for navigation calculations. I do like to see that Hrappr, Ida, Elvira, Jalida and Rikvi are starting to be able to make their way through the books too, and everyone is proud to even have the opportunity to learn. I think increased self-worth will be a good bonus for increased literacy. The same applies to the numbers and math, which is new to Ima and Shakini as well, and when those who know a little help and explain to others, they strengthen their own knowledge. All of it means that most people get what is most important to learn something. Repetition. Repetition. Repetition.

 Midwinter calling - day 35, Saddles

    Jane''s side saddle has garnered a lot of interest. All the guards as well as my sambos have tried it, plus me, which made them smile and giggle even though I of course didn''t use the saddle with a skirt. The overall verdict is that a side saddle is not for warriors to fight in, but it is good for ladies with a skirt. According to Ciara it is common for Alba ladies to sit on the side of a normal saddle and the horse is led by someone walking alongside or another rider at a slow pace, so Alba might be a good market for the new side saddle. That was apparently what Jane expected to be common here, instead of the ''plate'' saddle they have, which is a type from across the sea to the south. We should tell those merchant women who sell underwear to also try selling side saddles, because only rich women will buy a special side saddle like that, and most rich people ride, and a decorated elegant side saddle might become popular. Jane''s other saddles are also interesting, but I''m a bad judge when it comes to saddles. I''ve never really thought about how many different saddles there are depending on what the purpose and need is, and Jane is smug that saddles are something I have no idea about. Jane completely ignores Iselin''s sarcastic comment that it really is something to be proud of, since Jane knew nothing about machines, electricity and radio.


    I''m a little worried when Kari, Alith and more try to ride more aggressively with the side saddle and tries low jumps and steeper rougher terrain, but it goes surprisingly well. Jane explains that the side saddle should actually be used with a special riding skirt to reduce the risk of the skirt getting entangled and pulling the rider along if the rider falls off, and of course Jane has sketched pictures of it. I think Jane is trying to introduce a new fashion, because those skirts doesn''t have to be Victorian style with riding whips and hats. Hats with feathers, veils and other decorations. Jane has done more sketches of hats and complete outfits than the riding skirt. But Jane understands her audience and has also made a cloak with a hood and lots of fur trim and decorations, plus Western style overcoats and boots.


    In the end, everyone believes there is a market for side saddles, and her other improved saddles. I''m quite content and happy to leave everything riding related entirely to Jane and the others. If I didn''t have to ride, and it''s so damn practical in this world, I wouldn''t have done it. The new carriages are more my style, and ideally I would have liked some type of motor vehicle. Of course the vehicle will make noise and smell and be a problem and require service etc, but apart from convenience and comfort, motor vehicles don''t shit on the courtyard or the roads and have neither a mood or a mind of it own.


    <hr>


    I''ve been dragging it out and it''s unexpectedly embarrassing to give Jane her Ben Wa balls, so I just knock on the door and as she is painting, I just drop the small bag off on the shelf and leave before she can really respond with anything witty.


    Kari feels easier. She is also in her bedroom, and when I''ve explained what it is and how to use them, Kari locks the door and with a fake innocent smile she pretends to not understand and wants my help to try them. Of course, it becomes more than just that, and as I lie beside Kari to catch my breath, I informed her that Jane as requested got her own set as payment for her information, which Kari as Jane''s manager and friend thinks is good. When I mention the other things that I''ve gotten made in glass and ceramics, it becomes clear that Kari is going to help me test them tonight.


    Sometimes I wish I was a horny teenager.


    <hr>


    The guards love the upgraded interior security doors with their small panes of glass, but everyone likes the elegant look of the two diamond shaped windows, one above the other. The doors feel very luxurious and special. What they don''t really like is the limited field of view, as there is still the issue of not being able to see if someone is hiding on the other side. So in the corridor crossing up against the ceiling above my workshop door, I install a small polished brass mirror to make it possible to see if someone is hiding along the sides or below the doors window, or in the corridor. It works like a mirror at intersections and hard to see exits. The guards likes it so much that similar mirrors are discreetly installed high on the posts outside the main entrance. It is possible to look through some of the stained glass on the security windows beside the doors, but the walls thickness and wide door means that there were hidden spots along the outside wall. The wings exterior door also gets a similar mirror solution. Cleaning and polishing the mirrors becomes another job for the guards, just like checking the safety things like fire extinguishers once a week. I should really try to make proper glass-silver mirrors.


    Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.


    <hr>


    Iselin may want to continue the the electricity lessons, but Kari and Asta appreciate that I will limit the daily lessons so they can digest the information. It''s funny that Kari just casually asks Iselin about the telescope project which makes Iselin switch focus. Iselin have her own little optics workspace in my workshop, and Iselin have a lot of grinding ahead of her to make a flat enough surface before make a big nice long focal length lens, and it''s going to be more than one lens. Kari''s small smug smile means that she too know Iselin well enough, and as she remind me that we have things to test later tonight, means Kari knows me too.


    Still, Asta has her own projects she is eager to focus on. She have completed her own globe, so now Asta will do her best to measure, record and create a celestial sphere during the long winter nights. By measuring the same angle several times, it should probably be reasonably accurate. I will definitely need to help her with the math, but so will Iselin and Alith. Iselin wants to help and learn that too, while Alith want to get good at using a sextant and learning the math needed. I have given Alith permission to use one of the sextants in the library, and she knows how to take solar heights and other angle measurements. The math is the iffy bit and she does not like the math part. But how many do actually enjoy that? It just needs to be done. Alith have ''helped'' Asta quite a lot while were sailing to Borgarsandr, and although Alith says that life here is a dream, I believe that Alith hasn''t given up on her dream of Viking raids and such, and being able to navigate like few others will certainly make her more valuable to bring along. Honestly, just being close to me for the last months have made Alith learn a lot in a wide range of subjects and skills. When Alith leaves my service or stops being my guard, I will miss her, but I want her to have a good life, and fulfill her dreams.


    Ciara don''t really want to be part of the radio and electrical lessons even though she likes making parts for radios, which I totally respect, but along with sewing, embroidery and knitting, she is making more games like Risk. Ciara likes to be useful and help, and she do good work, and we all help her when she request it or ask. I am thinking of giving Risk games to some of our wedding guests. Just like I am used to, there is no tradition of the wedding couple giving gifts for to the guests, and it is considered an honor to participate. It is after all a week long feast where the groom is responsible for food, drink and accommodation. But I still want to give some a gift as it is a way to spread the games.


    Bodil and Hillevi have made twelve different miniatures for the table top miniature battle and cast many copies of each, so there can now be two large forces with about 50 miniatures on each side, each with four heroes and leaders, and also a small force with about 20. They have painted a simple scheme on clothes, shields and tabards, so it''s easy to tell the miniatures apart. Blues or red for the large forces and yellow for the small, but all miniatures have touches of black, white, brown and green. It''s hardly modern high end painting, but the miniatures are very simple with low detail, so the paint help give them detail and highlight weapons and armors. The guards have agreed that a miniature game would be a good gift for King Asbj?rn, who already has Risk. They want him to have a game, and they have made quite a lot of terrain pieces and other things, so Bodil have made a pretty box and will line the inside with cloth so it is a self contained kit. They are painting one army with King Asbj?rn''s colours and markings, and the other will have Daes King Magnbjorn''s colours. They''re making separate boxes for our three forces, plus all the terrain. It''s starting to take up a lot of shelf space.


    Bodil is obviously starting to love making things more and more, and when she asked if I needed something carved, I replied that I could use more ear muffs and radio headsets. Considering what she said more than once, I think Bodil likes her life and work here; the freedom to technically be a guarding shieldmaiden with its comfortable life, but she still get to do crafting that she knows is needed and interesting or just fun. I guess she also sees it as a sort of payment for the gifts she received.


    Gunhild and Hillevi really want to contribute something too, even though they don''t need to and I''m happy with the extra combat training they give me and Jane. Gunhild also participate with music as she play the flute and simple drums, plus she helps with the canon projects. Hillevi just tries to be generally helpful, and she do like to help in the kitchen. She really like the kitchen, and there is no doubt that she want something similar in her future household.

 Midwinter calling - day 36, Looming future (part 1)

    Midwinter calling, day 36


    Looming future


    Drilling out the cannon barrel has been slow, but it has been done, and it seems to be a very good job. I have a huge respect for those who figured it all out the first time, and attaching and fitting the cannon was difficult. But water power works well to rotate the cannon, while the drill depth of the bore is hand fed with a crank. Making the center not move and actually be centered was another problem, but that was solved with a collar around the outside of the cannon, and small wheels against the outside of the cannon. By using the mechanism and rotating barrel as a simple massive lathe, it was possible to make the surface there fine, and then there was the actual drilling. But a long strong wooden beam with multiple guideing wheels seems to have kept it stable enough, and the cannon is not that long. The hardest part has been the drilling, and all the chips that have to be cleared, to slowly drill a small bit, feed out, clean, check the sharpness of the drill, and start again. At least I haven''t had to do that job, and Gunhild have been happy to be oversee the work.


    A small positive thing is that the cannon has become somewhat lighter, but it is not that noticeable. We will save and reuse the metal shavings for future castings here on the island. With an angled brass mirror on a long stick and a flashlight, I inspect how the hole turned out and there don''t seem to be any cavities, which I''m pleasantly surprised by. I guess we''ll truly see the first time the cannon is fired with overpressure. I don''t want to have to make an iron pipe to use as an inner pipe, and if this is really bad, it just might have to be scrapped and started over. The workers are pleased when they are called back in and given the good news. Gunhild have seen my flashlights, but everyone don''t have to know what kit I got.


    We''ll try to improve the small iron cannon''s barrel surface by trying to drill it as well, but there isn''t a lot that can be remove from the sides, and I don''t want to weaken it unnecessarily. So it''s more about making it better than making it perfectly drilled, but the iron cannon is not a priority. It works as it is, but slightly better is slightly better, and I simply want these expensive things as good as they can be if I need to ever use them.


    But now they will try to rifle the bronze cannon barrel. A gear is installed on the mechanism that feed the drill in and out, and it will very slowly rotate the cannon so that it makes one turn to the bottom. With a special cutting head, rifling groves are cut one at a time, and the cutting head is adjustable to cut the grove a little deeper and wider each time, so there will be several cutting repetitions for each grove. Just a little at a time and slowly and carefully.


    <hr>


    I have finished the loom, assembled it and am in the process of installing the thread in the loom when the others understand what it is I have built - a new type of loom and more advanced - so I get very motivated helpers to ensure that the loom is quickly ready for use, and it is a bit funny to see how Iselin ''draw rank'', while Hillevi said it was her turn. A loom need so damn much thread and preparation for weaving takes a lot of time. They will start using the loom with two pedals and test that it works well while they learn the technique and try out which shuttle is best etc, before they move on with more advanced weaving like with two over and one to two under, patterns and other. All of the women - Jane excluded - can weave and know the principle and different patterns from using vertical looms, so they will quickly become skilled at this, I assume. Jane is mostly curiously looking on and eventually she asks;


    "Okay, I sort of expect you to know a ridiculous amount of science, technology and general nerd stuff, like figuring out how to make a glass mercury thermometer which I had no idea was that bloody complicated - don''t you dare saying this is hard level again! - but a more advanced weaving loom? That didn''t even cross my mind. I never even thought about improving the hanging vertical looms they''re using. How?"


    "In Scandinavia, all kinds of crafts and such are still a popular hobby, particularly among the older. Before I saw the vertical looms they use here, I was kind of expecting them to use something like this even though I knew of other far simpler designs. My grandmother had a horizontal loom like that when I was young, and I remember using it twice to help my grandmother, and I made a small rag rug, maybe a meter long, when we visited when I was about 8 or 10 years old or something. Patience of a child. So I based this loom on that memory. The hardest part was actually figuring out how to make the loomcomb, reed or whatever its called in English - don''t ask me why it''s called ''weavespoon'' in Swedish - and to be honest a lot of the flexibility and adjustments in this loom are because I don''t know how it should be, or if there is a better way. Like the thread shuttle. I don''t know which will be best, so slightly different design, two with wheels, one with adjustable tension on the thread and so on."


    "You remember a loom you used a bit when you where 9, well enough that you could build this? That''s bloody impressive."


    "Not really, you took music and piano lessons, equestrian lessons and such when you were young. You remember those and can design saddles."


    "Robert, I spent so much time doing that. Years. And that was just ten to fifteen years ago. You couldn''t have spent more than a few hours, before I was even born. Wow, that made you sound really old. "


    "Well, I''m old for this world. I should have grown kids and be a grandfather. I guess the loom was fascinating because it stuck. I even remember the colours and general pattern of one rug; white, light blue, dark blue and black, going back and forth in stripes. I have seen big mechanical machine looms in technology museums, but they''re very different. Looms where among the first machines that started the industrial revolution, and are important. I plan to make about two successively more advance looms, but this is the first. One will be a small upgrade with what I recall is called a flying shuttle, which makes it possible for one person to weave wider, and the next after that is to automate weaving. In the hand operated you pull a bar or string to send the shuttle to the other side, and it will probably be a lot of trial and error there. That loom will be using a standing comb instead of a hanging one like this, because it will help the shuttle stay against it, where the shuttle runs in the V shape between the comb and the threads.


    This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.


    I really hope to eventually make an automatic programmable pattern weaving loom using punch cards probably in wood and linked together with leather straps or strings, but that won''t be for at least a couple of years. I also hope to build a carding and a spinning machine to produce threads on bobbins, but I need time to practice with the material and try. I need to figure it out, because even though I have used one and know the general idea, reality always complain if the details are fuzzy. I''ve seen a few designs and my mother had an antique, and you must have seen them too, at least in paintings. Disney''s Sleeping Beauty was sent to sleep by a spinning wheel, and ''Maleficent'' showed them."


    The Disney reference give Jane a smile, and we watch as the others are working on the loom.


    "Will you be giving away all the plans for this too?"


    "I don''t know. Things like this is a huge dilemma for me. Consider this: I make a company that buy wool or linen. Then I have workers using machines for carding it, spinning it and weaving. Say it all produce work equal to some ones normal work in quality, but at a third of the time and cost. I can pay my workers well and still sell cheaper than everyone else, and make good profit. Good right?" Jane nods, and it''s Capitalism 101.


    "Here''s the problem: Say you have a sheep farm and you sell the cloth that you have carded, spun and woven. That''s your main income, but it is a staggering amount of work, and the normal price here is just something like 1 ounce silver for 9 meter long and 90cm wide cloth. Then I come along and sell cheaper. What will people buy? The cheaper cloth if its the same quality, so the sheep farm will have to lower its price to compete. But what if my cloth is cheaper and still a bit better. The sheep farm have to lower their prices more to be able to sell, and the sheep farm live close to margins already and that will ruin them. The work and time they put in won''t be worth it, but they might not have much choice. They might just have to lower cost, sell slaves, and instead sell the wool directly to me, and then maybe go to work for me weaving it. Their life might not be better, but I will be richer, and other people will be able to buy better cloth for a cheaper price. Fewer people will have work, but since a lot of that is slaves the market for them will decrease which is a good thing.


    But what if I buy slaves to work at my company. No wages. What if there is no other work to be had? Poor becomes poorer. Starve. Be forced to sell their land, and then I can probably buy the farm cheaply because who wants to buy a farm that works at a loss? Most farms have different animals, and sell their surplus they produce to afford to buy other stuff they need, but not all land works for every animal or crop. I will be competing with them. People farming in the hills of Scotland was forced away by landowners, because the landowners could make more money by raising sheep and selling the cloth. Introducing machines, even something as simple as a loom might make a big impact in the long run. More machines? Bigger impact."


    Jane looks at me and she gets what I mean, and she knows I''m not really interested in getting filthy rich. IUDs, life preservers, hammocks, water pumps, sanitary items, nutritional knowledge, better agriculture, ferries, etc, are cheap technologies that improve for many, while not worsening their lives or those of others. Firearms, medicine, etc, affect society but not in the same way. Spinning and weaving machines will change society, and what people earn money from. And desperate people make desperate decisions.


    "Sure, I can simply not make that company and not buy slaves, but I believe that anyone that sees a machine like that loom being used, will be able to figure it out and copy it. They are not stupid, and it''s not like I used magic to make it. Someone else will make that company and they will most likely be greedy and not care, or just see improved business opportunity. I don''t see a market to sell looms, but I might. But once created they will have an impact, and sooner or later society will change. I can of course not ''invent'' stuff like this, but sooner or later someone will. So, what I can do is try to make the change for the better if I can try to control it, aware of its likely impact, and before there is a huge population that will be badly effected.


    Certain machines would save a lot of time for the common woman and daughter, carding machine and spinning wheels in particular, and I hope that it will be possible for most to make their own or that I can sell them quite cheaply, so they will be having more free time to learn stuff or play, although that time will probably be used for other work instead.


    I hope to use the efficiency of mass production to keep some control of the invention. If I introduce something important that everyone wants, and do it cheap with mass production and machinery, more can buy it, and no one will really be able to copy and sell it as cheaply if they can''t compete with my production method or scale. They might make one for themselves or sell by trading their time for a bit of money, but they can''t sell them for much more than I do, if my supply match demand. New inventions for stuff that haven''t existed before, don''t really take work from other craftsmen. It usually takes time from generic unskilled labourers. It will create work for maintenance of my inventions or making improvements, and that will probably be higher status work.


    Most likely I will make a deal with say a woodworker to produce the machines, or split the parts between several woodworkers for just that extra bit of trickery, or just hire workers to make them in my own factories. Then start a company with the seamstress guild or whatever that group is called, so they can use the looms and someone else will run the company and deal with day to day business, but I get part of the earnings. I become a passive partner, but keep at least some of the control.


    A big horizontal loom like this will probably be too big for the average longhouse, but it would be possible to make a folding one to stow away and use less space when not in use, but still take more space than a vertical one. Even a spinning wheel might take up too much space, but could be made to disassemble. Although it is likely that both will become status symbols they want guests to see. One idea is that I create weaving shops in many villages, where women take their wool and work my machines, or something like a cooperative where they borrow machines and pay a percentage. I don''t really know or have decided that yet. It is damn tricky to get the right balance with economics, society, time and control, and I sure as hell don''t understand life here well enough."


    Jane is clearly contemplating about what I''ve said and its implications, and that I''m not just making stuff for the sake of making it. We just stand there and look at my sambos working on the loom and they basically ignore us as we talk in the background. They''re used to us talking, although I always feel bad about keeping them out when using English.

 Midwinter calling - day 36, Looming future (part 2)

    "Most of what I do will have consequences. Huge consequences. In my ''quest'' to make things ''better'' it is important to define what is ''better''. Everything will have some bad side, but I will try to avoid ruining the environment, avoid the big pitfalls with air, ground and water pollution, deforestation and such. You know about my salt project in the south and how salt can be made from evaporating seawater? Well they don''t seem to know that here although that have been done since ancient times. Salt in our worlds history have been the most important trade of all except food, and here 1kg of salt is damn expensive. Like 2 ounces of silver expensive. Empires where made by salt and many of the first important trade routes and roads was because of salt transportation. There is a very wealthy town south of Reiekr?ne called Brinberg that pretty much is the main supplier of salt for a huge area. Imagine the ridiculous wealth that place creates. The owners earning silver just from their rights, and all those middle men and transporters who all earn cash from it. That have to be thousands, maybe tens of thousands counting their families.


    As you know I plan on extracting salt from the sea next summer, but the water needs to be heated with the sun or fire. They basically only have wood here, because you know how British summers can be, although here this summer was nice. Sure, I could do it in southern Spain or Portugal, but that means transportation and middlemen which is pretty much the case now, although is should be cheaper. I will have no control there. Using wood in a fire works well, but it wouldn''t even take a generation to deforest these islands if we used wood and scaled the production up, and you need to produce salt on the west coast simply because of the need for saltwater, and the Baltic has much much lower salt concentration. It should be done on the west coast of Norway where the salinity is at least 50% more. Just think about all the freshwater rivers flowing out to the Baltic and along the coast. Anyway, using wood would deforest the coast fast, lead to erosion and no wind protection, and it costs time and manpower just to transport the wood to the water, or using waterways and upstream logging. Fucking up the environment for the coming generations is something I want to avoid. You might not know this nature compared to modern Sweden, but I do, and it''s obvious that there are far more ''old forest'' here, but more of the higher areas seem to be moor and heather, which isn''t the case in modern day Sweden. Heathland is rare in modern Sweden. Every European Midg?rd nation have changed a lot over the past thousand years. It doesn''t take a genius to figure out that if you cut down forest more than it regrow, and you don''t plant trees and protect them from being eaten, the landscape will change. Dig ditches to drain a marshland and it stays drained and the nature will change. Late 1800s there were hardly any forest left on the west coast of Sweden, and they had wind and erosion problems, plus no wood for heating and cooking. Seeing those few early photographs that exist of it just feels weird. Today there is far more forest and looks nice, because people moved to cities in search of jobs, land was left to grow and they learned and planted trees. Building better heating and more efficient stoves are important in my future plans, both for fuel economy, time and removing smoke from people''s homes to increase health and lifespan.


    So for salt production I''m trying shallow pools to use if the weather is nice, but I will also try and use a more technological and a less efficient approach, but also an environmentally friendly and less manpower intensive method than chopping down wood and burning it. My overall plan is to use ''useless space'' on protected southern coastal cliffs to use those few weeks with good sunlight that basically every spring-summer have, and I am actually planning two small solar reflectors with tracking mirrors by using a clockwork mechanism and cams, just set it up and leave it for a few hours, before you empty it for the next step. I''ve already ordered mirror segments. I''m well aware that those reflectors are quite silly, but if it works well enough that most of the concentration can be made using the sun and wind, it might produce lower cost salt with low manpower and environmental impact, in terrain not really optimal for normal sun evaporation, or really anything else.


    After I know if it works well enough I will make additional salt plants along the coast. Hopefully in the future salt will be cheaper so that the nation as a whole will prosper from it, for efficient food storage, health and taste, without destroying the environment. Greed and short term thinking is a problem I really can''t stop, unless I can get the laws made to protect it. I think about involving the Kingdom so the nation and local landowner gets the profit for using my method, if they agree to ban large scale production by wood, although the law will allow small scale home production. Using connections and profit to create laws like that feels like a definition of corruption and evil, but done right it will make salt cheaper for everyone up here and hopefully protect them from short term thinking. I still feel like a bastard and some form of Dictator declaring what''s best for the proletarians.


    Local salt production will be insanely important for faraway colonies, along with somewhat local iron production. You can''t really have a working colony without those two since long distance trade across oceans has issues. Bog iron can''t be gathered everywhere.


    But it is pretty much the same with a lot of other things I plan to make, like farm machinery. There is a real limit in the amount of manpower and time it takes to plough a field, harvest the grains and such. A person can only do a certain amount, so having more crop fields needs more manpower. Farming is conservative, and you keep on doing what works because otherwise you starve. Farm machinery to increase yield and save time will change that, but someone has to prove it and it must be a big change. If the same amount of people can farm three times more land, it will change everything. It will allow towns to grow, and free a lot of people to work in industry.


    Among other things I plan to make are a water wheel stamper for cloth after weaving, and of course sawmills and windmills. I will make windmills and such and let people use them, where the payment is say 5 percent of the best part of the finished product. All they save is time and work milling it, but that might be worth it for them, especially if they already produce more by using machinery, and doing it by hand would take too much time. If they produce much, they simply have to use a windmill too. A windmill costs to make and take care of, but over time will be worth it. Many small things to lighten the burden and make life on the farm more effective and productive, will produce a big change for the better. Better food. More food. Less waste. Longer storage. Less chance of starving after a bad year. Apparently the Southeastern part of the nation had a lot of rains that spoiled harvests, but many won''t have silver to buy from here or the south. There will probably be people starving or dying there this winter."


    It''s not a pleasant thought, but maybe in the future I can persuade rulers and Jarls that it is a good idea to cooperate within the Kingdom over the long term, and build food stores. Shit happens.


    "Everything I make have consequences. Some might really change the world, and not just for the better, but I think they still need to be done. No real point in waiting a few hundred years or so, and if it makes Scandinavia with the laws and culture here prosper, become powerful and influential, it is a nice bonus."


    "If you really build and improve all you seem to want to do Robert, and get a percentage on each, which you invest to buy land, make colonies and make other things... you will be so ridiculously rich and powerful it is terrifying. The Auction proved how much some stuff is worth. And just salt... You might own a big part the north, and not by conquest. Hell, with colonies included; give it a hundred years or so and your descendants might rule an Empire spanning a significant part of the world simply by power, tech level, influence and money. ''Rule Britannia, Britannia rule the waves'' my arse."


    "Yes, I or they might. At least some places will have no native population, or they''re so lowtech and scattered it won''t matter, but they won''t be completely pushed aside to bad land. I will try to give everyone same rights, right to education, self rule and religious freedom, and make a loose Union bound together by common laws, customs, trade, culture and language more than a Empire, and I plan to eventually introduce ''one person, one vote'' for everyone, not based on how large the landownership is. It is quite close now, but if I become the biggest richest landowner, and I limit myself to one vote? It might help set a precedence. Native people that choose to join will get the same rights and vote. Integrate and assimilate over a few generations more than plant a flag and start killing. Sure it will probably lead to some cultures and lifestyles gets destroyed, but others will adapt. I will protect monuments from other cultures and try to document their history and culture. It is history, and if their religion say a hill is sacred - respect it.


    Funny thing; ask a human ''What''s the oldest standing building in the world?'' and most would probably say ''The Pyramids''. It''s not - they''re just big, impressive and have had lots of PR and a culture that didn''t change much over thousands of years. Cleopatra lived in the Roman era and lived closer to the moon landings and computor age than when the great pyramids were built. Neolithic is older. About two thousand years older. There''s plenty in northern France up to Scotland and Shetland Islands, and Stonehenge is pretty much the pyramid era. There were of course structures built before, but they didn''t survived the ravages of time and it becomes a question of what is a building and so on. There are older Megaliths like the one in Turkey. There is a huge stone structure in northern France that is about 6900 years old. Beside Skara Brae there''s a couple of stone houses on the Orkney Islands north of Scotland that have been standing there for about 5700 years. Yes. They don''t look much but they''re almost six thousand years old. You build something like that because of religion or to survive, and if you only have stone; you build it in stone. And well done stone lasts.


    I don''t really believe the indigenous cultures have rights above all, and not just because they might not have been the first. First indigenous of Greenland wasn''t the Inuit. Several tried during thousands of years before, but they just couldn''t make it, or considered it worth it. That include the Vikings. Naming it Greenland was a PR campaign by the Vikings, and they basically stay there until Inuit arrived from Canada and the Black Plague hit Norway. There is a lot of stuff like that going around the world, but it so way back that there isn''t much to go by. And lets face it; quite a few native cultures have taken the land from others or gone to war for other purpose than defense. If their culture thinks ''might makes right'', well, they really shouldn''t complain when others push them gently away or try to assimilate them. If they claim to have a divine right because their imaginary friends said so, so can some one else. If they''re peaceful and just live their way I would let them be and try trading with them, although there will be border disputes because people are assholes, greedy or feel threatened. If they''re hunter gatherers that roam and live of the land, some might call it living in harmony, but I think of it as an evolutionary dead end or niche culture just sustaining itself until something comes along, or the climate change.


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    Nature isn''t kind to creatures that don''t evolve, and they get pushed aside by those that do fit the environment better, adapt to it or use all its resources better, like the Inuit to Greenland. I would still try to leave them be, trade with them and learn, and I expect that the younger generations will start to leave the old ways behind. Humans and Elves are pretty much the same, and we''re not common animals; we make tools and adapt to our environment, and even hunter-gatherers makes tools. Which is technological evolution. Humans became the dominant species because we figured out we could throw rocks at other animals, or hit them with a branch or a pointed stick. Then fire. Mother nature doesn''t care that you''re way behind in the tech tree. Some might say me being here introducing everything for Nordic culture to expand is unfair or against the natural order; but I''m here because of nature. Or the Nordic Gods. Or technology. So I guess that gives me all the rights? Your point was? It''s all pretty much a philosophical debate and there are counterpoints to pretty much everything. So my view is: Don''t be an asshole. Be friendly and respect differences. Don''t enslave. Don''t kill unless it is in self-defense. Trade and come to agreements. Don''t fuck up the environment for the coming generations.


    To be honest, pure slavery is a bad idea on more than principle. Indentured workers having enough freedom and prospect to improve their life and for their children will usually get better work done, and might even be cheaper. It is still a form of slavery, and there is slavery under a finer term in our modern world, which is why I have avoided travelling to some countries. Classical form of apprenticeship is pretty much the same; 5-7 years of long hard work without pay to learn a trade. Which is what they have here. Across the sea to the south you have to pay to stop being an apprentice and join a guild, and there are more fees, including to raise in rank.


    To get back to this and other creations; there is no copyright or patent laws here. Things will be copied in or outside the Kingdom unless it is kept secret, which is really only a matter of time, so I won''t be that rich, even though riches make riches, and might makes right. But I will make enemies, and wealth attracts trouble, and here you can''t put silver in the bank, and hoarding it is just stupid for several reason - so I will invest it. I can''t even really trust allies, because paying even a small part of the profit will annoy greedy people, so I will have to be ready to reply with measured force. If I really fuck up I might just get a revolt on my hands from the workers, partners or nations and be overthrown or killed. Isn''t that nice?


    It''s kind of ironic that I try to make their world ''better'' for everyone, but greedy stupid Elves have tried to kill me. Twice."


    <hr>


    Sometimes it feels like I''m just constantly re-prioritizing projects, but I also motive it by actually completing some of them so I can drop it, which is why I''ve focused on finish building three scopes for the rifles. The reticle itself is mostly finding the right focus point and then drilling and tapping a small straight hole with M4, followed by a small screw into which I drilled a hole and soldered a thin short brass wire grinded very pointed. Then screw it in until the tip is in the center of the sight and take it out as I have to carefully bend the wire a tiny bit to get the tip in sharp focus and reasonably in the middle when looking at something far away through the scope. The tiny distance between the tip and angle where the conical tip ends in the post can be used for ranging, but I add a bit of solder further down the side and cut a flat top surface make a very visible mark with a knife blade. The distances are tiny, but will be quite large in magnification. These scopes have fixed magnification, so I just have to figure out which ranges and match up with certain heights on either of the ranging marks. I make a thick lined scale on a paper and lean it against the middle window in the meeting room at the other end of the house, and then I just look what height that range gives. This is over 28.5 meters, and after a bit of calculation over 100m and further trimming down the solder a bit, the tip to the conical parts end is 38cm, and down to the big flat mark it''s 81cm. This will never be exact and in practical use ambient light and terrain means measuring will never be perfect, so I can use 40 cm and 80 cm and mark it on the scope after blackening the sight post and making final assembly where the sight post will be soldered to limit recoil issues. At least this scope gives 40/80cm at 100m, which means those marks are 80/160cm at 200m, and 120/240cm at 300m and so on. It''s good enough to estimate range with if I know the height of the target.


    If the heights they have given me for animals are correct, using height at the withers it will match with a deer''s 70cm at 170 or 85m, an Elk cow''s 160cm at 400 or 200m, and an Elk bull''s 190cm at about 475 or 240m. If it is double or half the height, the distance can also be estimated reasonably well and quickly, unfortunately the size of those animals can wary a lot. The average Nordic male Elf is about 160-165cm tall, so the ranges for an Elk cow apply, and half the range if head to waist. This ranging will not be exactly, but the main purpose is to compensate for bullet drop, so it''s more important to get longer distances right, at least if the goal is a good hit in the vital organs, and beside ranging those marks can be used to help show how high the aim needs to be, without using the sights height adjustment for range. This will be inaccurate, but far better than just guessing, and each sight-rifle combo will have its own table and cheat sheet for range estimate.


    To increase overall precision and grouping, I have to make as consistent powder as possible, so a larger powder batch is better and as homogeneous as I can and tumbled, with the same bullet weight and powder weight. I need to do something about fouling too, since even a little is bad, and accumulation will fuck up the following shots more and more. I guess I have to try to soften the fouling with some kind of lard or wax. If its going in the bullets base it cannot be runny and foul up the powder charge. I can see all this will be annoying involving a lot of shooting and data collection, in different weathers. Cold weather will obviously be different from hot summer, and I''ll probably have to make mixes to find something good.


    It might be damn annoying and frustrating, especially as I have to test different powder weights and bullet weights, but it will also be quite interesting and I just have to make a ballistics table for each rifle and sight, and it will be interesting how the weapons perform. We will also test the difference in bullet trajectory with a stronger charge. It is only a matter of time before I try different types of bullets, and not just in shape or weight but also other materials than pure lead, maybe a lead-tin alloy or lead-copper to check penetration and ballistics. The steel barrel should be fine as long as I limit it to low fractions of non-lead or use lead gripping the rifling. I''m also keen on trying a sabot bullet just because I''m curious, and since the musket or its descendants will be used for combat sooner or later, I''ll try combinations like a large round bullet with three smaller bullets loosely behind, or three stacked cone bullets. Being rich is definitely advantageous; plenty of freedom and money to do things, and eventually I will have spare time I need to fill with something. All data collected and a copy of the individual cheat sheets will of course be saved in the mansion library and on my tablet for future reference, but also so I don''t have to repeat the work if a cheat sheet is lost.


    I continue working to finishing the scopes optical part, and then I move on to the frames and mounting. Lots of filing. The scope mounting is four parts; main mounting frame; locking clamp around the rifles mount; scope to mounting attachment with lateral adjustment; and finally the part giving height adjustment. For a compromise between durability and size, I use the M6 screws and with a large 10 faceted head with a spring blade against the head, the screw have 10 steps per turn so 0.1mm per step. Along with the scopes mounts 200mm length, the sight adjustment is therefore 5cm per step at 100m and 20cm per step at 400m. It should be adequate considering the rifle and powders limited precision and usable range. I mark scales on the side and on the knob. After zeroing the cheat sheet will be used to give a setting for that range, and I might engrave those ranges beside the scale. The bullet will be deadly far away, but honestly I will be quite surprised if I eventually can hit a door consistently at 400m, and long range shooting is only on the range against shooting target as there frankly is no point trying to hunt at those distances. Clean kills are very unlikely, and wounding animals is just stupid, mean and wasteful.


    Since I''m working on the hunting rifles, I take the opportunity to do a little work on the triggers as well, partly the shape of the trigger, but above all I polish sears and surfaces so that they slide smoother and get a slightly crisper trigger feeling. Ciara comes in to show her work making a cheek pad. She was pleased that I wondered if she wanted to sew cheek pad for the rifles, and on her own initiative she have embroidered a pretty pattern on the parts where the cheek doesn''t rest. I shouldn''t be surprised, but she is damn good and it is very neatly done. Since I''ve also asked her to sew some simpler hunting bags, I guess they will be decorated too. Each weapon will have its on dedicated bag, although except the bullet and powder weight there shouldn''t be much difference. Honestly, the guards want to help making something for the firearms too, so Alith, Hillevi and Gunhild have offered to help make good shaped leather covers that can be slipped over the flint lock during rain. I plan to make ready-made paper cartridges with powder and bullet so faster reloads will be an option if necessary, but each hunting bag will include such tools as brass tools to measure out the correct amount of powder, and to take the correct amount of finer shot. Shooting on the range and trying different things is very different than hunting, which is very different than combat.


    At some point I will also try to make that silencer, but I have more work left on the lathe before that. The lathe is getting better and better, but I want to upgrade it with an automatic feed, so I can make proper threads, make threaded rods and such.

 Midwinter calling - day 37, Falling water and lightning

    Midwinter calling, day 37


    Falling water and lightning


    Along with the new and more impressive high backed and comfortable dining room chairs, my sambos have gotten two special chairs made for me; one for the dining room table, and a much more ''impressive'' chair that can be placed in the middle of the mezzanine above the stairs like a throne. I don''t really appreciate either of them, but it is important and again is something my sambos have told me that I just need to accept as part of the culture and my status. If I sit on the throne, I am Furste Ackerek, not Sejdmann Arnesson or just Robert Arnesson. I don''t mind Jane''s ''helpful design suggestions'' for the dining room chairs, but I do blame her for the throne, although I''m kind of glad that Jane actually made them understand why I dislike thrones on principle, and even when the throne isn''t in use, it''s a reminder and visible proof that it exist. That is sort of the point with a throne. And I don''t want to walk past my throne every time I pass the mezzanine, nor do I want others to have to although most seem to want it as a reminder because I don''t act like a Furste in normal day to day life. But obviously the throne shouldn''t be used like a normal chair by anyone else, so I''m glad they accepted that the mezzanine throne usually won''t be there but in the dark storage room where I''ve pulled a blanket over to cover it. Jane thinks it''s a pretty good metaphor for what I think of ''my power'' and what ''my rule'' is like.


    My dining room chair is thankfully not that much more special than other chairs around the table, and you don''t see the embroidery on the back when seated, so I accept it as ''lord of the mansion''. Depending on possible guests. At least with the guards help I managed to convince them that the chair shouldn''t be on either table end because I would have the courtyard window either behind my back or from the front. Bad for security reasons. Also the view is nicer towards the strait, and sitting in the middle I have Iselin and Kari on my sides and Ciara and Jane opposite or beside them depending on how many of us there are and if we have guests. I would have preferred to have guards and the staff eat with us for most meals, but that only happens on special occasions, or as a reward. In any case, I''ve made sure seat cushions are available and standard on all chairs for those who want them, and frankly the standard wooden chairs are just fine in terms of comfort, since I did consider ergonomics and comfort when ordering them. Even royal guest have noticed and commented on that.


    To show that he too is crafty, Hrappr has built two vertical looms for the staff to have in their common room or wings attic, and of course I gave him permission to take materials for it and use the carpentry tools. My sambos opinion is that he''s trying to impress them, but after it was pointed out, I''ve noticed that Jalida and Elvira seem to be more interested in me, probably because of my status and they know that Iselin and Ciara have advanced from being slaves. I honestly don''t care about their previous status, or that other men forced themselves on them when they were slaves, which is ''extra interesting'' since I also have Kari who everyone has always seen as a noble concubine, and Kari is now a Storman concubine which is extremely unusual, especially since she is now a very rich and powerful Stormman. A Storman without relatives like Kari is of course extremely attractive as a wife, and she wouldn''t have found it hard to get free born men as her concubines, which Kari is of course very well aware of, but seems completely uninterested in. Kari''s status is significantly rarer than for instance Caecilia''s status is, as according to Asbj?rn, there are about a dozen h¨®ra here in the north. Kari, on the other hand, is singular, and has been so for basically a generation. Which makes her really proud and pleased.


    Status thinking is oh so important in the culture, so many free men and women who have alternatives, don''t want a partner who was a slave unless they are really in love, and there are also some who look down on the children of freed slaves where the child has never been a slave, especially if they are sworn to the one who freed their parents. This would be a big problem for all my maids except Ida, but my high status ''rubs off'' on them, and me not caring about previous status has started to affect how others view former slave women at least here on the islands, so somewhat ironically, Elvira and Jalida are quite desirable because they are beautiful, wash often and have nice long hair even though it is dark, and they look extra good and stylish in their pretty maid clothes.


    Ima and Shakini don''t seem particularly receptive to any man''s charms either, but of course their background story has become known among the staff, and they may have a hard time getting more ''respectable'' men to take an interest in them. I''ve told everyone to respect them, not badmouth and spread rumours and that their past lives should not taint their future. If they wanted new names, I would''ve made sure that it was respected. Ima might be looking for a man and future, but no-one think that Shakini is and unfortunately her skin colour would make it far harder. Honestly, Shakini''s personality won''t help her as she is more like a robot than a living person. Radgeirrson really messed her up.


    <hr>


    As part of the electricity and radio training, Iselin, Kari and Asta gets to build receiver units for the servant system. We still need a special variant for the alarm system for the guards day room which rings a bell until it''s reset, and there needs to be two. The guards prefer to see certain specific alarms instead of zones, such as from my bedroom, balcony, etc. The staff room will get one more receiver unit as there are more rooms and places that should have a button to summon the staff, and in the future the B-mansion will probably get a system as well. The Academy will have one as well. Since I only supervise and help them build, and the first thermometers seem to work really well, I do the first steps on more thermometers. Going to need plenty of those too.


    <hr>


    The wind have really picked up outside, and I''m glad the guards were quick to suggest to lower the wind turbine and lock it for bad weather, which they did as well as verify that the antenna is disconnected with its circuit breaker. There are spark gaps and other protection like that lightning rod that hopefully provide some protection, but I don''t trust those protections, and disconnecting also grounds the antenna.


    We cut today''s work and training short due to the weather and loosing daylight, and Asta have been sent home. Sure, I can still work and train something, but I just don''t feel like it, and music lures me up to the attic. My input is requested and it feels luxurious to be able to sit and just listen to how good Caecilia, Jane, Ciara, Gunhild and Hillevi have become at creating music. Via Elvira, Ima has let us know that she and Frida can play some music, and together with a couple of others have been playing and singing to entertain Radgeirrson and guests that way too. So when she doesn''t have anything else to do, they let Ima participate, which she loves, along with listening to Midg?rd music. It''s not like the maids were overworked when they were three, and being five they have more spare time. I''m so glad I made that server so I could transfer files to Jane''s mobile. Not that I care if she used Tom''s mobile phone, but understandably she likes to use her own mobile phone, and it''s convenient when the mobile phone is more useful. Jane is hardly alone in loving the improved and more powerful speaker, but she truly loves that it''s a bluetooth speaker, and Midg?rd music being played somewhere in the house have become very common.


    Their performance is finished and I give them praise and applauds. Jane show me pictures on her phone as we discus the instruments and improvements, and Jane gives me another kiss on the cheek as a thank you. That always makes me uncomfortable, as I can''t drop the suspicion that she do that just to make me uncomfortable or annoy me or the others.


    I prefer to see Jane as a friend, and enjoy joking, general friend stuff and some teasing, but I''ve become more convinced that it might just be a matter of time, and I feel like an asshole since I''m not sure I would ask Jane to leave if I''d found her curled up waiting in my bed. There is almost no good outcome if that happens, and I worry how much will change, and not just between the two of us, but my sambos too. I am getting bloody married in two weeks! Literally, since that ceremony involve getting fresh warm blood splattered in my face.


    I should write and put up ''missing'' notes and see if anyone has found my lost morality when it comes to sex and relationships. But I''m not even sure when or where I lost it. At least some parts of it remain as I still won''t touch the maids or even have thoughts about it. Even when Jalida seems to be flirting with me it is just a terrible idea, and frankly I just don''t see the point. I just can''t really see any reason why I would have sex with them, and the same goes for Jane, but for some reason I don''t worry about asking them to leave my bed if I find them there. Which is utterly stupid. Some days just keeping my sambos and Caecilia happy feels a bit too much.


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    <hr>


    The strong wind turns into a severe thunderstorm with plenty of lightning. I don''t want to sabotage the others religion, but Iselin and Kari want to know what I know about lightning, and they sure won''t believe I don''t know anything. Both have seen that the spark gap transmitter has ''tiny lightning bolts'' in it. I try to derail their minds a bit by first talking about the speed of sound versus the speed of light. Indirectly I have also talked about this when I explained how fast electricity travels per second as we talked about antennas and wavelength. The reason 300MHz have 1 meters wavelength is due to that speed, and it also applies to light. Unfortunately, I can''t prove exactly how fast the speed of light is, but they do understand that the distance we talked over radio had no noticeable delay, and the same goes for the future telegraph. About 0.1ms delay to Borgarsandr is not noticeable when it''s a manual operated device, and the same applies to light when it''s human operated and noticed. The curvature of the Earth makes distances long enough to be noticeable impossible. They already know that the delay between the lightning bolt and thunder tells how far away the lightning was, and I make them count seconds and multiply with 300m. Sound travels faster in denser materials, so water is faster, but in metal even faster. The speed of sound is much easier to measure and an echo is clear proof, which at least the sailors used to locate themselves in the foggy fjord. Proper measurement of the speed of sound at different temperatures and in different materials is a good advanced lab experiment for future physics lessons.


    They are receiving electrical education, so I explain about electrical charge. That lightning is enormously powerful electricity and the same as the small lightning in the spark gap, only on a completely different scale. Iselin ask if it is the same charge as a capacitor, which is sort of is, and it would be possible to ''store'' lightning with a truly humongous capacitor and equipment rated for it. Which brings the subject to the lightning rod I have already installed on the house. They have seen the lightning rod, and it was raised when the antenna was mounted, and now that they have started to understand electricity, they can understand that it can work and see the similarity with the antenna we tried. Jane have talked too much and they really want me to try and build a tesla coil in the future, so I can create lightning even if it is short and weak. I think it will be quite difficult and just the big smooth ball or toroid on the top will not be easy to do, but I have a lathe and can big a bigger one. Tesla coils are usually made of lacquered copper wire, and it''s really just a bigger and different kind of spark gap transmitter. I might be able to make a small Jacob''s ladder with an AC generator and transformer, or a van de graaf generator of some kind. The difficult part will be how to create and move the charge when I lack plastic material. Although I do have some plastic.


    The discussion move and to static electricity and how dry air affects and keeps things insulated, and fabric etc can make something electrically charged that gives a shock when you touch something with a different charge or ground yourself, which is something they have experienced before, they just haven''t known what was happening. Dry inland winter air can do that, and of course there are myths.


    I can''t help to contemplate about how we could measure the speed of light. What we can measure is how fast an electrical signal travels in a really long loop, by making an oscillator and measuring the frequency. But it is also difficult to measure except with the computer, although a tone can be generated and heard if the loop is long enough, but even a 20km loop gives approx. 10kHz oscillation if the propagation factor in copper is taken into account. Electromechanics have slow switching speed.


    I don''t really like using too advanced components for this because it makes it more magical and harder to understand, at the same time the speed of light test would have had to take place over longer surfaces so the time aspect becomes longer. Relatively simple would be a strong directed light beam that bounces on a multi-faceted mirror wheel where the light bounces on one facet, travels far away towards a reflector, travels back and hits another facet and reaches the eye. If the mirror wheel is then rotated, the light beam will sweep over the terrain, and only the short pulse that hits the reflector is reflected. The short reflected light pulse must hit a facet in exactly the right position to reach the eye. So when the faceted mirror wheel is still and in the right position, the light constantly reaches the eye, but if the wheel rotates a bit, the facet that sends the reflected light on to the eye will not be in the right position, and no light pulse can be seen. It is only when the next facet is in exactly the right position that the eye will see a pulse of light. The number of revolutions per second, divided by the amount of facets then gives accurate time interval, and the distance can be physically measured, although it can be difficult to be accurate in the distances needed to avoid the rotational speed becoming insanely high and difficult, as well as finding a place suitable for the experiment. A hundred facets will lower the rotational speed, but be harder to manufacture with the precision needed, so something lower like ten is better. The reflected light will be very weak, so might need a telescope and do it at night. Measuring the speed of light with a complete Alfheimr setup will not be an easy project.


    I know the speed of light in a vacuum, and it is only a few ten thousandths lower in air, so if I measure over a short distance of 150m, a round trip only takes 1¦Ìs, which means too damn high speed of one hundred thousand revolutions per second for ten facets, and 1.5km gives 10¦Ìs and ten thousand revolutions. 15km gives 100¦Ìs and a thousand revolutions per second which is still very high but is becoming manageable. 30km gives around 500 revolutions per second, and 60km gives 250 revolutions per second, which is manageable. But over those long distances the curvature of the earth is a problem, and the damping and dispersion in the atmosphere becomes high, which places high demands on a strong directional light source, the mirror facets and a large accurate reflector and telescope. So it is a balance between how high speed and mechanical precision, and the optical limitations, plus a strong light source.


    I know they measured the speed of light with high accuracy in the mid 19th century, but I don''t know exactly how and they had access to far better equipment than I can probably build here in my lifetime. Using electronics, the most powerful LED, camera optics, the computer and the microphone input feels a little too technical and it can''t really be replicated when some of it eventually stops working, but I should be able to measure reasonably accurately at shorter distances. The reflex I have on the backpack and in the jacket is only 6cm and even the reflex vest is a bit too small target but much better than something I''ll be able to build and a dark moonless night with clouds, it can work at a fairly long distance if I can focus the light well enough. With LED''s as photodiodes I can detect the signal and the frequency of the light pulses to direct measure with fairly high accuracy. Technically difficult but worth thinking about more.


    However, since we have time, I try to improvise a simple Lord Kelvin falling water generator. It will be a very good experiment to show to students at the Academy, so I need to get some of the parts made in ceramic or glass to insulate. This prototype will be in brass and with soldering, because it is faster and easier to make. Which is the reason for the large hollowed wooden block as a container balancing on two earthenware mugs, with a couple of pieces of wood holding shorter metal cylinders and two brass vessels that catch the falling water. The collection vessels are cross-connected with the cylinders. The left goes to the right, and right to the left. A small spark gap of 3-4 mm between the collection vessels completes the generator. It is ugly as fuck.


    It''s a bit fiddly before it works well, and been so many emptying of vessels and refilling the top, but when it works and we see that every now and then there''s is a tiny spark? Iselin, Kari, Ciara, Alith and Bodil are jaw droppingly shocked, and I have to explain what the fuck we just built and why it works. Water is neutral but has charged ions, and there is a random small mismatch in charge, which becomes a cascading effect as one side attracts its charge and repels the opposite charge. When I confirm that it is indeed the same as thunderstorm lightning or the spark gap in the transmitter, they are no less impressed. The spark gap transmitter and radio over all is something they''re just starting to accept, but now I''m making lightning from falling water. I didn''t even consider that they would make a connection to the fact that it often rains when there is thunder and lightning.


    I work on optimizing the ratio a bit to make it consistent and better, and to make it more obvious that the water has charge - and make it more magical - each side gets two streams of falling water. It''s more fiddling but finally we can see how the water jets begin to bend out towards the rings, the lightning discharges and the water falls straight again. Then it starts over. And over. Streams of falling water that bends! I''m going to get the potter in Borgarsandr to make parts for a far prettier falling water generator. Or maybe involve the glazier so it will be more transparent and prove that I didn''t hide anything in the vessels or construction. As simple and clear as possible is preferable. The whole apparatus also needs to be easier to reset for repeated experiments with different liquids. And Iseling poking the spark gap proves it needs a warning sign. Sure, the generator isn''t particularly dangerous, but it''s best to be warned. Excited shouts have soon lured everyone to my workshop.


    "What the fuck!?" Jane is just as surprised as the rest of them. "That water bends. Bends! How the fuck!? Is that a spark?! What! The! Fuck!"


    I guess Jane has never seen this experiment before, and it is incredibly effective on everyone else. Especially after Jane''s reaction, and the annoyed look she gives me when I initially refuse to explain how it works, but she actually do understand my quick explanation in English. Still:


    Fucking Voodoo Magic, man!


    Iselin declares that tonight I am hers.

 Midwinter calling - day 37, Janes stormy thoughts

    <hr><hr>


    The house is quiet, and only sounds are distant rumbling from outside, and occasionally faint creaking from the floor as someone walks by outside my door. No sound from above as Iselin sleeps in Roberts bed tonight.


    Iselin sleeps with Robert.


    Snuggled up against Robert''s and their arms wrapped around each other.


    I really wish it was me snuggle up against Robert, and I loath myself for the stray thoughts about trying the lame excuse of being afraid of lightning since Hardangervidda, just to get him to share my bed. Why is it so hard to admit even just to myself that I want him as my boyfriend? That I want to snuggle and cuddle with him? To admit I want to do far more than just cuddle? Am I really that pathetically shallow? Isn''t it enough that I am a bitch, a bully and a hypocrite? How many bad personality traits do I have? It''s been hard enough so far to realise how I been and behaved so far in my life. How many in Midg?rd miss me because I made their lives better? Does anyone remember me as a good person? Anyone but my parents?


    Does my parents?


    There really are no good excuse for being such a bloody bitchy moron the first time we met. It would have been utterly pathetic to say ''Sorry'' and think everything would be fine, but that is what I would have done. I''d probably been mad if he hadn''t accepted my ''sincere'' apology, and tried to shift the blame to him. It''s even more utterly pathetic after realising who I really am and how I have behaved all my life. Only a complete bitch and hypocrite would accuse him of what I thought he did, without realising I would have been so much worse if the roles were reversed. Of course I didn''t question what others said because I have done similar. How many times have I used my looks, money, or believed my ''status'' justified my actions? Especially towards nerds? If the roles were reversed here, it''s just a matter of how big of a monster I would be. How many boy-toys would I have had? Would I ever think there might be anything wrong with it?


    How many lives have I ruined by being a bully? What does it say about me that I neither thought or cared about it before he told me about his life? How many are glad that I''ve disappeared in the wilderness? Hope that I died cold and starving? Thought it was too merciful and I got off easy?


    I don''t deserve someone like Robert. I deserve someone like Tom. Or worse.


    How many would think I deserved to be Radgeirrson''s tortured sex slave? Or experience something like Ciara did, but unlike her, I wouldn''t deserve to be saved by someone like Robert. If Ciara had become my slave; how would I have reacted? How would I have treated her? How would I have treated a man in a similar circumstance? What would I do if everything was the other way around?


    Robert is their trophy, and he accepts that they are proud to show that they are his women, and that it is necessary to protect them. But they are not trophies to him. They don''t get jewels and fancy dresses because he wants to brag to others, even though that is partly what is proper in this culture. If Robert had girlfriends like them in Midg?rd, he wouldn''t go to the main beach so he could brag. He wouldn''t go to clubs surrounded by them. That would go against his principles, and he would''ve felt incredibly uncomfortable to even be seen in public with them, due to people''s judgmental eyes and preconceived notions. People like me.


    I can''t see myself saying ''no'' to the smart, charming and handsome and rich young prince with large estates, especially knowing I might become the Queen with my kids could inheriting the throne. I just can''t see that I would marry an uneducated former slave with nothing more than the clothes on his body, when I could''ve had someone so much better.


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    Damn.


    DAMN!


    DAMN!!!


    Just that I automatically thought of Iselin as a former slave and I want ''someone so much better'' proves that I still look down on Iselin, and that wealth and status are still far more important than the person or love. Iselin is a better person than me. She also deserves someone like Robert. She deserves to be his Vivian Ward.


    Robert only chose Iselin. The others chose Robert. They are not bad people, but he only chose Iselin. Just how scared he is of what he might do if something happens to her is scary, especially if someone is intentionally hurting her. But that''s not love. It is fierce protectiveness with strong emotions. What says how much he loves her is that Iselin just have to say she wanted them to separate and go her own way - because he would let her go. He probably wouldn''t even raise his voice against her or anyone else, and just accept her choice and set her free. Then he would mourned in silence so she wouldn''t see his anguish. So she wouldn''t feel bad. Definitely ''Crying in the rain'', but not for pride, but for love. ''If you love something, set it free''. For Robert that is not a saying.


    Considering that he is trapped in a medieval world, and still get teary eyed thinking about his ex-girlfriend and hopes that she has a good life after so many years... A part of his soul will died if Iselin wants to leave him, and fortunately that is unlikely to ever happen. And then he will still have Ciara and Kari.


    If only I were so loved.


    So loved by Robert.


    Ciara and Kari must have seen that and wanted the same thing, but took two different approaches to achieve it. And me joking that they were just having sex with their Goddess''s messiah. Bloody moron. Epic moron.


    Am I not as desperate as Ciara was, just in my own way?


    And I am such a shallow bitchy moron that it took me months to get here.


    I wish Robert was here beside me. Snuggle into his arms, while we talked about unimportant things before going to sleep. Be able to fall asleep, and dream other dreams. Pleasant dreams.


    Fearing sleep. Fear waking up sweaty with my heart racing from yet another nightmare. That horrible moment when the dream is still vivid in my mind, and I have to make sure I am here in my room. That it was just a nightmare. Robert haven''t really thrown me out of his life. Told me to leave. Or that vivid nightmare that we never become anything more than friends, and I spend the rest of my life watching Iselin, Ciara and Kari get married, have children and grandchildren and be happy. How Caecilia, Alith and the maids also have children with Robert and all are one big happy family. Without me. How I become pushed aside more and more from their lives and happy growing family. My absence is barely noticed, and not missed.


    It hurts to see Robert with the others. Especially Iselin. The looks they give each other and the small gestures and moments. The smiles and the way they touch each other. I wish them to be happy, but it still hurts to know how happy they are tonight. Content to be in each other''s arms. They will sleep well and wake up happy.


    I don''t want to live like this any more. Loneliness, anguish and pain and just going through the motions day after day. My existence and life just a meaningless void, until the next time I''m with Robert. When I have his attention and it''s just the two of us. Like when we go jogging. Or on the couch talking, with his arm around me. Listening to all his silly or wonderful ideas and plans. Enjoying when his mind go way of track, since it is funny but also makes the moment last a bit longer. My time with Robert. When I feel alive and the world is colourful. When I don''t need to be pretend that everything is fine. Pretend to be happy. Pretend, so they don''t understand.


    Damn! I hate this feeling! I hate how cold and empty my room and bed feels!


    I can''t ask Caecilia to join me again. I''m not bisexual, so it says something about me that I''d rather take her to bed than Robert. Than admit to Robert. Why is it always Robert?! Why can''t I see myself sharing my bed and life with someone else?! Not that it makes any difference; like any Elvish man would want me. The hairy woman. Barely a woman and not much better than an animal. From someone who wash once a week.


    Damn La Bouche! How could I be such a moron?! Again! Talk about playing with fire and getting burned. That damn smile. Those eyes. Be my lover...


    ...


    How can it still have such an effect on me?!


    How many weeks has it been?! Just the thought makes me want to kick in the door to his room, tie him to the bed and satisfy myself until I''ve had enough!


    I bet he would like that, and enjoyed his victory. Yeah, not hard to imagine that! Bastard!


    Damn smile!


    Damn Robert!


    It''s all his damn fault!

 Midwinter calling - day 38, Storage issues

    Midwinter calling, day 38


    Storage issues


    The carpenters never saw the iron cannon in use although they heard it, and don''t really understand what it is they have built, and I make final assembly with the help of Alith and Gunhild. A strange cart? Wooden frame with axle for the wagon wheels, gun shield, ramming rod, cleaning swab, wooden mallet, ammo boxes, etc. To me it looks like a pretty nice cannon in early 20th century design, even though it has a couple of more modern additions. This is just a ''small'' bronze cannon with 75 mm caliber, with a cannon length of 1.6m. It sort of annoys me more than it should that I don''t know which weight class it will be. With padding, it will be possible to shoot round lead balls that weigh about 2.4kg, but since a round iron ball would have only weighed about 1.6kg, is it technically a 3.6 pound cannon? But the barrel is rifled and those projectiles are much heavier at about 4.2kg, so is it a 9 pound cannon? Or does the rifling make this a 9 pound gun?


    The finished cannon barrel probably weighs 380-400kg or so, which is much more than I thought it would - silly me and math - and the whole cannon seems to be around 700-800kg. I need to build a better scale for weighing big cumbersome stuff. The cannon is bigger and heavier than what I intended to build, and it was also unexpectedly expensive, but I''d rather have an expensive cannon than something like a boring statue, even if there will probably be a statue in the future. Jane wants to try sculpting in clay and using a potter''s wheel, something she has only tried and will be completely different from painting. I guess she too wants more leisure activities and hobbies. Come spring, I need to make another building close by for my sambos and Jane''s hobbies.


    But a more powerful cannon is probably more ''useful'', and this one is still small compared to what was used in war or on ships, because some of those got damn big and heavy, even with round iron cannonballs. I don''t actually remember what was used in most cases, but I have heard of things like 24 and 32 pounders. The historic ship Vasa had 11 kg cannon projectiles, which is 24 pounds. So this is small. But how much powder should I use? Should I use the same math from the rifles? Even though they have a far longer barrel compared to caliber? How do black powder scale? What did they use historically? I don''t know, but this whole cannon and design is on the ''looks to be right'' line, so I guess 10% or so of the projectile''s weight will be ''fine'' since I won''t go for maximum power, which is still more powder than I planned to use due to the weight of the projectile. That''s like 100 rifle shots for one cannon shot. I don''t really want to spend that much powder to test the cannon and ballistics, because I rather use that black powder to hunt or build fireworks off. At the same time I have to shoot a few shots to see that the bronze cannon truly works and to roughly adjust the sight and make a ballistic table, because an expensive cannon I haven''t tried using without the sight adjusted is more useless. Still, it might blow up, and the flint lock is made to work with a pull string, so I will attach a very long string and stand well clear diagonally behind some thick wooden protection, and just like on the iron cannon, the first shot will be a wooden plug so the pressure will not be so high. Then there will be increasingly powerful shots ending in a too powerful shot.


    The bronze cannon is something completely different from the iron cannon in looks and of course quite advanced, especially for this era when it might be the first of its kind. Not only with the flintlock on a cannon, but also in the overall design, the rifling and the sight. There is even a small plumb bob to check angle and slope. The barrel can be adjusted a lot in height with a wheel at the bottom; from negative 8 degrees to positive 20 degrees. There is even a limited fine lateral adjustment of a few degrees, since just 5 degrees off center gives right/left 40m at 500m. For larger adjustments I simply have to move the rear end of the whole cannon.


    This cannon has been given a thin sloping wooden shield across the front, mainly because I think it looks cooler, but it is something to take cover behind against arrows, and I can paint my logo on the shield. The cannon is far more like an early 20th century field cannon than a classic galleon ship''s cannon. To make it more practical there are ammo boxes on the sides that can be removed, as well as a protective box for the flint lock, and a mold and tools for projectiles. The cannon has a removable front wheel pair with braces and harness for horses, aka a ''limber'', where there is room for three extra ammo boxes, plus a shovel, axe and sledge and a pair of wooden ramps as recoil ramps to put in place and hammer into the ground. Someone can sit on the boxes to drive the whole cannon wagon. I''ve even added four long planks with wheel groves to be able to roll the cannon over short ditches, mud or up low ledges. But for now, the limber is stored in the stable, with empty ammo boxes.


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    In addition to eight black powder charges, each ammo box has six solid projectiles and two wooden cannister shots, each packed with 100 musket balls and sawdust. I believe it was called cannister if they were in metal containers and grapple if the shot was large balls between wooden discs. Eight shots doesn''t sound that much in a battle, but each ammo box weighs 30kg, and pretty much the practical limit to be lifted and carried by one person. If I have spent this much effort, time and silver on a cannon, it should at least be ready for use, hence the two ammo boxes on the cannon, and up to three more on the limber, for a total of 40 shots. Eventually. In addition to three overcharges to test the strength, I have also finished a few test charges of black powder and projectiles, one of which is a cannister shot.


    Unfortunately, I didn''t plan anything when it comes to storing the cannon, and I can''t put the cannon in the basement as the door isn''t wide enough, and the slope there is also too steep, too narrow and the cannon is too heavy to be outside. For obvious reasons, I don''t want the cannon standing outside. Sure, the cannon is made to be assembled, but it''s quite a lot of work to do that, and just lifting the cannon barrel into place in the stand is a pain and requires four people, with poles and straps, plus someone rolling the stand under the cannon. It is hardly something that is done quickly. The cannon could be on my ship and the crane could lift it up and down disassembled, but sea battles hardly happen here and the cannon is unnecessary cargo, and the cannon is dangerous, so I want some control over it. The iron cannon with cement balls, stones and shot is much more flexible and lighter, and will be brought along on the ship. The iron cannon is also rear-loaded, which facilitates fixed installation if needed. The iron cannons cart is similar to this, but much smaller and lighter.


    In the absence of another place and me being too lazy to take it apart, the guards help me roll the cannon inside and we place it in the great hall beside the mezzanine stairs where there is plenty of space and it''s a straight path from the door. In order to avoid damaging the floor, the weight of the wheels is distributed on the thick planks with wheel groves, which also made it easy going up the entrance stairs. I made the planks for uneven terrain, mud and small ditches, but they work for this too, and a couple of blankets underneath avoid making marks. Once in place, the cannon actually looks pretty cool with the barrel pointing towards the entrance. My choice of storage place is not appreciated by my sambos, because the cannon is not beautiful and we''re going to have wedding guests. Shit, I might have to move it before then. I hardly object to have it covered with a large blanket while I fix the last details, and until I solve a better permanent storage. Jane immediately understands why I keep the cannon here, and have already promised to keep her mouth shut about what it is, but her honesty about it not fitting in helps sell it to sambos. Alith and Gunhild know what it is, and the ''gold cannon'' is so much more impressive than the iron cannon, but I''ve got them to keep quiet. Fortunately Kari takes their giddiness as they''re just having fun. I really want to paint the cannon. Make it more military-ish. Swedish M90 could look nice, but I should probably match their future uniforms. For now it''s ''camouflaged'' as a strange wagon project.


    <hr>


    That camouflage didn''t last. Kari recognised the flint lock when I test fitted and tinkered with it, and understood that what I built is a huge thunder weapon and not a new carriage, and she quickly inform the others, to completely different reactions and protests. They don''t buy my careless excuse that it is just a ''small cannon'', and Kari points out that the bronze cannon is not small. It''s huge and heavy. Unexpectedly, Jane comes to my rescue when she casually says that the cannon seems small compared to the once she''s seen. Jane gives me more than a few snide remarks, and comments that it doesn''t match the interior decor, and that most medieval men are content with a couple of armours. This doesn''t even match the swords on the wall. Kari don''t find it funny, and doesn''t like the cannon because it is obviously dangerous as hell. And ugly. This is not a stable. Kari is not amused, and I bet she will keep her eyes on my projects from now on.


    Alith and Gunhild, on the other hand, don''t complain at all, and eagerly anticipate the future tests. They saw what the iron cannon did to the targets, and these projectiles are far more impressive. How loud will it be?! How powerful?! How much smoke?! They are impressed as hell that we can have a siege weapon indoors. They love it. Ciara is quiet and seems curious. I''m also curious how good it will really be, and I want to mark the distances on the sight and so on. Unless the cannon explode or something else happens. If that happens Kari and Ciara will not let me get close to future cannons.


    For now, this is a temporary location, and when I''m done with the last tinkering and Hrappr has finished building the targets, we''ll shoot the test shots, and then we will plan for the future storage. As I leave, Jane follow along to give me helpful suggestions:


    "Why not oil all the wood like the floor? It will look better and protect against rain. Oh! Lets wrap parts of the cannon in dark blue cloth like the couch and add padded seats on the ammo boxes? Yellow tassels and everything. Maybe a couple of pillows too? I can paint some decorations! Pink flowers! No-one will ever suspect the purpose!"

 Midwinter calling - day 38, Sagas

    There is a knock on my door and Kari comes into my study, and the sound of the door locking makes me look up. Kari is leaning against the door she just closed and locked, and I can''t make out her face as she saunter over to my chair, and start walking her fingers on my arm and shoulder. Makes me suspicious.


    "So, how do the b-room project go?"


    "Still work to do."


    "Really? So, what are you working on?"


    Shit. She knows, and this is a trap. That is a loaded question that can be answered in multiple ways, and some are not good for our relationship. I''ve basically finished the important parts so we could use the B-room more than two weeks ago, but I never told her, and now she is testing me. I have not considered how often she would check in and track my progress.


    "Well, you know. I''ve been thinking about hiding the door better or camouflage it with something, and improving the soundproofing, and that door between the secret library and the semi-secret room under the mezzanine needs work." Oh, she might like me playing to her fetish, so I grab her butt and drag her towards me. "The whole Olafr and Orusing visit took priority, and there have been so many things to do with manly hunting Elks with thunder and making lightning and so on. There just haven''t been a good time for a proper inauguration where I can ravage you without being interrupted." Kari rewards me with a small pleased smile. Yes, I did good! I look at my smart watch. "Though the evening will be long and dark ... "


    Kari''s tongue invading my mouth stops any more conversation.


    <hr>


    Ima and dark skinned Shakini, the two maids from the B-mansion who are here to help during the wedding have had some adjustment problems, especially Shakini who I doubt will ever become ''normal''. She is probably 23-25 years old, but she doesn''t know so I think of her as 23, assuming she want to be younger. Shakini has been a maid, sex slave and assistant for the last 11 or so years, and only for Radgeirrson who took her virginity when she was about 12-13 years old. I avoid pressing for details as I don''t want to bring up painful memories, and Shakini seems to have plenty of them and I guess she tries to avoid thinking about the past. Radgeirrson hasn''t been interested in her sexually since she became too ''tree like and limp'', so he hasn''t had sex with her in something like eight or more years, although she occasionally used her mouth. For the past five or six years, she has served as Radgeirrsons assistant in the mansion and been one of those in charge of the B-mansion when Radgeirrson were else where, while still doing menial tasks the others avoided and at the same time being his primary assistant for training others. Shakini has been used as an example of a good well trained maid. I can only imagine what she has experienced, seen and contributed to and she is unfortunately more like a robot than a person.


    Shakini honestly is an excellent maid who works quietly and efficiently, finds work that needs doing and is helpful without being a bother. She answers questions but hardly asks any except to ensure that the task is correctly done. She basically works all the time, and when there is nothing to do, she seems to just stand or sit still while waiting for the next job or task. The other staff are enthusiastic about reading-writing, math and music, but Shakini seems to take it more as a job to be done. Unfortunately I had to scold Ida and Jalida after a discreet tip from Gunhild lead me to discover that they were using Shakini to do most of their work as well, because even though Shakini doesn''t complain, she is not their slave to use. Shakini is a free woman like them and a colleague, and her background or dark skin doesn''t matter. As a small punishment, they are currently banned from the main building, which seems to be extra effective on Jalida, although understandable as Jalida used to be there much more than Ida. Shakini and Ima have take over their better duties and tasks, and help Elvira in the main building.


    Ima knows her age is 23 years old, and she is from somewhere in the forested inland, but she was born a slave and have no good idea where as she was moved around as a kid, and she sure don''t seem to care. She became Radgeirrson''s 9 years ago. Ima is more talkative and tries to socialize with others and participate in music, reading, math and other activities, and she seems to be adjusting to her new life quite well. She got more ''life'' in her than Shakini, and is very pleased to be a free woman and getting taught so much. I like to see and hear that the staff get along and help each other with learning to read, write and math, but they have quite a lot of free time.


    <hr>


    Turning forest to pasture takes time and requires work clearing trees and is the first step to convert it to crop land which I need more of, so I''m just happy to hire them when three island residents and three more from nearby islands comes looking for work. I name their labour group ''Bertil'' and their task is to cut down trees and clear forest during winter and spring. Beside future pastures, I also get building materials, and they have good well paid work during winter before the farming season begins. Well, farming doesn''t really end and there is always task that can be done on a farm, but priorities, weather and all that. I know the islands well and so do the locals, so it is easy to agree on where to make fields and enclosures. Unfortunately these are rocky, mountainous islands, so much of the land isn''t suitable, but some can be converted from forest given a few years as pigs, sheep and cows gradually clear the land by eating and fertilize with their excrement. They will use horses to haul timber out of the forest and to the sawmill when the ground is frozen, and Small Ackereks northern road is now a wide path. With the future log wagon, they just have to drag the logs to it road, and the wagon will transport the logs down to the sawmill. The wagon can do all around the year without messing up the road, but then the road must be navigable for that log wagon, which will be more work although that road probably won''t be as wide or have the same foundation as the main road. The worst section is about 200 meters just north of mansion where it is narrow, steep and serpentines with a couple of sharp corners due to steep terrain and cliff faces. Making that section into a proper road will be a hassle, but doable.


    It feels good to know that I have the income and silver to actually pay for work like this to be done, as it is an investment in my Furstdoms future, and that some of it makes the Furstdoms residents richer. It''s not like I''ve donated the silver, but for now most of the silver is kept fairly local and making the local region rich too, although unevenly distributed. I am not that good in thinking large scale economics, and it is not a fun subject. But I have to think long term, and my long term goal for technological progress requires a strong economy, plenty of people and educated people, with preferably a good production of food or at least a secure food supply and storage, and overall increased wealth and prosperity in the region. I can''t rely on others to adopt what I want or start making the stuff I want to spread, and making it also gives me more control.


    Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    I will spend a lot of silver and trade goods on getting the materials I need, like construction supplies, metals, clothes and food, but much of that will not go to locals, and I can''t just buy or trade without earning enough. The Auctions will mostly be luxury goods, and lure rich people here that will pay for it with silver and gold. If I start selling salt I will get goods and silver in return, and far more than the Auction will give. Some of those riches will be spent on what I need, but with salt production it''s likely that the main cash flow will be very much towards me. Selling stuff to normal people will be hard, and they need to have silver to buy stuff, and me having a pile of silver and gold is nice, but not really that helpful for the region unless I spend it. So paying people for work, lending money to buy land, investing in large scale infrastructure, building factories to produce goods and items and employing free people and so on is good. It will also make me even richer and more influential. Which is good but also annoying. This would be so much easier if I just wanted to get stinking rich and live a luxurious life, while hardly caring about others.


    <hr>


    I just collapse into my sofa. I really hope Iselin won''t expect sex tonight. Kari''s got way too much energy, but she really really enjoyed our inauguration lit by oil lanterns. Kari also like that I sent Caecilia to give Kari the bag with leather goods and a folded message with instructions on how to get ready and when to meet me down there, and as she have been a good girl, she got to try one of the new sex toys as a reward. Somehow it even feel more strange as we discuss the session while cleaning up after ourselves, and casually talking about how Kari looks forward to inaugurating the wooden cross and so on, because we only used the bed. Kari enjoyed that I limited her experience because now she has something to look forward to. Something to think and dream about. Kari had a wicked playful smile when she said we should wait a few weeks with the cross, and after a while and more hints I understood that she meant Jane''s bet. It feels weird considering that Kari very understandably doesn''t want more women complicating our relationship, but at the same time she seems to want something to happen with Jane. It was very awkward to ask and Kari didn''t want to answer, so the cleaning was interrupted as I ''need'' to force the truth out of her.


    It''s pretty absurd to pretend to force Kari to ''confess the truth'', as she was strapped half-lying face down over the bed in our sex dungeon, and she pretty much failed not showing how much she enjoyed being methodically worked towards an orgasm, and then I stopped when she refused to answer and I let her calm down, to start over. I had to fetch her mouth gag, because it was hard to play cool and stop when she asked me to take her, and she presses herself against my hands and mouth until her shackles stopped her. Finally, frustrated as hell she promised to tell me after I let her come, and that was a couple of intense happy minutes for both of us.


    So now when I sit here, still thinking on Kari words. That Jane, who has become a good friend to her, often seems so sad, especially if I am cuddling and being intimate with one of them. Kari has noticed that Jane has sometimes been red-eyed after crying in her room, and apparently she''s not the only one who''s noticed. Kari knows that Jane really misses a more intimate connection and relationship, but she is not looking at other men, and Jane rightly has high standards.


    Then there is the problem with Jane being human and thus have body hair, which many men will have a really hard time with. If she gets a good reputation as an artist, it will of course help, but Jane doesn''t want to live like even better off women here do, and Jane really hates the fact that according to the Law, with marriage she becomes the property of some man. So while Kari doesn''t want Jane to become a concubine or wife, she also feels sorry for her friend and her possible future. That''s why Kari talked to Iselin so we could have sex as long as it didn''t become anything more, but that neither of us has acted on it surprised them, as we both clearly react to each other.


    Kari knows about Jane''s bet, and believe it was a way for Jane to set a future goal, without guaranteeing the outcome, so it would be easier to hold off until then but at the same time have a goal if she wanted it. Now, Kari is worried that once sex happens, at least Jane will have a hard time just keeping it to sex without feelings. She doesn''t seem like that type, and Kari doesn''t like that I already have a special connection with Jane just because she is a modern person like me, which is a connection that Kari can never have.


    <hr>


    There is no internet och TV here, and I don''t want to waste movies, so I don''t mind that Caecilia has another Saga telling evening, where she tells us Sagas, myths and fairy tales, occasionally with some music thrown in. Caecilia is a good story teller, and me and Jane really need to learn important Sagas and mythology in the world we now live in. There is a lot of it, but it''s hard to even try to take it seriously because a lot of it is so very absurd from my critical and reality connected point of view. Sometimes I just drift off as I figure out there probably are some truths behind a Saga or myth, and it wouldn''t surprise me if way back there was two folks with different religions that went to war, where the side that worshipped the Aesir Gods declared war on the worshippers of the Vanir Gods, but there was no clear win where one religion wiped the other out, so instead their mythology blended into one. Considering me and Jane are here, it''s entirely possible that it was a clash between Humans and Elves, and that along with travellers from far away, also lead to their whole world view. If there is more worlds than Midg?rd and Alfheimr, it''s not unreasonable that there are large humanoid Giants or such in another world, and all those prehistoric groups battled as large groups got sent to another world. There had to be very few people in each world, so even a small group would have a bigger impact, and better weapon or armour would mean a lot. A few times back and forth over centuries with Sagas told by descendants off the defeated or victors makes that more likely.


    Then there are just very ''imaginative'' Sagas, like how the Aesir Gods treasures came about because Loki was drunk and thought it was funny to caused Thor''s wife Siv to lose her hair and become bald. Thor assumed Loki is behind it, simply because that assumption saves time, and Thor forces Loki to fix it by threatening to crush all the bones in his body. Every day. So Loki being Loki tricks the dwarves into making growing golden hair as part of a contest to see who is the best blacksmith. Which, among other treasures, also got Freyr his ship Skidbladner, which folds down to fit in a pocket, and Thor got his hammer Mj?lner, whose handle is a little too short because Loki tried to make the blacksmith Brock lose his concentration, because Loki had bet his head, and of course tried to cheat. Loki ends up having to cheat more and get away on a technicality because he loose that bet. Jane enjoys the story and is drawn in by Caecilia''s story telling skill, but I just can''t take it seriously, and thoughts of Jane grind in my mind.


    My life was so much simpler six months ago before I set out on that hike, but it''s hard not to be happy with how my life has become as I lie in my bed to sleep with my arm around Iselin. My cuddly and amazing fiancee who I in just two weeks will have the honour of calling my wife. This is another one of those moments I try to burn into my memory and enjoy every minute of it. I don''t want to fall asleep, but just continue to smell her and feel how her body slowly breathes in and out while she makes small half-snoring noises, and one of the last thoughts before sleep takes me, is the resemblance to how ''Anna'' sleeps in the movie Frozen. Iselin even has a dress that is quite similar to Anna''s, if I remember that movie correctly. Did Jane design it inspired by Frozen or is it a coincidence?

 Midwinter calling - day 39, Its alive! ALIVE!

    Midwinter calling, day 39


    It''s alive! Alive!


    Once again it''s time for inspection and maintenance. I want to complain, but very stupid to complain about and even worse to not do that maintenance. The steam boiler basically operate 24/7 so I want it to be in good condition, and it might be dangerous if something really bad happens, so I check valves and safety features, and that the water doesn''t seem to be a problem with scales, blockages or unusually low level, which are signs of water accumulating somewhere in the system or a leak we don''t see. We do occasionally fill up the level, but the steam system probably leaks a tiny bit somewhere, and it''s not a large amount. We keep track of the amount over time and will hopefully notice increasing water consumption. When the steam main lines have cooled, I take the opportunity to run some extra copper wire for power and signal lines for service or alarms down to the basement, as some lines are already needed to the official basement vault, and I need a few for the greenhouse.


    The steam engine in my workshop receives a thorough inspection, cleaning and lubrication. I am honestly surprised how well it has worked. Sure, I''ve done some maintenance on it before, but this is way beyond my expectations. I take the opportunity to install the small generator, although the electrical connection will happen later. Currently there isn''t much need for power in the mansion as the radio does just a tiny bit even when it is in use, and the LED lights draw relatively little current. The soldering iron is rarely used, and mobiles, tablets or batteries are not charged that often, although Jane often charges her iPhone and Iselin probably charges my MP3 player every other day. She really loves to use it. Future machines with electric motors or Alfheimr made lightbulbs are what will draw a lot of power, but I thought of installing a more powerful, larger alternating current wind turbine for that and make a higher voltage power grid. I expect that wind turbine to be more efficient and it''s surface area should mean that it will provide 4 times more energy, and with improved electromagnets it will perhaps be up to 8 times more. If I only had enough good diodes I could do the wind turbine three-phase.


    When the sun has risen we inspect the wind turbine, and all my sambos and Asta are here to learn how to do wind turbine maintenance. The ship will probably have a similar one, and the guest mansion will definitely have it. We literally have two wind turbines standing in storage, but doing maintenance on something installed is another thing. I really need to teach someone else to do mechanical and electrical maintenance jobs, especially if I''m going to set up the same system in other places, like the future mansion in Skiringsalr.


    Everyone likes that we use safety harnesses to go on the roof, and that I had the foresight to add work platforms on the roofs where needed or may be needed, and attachment points. It honestly annoys me that I haven''t done for construction worker safety. The wind turbine seems to be doing surprisingly well, but I make sure to remove a small branch and check that the sliding surfaces are clean and lubricated. The improved wind turbine provides smoother power, but I install a small shielding cover over its contacts and add a small capacitor over the output. Another advantage of AC output wind turbines is that I can avoid moving poles, and thus remove the electrical interference, if I solve a semiconductor rectifier. But since magnets here suck and I''ll need an electromagnet rotating in the middle, I''ll still need that, although it might mean less electrical noise. Or I just have to shield the whole generator part. The wind turbine is very close to the antenna.


    <hr>


    The electric motors work fine, and the two smaller ones draw about 10-60W with the same home-made fan blade as load, and will work well for lighter duty where high power isn''t the goal, such as table fans or ventilation fans after the output have been geared down a bit. The larger and more powerful motors draws a heck of a lot of current, because they are more 200-350W but I simply can''t determine strength yet because it is not peak loaded. But it is strong.


    Just turning on and off such a high current is unpleasant, and the drop in battery voltage is noticeable with the most powerful motor, not to mention how hot the copper cable get. A few capacitors between the poles and to earth can probably help a little with sparks etc, but the rest is difficult to do anything about. The good thing is that I can build powerful electric motors, and the batteries could handle the load. The bad thing is as expected the low voltage, but I can re-solder the winding or re-wind them to higher voltage if I install a high voltage mains system. Unfortunately I can''t make a too high voltage system because I don''t have thin enough copper wire for light duty work. Plus all that problem with handmade copper wire, and I really should make my own production line to produce copper wire in three or more sizes, and I especially need the finest and hardest to make. It would be nice to build a multi-stage drawing line with some kind of motor at each stage, but hard to get the speeds right, so maybe better with just one stage that repeats back and forth through smaller and smaller drawing dies onto a roll at the end. I''ll probably be happy with a 10% reduction per draw, and honestly I don''t really care, because in the long run it''s just more manufacturing time, and that can be compensated for with building another machine.


    It should be possible to rewire or resolder the electric motors for approx. 40V, so maybe I''ll make a 40V power grid or so with its own more powerful wind turbine. I need to test what I can modify to. I have so many battery cells connected in a 6x4 grid that I can keep a 12V system and create a 36V battery for testing. Heck, I can make a huge switch that disconnect 18 and reconnect in different configurations. I can start at a lower voltage and try what I get in terms of current, power and heat or other problems. A slightly higher voltage is better for my planned usage, and if I can go up to 48V, that would be better. I also need to test the most effective balance between the current through the electromagnet vs the rotor, and series or parallel connection. Perhaps with an extra winding to be able to provide a stronger magnetic field at start-up or when there is a load on the motor. So much measuring just to get data and optimize.


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    My tests have gathered all sambos and Jane. Especially the big ones make a racket and there is a bit of sparks on the commutators and switches, plus the fan blades wind and noise. Several have recoiled in horror and Ida curiously looking in from outside the door disappeared like a shot, which gave Alith and Iselin a good laugh. Most seemed really impressed with the motors, but they don''t come closer. The steam engine is fairly quiet and elegant in operation, while these are not.


    Too late I realise that is was a bad idea to go all ham and make a proper mad laugh and shout ''It''s alive! Alive!'' as most Elves interpret the motor as sejd and something that is partly alive, because it moves without anyone touching it, and they think I have trapped some spirit inside or is animate something dead. Which in a way I am. It was just never alive to being with. That doesn''t make it better. So I clearly stat that I did not just create life, and it is not trying to escape its mount, and we don''t have to worry about the motors making small baby motors or spreading like rats. They have begun to understand the steam engine, and they don''t really see the servant system that ticks forward as movement in this way, although those are sejdish too. Powerful electric motors with power that are fed via two copper wire and twitch? Scary as hell.


    Well, Iselin loves them and is so impressed and excited. Kari ''knows'' they are not alive but she doesn''t like it and took some quick steps backwards towards the door and have stayed there. Caecilia hid behind Iselin who celebrated by throwing her hands in the air and happily hugged and kissed Caecilia before I became available, while Ciara just smiled and said it is impressive and nice, because she knows I looked forward to these. Jane just congratulated me and high five''d Iselin, well aware of the things an electric motor can do and not in the least afraid of them, but suggest I should do something about the noise.


    <hr>


    I have plenty of onlookers as I install the 25W electric motor in the boiler room, where a wooden channel draws hot air from the steam boiler and leads it out into the greenhouse. Out in the greenhouse, we install one of our simple bimetallic thermostat prototype switches that have been built during the electrical training. Manufacturing a bimetallic switch turned out to be quite easy, either by hammering together thin strips of iron and brass, but it is also possible to just join the metal strips with rivets. A screw adjusted lever changes the distance that the bimetallic switch needs to move across, and thus at what temperature the switch is activated. In this case, we connect the switch to activate when cold, and at the moment the scale on all of the switches is only roughly calibrated with what we had readily available, ie between 0 degrees Celsius to 35 Celsius. From ice to on top of on of the kitchen fireplaces. Sufficient range for the purpose, but we will slowly need to mark a better scale at the end using a thermometer. I''m hoping that the current through the bimetallic strip and sparking as it close or disconnect won''t be a big problem, and we also can''t let the motor use too much power because we just don''t have that much storage and input, so the bimetallic thermostat is set pretty low. There are already unused wires pulled up along with the steam pipes, so we install a main switch inside my workshop. At one end the fan is off, the middle position is temperature controlled and at the other end is on all the time. This switch setup also makes it possible to install an indicator here to check how much the fan is running.


    Oh, another project to add to my growing list: some kind of clockwork driven paper writing logger where a moving coil mounted pen writes to paper that is slowly pulled forward onto a roll. It would be damned handy for a lot of future use. Especially to collect data from electric sensors over 24 hours or weeks, and beside electrical stuff I could log temperature, rainfall, wind and wind direction to paper to store for the future. The clock part is the tricky bit, but I could just take a timing signal from a pendulum clock and use that to drive many loggers. The servant systems rotation ticking could be used to pull paper forward, so a pulse every 5 second or minute would work well enough.


    <hr>


    I have plenty of projects but I prioritize to help Iselin finish her telescope. The glass has been impressively good, and she has spent a lot of time polishing, and it has not been easy to get it the lenses as precise as she can. But Iselin is impatient to see how good this actually is, so we try the lenses for find the best objective and ocular lenses, and choose the set that gives the sharpest image when we look through the house. Another use for my paper with scales and lines. Iselin measures the distance, and taking infinity focus into consideration we adapt the ocular tube a bit before we attach the objective lens. The inside of the very long wooden tube have been covered in black fabric to help to cut down on side lights, and so have the ocular tube. The telescope will have very good magnification, but with only slightly more than a 5 cm objective lens, the light collection is limited, but there will be more problems with colour diffraction the larger the lens are unless the optical path is very long. This is absolutely good for being something Iselin did by herself. We attach the ocular lens with its focus screw, and adjust the simple sight on top that will be used to roughly aim the telescope.


    The weather is clear enough, and the first tripod mount has also been completed, so we carry it all out and assemble it on the courtyard. The first target is the moon, and even in the dim light from the red glassed lantern I can see her lovely smile grow wide. The others are allowed a careful look through her telescope and it''s exclamations and smiles, and Jane takes photos to document the moment, including through the telescope. But the courtyard limits the field of vision and Iselin quickly decided the cliffs just south of the mansion is a far better spot, and since this might be a fairly long evening, I have the staff fetch better clothes. It doesn''t take long before it''s clear that Iselin will start making more lenses, because she wants to try different eyepiece lenses and see if yellow glass might allow sharper more monochromatic image, and also try to combine several lenses in the eyepiece. She also wants to upgrade the mount to be a equatorial mount with accurate vernier scales for angle etc, and there will probably be an internal flip-up post to make accurate readings. Asta will definitely get help in creating the celestrial sphere. And it''s not like I complain that there certainly will be a lot of lenses that might be useful for other things, such as handheld telescopic telescopes, and more will want their own telescope to look at the stars and moon. And it''s only a matter of time until Ackerek have a proper observatory with a large telescope. I probably won''t be built this winter, but most likely over summer so everything is ready for next years winter.

 Midwinter calling - day 40, Rifle goes BOOM!

    Midwinter calling, day 40


    Rifle goes BOOM!


    The new shooting range in the bay south of the mansion is just nice, and Pedr and the workers are pleased that it wasn''t a huge amount of work to build. Mostly clearing away some trees and shrubs and building a fairly roomy shooting booth with three shooting positions from the fold-down shooting tables. A sturdy log frame, with a roof made from sawn off log sides. Side walls and rear wall to protect against wind and rain made from wattle and daub. The daub has dried and no longer stinks, which is good because daub is a bit of straw and mud with 25% horse or cow manure mixed in. It is a fairly quick way to build a weather resistant wall that doesn''t require planks or good timber, and the branches for the wattle is taken from the scattered areas of coppiced rowan, ash, elm, oak, maple, willow and hazel trees found on the island. Different types of wood have different usage, but for making wattle it''s not picky.


    Coppicing simply is the practise of cutting down a tree close to the base but leaving the stump and root system intact, so new shoots grow from the stump and that become tall slender trees. By waiting 2-20 years different sized wood grows from the stump, and that wood can be harvested. 2-3 years for thin poles, 5-6 years for thicker and 7-8 for even thicker and so on. The size needed is cut down and ''harvested'', and then the tree start to grow and the process repeats. Gradually there amount increase, and it is basically a slow production line of materials to build fences, walls, firewood, tools and everything else that a farm needs, like its own little hardware store, and every farm needs its own coppiced area. But even if a farm don''t need the branches or woods this year, they have to cut down some to have what they need for future years, so it have been easy to import shiploads during the autumn for all the projects, enclosures and so on. A lot of farms don''t use everything and people basically see it as a good extra income straight from the forest with just a little work, and that is something that renews itself after a few years.


    When it comes to the shooting ranges, there are both fixed and mobile targets on the southern heading long distance range which have signs and markers for 25, 50, 75, 100, 150 and 200 meters plus the special 300 meter target set out in the shallow water, as well as 500 and 600 meter targets against the mountain on the other side of the bay. Pedr''s people have also completed the east heading moving target range. Its 30m wide which high poles and thin rope that return to the shooting line along one side. It can be hand cranked by an assistant or weight-driven. The release can be triggered by an assistant or through a water weight which, when the lower container is sufficiently filled, will trigger the target to move in one direction or the other depending on set up, and the target is hidden at both ends so you can''t really tell where it is, or when it will start to move, although there is a sound as it release. The maximum shooting distance on that shooting range is practically 100 meters, but it is of course possible to stand closer and here too there are signs marking 25, 50 and 75 meters. The target hangs from a rope, so it will of course move in a slight arc that is lowest in the middle, but that is okay, and the end post can be moved up or down 2.5 meters for the target to move more vertically, but the rope makes that obvious. It will probably still help to improve aim, and if the assistant is a bastard during hand cranking, the moving rate and direction can change. In the future, there will probably be a couple of shorter pistol ranges adjacent to the moving target range separated with earthen embankments as barriers, but that is a lot of work and a future project when we know if I really want and need it.


    It''s hardly the safest shooting range in the world, but I have limited options here if I don''t fully focus on getting a safe, good shooting range. Both ranges have mountain backstops with dirt and grass unless the shot is very high as there are exposed rock faces further up. The long distance range is also safer since there is that steep 40 meter high mountain after the 600 meter target, and if the shot goes over that, it''s a couple of kilometers to Tosra on the other side of the water. Big painted warning signs mark the boundaries of the shooting range over the mountain towards the strait, the road, and down south on the other side of the bay. It''s a quicker and simpler solution than trying to build a fence, but towards the road and the west side there will eventually be a tall fence with low trees planted in front of it, partly to block visibility to what''s going on at the range. A ditch will also be dug from the bay to make a water filled boundary. Down in the southwest there is a simple information board with pictograms and a large orange flag lying on hooks that can be used to call attention if the range is in use. It''s better than nothing.


    As there isn''t much purpose to be on or behind that southern mountain except for some grazing land and a couple of smaller crop fields in the small valley on the other side of the mountain, all the locals have been told to stay away from there except when they specifically have to be there during next summer, although we will have sheep grazing the land when the shooting range is not in use. They might be there during use too, but they are not moving targets. The locals aren''t stupid and know that powerful thunder sejd will happen here, and they have seen that my thunder weapons can kill elks. No one wants to experience what happens to a body. Everyone have heard that I called down thunder during that duel in the harbour and that man was very dead, very fast. And my thunder weapons are sejd replicating that for hunting deer and elks.


    <hr>


    After an interesting day with plenty of shooting, it is proven that the rifles with scopes work well. Surprisingly well. The attempts to counteract fouling are not as successful, but have worked well enough that it is a step in the right direction and there will be experimentation to hopefully find a good optimal mix, amount and use, that can be stored loaded. There will be so much experimentation and testing. All sambos, guards and most of the staff is gathered, and we also had a fika while taking a break. The sambos and guards who wanted were allowed to shoot at least two shots each, but Kari, Caecilia and Hillevi mostly did it because they got the offer, while Jane shot because it''s ''more modern''. Alith and Ciara are clearly the best marksmen - markswomen - after me, and Gunhild might be okay but she got way too much adrenaline and not enough patience. Rifle goes BOOM! Hillevi was useless and from Gunhild and Bodils comments I''m guessing Hillevi isn''t a very good archer, and I believe Hillevi has myopia and distant objects are fuzzy, and the way Bodil crafts I''m guessing she has a bit of far-sightedness issues.


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    Archery on the moving target range is really popular, and another rain barrel will be placed here and the rain gutter on the roof split in two, so that the roof of the shooting booth can fill the barrels and more water is quickly available. That is also handy for the fire that will happen sooner or later, and probably late spring or summer. Sure, there is a whole ocean close by, but the muddy beach isn''t ideal to take water from. Bodil is clearly the best shooter with a bow on a moving target and she absolutely loves the bow I gave her, but more surprising is how good Alith has become with throwing knives or an axe on a stationary target. I didn''t even know she practised, but she has practised together with Gunhild. I''ve always seen throwing knives mostly as an impractical movie thing, but I''d be worried about standing within 10 meters of Alith if she wants to see me dead. Especially if she has an axe. Of course I give the guards permission to use the whole shooting range for practice with bows, knives and axes whenever they want, as long as they take care of the shooting range as a whole, and arrange new targets, etc. And yes, I would be happy to see targets looking like an animal or person. I want to see animal and person target beside the normal target boards just to learn what size that animal or a person is at that range, and different angled animals as well. Beside having fun, the main purpose of the shooting range is to improve skill and weapons.


    I''m so damn pleased that I can get what I consider to be good hits at 300 meters when sitting with support, which means the hunting rifle has an impressively small grouping compared to the musket, and my marksmanship is still lacking. I can hit the 600 meter target - eventually - but hitting a person-sized target would be mostly luck. At least with my current skill level and equipment. Hunting will not happen over 300 meters since the distance judgment becomes so critical to compensate for the bullet drop in relation to the target size, and in reality I probably have to stick to a maximum of 150-200 meters depending on the circumstances and the target. After all, it is about hitting a small part of the animal which may be at a bad angle and obscured, and the animal might not be standing still and moving in uneven nature. Taking bad shots is just cruel and irresponsible, and in hindsight, letting Alith take that elk shot with the musket was a bad call.


    In any case, I can occasionally hit at that really long distance and that is justification for more practice, better rifles, better sights, more accurate bullets and black powder and so on. I will probably spend a lot of time here at this shooting range come spring and summer. With proper data now collected I make range marks for 100 to 600 meters on both the scope and on the iron sights. After using the Ti-83+ app and plotter function to follow the likely trajectory of the bullet, I make the estimated 700 meter mark on the scope. More than that is not possible because the angle is too large.


    <hr>


    It''s nice to visit the sawmill and see how planks start to be put in stock, and the carpenters certainly don''t complain about how quick and easy it has become to build something with ready-made planks.


    Most of the work on the eccentric press in the machine hall has been done, because the craftsmen have begun to understand how much time that machine might save, and weather occasionally means that there are free craftsmen not busy with other work. Certain tools for the eccentric press will be very difficult and a lot of work to do, but can save so much time once it works. Of course someone has to actually operate and feed the press, change tools and do the set up, but it is still so much better and faster than pure manual work, with a much more uniform final product. Honestly, I have so many things I want to produce that I will probably have to set up two shifts or something like that when the days get longer and there is more daylight. A machine that is standing still produces nothing. A disadvantage of a machine is that it requires operators who understand the machine and can set up and handle it, which I have to teach, but the advantage is that that trained operator can then produce things the person lacks the skill and experience to do by hand, and the operator can teach other people the much easier part of just feeding and ''pushing the button''.


    It will be interesting to see how well the eccentric press actually work, and my main concern is the engagement and disengagement of the flywheel clutch. Since this machine simply don''t have the power to process too thick or large material, and the material properties might be bad, I assume there will be quite a lot of hot pressing and limitations. Which also means quite a lot of heat treatment of finished parts for increased strength and dividing the work into easier steps, and not all in the press. For example, a product might start with roughly hot-pressing steel into a bar with the automatic hammer, and then running that bar through double rollers offset 90 degree from each other, to make a decent round steel bar. If I need bolts, the round bar can be cut to the correct length by a tool, and this is followed by forming the head and round body with chamfered end in a couple of steps by also using other tools in the press. Then making threads by rolling the bolt between two plates with the correct thread shape, distance and pitch in another tool. Finally heat treatment.


    Many tricky steps, but it''s about solving them one by one, and in addition to the round bar, the automatic hammer can be used to make sheets, flat bars and other things that are then processed in tools. Production line thinking and dividing the work into smaller parts that can be made with special machines or tools is a whole new way of thinking for most craftsmen. By careful thinking during the design phase, the same machines but slightly changed tools or with inserts can also produce different sized M threaded bolts, and in different lengths, as well as washers or locking washers. There are fewer steps required to make hex bolts, but then a special and hard to make machine will be required to thread those bolts, which will also require a lot of lubricant to not wear out that tool too fast. Lubricants will always be a hard issue. Then finally a heat treatment.


    The problem right now is that I will soon have an eccentric press, but no tools for it. So the blacksmith will make a relatively simple tool that stamp out something that will end up as nails after further processing. It will become cut-nails or also called square nails, and the fact that they will be square-rectangular is not a problem for much of nail usage, and can be an advantage because it increases the torsional resistance between two planks. A warm-up and a relatively simple clamp can be used in a tool in the power hammer to form a better head on the cut-nail. Nails are so damn important and useful that I''ll probably make a special eccentric press tool just for them. Hell, I''m considering eventually making a purpose made machine that just do nails.


    <hr>


    I''m exhausted and my mind is pretty blank as I try to fall asleep, with Iselin on one side, and Ciara on the other in her favourite position with her head resting on my chest and my arm around her. It feels nice to be needed and appreciated. I hope I wake up from my mobile phone tomorrow, and that Iselin and Ciara are still in my bed.

 Midwinter calling - day 41, Lucia

    Midwinter calling, day 41


    13th of December


    Lucia


    The humming noise from a vibrating phone on the bedside table wakes me up, and Iselin looks confused before I shut it off. I just give her a kiss and tell her to go back to sleep, as I try to extract my arm and leg from Iselin''s embrace. Ciara is half lying on top of me, so I try to slide her off as I get up, and adjust the bedsheet to cover her. Fuck, it''s early.


    I''m up really early because it''s Lucia morning, but they don''t celebrate it here, which is quite logical when actually I thought about it since it''s an old tradition that has Christianized. ''Saint'' Lucia is a pretty good clue, although Lucia originally comes from Latin Lux, meaning light, and the tradition is very Scandinavian. Which is further proof it''s old Norse pagan thing that have been Christianized.


    To make it a little special, I have secretly prepared together with the staff, and to some extent Alith, to surprise my sambos and Jane with Lucia buns (Lussekatter), ginger biscuits and a Lucia procession. What actually led me to do it is that we found saffron, ginger and raisins in the Merchant Empires spice stores last time in Borgarsandr. So it''s proper Lucia buns, and the maidens liked the shape of the buns because it resembles two common symbols they have, which is probably why the buns are that shape in the first place, and that it''s easy to make. There should be freshly baked buns and biscuits waiting in the kitchen, and it is really good that smell does not spread so easily from the kitchen to the main building when the security door is closed.


    I take a quick trip up to the attic to wake up somewhat confused Caecilia, and after a quick check in the kitchen on to the toilet as Rikvi, Jalida and Elvira are making the last preparations in the kitchen while Hrappr and Ida light lanterns. Having a Lucia wear a chandelier on her head would have been nice, but I don''t dare to take a chance with open flame candles, so it will mostly be lanterns and a few hand held candles with drip protection and stands. Elvira is sent to wake every up and ask them to quietly join the others in the meeting room. Alith had been tasked with gathering the guards and asking them all to wait in the silence and darkness of the meeting room. Even Alith doesn''t really know why, just that I have a little surprise for all of them.


    I''ve been informing and coaching Caecilia, and we''ve have a quick repetition in the wings corridor, and she already knows the song. Kari would have been a stately Lucia, but Caecilia works really well, and she is beaming and so excited she is bouncing. Elvira returns and with everything ready we slowly start walking towards the meeting room while singing, each woman carrying a lighted candle with cardboard drip protection, and me and Hrappr carrying lanterns and we have red knitted caps (toppluva) on our heads. Caecilia walks gracefully and slowly in the front with her candle and carrying a basket of buns under a towel, and the rest follows her two by two, before Hrappr and I takes the rear. Elvira and Jalida also carry a basket filled with buns and ginger biscuits; Ida and Ima each with a large jug of mead or lingonberry drink; Shakini and Rikvi with more buns and a jug of water. We sing ''Natten g?r tunga fj?t'' with my slightly modified lyrics changed to more neutral ''dispel the darkness'' instead of ''Saint Lucia'', as we slowly walk through the mansion.


    I see dark figures in the distance, dimly lit by one of the guards flashlights pointed at the ceiling watching us as we slowly walk through the house singing, illuminated by the candles and lantern. With the corridors that go right through the main building this works really well. As we walk into the meeting room, we fan out and see their surprised and happy faces.


    We walk round and offer each a bun and a biscuit and we have enough for two for everyone, staff included, followed by everyone getting a mug of something. We have a nice moment in the dark, lit only by a the scattered candles and lanterns. As we eat I explain this is a tradition from the region I come from, to celebrate that the days will soon be longer. Long ago this date was the shortest day of the year, but the calendar was shifted to match other countries, yet the date was kept even though the celebration no longer takes place at midwinter a week from now, but that is less important. Tradition is tradition and some things get distorted and forgotten. There is all sorts of tales, like animals getting extra feed this day since some believed they could talk.


    I start the speaker with a Lucia music playlist and we listen and eat. I''m getting cuddled and kissed to death by Iselin and Kari on my sides, with Ciara in my lap as Sissel Kyrkjebo sings ''O helga natt'' (O holy night), followed by Sofia K?llgren who sings ''Det str?lar en stj?rna'' (A star is shining) and Siv Petterson''s ''L?t mig f? t?nda ett ljus'' (Let me light a candle), and I try to translate some of the songs live, although slow clear Swedish helps them to understand the words. The whole event is very appreciated, both by the staff who got to participate and do something special, and by the others because it was a surprise we worked on for them. Caecilia loves when I do anything with a religious tone, and she enjoy that we''ve kept her unaware but still allowed her to participate.


    The playlist end, and it''s time to start the day. This will absolutely happen again, and Caecilia really want to learn the other songs as well. Next year there will be more people her on the island, and we might have to do something for the Academy or locals. Kari states that as she was the one who didn''t share my bed last night, she will now be the one to thank me. My stately goddess would be an excellent classic Swedish Lucia.


    <hr>


    It''s a bit crowded in my workshop. Bodil is an angel and is busy making nice wooden boxes with accessories like knobs and so on for the three radios I planned to build with Iselin and the others, one of which is intended as a mobile radio in a carrying strap that is in a special vertical design, and Ciara enjoy she got a small special project in sewing a leather case with accessory pockets for the mobile radio. But Iselin, Ciara and Asta are currently assembling three more ship''s compasses, check that everything moves and works as it should. While we work, there will also music and singing as Caecilia is learning the songs from this morning, and I''ve translated the lyrics for her, and occasionally she comes and wants our opinions if it sounds good to sing in Norse. It is after all not her native language, and there are dialects too.


    Iselin, Ciara and Asta build one compass each, and I step in and help them get everything right while I build a couple of brass prototypes for the future standard handheld compasses. They are very similar to regular foldable military compasses due to material limitations and fold to protect the glass and flip up parts to work as a sighting compass, and I add modern features as a millimeter scale on the side for measuring on a map and the needle is induction damped. Hopefully it will be possible to manufacture tools for the eccentric press to mass-produce compasses like this.


    The induction damping is an interesting upgrade due to it being electrics, and a bit tricky since the casing is in brass. There is almost daily electricity training for Iselin, Kari and Asta, with a lot of repetition and simple experiments, but it was clear they wanted to do something different today, and I showed how current through a wire affects a North Arrow, and one thing led to another. So the compasses are a different type of work, but at the same time are a small practical application. Sharing the tools is a bit of an issue as I don''t have too many sets but everyone seems to appreciate being able to join in our crafting group and the mood is high. I''ve obviously won a lot of points for this mornings celebration.


    Asta needs to learn a lot to be able to perform maintenance on the compass, and to know what not to do. The Millennium Eagle will need another ship''s compass in the future as a spare inside the captain''s cabin, and Asta knows she''s building it.


    Work progress and it''s time to make the needles magnetic, and for that I have just Iselin, Kari and Ciara in the room as I show how I use my magnetizer to make the compass needle magnetic. It never really occurred to them that it is that easy, if you know and have the equipment, and Iselin and Kari really understand why the electrical lessons are important in so many ways, and this is further proof that it is a natural part of the world. None of them have really understood that the electromagnets that produce magnetic fields are so close to making compass needles, and that the needle is just a weak magnet. Although Iselin feels dumb and face palm because it is now so obvious, especially after the wind turbine and that induction damping of the compass needle. Is it me or Jane that she has picked up facepalming from? Ciara hasn''t taken part in many electrical lessons, and is pretty terrible in getting it, but she is happy to be told and shown, because that means I trust her, and I don''t blame her for the small mistake when she revealed the secret basement to Jane because I shown her a more important secret. That Ciara is still thinking about that mistake says a lot.


    I also take the opportunity to reveal something I don''t think even Jane knows, and that is that you don''t even need to use electricity if you just want a weak compass needle. Beside stroking the needle across some materials work, but a better method is by heating the iron needle until it''s glowing and then quickly cooling it while holding it in the correct alignment, the iron''s magnetic properties align with the earth''s magnetic field and then becomes slightly magnetic and works as a compass needle. So we test it as well and make North Arrows style compasses that way so they know it really works, and they all tries to make one. As we hang them up in their strings and they all work, Iselin begins to laugh and laugh and have trouble breathing. Trying to calm down, she finally manage to say that Jarl Steinnes in Kambsnes paid such an enormous amount of gold for something any person could have done if they only knew and had a nail! Since all three also know how I made the white stone shine, Iselin and Ciara are very pleased with how I trick Jarl Steinnes to get them, and now there is the gold too. Kari is mostly annoyed and frustrated that no blacksmith has discovered it, or if they did, not understood its use.


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    After Asta returns, we again talk about the difference between the Earth''s magnetic field and the Earth''s true north pole and that they are not quite the same, but the measurements I''ve made here with my compass and the sun show that the error here is only a few degrees. It will, however, be larger as you travel around the earth, especially the closer you get to the poles and the potential huge problem is very important to know to be able to compensate for and measure where the magnetic poles are, then there is also the problem of the needle wanting to dip into the ground the closer you get to the pole. Compasses may need to be tweaked to work well in different regions.


    The ship''s compasses they built all work fine, even if someone is a bit finer in details and lines like Ciara''s, and there have been a few slight mistake where that tool slipped etc. Nothing that affects function, and with a bit of post-processing and polishing it is hard to even detect. We engrave an Academy logo in each and finally we make sure that the compass discs are completely balanced and don''t touch the induction damper. Since they all like decorations on things, and it is a very Norse thing to do, Asta will overlook the decoration of all the ship''s compasses, including the one already mounted on the Eagle, because now she knows what affects and does not affect.


    <hr>


    Since the weather is reasonably okay, and it''s something I put off because it''s tricky and slightly difficult and no-one like me being up on a high ladder, I install and connect all the contact plates on the underside of my bedroom balcony. Everyone loves that I always use a safety harness and safety rope when I''m doing something dangerous, and they also appreciate that I really care about everyone''s health and life so much that I force everyone to use it. No one can really complain when I use it myself and want others to be safe too. The connection to the wall is via thin copper wires that are firmly attached on the wall, but not so much in the balcony and I deliberated have them go over a sharp bend. If the balcony is released, the thin copper wires will just be torn off, but if the balcony is released, they have hopefully fulfilled their function, or the balcony is no longer attached and it''s irrelevant.


    I climb up and measure, and it looks good. We have a side window open, and I shout to Hillevi to walk around for a bit, and it works better than expected. The guards have been hardened and just laugh and shake their heads when Hillevi can walk around on the balcony without the alarm going off when the door is closed. But as soon as I lock, it starts ringing. It doesn''t matter how carefully she tries to sneak. Soon they have a competition to see if anyone succeeds, and Alith figures out that if she walks right along the beams, the alarm won''t go off. But who will understand that? And it''s very impractical to try to do as you can''t reach the door or window that way, and Hillevi''s attempt to pull it off isn''t graceful or practical. But it is a secret they shouldn''t spread even to my sambos, which is why they''re not in here right now. It''s clear that both Alith and Bodil have picked up some electrical knowledge after spending so much time near me for the last six months and in my workshop, and honestly I have explained some to them and to my sambos as I or we have built stuff. Especially Alith have picked up a lot, but then Bodil is usually focused on building something when she is in there.


    It is quick to connect the system with the alarm and we do a final test that works perfectly. Alith takes advantage of the fact that the long ladder and safety equipment is still in place to really climb up and test that the alarm really triggers. I think Alith can sleep a little better now that she has tested the alarm herself.


    While Hrappr carries the ladder back, I also connect the contacts in front of the pavilion door. Then the contacts outside the front door of the main building and the wing which are different because they don''t trigger an alarm, and instead just ring their dedicated buzzer in the guards day room. After all, visitors can arrive very late, and going full alarm is not a good idea. They just have to be sure that the visitors are friendly before the visitors are allowed inside, which honestly applies to daytime too. When I''m doing the connection and wire work, I prepare for future ravens above the doors. Some of the guards understand some electricity, but all quickly understand how to manage the system and what is important to be able to try to find and solve problems if there are false alarms, and they will test everything every week as part of other routine work like the mirrors and other things to check and maintain. The guards like the brass mirrors outside the front doors, so we also install one covering the pavilion door from the maids bedroom window, and one from the laundry room that overlooks the basement door below. I should try to make glass mirrors with silver backing, but for those mirrors to have a really useful size, I first need to make float glass to get large enough nice glass surfaces. Argh. However, it can be a good luxury item to sell even smaller glass mirrors, or larger even with a slightly deforming effect from hand-blown glass. Brass mirrors also have distortion.


    As I connect stuff in the guards day room and tweak their guard panel, I install a normal relay and triggering a circuit of a low voltage relay as a buzzer, with a small yellow LED powered by a pair of AA batteries in a holder. Should the main current disappear or become too low - which stops the alarm from working - it lights up yellow and the relay also starts to sound like a buzzer. The yellow LED from the USB ISP programmer was available, and yellow is also a colour associated with ''warning'', not danger or alarm. I carve in a small battery symbol just like from the main panel in the wing, and install a small test button.


    It feels quite good that the servant system have been installed, and everything that needs to be alarmed in the basements etc has been, without the maids knowing that a lot of alarms have been installed. They can''t give away what they don''t know about, but again I reminded everyone that it is forbidden to talk to outsiders about safety things, which includes the door mirrors. Spreading those secrets is a threat to our security and it will not be tolerated. They must be careful when talking about it even between themselves so that no one outsider happens to hear.


    <hr>


    The horizontal loom is very appreciated and it is basically in use very day. They really like how easy it is to weave with it and how quickly it goes once they''ve gotten used to it. They''ve already started trying to use all the pedals, because more complicated weaving is important for more water-repellent or warmer fabrics, and the thread, material and fabric use affects what weave is preferred. Hot or cool? Thick or thin? Water repellent? Special pattern? Wool? Linen? Cotton? Which way is the thread spun? Apparently everything affects.


    The only downside to a horizontal loom is that the width of the work is more limited than vertical looms, but usually they don''t weave that wide anyway. The goal is generally about 0.9 meters, 2 ells, and this loom can handle 1.2m. Basically, an ''ell'' is the measurement from the outstretched fingers to behind the elbow on a bent arm. But people are of different heights and it''s roughly average that applies here. My ''ell'' measurement is about 48cm, and I am clearly above average height.


    The loom, shuttle and pedals make every cycle go that much faster, once they got the rhythm and pattern of the pedals, and it''s impressive to see the pace they can reach, and there are jealous looks from the others who can''t weave on it. It''s even faster still when we factor in how much faster it is to just rotate a pair of wheels to take up what''s been woven, as there is no bundle of threads to loosen from loom weights. It might be easier to make intricate patterns on the vertical looms, but in speed this loom is hard to beat. They even like the seating position, although I think it could be improved a little in terms of ergonomics.


    Iselin will get her own loom as a wedding present, even though it feels so wrong to give a loom to my wife when we get married. It feels like I''m telling her to stay at home, weaving and giving birth is her purpose. But it''s so clear that Iselin badly wants a loom, at least before she maybe gets tired of weaving. Iselin, with Ciara''s help, has started to make a weaving reed that is finer, but even now they are trying to use double threads in every loop and reed space, but that has its pros and cons. Iselin is not alone in wanting more loom time, and she has started to push me to make that spinning wheel and carding machine I mentioned, but so far only made sketches of. And it''s true, we''ve been saving wool for just that, and Iselin wants me to try to build them. Kari and Caecilia are also interested in the machines, and sooner or later I need to get something made to even know how to evolve the design, and building that prototype is something I can ask someone else to do.


    So on one of my walks I will talk to the carpenters and order another loom, with a couple of improvements that we have discovered and developed. I''ll also see if they can make a foot pedalled spinning wheel. The carding machine I expect to be an early alpha prototype that will need lots of improvements. I expect the spinning wheel to work pretty well since I''ve seen one in use many times and understands it. My mother even had an antique even though she didn''t use it. A carding machine is something completely different from the carding paddles I tried to use when I was a kid.


    <hr>


    The guards have my borrowed hiking watch and keep everyone informed about the time, but I am so annoyed that everyone else just have sundials, and I want a more organized life, which means everyone else also need clocks. So after the evening meal I start making a prototype for a pendulum clock. It will be about as simple as I can make it, with a pendulum I can adjust the length of to set it, with a weight for operation, and just a 24 hour hand that makes one revolution over 24 hours. The middle of the day will be straight down, so the back of the hour hand gets a sun. Adjustable length of the pendulum to get the clock to run correctly is quite easy when I have threaded rods, bolts and can make a movable brass weight at the end of the thin arm. What worries me is friction and wear, but for the prototype and common clocks it won''t be much of an issue. High precision and long life is a later issue.


    I knew that Iselin would be fascinated, but that a mechanical watch would appeal to Ciara is unexpected. The prototype will hang in the main hall so the guards and staff can see it and start learning how to use it. Another important factor in that location is so its ticking won''t bother me, because ticking clocks annoy the crap out of me if I''m sleeping or concentrating, so not near my rooms. I also don''t need to have watches there, because I have wristwatches, mobile phones and the tablet. Oh, bugger! There will eventually be several clocks here, and I need to make them good enough they don''t drift too much apart.

 Midwinter calling - day 42, Tick-Tock

    Midwinter calling, day 42


    Tick-Tock


    The pendulum clock mechanism seems to work fine. It''s a bare clock mechanism with no case and the clock face is a sheet of paper with a drawing. For now we just hang it on the wall in the great hall. It''s to check that it works well, and we will finish fine-tuning it with the help of my wristwatches and mobile phones, and see how often the weight needs to be wound up to improve and adapt future models.


    The pendulum is one meter long and is an aerodynamic pendulum arm and brass weight whose position/length can be adjusted with a spring locked screw at the bottom, and the pendulum moves about 5 degrees between outer positions. A pendulum cycle takes two seconds, and its spiked wheel has 30 tooth''s per revolution so the gearing is really simple to get a minute, and similarly simple for the hour hand. It is a 24 hour model and to add a minute hand through the hour hand shaft was just an unnecessary complication, so the prototypes minute hand is to the side on its own small face, and so is the seconds hand below. The second or minute hand is really practical for quickly making the adjustment by comparing time with the wristwatch or mobile phone. Has the pendulum clock gone 60s but the mobile phone and the wristwatch show 56.5s? Adjust the pendulum slightly longer. Has the pendulum clock passed 10 minutes when the other shows 10m7s? Adjust a tiny bit shorter. Each pendulum clock will need to be adjusted individually, but this gives experience. As long as there is just one clock it doesn''t really need to be that exact and for most people it won''t really matter. We will have many clocks in just this building, and the same applies for the Academy, and to avoid adjusting many pendulum clocks and having clocks that strike differently, I''m quite keen to make a pendulum clock that creates an electrical pulse every fifteen seconds or so, and simply build ''clocks'' without a timekeeping part where an electromagnet advances a wheel like in the servant system, with just gearing for the minute and hour hands. Far less work than building real pendulum clocks, and they will all run in sync and be cheaper and smaller, and I can even make that electromagnetic mechanism so silent that it basically doesn''t tick, which would be nice. Ticking is annoying.


    Still, pendulum clocks will be the primary clock for everyone else probably for a century or more, so I will try to make a temperature compensated pendulum in metal rods that have different lengths of expansion. Maybe it will be iron and zinc, tin or brass, but I just haven''t bothered to figure out what is most suitable to do and make the metal bars for it, and I just made the prototype pendulum clock. The principle is quite simple; one metal that will be iron that expands less builds downwards, and others that expand more lift upwards. If you balance with the right lengths in relation to the expansion coefficient, the changes in length cancel each other out when the temperature changes, and the watch keeps more accurate time. Another trick is to put the pendulum in a sealed vacuum and keep it at the same temperature.


    Jane facepalm when I tell her that way back historically with the first mechanical clocks in monasteries etc, the day was divided into 12 hour periods and the night also had 12 hours. Regardless of the time of year or location on the Earth. They adjusted the ticking of the clock to match the day, and instead of a pendulum, they had a rotating solution with weights they could move in or out to adjust how long the hours of the clock were depending on the time of year. And that also had to change at sunrise and sunset since a long day required a short night. Neither Jane nor I can understand why they didn''t use an adjustment table for day of the year when they usually had a person ringing the church bells anyway, but they did it the way they did. I suspect that there will be quite a few versions of bells and complications in the future as I am kind of keen to make a clock that shows the day of the week, month, moon phase, date, etc. It might even be a cuckoo clock although I would have liked to have some kind of Aesir religion variant instead, like a raven if I can build some kind of mechanism that sounds vaguely raven like, which wood against wood might do, much like adding a playing cards in the spokes of a bicycle wheel. I personally don''t want clocks making noises, but others might like it.


    The elves have to learn to read the clock, which only Jane takes for granted everyone should just know how to do, apparently not remembering that that is taught in school. But that is not what''s on the top of her mind right now.


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    "Why the bloody hell did you do a 24 hour clock?! You could at least have put 12 at the top instead of the bottom. This is just idiotic!"


    "Jane, why is 12 hour clock face better?"


    "What?"


    "Justify why a 12 hour clock face is better than a 24 hour."


    She wasn''t expecting that and Jane starts to reply but holds her tongue as she actually think about it. I can see her getting more frustrated and annoyed as she obviously can''t think of anything good, while she knows that I will have good reasons since I made it 24 hours. Eventually she just closes her eyes and resignedly say: "It just is."


    "Well, with a 24 hour face and time, you don''t have to mention AM or PM, and 24 hour time and faces is used in scientific contexts, in military time, polar time and when dealing with time zones. Just a quick look and you will know. 24 hour clocks was also used really far back until it became fashionable with 1-12 watch faces in Europe which we had to live with since. It is better that the elves learn to read a 24 hour clock which also match with solar time, and I already marked all the sundials with a 24 hour scale, but that was admittedly out of sheer habit. Any division including Decimal time would have worked, but more annoying for us to learn, and it''s so much easier for the future to have 24 hours, 60 minutes and 60 seconds, just for all the scientific measurements and stuff I introduce, and if they ever make proper contact and exchange people and goods with Midg?rd. Anyone claiming that 12 should be at the top because that is when the sun is at the top, and that summer-wintertime is stupid, should also want a 24 hour clock since then the hour hand will actually match the movement of the sun. If you''re in the northern hemisphere and the clock is set up due south being read from the north. But a sundial use the shadow, and the closer to the Equator you are the more vertical the scale becomes, and 12 will be..."


    "... at the bottom." Jane answer my prompting in a low voice, but she is not happy.


    "Anyway, that small round thing with the spikes on the back end of the hour hand is a small sun symbol, and it goes up and down quite logically."


    "Oh, that is suppose to be the sun. Okay, that is kind of nice, and I admit it is a good design from a functional, scientific and logical point of view." I can''t help but feel quite smug, and Jane''s eyes narrow as she gets a menacing look. "But 12 hour is better." Jane dares me to say anything, before she turn around and leave.


    Maybe I should give Jane her own pendulum clock with a 1-12 face. That goes backwards. I just have to reverse the direction with gearing or reverse the first spiked wheel and the anchor. If I make a pretty clock face with just markings or decorations for all the hour positions except 12 and 6, Jane won''t realise it until the hour hand start moving. Oooh! I can make the minute hand move in the right direction and reverse the hour hand! That will annoy the heck out of her! I can add a lever or push button mechanism with extra gears, or just prepare it so that the gearing is via a small gear that can be replaced with two and thus change direction. I could then also make it change to 24h time so she has to choose between counter-clockwise 12h or clockwise 24h.


    A Vetinari watch would be even more fun, but more difficult. I could make the second hand completely disconnected from the minute and hour function, and put the second hand on a slightly misshapen gear to somehow change the angular speed of the rotation, so that a revolution or two is still correct but the tempo between steps differs. The problem is that the tick-tock from the pendulum will not be unsynced and the sound would absolutely be the most effective if it is a little off. I might try making an asymmetrical pendulum wheel and see if I can still get a clock to go right, although it will be very inefficient and probably need to be wound up more often. Or a small silent higher speed pendulum hidden internally drives the clock while the large visible pendulum that makes more sound is to annoy? Pendulums on the same platform tend to synchronize and transfer energy between each other, so that might be an issue even with different lengths. Can I exploit that phenomenon? If it is an electrically controlled ''clock'' where the hands are actually controlled by a time signal, then the pendulum doesn''t matter, and a pendulum that slows down and stops, and then increases to full swing again and goes back and forth would be annoying and confusing. A pendulum that behaves weirdly, that makes noise even though it is standing still, connected to an asymmetric second hand where the minute hand is right over a five-minute intervals would be fun to have in a waiting room or similar. The problem is that people won''t be used to pendulum clocks and instinctively know how they should run and sound.


    Damn. Jane is pretty much the only one I can annoy, maybe for a decade.

 Midwinter calling - day 42, Banging

    The morning weather is nice, so the guards and Hrappr help me move the bronze cannon down to the testing area south of the mansion, which isn''t difficult since there is a fine paved road for half of the way there, and the ground is quite hard and the cannon have good wheels. Once again, Hrappr have prepared by making special targets and with Ida''s help also hung up wide pieces of white canvas parallel with the planned trajectory. We set up and prepare for the tests, and once again Jane takes her place to film from the side, and she signals that the recording has started.


    The bronze cannon makes a heck of a noise and smoke! Quite a lot more than the iron cannon. The bronze cannon is intact and didn''t explode, which is a big relief. Now, however, we will try the three more powerful charges.


    Alith, Gunhild and Ciara enthusiastically help me swab the barrel. I do a quick inspection with the mirror and the flashlight to see if there has been any hidden cavity that has been formed but I can''t find anything except residue on the inside of the barrel. We reload and I show that it''s the same principles as with the other firearms and cannon, although the cannon use a folded paper bag of gunpowder and there is that poking hole stick, priming powder and so on. Ciara is very cute as she smiles and giggles through an adrenaline rush and she likes cannons. Big bada-boom. Kari, who considers a normal flintlock firearm to be bad enough, certainly isn''t enjoying this and have decided to see how Jane is doing. We crouch behind cover, and Jane signals she is recording. When I hold out the firing cord to Ciara, she beams and give me a quick kiss.


    <hr>


    After three powerful charges and I still can''t find any sign of weakening or deformation in the barrel. Which is a heck of a relief, otherwise I wouldn''t have dared to use the cannon, and Digraldi would have had to try casting a new one. Which then have to be drilled and rifled.


    However, the three powerful shots seem to have given decent data and we''ve used the shots to set the sight at least laterally, and I am very impressed with the accuracy. The last shot was honestly frighteningly good and accurate, and its a heck of a difference compared to the iron cannon in both accuracy and power. I considered those targets to just be scrap wood to be burned, that was not like this. It''s raining splinters over there. The target is actually stronger built so it might have absorbed more energy, and there is an awful lot more energy in the two last shots. That crack echoing back must have been the cannon ball passing the sound barrier. So 4kg+ coming at more than 340m/s. Ouch. That is somewhere over 230kJ. Also an impressive amount of smoke. Maybe I should just use a bigger powder charge than planned? I fine tune the sight laterally and vertically according to where the bullets landed, and we will now start making proper measurements with normal powder charges that will increase a bit to keep the shot supersonic. Considering that this cannon has a maximum elevation angle of 20 degrees and we''re basically shooting flat at 100m, I''m quite interested in how far the cannon can shoot. My target range here is obviously a way too short, and my initial idea of lobbing shots over a fortress wall will be difficult to execute, because at the distance where that happens, I won''t be able to aim well enough. If I were to build a new mount that could do high artillery trajectories, it will take a heck of a long time until the shot lands, and the incredibly long and high trajectory means that there will be significantly more variation due to powder differences, the mount moving and wind and just aerodynamic issues, compared to direct firing.


    We aim the cannon and the following shot at 400 meters is just as effective. I have built a monster. Those targets are not as strong, so there is just a hole through the target and we could see the shot bouncing and landing somewhere in the distance. Good point for future tests: don''t shoot at angled rocks. Alith and Gunhild just shout from pure happiness as they comes running to help reload, while Ciara walks more ladylike, albeit in a fast eager walking pace with a big happy smile. I correct the sight a little to line up with the hole on the target, and make a 400 meter range mark. The cannon is much more accurate than I thought it would be both laterally and vertically. We reload and fire a shot at the 600 meter target. Damn! I sure as hell hope no one in Europe has a cannon like this. I signal Jane and Kari to collect the cameras and return, while we go and try to find the shots up among the rocks.


    <hr>


    We don''t find all of them, but the ones we do find are mangled and in pieces, but we can melt down and reuse the material. My company is a little shocked at how powerful the cannon is, and how the metal is just smashed. Not to mention the rock wall in one place. It probably hit a crack or similar weak point, but it''s impressive.


    I''ve got one shot left, so I want to up the range a bit more, but it''s not possible to shoot much more than about 700 meters here due to the rock, and if I aim over, I don''t know where the hell the shot will land. I''m worried that the cannon have a 3km range or something if I go up to 20 degrees. And Tosra''s shore is closer. In addition to people living there, I have technically fired on the Kingdom. Which is a bad thing to do. After eager suggestions from Alith and Gunhild, I decide to aim over the lowest cliffs in the southwest to try and hit the coastal cliffs a few hundred meters further on. It is the lowest option, and it should hit my own land or in the sea beyond, which is also mine for half a kilometer off shore. We''ll put a camera behind the rocks in the middle to record, and one camera behind the cliffs to the east that can film from the side, and one up on the mountain in the southwest. If the shot goes over, cameras will help see where the impact is if the shot lands in the sea.


    I''m reluctant when Alith and Gunhild want to go there and handle their respective cameras and experience the shot passing close by. But yes, they will be quite safe behind the mountains as long as the shot doesn''t ricochet to the side, which should be a small risk as most is grassland or mud until the shot is several hundred meters past their point, so after some persuasion I agree that they can stand behind the mountains a hundred to two hundred meters to the side of the trajectory, if they take cover behind some rocks. I send Gunhild down to the south, and Alith up behind the mountains in the southwest so she gets a higher and better view behind the boulders. A bit unexpected, Jane wants to accompany Alith with the DSLR camera, and she''s a better photographer. Which makes Ciara want to join them as well.


    I ask them to carefully memorise where the impact is in case it will be difficult to see it afterwards, or if the shot lands in the water. They should take sight lines, pile rocks or otherwise mark where they stood and mark with something to line up towards the impact site ten to fifteen meters in front. So I send them away and say that 60 seconds after Jane signals from the crest, the shot will be fired, and she will time with her mobile phone. I also give Gunhild a signal flag so she can signal to Jane, who can signal to me that they are all ready. Vertical waves for okay and ready, sideways for no, and in a circle above the head for gathering where you point the flag where. Morse would have been handy here too, or the semaphore alphabet. They must also signal that everything is okay after the shot. I also tell them that I''ll be coming to look and I''ve already brought one of my best island maps along, so I will check the impact site and get a better distance measurement.


    Hillevi gets to pull the trigger and the bang echoes from the mountains and over the water. It''s nervous as I walk towards the landing zone, and my walk quickly becomes a jog where Bodil hurries along, even though Jane has signalled that everything is okay, and I can hear faint happy shouts of ''woho''.


    Once there, they all talk excitedly about the sound the shot made as it flew past and the hit on top of the Angersn?s cliff, and how the shot bounced further out and splashed down a few hundred meters further out into the sea. Wow. Yeah, the cannon got a heck of a range. I really want to see the footage from that, and I ask Jane and Gunhild to go to their lookout points, while Alith follows along and tries to find the impact site. They can direct us in the right direction if it is unclear by signalling with a flag which direction we should go, and then everyone will gather back at the cannon.


    <hr>


    It takes a while, but eventually Alith finds the impact site, and it''s very clear once you know what to look for and find it. Metallic shine, broken stone and scattered turf. I signal everyone to regroup by slowly making large circles with the flag overhead and then pointing towards the cannon, and Alith builds a small cairn, while I try to work out exactly where on the map we are and gauge how far the shot was. It''s not that easy, but in the end it was about 880 meters. Wow. We''re just a couple of meters above sea level which is basically at the same height as the firing place, so that will be a nice 900 meter mark on the sight, and it will allow me to estimate other distances for the sight because I now have four angle measurements and shot over a basically horizontal surface. It''s damn practical to use the sea surface as a height reference. I should plan a better firing range for future artillery pieces over water at targets on distant cliffs and islets, as it will be safer and I own quite a few.


    This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it


    I just sit there very contentedly on the rock and look towards the mansion whose copper roof still glitters quite well, but it have been starting to dull. We''re done here so time to go back and test the cannon''s shotgun shell. It will be interesting as that shell will be spinning. Alith interrupts my thoughts and she have a wicked sinful smile as she suggest we celebrate with a quickie behind the cliff. I smile back. My sinful Valkyrie''s cylinders must have been firing since the first shot.


    <hr>


    Neither I nor Alith is prepared for Jane casually lounging against a tree when we reach the ridge, a third of the way back. Jane shows the DSLR camera and its long lens, with a brutally smug face. Crap. Crap! Alith doesn''t really understand how good the zoom and image quality is on the camera, so she don''t get it.


    "The good news is that I am alone, since I just stayed on the mountain to take more pictures as memories of both the cannon and the impact site. The bad news is that I happened to see when Alith took your hand and you both disappeared behind the cliff. Your heads kissing and general motions were an obvious clue, but what sealed the deal was Alith adjusting her cloth and chain mail as you started heading back. You''re both far to nonchalant for that to have been the first time." That damn smug face! "Question: Did the elks interrupt you, or were you delayed after?"


    Jane laughs, and tries to translate it to Norse, eagerly showing zoomed-in pictures and a video. I hope I''m not as red-faced and embarrassed as Alith is right now. She doesn''t even understand all Jane''s jokes about ''shooting your load'', ''intimate bodyguarding'', ''fuck buddies'', ''banging'' etc.


    Jane promise to keep quiet about the fact that, yes we had a few quick moments, and that there are people who know, but no one talks about it, because it''s just sex between two adults, and I don''t want people to believe that this is why Alith is my bodyguard, which Alith definitely agrees with, and Alith tells Jane how I didn''t let her help me when I got drugged because Hillevi and Caecilia were there. Alith goes on to say that she was not prepared the first time she was my guard and I had sex with Liv, and it was just oral sex, and then she saw it as her responsibility to protect the other guards from the same issue. Because someone needs to watch over me even in those situations. It''s clear that Jane doesn''t really believe Alith, but finds her explanation amusing. Alith continue trying to convince Jane by telling her that once she got an IUD things have slowly become more intimate. We seldom have sex, and as Jane saw, it''s always on her initiative.


    Jane mostly seems to find Alith''s awkwardness amusing, and the lengths to which Alith goes to ensure that Jane understand it is her initiative. It''s still annoying that first Caecilia and now Jane learned about it in just a week. But it was a matter of time and it is not something to feel guilty about. My sambos have given me carte blanche, and actually seem to mean it, but I assume it''s freedom under responsibility.


    <hr>


    Once back at the gun, I do the sight marking and measurement and realise I have room to extend the scale a bit too and can make markings up to about 1900 meters just because it''s fun. But I will work out a table for the entire approximate range up to 20 degrees, and maybe I should make an optical range finder. But when the hell will I ever need to shoot at such distances? Just because the cannon have the range, I''m unlikely to hit anything unless it''s big. I can only imagine how very small angle differences, powder amount, powder manufacture, temperature, wind and other things affect over such vast distances. Although, a Castle might be worried if I have a lot of shots. If I shoot behind higher terrain from 1.5km away, they will have a hard time understanding what the hell is going on, and I can then build a defended position. It''s not like the Castle people will worry even if they see a small enemy force gathering that far away. Bows and siege machines have a maximum range of a few hundred meters, not five to ten times distant. I would need field telephone or field telegraph to an artillery spotter who could give corrections. But these tests have used up an awful lot of black powder. Maybe I should think about creating a saltpeter farm come summer?


    We shoot the shot shell at 200 meter against the 400 meter target. Several volunteer to be the one to pull the cord and after drawing lots, Gunhild happily pulls the cord. It is an impressive effect and will be interesting to view the recording, not least as the target is hit by several balls and we can see the trees further away and widely outside the target also being hit. The sound of all the balls hitting trees and rocks is really impressive. Bodil grimaces as she realises what would happen to warriors at that distance, and how even a large formation would have been badly hurt. Bodil gingerly fingers her shield, knowing that a slowly advancing shield wall is not the right way to face a powerful cannon, and spread out is not much better. I''ve told them how many musket balls there are in a cannon shot, and when we get there we see what they did to the target. Bodil grimaces, while Alith, Gunhild, Hillevi and Ciara celebrate as we take pictures. Practically speaking, the maximum range is probably around 300 meters to get a good effect from a shot shell. More than that and few balls will actually hit a line of enemies. Most of the balls will strike the ground ahead of the line or go over. After the first discoveries of hits on tree trunks and branches, everyone starts searching, and the balls have settled deep. Gunhild promises to dig as much as possible out and seal the trees wounds with tar.


    <hr>


    We fetch the iron cannon and do two shots just to make sure its bore isn''t messed up, and adjust the sights so the iron cannon is ready for use as well. Frankly, a more mobile weapon that basically shoots a large shot shell would be most useful for future battles. I believe the likeliest chance is that a battle will take place out in the open, against a larger group of infantry or cavalry who are probably relatively spread out in a line or wedge. So a mobile weapon with fairly fast reloading, that is easier to take along and use in mobile combat. Possibly with a horse carrying the weapon and ammo, but not as a wagon to pull. It is unlikely that I will need to attack a castle or fortress and won''t have the time and opportunity to bring one or more cannons. The iron cannon can decently fulfil this if I design a different mount and upgrade with a lever arm that operates a fixed locking wedge or work as a rotating cam lock, and I can prioritise shot shells instead of cannon balls. The iron cannon can have several ready-made powder charges in its mug like chambers, and quickly get off at least three shots. Actually, if I only want to use shot shells against targets like riders and people, I can make a much lighter and mobile cannon, but for now, the iron cannon will be tweaked and a few more chambers made.


    <hr>


    Eventually, the bronze cannon is back into the great hall, and the iron cannon is back in the basement. After watching videos where I can actually see the projectile enough, I now know the muzzle velocity and muzzle energy, and I''ve used the graph plotter function to create a simpler graph of what angle gives a certain range. Not exact, but at least I have some fixed points I can get the graph to match and work from that, and together with Iselin and Kari I also make a manual plot and show how it is possible to estimate and try out according to that method, and which factors affecting the trajectory. There will be big errors just because of uncertainty in distance and the fact that the ground will certainly not be completely flat, so longer shots will always need to be corrected. More frightening is that the cannon seems to have a range of close to 3.5km, maybe more, and 16s flight time.


    When I''m downloading videos from the Mobius camera, I remember how it''s modded internally. In addition to the super cap capacitor to be able to change the external battery without loosing time settings - which is annoying as hell - it has an input for a radar motion sensor which I unfortunately didn''t bring, and it also have a built-in IR sensor for the DSLR camera''s remote. What interprets the infrared signal is an ATtiny85 which, via a pair of mosfets, electrically ''presses the buttons'' on the Mobius camera. So I have a small microprocessor I can reprogram, but I don''t know what to use it for. However, the mosfets are a more powerful surface mount variant because I took what I had at home when I made the mod, and these two mosfets have been used to control lights, motors and so on from microcontrollers, and have a low VGS threshold voltage, which was the reason they worked fine with a single cell lipo and the small microprocessor. 60V, 16A. Yay! Either powerful radio, or powerful speaker.


    The little red laser module might get some use but I don''t know for what, because a laser sight feels silly and unnecessary. Maybe more as a curiosity, or to test optics, but there are better methods for that. Play with Krosp? The laser module is only 3mm in diameter and 10mm long, so I could build it into a gold ring with a CR2032 battery and ''point it at people''. Very cool magic effect in a dark feast hall with smoke from fires and torches. Yeah, I''ll have to remember to have it in my pocket when we leave the islands.

 Midwinter calling - day 42, War: What is it good for?

    Sight markings have been calculated, measured and engraved. A simple ballistic table has been created. The cannons have been swabbed, inspected and are stored unloaded. Ciara has offered to engrave my name and logo, the Academy logo and year 0 on the muzzle of the bronze cannon because I said it would be fun, and Bodil will make a wooden plug for the cannon barrels muzzle. The piece of fabric has again been draped over the cannon.


    I did a rough estimate on an optical range finder with 400mm width between optical paths and what I can expect in practical accuracy, and I should be able to build a range finder for 0.3 to 2.5km with a longer distance accuracy of about 50-100m depending on how fine tolerances I can really keep in the optical path. The rangefinder will be large with a fairly large fault, but it might be fun to try building, and if I can make it wider like 600mm it will have better accuracy, and it might need a tripod since handheld might simply be harder to hold stable enough. The same comparative solution that I did for distance estimation in the rifle scopes of the rifle may work well enough if I manage to make it with higher magnification, but that also requires that there are known heights or widths of something that can be used as a reference, and using a person becomes too uncertain at those distances. If the option is a telescope similar to Iselin''s star telescope, it might as well be the wider as it will be more accurate at long distances, but both would be most useful. The wide range finder to measure the distance, and the telescope to study the target, see impacts and correct. Getting good at estimating distances over terrain takes a lot of practice. There''s a reason military snipers practice it.


    <hr>


    I''m sitting on the mezzanine sofa and making notes in my diary slash logbook and thinking when Gunhild and Alith joins me, with Alith leaning against the wall and Gunhild leaning against the railing. They both look at the cannon looming under its fabric cover and it''s clear they have something on their minds. It''s finally Gunhild who breaks the silence:


    ¡°Sir, you and Jane said this was a ''small'' cannon, but we''ve all seen what the bronze cannon can do and its enormous range, well beyond all bows and throwing machines we''ve heard about. Considering how quickly it or especially the iron cannon can be reloaded, it will get several shots off at warriors in the open before they get close enough to even shoot arrows, and the fact that the cannon has a wooden shield as protection against arrows is no coincidence.


    With Sir''s rifles to shoot leaders or the most aggressive ones as they come closer, it would be utterly devastating, even without meeting the attacking enemy at closer range with one of those cannister shots. Just one of those on a line of charging knights might stop the attack completely, and with the bronze cannon for long range and the iron cannon to quickly shoot several cannisters as the enemy reach within long bow range..." Gunhild makes a futile gesture and sound. "With just this ''small'' cannon and the rifles Sir has already created, we would be devastating on a battlefield, as attackers or defenders. I can only imagine how many would flee or try to take cover, which then gives more time to shoot them and hunt them. And the injuries. Being brave and wishing to die in battle does not mean being foolhardy or getting slaughtered. If Sir has enough bullets and cannon charges prepared, a small force like Sir and the four of us could sit across the river in Borgarsandr and just blast the king''s castle to pieces without anyone really being able to do anything about it. Once they get over the first panic and disbelief, most probably won''t dare to counterattack, because we know what is happening, but for everyone else it will just be smoke, chaos and death at enormous distances. And then there is the camouflage. We know Sir doesn''t like to talk about war in Midg?rd, and Sir doesn''t have to answer, but if this cannon is small, what can a big cannon do? What can many cannons and firearms do?"


    Yeah, I figured they would ask and they already knows a lot, and I trust them enough, so I might as well give them a bit more information, if they promise to not spread it. I gesture them closer and they sit down beside me, and I start talking in a low voice:


    "This cannon is small due to the weight of the projectile and the charge, but this cannon is very much a mix of different designs and not an imitation built for a specific purpose. The cannons are mostly made to test constructions and what I can expect in range and accuracy - and to have them available if I ever need it - but neither cannon is built to be truly powerful as that would just make them very heavy and hard to move and actually use. That is what I meant by ''small'' because in terms of power this is a small cannon, as going by weight of the solid projectile, this would be a 9 pound gun. A 24 pound cannon means that the projectile weighs two and a half times more than the projectiles this small cannon shoots, and that cannon must use many times more black powder and maybe be double in length, so a big cannon like a 24 pounder were five to ten times heavier and very expensive. A 24 pound cannon is big, but there were bigger like 32, 36 and even larger cannons, that might hit eight times as hard as this small cannon. The damage a big cannon could cause was enormous."


    Alith just shakes her head, while Gunhild''s jaw has dropped and she stares ahead as Alith replies:


    "I know how much Sir paid for this ''small'' cannon gun. Those huge cannons would be incredibly expensive and hard to move. It would take so many men or horses. You could hardly move that if the road is muddy. And you would need a road. This cannon is far more practical unless you''re sieging a castle."


    "You know that ships won''t last much more than a couple of decades, but in Midg?rd we do preserve some important ships in museums. In my home country there is a 400 year old ship called ''Vasa'' after a famous King, and Vasa had 48 24 pound cannons and some smaller cannons." Alith''s eyes are wide, and Gunhild makes amusing disbelieving noises. "It was far from the ship with the most cannons or the biggest cannons, but the Vasa had a great many big cannons instead of a mixture of all sorts, but its cannons were simple and more primitive than this bronze cannons. They were smooth bore and fired with smouldering ropes like the iron cannon and did not have advanced sighting and aiming, but it is very difficult to fire accurately from a ship rocking on waves."


    Gunhild is just shocked, and mutters:


    "Great Odin. 48. On a ship. 48 big cannons. Few will be able to afford a ship like the Vasa. How huge was that ship?!"


    "The cannons on the ship did cost several times more than the ship itself. The ships were large and sturdy, much larger than the Millennium Eagle, with double decks, and half the cannons on each side to balance their enormous weight, with a small hatch in the hull that could be opened when the cannon was about to fire. Something called broadsides became common from ships, where the ships side was lined up at the target and all the cannons on one side fired at the same time. Imagine what happens if 24 11kg iron balls come flying into your ship or fortification. Imagine if such a ship had anchored out in the strait and started firing towards the mansion. But the warships were big and strong and the accuracy of the cannons was poor, and everything rocked on the waves, especially after the force of a broadside made the whole ship rock even more, so several good volleys might be required to sink a ship of matching size and strength, although a hit on one of the masts caused them to immediately splinter and fall, and sails could be torn apart. There are special shots designed specifically to do such things easier, and yes, I know several projectile designs. In large sea battles there could be 30-40 ships on each side, and a large kingdom''s fleet could have several hundred ships. You can imagine the cost of just one such ship, and each ship needed hundreds of men to man the sails and the cannons, and the ships had to be maintained and men trained even in peacetime. A bigger wealthier kingdom could have a bigger navy, and just like here the ships only lasted 20-30 years, but the expensive cannons could be reused. It became an arms race. You needed to have ships like that to defend your coast and coastal towns, and if you had ships like that and all those men, why not use it to become wealthier? Back then humans hadn''t invented radio, and information took time to travel. So if you secretly gathered a bunch of your ships and attacked a small unprepared enemy group anchored in a harbour or cove or an important trading town? You could be gone before the news arrived to other groups or the rulers.


    Just one ship like that is incredible power. An ordinary castle like King Aeriksson''s? A warship like Vasa could make it a ruin of shattered stone by sailing up the river, anchor and start firing volley after volley after volley from the middle of the river. Such a warship would devastate both sides of the river in just half an hour. Then you have a few hundred soldiers with firearms and swords going ashore and attacking, and they could take some small cannons with them. But a ship like that was valuable and thus rarely alone, so you had maybe three, five or more such ships or other support ships in a group. So more destruction and soldiers, and sometimes horses too, unless you plundered that. There is a reason why fairly small kingdoms with large powerful navies were able to dominate the world and take over vast areas of land that were already populated and had more inhabitants."


    After a while, Alith is the one to break the silence:


    "You could raise a terrible warrior force in just a year without anyone really knowing, and it wouldn''t have had to be a thousand men since we''re not prepared for war like that. And it''s not just cannons, but north arrows, ships compasses, sextants and charts to navigate. Radio to coordinate and send information over vast distances. Telescopes to see. Camouflage to make it harder for the enemy to see and understand. Cleaner water that lasts longer, food from ways we never imagined, and food that lasts. You clearly has knowledge and understanding to effectively use it. Much of what you have created could make a terrible warrior force, and none of us doubt that we''ve seen but a small part of your knowledge of war related things or tactics. Still, you could conquer any Kingdom you want. Take any fortress you desired. Had you been a conqueror we would be entirely at your mercy. But we know you don''t build things for war and isn''t here to conquer. This was built to defend yourself, us and this Furstdom, and much is useful for other things we''ve yet to understand. We know your empathy and that you don''t like violence and still refers to the First Blood''s duel in the harbour as a murder - because that''s how you see it. For you it wasn''t a duel. It was an execution. It almost scares me to ask, and you don''t have to answer, but that ship and war like that is 400 year old history for you and Midg?rd, and clearly something no longer in use. What made that become useless? How is Midg?rd war like?"


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    This is getting uncomfortably close to what I don''t want to talk about, but of course they are warriors and seen much from a warrior''s point of view. They already know so much. I feel a resigned smile, sigh, but ask:


    "Do you really, really want to know?"


    They look at each other and both reply with serious expressions and nods.


    "The ships and the cannons slowly evolved over a couple of hundred years, and not much happened for the next two hundred years - they were effective - and the kingdoms that had fleets focused a lot on exploring and conquering the world, and going to war with each other for continents. Alith, you understand what I mean by continents." Alith nods, and I guess Gunhild will become more curious about that globe. "But then technology and knowledge began to have more of an impact. Speed gradually became more important. If you''re faster than the enemy, they can''t outrun you, but you can outrun them if you don''t want to fight. You can also move a force faster over huge distances, so the force practically seen becomes more dangerous and more efficient. More land, more raw materials and forging improvements meant other possibilities, and ships began to get iron clad as armour, and then be built in iron to be even stronger and bigger with less risk of a fire, and could also carry bigger cannons. 100 years ago in Midg?rd, absurdly large cannons were built, mainly on land as defence, but also on ships. A ship type called battleships had evolved that were built entirely out of steel, and they were about six times the length of this mansion and with this width, and far taller than this mansion. Yes, such huge steel ships, and the steel thickness could be thicker than a foot. Besides many small guns, they could have a dozen huge cannons that could rotate to fire on both sides and forward, each cannon firing an iron projectile weighing double my small cannon''s total weight, and the projectile was taller than you and with your shoulder width in diameter. And the cannons could fire those projectiles from here to Borgarsandr. The time between firing until those projectiles land and hit, is like slowly counting to 100. The reload time is faster so they could have fired several projectiles before the first one even hit, from each cannon, but there could be 50 men manning each cannon and drilled to do it as quickly and efficiently as possible. Just one such salvo with a dozen projectiles from here could, for example, have completely destroyed the King''s castle in Borgarsandr. Not only caused it to crumble, but pulverized and shattered the stone, and flinging huge blocks hundreds of meters away. Without warning. Wham! Ruin. With total devastation all around. Then came the next salvo, which had been fired before the first hit. And they could fire many many salvos and spread them out to destroy all of Borgarsandr in a very short time. Basically fired all the projectiles before the first salvo even landed.


    Today in Midg?rd, battleships or such cannons are not used, but there are a few saved as historical monuments just like the Vasa and many other ships of all kinds and not just military. Battleships and such cannons are not worth the trouble, time, resources and have become impractical due to other advances in technology. You can only use battleships on the seas and along a sufficiently deep coast, not inland although you understand that some cannons reach a day trip inland. A battleship could destroy Borgarsandr, Laxlanda, Tingshamn and here during the time it takes to go to the harbour bridge and back. Then the battleship could reach Skiringsalr before the evening on the same day and destroy everything there as well. Modern war in Midg?rd can take place from close combat as Jane''s Krav Maga shows, to much longer distances or in completely different ways you simply won''t imagine. It can be far more devastating than you realise even after what I just said, but if your goal is to conquer and raid for riches, you simply can''t destroy everything. If say country A religious leaders and population want to utterly destroy country B and turn the land into a wasteland for being heathens, other nations might be nervous that it might happen to them next, so they band together and destroy country A while its busy destroying country B. Politics and alliances becomes important. War cost so much in lives and money. If you can''t produce weapons or munitions you can''t fight. So many wars are ''limited''. But this is all I will tell you about war or weapons in Midg?rd."


    I put my arms around their shoulders and give them a hug. Until recently the longbow was the top ranged weapon in their world, but my rifles changed that, and the bronze cannon has completely crushed it. They don''t use ballistas or throwing machines up here in the north as far as I know, although they have heard about things like that. There aren''t many fortresses here that require siege machines, and culturally they prefer a more mobile warfare. Maybe I should build a real trebuchet. If that information is spread, of course more people can build a trebuchet, but trebuchets are large and unwieldy. Siege weapons are against fortresses or fortified cities - not against a village or a farm. Siege weapons exists in this world and I don''t see it as a threat to my life here. It will be easy to wipe me and mine out in an ambush while travelling, and the mansion probably can''t withstand a proper attack of 40 or so armed warriors, although firearms will change the equation a bit. And assassins or a forced duel will always be a threat. Killing me is something that won''t take much silver or influence to arrange, and this is a violent world where that is a huge possibility, so the safest path in life for me is to not motivate people to do it. So it might be a good idea to teach trebuchet construction and use to some students at the Academy, but I''m not the one that do that teaching. I might get allies from allowing that to be taught, but enemies annoyed by it being taught is less likely to attack me, since the information is already out there. Although people are idiots and want revenge or blame someone. Future issues. I decide to tell them a related thing;


    "One of the tragic things about innovations, developments and technology throughout history, is that the biggest technological advances generally happen for large scale wars, when everyone''s life and the future existence of a kingdom is at stake. When people are threatened with extinction or enslavement, and people are really motivated and will sacrifice everything to survive and be free. It is only later, when the war is over, that the same development and knowledge''s peaceful use will be available and help. From stone axes, to bronze weapons and iron weapons. Iron was not produced to make tools until it become more common and cheaper. First use of iron was to make better weapons and was paid for by those who had silver and justification for better weapons. Consider the steel in my swords and our knives. Weapons before they become tools. How many farming implements and tools are not made of wood here in Alfheimr, when iron would have made them better and more durable? But iron costs much more than wood, because it is harder to produce. A looming war might increase iron production many times, and that will make iron cheaper after the war. I have a lot of plans that require large amounts of iron and steel, which also will make iron spades, hoes and pickaxes cheaper. Or swords and plate armour. I need massive amounts of copper for my electrical projects and water and heat, but copper is also the biggest cost of bronze in a cannon. The machines to make something like nails cheaper, might also be designed to help make weapons cheaper.


    A lot of what I''m trying to do and introduce here is stuff and knowledge that makes life better for everyone, and where war and killing aren''t the primary purpose, although it will be used for that too. Just as Alith said; what helps merchant ships also helps warships. Food production and storage helps the population and an Army. There will be terrible wars in the future of this world no matter what I do, even if I do nothing. It is inevitable, because there will always be people and leaders who don''t care how much pain, suffering and misery they cause others in order to gain glory, land or make themselves richer. Or because they believe it''s justified. There are not big differences between the Norse and the Daes. There is no visible difference between the people. They believe in the same gods. Speak almost the same language. Live the same way. Have similar laws. But still, Daes King Magnbjorn tries to invade to take the land and is willing to kill those who just want to live their lives. To rule over a larger kingdom, to become richer and more powerful. He considers himself entitled to do so. Most people are no better; from the lowest slave to the highest king; male or female. Warriors seek to serve in his Army, and look forward to fight for him. Seeking glory and riches, or just enjoy violence and killing. The rush of taking some ones life.


    Just the law here that a man must defend his honour; how a Duel of First Blood Duel can be used to kill someone you don''t like, or force an innocent man who just wants to live his life to defend his honour and be killed for it. To avoid being a Niding. How it is used to take a man''s possessions. Take his women against their will. I understand why these laws exist, and why society here is the way it is. Why the view of men and women is the way it is, and life here in the north is probably among the best that exists in Alfheimr. But life can be more peaceful and better, but it requires that people''s views on violence, honour and laws change. Humans have a concept called ''human rights'', which are moral principles regardless of race, gender, religion, age, language or where they were born. Freedom. Equally treatment. Dignity. Freedom to travel. Freedom to worship the gods they want. To live in peace. Right to defend oneself. Not be subject to torture. Political freedom. The right to speak your mind and have your own opinion. These are just a few of them, and it is far from all Midg?rd nations that follow all principles. I will change the laws here on the islands. As it is now, no one will dare to use their legal right to duel against me because everyone sees it as a death sentence, whether they are right or wrong. That is a bad law, and there needs to be a legal way to get redress and justice without someone bleeding or dying. No one should be above the law, and absolutely not a regent. With great power comes great responsibility.


    But there will be terrible wars in the future of this world, and most of the people who will suffer will be ordinary elves who just want to live on their farms and raise their children. Refusing to use weapons, or refusing to defend yourself, only makes you a more attractive and easier target. There is a several-thousand-year-old saying in Midg?rd, which arose in several cultures and probably exists here in some form, because everyone trains to defend themselves in duels and in war: If you want peace, prepare for war.


    I want to live in peace."


    I found a couple of documentaries on one of the USB memory sticks that show a bit about modern combat, and I saw there was the whole ''Commando On the Frontline'' series, and an episode of ''Black Sails'' which I might show them in the future. For now, Alith and Gunhild look quite depressed as I get up and walk away. I too feel that.


    <hr>


    I''m still slightly depressed during the evening meal, and I have no real desire to build things or do anything. So I don''t object when my wonderful sambos take me down to the bath house where the hot tub is prepared, and soon we are all sitting in the hot tub enjoying the company and starry sky while drinking mead, cider and wine. We grill some simple hamburgers on the grill, with vegetables and freshly baked bread. I understand why Jane isn''t here when they start caressing me. The hot tub was an excellent idea.

 Midwinter calling - day 43, Nailing it

    Midwinter calling, day 43


    Nailing it.


    It''s early and the sun hasn''t risen, but it''s time to test the eccentric press and officially inaugurate it. Everyone is curious about the big machine made with so much expensive metal, so I have plenty of company and witnesses. The simple cutting tool is checked and the surfaces are sharp and hopefully properly hardened. This is the first real demonstration and lesson in using and setting up an eccentric press, so I am making sure to be methodical as I demonstrate and explain. Especially for the two men who will use the machine.


    The stroke length is already set, but I show how to do it anyway, and why it''s important to mark down each future tools setting on a plate. Then I loosen the height adjustment and screw it up. The upper and lower tool are aligned and the lower loosely adjusted in place with blocks on stepped wedge mounts and locked in place with big T bolts in the inverted T grooves. The eccentric press is cranked down to its bottom position and the slide is screwed down until it reaches the upper tool. The bolts holding the upper tool is clamped. I make sure there is a small gap between the upper and lower tool, which is important to avoid bottoming out and forcing the tools together as that might damage the tool or machine. Hardened tool steel might shatter and explode if enough force is applied. This particular tool is not critical to even a millimeter in height, but future tools might have to be set for 0.1mm or less. I crank the eccentric press back and forth across the bottom position to verify everything looks good and the tools are properly lined up, before clamping the bottom tool. This will be so much better and easier when I can get standardized good screws, bolts and tools for that. I take one of the prepared flat iron bars and insert into the guide and push against the adjustable stop while explaining that a wider bar makes a longer nail, but that the stop has to be screwed in or out so the angle is correct. Likewise, the front and rear stop pins must be moved as the iron bar alternately slides against the front and rear stop pins during use to get cut down correctly. The cut off chute is set in place and a collection box positioned underneath.


    I take out the iron bar and check that all screws and settings are tight and right before moving the protective net shield into place in front of the tool. This is not only to keep hands out of the tools, but also because of the issue with hardened tools if they shatter. The iron net shield is hardly optimal, but better than nothing. The hydropower is started, and we engage the belt drive. The flywheel of the eccentric press starts to rotate and when it reaches full speed, I push in the safety grip and stand on the foot pedal. The eccentric press makes a cycle. I do a few more cycles, and have both workers try it several times, and as expected, Iselin wants to try as well and I let her and the other try. Unfortunately, I''ve been honest with my sambos and guards about potential dangers, so they don''t like me doing the actual work for many reasons but know I have to show how it is suppose to work and be handled. I instruct the workers and show them how to insert the iron bar through the hole in the side of the net shield, pull it towards the front stop and I hold the safety grip and step on the pedal. The eccentric press cycles with a ''chunk'' and the metallic sound of metal being forcibly cut, followed by and a piece of metal sliding down the chute and landing in the collection box. The first piece is of course wrong because the end was flat, but the cut looks good. The iron bar is pushed in and against the rear stop. Chunk. A significantly more square cut nail looking piece slides out. Still not right, so I show how to open the protective net shield and adjust the stops a little. This is actually a pretty good demonstration that it is possible to cut a wider iron bar into a shorter nail. Then we close the net shields and try to cut two more nails. Better and usable.


    Nail after nail is made, and as the end of the iron bar approaches, the operator must use the tool to push in and realign the end. I point out that there will be a waste piece at the end, which just like the first waste piece will be reused and put in the scrap iron wooden box. We run another iron bar. There are some incorrectly cut pieces when in their eagerness they forget to press the bar in or alternately press it against the front and rear stops. But that just means a little more scrap iron in the wooden box. The builder blacksmith takes a fistful of square cut nails and head into the forge to prepare for the next step.


    The power hammer with its nail tool have already been tested so when the iron bars have been cut up, we turn off the eccentric press, and take the whole box of nails with us. The first nails are already heated and red, so the blacksmith demonstrates how he, with pliers, inserts a heated nail into the special clamp, gives it a blow on the side with a hammer to close the clamp around the nail, places it in the tool in the power hammer, and pressing the foot pedal. Bang! He takes out the clamp and strikes the shaft against a wedge that splits the clamp apart, and the slightly red-glowing nail with its shaped head falls out into an earthenware vessel. The blacksmith continues to shape nail head after nail head. The blacksmith has done this many times already as he tried to shape some square cut nails by hand. Hardly the first nail he made in his lifetime, and it may not be a huge difference in time compared to making a nail head by hand, but should he make 200 nails? Then it saves time and hammer blows against an anvil. Sure, it''s work to make the flat iron bar, but even that is helped by the automatic and the power hammer, so it''s not just total time per nail saved, but maybe 30 to 50 hammer blows for the blacksmith''s arm. Per nail. How many tens of thousands of hammer blows does that save in a day? In a week? In a lifetime? So it''s not strange that the blacksmith is smiling widely over how quickly and with so few hammer blows he just made 20 nails that we pass around and inspect.


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    This job is also simple enough in skill and muscle that anyone can learn it in half an hour, so the blacksmith can spend his time on things that require his skill. With replaceable tools, the big heavy and expensive machine will be able to do so many different jobs so much more efficiently. I absolutely have plans for a strong heavy rolling mill that can take heated iron and shape it into thick plate of even thickness, and then the hot soft thick plate can be run through a slitting mill that cuts the plate into wide bars, so even that work doesn''t have to be done by hand. It will also be much cheaper if I actually build a smelter and buy pig iron or tack iron.


    It''s still annoying that I misunderstood something like the price of iron, simply because I don''t think about it the same way as people and craftsmen here. Pig iron, tack iron or iron ore is actually not that expensive, but making something useful out of it is a lot of work, and buying forged iron bars or wrought iron is ''expensive''. If I build a smelter and cast my own iron and use machines, it will be much cheaper, like 10-20 times cheaper. My merchant house in Borgarsandr usually have a couple of tons of wrought iron for sale, but I haven''t thought about the difference in price compared to lumps of raw iron that is also there, as there isn''t any large price tags on the goods. I''ve basically thought of iron as well, iron, because that is how I buy it. So this spring I will probably make a smaller blast furnace that uses water power to blast in air and make pig iron, which I can then forge into bar iron with water driven hammers etc. Argh, it''s going to be a lot of work to get something good, and I''m not particularly keen on having a blast furnace here on the island. It will be a continuous run for week, using a lot of fuel and needing plenty of water to the wheels.


    Since nails are so useful and so many nails will eventually need to be manufactured, I really want a special machine just for that, and with the right design, the flat bar can be advanced and turned 180 degrees automatically, between each cutting blade cycle. It will be a fairly complex machine, but better than the eccentric press and a worker spend most of the time on nail production. But the parts for that nail machine must be manufactured, so do more tools for the eccentric press. I really need plenty of bolts, nuts and washers.


    Before we leave to inaugurate the ferry, the craftsmen remember that my hand-cranked machine has been completed. It is a hand-cranked mangle for the mansions laundry room to wring out water, and hardly the most advanced machine as it is two large wooden rollers connected by two gears, which are driven by a crank. But it can make a big difference in drying time by wringing out water, and also flattening certain laundry such as sheets, tablecloth and towels. They just have to be careful with buttons when they are mangling, but the top roller is spring loaded with adjustable pressure via a large screw on either side that pushes the roller down.


    They have also finished another small project, which was hardly much work as most of the parts came back from Digraldi last time we were in Borgarsandr, and the rest they have done here. It''s two different variants of very simple clothes irons; one with the heating via replaceable blocks where one block lies on a holder in the fire and is heated while the other block is used; the second is a charcoal iron that use hot coals in an compartment to keep it hot. Jane is not impressed by either of them.


    "Non electric heating with lumps of brass or coal? There isn''t even a steamer function. I expected more from you. These look shoddy and something you been tricked into buying sight unseen in a box, probably with big stickers saying ''wireless'' and ''no plastic'' or something."


    "Oh, shut up. These might be the first clothes irons in the world, and they can use a bottle with holes in the top to wet the cloth. It is your fault for telling and planting the terrible idea of ironing in their heads, and I still think it is basically evil to introduce ironing."


    "Oi! I come up with excellent ideas, and it''s your job to make that vision happen!"


    "Excellent ideas. Right. Sure, ironing might help against lice, but it''s mostly extra unnecessary work."


    "Why do you care? It''s not us that will do the ironing."


    "But someone have to. Like I said; evil."


    "So it will create future jobs too!"


    "Jane, please take all the credit. I want to have it on record, that just like high heels, this is another bad idea that I did not introduce. Future women will blame you."


    <hr>

 Midwinter calling - day 43, Riding along

    The bridges connecting the small islands to reach the ferry have been completed, but the rocky islands themselves are rocky and will require a lot of work before it''s possible to drive a carriage to the ferry, but since the ferry to Orusingen has been completed it is now possible to walk or ride to Orusingen. So with a little fanfare and toasting, the ferry is named ''Puddle Jumper'' and we make a crossing and back as the inauguration trip. The nameplate have both the Norse translation and the English original, and I admit to Jane it''s taken from a ship type from the series Star Gate Atlantis. I was thinking about using Needle Threader, as it is a rope ferry, but I talked about my suggestions to Iselin and Ciara, and they decided. Bodil was happy to carve the sign, and Bodil, Iselin, Ciara and Jane liked the silly name, while Kari disapprove. She''s become suspicious of my other ship names, as Jane also finds Millennium Eagle funny. So I promise they''re all from certain types of Midg?rd sagas, and the Eagle is based on a famous ship called Millennium Falcon in Midg?rd stories, and is also a humorous combination of my name, and the ship now being about a thousand years ahead of its time. Kari still doesn''t understand why Jane thinks it''s funny, and since Kari insist on being told that saga tonight, she doesn''t truly believe my explanation.


    As planned, we will combine looking at land with an overnight stay in Kari''s Orusingen longhouse mansion where we also will test radios because it is good field practice. We will spend the afternoon and tomorrow morning to ride around to look at land south of Kari''s property that some couples and families offer to exchange for land on the mainland, and a couple who want to outright sell the land.


    <hr>


    As we talk with people I take the opportunity to pay a man and his son to fish in the big lake that is the north border of Kari''s property, and the goal is to try to catch undamaged fish, which they then can transport to my island via ordinary 32 liter barrels and add to the lake and ponds on Small Ackerek. The goal is 15-20 fish in the two smaller ponds, and at least 40 in the larger lake by the village. Hopefully the fish will help keep the small ponds open and healthier, and I hope there will be a healthy fish population in all of them, which can occasionally give more food variety even though freshwater fish contain less iodine. I''m not particularly fond of certain fish such as pike that I don''t want them to transport, and predatory fish will only reduce the amount of fish for us. Of course, the big lake will be the village''s drinking water, but there already are fish in that lake and fish isn''t bad. The drinking water is also taken from wells some distance from the lake, so the water have filtered through the ground. However, eventually there will be a tall wind-pumped water tower with probably sand filtration.


    Most of the land we look at is mountainous forests while we ride around on narrow paths, and since it is arable land that is the really important thing and only thing that counts in mantal, the total land area becomes very big in mountainous nature like this. If I add all the lands up, it goes all the way down to the coast and is bounded by a small stream on the east side, and mostly low mountains about 1.5km west along the coast, then northwest up to a small lake and then more northeast to Kari''s land. Most of the arable land is along the coast, and in the forest between the mountains and valleys there are only the a couple of small farms with a few small fields and mostly chicken, pigs, goats and sheep. It''s really harsh land to be a farmer on. If I actually do buy-trade for all of this, it will be one large mostly rectangular area, with a chunk missing on the east side where there is a farm that doesn''t want to sell or trade, which is the reason why the land around is being sold or traded because everyone is feed up with that couple and have been in a ''feud'' with them for the last decade. There seems to have been sabotaged fences, the occasional killed animal and such. Obviously no proof, and the man has a reputation as a good with weapons and having killed a man in a duel. By selling to me and moving to hopefully better land, everyone will leave their unpleasant neighbours behind and sort of win against them, because with me as the new big landowner who owns everything around them, the couple will have be friendlier even to those who stay behind to cultivate the land for me. No one wants to annoy me, and a duel against me or my guards is a whole other thing. That Kari is the neighbouring big landowner is another issue. That couple might also have wanted to sell, but they have loudly and for years declared that they will stay there and farm the land their ancestors farmed no matter what, so they can''t sell or move without losing even more in reputation.


    Three families will stay and continue to farm the arable land but pay rent to me, where the silver for their land will be used to buy more animals and other things. A wolf or fox killing a dozen chickens and a couple of goats is an economic catastrophe for those that don''t have much, and pretty much seen as a sign from the gods that they should find luck elsewhere. I honestly feel bad about gaining from others misfortune, but loaning money is problematic. With land change and trading for animals and such, a loan can be hidden as an investment or pay for services. It is also a mixture of already leased land from before and where the landowner wants to move and the farmers are basically serfs, and old people who will stay for their life but who have no children to inherit and do not like their relatives who would otherwise inherit.


    Iselin, Alith and Bodil have told us that in the mountainous regions they grew up, the land is always inherited by someone, and it is difficult to sell to outsiders. According to law, the land can not be divided and it is law that selling it can only happen if no relative have been willing to buy the land during three Tings. Then outsiders get a chance to buy the land at a price determined by a third party. It is rare that land is sold, and it is difficult to buy or make your own farm. Many younger brothers or sisters have no option but work on their older siblings farm. I get it''s a practical way to preserve land so it''s enough for a family to live on, and arable land is scarce in many places in Norway. If the land is split up too much, no one can live on it, but that makes it difficult to get a farm and life of your own, because there is no land to buy. It makes it a little more understandable why so many in ''western Norway'' want to go on Viking raids compared to western or southern Sweden where there is less discussion about it. Because in western and southern Sweden there is forest to cut down and turn into arable land in the inland, but even there the lands fertility is limited and it is a huge amount of work. They don''t really understand fertilization, and certainly not crop rotation, but that''s understandable because most want to focus on more useful crops on the land each time, not limit themselves to a third or fourth to get overall more from the land. Starting to clear a forest in the middle of nowhere and create arable land is a huge project that takes several years, and many people need to focus on coping with daily life. So even there it''s more that new properties are slowly being created from nearby farms, where someone can travel an hour or so away and work on creating a field and fencing when there is time, and repeat this for a few years, then build a house and move there. Starting in the middle of nowhere is worse, often requiring financial support or is the only option for those with no choice. And in the wilderness, there is a greater risk of unpleasantness such as animal theft or worse happening.


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    There is a larger farm down by the coast that has a lot of arable land, more than the others combined, and this is really the only real discussion. It is an ''elderly'' couple who owns the farm, and they have two twin sons who are to inherit and who do not get along, and no one knows who was born first, and there is also a younger daughter of marriageable age. If nothing happens, the parents will continue to live on the farm for the rest of their lives, which is probably no more than ten years, and together with their workers and slaves will cultivate the land on my behalf, because someone has to do it. The elderly couple are motivated to sort out the inheritance issue between the children before they die and give the children the opportunity to create a future for themselves. So the plan is for their sons to move after winter to the R-mansion where the feast was a day trip south of Borgarsandr, and get an equal amount of animals although they might get a few more each after they check the land down there, which is what really lubricated the likely deal, as they probably will get slightly less arable land, and certainly less forest and also no access to the sea coast. Animals are so important, but honestly a small cost for me, and I''d rather trade animals for land. I get why people think my priorities are strange and excentric. I''m willing to trade silver and animals for forest covered mountains with lakes and steep mountain streams. I must really like to hunt.


    The R-mansions land consists of many older farms that have been merged into one large estate, so it is already divided and I can exchange some of the land, and from what I have found out, the R-mansion land is easier to distribute evenly, but many of the outer parts are already leased. I only have a description of the mantal and the distribution, and have not seen the land or know the borders, so of course a visit before final decision is a must. The land becomes new for the twin brothers with a clear demarcation decided before, so the sibling feud over the farm disappears, and the farm and land here becomes mine. The brothers agree to split the R-mansion in two, but how it will be done is yet to be decided. I have been able to sketch and describe approximately what it is like, but that is all. The method that will be used is that they jointly decide how it should be divided, and after that which part will be theirs is decided by flipping a coin, so the brothers will be fair. The daughter gets a small part of the land on the R-mansion as her dowry, because it was immediately obvious to them that I wouldn''t be interested in marrying their daughter or taking her as a concubine, even though the daughter certainly hoped so. We recognise the daughter as a friend of Ida''s who visited the islands, the mansion and Ida more than once, and Kari is not alone in suspecting that the daughter has heard stories and fantasized. We also believe the daughter is the one that suggested the trade, and it is quite likely that their parents old farm here will see substantial upgrades over the next few years.


    I''m not interested in using or visiting the R-mansion, but even after trading I will still have a lot of land down there, so maybe there will be a simpler new mansion built, and I can let others use or lease the land until a future decision. It''s kind of a good idea to have a place to spend the night during travels, and it''s halfway between Borgarsandr and the far larger estate Forsheim. Which I still haven''t visited.


    Everyone have come to preliminary agreements, but we''ll take a trip down there later this winter to inspect and decide, and probably right after the Northmen Ting in late winter, and if nothing change, I''ll be the owner of a lot of land this spring directly south from Kari''s land. About 7 km2 of mostly forest and mountains, which I will pay for at the next Tosra Ting this spring. Large agreements and land trades mostly happen during the local Ting so that everyone can witness and know about it, and all land trades are also informed about during the next Stor Ting. Who owns the land is very important business. Still, I''m free to hunt on the land this winter, because everyone sees that as free meat.


    Kari and Iselin are happy with the preliminary agreements so I guess all is well. I don''t want to think about future problems with my own inheritance, dowry and bride price for any daughters. If that time ever comes, I might have land on other continents. Thank the Gods that is at least 17 to 19 years away and there''s a pretty good chance I won''t be alive to deal with it. I''m such a coward. But if I am alive, any suitors for my daughters will respect them and treat them well, otherwise they should expect thunder. Maybe I should build more cannons. Or grenade launchers. A flame-thrower?


    <hr>


    At dusk we see rabbits, deer and elks, and there seem to be surprisingly much elk here in Alfheimr, although is shouldn''t be that surprising since modern Sweden have plenty of elks and about a hundred thousand are shot each year to keep the population in check since. It is quite logical there is plenty of elk if they rarely hunt elk, and here there is no large free ways with wildlife fences containing the populations. We also ride around slowly and quite quietly, so it gives a lot more time to look at nature instead of the road and horses also doesn''t scare the elks away, plus we deliberately ride into the winds or crosswinds to try to see the wildlife. Most of the animals are too far away with trees in between, but the elks hardly even seem wary as long as we keep our distance. We''re not here to hunt, but if we ride home at dawn and take it slow and careful, we might see something we can shoot. More fresh meat no matter what animal would be nice.

 Midwinter calling - day 44, Carpentry

    Midwinter calling, day 44


    Coming home


    It feels good to ride over the bridges and the islands, and then through the forest and out into the valley and see the village up on the other side. Once the Academy and the village are completed, it should make quite an impact on anyone arriving from here. This also feels a bit like a victorious home coming since we''ve had another successful elk shooting. It was ''far'', so for safety''s sake, both Iselin and me shot at the same time. We still had to reload and ride after, but the elk probably only went 150 meters. So, not the best shots, but Iselin can now say she shot a elk. Kari still doesn''t want to shoot and covers her ears with both hands. Our share of the meat will be delivered, plus the antlers and elk hides and a few jugs of blood for blood pancakes and blood sausage that is so ridiculously appreciated by others. We will have about 75 kg of meat which is hundreds of meals. Thank Gods it''s cold, and we''ll ice, smoke and salt, and treat guests to elk meat and blood pancakes and sausages the night before the wedding. How they distribute the rest is none of our business, and we have made a lot of people happy. This have been an excellent start of hunting rights, because there is a lot of meat and parts for many landowners an people during the darkest time of the year, which they can also exchange for other things, and they have not had to do anything for it.


    We are updated that Hrappr and Ida finally brought home all the animals we''ve bought. It is not easy to ship to an island, and only some have been delivered. Since the weather and other duties have given them time, they have fetched the last for our barns. So we now have more chickens, ducks, cows, sheep and pigs, and the cows, sheep and pigs should already be pregnant so we will have calves, lambs and piglets in April. Iselin''s parents have also gotten the last of their animals, so 10 chickens, 8 sheep, two pigs, two cows and a bull. They were really looking forward to having their own animals to care for and own, and been quite shocked by how ''much'' animals they have received, but it''s honestly less than I spent on sex toys. Gyra and Iuli really enjoy their new life here on the islands with their wonderful farm and mild climate, and have made good friends. Personally, it''s starting to feel like I should have given them a bigger, nicer and more luxurious farm. But there was a lack of time and I didn''t think about it. At least they have a nice warm house, with plenty of fire wood, food, clothes, furniture and light.


    One reason why we have been able to buy so many animals is that they are from many farms, and some would rather have silver than keep the animals alive during winter, which many believe will be hard due to omens and signs, and we announced long time ago that we wanted to buy animals. I don''t believe in omens and I am willing to take a chance, but we also have the option of buying animal feed at a premium price if we need to. Then some animals will be slaughtered for the wedding feast, so might as well buy more animals, and I have realized that we will need more animals than that considering the food I like, and there will also be more cows and also a lot of sheep for the wool in the future. It is likely that one or two more barns will be built this spring and summer in different places, and more fields and pastures will be created in the coming years. But that takes years to do.


    <hr>


    It is not finished on the inside, but the new 14x6 guest mansion north of the small lake is basically finished on the outside. When the weather is fine, the builders are quick to build, and I am happy that the house will be useful for the wedding guests, because the workers who remain over the winter can finish the interior sufficiently in a few days, and it is 7 or 8 days until the guests arrive. Some of the days will surely be rainy weather where they cannot work outside, and the exterior decorations will be done come spring. Bodil will surely want to help with some. Me and Jane can''t really agree on what to call it, and carpentry decorations probably have different names depending on style, but I prefer the to Norse converted Swedish term ''snickargl?dje'' which basically mean ''carpenters delight'', but no matter the term, Jane has gotten my sambos interested in ''old'' style decoration of interior doors and cabinets, with routered edges and cut out decoration to add in the middle of panels. And sure, it looks good and more interesting than modern flat surface in a uniform colour. Especially when it''s been painted with that furniture varnishing oil we used for the floors and pretty much everything else, and they''ve used a little colour in the varnish to discretely tone the surface or decoration. The kitchen and several rooms looks much nicer, and varnished surfaces are easier to keep clean. Everyone is so proud of the kitchen and the guest mansion will get the same treatment, and I am happy when they are happy. Especially as I didn''t have to be involved or do the work.


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    The guest mansion looks really good where it is, but it is not large by modern standards, only about 200m2 on two floors, but here it is quite impressive in terms of amenities and purpose. Or will be. In the future, when it gets some decorations on the outside and on the inside with beautiful furniture, the guest mansion will feel very luxurious to most people. If I hadn''t had so many people in my company, the guest mansion would have felt just right to live in. The design can actually be a nice hunting lodge or similar for us, as the second floor has two large bedrooms with a double bed and a desk etc, and two rooms with two bunk beds for guards and accompanying staff, and two double or single rooms with a small table and chairs. The ground floor has a separate room for the caretaker of the guest mansion, and there is also a staff bedroom for a couple of maids on the second floor, although that room also have the water tanks and the stairs to the attic.


    We are finishing the final touches on the telegraph installation and the installation of the guest mansion''s small battery system. The electrical system in the guest mansion will only be two of the small 12V batteries because there is no real power need, and they will be charged by a wind turbine at the future barn across the back yard. The wind turbines are quite ugly and I don''t want it to be visible from the road, and I hope to remove it from my mansion in the future. I really hope I can make good copper oxide diodes, because otherwise everything with electricity will be more difficult and require more maintenance.


    <hr>


    The guards busy themselves by rigorously testing the telegraph station, but we decide to finish the work on more mercury thermometers, which have seen gradual progress along with other ongoing projects. One thermometer broke. Another thermometer has much higher range than wanted because I misread the note and made an oops about the mercury volume for that tube and the scale goes up to about 280C. I don''t know what it will be used for but still good to have, so it got a less accurate scale and will be less protected than the other thermometers.


    Two have about the same range as the first batch but a finer scale to be more accurate although with a lower top scale, so one is inside the icebox. The other we install as a permanent weather station outside the attic window on the north end of the wing where it will be in almost permanent shade and protected from ice and rain behind a small white painted wooden shield. Well ventilated and as free as it can be, and as far from the warmest parts of the house as possible, even if the outer wall of course affects a little and sunlight might reach it on the longest summer evenings. There is stone ground underneath, but at least that ground is in the shade. Not optimal but we have to live with it. I have given the staff the task of reading it every morning, noon and evening, and recording the values on a slate during the whole week so we can see it in the guards day room.


    Another thermometer is shorter and got a smaller range with only a little below freezing but good accuracy, so we set it up in the living room together with the slate board where the outdoor temperatures are written, to show the indoor temperature, and the thermometer will be moved to test for different temperatures in rooms or the basement. The old indoor thermometer by the electrical panel will be moved to the pantry, but right now we mount it in the attic to check how cool it will be compared to the great hall etc. It is after all winter.


    I''ll wait to make more thermometers until I see how these hold up for a couple of months or so. The next need is probably a fever thermometer and I have saved the tube with the finest channel I have for them, but hopefully there will be three thermometers from that tube, because a 35 to 42C scale is enough, unfortunately it will be difficult to manufacture so the range actually ends up there.


    A barometer would be fun to make, and practical to have, and is really just mercury in a tube that goes down to mercury in a bowl, and the fact that we live only 25 meter or so above sea level is practical. But the tube will be long, and at least 850mm. My ovens are not big enough to heat treat such large items but I have a several glass tubes that are thin but still too big for thermometers and some that are quite big. All of them already have one end sealed, so I decide to build a simple mercury barometer. The barometer doesn''t have to be outside, so we can hang it in the main hall, and build it into an oblong wooden casing with a small window at the top. I have glass plates which makes a good enough window to read while protecting, and keeps any mercury fumes to a minimum. Building the barometer into wood also secures everything and I will try making a flexible membrane or bladder instead of a completely open mercury container.


    Yet another sketch and order for carpenter Engdrid. He pretty much constantly does projects for me, and is almost finished with the pendulum clock. I don''t want my ugly pendulum clock prototype to be so visible to our future guests. At the same time, it works, so we want more pendulum clocks as they are so practical. The staff room needs one, but hopefully it will be quite advanced.

 Midwinter calling - day 45, Control

    Midwinter calling, day 45


    Control


    I''ve been trying for a while to figure out the easiest way to do some kind of remote control via radio, and what I have been thinking of is the usual carrier wave, tone coding, etc, but everything requires circuits and many valuable transistors, both to generate the tone and to receive, detect and control something from the signal. Remote control would be really useful for being able to trigger something from a distance, for a lot of things. It would be useful in our normal radios and above all the mobile radio and the mansions radio so it can trigger a bell or similar so no-one have to sit and listen all the time. Instead of just a schedule or regular check ins it would be possible to send a signal when you want to talk, much like a telephone''s ring signal.


    It admittedly took a while, but I realised that there is actually something I can easily use, which I have with me; standardized IR remote controls for the camera, and there are several sensors. So I was able to find four; from SDR dongle; from my modded Mobius; and two from my scrapped DSLR camera. The sensors are for IR light, but can connect to radios by removing the IR LEDs from the remote controls and putting one directly against the sensor housing. With some simple connections and power feed, I have four modules where the electrical signal that usually flashes IR LEDs is instead sent via radio and that makes the IR LED in the ''receiver module'' weakly flash. Inside the IR sensor there is important filtering, detection and amplification, and it gives a pulsed signal out that normally would go to a micro processor, which I don''t have. But with a couple of capacitors and a transistor on the output it will smooths out the pulse train into a stable signal that can drive something.


    The disadvantage of the system is that it takes away the efficiency of pure CW radios, fucks up the bandwidth of radios, which negatively affects the sensitivity of the receiver even with adapted signal path and rise and fall time, but I could partially solve the problems with the help of it''s own IF filter. This all means that I can''t predict how it will affect the transmission range. Is the overall gain of the IR sensor''s internal amplification and filter more than the loss in efficiency, bandwidth and filters? I hope so. But the function to be able to trigger a bell in a radio is important enough that less optimal range can in many cases be accepted. The selectivity in the normal filters I''ve built are ''not good'', but the IR signal system''s filter is even wider and tuning in exactly the right radio frequency is less important which can also help if one station is slightly badly tuned.


    So I now have four remote controls circuits I will build into radios, and there will be one each in both stronger radios, but the remote control modules is not quite finished, and the third system will be in the mobile radio. The LED previously assigned as just ''On'' in the front now glows much brighter when a remote signal is sent or received and a relay buzzer is triggered when a remote signal is received, regardless of what code is sent. Radios have not seen much use yet, but it works. I''ve also modified the Off-On switch so they have Off, On with buzzer which I call ''monitor'' in Norse, and finally On without buzzer for normal radio traffic. First tests seem to indicate that this remote control system is more sensitive than the ear is to hear pure CW Norse tone, so it may be that it gives the radios longer range in not just calling the station, but also make it easier to listen and get a good copy of a weak signal. In normal mode the radios squelch mute the hissing white noise as that is annoying to listen to, but that can also mute a signal, so a new mode we will try is remote signal Norse code that effects the squelch by muting the radio noise when the signal is missing, which will mean the Norse tone mixed with normal radio noise becomes clearer when the signal is sent. Hopefully it will make it easier to just listen and writing down without having to see the flashing light signal, as listening for tone and hiss volume change is far more practical than using the relay buzzer. It remains to be tested whether it is practical or most problematic or annoying function.


    I don''t want to disassemble Tom''s DSLR camera to strip the two sensors from it has, and haven''t come up with anything else easily accessible that has one, but I may end up building inferior remote control filters detectors of transistors that fulfil the same function, but probably does not have the same sensitivity. The remote control and sensor in the SDR receiver didn''t have the same carrier frequency as the others, and isn''t fully compatible, but that''s okay because it gives me separate remote system for a specific radio if I want, and might be the one I will install in the mobile radio. Pretty much any transistor with the right resistor-capacitor or inductor-capacitor circuit, can make an oscillator that for transmitting the remote right control frequency, because I ''only'' have a total of three DSLR camera remote controls.


    Looking practically on it, it is better if not all radios have a remote control system since it is not possible to choose which one to activate except that third one, so if every radio had a system all radios in monitor mode activate by same signal. It''s more practical if the mansion''s radio have the system so everyone can call the mansion, and the same with the ship''s radio and the mobile radio. Because it''s not just buzzer activation but hopefully also extra range when it comes to the ship, and means I can use the mobile radio while in company of people that shouldn''t really know about radio, and the mobile radio will probably have a shitty antenna and need any boost it can get. It is also possible to have separate frequency settings for different receivers, so whoever wants to contact the mansion uses one frequency, another for the ship and a third for the mobile radio and so on. Instead of dialling a number, tune in that radios frequency and push the ''buzzer'' signal. When I eventually send a ship or two on a long-distance expedition in the future, it will hopefully include two radios, just so those ships can communicate between each other and as a backup for contact back home. I''m honestly tempted to make an inferior radio with lower output power and features, which also means fewer transistors, because in many cases just longer range than line-of-sight is really useful. Both between ships, and between us if we split up in a town or something.


    I have four systems, with the SDR system and its 28 button remote being the weird one, and I''m contemplating if I should use the SDR IR system for simpler Radio Control of something because I can use the 29.25MHz crystal to build a simple and compact radio transmitter, basically just the crystal, a transistor as a power stage, the remote control and a battery. The receiver can be almost as simple with a filter, mosfet, sensor and transistor output to something. I could even do some more advanced decoding if I reprogram the ATtiny85 from the Mobius to read the code and control four-five outputs, and that is basically the code in it already, so I can just open the project file, modify the code and reprogram. I can ''sacrifice'' 3-6 transistors to get that RC system where the outputs can drive electromagnets or relays.


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    I could even make a fancier system that activate combinations of outputs at the same time by taking advantage of the fact that even though the remote has 28 buttons, it can only send one signal at a time, not two or more, and there is a priority which button signal it sends. So normally only one output at a time can be activated. But I can get two outputs to activate simultaneously by sending a third remote signal. So instead of basically a classic plus shaped joystick on a gamepad with no option to press ''diagonally'', I can make a diagonal function with four more signals. The remote has 28 buttons, so I should be able to be used 8 for a joystick, 8 more to say the receiver should also combine that joystick directs while activating the fifth output as a push button. Hopefully a couple of the remaining buttons can be used to be push buttons when the joystick is in null position, and one signal that says nothing at all is activated as a check that the radio signal from the transmitter is there. If the directional pad actually controls a vehicle, then a couple of the last buttons can be used to combine outputs that can otherwise never happen from the controller like up+down, left+right, and can do frequency control on the receiver output so that the same output goes through two or three RC filters so a low frequency signal controls one thing, while a high frequency signal activates something else, or just use diode switching on the output.


    So many options. I kind of want to do that system just to see how good I can make it.


    But I have electric motors.


    I can build a radio-controlled model boat, and use electromagnets to pull a rudder. I can also use two electric motors and build a small radio controlled tank. I''ll admit the horns in my forehead started to grow when I thought about how I deliberately can try and deceive people with a made-up sea monster or some kind of mechanical monster on land. Like a large walking insect or scorpion or something with just relatively simple cyclic leg movement and six legs. With maybe even 1-2 extra buttons to control claws or a tail. If I can make a good enough electric pump or valve, maybe a built-in flamethrower. If I hide the transmitter and antenna on my body and do the remote control in a small package, I can be pretend I control the model by voice, gestures or just with my mind, while my hand in the pocket press buttons and moving the joystick. I could actually do a ''monster on a leash'' right now with a hidden joystick in the leash.


    Can I build a simple receiver for the car key''s 434MHz remote? Rolling code or whatever doesn''t matter as it will be just ''is there a signal?'', but I could probably it convert to a pure CW transmitter. Or can I make something out of the Tesla key? Even a short range of just a couple of meters would be useful, and it could be a physics experiment or something.


    <hr>


    Since the ship''s radio will get a remote, we update the ship''s radio installation with an external bell and Asta along with some of the crew help with that so Asta and they get practice for future repairs or maintenance. An signal line of painted, paper-wrapped and lacquered copper wire is pulled and fastened with insulators behind wooden veneer for extra protection, and a bell is placed under a small wooden cover outside above the deck door to the cabins so that someone is more likely to hear if the radio is buzzing, or in this case ringing. To disconnect the bell a small switch is installed on the cabin wall beside the radio so it can be switched off during use. We leave the bell plugged in while we test that it works, so the surprised sailors can hear the bell and learn what it sounds like, and know to inform Asta if it rings.


    We make an improved Inverted V antenna installation on the ship, and it might not be optimal, but should be better than the loop. A better antenna is a better antenna. If this doesn''t work we might literally have to go around the problem with the sails but attaching horizontal poles that simple place the antenna out over the boats side or high over the main sail, or I have to accept that one or both ends of the dipole might be moved or removed during some sailing or weather. There might just be a simple vertical antenna wire hanging from the aft mast or an inverted L antenna using the sea as the ground plane. What will be best for using ground wave or NVIS? I don''t know. I''m a little worried that a wet sail can mess up the antenna''s tuning, but nothing to do about it except know it might be an issue and test for it or compensate. Same with how the antenna will not be equally good in every direction so ships heading matters. We simply need to test to know which heading and tweaking the antenna is most effective in, and we will take measurements and test as the ships sail around to different locations. One test will be to sail around in a big circle somewhere a couple of days away while the mansion or ship is constantly transmitting, and by transmitting heading we should be able to hear which hearing works best and what works worst. The loop antenna will remain on the ship as a spare antenna, but it will be stored below deck. An improved ''quick'' mount will be installed on the aft mast with a prepared antenna cable down to Asta''s cabin, but it is not ideal if the antenna needs to be adjusted. Asta has interesting radio tests ahead of her and she is looking forward to them.


    Since it was installed, the ship''s crane have only been used for loading and unloading cargo, which is in port with furled sails or possibly if the ship''s boat is put into the water. The crew has realised how nice a winch can be, and wants to try to save labour when sailing. So another winch is now attached to the deck for used during normal sailing. With the help of blocks and pulleys, they can winch in and handle the mainsail in a controlled manner, which helps when tacking or trimming sail. The same winch will also help to raise and lower the sail, and with the right rope course, the winch can also help with the aft sail as well, and help with the anchors. The most tiring and crew demanding work is during strong winds, and any help is good, and the winch will help make that work safer. In the future I will probably make an updated stronger winch especially for the sails if it works well. A winch is not particularly expensive, and it is quite easy to make one in wood that is not geared and just use long poles as levers, and Asta have seen one before. Just a round cylinder that pulls the ropes using with long poles as levers that are pulled out of holes and moved, and those holes also works as the lock that blocks rotation.


    As we have worked we''ve also talk about installing lanterns, and although it is of less use when no one else is using it, it can be useful in certain occasions such as when approaching or leaving ports, or sailing together with other ships through the night. Sailing in the night is something that Asta likes when she can do it, and lanterns are important on long journeys with multiple ships which there definitely will be if my plans survive contact with reality.


    <hr>

 Midwinter calling - day 45, Ruined (slightly NSFW)

    <hr>


    I feel bad about not remembering all the details about the wedding ceremony, and I just can''t go to Iselin with this, so I knock on Kari''s door and walk in when she shout to just come in, only to be greeted by:


    "Cia... NO! Don''t look! Out! Robert out! Don''t look!"


    I just close the door and sigh. Shit.


    Maybe I should have said it was me, but Kari didn''t ask, obviously thinking it was Ciara. Who I see coming towards me with needle and thread. Shit. I can''t un-see that. Kari standing there in a corset, eyes wide from panic, with Jane who seemed to be helping her with something. I just give Ciara a kiss on her cheek as we pass and go back to my workshop. Considering I''ve never heard anything about a corset, I''m guessing Kari didn''t want me to see it yet. However, that is another thing to add to the growing list of things I have to make sure that future women blames Jane for.


    <hr>


    Lead acid battery cells is something that Iselin, Kari, Asta and Caecilia already learned to build and maintain, and we will build a few wind turbines for the other mansions and the ship, but I have been putting it aside because it needs a rectifier to stop the current feeding back from the battery to the wind turbine. Sure, there is ways around that, but no good one as far as I can see, and I really want to be able to rectify alternating current, so ideally I need diodes. Fairly powerful high current diodes. I don''t want to try to experiment with Mercury Arc Rectifiers unless I absolutely have to, so for now my only other option is copper oxide semiconductors because I know that was a thing.


    In order for that to work, I have to make pure copper, purer than they have. Which should be relatively easy as I don''t even have to make a copper solution because it is possible to buy ''blue vitriol'', i.e. copper sulphate. Anyone who have etched their own circuit boards and actually read the safety stuff knows what that is. So I take a jar and suspend a copper wire as the cathode, and a big piece of copper to be consume as the anode. Then I fill up the jar with blue vitriol and connect it to the battery bank via a simple adjustable resistor. Bubbling by the anode is a sign that it is working, so I make a another jar to increase the produce rate of pure copper. This will take some time, but when the cathodes have eventually accumulated enough pure copper, I can melt that copper to plates to use for semiconductor experiments. I assume it will take tweaking to get it right.


    To produce the important copper oxide layer, as far as I know there are two methods, and I don''t know which one is most practical for any kind of ''mass production'' here, so I will try both electrolysis and use a high temperature furnace to try to build up a red oxide layer on copper with temperature. That will absolutely take a lot of tweaking and experimentation.


    While the jars are quietly bubbling, I take out the pieces of my scrapped DSLR camera and start sketching on paper and drawing the electric circuits. I have no regret at all that I scrapped my own cheaper DSLR camera. Of course there are a lot of components I can''t use like all these semiconductor ICs. I can also only partially follow the traces on the circuit boards and there are limited test of components, and it mainly works for simpler components like resistors, capacitors, diodes, transistors and voltage regulation circuits, so for now I will ignore much of the circuit boards. But there are so many precious little springs, electric motors, electromagnets, photo mechanisms, buttons, short tiny cables and connectors, and they are more than worth their weight in gold. I have toyed with its built-in electric flash and it will become its own ''something'', once I figure out what to do with it. I have the external good flash accessory for the other camera, and parts in that ring flash. Unfortunately, I have no wiring diagram for my DSLR camera, although I''ve already taken it apart a couple of years ago to fix a shutter blade issue, and cleaned it after an unplanned quick dunk in a Norwegian mountain stream. Damn big rocks that isn''t stable, and bags that aren''t completely waterproof. At least that made me learn that taking of shoes, socks and maybe pants and wade is the safer option. Even in freezing cold water. If I can bathe during winter, I can absolutely wade through knee high water any time of the year.


    I check over the inventory list of components. I have three dual op-amp IC (operational amplifier) that I''ve deliberately have not used for anything yet, because they can be used for so much and I haven''t needed them yet. I agonize over each component used, because every single one is special. In many cases that is literally the only one in this entire world. They cannot be replaced. Then many are hard to unsolder, especially IC''s. But at least one op-amp will be used for a more advanced multimeter. I''ve already made several moving coil instruments, and making a simple basic current or voltage meter is easy because it''s just a matter of the right resistor solution. The multimeter I really want to build have more complex selections and larger range, and the op-amp helps amplify the signal and make that possible.


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    Kari enters the workshop, closes the door behind her, and she is clearly unhappy and disappointed as she sits down on the sofa. So of course I put my work aside and hold out my arms, and Kari rise and seek my embrace. I give her a hug and feel what I assume is the corset underneath her dress. Kari sits in my lap and dejectedly explain that she got the corset made in Borgarsandr, after Jane told her about them. She have been wearing it the last two weeks, gradually increasing the time she wears the corset and lacing according to Jane''s advice. She loves how the corset feels and wants to wear it longer, but she have time and follows Jane''s advice. No one but Jane have known about it, although several probably suspects something. She wanted to surprise me when she got really used to it. But she needed Ciara''s help to tweak a thing and fix a couple of stitches that have become undone, and Ciara was just getting the right thread and needle. She didn''t expect me to knock on her door, and now the surprise is ruined.


    I just kiss Kari and say that the surprise isn''t ruined; I just saw her silhouette as she had the sunlight from the windows behind her - which isn''t really true but I can pretend for her sake - and suggest she can do a real presentation for me tonight. Something extra special. Maybe combine with other things in glass or ceramic, and I let my hands slowly wander on her body as I talk, and Kari gets happier and starts to get excited. If the corset is comfortable enough, she can wear it for the rest of the afternoon and maybe during supper, and sit there with it at the dining room table. Feel it against her body. Maybe with her butt plug so she feels more disobedient and have prepared herself.


    Slowly and seductively I continue to describe how I think she feels according to what she have said before, and the things I know she likes, and I mix whispers with kisses on her neck and shoulder. The feeling of pressure, and tight fabric. That we will know but no one else, and that she has to control herself in front of the others. I calmly adjust Kari a little more forward so that she sits crookedly on my lap, kiss her neck and methodically but slowly slide a hand down her neckline and caress her breast while I describe things I know she like to hear - this is not the first time. I reach away and discreetly take one of the towels, and place it on the workbench.


    Kari doesn''t notice; she have closed her eyes, lost in her fantasy with her head slightly tilted back, taking quick breaths as I gently continue massaging her nipple with a couple of fingers. I take a leather glove I use for soldering or hot glass, fold it so the clean side is out and command Kari to open her mouth, and I place the glove in her mouth. I slowly start to pull her skirt up and just a feather light touch makes Kari willingly spreads her legs. I carefully place the towel under and between her legs before my thumb and fingers explore the spot between her legs. It''s doesn''t take many minutes before the towel is used and my hand is squeezed hard while Kari bites down on the glove and moans.


    When Kari regains control and calms down, I remind her that I have not given her my permission and she has been ''disobedient'', so half an hour after supper I expect to find her sitting on my bedroom sofa ready to earn my forgiveness. Kari is still breathing hard around my glove, but smilingly nod, so I kiss her shoulder, neck and cheek a few more times before taking the glove and towel and sending her out of my workshop.


    I rinse and wash the towel, and hang it on the sink to dry before it I''ll throw it in the washing basket. I assume Kari will be happy and looking forward to supper for the rest of the day, and hopefully she''ll be overjoyed tomorrow morning.


    <hr>


    Just before supper, Elin shows up to report on how things have gone in Laxlanda Inn and with its hostess ?sa. I really should have said that Elin could take a horse, because she have walked. Sure, it''s only about 25-28km, and I''ve walked more in one day myself, with a hiking backpack, but still. Laxlanda inn has had quite a lot of guests, and everything has gone really well. The work load might be a bit too much work now that Elin is no longer there, but ?sa knows she can always temporarily hire someone. ?sa seems to be managing the Inn well enough that we can let her continue until the Ting in late February. The ship is going back to Borgarsandr for wedding guest, and Elin could tag along, but I have realised that sooner or later I will need a Telegraph Operator, and Elin was one of the better ones at reading and writing. After all, she can also act as a maid and look after the guest mansion while we have wedding guests. When I give Elin the offer and show her what it''s all about, she quickly accepts. Over the next few days, she will be given a crash course in Norse code by the guards. She already has all her possessions with her in her bag, because of course she have few possessions. When Elin sees how Ima and Shakini live here, she almost faints. She thought the Inn was very luxurious.

 Midwinter calling - day 46, The art of hiding

    Midwinter calling, day 46


    The art of hiding


    Oh, wow.


    This is still a very nice way to wake up, and Kari really want to prove that she is just as good as Iselin at this particular wake up method, and she is good, helped by her tongue and enthusiasm.


    Just as Iselin, Kari comes crawling up and we just lie and cuddle a bit while we chat about the previous night; what she liked; what she really loved; if there were any problems or not as good moments or things, and what she thought of the dildos and so on. It''s important to accept both positive and negative criticism, otherwise I won''t know how to improve, and I want to be as good as I can for all of them. Kari and Iselin have fully embraced that mindset, for different reasons and slightly different subjects. I was absolutely right about Kari''s experience after she left me in the workshop yesterday and she was in a good mood and content as we fell asleep. Kari totally agrees that a sink and bidet in my bedroom walk-in closet and down in the b-room would be a good idea, because it would make it easier to clean up, wash things and us.


    Kari loves her corset, and describes the feeling of it and how it gives her a nice body shape - like there is something wrong with her natural one. She now wants another corset that goes up and slightly over the breasts, and one that just cinches the waist, and a couple of new dresses that show off the figure better with laces like the ones Jane made for Ciara and herself, and maybe a dress with one of those hidden slit at the back with buttons like the women in the B-mansion had, just for me down in the b-room, and.... Kari continues talking about what she wants and will have made, and it sounds like her clothes account will go up quite a lot in the future. But she seems so happy and have a dreamy enthusiastic naughty look that I''m happy to spend that silver. It''s partly for my sake and pleasure.


    I realise that with all the property Kari owns, she likely already has quite a lot of silver waiting for her, but that also means that I have no control over how much silver she spends, or on what. Kari is looking forward to the next real shopping opportunity in Borgarsandr, and it''s lucky that there is no internet or telephones and catalogues to order things from here. She wants to buy more fabric of different kinds, more leather, and must get better at sewn and ....


    Kari is like a squirrel on speed in her descriptions, and jumps between topics and things as she follow each tangent and naughty idea, and I am convinced it will be an interesting future for both of us. Caecilia and Kari make Death by Snu-Snu seem more and more likely, but it''s should be a heck of nice road to follow. There are worse fates.


    <hr>


    Shakini, Ciara and Jane are decorating and preparing for the wedding, and also testing decorations. The guards, Ciara and Jane surprise me by having made garlands, decorations and painted cardboard pennants which are hung together with spruce branches and other greenery, and they are decorating the inside of the house. Since autumn, we''ve brought stiffer paper for crafts in red, green, yellow, blue, grey and black. It''s not something the papermaker normally stores much of because few asks for it, but he was willing to make batches of the colours and Iselin and Kari decided that sooner or later it will be used, because stiff paper has a lot of crafts use or models. Or just to fold paper air planes from.


    When I see a gnome with a red knit cap among the decorations, it hits me, because many of the decorations are a bit Christmassy. This year will not be a classic Christmas celebration for Jane and me, but she has at least made sure that there are some suitable decorations, and together with the others, she hides quite a lot of two-to-three decimeter sized gnomes with coloured knitted caps among the decorations and things. The paper gnomes show up in all sorts of places, and they''ve had fun with the placement of most of the gnomes, as the gnomes try to hide, but do a poor job like someone just covers the eyes, and others have their head stuck in the spruce but you can see the butt sticking out, or legs dangling down through the greenery, or the body showing on both sides of something narrow. So I ask Jane.


    "I just had too. I know there won''t be any real Christmas with lights, gifts, music and everything... but I had to at least add a little. You''re not really a Christmas person, but thank you for having Christmas music on your tablet. Although I was not expecting ''Christmas at ground zero'' or ''The night Santa went crazy''. Not to mention the other Yankovic songs you have when I started looking. Anyho, the house should be decorated with green if it''s a wedding, and you did tell me about the old Christmas traditions in Scandinavia. About the tiny ''hustomte''; the mini Santa gnomes that takes care of the farm and animals, but hides for the big people, and that lovely animated ''Gnomes'' movie about a wedding between two of them, and the evil trolls trying to rid the forest of them and kidnapping the bride. They do believe in Gnomes, Trolls and things like that, and have a few traditions being close, so I thought why not go a bit old school. Or new school. Sometimes it''s really annoying thinking about the huge difference in era between us and them. Anyho, Iselin loved the idea, and it is her wedding, and a lot of the hidden ''hustomte'' are her suggestions. She''s hidden the most of them and Iselin, Ciara, Alith and Hillevi made more when I wasn''t looking. They''ve never seen a real one, but we kind of wish the hustomte actually exist for real here, and hopefully decorations like these might be a future tradition."


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    Jane looks sad, but doesn''t want me to try to comfort or cheer her up. Christmas is probably extra difficult for her if she is a person who is really used to special traditions, and does things with the family and so on. Sure, I like Christmas, but it doesn''t take much to make it feel Christmas and festive for me. With a sigh, Jane continues to put up more decorations as Bodil leads the way to the workshop to show the wooden multimeter case is completely finished.


    <hr>


    I''ve been putting this off for far too long, and already made several moving coil instruments and stuff, so while the other decorated I''m finishing the construction of proper multimeter. Most of it has already been done, like a special moving coil instrument, and Bodil did really nice work on the case with its rotary switch, and Hillevi on the leather strap. The multimeter''s moving coil instrument differs mostly in the length of the needle and that it has a mirror strip in silver-plated brass behind part of the pointer so that more accurate readings can be made. By lining up the needle reflection with the needle makes sure it''s read right on. Will this be accurate enough to use that? Sort off. Since Iselin learned what I''m doing, she left the last decoration work to others and Kari also help with small parts as we finish the construction and calibrate each part. Jane discovers what we''re doing when asking Iselin something about the decorations, and returns with a little piece of paper with some pretty embellishments on the edges in a suitably Victorian steampunk style, and a little rune text saying ''Warning! Sejd inside. Handle with care.'' Iselin laughs like hell, and she immediately gets the humour is on several levels and loves it, which eventually gets Kari to laugh in her a more refined way. I love that this smart sexy nerdy woman will soon be my wife. The joke is funny enough that I glue the little piece of paper on the outside where it is visible but not in the way or subject to much handling wear and tear.


    For now, this multimeter will use a few AA batteries to drive its op-amp and be able to measure resistance etc. It is needed because the coils current sensitivity is poor even with the finest, thinnest litz wire from the Bluetooth headset because of the weak magnet, but an op-amp also provides better isolation and higher input impedance, etc. The multimeter''s measurement rotary switch/knob has 24 positions around the outside, but some positions are currently unused. There is an Off mode, then the three ranges for Volts, Amperes and Resistance, and all selected for  what I need and can do, and because an analogue meter like this doesn''t get a linear scale for things like resistance and the scale have infinity in one the end, so there are several scales but can''t be too many. Due to the rise to infinity, only 80% of the scale is practically used.


    Volt modes are 3mV-30mV-300mV-3V-10V-30V-100V-300V with an additional input for AC which only works well on the 10V scale and higher due to the rectification and filtering. Ampere modes are 1mA-10mA-100mA-1A with an additional physical input to measure 10A when 1A mode is selected. Then resistance positions 10-100-1k-10k-100k-1M ohm. Then a mode for semiconductor measurement for diodes that can show voltage drops. There are four empty positions, but I hope to use them to do an inductor or capacitor measurement function in the future. It might be an LC measurement function. Or something else, like a dip meter for radio use. Those four are ''nice to have'' positions, and 24 is an easy good division on a circle, with enough physical space for the contact pads on the underside of the rotary switch. The multimeter''s calibration is good enough and probably only a few percent off, and even has built-in calibration points for volts as well as several resistors. I will build another similarly advanced multimeter, and probably at least two simple unpowered passive multimeters with limited functions and scale.


    Jane''s little decoration of the multimeter means that I allow her to decorate the main panel in the hall as well, which gets the same warning text. It fits, and frankly very few will see the multimeter but everyone can see the meter on the main panel, and her craftsmanship deserves to be appreciated. To make Jane''s Christmas experience a little better, I quickly and secretly build a Christmas tree stand.


    <hr>

 Midwinter calling - day 46, Camouflage

    <hr>


    The weather isn''t the best, but it''s fairly okay and we take advantage of the few hours of afternoon daylight to use the shooting range to practice and it is quite fun, but not so much fun that I wouldn''t have preferred to use cartridges. Black powder with its smoke and flintlock plus muzzle loading is not exactly fun, but it sure makes me focus getting good shots and good data instead of just shooting. The fat-beeswax behind the bullet makes it much easier to clean the barrels though, and works well enough that we don''t need to clean before today''s shooting is over, and it will be valuable data how good it works. But I really want a silencer. Well, sound suppressor as it will never be silent. I can''t put the barrel in my lathe and thread it, so I''ll have to turn an adapter that attaches to the barrel, and then I might as well make some form of quick lock. The sound suppressor needs to be removed when reloading, so a quick lock is definitely an advantage, and I''m happy as long as it means I can use the rifle without hearing protection. The shooting tests mean that we have selected two general loads, one which keeps the bullet sub-sonic, with a correction table for distance setting. Sub-sonic have less energy in the bullet and is obviously not good for hunting, but the large heavy bullet helps, and we will not be shooting at too long a distance anyway due to increased problems with spread and wind dispersion etc. If we are going to hunt elk, we will use the more powerful load.


    Alith has discreetly asked me to stay and send the others home with some excuse, and after they leave we move forward because she wants to show me something down range. All of a sudden Gunhild shouts ''Hello'' from behind us, but when I glance back I don''t see her. Until she rise up in a ghillie suit about 30 meters away. Ah, now I know why she didn''t participate in the shooting. Gunhild is so pleased that we haven''t seen her, and we go over to her and check the ghillie suit. Gunhild explain that she have slowly crawled down the rocky hill to where she now is here beside the shooting range and mostly in good view from us, and we just passed about 10 meters in front of her. Gunhild definitely listened when I told her about ghillies, and also my tips about natural camouflage and choosing a path and how to crawl very slowly, and try to use the wind moving grass as cover. Also trying to avoid leaving a trail of flattened nature behind by straightening it up with your feet when you haven''t any route choice, and how to generally try to blend into the background and have to think about what''s behind.


    Alith knew what Gunhild was going to try to do, but not exactly where from or when, and that explains why she asked me to stay behind, so the others wouldn''t see. Alith had managed to spot Gunhild simply because she knew, and tried to spot and memorise suspicious ''shapes'' to see if it moved. This is the time of year when there is hardly any greenery and the grass is short or yellow stalks, so it is extra well done, and Gunhild tells me how she and Alith have discreetly practised in different nature and against each other, but she is the one who has practised the most, and likes the challenge.


    Alith have hidden her own ghillie suit close by, and the ghillies are really well crafted and Gunhild and Alith beam when I praise them for how well they made the overalls. There are parts that are waterproofed and a little lightly padded to protect elbows etc against sharp rocks and be more comfortable. The suit also has a couple of pockets with buttons to keep things on the inside of the chest and also pockets on the outside of the sides of the waist, but they''re removable using a modern style webbing system, just with buttons on the back. They have sewn everything in the guards bedroom attic to keep it secret, and of course by hand since there is no sewing machine here.


    Argh. A future foot operated treadle sewing machine will be tricky to get right.


    Their experience so far and this test have been so successful that they are also going to try to make a half-ghillie that can be quickly put on that covers the head, torso and arms, with loops to put real branches, grass or shrubbery in. They have really understood that the biggest problem is changing colour in nature, especially now in the winter when there is no snow and ice to make everything white. Branches are dark, while dry leaves and some grass are yellow-orange-brown, and the rocks are more grey, while moss, blueberry or lingonberry shrubs and grass are green all year round. They have already considered making three ghillies for different seasons or natures, but some deciduous forests have old leaves lying on the ground even in summer, so they are thinking of trying a basic ghillie that is more old leaves with some green, and then using natural green vegetation on top to blend in, and the user simply have to choose the path and nature where it is possible to blend in. If it''s a cold winter with snow and ice, the user absolutely need clothes specifically for that, and avoiding becoming wet or cold will be a huge issue, but that will seldom occur here, so a future issue they will take their time to experiment with.


    Maybe I should show parts of the ''Commandos on the Frontline'' series?


    The firearms, telescopes and camouflage stuff like this have made them understand how important it can be to not be seen, and even though Airsoft Mil-sim is completely different from real combat and at a completely different pace and rules, combat distances are always short, and blending in and moving quiet and discretely is something I learned well enough because I generally play with CQB trim even in open forest environments, as many game rules require that for night combat or amongst or in buildings. I don''t want to change weapon or waste time switching, and since I seek terrain that helps, and don''t mind crossing water or a swamp, I tend to have most fights on 10-30 meters distance anyway. During winter that is harder. At least Alith and Gunhild will never have to deal with fogging issues or wear double-lens thermal goggles as eye protection.


    Huh. Can I make some simple air gun system for practise or fun? Actually, how deadly can I make an air rifle? That could be a silent and reliable all weather weapon not requiring black powder. Forming a durable pressure container that can take high enough pressure, and actually filling it will be a hassle. But doable.


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    Gunhild and Alith show the camouflage net they''ve made, and it is also good. Sure, it''s not on the same level as a ghillie but from a distance it definitely makes things blend in more easily, especially if it gently bulge a bit above the ground. They are so curious about the use of ghillies and camouflage nets that soon we''re talking about making observation posts to discreetly monitor something and gather intel, and they will try to set up a couple of hideouts in the surrounding nature. At some suitable time, two of the guards will set up a hideout in the dark, and then from morning to night monitor the mansion and its surroundings and try to record what happens and details, and during the day the other two will try to find them with telescopes or patrols. But it will be in the future when we have more guards. However, they are beginning to understand why I believe camouflage, reconnaissance and such is very important in certain military functions, and why read-write-sketch is very useful for a warrior. If you know that you are going to attack a fortress, it is practical and wise to have people who examine the fortress and its surroundings before the attack takes place. So you can find weak points or discover patterns or problems, or just if it''s actually the right target and the person you might want to capture is there. It''s a slightly different way of fighting than they''re used to thinking about, but they fully understand how useful it can be if a couple of people can sneak into a place, stay hidden for a few days, and disappear without anyone noticing. Radio and telescopes give even more possibilities and you can bring a hunting rifle and wait for a good opportunity to shoot an important person. The difficult thing then is to get away, especially if there is a big puff of smoke from the muzzle, so they really want me to experiment with silencers.


    I have said that a silencer can also reduce the smoke cloud, but I should also try black powder with less or no sulphur. And electrically remote-triggered explosive charges and claymore-like things via long insulated copper wire, as well as with pressure triggers and other booby traps and mines. And some kind of timer. Some kind of air rifle should work, but there will be a heck of a lot of pumping between shots, and high pressure is dangerous. However, there were air rifles that they hunted with and took on expeditions in Africa, precisely because it is simpler and more reliable, and could work in all weathers. Some simple mechanism where the tank and valve are more like an enlarged CO2 cartridge can work, and if the tank and pressure are big enough then maybe more than one shot is possible. The ballistics will have their peculiarities due to pressure drop, but that might be acceptable for some use, and it might be possible to make some intermediate regulator.


    As we walk back, we have a rather interesting discussion about future uniforms, camouflage and body protection. I am willing to pay for good body protection on my future guards and warriors, but it is a matter of situation and need. What is the purpose of the guards and warriors right then? What is appropriate in clothing and equipment? Chain mail is good, but can be unwieldy, heavy and requires padding underneath and a good waist belt to take the weight. Is it better with some kind of self-contained vest either with chain mail or with hardened leather or iron plates? What is suitable in summer heat, autumn-spring and winter? What will be carried at the same time and how?


    A lot to consider and prototype. However, they will make thin coveralls and helmet covers that are camouflaged and can be pulled on when needed, and they want someone close to me carrying one if I need it. Also, if we need to fight against or eliminate other humans in the future, I need to consider both Midg?rd and Alfheimr level gear, tactics and weapons.


    They join me in my office and I show my sketches and designs for simple camouflage uniforms, and basically it will be a long-sleeved shirt, a pair of special tactical suspender pants, and a military smock with a hood and large pockets. A boonie hat and a pair of large mesh shemagh compliments the kit, and one mesh shemagh is meant to be cut up to camouflage things. The suspender pants are basically military cargo pants with suspenders, and it will be possible to attach the pants to the smock to avoid suspenders or a waist belt. The smock has four large front pockets with a compartment behind the chest pockets and two inside pockets, and each arm also have a shoulder pocket, and there is a large pocket on the lower half of the back. There are also some simple loops to attach things like an axe and knife to the outside. Ability to carry things is always useful, and rucksack may not be available, or may be stupid to carry if it''s chain mail and other stuff underneath. The smock also has things like adjustable tightening around the wrists and in the waist to make the smock a bit adjustable, and we will try inserting a brass wire into the front edge of the hood to keep the shape and make that detail a secret. The smock will be large enough to pull over chain mail or similar armour, and there will be some loops for branches etc on the upper arms and back, but not so that it becomes uncomfortable to wear a rucksack, and that the pockets can still be used. The suspender can be enough of a problem for a backpack, and it is important to avoid pressure points and bad placement of seams. Hopefully we will be able to make the fabric a little better impregnated against rain and wind.


    The prototypes will be ordered in theirs and my sizes, with a few extra in the standard spread, and the seamstress guild should be able to get at least one set completed over the wedding week, which is one and a half week with transportation. The ship is going to Borgarsandr to pick up and then drop off guests. So I go on and show my ideas for things like a horse blanket that is mainly to camouflage a horse, because that''s the primary means of transportation, and about getting some of those ridiculously warm thick sleeping pelts that double as sleeping bags if you fasten the sides together, and arrange camouflage on the outside. The more gear with matching camouflage makes everything blend together and become harder to see, and wide straps in a completely uniform colour on the outside of camouflage uniform should be avoided so as not to stand out.


    <hr>


    Jane''s dour mood turns to joy when I show her the stand for a Christmas tree and the simple brass star for the top. Jane''s excitement that we''re really going out to cut down a Christmas tree and decorate it, makes the others more enthusiastic. It''s hardly the first strange Midg?rd tradition. So, together with the others, we go out and find a small Christmas tree, and doing it with hand held lanterns makes the experience a little better for Jane. There absolutely won''t be any lit candles in the tree, but we bring in and place the Christmas tree in the great hall, and Jane enthusiastically starts making ornaments and garlands. Due to her joy for everything with Christmas, I translate the lyrics to ''Adolphson & Falk - Mer Jul'', and Jane loves the lyrics even though some references are very specifically Swedish.

 Midwinter calling - day 47, Lists

    Midwinter calling, day 47


    Lists


    Iselin, Kari, Ciara, Asta and Bodil have helped building radio parts for three radios, and done a lot of parts with just my guidance. Of course, I could almost build it quicker by myself, but that''s not the point, and it''s so damn satisfying to have Iselin, Kari and Ciara there. We methodically build and test parts so we know they work and try to have everyone learn, but it''s interesting to see the difference in craftsmanship. Ciara have by far the most patience to carefully and methodically build something really pretty where everything has to look perfect and be exactly the same, even if the function might not be one hundred percent if I don''t describe exactly how it should be, but she is getting better. Iselin isn''t that patient but mainly tries to make it work as well as possible while not being ugly, so that for example the contact and feel of a switch is more important than being able to see yourself in the surfaces. Iselin and Ciara work well together and make works of art in brass, wood and plastic. Kari and Asta have a more normal level in their builds, but it works and looks okay, and although I will of course choose the best parts, spare parts are very useful. Everything is built to be as identical as possible, so it truly is spare parts without modification necessary, and if a future problem is discovered, it will be easier to transfer a solution or lesson to other parts. So jigs for holes and such have been used.


    As expected Bodil''s woodwork boxes and knobs are really nice, and Bodil have been branding in our names on the inside of the lids off the radio boxes, including the first two. My name first, followed by Iselin, Kari, Ciara and finally Bodils which made her hugely proud. There is room for surnames behind the others names, because in the future at least Iselin''s and Kari''s will be changed. I hope.


    I want to surprise Iselin with something special before the wedding, and have enlisted Kari''s help in trying to find what Iselin might like. Kari suggested something with electricity and light, because here a LED is still sejd and magic - a small coloured light without fire or heat - and Kari suggested I make something glowing for Iselin, and just special. I suggested flashing, since tallow candles, fires etc, don''t flash, and I know how much Iselin loves her desk LED lamp and how fascinated she is by the ''flashing'' blue LED in the radio - although she is hardly alone in that. I showed Kari what I meant with the small red flashing keychain flashlight I took from my backpack. Kari liked the idea and thought that was good enough as is, but I wanted to build something better than basically a LED throwie. Iselin deserves the best, especially in connection with our marriage.


    So in secret I have built a very small simple ''joule thief'' based flasher circuit that flash an LED every few seconds and is powered by a 1.5V AAA/R03 battery. Battery with the on-off mechanism are separate, and I took the absolute strongest LED I have, which is the green 80000mcd from the 9xLED lamp, which is still disassembled. I know Iselin likes green, and although a bright blue would have worked too, the green is stronger and blue is hardly unique and every radio has one and I have more. Almost all electronics in Midg?rd have powerful blue LEDs and ironically are the most common LED colour I have if you don''t count white (which is probably blue with a yellow phosphor layer on top), followed by red, green and yellow. Just 20 years ago, blue LEDs were rare and expensive, and I remember when I built one of my custom computers and changed to blue-purple 430nm LEDs in everything, including all accessories such as the monitor, keyboard and mouse. Those LEDs were the most expensive single thing in the project on the pure modding budget. That is not the case nowadays, although the usual blue LEDs are generally 470nm.


    The flashing circuit worked fine, and I baked the finished circuit in re-melted hot glue taken from the Mobius mod and the only thing going out from that blob is gold contacts so they don''t corrode. Kari really loves the finished green pulsing little thing and handles it very tenderly when she leave with it and the battery with its holder. She won''t say what her plan is, but she''s sure we''ll both appreciate it.


    <hr>


    I know Caecilia tries to be my personal assistant, and she do good work, but I guess old habits are hard to loose as her instinctive reaction to finding me lying on my back in my bed thinking, is to lay down beside me and snuggle in after putting my hand on her stomach. I guess it was a matter of time until she or Ciara would. At least we are both dressed because I try to think about all the projects and future projects that isn''t electricity, radio, electronics or black powder. The pendulum clocks needs to be finished before the guest arrive, but it''s not a huge amount of work or hard, just boring work. I have been tempted to make some mechanical sculptures during the winter, for example a mechanism where glass marbles are lifted up and go down in tracks to be lifted up again. Similar mechanical sculptures usually use an electric motor, but it is possible to make a weight-driven mechanism that winds up much like a pendulum clock, and thus the mechanism have a certain operating time or cycles before it automatically stops. It can be an elegant solution.


    My thoughts on weights, gearing and locking mechanisms comes crashing to a halt when Caecilia starts stroking my crotch and asks me to stop torturing her and instead take her hard. I honestly haven''t considered where my hand has wandered and is doing, how hard her nipple is and how strained she sounds.


    My bad.


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    <hr>


    As decided weeks ago, we will send the Millennium Eagle to Borgarsandr to pick up the guests and musicians. Kari is eager to come along so she can take care of a few final things before the wedding, and of course it''s not a coincidence that she can visit the Seamstress guild while she''s there, which Kari doesn''t deny, as her reply is just a sinful and slightly playful smile, followed by a kiss. Which becomes a deeper kiss. Which makes me push her up against the wall as we continue to kiss. The kissing is nice, but I really like the smile she gets when I do things like that.


    Of course, most in the house seem to have noticed that Kari often has been wearing something special, and I was probably the only one who didn''t notice anything - yay for selective attention - but at least I can''t be accused of ogling their bodies. Although of course they can accuse me of not appreciating their bodies enough. Sometimes you just can''t win.


    I didn''t expect that several of them want to try, but it''s not like I really care about the cost, so corsets will be ordered for Iselin, Ciara, Caecilia and Jane. Jane surprises me when she straight up suggests that I also give the guards their own to try, as Gunhild apparently got to try Kari''s after Elvira, and is interested. It surprises me that Kari lend it to anyone, but I quickly understand that Kari used them as a model for any change or variants and how it looks on other bodies. A regular corset seems to be fairly cheap, so I decide that everyone gets one each even though a corset should hardly be something for a guard, which the guards agree with. But of course they would like to have one anyway if they have the chance, and Alith and Bodil helped test bras etc.


    After a discreet whisper from Caecilia, the maids are included and also Ima, Shakini and Elin. I don''t really understand why getting a corset of their own to try would be so interesting, but I''m a guy and also very uninterested in clothes, and that wish should be obvious when it''s something new, unusual and clothing based that gives a nicer body profile and is ''free''. It''s a bit like asking a nerd if they want a free tech gadget with flashing LEDs, especially if the gadget is more advanced than that. Most people say ''yes'' before asking what it does, if it even does anything beside blinking LEDs or looking cool. There is a good old expression from the British Army; Shiny thing. Something cool and shiny that attracts eyes and desires like crows to something sparkling, so whether it''s useful or not, everyone wants one - because it''s shiny and cool. Shiny.


    The tr?skor clogs have been very appreciated and see a lot of use, and socks - especially knee high socks - have also become a thing that most also use indoors, and when they talk I learn that my sambos have already ordered many prettier socks for themselves and the staff, as well as arranged new nice clothes so the staff is properly dressed and looks good during the wedding feast. I can only guess how much time the women have spent talking about socks, clothes and corsets. Before that first shopping spree in Borgarsandr after we moved in, Iselin, Kari and Jane have been taking all possible measurements of the people in our household, and they know how they and Kari were measured, but it will take quite a long time before all the corsets are sewn. I''m informed that Kari and Jane have already decided to try to make an agreement with the Seamstress guild for possible sale as with the other designs, and they have decided that Jane will get 10/20 of the income, with a smaller 1/20 part each for my sambos and the guards, and I get the last 3/20. Sounds good to me, although I expected Jane would want a bigger share considering it''s her idea and she doesn''t have much income, so it could be that she''s content with what the paintings will give her, and wants to gain favour from the others.


    I suggest trying to get some kind off agreement on side saddles, but Kari is ahead of me on that. I want to get four side saddles made for the household as sambos and others think it is much better than the usual ladies saddle, and I want a decorated design on the first one with Iselin''s name on it. Kari and Jane is also going to try to get an agreement on high heels, and I ask them to measure Alith up for a pair with 5cm wedges or so. Alith seems to have a bit of a height complex for being the shortest of our guards, which makes Kari smile as she whispers that she has orders for stilettos for Iselin, Ciara, and Caecilia, and Iselin seems really excited because she''s ordered two pairs. Kari is excited by boots, so I make her add leather boots for sambos, guards and Jane, with built-in sheaths for a hidden dagger in the shafts. They don''t have to have a dagger if they don''t want to, but at least they have the option. I know that Iselin, Jane, and Alith love the concept of concealed weapons, while Kari is definitely thinking more on really fancy boots.


    In addition to picking up a lot off ordered items such as ceramics, glass, windows and so on, I also give a few orders I''ve accumulated to Kari, and that she should also try to buy ''oil of vitriol'', which prompts Kari to whisper she will buy a lot of another kind of oil too. We will need it sooner rather than later, because Kari is working hard to use what we have, but she isn''t the only one as Caecilia is another. It reminds me we need to buy a lot more paper, books, ink and toilet paper, resin too, but Kari just point to the shopping and order list, which is huge and on several pages. Oh! I remember to task Kari to buy a bunch of not particularly expensive little things like combs, cheaper jewellery, decorations and the like. I''ve been thinking of having one of those roll a dice gift games and I need a bunch of stuff to wrap.


    I give Kari a sealed order to the jeweller for a plug for Caecilia with an orange glass jewel, and I want Kari to buy a lot of really small sapphires or rubies, about twenty if she can. I need something very hard. There is also a list of brass and more to buy from Digraldi, and parts for many more oil lamps and other stuff. Then an order to the glass master to try to make parts for a pretty Lord Kelvin water generator, and glass balls about 30mm diameter and as round and fine as he can make and twelve of them. Kari''s excitement and how her eyes have lit up surprise me, and I realise what she thinks they will be used for, as that reminds her of the similar silver balls. I haven''t told her about my kinetic artwork idea, but Kari is clearly disappointed when I explain, so I increase the order with six more glass balls with holes through if he can make it, without high demands on diameter or quality, and Kari rewards me with another deep kiss.


    I''m so damn weak-willed when they''re disappointed and ask me for something, or they get those eyes or sad expression. At least Kari''s look isn''t as heartbreakingly devastating as Ciara''s can be.


    <hr>

 Midwinter calling - day 47, Under pressure

    The glass balls has reminded me about the barometer and the box for it have been delivered, so it''s basically just making the last stuff by myself and hanging it up, and we might as well take a small break from building other things. The box is just a 100cm long box, about 8cm wide and deep, and without a lid as the open top will be against the wall once hanging. At one end, the ''bottom'' of the last 18cm is missing and when hanged, the bottom becomes the front, and that is where the scale at the top will be. I score, cut and smooth a pane of glass so it can be lowered into the slots to protect everything, and attach mounts at the top and bottom. The glass tube inside will have plenty of mercury in it, so it needs to be stable, durable and hard for the curious to mess with.


    The glass tube have already been finished and cut, and a slightly thicker to be the bottom container have also been finished, so it''s mostly to shape and make mounts and brackets in wood and brass to hold everything in place without putting too much pressure on the glass and the idea is to have some soft fabric wrapped around the glass at the attachment points. Then I add the wood plate that will be the back of the display area with the scale. Jane have decorated the paper for the back, and I glue it on. The paper have a rising millimeter scale from 680 mm to 810 mm to read the mercury level against and I''ve included classic texts going from ''very dry'', followed by ''fair'', then ''unstable'', ''rain or wind'' and finally ''stormy''. Since I started thinking about making a mercury barometer, I''ve switch my smart watch to show mmhg scale to learn what to expect, i.e. millimeters of mercury. I had not expected Jane to find a picture in one of my tablets folders, showing a classic weather station with several dials. She must have been spending a lot of time looking though that.


    The useful thing when it comes to a barometer is not what pressure there is now, but changes in atmospheric pressure over time and the rate of change. So I take one of my longer threaded brass rods and screw on and solder a fancy top to make it easy for fingers to rotate the rod. I drill a hole in the end of the box that will be the top, so the rod go parallel about 2 cm to the right of the glass tube. A small piece of wood is attached to the other end to stabilize the rod and a hole is made so that the threaded rod can be pinned in place and not be pulled up. A simple small brass arrow is made which is given a threaded hole and it cannot rotate since it will slide on the glass tubes sides. The whole idea is that you screw the top until the brass arrow has climbed up or down until and is pointing at the level of mercury in the tube. Then after a few hours you can see if the mercury has moved up or down. The difference and how quickly it happened gives an indication of where the weather is heading. My smart watch''s default storm warning occurs at 3 mmhg fall in 3 hours, and many times I''ve received three or even four warnings in half a day. I kind of wish I had a smart watch like this while out hiking in my previous life, as that would have been nice to have. Not that it would have done a huge difference in some situations as I just had to keep on walking to get to a hut, better shelter location or my car.


    Iselin has of course been involved in the entire construction, but she isn''t the only one, and generally words spread fast in the household when I''m working on certain projects and Jane tend to give hints when she know, but I''ve told it will be a way to predict weather changes and prove that the atmosphere has weight. Everything is mounted and very carefully the glass tube have been filled with mercury. The hole box is angled upside down, and very carefully I fill the primary tube with mercury, and install it in the box with the secondary tube on top, and I plug that. The box isn''t heavy, but cumbersome, and Iselin gladly help me carry it upside down to the great hall.


    I ask everyone gathered to predict what will happen when I turn everything so the long tube full of mercury is turned the other side up. The answers are everything from overflow, just filling the lower tube because there is enough room, or it won''t fall out at all as it''s stuck in the tube. It''s kind of depressing that Jane doesn''t know the answer - even after looking at that damn picture - but I should have guessed it. I''ve already written down my answer which is that it will flow out but level out at around 730-760mm high mercury column as I am unsure of today''s air pressure and exactly how much room there will be in the outer tube. I''ve tried to check that my smart watch seems to be correct by standing at waters edge in the harbour when it was a clear day, but this is also something like 25-30 meters above sea level.


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    My answer is correct and there are very surprised faces on most people.This is also a good lesson in physics. Not least what is in the empty space above the mercury at the end of the tube. They understand that nothing could get in there, but the problem is that there isn''t anything they can see either. And if I lean the barometer it fills completely up, proving there isn''t air there. Vacuum is a new concept. Finally I add a tiny bit more mercury so the level match my smart watch and reality.


    After we''ve hung up the barometer by the inside thermometer and the slate board for the temperatures of the outside thermometer, I explain what the barometer does and how it should be taken care of, and task the guards with adjusting the arrow every morning, noon and evening and keeping an eye on whether it starts to rise or fall halfway between those times and how much. Basically the arrow will be adjusted every 6 hours, and checked every three hours or so.


    It feels like it''s time to make a wind and rain gauge as well so this mansion have a ''complete'' weather station to start collecting data. In the future I will set up weather stations on all my larger properties, and hopefully have someone who can collect all the data there, and those places that have radio will send updates, but otherwise just store and compile and create books for all the data. I would really want to have a weather station in many directions around these islands, but those places need radios too, and to the west there is Skagerrak and the North sea. In the future, hopefully I can get wealthy people to collect weather data and give it to the Academy so that it can be stored for the future. I believe that what''s happened in European Midg?rd history. Meteorology, just like botany, has historically been cutting edge science. Admittedly it still is, just in another way.


    A rain gauge is easy. Just a suitable glass container with a wider upper funnel to catch more rain and a scale on the side. I can use glass to make it easier to read without pouring the rain water into something else, but the funnel does not have to be glass and will be brass. I can build that and a mount for it in an hour or so. It is also easy to make a weather vane for wind direction, and the best location on the mansion is probably the south tip of the pavilion roof. It''s the freest and highest place, where it can still be easily read by just looking out the window.


    I should start making a proper weather book to collect and store data, and I get several volunteers, but the guards are here and many, and someone of the guards or staff will always be available even as we go on trips etc, so I ask the guards to write down both the data and how the days weather have been every evening. I don''t care who does it, but it should be very readable by everyone and data will be marked in columns for 0600, 1200, 1800 and 0000 if someone is awake, as well as a small field for notes, so it''s easier to interpret and follow day by day. I''ll arrange it in the next few days so that weather data can begin to be collected before new year.


    I should honestly start writing dates and such from Academy year 1 and count up. I won''t force that year count to be used by others, but it can provide a consistent account that others yearly counts can be used against, regardless of who is king, etc. Honestly, there should be other calendars in use already in other parts of the world, but this have a decent chance to eventually become the de facto way to count years here in the north.

 Midwinter calling - day 48, Copper excecise

    Midwinter calling, day 48


    Copper exercise


    The rain gauge is attached to the side of the roof over the passage to the pavilion so it is free but can still be taken down and emptied after reading.


    The wind vane was not difficult to make either, but was complicated by the fact that I wanted some kind of wind speed measurement that can be easily reproduced and give the same measurement in other locations. So it must be easily ''calibrated'' and must not be too advanced, require electricity or clocks, which frankly was a big problem. The normal anemometers I could think of with three rotating hemispheres, the vane with a propeller etc, are all electricity and time based, or could work like a car''s speedometer with magnetic coupling to a spring-loaded metal cup with a coil spring as resistance. I considered one that uses the pressure difference against and with the wind, but decided to wait with that. In the end I had to choose what I least wanted, which is a plate at the end of an arm that is suspended at the top. The stronger the wind, the more the plate is pushed back. But, if it is recreated with the same dimensions, specific weight and balance, it should give a certain angle at a certain wind, even if I don''t know what that wind speed is in meter per second. The anemometer will not be that accurate, especially not in light or very strong wind or highly variable wind, but it at least gives the opportunity to measure the wind with hopefully decent repeatability.


    So the wind vane is made of brass. An arrow pointing in the direction of the wind and with a 30cm large third of a circle in the other direction, with small cuts along the circle sections outer rim to mark degrees. Wind make the hanging plate deflect back, and the cuts are used to read the angle, and an extension and end stop prevents the wind plate from flying off, and there is a small spring at both ends to prevent the wind plate from hitting too hard. I don''t want something making a lot of metallic noise. I just hope I made the plate in the right-ish weight, but I''ll probably have to adjust the weight once we''ve gathered data and I have better measurements. The entire device is simply threaded onto a brass shaft mount with compass directions and pinned in place. It can rotate very freely which is the important part and just to be safe I have put some oil on the moving parts, which have been given some protection to prevent rain and ice forming on the shaft.


    Hrappr climbs onto the top of the pavilion roof and nails it in place, just like the rain gauge mount. The wind vane is visible from inside my workshop window or the guards attic window, and the graduated direction ring at the bottom gives direction. I probably should have made the scale bigger, but it is as it is. It looked big on my workbench.


    My sambos and most of the staff are gathered as I give the first weather book to the guards, and they are quite proud to be given the responsibility. They will take turns, and probably be more than one in the beginning, at least until it becomes routine. They will save the data on a slate board during the day and every evening it will be filled in the book. The maids have done a good job with the temperature data, but from now the guards will collect all the weather data. It will be a part of making rounds, checking doors, the steam boiler and so on, and they''ll write the data on a small slate board and hang up alongside the other one. I''ll be joining them the first few times so it will be done right. The first pages of the weather book will be kept blank so I can sketch and describe how the measurement values have been collected.


    Hopefully I''ll be able to establish more weather stations with the same instruments in other places, and all my other mansions will have it, and someone that collect the data.


    <hr>


    I''m frankly surprised at how pure the copper is. There is surprisingly little slag. My friends loves how copper have magically grown in my purification baths, and admittedly, it is kind of magical. Somehow, copper travels from one side to the other. How can metal grow? I''ve used too high voltage and current on these because my goal is to get pure copper instead of big copper crystals, but since I did mention it, I''ve been ''poked'' to make copper crystals. So a special copper bath is constructed with a 12V battery rewired to 2V, and it will be checked every day, but I expect decent sized copper crystals to take a month. Or more.


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    When she have the time, Bodil will make a couple of special boxes with one and two 12V batteries that will have a big rotating switch in the lid so the cells can be switched to choose the output voltage; 2V, 4V, 6V or 12V. Since all the battery cells are rewired but connected to the load, they are equally discharged, and the current can increase accordingly. It also makes charging the battery pack easier. Not that the cells have exactly the same capacity or performance. The same switch solution can also be used for a spot welder, if the contact blades are good enough. Spot welding is useful.


    The workshop have gotten really hot as we reached copper melting temperatures in my small forge, but from the first copper baths, I melt two thick copper plates which after a lot of hammering and annealing becomes approximately 2mm thick copper sheets, and I have help to file and grind them smooth. Something like a diode radio is easy because I only need to find a small point that works, but for an efficient high-current rectifier, I need large areas for less resistance and more current handling, and many, because the reverse voltage is very low compared to what I am used to and need. I''m not sure who bad it will be, but I think it''s under 10 volts on a copper oxide diode. I will find out when I measure the diodes to classify them and test that they are indeed diodes. With the design I chose, I will drill holes in the center of all the copper plated before adding the oxide layer, and with an insulated screw I''ll clamp several together and build a stack of diodes to achieve much higher reverse voltage. Unfortunately that means much higher loss in the forward direction as well, but such is life here. I am after all making semiconductors in a freaking medieval world, so anything that works it a great success.


    In a way, I''ll just modify the way I made the copper as I will primarily try electrolysis of the copper cathode in copper sulphate with a little sulphuric acid - ie ''blue vitriol'' with a few percent ''oil of vitriol'' - as I suspect it is the most accurate and consistent method than heating in a fire.


    <hr>


    During the time we''ve been working on copper, we''ve also done the final touches on the exercise bike. It is not a pretty creation but it works and have an adjustable resistance. Unfortunately, the resistance adjustment doesn''t reach as high resistance as I would like, or compared to other bikes Jane has tried, but it is enough to be useful resistance. The simple distance meter for the exercise bike is more useful, but just a gear reduction connected to a odometer / counter that''s located below the handle bars on the frame, and it will reach 99.9 kilometers before looping around, and can be easily reset. There is a ''tempo meter'' which is based on the same principle as an old mechanical speedometer in cars, but it is not calibrated. A watch and the odometer along with someone keeping a certain pace will solve that, but I''ll run into similar calibrations issued in the future, so I''m thinking of making a rotational speed measuring instrument using to the same principle that I can ''calibrate'' and use for similar situations in the future. Anyway, tempo gives an indication of which distance will be reached in a certain time. Jane complain that there is no heart rate monitor, and although I probably could make something that trigger a ''speedometer'', it is just a waste of components, and I have my smartwatch for my own use. Admittedly, the added arm trainers is kind of silly and unnecessary, but it is just a couple of simple handles bars with ropes and weights, and was very easy to make.


    There is some hesitation in my company to the whole gym concept, and even more so the exercise bike, but with Jane showing the way, it quickly becomes a competition. Mostly between the guards to test who is the fastest to ''cycle'' a certain distance with maximum resistance, where Jane keeps the time on her mobile phone in countdown mode. I fetch and hang up a larger slate board, and write ''High score'' on it, which makes Jane laugh and shake her head. Jane who has been jogging more than anyone - especially up hills I avoided because of the guards - crushes everyone in cycling, and she don''t even try to hide her satisfaction on toping the high score for cycling. Since only one can use the exercise bike and each session takes time, pull-ups becomes another competition.


    I suspect that Hillevi will practise and exercise hard until she beats Jane, because Hillevi is competitive and a bad loser and this is something that only requires practise, practise and more practise, and Hillevi regrets that she often let Bodil come along when I jog. After Hillevi literally collapsed so that she needs help, I set a limit to a maximum of two shorter sessions per day up to a 10km distance, or a thirty minute session and limit the maximum resistance with a stop screw. I make them take it easy on the pull-ups and the weights too.


    Hopefully three hourglasses will return with the ship, and one can be used for timekeeping instead of clocks. Hourglasses allow anyone to keep track of the time, and it''s more visual with the sand flowing out than a digital clock counting down. Eventually, there will probably be a special clock using timing signals in here.

 Midwinter calling - day 49, T(raining)

    Midwinter calling, day 49


    T(raining)


    I don''t like training. It''s boring and just repetition and repetition. Yes, I get why that is so, and why I need to actually become proficient with weapons. I really can be a matter of life and death in a world like this, and I''m literally a medieval ruler.


    I just really loath training. Especially outside during winter, even when it''s in the pavilion. Training here would be nicer once the temporary wall sections for the wedding feast is in place, so they will probably be kept over winter.


    The good news is that this is the last training session before the wedding, so Iselin have forbidden anything that will give me bruises or injuries, so it is technical training, which is especially boring as that means endless repetition of foot movement, stances and movements and responses to movements, and responses to counter movements. Being distracted sure doesn''t help and it makes Alith displeased. At least Iselin''s order stops Alith from giving me the usual twacks and painful stings the guards do to get my mind on task.


    Iselin comes out to the pavilion and we kiss and hug. I can''t wait to be able to call this lovely goddess my wife. When she asks me how the training goes is when I remember I should be training, but Alith have already throw up her hands in defeat and realised there will be no more training today. Iselin have planned to take a ride over to the other island and say hello to her parents, and I follow along just to get some change, which of course means we''re escorted by Alith, Bodil and Caecilia.


    <hr>


    It''s nice that my smart watch gives me a storm warning, but riding takes time, so we''re half-drenched and cold before we make it back to the mansion. I miss having a car. And proper waterproof gear. Hillevi mentions that it is fascinating how the barometers mercury had dropped since this morning, and Bodil gives her a boop on the head. It would have been lovely if she told us before we rode off, but then again, neither of us thought to ask. In any case, it sort of prove that the barometer is useful, and I don''t mind that Iselin and Caecilia quickly decide what we need is to share a warm shower.


    I am so very happy that they really get along.


    <hr>


    Wedding preparations have mostly been work for others, partially because that is the tradition here, and I have four women trying to prove themselves, and plenty of staff and other people to do the actual work. I basically just check in to stay informed and show interest. The pavilion is getting its walls with windows attached, and the fireplaces with chimneys are being tested and wood have been prepared. I can also see that the wedding site in the south is prepared. Not that there is a huge amount of work to prepare that.


    The rain have stopped and we go for a walk to check that our guest accommodations are getting finished, and general progress in the village. During the voyage back here, Kari will discreetly ask the royal couple what they prefer; staying at the mansion, the guest house, or have a craftsman house for themselves, so we can accommodate our other guests. It''s mainly a matter of how much privacy they want, but of course the mansion is the most luxurious due to central heating and such. But hey, they might prefer the privacy. We believe that they will always choose the mansion simply due to the status of being the only ones who are housed here, but we might as well ask.


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    <hr>


    There have been sporadic work on a lot of projects, including radios, and with the parts that Iselin, Ciara, Kari, Asta and Bodil have helped make, we have finally finished the last of three new radios, plus the Norse trainers. All radios are getting an extra modification where the final output stage have been made stronger with up to 25 watts, while also selectable between bypass-low-medium-high, because it is practical to have three power levels on these radios and being able to bypass for troubleshooting, test signal strength and so on. The radios already have selectable input attenuation for testing, as I doubt there are powerful multi-kilowatt transmitters here. We completed the modification of the first two radios before Kari left, and we will test how different transmission power and attenuation will affect the connection to Borgarsandr. We simply need to gather data and knowledge, and I really want to know how that remote control and ''call'' function work with weak signals. The transmitter output selection in combination with input attenuation gives a testing range over approximately 36dB, which in radio terms is 6 S levels.


    The last radio we just finished is the new mobile radio with Tom''s powerbank with the solar panel strapped to the back, which as a bonus also gives that radio a built-in flashlight, which can be handy when we''re away or need to use the radio in the dark. The mobile radio case is smaller and a vertical design with all the important controls and contacts on the top, but a bit recessed so they won''t be damaged, and can be protected by the wooden plate in the lid. If the radio is carried, that person can adjust the controls, switch between receive-transmit, access its built-in small Norse key the blue LED shines upwards towards the wearer''s face. The radio have the smallest moving coil instrument I''ve made so far to indicate battery and output power. The radio can easily be placed on a surface like a table and used like the other radios, but it is optimized for carrying, and Ciara has sewn a leather case with side compartments for the radio. One side compartment store a small remote Norse key with its cable, which is nicer to use than the built in, and for now, the other side compartment store the D style earpiece. There is also a rolled-up dipole antenna for field use, which can be thrown up between two trees with a bit of string and a weight, or lifted up with a long branch. In the slim lid pocket is a cheat sheet for Norse and the Huffman root like system to decode dot or dash or just encode it, including a list of what the different short codes mean. The back of the radio bag is open so the solar panel can get light, and if the radio is laid down on a table, the lid is folded underneath to raise the radios front, which also exposing the solar panel towards the sky and sun.


    The antenna will be terrible when the radio is carried, and I can''t even make a useful telescopic antenna, which would still be too short for any practical use. At least he mobile radio will be very useful to experiment with different mobile antennas, and I have a few I want to try to see which will suck the least. One is a 2m long foldable antenna in spring steel with a coil at the bottom, but I need to talk to Olafr at the wedding feast about it. Another will be an long spring. For now I''ve only made a collapsible frame antenna that looks more like a big spider web. Hardly the most practical thing to carry, but this is a 3.6MHz HF radio and it works. Higher frequency would have been so much nicer from a compact antenna point of view on a mobile radio, but the antenna will always be worse that a raised field antenna. In the future I''ll probably experiment with a collapsible telephone style or bowman style headsets with a microphone, but for now the radio has a buzzer and that blue LED indication.

 Midwinter calling - day 50, Whistling

    Midwinter calling, day 50


    Whistling


    I really shouldn''t complain about working every day since it''s hardly hard work compared to the average here, but sometime it just feel like I''m never truly taking a break. Ironically I''m not looking forward to the wedding feast because we will have guest for far too long time, and it just won''t be what I call relaxing. But the main reason I do work a lot each day is because I want things finished, and a lot I just can''t have anyone else do. Like the work on my mini toilet which I have been putting of for far too long. So many times I''ve been annoyed that the work isn''t finished, and I''ve done a bit here and there, but well... it just haven''t been finished. I''ve already stored all the plumbing and pipes and so on in the secret passage, and I have the sink, so today is the day it will be done. Since I will be working in the secret passage and using my bedrooms hidden access into the down to the secret passage and basement rooms, only Iselin and Alith is allowed to disturb me as I lock myself into my bedroom and start to work.


    <hr>


    While digging through the boxes and crates in the workshop attic for a part I think I have, I discover I completely forgot to install the steam whistle for the boiler on the central heating system. Another thing I''ve forgotten to do. Since Iselin is right here, we decide to install it together. It''s just good that the bedroom toilet work have a chance to dry and set a bit before I continue.


    <hr>


    It''s almost two hours before the steam whistle have been installed and connected, but now it is, and it''s mounted on the outside wall beside my workshop''s attic window, with a fairly discrete indoor valve with pull cord down beside the window. We''ve deliberately not told anyone what we have been doing in here and done maintenance as an excuse. For the first proper test without blocking the whistle, I let Iselin pull the cord. The sound surprise her and she quickly lets it go, before she pulls the cord for a longer second time.


    Not the loudest whistle, probably because the pressure is so low, but there is decent steam volume behind that low pressure and there is a decently loud and nice low pitched tone. If it sounds this loud inside, it should be far higher on the outside, but there is rarely anyone in the greenhouse. It doesn''t take many seconds before Alith and Hillevi yank open the door to the workshop and rush in with weapons drawn. They don''t know what that was or if it''s dangerous or something I did, but they''re not taking any chances to make sure we''re safe. Iselin and I try to act surprised, but Iselin can''t hold her poker face and when they realise that we are guilty, I laughingly join Iselin. Alith and Hillevi doesn''t look particularly happy, but after a few seconds they start to smile. This have hardly been the first time they react to some noise I''ve made.


    They are pushed aside and out of the way by Jane. A very irritated Jane with light blue paint on her face, clothes and in her cleavage. Jane walks over and smacks me lightly on the shoulder and everyone starts laughing - especially Iselin. We didn''t consider that Jane''s and Iselin''s rooms are right next to the steam whistle, but Iselin is in here and pulled the cord. She might have had her windows open too if she was painting. Oops. Although technically it''s Iselin''s fault that Jane has a ''blue period''.


    I can''t stop myself, so I point at her cleavage and ask: "Do you need help wiping up the paint?"


    Jane bites her lips and gives me another smack on my shoulder, and she smears some paint on my cheek and nose before she leaves. Iselin shouts another offer of help, and is rewarded with two fingers in a very British gesture. Soon there is a bit of a crowd gathered outside the door, but both Iselin and I refuse to tell what we did and where the sound came from. Alith pointedly stays in the room and watches us like a hawk when we tidy up, and I prepare to go back to the toilet work. Just before we''re finished, we agree to show Alith - as long as she doesn''t tell anyone else - which of course she happily agrees too. Alith is after all my Captain of the guards.


    So I show the discreet cord, and this time when I pull it, I vary it a little instead after the first pull and it makes a funny dull angst sounding whistle for a few seconds, before I let go. There is a muffled shout from Jane:


    "Robert! You bloody bastard! Stop! Doing! That!"


    The steam whistle is so worth the job even if it never gets used again. I probably shouldn''t use it as a wake up call, because Jane will find it and sabotage it. Although I''m will put a steam whistle on the pressure relief valve down in the boiler room so we can hear if it trips even though, as far as we know, it has never done so. I have Alith follow along out to that greenhouse and point to the whistle. She is surprised that such a small thing can make such a sound.


    When we get back into the workshop, there is a painting waiting on my workbench. A body painting in blue more precisely, where Jane pressed her upper body against a large sheet of paper. It''s mostly abstract but we can clearly see the shape of her lips forming a kiss, breasts and nipples. She absolutely moved some paint around to make this. There is a text in English; ''Men whistle on women to get their attention...'' and it is signed by Jane. It''s actually really cool and I like it. I will frame it once it dries, and I can already visualise it hanging on a bedroom wall. It might annoy Jane. Probably best I move it somewhere else once she''s seen it. Maybe the toilet wall?


    I reassure the staff and others that the noise is something I did and it is nothing to worry about, but should they hear such a noise down from the boiler room, pump more cold water into the tank and maybe put out the fire.


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    <hr>


    Weaker radio output works fine with normal Norse to Borgarsandr, day or night, and the remote control works great day or night. Not just to call attention and get someone to the radio, but also to send a message. The guards think it''s so damn magical that Kari can press a metal thing on a box in Borgarsandr and the radio here ''growl'' and lights up blue, and I can''t help but agree with them. It is almost magic. I can''t tell if the remote system is more sensitive than pure Norse, but it''s easier to react when it shines, and the buzzing sound makes it easier to use Norse. So a very good sign for future long distance signals. Skiringalr will be the next test with different power settings.


    The maids just see the radio as pure magic, and there is comments that the ''gasping'' blue light is like the wooden box is trying to warn to not get close, and the ''growling'' sound doesn''t help. Several seem fairly convinced that I have trapped some spirit in the boxes to make them work, and that the wind turbine and lead battery containers somehow capture nourishment for the spirit from the wind, which in a way is amusingly close to the truth. Jalida and Ima refuse to even clean near the radio because it might attack them or something, but it''s better that the guards handle it anyway, and for the moment it''s not wrong that the staff perceive it as magic. Also good that Krosp doesn''t like the sound.


    Jane has admitted to the others that she have no idea how radio works. She can''t read electrical schematics and that''s sejd for her too. She believes that Iselin is the second best in Alfheimr at understanding this. Jane only knows that it works because radio in various forms is very common in Midg?rd, and as she watch the radio blink says I''m probably one in ten thousand or even rarer who can build something like that, especially by taking something else apart and ''improvising'' here on Alfheimr. She knew it was difficult, but it is so much more difficult and complicated than she imagined, and she would never have succeeded even if she had been given a lifetime. Her comment raises me a little more in the others eyes, even though I think that quota is lower. And I cheated with ready-made electrical schematics I adapted. I know I could have built radios without that help, but easier and more efficient with something to base it on.


    Over voice on the radio Kari gives high praise to the B-mansion upgrades. They have got the cold water system and the kitchen completely finished, as well as several of the chimneys for the rooms. They are working on the toilet / bathroom / wash room extension, and the trench for the pipe into the well is being made by some hired men.


    <hr>


    Bodil has carved three wooden raven figures, and the eye on each is a small piece of glass fitted from the back, just like I asked her to. Really good work. So I quickly attach a resistor and a red SMD LED behind each, and two LEDs are taken from the MicroSD readers because red is danger and it feels better than other colours. We attach the ravens above the inside of the outside doors in the wing and main entrances, and we connect it to the alarm sensor. If the eye of the raven lights up, there is someone outside the door when it is locked, regardless of the alarm. We showing everyone currently in the mansion and inform what to do if they see this, and it''s pretty funny how magical they think the ravens are, although I shouldn''t be surprised by that because that is my intention, so I enjoy hearing a comment about Odin''s ravens watching over the mansion.


    Through the window we see Unn arriving, and after saying ''hello'' she wonders if we also heard a strange sound a while ago and if I was responsible. It''s kind of funny that nowadays a lot seems to assume that I''m the cause when something happens that they''ve never experienced before. Unn was on the other side of the strait and it sounded like an unearthly being was suffering and was angry. She couldn''t locate the sound that faintly echoed over the water and bounced on the mountains. So I just calm her that it was something I did although I won''t say what. Not my problem that it doesn''t completely calm Unn. I realize that the steam whistle can work as an alarm signal, so I ask her and Hrappr to spread the word that if anyone hear repeating sounds like that, like five or more times in a row, something bad has happened and it''s an alarm signal. Be prepared to defend their homes and, if they can, come to help us in the mansion.


    Frankly, I should make something really loud. Like a big horn several meters long and wide opening, with a compressed air tank and metal diaphragm. A huge air horn and point it towards Lysesund. Sure it could be used for alarm, but then it couldn''t be used for anything else, and I will want to use that thing. So totally unnecessary but would be fun. I do have a couple of gas tanks that I can pump compressed air into...


    <hr>


    I''ve returned to working on my toilet when Iselin picks me up for supper, but I go back to work right after. The wardrobe can remain in here because there will be no moisture and no smell either, but in the future I''ll make it a built-in wardrobe in the wall which is accessible from the bedroom. The shelf has hardly been used so it is no loss. It''s late when Iselin shows up looking sexy in a teddy and whispers:


    "It is late and I wants to go to bed with my fiance. I hope you''re not too tired."


    I''m about to grant her wish, but she have noticed the secret passageway she''s never been allowed to use before, which distracts us a bit and I show the latch on the underside of the attic stairs outside. Lean down, push up on the right spot on the underside and the door latch clicks and springs out. Iselin thoroughly investigate the mechanism and likes the solution, because who checks the underside of a low step? You literally have to lie on the floor to even see, and it is still hard to see that there is something there.


    Iselin amuses herself by exploring the secret library and b-room in the semi-darkness with a flashlight, while I finish the last of my bedroom toilet installation. I now have a working semi-toilet in my bedroom with a sink and bidet, and tomorrow the sink and bidet in the b-room will be installed, and I just need to wait for everything to dry. For safety''s sake. I make sure to tidy up and plan tomorrows work. It''s time to go back up to the bedroom, but Iselin just hugs me and with a dangerous playful glint in her eye whispers:


    "I think it''s time you show me the b-room."


    <hr>


    It''s an hour or so later when we close the door to the b-room and climb back up. Iselin liked our simpler session, but it is not something we will do very often. The whole secretive aspect was more alluring to Iselin - and having sex somewhere new - and she also tried to control me, which was a bit more to her taste and quite fun for me, but it''s something she''d rather do in my big bed. The b-room will continue to be Kari''s, which Kari probably prefers. But Iselin wants us to have sex in all secret and hidden places in the future, and there is also the usual basement, and the hidden bunker underneath the pavilion that have not been ''inaugurated'', and parts of the attic. And there are new buildings in the village. Iselin climbing ahead up the ladder to my bedroom gives me an interesting view, and Iselin climbs slowly and seductively.


    When we eventually go to sleep, I glance at the clock and see that it has passed midnight. We''re both exhausted and in a damn good mood. Soon I''ll have the honour and pleasure to call this lovely goddess my wife.

 Midwinter calling - day 51, Thrymheim

    Midwinter calling, day 51


    Thrymheim


    The cement has dried over the night, but we have hardly started washing ourselves before we inaugurate the new mini toilet in other ways, and then we really have to wash. Iselin really enjoy the bidets ability to make a small upwards water jet, and even though the water pressure is low, I need to get the craftsmen to install some kind of waterproofing for the floor. Tiles? With metal underneath? It is a good idea to install a bidet in the main bathroom as well. Making this mini toilet and getting cold and hot water in my bedroom was an excellent idea, especially since both I as well as women can pee in the bidet.


    <hr>


    During breakfast, Caecilia reminds me that Hrappr will be sent on a boat trip with Ida to Lysesund to pick up more already bought animals that will be slaughtered at the party, both during the wedding itself, and during the feast week that follow.


    After breakfast I officially continue to work on the mini toilet and dining room sink, which is true, just not the mini toilet that people expect. Under Iselin and Ciara''s supervision, two masons finish the floor of my mini-toilet. It''s a small area between two load carrying walls, so I''m not too worried about cracks between the tiles. If that happens, I have to live with it. The thin copper sheath beneath will prevent any water rotting the floor. There will be a discreet sink in the dining room in a corner cabinet. Towels, soap and other things can be stored underneath or in the overhead cabinets. A sink isn''t really pretty and will look out of place, so I plan to have a wooden surface on the top of the sink that can be folded up against the sides. Anyone looking should just see a pretty but common corner cabinet. Bodil is quick to offer to modify and finish the corner cabinet, and give it decorations.


    <hr>


    The installation i b-room is complete, as plumbing and draining were easier, and after tidying up I switch to working on installing a bidet in the main bathroom. Hopefully everything can harden and be ready for tomorrow.


    Iselin amuses herself by telling me that Ida has told her, that the people in Lysesund have a lot of respect and a bit of fear for Sejdmann Robert Arnesson and his projects on the islands. The thunder that often echoed across the water - especially the really loud once a few days ago when we tested the cannon - have only increased the rumours that Thor or some other God must be my father, or that Freya is my mother. Many people believe that my name Arnesson, son of the eagle, is a subtle reference, because ''everybody knows'' the story of how the goddess Idun was kidnapped and that the mighty eagle using sejd that prevented Odin, Loki and H?nir from cooking, was actually the giant Thjazi in disguise and so on, and about the Saga of Thrymheim - the home of thunder.


    I needed Iselin to tell me the Saga, and explain it, to understand that Thrymheim has already become a nickname for the mansion. Thrymheim, the home of thunder, where the eagle''s son who wields mighty sejd lives, surrounded by beautiful women whom Freya guided to me to satiate my appetite, and to prevent me from satisfying my lust with women from the region. There are some who are worried about their daughters and wives, but the staff have been good at spreading the word that it is an insult, to claim or say that I would force or lure women to me, and that I actually refuse to have sex with young women. At least the King''s Proclamation helps. Many men are still concerned that their daughters and wives will be attracted by my reputation for pleasing women, and it is appreciated that I do not attend feasts or host feast with an open invitation. The fact that I''m very busy and don''t feast is appreciated, as well as I''m going to be a married man. Iselin, Kari and others have also managed to spread the rumour that I will always decline invitations, as long as it is not very special or where social rules dictate that I have to attend, which at least eased the average man''s anxiety about having to invite me to not insult my high status. There have been several notifications about feasts and upcoming weddings in the region, that have been politely declined.


    There are so many wild rumours about the mansion, and a lot of them is true. The mansion is warm and pleasant inside as in the middle of summer, without any fires being lit. The kitchen is fantastic with good fireplaces and chimneys. There is both hot and cold water directly from the walls. There are several indoors bathrooms and a sauna. The huge glass windows, actually is double pane, just to make it warmer. It''s almost true that everyone has their own room. Light do shines out from all the large windows during the dark hours and the light glitters on the sea. Even the staff have their own really good beds and mattresses. Basically, the conclusion is that this must be how the Gods live. Not in ordinary Longhouses and sharing a hall. The other houses here have hardly lessened the rumours, since they too have big expensive glass windows, fireplaces, and water from the walls and other luxuries. The apartment building and planned shops have already become widely known. After all, it''s fairly common knowledge that I own a merchant house, so I get why people almost expect there to be a branch office here, which I plan to do. It''s not like I actually care that everything here is profitable. It''s after all small sums.


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    The fact that Hrappr and Ida confirmed that I am behind the steam whistle probably doesn''t make matters any better, but they also tell people how well I treat everyone, and not just the staff. I gave away elk meat from the hunts I did with thunder weapons. Everyone on the islands receive free health care from a skilled sejd woman I brought here and pays. That I build really good stone-paved roads, bridges and ferries that everyone can use - for free. That I am already teaching the staff and I will teach the residents children to read, write, count and so on.


    The steam whistles strange moaning sound heard by some the day before has already increased rumours that I''m holding a spirit or monster captive out here under the mountains, and that the King gave me the islands as my own Furstdom because we have an alliance and I''m training an army of shieldmaidens, monsters and spirits for King Aeriksson. ''Everyone knows'' the Saga of Fenrir, about his leash Gleipnir and so on, which I do too after Iselin explain to me. It is not easy to keep track of all the Sagas, fairy tales and legends when you haven''t grown up with them, and no one seems react or notice that a lot of them are quite absurd or stupid. Frankly, a lot of the Sagas prove that for the persons who created the Aesir world belief lived in a very ''small world'', with few people in it and small settlements. They simply had very poor understanding of the worlds true size, and distances, time span, settlement size and so on. Although so do many modern writers too, and they don''t have the same excuses. This distance, in this speed, takes this long. How hard is that? Acceleration and the effect on a body or item is also a thing. And then there is the issue that many Sagas prove that the Aesir Gods are lying assholes and are people I wouldn''t want to associate with, and I damn sure wouldn''t trust them to keep their word.


    Aren''t the Gods meant to be the good and role models?


    But the Aesir belief is hardly the only religion with that problem, and Christian faith is equally bad. I frankly want to do a careful revision of most of the Sagas to make them more inspiring, heroic and more connected to reality. Which surely will be a popular idea that goes without a hitch.


    Burn the heretic!


    Thank goodness me and my sambos already have a really good reputation among the population, but I a little more PR work might be a good idea. Iselin really enjoys the rumours, partially because she knows the truth better than most, which I should expect from my lovely gorgeous nerdy ninja. Again, Iselin suggest that we should name the school itself Academy Eagle or Eagle Academy, which feels like a good idea, because it can''t just be called ''The Academy'', and it''s a play on my surname and the fact that there are eagles here. Iselin tries to get me to officially name the mansion Thrymheim, but I''m kind of ''meh'' about that. Does it have to have a name? Then we have to name other places too. I will probably continue to call it the A-mansion, which the others agree is functional but so very very boring. Jane is really disappointed with that after my merchant ship names, and definitely votes for Thrymheim along with the others.


    Bodil comes to inform us that the sink in the dining room will also be ready for use tomorrow.


    <hr>


    It is late afternoon when Kari makes radio contact and inform us that the ship is anchored southwest of Tosra for the night. I''m in the harbour, and I can hear her on the mobile radio, and she hears my transmission, and so do the mansion, which means that the mobile radio is confirmed to work over that distance with the bad antenna. It''s bad in more ways than just signal wise. It''s a bit unbalanced, fragile, and wind or trying to walk with it doesn''t improve the situation. But it works!


    Kari inform us that the royal family once again prefers to stay in the A-mansion and which everyone expected and the maids have prepared for. She also lets us know that the King has an extra cook with him to facilitate the cooking. Apparently, his cook is very curious about the mansion''s advanced kitchen, and of course Asbj?rn wants her to see and learn a bit of what we eat and can cook here. It''s not something we will keep secret. Once again the royal family include the princesses, and their personal servants and a few guards. The king''s own ship accompanies them, which have lowered the sailing speed, because obviously King Asbj?rn must have significantly more guards and bring gold etc along on travels, but they will stay on his ship. The others guests are also on the ship; Digraldi and Olafr with a maid each, and the three musicians. There were many musicians who wanted the task, so Kari held a small selection.


    As I walk back to the mansion, I listen in as Kari tells Iselin and the others how all the shopping has gone, she has the contracts for corsets, saddles and high-heeled shoes, and the wagon maker and the seamstress guild have made another payout, which makes several happy. I can almost hear Andrew Dice Clay as Ford Fairlane; "Money. Money. Money! Money! Monnneeeeyy!"


    <hr>

 Midwinter calling - day 51, Grandfather

    The grandfather style pendulum clocks looks so much better than the prototype, and the clock in the great hall below the mezzanine can be seen from both floors. Beside one in the staffs common room, we''ve also placed one in the guest mansion, and the inside isn''t the prettiest, but looks good enough on the outside. It''s slightly ironic that I don''t want pendulum clocks in any of my rooms as the ticking will be annoying, but I still have a wristwatch or mobile phone. If I really want to set an alarm, I can via the mobile phones or the wristwatch, but usually Caecilia, Ciara or Elvira wakes me up or check in on me.


    The pendulum clock is still a 24-hour model, with the short hour hand having a sun at the other end, but we''ve upgraded with a long minute hand as well. There is still a separate hand and face for seconds above the center, with 00 at the top. There is room for a future strike-sound mechanism, but with a 24-hour clock it means an impractical number of strikes for the afternoon or evening to count, so I will have to make some kind of a creative solution with special strikes marking every three hours or something. As far as I''ve been able to calculate, it should be more than 4 days before the plumb with its small block reaches the bottom and the movement stops. Just to be sure, the staff will wind the clocks every two days. Admittedly, I''m way to please with small but what I consider to be important details, like the internal plumb line to make sure the clock is standing exactly vertical, and the height adjustable feet to line it up. I love having screws, threads and such available. It is such an awesome innovation.


    The staff common rooms pendulum clock is special, because in addition to outputs for various electrical timing signals, it also has a variable alarm output that can be selected via a dial on the side of the clock. It''s an all electrical system where the hour hand gear makes electrical contact, and I''m going to run wires and set up a bell inside the maids bedroom. So when the contact is made, a small bell will start ringing until they turn it off or the gear have moved enough to break the contact after about 5 minutes. At least they will wake up at a specific time in the morning, instead of now when they sometimes wake up way too early, especially in the summer, or way too late which easily happens in the dark of winter and they have to hurry. A clock in the staffs common room is just practical for planning meal times etc.


    Elvira and Jalida will take care of the clocks and dust the outside, but only gently wipe the clock face once a month if it is dirty, otherwise leave the clock be. I show them how to wind up the mechanism, but ask them to fetch me or Iselin in the next few weeks when it is to be done, and also let others watch and learn. I''ve let them know that it will annoy me if the clocks move too much out of sync, and setting the time is no more difficult than pushing in the center of the minute hand and rotating it back or forth. Pushing in disengages the arm from the drive gear at the back, and the hour hand is driven by the minute hand and remains in contact. When they let go, the minute arm should spring back out and start working. The second hand needs to be set separately in the same way. If one clock is constantly fast or slow, the pendulum arm will have to be adjusted.


    The staff is so impressed by the clocks, and that I let the staff common room not only have its own, but it also have a special alarm function to make their life easier. My sambos and guards are getting hardened by all my creations, and most are just accepting it no matter what. But, of course, light without fire that can be turned on and off, transmitting voice and speech instantly over a vast distance, and a machine that moves and does work by itself, is probably more impressive than a brass mechanism in a wooden box that slowly ticks back and forth with pointers that slowly move to showing the passing of time.


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    What I haven''t told them, is that personally, I''m mostly looking forward to having fixed times for meals and general time management. To be able to say that I want to be awaken at 5, and then I will be. I look forward to fixed meal times such as 1200 for dinner, 1800 for supper, etc. Clocks makes it easier to plan work and activities. I go to bed much earlier now than in my previous life, and get more sleep, because I used to be a night owl and I prefer the evening and night, but even with LEDs and lots of oil lamps, it''s unnecessary and was just another thing to getting used to. The oil lamps also gives bad illumination compared to what I''m used to. I will probably stretch the day and sleep less when the days become longer and brighter in spring and summer, as I like to be awake in the summer twilight, or go to bed after the sun rises after taking a morning walk in light fog at dawn around three or four in the morning.


    Actually, I go to bed earlier, but it generally takes half an hour to a couple of hours before I fall asleep because I''m rarely alone in bed. I miss spending time alone, but it would be silly to complain and my sambos deserve attention, even if we just lie and cuddle and talk most of the time.


    <hr>


    We are installing the alarm bell for the maids bedroom, when a messenger comes running to tell us that a ship has docked and Jarl Skiringe is on her way ashore. So I send Ima to run and warn Elin at the guest mansion, and the guards to send a telegraph message. They lit the fireplaces in the guests houses two days ago, to make sure that the houses would be warm when the guests arrive, but we couldn''t be sure exactly which day they would arrive. Since a few days ago Elin lives in the guest mansion and visits for meals and lessons, so the guest mansion is absolutely warm and ready.


    The sun have set, so we take some lanterns with us and go to greet Myrun, Siri and Liv, and their two maids and three guards. Liv hasn''t gotten pregnant, and I''m ambivalent about that. It is both good and bad, but for the future it is predominantly bad. We walk along and show them to the new guest mansion north of the small lake, and the mansion looks nice with the light from the windows glistens on the lake. Sure, it is not big, and hardly what I or Jane would call a mansion, but they are very impressed by the house, partially since it is just for guests. Elin looks proud to stand in her new maid dress and be of service. Siri definitely feels important when she gets her own ''luxurious'' bedroom, and Myrun doesn''t complain about the nice big bed in the main bedroom.


    We invite them to supper, and then leave so they can make themselves at home and shower and bathe. The guards and Elin will let them know when it is time for them to leave.


    <hr>


    We finish the installation of the maid bedroom bell, and have time to try it out before Myrun''s company is called for supper. It is damn practical to be able to send a short message via telegraph to Elin at the guest mansion.


    During supper, it becomes clear that Myrun, Liv and Siri heard the telegraph, but since it is inside the guest mansion hostess room, it muffled the sound, and they have not seen the mechanism. They don''t know how or why it rang, but they were looking at the grandfather clock while Elin gave a simple description of function and purpose. Myrun had understood that it might be an ''indoor sundial'' that ticks very rhythmically, and congratulates me on already solving the problem I talked about last summer, and she assumes that the indoor clock does need any compensation. I have to admit that the clocks are still early prototypes that have just been finished, so they have a few issues, but not that issue. Myrun and others have of course noticed the wooden shoes and clogs, and I take the opportunity to let them try it and get a pair of the nicer shoes while I again explain the purpose and thoughts, and point out that socks are meant to be used if you don''t go barefoot. Nitted long wollen socks might be a thing that perticularly women in dresses might appreciate during winter.


    Myrun is glad to hire some people on my behalf to cut down trees for my future farm in Skiringalr, that I hope to build this summer and pile the logs up so that they have time to dry, as well as transport stone for masonry and other things, and she will get a list of the estimated amount. With a margin.


    Iselin whisper that we should take advantage of the opportunity before the remaining guests arrive tomorrow, so I have a sweaty moment with Liv, and Liv is grateful to both me, Iselin, Ciara and Kari. Many of us are hoping that Liv actually gets pregnant this time.

 Midwinter calling - day 52, Guests

    Midwinter calling, day 52


    The day before.


    Guests.


    Way before I woke up and breakfast, Hrappr, Ida and Ima are arranging tables, chairs, benches and so on in the pavilion and inside the meeting room, and baskets with fire wood for the pavilion fireplaces are stacked and ready. Jalida helps in the kitchen while Elvira hustles around as the general maid. Shakini, Ciara and Jane are doing more decorating, because there have been more decorations made in the last few days. Everyone agrees that the Christmas tree is a bit strange, but looks quite elegant and festive, especially since it now also have some hanging glass prisms.


    <hr>


    Caecilia informs me that Merchant Danr''s ship is anchoring in the strait between the islands, so I put on my outer wear and go down to the harbour to greet them.


    In addition to Danr and Hagan, Storm Maurr, his concubine Lyngheida, their servant and two guards also step ashore. As we all greet each other, I understand that Danr and Hagan were in Lysesund the previous day to talk trade with his contact there, and met Maurr who had travelled there by the country road. I didn''t even consider that Maurr might have trouble getting to the island, but he expected that someone could be paid to ship them over, although he was wrong about that, since he didn''t have to pay. A merchant like Danr is just happy for the opportunity to make friends with a Storman. They''ve all heard the rumours about me and the islands, which makes them look at me and the surroundings with a little more respect. I also notice that Danr is accompanied by a beautiful slave woman with nice clothes and some jewellery, and Danr just kind of shrugs it off with a smile.


    As we stand there and talk, the Millennium Eagle comes sailing with another ship behind, so we stay until they dock. The day is not that cold, and the sky is clear and not too windy so we can''t complain. I hope it lasts for at least tomorrow. There have been a couple of snowfalls in the last two weeks but it melted during the day. As I expected from winters in this region, it is mostly cold wind and with some rain showers. Climate that means you need to be careful as the risk of hypothermia is high. Cold wind and rain just a few degrees above freezing is a dangerous combination. Colder just means ice and snow, especially dry snow, and that is not that bad and can be brushed off clothes. But being wet and cold? Dangerous.


    We greet the newly arrived guests while the ship begins to unload. Hagan had definitely not expected the Royal Family to attend, and to be one of a few guests at this wedding who is not at least a Storman. Danr''s crew will also spend time with my and King Aeriksson''s ships crew, and just like everyone on the island, they will have quite good food and drink, even though they''re not at the feast.


    <hr>


    As usual, all the first-time visitors are very impressed with the island and mansion in pretty much every way, and it''s funny when Danr and Hagan see my sambos, Jane, Caecilia and the maids. Everyone has pretty clothes too. Danr and Hagan have heard the proclamation that Asbj?rn made, but still. Danr is quick to say he is glad his friend has acquired such impressive company and managed to build such an impressive mansion and riches in a very short time. Danr and Hagan really appreciate and are surprised that the guest house by the barns is empty and just theirs for the entire stay here, and since his maid will take care of them and the household, Elvira will show her how the fireplace and everything works. I suspect that Danr''s maid also serves him in a more intimate fashion too, and will discreetly check it via Elvira. I really hope it is ''voluntary'' so he isn''t raping her, but the kingdoms law will hopefully be changed in three months. Not that it change what have happened until then. For any woman or man.


    The royal family will be our guests in our mansion in the same way as last time, and I think I see them feeling comfortable, familiar. Even though they have only been here a few days before, it seems to have made a big impression, and they seem to have been looking forward to the visit. According to Kari, Ulfarna isn''t the best in pretending or thinking before saying, which historically have been both good and bad for her parents, and Ulfarna likes the room, and getting a confirmation that warm water for a bath or shower is available. Here, it always is. It''s mostly a question about how hot, and with all the food preparations and such, the water is really warm. I give Asbj?rn, Haera and the princesses a temporary room key each to their guest rooms.


    My normal entourage with Caecilia and guards, accompany me and Iselin as we show Storman Maurr, Lyngheida, Olafr and Digraldi the guesthous and the village. They are ridiculously impressed by everything, and when I explain and show them the guest mansion, their praise does not diminish. They greet Skiringe''s group and Liv, and Storman Maurr and Lyngheida make themselves at home. Designing and building the guest mansion was a very good idea, and that it has two larger rooms with double beds, plus several smaller rooms. Maurr doesn''t mind his room only have a view of the backyard and the forest. I really made a lot of mistakes with assumptions when we started building on these islands, and how I designed buildings and what I had made. I should either not have built that house by the barns, or should have made it bigger and more useful or impressive.


    Olafr and Digraldi to the village and the craft house and the foundry part that they will live in together with their accompanying maids. It''s apparent that already during the boat trip they start to discuss the houses, amenities, crafts, forge and just normal work and their daily life. Olafr is really looking forward to testing the forge and apparently Olafr has brought a large heavy chest with tools and two anvils, plus several barrels of coal and a couple of hundred kilos of iron, which is quite expensive. I did say we would inaugurate the forge after the wedding, and he really doesn''t want to run out of iron, coal or lack any tools. I wouldn''t be surprised if there''s a bit of ''tinking'' and hammering from the forge before the wedding week is over. Olafr''s hands seems itchy to start, while Digraldi looks appreciatively at the foundry. A wedding week feast isn''t really day after day of just sitting at a table and feasting, so if Olafr want to do a bit of work, that is very okay. Both culturally and for me. Olafr remembers something and whisper that he brought the thunder weapons too. I sort of instinctively want to correct that to the Swedish inspired Norse ''shooting weapon'' that I prefer, but honestly it''s descriptive enough, and better than Jane''s attempt at introducing the English ''firearm'', and generally referring to them as ''fire'' weapons. ''Gun'' would be better as they don''t shoot fire, or even have to use fire if they''re compressed gas weapons, but they all shoot something. If I manage to do a good airgun, it''s probably just a matter of time until I try to do some kind of flamethrower. And that is a good name.


    This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.


    <hr>


    The three musicians who will entertain during the feast week have been accommodated in the wing, and I welcome them. Two of them are women, and apparently the man and and one of the women is a married couple. I think I recognize the other woman, and she gives a satisfied smile when I ask if we haven''t met before, and replies that it is true. Her name is Baugeid and we met at the Tosra gathering three months ago. Ah, there were many faces there, and a lot of music and feasting. Baugeid promises to entertain us with music, sagas, tales and dance. It''s quite a collection of instruments they brought along, and I understand why they are careful of their instruments. Good dedicated carrying cases for instruments hardly seem to exist here.


    <hr>


    Olafr have brought the finished thunder weapons, and again, they are excellent craftsmanship, and the hunt inspired him. There is a theme on the double barrel guns, and two have birds, including an Orre, nicely engraved. Others have foxes and hares. The hunting rifle, on the other hand, has moose and deer engraved. It''s tragic that I can''t head down to the range and test them right away, but such is life. Olafr has also finished the bayonets for the double barrel guns, and the guards are looking forward to trying them out too. We''ll probably make some kind of hanging dummy from a sack and wood shavings.


    The bayonet can be stored on the front of the shotgun with the tip and blade pointing back and nested into the grove between the barrels. It''s basically a 30cm blade jutting out once mounted, and is very similar to my Boomstick''s rhombic blade. To use, I just have to push out a small springy piece of steel and pull off the bayonet and stick it back with the tip facing forward. The hunting rifles are more complicated as the single barrel sticks out more, but he has made a bayonet for testing, which is threaded onto the barrel and rests against the edge of the muzzle and hooks into the front sight. Seems solid and good enough. The bad news is that the bayonet can''t be stored on the hunting rifle as neatly as the double barrel guns, and if I want to put a silencer there, this solution won''t work. Although I might use a similar style mounting for the silencer. It is quick to mount and dismount. For the time being, we ignore having bayonets for the hunting rifles, and since we have guests, all the bayonets will be stored together in a cabinet.


    I hang two double barrel guns and the updated musket on the gun stand above the guards fireplace, and hang the finest looking double barrel gun and hunting rifle above my own bedroom fireplace along with the first hunting rifle, while the last hunting rifle and first musket are stored in my bedroom attic storage. Gunhild and Alith admire the weapons, especially the double-barrelled guns which they gently hold up and try to aim with, faces practically glowing with anticipation. I foresee a decreasing population of birds and small game in the area.


    <hr>


    Unloading the ship and getting everything where it should go takes quite a lot of time, and I store the hourglasses in the workshop room, put the crucibles for steel making in the workshop attic together with the jugs of oil of vitriol, i.e. sulphuric acid, and several other things Kari brought back. There is a lot of furniture that the carpenters in Borgarsandr have finished, but the Academy is not finished, so the furniture parts are transported and stored in one of the Academy''s finished basement vaults until future use. The finished windows are also stored in the Academy''s finished basement. The armoured ''privacy screen'' for a tent has also been completed, but we will have to pitch a tent and see how it is once the guests have left. The fabric used for the privacy screen is reasonably fine patterned and good looking fabric, and it is something that can be made more luxurious, especially if more are made, and if guests really misunderstand the screens purpose, I''ll just be pleased. A lot of clogs have been made, so Caecilia along with Hrappr can drive around and let the guests try if anything fit, which they then can keep as a small gift. Some will probably be without, but such is life.


    I''m overseeing work and preparations when Unn shows up with V?lva Gauthild, who have come to perform the wedding ceremony. She is quite similar in overall look to how Liv looked when I first met her, although Gauthild is nowhere near as beautiful and older. Gauthild will stay with Unn, and they know that Liv is a guest, so they will probably have a lot to talk about during the feast week. A lot has happened since the Tosra Gathering, and obviously we will also talk. Three sejd women at a size wise small wedding is very unusual, but then I''m a Sejdmann, so it fits. Caecilia have fetched Iselin, so we talk a walk with Gauthild to talk about the ceremony. Iselin has planned for the ceremony to take place in a flat area just below the top on the low mountaintop across the bay due south from our mansion, and Gauthild agrees that it is a good place, so Iselin sends Caecilia to inform Hrappr to prepare it.


    <hr>


    A messenger have arrived tells us that Storman Jolfr Lum with his wife and concubine, and two small children, a servant girl and two guards have arrived from via Orusingen. So, I go down to meet them. Interestingly, Jolfr''s wife is considerably younger than him, while his concubine seems about the same age as him. My first thought is that his concubine have likely been with him for far longer and they love each other, but her social status didn''t allow for marriage. Or he saved the marriage spot for ''a better deal''. Well, it''s not for me to be judgmental. My own likely future situation with Iselin and Kari as wives, Ciara as concubine and Caecilia as my courtesan, makes it wise to STFU. And then there is that whole ''occasional friends with benefits'' with Alith. And I''m trying to make Liv pregnant. So STFU, with a side order of FFS!


    After presentations, they are shown to the most finished apartment in the residential area. My plan was that maybe Jolfr''s group too would stay in the guest mansion, which technically there is room for if the servants and guards sleep on the floors, but it''s just better they have their own place. Partly so that Myrun and Maurr''s company doesn''t have to listen to a screaming baby or small child. The children will probably delight Kari and Gunhild. The apartment have just four beds, and I forgot to consider the size of his group and he never said so, but it is easily solved and they have brought good sleeping pelts, since staff and guards usually do sleep on floors. The apartment is certainly luxurious enough for a Storman compared to the norm of many guests and relatives sleeping spread out on the feast hall floor.


    I know that Jolfr feels important as heck by being invited to a really exclusive wedding. Important enough that the Royal Family and a well-known Jarl travelled here, and exclusive enough that he is one of a few participants. Jolfr dreams of the future and how important the Tosra Gathering will become, and how much the Academy Auction and the market twice a year will do for the region, and the guests who will visit for that. By just being in my vicinity, his own status and profile is raised. There will probably be a small self-reinforcing spiral in the coming years. It will be fun to see his reaction as Ackerek village and the Academy grows over a couple of years. How will my life be in 5 or 10 years?


    <hr>

 Midwinter calling - day 52, Traditions

    <hr>


    Iselin and Kari is incredibly pleased when they finds me and drags me away to show me something. The drapes, curtains and tapestries that they have ordered long ago have been woven, and they will now decorate some walls of the mansion both in public places, and in the rooms. The curtains for the space under the stairs matches the mountain scenery on the mezzanines stained glass, and is a cave opening covered in hanging greenery and flowers. Fitting in more ways than one, and they''re quite proud of it. The mezzanine stairs and further up to the balcony also have a color matching carpet, with brass metal bars that attach and hold the carpet down. Another interior design suggestion from Jane, and I have to admit that it looks good, but it will be much more work to keep clean than just hard lacquered wood. I don''t think ''easy to clean'' or ''low maintenance'' is ever a consideration for Jane. The curtains in front of the attic door also match the theme and is a beautiful mountain landscape, with a sort of cliff gap going up, so you sort of walk up through the cliff gap to the attic. Apparently, Jane have talked about doing a large mural to look like a view over Hardangervidda to match the look on the wall you face when going up the attic stairs.


    Caecilia and Jane have heard our voices and joins us, looking pleased as punch. Iselin, Kari, Jane and Caecilia is planning where to hang the many paintings and drawn works of art that Jane secretly prepared together with mainly Iselin and Kari. They are so terribly smug about how good it is and that it has been kept secret, and I can only appreciate and be thankful for all the work Jane has done. Jane have absolutely lied about her problems with colours, and they are really good paintings. She has been working hard for the last two months. Even what she calls ''a nature painting done in half a day'' are beautiful.


    "Jane. Sincerely; Thank you. These are beautiful."


    "Thank you. And sincerely thank you too. You''ve already paid for these, several times over. Just my life here, my wonderful room and all the costs and expenses I''ve meant, and my probable future as a famous painter, makes these feel like ''not enough''."


    "We''re absolutely even, and with your friendship and other creations, you''re ahead. If the Gods here do exist, they did a good job bringing you here too."


    Jane smiles and seems happy, but loose her smile and seems slightly sad, before she realise and puts on a smile again. Strange. However, if the Gods here do exist, I would still appreciate a chemist with geology and metallurgical knowledge. Preferably that can produce some type of synthetic rubber or bioplastic. Nudge nudge wink wink.


    There is a great painting from the first voyage. The evening sunlight coming in from the side and from the stern and illuminates the women where they sit up in the raised bow of the ship with their backs against the railing. Iselin sits relaxed with one knee raised and her other leg underneath. Alith sits relaxed with one knee slightly raised and her hands resting on it. Ciara more prim with both legs raised and to the side underneath her. Bodil sits with both knees raised in front of her with her shield resting on the side facing me. I remember wanting to get a picture of it painted, and Jane has done it so very well.


    Jane has painted other pictures too, some which I have to be careful about where to hang them. Saturn with the rings and the little blue dot that is Earth is one, although almost no one will guess what it is, or the meaning. I like the astronaut in orbit and the Curiosity selfie on Mars, and they too is unlikely to be really understood. The same with a nice painting of a Nebula. I did give her read access to many directories on the tablet, and she seems to have looked around when she was bored. But I am happy, and Jane is really pleased with my response. Iselin is curious as hell about the paintings, while Kari seems to be in a state of ''weird human thing, I might not really want to know about''. Jane shows me paintings she has painted for herself, and I get to see her parents, as well as a picture of New York she isn''t finished with. She likes New York, but above all she paints it because it feels so ''modern Midg?rd'' compared to London. I also see the painting she made for her room of a decorated and lit Christmas tree with presents underneath.


    When we move around and hang up the paintings, Jane points out that one of the paintings has a slightly unexpected pattern of blue spots and that it is my fault due to the steam whistle. It''s fun when we reach my bedroom, and she sees that I ''borrowed'' one of her painting frames from the basement and framed the blue body print and hung it in the sleeping area of my bedroom. My comment of ''It''s a faptastic masterpiece from your blue period.'' gives Jane a crooked smile that for some reason is again a bit sad. I thought my setup was good, and I expected at least an eye roll and maybe a ''Piss off'', ''Twat'' or ''Tosser''. I don''t quite understand Jane. Or really any of the others.


    I move her ''blue creation'' up to the bedroom attic as I mostly wanted to see her reaction, and what is hung in my bedroom, in addition to my family, are portraits of all my sambos. I like that they are not really boring portrait paintings but rather captured occasions in a good way, and the paintings capture them as a person. Jane has absolutely listened when we talk about photos and understand my preferences, and she has a knack for it. The painting of Iselin, for example, is only of her face framed by her wild fiery red hair which is also slightly in front of her face like blown by the wind, and her intense green eyes looks playfully at me. Suitable, and very Iselin. I''m going to marry this wonderful gorgeous woman. Kari''s painting is when she stands majestically and poses like the frankly noble lady she is, but there is a small playful smile at the corner of her mouth. I''m going to ask this woman too to be my wife in a month or so. Ciara''s painting is almost model quality and somewhere in between the two with just the neutral face she often has. She is just beautiful with her hair draped and hanging down her left side, seeming to say ''this is me.'' I love how Jane managed to catch Ciara''s eyes and freckles, and a slight glint from her concubine necklace, and I give Jane more praise she truly deserves.


    I really like that Jane made good paintings of my family, mom, dad, little sister, big sister and her family. My eyes tear up when thoughts and emotions well up that they can''t be here when I marry, and that they don''t know what happened to me, and I don''t know what happened to them. I who never intended to get married will do it, and probably twice, but they will never find out and assume I''m dead. My big sister who has been poking me because she has wanted a sister-in-law for a long time will soon get one, and then probably another one in three months. What a shock they would have received if it had been possible to take a photo and email it to Midg?rd in six months or a few years.


    Caecilia seizes the opportunity and says that everyone who does not want to participate or who is going to become a wife tomorrow should leave the bedroom, and she tackles me on to the bed where, unexpectedly, Kari immediately joins us. Oh well, game on. I go down on Caecilia and use my hand on and under Kari''s dress when after a minute I hear the door open, and behind me see that Ciara has come in and without pausing just pulls her dress over her head and happily crawls into bed with us. I also see Jane discreetly standing behind the curtain watching, but with an unexpectedly sad look and biting her lower lip, before she see me looking and rushes out and we hear the door close behind her.


    A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    Huh.


    <hr>


    The evening meal is planned for late afternoon just a little after the sun has set, and will be quite interesting as there are so many of us for the space, as according to tradition it is best if we don''t use the feast hall until after tomorrows wedding ceremony, so I have introduced the concept of a buffet where take your food and sit where you want. With an extended table, my special chair removed, a few extra chairs and the sofa group with its table, there will be enough space for the guests in the meeting room. As the host and the man of the house, I take first to show how it''s done, and then I sit down at the sofa to show there is no structure, and that start the beginning of a nice evening, without the usual rigid division or class, but funnily enough those with the most power sit on the sofa and the rest at the table or surrounding chairs. We''ve had pleasant conversations and a generally good atmosphere, and I like that the barometer shows good weather. For those who have not eaten moose meat before, that is appreciated.


    Considering how exclusive moose meat is, it''s funny that the kitchen has already made pemmican of about 30kg. Salted, dried and run through the grinder so the meat is small pieces, and combined with rendered fat in a 50-50 percent mixture. We''ve tried making a couple of smaller batches with additions of some blueberries or cranberries to see how that will be, and if it helps the taste. I don''t expect pemmican to taste good. One problem with pemmican is that it is only protein and fat, and lacks important vitamins. The berries won''t help, as if it is boiled or fried before eating, the vitamins will probably be destroyed, so the berries probably do nothing for that. If the pemmican is eaten over a longer period of time, it should probably be combined with jam from lingonberry or hjortron - also known as nordic berry or cloudberry - so at least vitamin C deficiency doesn''t become a big problem, and the jam will probably help it taste better. I also plan to combine with crisp bread, or a really dense crisp bread more like hardtack. Pemmican is something that needs to be tested for future longer sailing expeditions, or for military use, because pemmican can last a long time without being frozen and is compact energy, and 15 kg of finished pemmican have been preserved in sealed clay jars. In three months we will open the first. After that once a quarter until a year has passed. Then one every six months. In four years, the last one will be opened. If it hasn''t gotten bad before then. We''ve tried to sterilize half the jars after sealing by having them in high temperature. No matter how that experiment goes, it will be very valuable knowledge.


    I''m surprised when Iselin taps her glass with a fork and stand up to speak, and I''m not alone given the confused looks. That is not the norm here. Iselin begins to speak;


    "This marriage between me and Robert is very unusual. Not only because it takes place between two people who have lived together for half a year, and that it happens at Midwinter, but also that it is a Sejdmann who is getting married. Most of the coming week will happen according to traditions from here, but are adapted due to the constraints of family and different traditions. Robert has been sparse with information about how marriage works where he comes from, but thankfully Jane has told a lot more and given examples."


    Iselin gestures to Jane, who has a very neutral face. I honestly expected her to smugly smile, but she avoids my look by studying the celling. Bad feeling. Iselin have moved, as she stands behind me with her hands on my shoulders.


    "This tapping on a glass or mug for attention and then standing up to give a speech during festivities comes from Robert. Usually it''s embarrassing anecdotes about how the speaker got to know one of the people getting married, ending on a pleasant note about how good the union is, and with a toast to the married couple. There are several other small traditions that will be presented bit by bit. One thing Roberts culture doesn''t do as a tradition, and which doesn''t work here anyway, is to retrieve a buried sword, because there graves are sacred and protected, and most bodies are burned and the ashes scattered. But there is a very important tradition for the man about to be married, which cannot really be carried out here as is, but we have made a modification. It is called ''Stag night'' or ''Stag weekend'', and is a feasting trip that can last several days where the man to be married is ''kidnapped'' by their male relatives and friends to feast and celebrate their independence, always involving mead, women and sex, in which the man is obliged to participate and it can often be embarrassing for the man who arrives exhausted and hungover at his wedding the next day."


    From the looks, the laughter and the exclamations that the men and many of the women make, they think it is a good tradition, and it does fits here, but I can feel my rising embarrassment. However, Iselin is not finished, and place a large glass that Liv brings her, in front of me, which makes me worried.


    "Robert has very suspiciously not mentioned any of this - nothing at all - but we know he''s a bit shy and uncomfortable with such things, which actually suits the tradition better. So we, Robert''s women, have taken matters into our own hands and decided that from now, until tomorrow morning when the married men present fetch Robert to take him to the sauna, bath and preparations - Robert is nobody''s master or Lord. Robert is now ''The Stag'' and he is open prey to all free women, as long as they are willing to share his time and attention with other women, and Robert knows that by tradition he must prove his manliness and that it is frowned upon to say ''no.'' Except for me, who will first share his bed tomorrow night as his wife, Robert''s women has already started the tradition earlier today without Robert''s knowledge - so it''s up to other women for the rest of the evening, night and morning. Caecilia and Liv have offered to make sure Robert is fit enough for the wedding tomorrow, and so that he can last all night. So Robert, you''d better finish your glass with a small careful dose of ''spice'' - because you might need it."


    I''ve already closed my eyes a while back, and take deep breaths until Iselin finished, to our guests enjoyment. Well played Jane. Well played. I''m so embarrassed! I could easily say ''no'' and just go ''screw the consequences'' - no pun intended - or just make a joke about how Jane exaggerating for the sake of messing with me, which she have. But this is a different world and culture, and they see nothing wrong with this, and frankly there is nothing wrong with it either except for the way it was done. Just lots of sex between voluntary adults, and I should try to see it positively instead. I highly doubt I can satisfy 5 or 6 women during an evening and night, so I''ll probably need the ''spice''. I can guess who those women will be, as I saw Myrun, Liv and Unn''s faces. Accept reality, although I know I wouldn''t accept reality if this meant that the men here could have sex with Iselin. I''m such a hypocrite. I turn to Iselin and pull her down so I can whisper in her ear:


    "Iselin. Do you really really want this to happen?"


    Iselin is serious, but smiles and seems to enjoy herself as she whispers back; "Robert, you''re going to try to enjoy yourself as much as you can, and I want everyone to know just how good and manly you are."


    I will be so damn tired tomorrow, so I empty the glass to cheers and shouts, and Caecilia and Liv quickly half drags me out of the room and up to my bedroom.

 Midwinter calling - day 53, Waking up

    Midwinter calling, day 53


    December 25. Friday. Freya''s day.


    Waking up.


    There is a mighty knock on the bedroom door and the married men are here to take me away to get clean and instil wisdom. The sky is bright but sun haven''t risen yet, so I excuse myself and leave the bed. Caecilia hands me my bathrobe, and promises to keep track of my things and that everything will be cleaned and made tidy. Alith will follow along while Gunhild takes over and guard inside the bedroom, and she greet me with a wide smile and: "Good morning, my Lord."


    As I put on the new and luxurious looking bathrobe I look around to make sure it''s safe to open the door. One of Myrun''s shieldmaidens is lying on a sofa, half-naked and smiling at me. Baugeid is sitting with a smile on the other sofa, in her shear and beautiful cloak seductively covering part of her body, playing a bit of music on her stringed instrument. The leg poking out from under my duvet must be Unn''s, and the other pair of legs must be Lifa''s. Sex toys on the bedside table and the floor, which Elvira picks up and put in a bag to be hidden from view before cleaned. There will be a hell of a lot of cleaning, and Elvira has already started. Gently but firmly, Caecilia push me out of my own bedroom.


    Liv kept her word that I would be reasonably fit for the wedding, but I haven''t had much sleep and I''m sore and tired. I''ve already had breakfast in bed, both literally and metaphorically. I was fed by Caecilia, Elvira and Baugeid, so that my hands and other body parts were free, partly for Baugeid. Baugeid is an accomplished musician with a good voice, and certainly a good entertainer who is looking forward to the coming week, but it wasn''t until I saw her chest mark last night that I remembered that she is the h¨®ra that tried to be mine at Tosra, where she only left my arm and side as we approached Myrun''s camp.


    The laughing and cheerful men push me towards the wing, while I think about the evening, night and morning that was. I have flashbacks and try to sort faces among bodies, arms, legs, feets, breasts and buttocks. Lips, nipples and vaginas. The ''spice'' is effective on me, but it is quite clear that the spice not only affects the manhood, but is also some kind of brain drug as well. I frankly should have seen that coming.


    ''Quoth the Raven, ''Nevermore''!''


    Jane and my sambos have planned the Stag night, and informed women about it before the announcement in front of me. It was far too organized, where women took turns, or handed me over to others when I needed to go to the toilet and showered. Twice. Like it was one long neverending tag-team. Apart from Liv and Caecilia who at least were somewhere in the background the whole time, I''ve lost count. So so many more women than I thought, and didn''t even consider at dinner yesterday.


    Liv and Caecilia was no surprise, and neither were Unn nor Gauthild. Alith was, but also not really. Myrun was expected. One of Myrun''s shieldmaidens, who have been curious since Skiringsalr last summer was not. The queen''s maid Skirlaug was hardly the last surprise. Elvira and Jalida. I was really surprised and uncomfortable when Ima appeared considering her life so far. That was definitely the most uncomfortable part of last night, and I was worried that Ima felt forced, but she wanted to experience sex where the man was the prey, and at the same time ''experience me''. As if I am some kind of reference. Of course, I remember Gunhild, who I absolutely didn''t foresee, but she was the last of our guards as neither Bodil or Hillevi showed up. When we pass the guards day room, Bodil joins us and follows along in the background with Alith. Bodil tells us that the barometer have continued to rise so that bodes well for the day, which is a good thought.


    I remember Asta and Lifa too. Lifa who wasn''t even at the dinner, but woke me up as she crawled into bed very early, and started the morning''s activities. She was definitely rested. We pass the kitchen on our way to the toilet, and I have more flashbacks. Wait. Elvira brought breakfast, and she was also quite wild this morning. But she was there last night too?


    I sit on the dimly lit toilet, thinking about the shower where Skirlaug blindfolded me - as if the bathroom isn''t dark enough with only a couple of lanterns for light. As it is in here. I really need to start trying to make good enough light bulbs. Although I have to give Skirlaug points for inventiveness and trying to have a private moment away from the other women. After she started massaging me with her hand and moved on to her mouth, she challenged me to satisfy her with just touch, so I went down on her before taking her from behind against the bench. Then we went up to the bedroom and continued. Points for being different and memorable, and quite fun.


    Huh?


    Wait a minute. Skirlaug is considerably shorter than I, and I could have my arm on her shoulders when we went up, but she was not that short in the bathroom when I kissed her breast, neck and lips. She was not that short bent over the bench.


    Damn.


    Damn.


    There''s a pretty good chance it wasn''t Skirlaug in there, especially considering the blindfold and how much energy Skirlaug had when we got back to the bedroom. Damn. DAMN! I remember that Skirlaug was the one who suggested some food, a toilet visit and a shower to keep the energy up before we had sex. Which means I was clean, we were separated from witnesses and I was distracted.


    I don''t know which is worse given the likely options, which are either the princesses, or the queen. Because why else would it be kept secret? It shouldn''t be Ulfarna, but Sefa and Haera are pretty similar in length and height. How tall is Skirlaug compared to them? I really hope I wasn''t tricked into taking Princess Sefa''s virginity, and that it''s a plan from her, or one of her parents to ''force'' me into a marriage. I don''t think Asbj?rn is behind it, but maybe Haera would be considering what Kari have said about her, or more likely Sefa herself. Sefa did not like being sidelined by Kari, and she seemed at least a little offended that I don''t want her as my wife. Sefa doesn''t know anything about DNA and maybe she was hoping to get pregnant, as given the stories I heard and the law, I would basically have to marry her as my second wife, regardless of what I or her parents want. If she doesn''t get pregnant, the bathroom will probably have never happen, because she or they won''t say anything so Sefa continues to be perceived as an untouched virgin by her future husband. I don''t remember if I came in the woman or not, but I do remember that I was overall way too careless yesterday because condoms ''were annoying'', and I know I came in several. Stupid. Stupid! Stupid! My brain sure wasn''t working the way it usually do. Liv hasn''t gotten pregnant so far, and neither have my sambos, but sure; they have an IUD and we''ve been more careful. A lot of those women won''t have had an IUD. Shit.


    I can never tell anyone. I can''t even be sure it wasn''t actually Skirlaug, and this isn''t just paranoia and a wild idea in my head. I sure can''t ask Skirlaug. It was deliberately discreetly done, so I wouldn''t know, and I don''t think Asbj?rn knows, because it would be a big complication if he found out about it or it became public, especially if it was Queen Haera. But why would Haera do that? Sefa is much more logical. Haera as a married woman has more restrictions, especially since I have a high status and she is the Queen. Divorce etc, is the least that can happen, although I should be safer as it was a conspiracy by several women against me - if my word is believed more than the women''s. I don''t have any witnesses on my side, and the word of the Queen or Princess is hard to contradict, especially if they have Skirlaug on their side.


    DAMN!


    If it wasn''t Skirlaug, at least she and whomever it was can be completely silent when others are having sex right in front of them, and not make any mistake like talk during the act.


    Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    Maybe I should try to consider making some kind of primitive lie detector? It will be really bad, but can I trick them into believing that it works? Test it on the right people, with the right questions, so maybe it will help my story? Getting a response and having something move isn''t hard, and they should be really worried that it works. Which is also a problem.


    The men bang on the toilet stall door, so I wipe myself and go out. While I wash my hands, I continue to think, before they drag me into the sauna. I''m ''the man'', and the mansion is mine, so Iselin and the women will use the mansions private bath house, with sauna and hot tub, and should already be there. Normally, the bride should normally be lifted over the threshold and taken into the man''s house only after the wedding, but much is different about this wedding, and the mansion.


    I should be able to figure out where either Haera or Sefa were, and rule out at least one of them. Hopefully both. I''ll probably have nightmares if I don''t.


    <hr>


    The thoughts, the sauna and the loud happy company have ensured that I''m awake and my body recover reasonably well. I drink a lot and eat some moose jerky while we talk. Well, they do most of the talking. Like the rumour that at least half the guest women, shieldmaidens and maids took the opportunity to test Sejdmann Arnesson''s reputation for being able to satisfy women, and the men saw many women in good spirits. It seems that Jalida happily sang to herself while working. They count and come to the conclusion that there were seven women in my room when they picked me up, four of them resting or scattered over the furniture. They ask me the number, and I just shrug and say I don''t know. I never counted, but best to keep it lower, so I say a dozen or so?


    My back and shoulders hurt from their reaction but I might as well accept the congratulations. At least I have proved that I''m manly as hell according to their culture. That evening, night and morning was basically a big and mostly tag-team orgy - and it won''t happen again. I feel strange, and I also just realised that I can only hope that none of the women have any venereal disease, because I can imagine that, for example, Baugeid probably have had a lot of sex with many different people. As far as I know, my ''regular'' extra sexual partners like Alith, Liv and Myrun don''t have any intimate sexual contact with anyone else, so less risk. But what about the other women? How many of them have IUDs? How the hell am I even supposed to bring up, that those who haven''t had it, should put it in today? Nice way to start a wedding. I''ve been so damn careless and stupid. Stag night has just been a bad idea. A really bad idea. For fucks sack, LEARN!


    Admittedly, Jane planned it well, but I think I understand some of her behaviour from the previous day. It could be that Jane regretted it when she realised how it would turn out, and didn''t want to be involved. What was her plan? Maybe that she would pretend to be a stripper or something for me, so we could ''experience'' each other before I got married, but her plan just nose dived straight to hell. It wouldn''t be the first time one of her plans didn''t survive contact with reality. And Jane is too much a fuck up to admit that, and trying to fix it.


    Asbj?rn gives me another thump on my shoulder and with a small laugh declares: "After a night like that, where you can walk and be in such good shape - even if you''re sore and worn - no one can ever accuse you of being unmanly. Stag night is a damn good Midg?rd custom!"


    "Midg?rd?!" Ask Maurr, Olafr, Digraldi and Jolfr basically as one voice. Oops.


    They look at Asbj?rn, who realises what he has revealed, and doesn''t know how to recover and stammers as he tries to figure something out, while Iuli who knows just closes his eyes. So I just say:


    "I am a human from Midg?rd. That is why my ears are round, and I have more hair than you. Last summer, when Bifrost lit up the sky a few days after Midsummer, was when I came here to Alfheimr. I''d appreciate it if you, for now, try to avoid spreading it wide and telling others. But there is no doubt that you are at a very unusual marriage between a Human man and an Elvish woman." They just stare at me. "That is why no one from my family is here, because my parents and siblings are alive, but travelling between the worlds is not easy. Jane is also a human from Midg?rd, who by will of the Gods came here to Alfheimr at the same time, but we are from different countries and we didn''t know each other before she heard of me and sought me out last fall. Jane''s language is called English, and it is a very important trade language in Midg?rd, which is the reason why I speak it fluently. My native language is Swedish, which is quite close to Norse."


    After that revelation, the sauna''s festive mood becomes awkward, so I quickly leave since it''s time for the bathroom. They probably have a lot to think and talk about. Ciara helps me with shaving and combs and trim my short beard extra carefully, before we shower, since Ciara also makes sure I''m scrubbed clean everywhere and as clean and pretty as she can make me. It just feels so wrong that Ciara is so damn happy that I''m getting married today, to another woman. But that also applies to Kari. Thankfully, their joy is not for ''thank the Gods it isn''t me''.


    Once up in the bedroom, I see that the women have left, and Caecilia and Elvira have cleaned up, and Elvira is currently scrubbing and carefully wiping of all surfaces. Shakini have already finished with the floor and left. There are new bedding and mattresses, and everything is ready for the coming night. Ciara and Caecilia are proud when they show my new special clothes I''m getting married in. A dark blue suit with a white shirt underneath, and a light blue tie with a pretty yellow pattern, that is actually in gold thread. There is even a gold tie clasp with my house mark on it.


    I let them know that Asbj?rn accidentally revealed to the men that I am a human from Midg?rd. The staff already know that Jane and I are humans, but I don''t know when they found out. Who really knows about it? I seem to have completely lost track of that, and honestly I haven''t thought about it in quite some time.


    Ciara and Caecilia insist on helping me dress, so I''m as neat as they can make me, and Ciara is so keen to show that she can tie a tie correctly and it must be perfect. Apparently Jane has shown that to all my sambos when she explained, showed pictures and sketched the clothes. That I can tie a tie is ignored; it''s their job to dress and make me look good, and Ciara''s eyes made me feel guilty for even trying to take it from her. Of all the things Jane introduces here, surely she could at least skipped ties? She probably did it on purpose, just because I would dislike it. I need to get Jane to take the credit in writing, so future men blame her. Huumm... I should be able to argue that neckties are bad from a security point of view because it''s basically a noose around the neck, but not today. Maybe use that it sort of looks like a weird leash, and that won''t do since I''m a regent?


    Swords at the waist are not common in human weddings except in military contexts, but then again, Caecilia stands waiting with my crown on its small pillow. Ciara attaches a gold brooch with Freya''s symbol to my breast pocket, and hangs Thor''s hammer around my neck, and with a big smile she place the crown on my head, and takes a step back. Ciara looks so proud, pleased and happy, and I give her a thank you kiss, before giving another to Caecilia.


    Elvira has finished cleaning, and is standing in the background just watching and smiling. I ask her if she has slept enough, because this will be a long day. Elvira looks into my eyes and say that it has been the best night and morning in a long time. Here eyes never leaves mine, and her gaze and widening sexy smile is not subtle. I guess I can feel a bit proud of that, and it feels good that at least she seems happy and isn''t disappoint. Then again, she did return in the morning, with a sexy expectant smile and very enthusiastic. I don''t know what the words she said in her native language mean, but I take it as a compliment considering the way she said them, and the way her face and body behaved.


    <hr>


    Alith is in on the conspiracy that my sambos have made about slightly changed ceremonies, and while she guards me in the bedroom so that everyone can get ready, she gives me instructions for what will happen and what to do. I just carefully rest on my back in my bed and wait, trying not to sweat. So many thoughts about last night. I realise that hopefully I''ll be marrying Kari in three months, and I need to stop another orgy from happening. Not that it will be hard as I am no longer ''unbound''. I hope I don''t disappoint Iselin tonight. And that I didn''t get any venereal disease. Damn, something just feels wrong, and I don''t know what. After effects of the night and the drug? Is it that I''m getting married today? Worried about Sefa or Haera? All of the above?


    Alith is dressed up and looks damn good, and she is pleased by my compliment that some man will be lucky, and she can tell him, that I think he should thank the gods each morning for waking up and seeing her.


    The musket doesn''t quite match up though. Alith apologizes for borrowing the musket without asking, but after Jane gave them the idea, Iselin, Kari and Ciara were adamant that after the ceremony, a shot should signal the starts of the race back to the mansions front door. Of course I give Alith my permission and thank her for all her help, but she smile as she replies that I thanked her yesterday, although she looks forward to hopefully future thanks, since yesterday we kept it fairly quick. Not that we usually take a long time. Alith agree that yesterday mostly felt like a cover for our other intimate moments. The rumour she heard is that as my wife, Iselin will allow me to have intimate moments with other women than Ciara, Kari and Caecilia - as long as Iselin is told before or after.


    <hr>

 Midwinter calling - day 53, Furstess Iselin Robertswife

    <hr>


    The guests look at me and my strange clothes, so I just say that this is what is the most common traditional style where I come from. I don''t need to say more than that, because at least the men now know I''m from Midg?rd, and I assume they''ve told their wives and concubines since I said it was okay.


    I ride a horse and so do Alith and Bodil as my guards, while everyone else, including the Royal Family, walks to the altar location across the bay. It''s about 1 kilometer path wise and a bit longer than usual, but everyone agree it is a good location. As we travel there at a walking pace, it takes such an awfully long time, yet still feels like almost no time have passed. Luckily the weather is fine and clear with short moments of direct sun light, but the winter air is cold. That isn''t all bad, because I need the cold to not sweat like hell, and that is in my fairly thin suit, though I also wear a really nice light white-gray fur coat. Another new piece of clothing that Iselin, Ciara and Kari were adamant about, but I have to admit that it feels like a kind off bad-ass look while riding, especially combined with my crown and weapons. Alith has taken plenty of photos and a bit of video. However, a knitted cap would have been much nicer, and warmer. My ears are bloody freezing. What kind of animal fur is the coat in? Looks like some kind of winter fur. There is a lot of impressive fur coats among the guests too.


    My sambos have prepared and adjusted the ceremony location. There are benches with fur on them set up for the guests, and two raised banners, one on each side with my house mark / logo, for Iselin is married into my family. The aisle between the benches leads to an open area with a nicely carved arch that is maybe two and a half meters high, and there is some greenery interwoven into the arch, and the arch nicely frames the mansion on the other side of the bay. Not a coincidence. In front of the arch there is a small stone altar with runes, and V?lva Gauthild waits at the stone altar and she looks impressive in her shaman regalia and fur.


    I follow the directives that Alith updated me about, so I walk over and stand on the right side of Gauthild and wait, with Alith and Bodil as escort standing to the side and behind me along with Caecilia.


    All the guests have taken their place and sit down when we see Iselin come closer on horseback with her parents beside her, Gunhild and Hillevi as riding guards, and Kari, Ciara and Jane as her maids of honour. Jane takes photos of us and the entourage, and Alith has taken a couple of them arriving, but I''ve also noticed the camera that is semi-discreetly placed to the side on the arch and recording the whole event. This have to be the first video recorded wedding in Alfheimr. It''s pure coincidence, but the sun comes out more than in glimpses and we bathe in sunlight, which all interpreters like Freya show how she blesses our marriage.


    My focus is on Iselin who has a nice dark fur coat and a beautiful white dress with embroidery and lace, which is not the norm here, so Jane has told her about Midg?rd wedding dresses. Iselin''s hair is held in place by a simple wooden crown from braided branches, and some with green leaves on them, and Iselin fits in the flower wreath. The green leaves and her gorgeous long fiery red hair fluttering in the wind gives such a nice contrast to the rest. If I hadn''t already fallen in love with her, that sight would have been enough. Damn, she is so gorgeous. I see Iselin''s intense green eyes looking at me as she gets closer, and how happy she is when she is slowly escorted forward by Iuli, and she take her place in front of me so we have the guest on one side, and V?lva Gauthild on the other. Gunhild and Hillevi stands behind Iselin like Alith and Bodil stand behind me, and Ciara, Kari and Jane stands to the side. They have lovely matching blue dresses, and small gold jewellery woven into their hair that also match.


    The V?lva starts to talk and welcomes everyone to the marriage between me and Iselin. She says that Iselin''s bride price have been given to her parents Iuli and Gyra, and is partially the farm and land where they get to live and farm for the rest of their lives, and all the animals that are theirs. Iselin''s parents are so terribly happy and proud of their daughter and their new life. We make our vows to honour and protect each other for the rest of our lives.


    Then the V?lva calls the attention of the gods and asks them to bless the marriage and give us many healthy children. Elvira and Hrappr appear with a large pig that is led to the altar, and V?lva Gauthild sacrifices the pig to Freya and collects the blood in a bowl which she places back on the altar. Iselin is so divinely beautiful in her lovely white dress and the sunlight makes it shines, and she is so happy that there is slight tears that she gently wipes away from her eyes. She isn''t alone in that amongst the people attending.


    There are more blessings. The V?lva pours some blood over her forehead, and then she dips a small leafy twig into the blood and I feel the drops hit as she flick warm blood on my face. Probably not a large amount, but it feels like it. I just try to focus on not licking my lips or wiping away the blood. Iselin gets the same procedure and my smile widen when I see that Iselin has pulled her fur coat closed to protect the dress, and V?lvan is skilled enough so that no blood appears to stain her white dress, if anything even hit the fur.


    The V?lva says more but I mostly zone out as I have a hard time pulling my attention from Iselin. This wonderful, nerdy, smart and gorgeous woman before me will soon be my fantastic wife. I notice the Midg?rd addition when the V?lva asks if anyone present has any objection to the marriage, and if so they must speak now or be forever silent about it. Gunhild and Hillevi grip their spears tighter behind Iselin and narrow their eyes as they gaze on the guests. I guess the same is happening behind me. After a few seconds when no one says anything, but we see many smiling faces, the rings are asked for and Caecilia and Ciara give us a gold ring each, and I thread the ring on Iselin''s finger, and she thread the ring on my finger. I didn''t expect a carved dragon theme on the rings, and the style is a bit modern western dragon mixed with Alfheimr viking style. The V?lva speak;


    "As witnessed by the Gods and people present; Robert and Iselin, you are now married, and it is time to kiss the bride."


    I take Iselin in my arms and kiss her, but it quickly change to Iselin wildly and intensly kissing me with her hands wrapped around my neck. In this culture it''s better to exaggerate than a chaste kiss, and with one hand behind her neck and another around her back, I gracefully lean Iselin to the side and down as we continue to kiss, to the sound of guards hitting their spears against their shields and the cheering of our guests.


    As we separate after the follow-up kiss, we see Caecilia standing beside with us a beautiful pillow, and on it is Iselin''s new gold crown. A very pretty small gold crown inspired by a wreath with golden leaves and glittering translucent green gemstones interwoven in the intricate design, with the largest gem beautifully placed in the front center. I lift the verdant crown from Iselin''s head and hand it to the V?lva, before taking the gold crown in my hands. This crown is not for tradition and show, and she will really be a Furstess. A small flash of light draws my attention to the center gem and when it happens again a few seconds later, I realise that the small blinking green LED light I made, is hidden behind the center gem.


    Iselin have a wicked smile and cutely bites her lip. Oh, she knows - and is probably the one who installed the flashing circuit. My fantastic wife! I have a big smile as I place the crown on Iselin''s head, and they cheer more as Iselin takes the opportunity to kiss me once more. Few here will truly understand that little light, and how unique it is, but Iselin does, and now her crown have a bit of ''magic'' and a bit of Midg?rd.


    The V?lva calls out that the married couple will now mount their horses, and then Alith will signal the start of the bridal race, i.e. the race back to the mansion main entrance stairs. Usually it is the family who comes last who has to pour the other family''s drinks, but in this case it will just be a contest for the honour of being first, and the person who comes last will have to pour drinks for all the other guests for the evenings first toast.


    The guards walk forward and stand in a practised formation with their spears raised and the points facing each other so that there is a small archway beyond the benches where Hrappr is waiting with the horses, and I and my wife Iselin walk hand in hand there. Iselin''s horse has the new side saddle Jane designed. When we sit there in the saddles and are ready, all the guests on the benches gets ready to start running. The stairs are about 1km away on the other side of the bay. An unusually long stretch with uphill at the end, at least taking several minutes to do, but that just means it''s a proper race. Walking is okay and something we expect many to do, but that means the start and finish is more important so it seems like a race. It''s after all about being first, and not being last. Where in the middle doesn''t matter. If you run at the start, you''re part of the race. Guests don''t have to take part, especially pregnant women, someone wounded or the old and frail, but this is a physically harsh world, and taking part is showing the other guests and new in-laws that you''re fit and strong. Show - don''t tell.


    A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    Alith hands her spear to Bodil, takes the musket from her back and walks over to the V?lva at the altar, before raising the barrel in a high angle out over the sea, and cocking the gun.


    The shot scares the horses a bit, but we are prepared to hold them in and Hrappr helps. The horses have started to get used to shots since their paddocks and stables are only a couple of hundred meters from the shooting range, but we don''t trust that. We start riding back to the mansion. We don''t have to do it particularly fast to still beat everyone by a good margin, and it doesn''t matter if we come first or not. There is a bit of chaos, as some are running but many have been too shocked by the shot, and look at the musket and Alith as she casually shoulder the musket as she jogs to the horse Gunhild is holding for her. Which reminds some guests to start running, and that snap other guest out of their shock. Some run more than others, like Olafr who knew how it was going to sound and wasn''t shocked, but Olafr is already breathing hard and seems to loose steam. Olafr is not fast or graceful, and will soon be passed. Alith and Gunhild use the horses to catch up with us and ride escort all the way.


    Once back at the mansion, we wait for our guests, and we have time for a quick wash of our faces. I''ve could really have done without the blood. The distance was far too far for most of the runners, but the mood is high and everyone cheers when Digraldi becomes last after Olafr unexpectedly sprinted the last 100 meters. Digraldi graciously accept defeat as he reach the stairs, and Olafr staggers to get up and they embrace each other to more cheers.


    I place my sword on the doorstep and stand in the door, before lifting Iselin over the doorstep and the sword to show I welcome her into my home. Iselin gracefully picks up my sword and gives it to me, as a symbol that I now protect her, and gives me another kiss. Which becomes two. Which becomes a long one, and Iselin casual wave her hand, signalling that our guests need to wait. Not that our guests mind.


    The procession goes around the mansion and the wing to the pavilion, where I draw my sword and forcefully stab it into the roof as we enter the pavilion. The sword goes through and pokes out a decimeter on the outside, to great cheers because the deeper the blade goes in, the better it is for the future of the marriage, and the tradition is meant for thatched roofs. Not solid wood. The fact that I discretely found and marked a weaker spot a couple of days ago while checking the grains, and discretely practised stabbing upwards like this, is probably a big reason for my success. But of course, perhaps that is an indication about the future of the marriage as well. The prepared and methodical has a greater chance of success, than one who just relies on luck. I don''t believe in omens or signs, so did it for Iselin''s sake; she wants everything about the marriage ceremony to be perfect.


    The pavilion is beautifully decorated, and the guests definitely appreciate it. The chandeliers hardly make it any less luxurious and there is a lot of ''oohs'' and ''aahs'' as they''re lit. Digraldi pours drinks, and once everyone is gathered at the tables, my wife Iselin and I welcome them to the feast. Iselin lifts our shared cup of honey mead and blesses it and us with a long verse before giving the cup to me who makes the Thor''s hammer sign and make a short blessing to Odin before I drink about half. Yuck. Then I give the cup back to Iselin who blesses it to Freya and empties it, to cheering guests. This signals the start of the feast, and with the sunshine shining in through the removed wall sections on the south side, the gods seem to be smiling on our marriage.


    <hr>


    It is a good feast, just way too much honey mead, but the food is good and so is the company. I''m getting drunk, and the law and tradition is that I have to be, but this is the first time I''ve really gotten drunk. Stupid law and tradition.


    The musicians deserve their silver, and Baugeid is a skilled musician, singer and storyteller, but one of the feasts highlights is when the mansion''s music group performs some pieces of music they have practised. ''Hijo de la luna'' goes over well and honestly sounds awesome on Caecilia and Ciara''s two harps, with Jane on the simple drum set and Gunhild on flute. They have put together quite a good collection of instruments. Their version of Tenacious D''s ''Tribute'' is unexpected, and Caecilia is clearly having fun singing how she ran into a drunk Loki who challenged her, and she won, but afterwards she can''t remember the song and this is just a tribute to that song, and it was probably Freya who helped her because she is a h¨®ra. Baugeid will definitely learn that song. The cheers dies down as Gunhild walks into the center and begins to clap a rhythm, and the others in the music group join her and stomp. When they''ve done it three times, I realise it''s Queen''s ''We Will Rock You'' and I start to do it in tempo, urging the guests to do the same. The text they created is better suited to the audience than the original, which we are only two who would understand anyway, and when Gunhild, Caecilia, Jane, Ciara are also joined by Alith, Bodil and Hillevi in the chorus "We will, we will feast!" they quickly gets the guests to join the chant. The end to the song is clearly their own, and it works way better. The mood is raised even further when they continue with their own version of Sabaton''s ''Swedish Pagans''. Iselin definitely knows that introduction and gets the rest of the guests to join in the chant.


    Another highlight of their performance is when Ciara and Caecilia on harps with Jane on drums start playing Lindsey''s ''Shadows'', and I love that Ciara and Caecilia have a ''harp duel'' in the appropriate part. All of a sudden, Iselin gets out of her chair and drags me along. I''m worried about having to dance, but Iselin sits me down on a chair that Elvira place on the floor just as we get there, and then Iselin starts dancing to Shadows in her beautiful white wedding dress with her beautiful hair that whips around. Very appreciated and she must practised a lot. It''s not like how Lindsey dance in the video, but Iselin''s happy and seductive dance in front of and around me fits her, and there is moments when it feel like it''s just the two of us here. When she finishes it''s to great cheers, applause and whistles that I stand up and catch her as she jump into my arms, followed by hugging and kissing. We give Ciara, Caecilia and Jane a thanks and applause.


    We return to our seats at the head table to cheers, when Caecilia and Jane start playing Cecilia Vennersten''s ''Most Beautiful''. But Iselin starts singing to me. She does most of it sitting on my lap turned towards me, and I sing along. It''s so obvious they''ve been practising this secretly to surprise me, and Iselin has a beautiful voice, and she should sing more. We both have tears as the song ends, and so do a lot of the guests, before they start cheering and banging on the tables.


    It''s a bit of a shame that we can''t dance to the music Iselin would probably have preferred, but everyone but Jane would probably be too shocked by that.


    <hr>


    Some guests comment that Iselin''s crown seems to regularly glint, as if it has caught sunlight, and those comments makes everyone look focused on Iselin who is slightly drunk and smiling. I also can''t help but smile and kiss her hand. Everyone looks at her crown and see its green gem flashing at regular intervals. Everyone just stares at Iselin''s crown and she is so incredibly pleased. She kiss me on the cheek, and tells Jalida to cover the light from one of the chandeliers with a banner. Iselin is very pleased and in the slightly darker corner, she move and dance on the spot to music only she hears, and rhythmically the center gem clearly flash green light. Jane stares with her head slightly askew, sighs, and introduces her palm to her face. Yeah, she''s got it, and I know I''m smiling too. After about half a minute, Iselin return to her chair, and gives me another kiss while giggling. The silence is deafening when Iselin nonchalant shrugs and a smile as she say:


    "I''m Furstess Iselin Robertswife of Ackerek, and sejd is a natural part of our relationship."


    Said with some suggestive twitches of her eyebrows while she bites her lower lip and giggles. Cheers, shouting and laughter.


    <hr>


    Iselin have become drunk much faster than I have, and I make her calm down a bit because I don''t want to have to have sex with her if she''s too drunk or passed out, so she drink a little less alcohol while I drink more. Yuck for honey mead, but ''man the fuck up'' - it''s worth it to make your lovely wife Iselin happy.


    <hr>


    Quite a few hours have passed and the sun has long since set, when we finally go to bed to consummate the marriage according to law. Most of the guests join us to the doors, but only Ciara, Kari, Caecilia and Alith stay inside and push the others out.


    Iselin is very drunk, and lies happily giggling on her back in bed in her beautiful white dress, with her gorgeous red hair loose and spread out around her head. Her golden crown with its flashing light have failed to keep her hair under control and is askew. I carefully remove her crown and set it aside on the table and my crown joins hers, which isn''t that easy as Iselin is trying to remove my clothes in the meantime. The shirt buttons are no fun to undo and with growing frustration, as she slips and lose her grip. Finally, Iselin have had enough and with an angry grunt she tries to rip the shirt apart and a button flies away. She growls as she furiously pulls my shirt off over my head.


    Iselin pulls me to the side so I fall backwards on the bed beside her, which is so nice to relax on. Iselin does an unsteady wiggling dance and waving her arm because the dress is in the way as she tries to get on her knees. She pulls up the dress around her hips, and I help Iselin into position, where she sink down on top of me, and shudder and smile. With my help, Iselin begins to ride me. We are man and wife, and it is the beginning of our future together.


    <hr>

 Female complications - day 1, Morning gift

    Female complications, day 1


    Day 182, 26 December.


    Morning gift.


    My head is heavy, but once my brain kicks in gear I no longer care, because I realise this is my first day waking up as a married man, and my smart nerdy goddess wife is sleeping by my side. She''s completely zonked out, one arm up over her head, her long red hair everywhere, including in her mouth. She is cutely snoring and with a bit of drool hanging from her mouth. So beautiful. So very beautiful. My wonderful and gorgeous wife, and I mean every word without sarcasm. I just lay there and gently hold my wife.


    The green flashing light from the crown on the bedside table catch my attention, and that battery should last a year or so if it is on all the time. It won''t be, so no real need to turn it off right now. I would like to see how she mounted the flashing circuit, but don''t want to disturb my wife''s sleep. My wife Iselin. I feel a mild headache and need to pee, but I don''t want to get up and disturb my wife. My wife Iselin.


    My thoughts do a leap, and I feel a wicked smile begins to spread across my face as I gently stretch and grab the compact camera. Someone has folded up the blindfold from the previous night and placed it further away on my bedside table. I take a couple of photos of Iselin ungracefully sleeping, and a couple of selfies of me with her, and then I put the camera aside. Time to wake her up, and after the first grunting protests that I''m moving, she starts to make other sounds as I''ve gone down on her, and soon she does more than sound.


    <hr>


    As I''ve planned, I fetch breakfast so I can serve my wife in bed, and find out that most people aren''t awake yet. I run into Alith and Hillevi who look unexpectedly perky and fresh, and they are surprised how perky I look. Morning zombie is my default. Alith smile and give me a nudge with her elbow.


    "My Lord is looking better than yesterday morning."


    My thoughts for a witty reply grinds to a halt, as all of a sudden Hillevi seems a bit moody, so I ask:


    "Hillevi, what''s wrong?"


    I know that evasive non-reply. I''m quite good at those. Alith elbows her and says:


    "Someone is regretting she didn''t take the opportunity and had a good previous night."


    "Alith!"


    Hillevi is mad at Alith''s directness, but she avoid looking at me. Before I take the stairs up to Iselin, I whisper, but loud enough that Alith will hear it as well;


    "If it''s just that, it should be easily to fix during a nice hour or two in the future. Just let me know."


    Hillevi just stops and looks like a goldfish as she open and closes her mouth a few times as I walk away, accompanied by Alith''s poorly restrained giggles.


    Why did I say that?


    I think about what I said as I continue up to my bedroom and Alith quickly catches up. Why did I say that? I contemplate on it, and it''s really not a big deal to me. Not any more. Which is weird. I contemplate and feel some more, and suspect that after the previous night, some mental block or norm in me has broken. As long as it doesn''t become anything more than sex, and my wife and girlfriends don''t take offence, it''s just sex. Sex with no real meaning other than pleasure. Frankly, I''m not even looking forward to having sex with Hillevi. I never did, or dreamed about having sex with any of the guards, Alith excluded. But if it happens, it happens, and that is a damn indifferent attitude. More like something Ciara would say. The sea is wet, the sky is blue, me and some woman near me are having sex. Something has definitely changed in my view about that, and not for the better.


    I really should have stopped that orgy from happening. It will have uncomfortable consequences in terms of friends and the staff, but I simply did not expect so many women to take the opportunity. Myrun, Liv, Alith, maybe Jane, Unn and a couple more, yes, because I''ve seen their looks. But it happened gradually. One by one, and I didn''t stop Jalida when she came in. Or Elvira who came right after with a beautiful sinful smile. Or Gunhild. In some twisted way, it just felt wrong to stop when more came, one after another, as if I was being unfair and they would be disappointed if I said no. I was worried about Ima, but she wanted a memory of sex where the man was the prey, so I focused on being soft and gentle with her from ''submissive'' positions, much like the first time with Ciara. But mostly I just started having sex with everyone, and tried to do it as well as possible.


    I should have stopped the orgy, but hindsight is easy. Accept reality and learn.


    Maybe it is easier to admit because I already have sex with so many on an on and off basis, and have so many girlfriends, but the sex itself is no big deal. But the sex is also not an incentive, and it feels more like it hinges on not hurting someone''s feelings because they are denied or just used. I am definitely a changed man in many ways and not for the better. That is a hell of a thing to realise as I''m about to serve my wife breakfast in bed after our wedding night.


    Alith interrupts my thoughts by whispering that Iselin''s morning gifts are prepared and will be brought forth, before whispering that they left me and Iselin alone right after we started having sex, which at least I kept track of. I don¡¯t think Iselin cared. Alith reassures that she stood guard outside until we fell asleep so no one would disturb us, and she made sure to wear earplugs. I frankly appreciate Alith''s small gesture to try and give us a more special moment, and that I was just Iselin''s. I appreciate Alith''s consideration and thought more than anything else. Then she continue by saying that Ciara immediately slipped into her room and was looked forward to lying in her bed listening to us. I should have figured she would. Did Ciara listen to the orgy? Oh well. Now it''s time to ''man the fuck up'' and give Iselin a good breakfast in bed, so I postpone my thoughts for later.


    <hr>


    Breakfast have been eaten when they arrive to separate us. Iselin will be dressed by the maidens, and then Haera and the other married women, will do Iselin''s hair in the traditional braided and set way that only married women are allowed to wear, and Iselin will get her wife''s linen. A fine piece of white cloth wrapped around her hair that signals that she is now a married woman. In the future she doesn''t have to wear it, but she can. There are many women who wear it every day due to tradition, and it also protects her hair, which a working woman on a farm appreciate. In the past, the tradition has been that unmarried women have their hair loose and married women have their hair up and in braids, but it is no longer a strict rule, although of course there are those who keep to the old traditions. Due to the work we do where hair needs to be kept away, she will probably switch between using her wife''s linen, braids or just a ponytail. Iselin likes braids or ponytails. She look damn good in both.


    A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.


    I sit in the feast hall and wait as Iselin is escorted in, and she is beaming with happiness as she approaches me. It is time for me to give her the morning gift in front of witnesses, which is the final part of the marriage ceremony according to the law and tradition. I have been preparing the morning gift for a while. It can be anything from great riches and land, to more imaginary or symbolic things. I signal to Ida who has been waiting for it, who signals on to Hrappr, who leads forth a horse outside - the horse Iselin prefers and always chooses when we ride.


    "Iselin, my morning gift to you is manifold. I give you this horse to symbolise that although you are my wife, you are not trapped in our home, and you have the freedom to travel. With the horse you can ride wherever you want, whenever you want, and the islands now have a ferry."


    There is appreciated mumbling and a little stomping by the guests. I take out the stuff I had made, and put aside the document leather tube and the small wrapped packages on top of a wooden box, and give her the box with half a kilo of gold, which she open and displays in front of those gathered. "This gold is yours to secure your own finances and future, whatever happens in our future."


    It is appreciated and very valuable, but it is not the richest morning gift. However, the look and reaction Iselin and her parents have towards the gold speaks volumes for their opinion, and it is worth around 140 ounces of silver. For the common man, that is a decades salary. Then I give her the leather tube. Iselin looks curious as she unties the laces and opens it, takes out the document and begins to read. It''s kind of cute how her lips moves as she quietly reads her way through, and I see her eyes tear up. She looks up at me, so I nod and she clears her throat before speaking with an emotional voice:


    "Robert has just given me a farm outside Borgarsandr. So I always have a place that is just mine, and I can say that I own a farm, with land to farm and live well on, but the primary reason is my own voting right in the Ting. So that ... my voice ... and opinion can be heard. Because it is ... important ... and valuable."


    Iselin can barely get the last word out, because she is so moved. It''s just the 4 mantal farm outside Borgarsandr, but it is her farm, and 4 mantal is no small thing for someone who was born a slave. Iselin knows exactly which farm it is, and now she also owns land, and receives income from its rent. Sure, it''s a small percentage of Kari''s holdings, but that''s not what it''s about. At the same time, the farm is not next to my property, so she won''t have to be reminded of me all the time if we split up. Iselin throws herself around my neck and kisses me, not caring that traditionally we should be separated until the ceremony is over. Not that I am complaining. After a minute or so, she has calmed down enough and we have separated, so I point to the pieces of wood that is leaning against the wall.


    "Iselin, I know you like to weave, so that is your very own improved horizontal loom. I know you have measured and there is space in your room, so that is all yours to weave on when you feel like it, with no pressure to finish as others are waiting their turn."


    This makes quite a few of the women present a bit jealous, because of course they have all taken a closer look at the shared loom, and been shown it by Ciara, whose turn it is to use it. Ciara has proudly sat and woven and shown how quickly it is possible to make a more difficult weave and how nice it turns out. They use all the pedals and Ciara are currently trying out patterns. Jane is about the only one who hasn''t bothered with the loom. She has tried, even a tiny bit on a vertical loom, but it is not for her. She''d rather help design patterns. She and Iselin have at least a couple of weaving projects planned. Kari prefer a simple frame rig for producing decorative ribbons. Impressive work can be made with it, but it''s pure handicraft.


    I give Iselin the next small package. She opens and looks in amazement at the hand width metal and bone creation with inlaid gold and small gems, forming ''Iselin'' in runes. She smile as gets what it is, and unfolds the knife blade on the folding knife. Then she depresses the latch and folds the blade back in, and fold out the corkscrew to open wine bottles. Iselin likes to drink wine, and now it will be easier to open a bottle. A lever style opener would be better, but this is better than nothing. Olafr is so very pleased. He is pleased with the folding knives he has made, and this one is beautifully decorated, with a cork screw as extra feature. Iselin shows the guests how beautiful the knife is and the functions, as I talk:


    "That is a folding knife with a blade lock, and it has a small clip so you can keep it on a belt or in a pocket. You don''t need a belt to carry that knife, and in a pocket the knife is discreet. The lock makes the knife much safer than the regular models, and it''s easy to open and close with one hand. The corkscrew makes it easier to open a corked bottle. The knife is a tool, and as you can see, the blade is a ''RobA'' steel blade, and with your name on the handle it becomes a whole, so together we can solve problems that life has thrown your way."


    Iselin happily and tearfully holds the folded knife to her chest, but gets a sly smile as she tucks the knife into the neckline and lets the clip hold it in place.


    "Now I carry you beside my heart!" Iselin spins around and poses a little to cheering and laughter.


    I give Iselin a key ring with all the important keys found in the manor, to symbolise that she is now the wife of the manor, both financially and with authoritarian right. The key ring have a small high-quality red-pink aluminium carabiner from my backpack, and are covered by a decorated leather key case to protect and muffle the sound, which is a small novelty, and she hangs them from her belt after showing the guests. Iselin smiles more when I whisper that the keys also have tin leather wrapped around the keys to muffle the sound so they don''t give her away when she sneaks around. The giving of the keys concludes the actual marriage ceremony and Iselin is now my wife according to the law, tradition and before witnesses. Iselin and I kiss each other, and of course there are shouts, cheers, congratulations etc., but I''m not done, and I ask everyone to calm down.


    I give Iselin the small folded piece of cloth, and when she unfolds it she sees one of the necklaces I had made. It''s gold with fine black stones and has the my logo discreetly embedded into the center with swirly patterns around it, and she shows it off before I help her slip it on above her existing necklace.


    "Iselin, in addition to the morning gift, you will receive a few more things. This necklace symbolises power and trust, and is something you can wear when you are not wearing your Furstess crown. In the future, the governance of this small furstdom will change, and we will write a new law, but until then, control over the power that my crown means is needed. Iselin; as long as we are married, you have Veto power, i.e. you have the right to block or null my decisions. Your own crown also means that if something happens to me, you will be regent with all that entails."


    This was an important declaration in front of witnesses. That my title then is hers, and the Veto power. The married partner of a regent has no real power, and succession to the throne needs to be determined. I have to cold-bloodedly consider the future of the furstdom more than what I wish and hope for the future. Should we divorce, she loses the right, and the Veto power.


    "The last thing I give you is related to being my wife. You now have full access to all the information here, and even the knowledge I know. If you ask, I will answer, so we can discuss decisions and you can stay informed or just satisfy your curiosity, but it is also your duty to protect certain information, because as you already know, this world and the people are not ready for everything. But whatever you wish to know, I will try to tell you and teach you what I can, and try to make sure you understand what that means, for better or for worse."


    The mood is more sombre and serious, and for those who know I''m from Midg?rd it''s a completely different level, but Iselin understands and she''s happy even though she understand how serious it is better than basically just Jane.


    <hr>

 Female complications - day 1, Gifts

    <hr>


    I stand with my wife Iselin beside me as we happily receive congratulations as the feast starts going again and music plays. Ciara is first and just giving us a long hug, followed by Kari who gives us separate hugs and congratulations, followed by Caecilia and Jane before Asbj?rn and his family. Since the autumn auction, I''ve been on a first-name basis with the royal couple and their daughters in public settings, and now Iselin is too, which makes her parents prouder. There is a bit of mingling and talking, and after a while, Jane comes up to us again.


    "You weren''t kidding, were you?"


    "About what?"


    "About information. No matter how horrible and bad idea it is - you will tell her? Things like weapons, torture, meteors, the plague and even the bloody atomic bomb?" Interesting choice of topics, but I nod and confirm it. "Bollocks! You really will tell her all you know how to create a bloody plague or build a nuclear weapon if she asks. I know you wouldn''t tell me, and I at least know what they are!"


    "All the details I know about everything. But the A-bomb is unbelievably hard to do for a long long time. The Manhattan project was beyond huge, and that was in 1940 tech level, in the world''s biggest industrial nation with an intact infrastructure and the motivation of the Second World War, with some of the most brilliant scientists in the world and era. Before you start messing with radiation you at least need protection and geiger counters, and just making that tube will require a big leap in technology, and then you need he electronics to go with it so that tube can be used. Building vacuum tubes is just the start, and a beyond hard project on its own. If I manage to make those tubes they will primarily be for true Alfheimr radio and telephones followed by scientific instruments. Just making copper wire on an industrial scale will be a hard project, and then you have to build huge complexes with high precision machines just to separate Uranium 235 from Uranium 238. That is hard and difficult to do with modern Midg?rd equipments. You don''t just throw a high speed precision centrifuge together, and the details and materials will be incredibly important. And how do Uranium ore look? Or Plutonium. You could throw that at me and I wouldn''t know!"


    "I knew you knew a lot about the A-bomb!" Jane gives me a smug smile. And she managed to get me started on a topic again. Damn.


    "Anyway, nuclear stuff will probably take centuries, but my Academy and what I create will be messing up a lot of timetables from our history, so a nuclear reactor might be sooner, but until they have that huge need for electric power they will have plenty of water, wind, geothermal and wave power, and I will try to direct Alfheimr towards efficient insulation, geothermal and heat pumps - which all are way easier and more useful than nuclear shit. Refrigeration tech will change food logistics and storage. I pretty much hope to start Alfheimr on a technological and environmental sustainable path before it becomes a crisis, so hopefully they will move past that great filter. In the end I trust Iselin to understand not to ask, and if she does, not to tell or write some things down. But I will teach her and others the dangers of radiation, so I hope to make a geiger counter."


    Jane just shakes her head and looks at Iselin who is curious what we talked about, as with a serious tone she say: ¡°Iselin. Don''t ask about some things in detail. Robert knows too much and it''s better that this world doesn''t know, because there are and will be madmen and power-hungry leaders and fanatics. Let some knowledge die with us."


    As Jane walks away, I can''t quite agree with her reasoning. That the knowledge dies does not change the fact that it can be rediscovered, and probably will be discovered again. When knowledge dies, so do the lessons about what the technology can lead to. What came so close to happened several times. That Midg?rd has a few people to thank for us not already experiencing Nuclear War. That the third world war has not happened so far. The only safe world is a world without nuclear weapons. It''s one of those things humanity just shouldn''t have created and stockpiled. VX gas and such is similar. The great secret of nuclear weapons is that they are surprisingly easy to make with the right knowledge in a modern world, if you can get hold of the nuclear material and just want the destruction. Especially if you don''t care about efficiency, storage and security. The more Nuclear weapons there are in the world, the more likely one will end up in the wrong hands. Especially from unstable governments with religious people, or dreams of an empire or their own supremacy. Every government that have them in Midg?rd fall under that description.


    But nuclear power and radioactivity is too important and useful knowledge in the long run, as long as it is used correctly, and that is really the most important information to know. The damage radiation does to the body is important knowledge, and Alfheimr does not need its own Radium Girls, and people who get sick and die from radiation or get cancer due to poorly chosen building materials, or just something like asbestos. It is also better that they avoid a bad reactor design and fuel that requires long-term storage of spent fuel, and learn the lessons from Chernobyl or Fukushima. Can they research in peace and quiet before the need arises, maybe they can skip dumb intermediate steps.


    <hr>


    The celebration starts again, and will last a week. It doesn''t have to be a week, but for larger more important weddings it is tradition for them to last a week, and it is a sign of wealth and status to be able to have a feast that lasts a week. Since I am a regent, and I''m new to this culture, it would be bad if we didn''t. And our wedding will be properly done. Thankfully, a long wedding feast is not just long sessions of sitting and drinking mead and eating in a feast hall. In addition to just spending time with the guests and letting guest talk with other guests, there will be all kinds of games, competitions, tours on the island and other activities. There fairly good and steady wind coming from the south, so I give Siri a kite, which is immediately used, and draws a bit of crowd as she learns to use it. Once we come inside I give Myrun, Maurr, Jolfr, Olafr, Digraldi, Danr and Hagan a Risk game each. Asbj?rn have a Risk game, and he receives a large wooden box with tabletop miniatures and terrain, and from the look and reaction when he opens the box and sees what it is, I guess Asbj?rn really likes the gift. Of course they soon enthusiastically play those games with many volunteers. Jane whisperingly complain it''s such a nerdy thing to do at a bloody wedding feast.


    This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.


    As we play I tell the royal couple that hopefully the construction happening behind the merchant house in Borgarsandr will be finished this winter. It will be filled with large ice blocks, and my merchant house have an ice box waiting for them. So they should be able to store food and drinks in that ice box in the coming summer. It will be an experiment I hope they are willing to participate in, to see how well it goes, how much ice is used and how long the ice lasts. They are definitely willing, and there is no doubt their cook will love it. She is amusingly jealous of the mansion kitchen and all the amenities and possibilities. They have of course already seen the ice box we have, and the ice house here. Now during winter, the icehouse is not particularly discrete, and it is easy to see from the pavilion. It is after all located right by the road across the island. The hot box is something Asbj?rn already intends to have made. It can be as simple as a wooden box with a lot of hay, where a large boiled pot is placed, and insulated with more hay or hay pillows on top and provides slow cooking over a couple of hours, or just keeps the food really hot. It is actually impressively efficient, practical and labour saving, and something that has already spread to several households on the island. I have already ordered a special ice box and a hot box to have in my ship the Millennium Eagle, because with some heated stones in the hot box, food can be kept warm for a day, and no fire to worry about. Warm food on a cold and rainy day at sea is nice.


    <hr>


    I''ve managed to work out that it couldn''t have been Sefa in the shower - which is good and bad - and I''ve come up with a way to give Haera a subtle hint I know, and am damn curious to see if and how she reacts, before I start worrying about that it might have been Ulfarna. I''ve been thinking of giving a few more gifts, but I check with Kari and Iselin first to make sure there isn''t anything negative or a problem with the gift, or how it might be perceived when given to someone''s wife. After their okay, I buy one of Jane''s gold dragon rings, and while Asbj?rn is busy trying to beat Myrun in a tabletop battle, I give Haera a small black cloth packet.


    "Jane also designs jewellery, so I hope you enjoy the gift, because such a gift can only be given once and not again."


    Haera reacts a bit to my funny choice of words, but I''m still learning Norse so not uncommon I have trouble finding words or say it in a slightly weird way. Haera unfold the cloth and see the gold dragon ring. I don''t think she pretends to likes the ring, but she reacts to the piece of cloth that is the blindfold I wore in the shower. For a few brief moments she reacts to the cloth more than the ring, giving me and the blindfold quick glances before collecting herself and putting on a happy face, thanking for the gift and saying she likes it. She puts the ring on the middle finger of her left hand, carefully folds the blindfold and holds it in her left hand while again admiring the ring. Haera catch my eyes, then look pointedly at the piece of cloth instead of the ring, then back at me, as she smiles:


    "It''s a precious gift, and the memory of when I received it will be cherished."


    My face gives no reaction I can prevent as I excuse myself and leave, and I''m now pretty sure who it was in the shower. And that it cannot happen again. Holy feck. What the hell made Haera take that chance? Is it the first time? Does Asbj?rn know what his wife might do? How the hell do I even bring up the subject?! Definitely after the wedding feast. If even then. I think Asbj?rn loves Haera, but that might lead to a damn divorce between them. What if they have a fallout and Haera tells him? And that I didn''t tell him? Feck!


    I continue with the rest of my special gifts to women, and give Liv a small cloth wrapped package with a silver butt plug, saying it''s for the project we have and open it in private. Unn and Gauthild are curious but Liv discretely peeks into the package, gets a ''huh?'' look on her face, before her face lights up and she smiles as she thanks me, before excusing herself. I thank Gauthild for the wedding ceremony and give her a small spyglass telescope, to more easily see distant objects. A different kind of sejd as a thank you for her sejd during the ceremony, and she is fascinated by the telescope as I show her how to use and take care of it. Gauthild absolutely know how much similar monoculars went for at the Auction.


    Liv returns and whispers: "It''s a wonderful gift. It fits nicely and I will think of you when I wear it."


    <hr>


    Most residents on the islands come by and congratulate us. All dressed up and having made themselves pretty. We have been prepared for this as everyone said it was pretty much guaranteed to happen. We thank everyone and give each adult one ounce of silver, and each child gets half an ounce of silver. Ida who is a local, record who have received it so all gets it and no one is forgotten, or gets it twice. It''s very unlikely anyone will try that, but better to make sure. We also give each adult a mug of mead or cider, and each child a mug of cider or berry drink. Since I''m known to avoid mead, cider has risen in esteem. Yeah, it got some alcohol, but it taste so much better.


    We didn''t have to give anything, or could have just given some coins or offered some mead, but there aren''t that many people living here and it''s worth the silver just for the PR.


    Show, don''t tell.


    <hr>


    The guests are impressed with the pendulum clock, and that I let the staffs common room have its own, which somehow also makes a bell across the hall ring to wake them up in the morning. Digraldi understands that pendulum clocks compete with the sundials he sells, but he understands that pendulum clocks are far more advanced and much more difficult to make and expensive. He is happy with how many sundials have been sold to my merchant empire and other traders, and there is a demand for more decorated models, which he is currently making. Our talk reminds both him and us that we should get our share of the silver, and he sends his maid to get it. Digraldi take the opportunity to inquire about an agreement about candle lanterns, so we make a deal. He will make the agreement with the glass manufacturer. There will probably be an agreement on oil lamps and lanterns in the future, but they require a lot more work, especially the storm lanterns, which frankly should be stamped out parts from a press. I also wants to improve the oil lanterns in the coming summer, both in light output and trying to reduce the smell. Most might not care, but I sure do. Digraldi will be manufacturing many parts for the coming spring auction, and I have plenty of other projects for him, so I assure him that he will get a lot of orders to bring back home after the feast week. He will be very busy.


    As I leave, Bodil glides up beside me and as she updates me about different things, I learn that Myrun have been curious about the servant system receivers in the staff room. She or her maid have look at the device in the staff room, while the other have pressed the button in the main hall. Myrun is curious and smart. She hasn''t said anything, but I think she guesses it''s something special because of how it sounds and how the text wheel changes instead of one of several small bells jingling. Everyone has seen the servant system boxes that are in pretty much every room, including on a post in the pavilion, and they have been shown and told what it is for. They are strange, but at least Asbj?rn and Haera know about systems with cords and bells, and they themselves have a simpler system in the castle, so it''s not that different except in the design and that they don''t see any cords. The copper wires are built in to protect them, but a similar thing could have been made to hide cords. What is surprising and different is the receiver box. Very few guests have actually gone in and look at that system, but of course the visiting maids and guards have, and Myrun was curious.


    <hr>

 Female complications - day 1, Consequences

    <hr>


    It''s evening and it have be a good feast day. I doubt Myrun will ever let Asbj?rn forget that she defeated him the first time they battled with tabletop miniatures, at his own game. The fact that I discretely gave her a couple of important game tips when no one saw it doesn''t make the victory less sweet, for either of us. It strengthens the friendship and shows that I am not always on Asbj?rn''s side. Iselin and I drink yet another cup of honey mead, but otherwise I drink other beverages. Jane elbow nudge me as she sits down and nods at Iselin;


    "I can''t believe you gave your wife a blinking LED light as a small wedding gift. On her bloody crown! That''s just like the ultimate nerd thing to do - and very cute and precious - but seriously; what kind of wedding gift is that?"


    Jane don''t get it. Many of the women and men are so fascinated by Iselin''s crown and how it keeps flashing, again and again in the same rhythm, and Iselin is so very happy with her crown and their attention, and envy. No-one have ever heard or seen such a thing before.


    "Jane, she installed the light in her crown without telling me, although I don''t mind. And gift giving isn''t about how expensive something is. That is just throwing money at something and mostly a matter of economy. Never let yourself be bought like that, and there is rarely good intentions about giving or expecting an expensive gift, and in most cases it is just stupid. Consider a wedding ring. Except being worth money if they divorce, how expensive the ring is, is mostly to show off and feel others envy. Unless it is to convince the woman to say ''yes''. The rings worth isn''t connected to how much they love each other, and is hardly the main thing for the marriage to be happy."


    "Argh! Please! Not another lecture about shallow gestures in front of everyone, but yes; I get it."


    "The only thing that really matters is how Iselin feels about it, and just look at her. My lovely wife adores it."


    Jane snorts but nods in agreement and defeat. "She really does, but you have to admit it''s more of a trinket than a good wedding gift."


    "Trinket? Jane, there is literally tons and tons of gold, silver, jewels and precious stones in this world. Too many animals to count and continents of land. But there is only one of those small circuits, and one of those really powerful 5mm green LEDs here. No one, no matter how rich or powerful can buy or build another - and that includes me. That is the only one in this world for probably hundreds of years. That green LED would have been a technical wonder even in the 1980s. It is an evolution of the same tech as powerful blue LEDs, and the invention of the blue LED in the 1990s was given a Nobel prize just a few years ago. That tech was the start of the LED revolution taking place in Midg?rd. Here, for everyone but you and me, that is impressive and subtle magic. They won''t understand your ring, and won''t see it worth much. But that? Sharp intense pure green light without fire - blinking too, which fire just doesn''t do - in a crown she can wear? Just think about that and how everyone else looks at it."


    "Okay, I guess it really is unique here. But a marriage gift should last, and how long will that last before the battery drains or rain destroys it?"


    "I have sealed the circuit in melting glue taken from a mod I did, and its free form with surface mounted parts so it''s very small, and it only has two battery connections going out, made in gold, so it''s quite durable as long as you don''t hit it with a hammer. Iselin already let me know that just like me she won''t wear that crown every day, so I might have to put the blinker in a pendant for a necklace, and a future pendant will protect it against rain or reasonable violence. The circuit is a design known as a ''joule thief'' and it is a highly effective energy drainer, so it will drain that battery completely flat before it stops, even if the tempo will slow down as it goes far below what most would call a dead battery. It will flash even with something as simple as a battery made of fruit. There is a small external on-off switch, but even without turning it off, that battery will probably last a year or more, flashing 24-7. The light itself might last decades, even though the LED will dim with age, and the first thing to go will probably be its capacitor, but it is not an common electrolytic which is usually the weakest point in electronic circuits. I really can''t predict when it will finally stop working. The battery will eventually give ut, but it is a long-life lithium with 10 years shelf life. The circuit? The rest of her life is likely. Or far more. I built stuff like that when I was 12 that still works - 24 years later."


    Jane looks at me and is quite impressed. "Seriously?!" I just nod. "And flashing for a year or more? Well. Okay. It''s an rather impressive little magic light." Jane rolls her eyes and makes a resigned sigh with a small sad smile. "Of course it would be. You made it for Iselin."


    The feast is going on in the background, but I gesture for Jane to come along and she follows me out to the greenhouse where we sit down for some solitude. A lantern hangs to provide some cosy light, and we look out over the moonlight-lit landscape and how it glistens in the bay and on the sea. It is nice to sit there with some green plants around us, but to scare the guests, the heating fan is only on at night. The night is after all when it is most needed to keep the temperature up. The feast hall and house decorations have received much appreciation and compliments, and several have commented on the small hiding gnomes. There are two just out here. As far as I''ve noticed. Siri seems to have taken it as a challenge to find all of them.


    "Half a year ago, we arrived here in Alfheimr. We''ve now been here for six months."


    We just sit there in silence and look out. A lot has happened, good and bad, but it''s still fitting that my half year coincides with me becoming a married man today. A lot has happened in this time, but we are sitting here in a warm comfortable house, with enough food for the winter and strong finances. All my plans and ideas may not have gone as planned and I have made mistakes and been naive - still am - but I have been both lucky and unlucky. I''m not complaining how it went, or the bad things. Accept reality. Learn. Move on. However, that is another question to address, which is why we''re out here, so I take a deep breath and ask:


    "Jane. The stag night and orgy you instigated. Seriously? That was so far out of our western traditions it''s kind of ridiculous. We''ve never slept with each other, but you sure fucked me pretty good, and I was kind of expecting you to take the opportunity after you created it. Why the orgy?"


    It''s almost scary how quickly Jane''s mood have plummeted and she looks sad and doesn''t want to look at me any more.


    "I''m so very very sorry for that, but please don''t take this as me trying to apologise for something that can''t be undone. I get that now. Bloody hell, do I get it. I really cocked up and I''m gutted over it. It was such a damn good opportunity that I didn''t think to not abuse it." Okay, not the reaction I expected. "Do you remember the day in the garden, when I accepted to be your painter and so on? What you told me in about how a lot of women think you''re attractive, and bribed and blackmailed you to have sex with them?"


    I nod. Jane is quiet and sad, avoiding looking at me as she continues to talk. She looks at her hands in her lap, and she seems miserable.


    "I thought it was bollocks and you were exaggerating and boasting, just because you''re a slightly overweight 36 year old nerd. But I was gobsmacked when it quickly became apparent that you weren''t. I don''t think you really understand exactly how big of a broad magnet you are here, and that is after what happened at the Tosra festival. I''ve heard a lot of women talking. The bloody Queen asked me pointed questions when they visited for the auction two months ago and I sketched her. She deliberately steered the conversations that way and she didn''t go to the auction, just so that she could talk with me. About you and us." I just stay silent. Maybe that''s the starting point for Haera''s plan? "So yeah, I was a stupid bitch and a complete moron and took the opportunity to create an orgy for you, just to really see it for myself and give you a completely messed up wedding gift, and get back at you in some kind of twisted stupid revenge for our games. But then - when I realised what would happen - I regretted it, and I was even more of a bitch and a coward and pretended nothing was wrong and didn''t tell you. Didn''t tell the others the truth. And then it was too late."


    This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.


    Tears run down Jane''s cheeks and I try to comfort her, but she immediately push me away.


    "NO!! Don''t try to console me! I really don''t deserve it. You are my best friend, my only real true friend. You put things aside to cheer me up when I''m depressed, and have given me wonderful things only you could, and you have been so very very kind to me. You''ve given me a really great life here with safety and freedom to do whatever I want. Given me a wonderful future, and pay for it all without even asking prices, and definitely without expecting sexual favours in return. You''re the best friend I''ve ever had. And how do I repay that?" Jane lets out a really deep sigh and close her eyes as tears stream down. "It''s bad enough I forced you into becoming Kari''s dominating sex partner, a role you said you didn''t want, and as the moron I am kept pushing for it, and now you''re stuck with it. But the orgy was much worse - so much worse - and I know you didn''t want it, and how you deliberately hadn''t told them a lot of things.


    Robert, I... I practically forced you to be gang raped on the night before your wedding and it really is all my fault, and to make it even worse I tricked all your female friends, acquaintances and staff to do it. I can''t help but think about; what if the genders where swapped? If you had told something like that about me. If social pressure would force me into having sex with 17 guys I live with and who work for me, and all my male friends on the night before my wedding. The utter nightmare that would be and all the consequences after. Having to pretend it''s all good, how proud I am over it, and that it doesn''t change anything, when it changes everything."


    Jane leans back, still with her eyes closed as she speaks, finding it harder to speak as she snorts with tears streaming down her face.


    "It''s not just something that can be erased and apologised for with a simple worthless ''sorry''. I realised you can only really say ''sorry'' if it''s replaceable or can be undone - otherwise it''s an empty gesture. But something like that can''t really be apologised for. It''s like trying to say ''sorry'' to someone you just killed. It won''t bring them back. It won''t make it better. The only thing you really can do is learn, and try to make the sacrifice you forced on someone else mean something. I understood that you must have learned that hard truth being bullied as a child, and how it must have felt for you when a bully said ''sorry'', and then the adults expected you to forgive them, and everything to be alright. Yeah right that will teach the bully a hard lesson. It''s not turning the other cheek and be the better person, it''s just rubbing salt in the wounds and complete bollocks. I was gutted when I realised I''ve been saying ''sorry'' most of my life, and it says a lot about me as a person and my life, that I haven''t realised that before now. It''s cold hard truth what you said way back then; an apology is pretty meaningless for your victim, and it is just to make yourself feel better. I wish I had really understood that then, but I didn''t learn. Instead I did a horrible stupid thing too my best friend and the most important person in my life. I know you don''t see it like that, but still... You would have had the strength to stop it if you really knew and wanted to. Say ''no'' and not care about how your manliness was judged, or probably do some quick thinking and get out of it still on top. I desperately hoped you would. Again rescue me from my own epic idiotic cock up and cowardness. But I made them blind side you and force it in front of everyone."


    Jane lets out a deep sigh, but I have no idea what to say.


    "It still wouldn''t change what I did, and I have learned that there should be consequences. If this were Midg?rd half a year ago, I would probably have written an SMS or email saying I was sorry, and you would have never heard from me again. I would have taken the arsehole bitch way out. As usual. I bought an apartment in fookin'' New York! New life. Out of sight, out of mind. Contact blocked. I wanted to cry and hide in my room, trying to ignore what was going to happen in your room, and forget that night ever happened. But there should be consequences, and everything I saw reminded me of you. What you did for me, and not just the big things like this wonderful house I was in, my room, the bed I was lying in and the clothes I wore. The phone charging. The web server. The very music I listened to trying to distract me. You even made my ring more special with facts - just to cheer me up. I felt so unbelievably dirty, foul and loathed myself. I still do.


    So instead I spent the entire evening forcing myself to sit outside your bedroom in your dark office, with the door open and blinds over the windows. Thinking my life over while listening, seeing glimpses when the door opened. Hearing and counting as my heart was breaking over and over. Searing it into my stupid brain so I would learn. So I wouldn''t cock up like that ever again. I managed to stop a couple from entering that you wouldn''t want to have sex with, but I couldn''t even do that well enough. I was hoping you wouldn''t ask about this, but I always knew it was a matter of time and you would figure it out sooner or later, and I couldn''t lie to you about this. It''s the least you deserve. I was just hoping it would be after the feast. Now you have to excuse me, because I have to go cry my heart out and collect myself. Don''t stop me or come after me, and I will be back tomorrow and we can pretend nothing happened. Try to be happy with the feast even though I now realise I bollocked that up too. Bugger! Nice one, Jane. I never think!"


    Jane gets up and walks away. But she''s right. In many ways. I understand her reasoning no matter what I think about it, but as Freddy Mercury sang; The show must go on. He made that recording in one take when he was terribly ill from AIDS and just a month or so before he died.


    But no matter what. This is not the end of my life. Accept reality. Learn. Live on. I apologise and say it''s memories and people who are not here, and that today is six months since we arrived here in Alfheimr. I go to my workshop, wash off in some cold water and have a moment to myself. I lie on the sofa for a bit and look at the ceiling, to the murmur of the feast outside the window. Work a bit with an hourglass and fills it with fine powdered eggshell. At least I got some use for my mortar. Ciara comes in and joins me where I sit. We watch the sand together as it slowly flows down and I just hold Ciara. She is my solid rock in the storm. She likes Sarek''s song ''Through Fire and Water'', and is learning it.


    I sit there thinking about what Jane said as I take my time and slowly watch the ''sand'' flow. She said 17. When I count, that must include the Queen unless I''ve missed one, but other than that there aren''t that many more candidates, I''m pretty sure Jane hasn''t missed a single one, and she said she failed to do a good job. I also know that neither she nor I can ever talk about it with anyone else. Iselin, Kari and Ciara may never know, but we need to talk after the feast week. Ciara rouses me from my bad grinding thoughts when she points out that the sand has stopped flowing. So I stop the phone''s timer, calculate how many seconds have passed, open the hourglass and add the correct amount to make it 20 minutes. I put the hourglass back together, and start a 18 minute countdown as I turn the hourglass over. Ciara has left my arms, but instead of leaving the room as expected, she locks the door, pulls out a sleeping pad and blanket, and begins to undo her belt and dress laces.


    "You''ve been staring too much at sand that doesn''t need to be stared at, the alarm is on and you need cheering up."


    Ciara pulls her dress over her head, and sits naked on my lap as she kiss me, making sure to cheer us up in her usual way, which I''m way too receptive to. Especially now. Newly married to Iselin since this morning, but I love my cuddly sexy fanatic. I love Ciara, differently from the others, but I would be rightfully happy with only her in my life.


    <hr>


    The feast day ends with me launching three firework rockets and for many who have not seen them before, it is an great experience. Apart from Jane''s confession, overall it has been a good day, especially as I can once again go to bed with my wonderful wife Iselin. This time we are sober and can really enjoy each other.

 Female complications - day 2, Sejd

    Female complications, day 2


    The feast continues


    Sejd


    Jane joined us for breakfast and we pretended everything was okay. I have to talk to Jane again in the future, about several things, but not during the feast. The weather has turned cold, especially during the night, but the guests are Norse, so that it is a little cold walking here from the various houses doesn''t really matter. They expect the winter to be cold and dark, and houses to have cold, drafty sections, so the pavilion as a party venue works very well for them. Even with a bit of cold draft, the pavilion if quite hot and even gets a little too hot when there are a lot of us here and both fireplaces are lit. Hillevi have discretely whispered that there is no smoke or problem down in the secret panic room bunker, even when the pavilion''s fireplaces are lit, and those fireplaces also works fine and quickly gets the bunker warm and cosy. Still, I''m glad that I got them to make a roof over the short stair section down from the mansion to the pavilion, but it would be better with some kind of side protection, so a bit of stretched canvas will keep the wind and snow away and make it more sheltered, and some sand will stop the stone stairs from being slippery ice. In the future, I''ll make sure that the stairs gets proper temporary walls just like the pavilion, because any other solution is simply ugly. A few steep canvas roofs will also be tied up to keep the path to the greenhouse from being too snowy.


    The greenhouse doubles as an excellent outdoor space and makes for interesting discussions, and with both hatches open and the fan running at night, the waste heat from the boiler room keeps it at a better temperature. To be able to be outside but inside and warmer at the same time, feels enormously luxurious for everyone except me and Jane. See the snow lightly landing on the glass, melting and dripping away while there is greenery all around them. None of the elves have experienced something like it before. Jane and I have. Krosp definitely appreciates it, and have his own spot in the corner where he can overlook the nature below, while being protected from wind, rain and cold. There is just the issue with trying to prevent Krosp from pooping in the flower pots. Of course he prefer digging a hole inside the greenhouse when it''s snowing or slush outside, so simple wooden lids are being used, and we''re trying to teach Krosp that it''s not okay. But it is hard to catch him in the act, and like all cats he completely deny any association or responsibility when poop is found. I might have to ask Ciara to keep her eye on him and catch him a couple of times, because Ciara seems to be the only person Krosp truly respect.


    Unn loves the greenhouse and understands how much better it will be to keep plants alive all year round, and how plants that cannot survive here all of the sudden can. Unn is completely fascinated by the possibilities that a greenhouse provides, and has already started saving silver to buy glass windows to build her own proper greenhouse, and to make it cheaper for her, I will let her ''buy'' some of all the glass I will order. After all, I have plans for a truly large greenhouse south of the Academy, and with all the other glass, her greenhouse will be a vanishingly small amount. Unn is really looking forward to the coming years and experiments with greenhouses, fruit walls, and try using some rock walls as natural fruit walls.


    If I''m interpreting Caecilia correctly, I think she''s actually interested too, because they''ve been talking a lot in the last few weeks, and Caecilia has gotten involved and listens attentively and helps, but that so do Kari and Iselin. Or it''s just a sign of how socially smart Caecilia is because she knows I value the greenhouse and what it produces, which she of course understand. I hope it''s because Caecilia finds the subject seems interesting, as another interest and hobby beside music and painting might distract her from thinking about sex so much. I don''t think that even as a teenager my mind was that sexually focused. It feels quite ironic that I wish my courtesan were less focused on sex. My life have become so strange.


    Frankly, everyone loves the greenhouse because we already have significantly more vegetables and more variety in our diet than the common winter-hardy vegetables that grow in the vegetable garden by the barns. Both Jalida and Elvira look forward to vegetables they recognise from their childhood and the dishes it enables. Of course, the maids or the guards are not allowed to eat much of the greenhouse''s luxury goods, as it is mainly for me and my sambos, Jane and guests, but everyone takes that for granted. They''re slightly surprised to getting some, but that is because it grows quite quickly in there, and the staff has Sunday dinners that are a bit more luxurious. Generally their food is luxurious and better compared to what many of them have lived on previously in life, especially during the winter. They even get some snacks, as things like honey or sugar candied nuts with a bit of salt or buns aren''t particularly expensive, and something I''m happy they''ve managed to do well and tasty enough.


    I am already planning to build a larger and free standing greenhouse as part of the Academy grounds, but sooner or later we will build a garden south of the mansion, but probably also east and down to the road. It will be ha heck of a lot of work to make a wall on the cliff, then carry up soil etc, and the garden will have a funny shape, and be in several terraces due to differences in height and the shape of the cliff and rock. Not optimal to have a garden on top of a cliff, but if the soil is thick enough, it will be fine, because there is always gravel, stone or rocks somewhere below the topsoil, regardless of where it is in the world. It''s more a matter of fertilizing and watering, and the garden won''t have standing water if done right. If I''m really smart and doing it right, a larger drainage tunnel could be made under the center of the garden that collects the flow from small side tunnels. A drainage tunnel big enough to at least crawl through with the excuse of being able to keep the tunnel clean, and as a ''bonus'' it can be right outside one of the escape routes, so the drainage tunnel becomes an escape route. No-one have been told the last bit, but everyone agree that gardens on the cliff would be good and would make Thrymheim nicer and more protected. That name Thrymheim will definitely stick, because everyone but me uses it.


    However, there is food and snacks I miss from my old life. Chocolate would be nice, but potatoes are what I miss the most. Why hasn''t potato plants been transported over from Midg?rd if nature is changing places? Frankly, that might simply be answered by what nature have switched, as there isn''t any potatoes growing wild in places like Hardangarvidda. And if a patch of potatoes had ended up here, it''s unlikely to be where people are farming. Also, the Elves wouldn''t start growing potatoes without someone telling them it''s safe, because the plants resemble poisonous plants. How would they know the potatoes hidden in the ground is safe? How the hell am I going to be able to find any potato plants that have survived the trip here and survived in the wild? Unfortunately, that is incredibly unlikely. I miss potatoes. I just have to be happy for what greenhouses, fruit walls and so on will make possible.


    In a year or so when there is suitable labour available, we will build some simple terraces for cultivation on the mountain side, just to try it and show it, and Unn''s explanation to Myrun has got her interested and I have told her details. Cultivable land is scarce in some regions of Norway, especially land that is reasonably flat, and terraces may be a possibility. There is generally plenty of stone. A lot of work to make terraces, but it only need to be done once and then just maintained, so Myrun will do some experiments outside of Skiringalr. Pretty much everyone is more or less a farmer, so most people are interested in my planned streamlining and increased efficiency in farming and animal husbandry, as well as increased production.


    Food is life.


    <hr>


    It feels like our guests are all over the place; mainly the pavilion but also the greenhouse, the meeting room, the sofa on the mezzanine, the second floor sofa, the attic, etc. Add the guests maids and guards and there are a lot of people in all the public areas. So while the Risk tournament is going on pretty much everywhere, behind closed doors up on my bedroom attic we have a sejd meeting with just me, Unn, Liv and Gauthild sitting in a ring on the floor. Alith and Gunhild stand guard outside the bedroom door and make sure we are undisturbed. All three are impressed with my stained glass windows depicting Odin, Freya and Thor. They see my attic as a small private temple to the gods and so worthy of ''Thrymheim'' in general, but they don''t know I have hidden away some stuff in the unused attic space towards the courtyard.


    The first topic of conversation is the greenhouse, healing herbs and so on, and I inform them that I have already sent the first request with my merchant ship which is far away to the south-west, which I apparently forgot to tell Unn who perks up and gets happy. The fact that I''m more interested in vegetables and spices doesn''t really have anything to do with it, but possible specialist herbs and healthcare plants is something I want for the future, and that could absolutely lead to more future greenhouses in other places. The topic switch to IUDs, and that many more women now have them. Unn is proud and shows her own handiwork and that she makes them, and she use one herself as Liv helped her during the fall auction when they talked about it. Unn has also spread the knowledge to the woman who took over her old residence and region, as Unn bought what she needed in Borgarsandr while returning home after the Tosra gathering. Apparently, rumours have spread in this region, and several women from the mainland and surrounding islands have been here seeking Unn about IUDs without me noticing or hearing about it until now. As far as I''m concerned it''s just positive that the ferry makes it easier for the women from Orusingen to travel here, and soon from Tosra and Mosra as well, which is something that is appreciated.


    Gauthild has been a bit unsure about IUDs, and hasn''t made any herself yet because it''s not her type of sejd, but she has sent several women on to Unn, and seems to get along well with Unn. From what I understand, V?lvor are more spiritual, rituals, rites and divination, while Fj?lkunnig are more ''earthly'' with medicine, healing, dental care and being midwives and so on. I''m just lucky that so far no one has been seriously harmed by the IUD, and only a couple have had problems and taken them out, at least as far as we know, and no unwanted children. Unn giggles as she say that her biggest referent has been Kari, who has been very concerned that all the women, maids, guards and so on in my vicinity has gotten IUDs, but also several women on the island. My sambos were unanimous that IUDs are definitely a free service to all women in my Furstdom, and it have been taken advantage of. I should be grateful and reward Kari for that, and it''s just positive that the islanders are more grateful to Unn and me. There has been more sex on the island''s farms, and Unn has received fruit pies, bread and other things from grateful women, and fish, meat and chopped firewood etc from grateful men. Sure, almost everyone wants to have children, but sometimes it''s not practical because of work or just the time of year, and their culture says that children will be healthier etc, if they are born or created at certain times of the year. Then there are those who won''t be able to get married, as well as older widows who think they are too old for a pregnancy.


    This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    Unn also says that there were many women who approached her during the morning before I got married after that memorable night, and Liv smile as she says that she too was approached. All three were in the orgy, and the conversation change to that subject, like Liv impressed saying 16, so I feel a little calmer. They notice I am embarrassed and uncomfortable talking about it, so they respect that we drop the subject. Sejd women may be very comfortable talking about sex, but I''m not, and I shouldn''t be surprised that sejd women are extremely open, outspoken and liberal when it comes to sex and sex toys, children and the realities of life. Especially between themselves, and I''m currently included as one of them. Which is a bit flattering. Incredibly few men are.


    We talk about medicine, care and sanitation. Disinfecting instruments and washing hands, and how to be careful, how to dry, etc. Be careful with blood, even though it goes against some of their principles, rituals and religion. I remember the conversation about allergies and I carefully guide the discussion on this by saying it is important the instruments are made of certain metals and it is best to store water overnight in copper vessels etc. When they ask why, I tell them how the body reacts to certain metals such as lead and why copper is used in the mansions water pipes and storage tanks, so they themselves come to the conclusion and insight I want, and I can answer questions with examples. It quickly becomes a very serious discussion and topic, but they can all see the value of describing it differently - and the value of trying to spread the knowledge - and I promise to involve Unn for future testing of metals if I succeed in doing so. I''ll need someone who is sensitive and gets a rash, so if they know or hear of someone sensitive, let me find out and please send that person here, male or female, and preferably the jewellery or object that gave the rash. But if someone is allergic to bees or animals, they now know why, and have a learned a new word and concept. I also share what Jane said, that women can be allergic to semen, which is definitely taken seriously. Fate and the gods can be cruel.


    As I think about how to get nickel and separate it from objects, I also think about chrome. If chrome could be obtained then I should be able to make and sell stainless steel, which would be better for surgical instruments, and they would definitely have been interpreted as magical if the instrument didn''t rust. I have been outside the Kemi mine in northern Finland, which I believe is the largest chrome mine in Europe, and it is worth sending an expedition there. Maybe already this summer. It will probably be very difficult, but every kilogram of pure chrome can become 7-8 kg of stainless steel, and that is enough for many small knives and tools. And there can also be chrome based colours for Jane. I will need to train some explorers with skills in surveying, geology, etc. Besides stainless steel, I should experiment with plating to prevent rust, although gold or silver plating is hardly optimal in most cases even if I get it right. The bling factor and how other interpret it, is bad enough, but some might want to steal it too. And there is the camouflage issue for some things. And the wear issue.


    As my mind have wandered their topic have moved on to sex toys, and I''m surprised that all three use them. But I understand it as soon as Liv reminds me that it''s hard for women who do sejd to get men who even dare to touch them, while it''s the other way for me as the only known Sejdmann. So of course they all know about sex toys and use them.


    Liv is not alone in being very impressed with my collection of creations used during Stag Night, and especially when none of them actually look like a penis, and my willingness to use them on women. Liv stands up abruptly, lifts her dress and proudly shows her plug to the others. I get embarrassed and want to bury my face in my hands, but the others look at the plug with fascination and are curious, especially when Liv takes it out and shows it, and the plug is passed around. They consider it a fine and expensive gift, and they appreciate how much silver and imagination I put into women''s enjoyment. I just get more respect for it, and they ask if I''ve done something similar for men. I realise I haven''t even though about that. There are simpler things there too, but I won''t mention that some men would have appreciated the creations I made. They are amused that I am so focused on the pleasure of women, but don''t even think about other men. Very manly of me.


    We keep talking about sex toys and as long as they are made of metals, glass, etc, the sex toys will always be too expensive for most women, and those women won''t have much choice but their own creations of wood or bone. Making them out of clay without glazing is a bad idea. I advise to at least try to use some such oil that makes a hard fine protected surface for furniture, although I do not know if the oil might be bad in the long run, if it is used on a plug that is worn for a long time because the substance can be absorbed into the body. I don''t even want to think about having an allergic reaction in such intimate places, and it scares them too. I make sure Liv understand to limit how much she wears the plug.


    They jokingly lament that there are no more Sejdmanns, and Liv makes subtle gestures to Unn who just sighs and dreams away, before she recovers to the others laughter and our shared embarrassment. The embarrassment grows for both of us when I realise that I technically took Unn''s virginity, because Stag Night was her first time with a man. I just have to apologise for not knowing and not giving her a better experience. Unn who is fairly good looking, and at 31 years old is middle aged here, has never been with a man before, which is telling for how men avoid sex with sejd women, especially where she grew up in the middle of Sweden where the population and gatherings are often larger than the coast and inland of Norway. It''s also telling of how strongly many sejd women believe that sex with them should be voluntary to not be an affront to Freya, and several believe that it is wrong to seduce a male slave. So, more people who can never find out what I think about the Stag Night.


    At least I know what all three of them want for the future if I need to give them more gifts, because they discuss their favourites from what they tried, and they sure didn''t mind entertaining themselves when I was occupied with others. It annoys me that I didn''t realise that sejd women who are the ones who are called upon for everything from sickness, ailments, childbirth, etc, and who worship Freya, the goddess of sejd, love, war, death and sex, should have a different view of sex. I already know that at least Liv sees sex as more or less like a ritual where you worship Freya, especially if there is a sejd woman involved in the act, and definitely if there is both a sejd woman and a sejdmann involved.


    I don''t believe in any religion, never have, and even though I went to the church''s pre-school as a child, I just refuse to believe in God. There are too many logic holes and idiocies in Christian religion, and even as a 5 or 6 year old child I apparently asked uncomfortable questions that got them to ask my parents to keep me at home or use a normal daycare. I never had an imaginary friend, but others had and was told it was a bad silly childish thing, and apparently I saw God as the same thing, and wanted clear answers, and wouldn''t shut up. When I was the first in my family to refuse to do Christian Confirmation, relatives visited and tried to talk me into it, and even tried to bribe me with promises of gifts, which honestly annoyed me because it proved to me that faith wasn''t important. Only that I did the Confirmation. So I refused. I definitely had principles and was stubborn even at a young age.


    I''ve mostly ignored everything religious and such things that my sambos and those around me do, but I try to avoid sabotaging their faith. I like that Kari barely seems to believe in gods, while Iselin believes in them, but doesn''t really worship. She hardly calls out to Freya anymore when we have sex, because she has realised I only care about us both enjoying ourselves, and she tends to lose the ability to say proper words when the sex is really good, or her mouth is busy. Ciara is obviously religious in her own way, but never prays that I''ve noticed and it doesn''t affect our relationship.


    The most religious seems to be Caecilia and I know she sacrificed a hen last fall during another event, and splashed herself with blood and drew with blood on her body, but it hasn''t bothered me at all, as long as she doesn''t expect me to participate or have sex with her where we were covered in blood. Caecilia do feel that we should have at least one public central statue each of at least Freya, Odin and Thor in the house where everyone can use them, but she loves my stained glass windows. Caecilia especially loves having a small ritual and greeting the gods with the morning sunlight illuminating the windows. Caecilia and Iselin like to sit in my attic at sunrise and watch the rays begin to play across the stained glass, and more than one morning after waking up in my bed, they have walked up here to greet the gods. And of course we''ve also had sex up here. Caecilia has her own statues in her room that others are welcome to use, although her Freya statue is twice the size of all the others, and extra beautifully carved. The guards also have their own statues, jewellery or brooches with Freya''s symbol and a couple for Thor, Odin and others just like the staff, and so do Iselin and Kari. Besides me, Jane is the least religious person in the manor. She pretty much agrees with me about religion and faith, and is also totally in favour of faith being up to each individual. I''ve just ignored most of the religion stuff like it doesn''t really affect me. It''s something other people do. But it''s only fair to admit that I''ve tried to bury my head in the sand considering how it do affects me. It bothers me that I have to involve myself with religion here. It feels so foul, since I don''t believe.


    Again, I have missed their whispering among themselves and they have made a unanimous decision that I, as a powerful Sejdmann who does so much for women''s health and pleasure, and was able to give 16 women a good evening and night, will be initiated into some of the secrets of sejd women. I swear an oath to Freya to keep it a secret, and not talk about what''s coming except with V?lva or Fj?lkunniga, and I frankly feels proud but uncomfortable, when they tell me about certain rituals sejd women perform in secret, or only with certain women who seek their services. Their seriousness and the rites they tell me about, makes me realise that I should have bloody sex with my sambos during certain periods where Unn or I should perform the actual sacrificial rite. I don''t only have to respect the law here, but also respect and do the religious minimums, because even though there is freedom of religion and Aesir belief is not established in any book and is very open and individual, respect and credibility are lost if you don''t worship the right Gods and especially the most important ones. I am The Sejdmann, so I need to show that I respect Freya and the Gods. Having a some pagan style sex with a partner or Caecilia a couple of times a year is acceptable to me, as long as it doesn''t involve sex with animals. Apparently there are rituals and cures involving that for men. So much nope.


    I''m really not interested in what seems more like almost ritual sex between me and sejd women - especially in the spring - where the desired outcome is pregnant sejd women. Talk about my decision to pretend being a wizard and Sejdmann has consequences I don''t like. As 44 years old, Gauthild considers herself far too old for children, but Unn offers to try to use my sperm directly, if it is just intercourse that I don''t like, in order to be faithful to my wife and other women. It should honestly work as long as it''s quickly done, but the chance of insemination should be less. Don''t know if insemination makes me feel any better about the whole concept, but maybe I could make a special dildo that squirts upwards into the uterus, or probably a similar method to inserting the IUD, because that is where the sperm goes, and it''s best to be efficient.


    I tell them that the overdose the Radgeirrsons gave me made me pee blood, and may have affected my fertility, but time will tell, and I choose to inform them of genetic compatibility as well, which comes as a bit of a shock to them and Unn seems disappointed. Liv confirms that all my sambos have known about it for several months, and it is a reason why Jane sought me out, but for the time being we''re keeping it secret. Again I ask them to not sacrifice to Freya on my behalf, and I prove my faith a little by saying it''s up to Freya if she wishes to see me have healthy children with elf women, or if my sejd has its price. The Gods might not like mingling of species. I tell them about my and my sambos agreement with Liv, and that so far it has not yielded results, which Liv is sad about. She really wants to get pregnant, especially with my child. Unn is obviously jealous of Liv, and is also interested in an agreement with me and my sambos, but that will have to wait. At least until the honey month with Iselin has passed, which at least puts that discussion on hold for the near future.


    <hr>

 Female complications - day 2, Projects

    <hr>


    Myrun and Jolfr are looking closely at the swords hung between the windows on the mezzanine and Kari is standing very pleased to the side, so I give Kari a kiss and join her. Myrun speak:


    "We''ve seen your sword stabbed into the pavilion ceiling, and noticed the text faintly shimming on the blade if the light is right. Olafr proudly told me how impressive that sword and steel truly is, which really surprised me, because Olafr is a modest man. I can just imagine what a normal swordsmith would say. He casually pointed out these two swords are practically the same if we wanted to have a better look. Olafr also told us about the knives, and Hillevi and Kari have shown theirs. And then King Asbj?rn amused himself by telling us how he himself discovered the swords and what you said to him." A smile have appeared on Myrun''s face and she half laugh before continuing. "If such unique and precious items are carried around without anyone drawing attention to it or bragging about it - or just hanging on a wall without anyone paying it any attention - how much more special or valuable items are out in the open, but that no outsider understands and no-one how knows talks about?


    Like me, Kari just smiles as an answer, so I give Myrun a quick playful wink, kiss Kari''s cheek and leave.


    <hr>


    Considering the Viking ways, I never would have imagined that ''insult competition'' is a thing, but it was a friendly competition. Quite hard to be witty and creative. Anyone participation must accept that anything goes, so that wasn''t an issue, but references and such can be. Mostly it felt strange. Since it was elvish vikings in a medieval feast, it just felt like a parody of ''rap battles'', so I''m pleased with it is finished, and Maurr and Asbj?rn involve me in a discussion about Laxlanda. The topic quickly divert as Maurr talks about fly fishing and wants to thank me for the excellent idea of a fishing vest and the pliers to remove the flies. Maurr dreams of the coming spring salmon and how he must be ready until then. He like his new rods made from ash wood, and have tied many flies. I never really cared much about fishing, but Maurr thinks it''s a shame that I don''t have any suitable fishing water here on the islands, and say I''m welcome to fish in his river whenever I want too, but I explain spin casting and promise to show my spinning rod and the lures I made. Frankly, I''ve hardly used it because fishing isn''t that fun.


    In Laxlanda, the water power project is progressing, and Maurr says he has assigned a few more men so that it will be finished as quickly as possible. The days and nights are colder there, and since the ground is frozen it has become easier to drag the logs out from the forest. Plenty of men are already felling trees in his forests, but there are quite a lot of log stacks put up for drying from previous years. The channels to lead water to and from the waterwheel is done, and they have constructed the mounts for the waterwheel, as well as built the waterwheel. It is tested and works. Saw blades, parts, hooks and tools have been forged, and lots of logs are being transported there. There is some upstream logging as many have seen an opportunity. It is the sawmill itself that takes time to build, not helped by cold days with few daylight hours, but that doesn''t stop the Norse Elves from doing work. Bresir has been here, but I will send one of the sawmill men to really help with the mechanism and get everything right. They have already made many small improvements in the sawmill here. Maurr and his workers have promised to not reveal details to others, so it''s time to show them my sawmill here. The workers have finished the mill and stamp mill, and the carpentry shop is starting to take shape, so I might show some of that too.


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    Rivendal inn in Laxlanda seems to be doing very well considering the time of year, and ?sa seems to be doing well enough, even though she seems a bit overstressed. Maurr has made sure that ?sa gets help from a village woman when there are a lot of guests. The ferry has become incredibly popular, and has begun to change the route that people travel. Especially if they have cumbersome or precious cargo, because people trust the ferry more than other options. There are also people who travelled to Laxlanda and spent a night at Rivendal inn, just to see it for themselves. Asbj?rn happily informs me that he and Haera is amongst those, and that ?sa''s reaction was amusing. I get why people visit as it is something new and curious, but after the sawmill have been completed this coming spring, Rivendal inn will be expanded. Maurr likes Jane''s sketches that we left at Rivendal inn, and really want to see it done. I''ll pay Maurr so he can hire some men to make the stone wall and such for a more even and luxurious front garden and entrance. Since that will have to wait for milder and warmer weather, they can prepare and move stone and such. That is easier with sledges on frozen ground.


    Asbj?rn is really impressed by the ferry and wants one further south at Tingshamn, and one down in Borgarsandr. He just has no idea what to do with the rope across the river. Ship traffic can not be hindered. Unfortunately there is hardly any current at Borgarsandr, but at Tingshamn it should work, and that is about halfway between Borgarsandr and Laxlanda. It is also the closest route to Lysesund from Borgarsandr, and thus here. Asbj?rn does not own the land at Tingshamn, since that is Ting''s land, owned by the Northmen Ting, but as King he is the Ting''s land caretaker and can decide to build that. Anything built there is the Ting''s, so the ferry there will be the Ting''s ferry, so I won''t earn silver, but I have no problem with that. The goal has not been to get rich on ferries. The problem is that Ting''s ferry can''t block the river like Laxlanda Ferry''s rope system does, but the river rapids in Laxlanda block the river anyway, so that is not an issue. At Tingshamn it is, so how to do it?


    The ferry we have to Orusingen shows that the rope sinks below the surface and can be sailed over, but the current ferry will keep the rope taut. So either they have to try to attach it to the bottom which makes rope maintenance impossible, and in the long run it might be an issue for river boats if there is a support structure poking up. The river is quite deep in the middle, so they might just use a big heavy rock with a hole drilled through as the anchor. There is a tall hill-cliff on the west side that is probably 50 meters high. So there are three possible variations I can think of that they can try. The easiest is to attach the rope to one side and the ferry is allowed to swing over and back. However, when the ferry is across the river, river traffic is blocked, and this must be informed about. I suggested really huge signs. However, the ferry will keep the rope taut, so they can try attaching the rope high up on the hill-cliff, so it is possible to sail or row under the rope, and they can mark the rope with hanging red pennants. An alternative is to make a really high tower or post on the east side where the Ting is, and try the same solution as the Laxlanda ferry. However, that rope will be even longer as the river is wider there than in Laxlanda. It may simply be too wide there and the rope in the middle solution is the only solution. Unfortunately, there is no suitable island there that you can sail both sides of, the nearest is 1/4 of the distance to Laxlanda. The rope at one side is easy to try, and Asbj?rn will definitely try that first, just to see.


    Asbj?rn asks how things are going with my new law book, and the honest truth is probably ''bad and too slow'', but I answer slowly forward. Iselin, Kari and Gunhild have helped me go through the law book, and we have taken a lot of notes. It is important that the new law book is good, covers everything important and isn''t ambiguous. The law book in the kingdom has evolved over time, so it is not well organised. I have intended to divide my law into several sections, starting with a constitution with rights and responsibilities. Then a section about crimes and punishments, followed by regulations and laws. And so on. Hopefully, the new law will be ready before summer, and hopefully I can print that book, and do so in a lot of copies. I want every household on the islands to have their own law book. As people learn to read, they can read the laws.


    <hr>

 Female complications - day 2, Education

    <hr>


    Asta informs me that Myrun have been sitting in the library for a while and tried to talk to her about the globe, and she is still in there, so I can imagine the subject. Myrun isn''t dumb. So I walk there and sit down in the second armchair. Myrun asks Caecilia to close the door, which she do after a quick nod from me, and Myrun just give me quick glances before she continues staring at the globe. I don''t think it''s a coincidence that she''s staring at the globe, and maybe I shouldn''t have made her start noticing and thinking about the mansion''s open secrets. Myrun isn''t dumb. She is quiet for a minute while we just sit there.


    "Robert, you should put that thing away or put a piece of cloth over it when you have guests. So they don''t see it and start wondering. You''re my friend, but it''s not always easy being around you and getting shocked like I have been. After we saw the swords - and your smile - I have started to take a closer look at the interior and surroundings. It was easy to get Jolfr distracted with mead and join the insult competition, but I started to walk around and look. Really look. I will not ask about the strange wooden things I remember on the wall above your bed, and there is also a similar one in the guards day room. There are also those strange things by the door in many rooms. I doubt it''s for summoning guards, since you already have another system for that, and considering that doesn''t use a rope to pull and ticks, it''s also more special than we realise. What for I don''t know. I have been wondering about the purpose for those glass tubes filled with metal in the great hall, and why they are very different from each other. I''m also not going to ask about that big wheeled cart under a piece of cloth in the great hall because you covered that, but not that globe. I found Asta in here. This is a room for knowledge and special items. We talked about her, the ship, sailing, trade, the Academy and you. As you know, those are all areas that interest me."


    Myrun gives me a sinful smile, but her face turns more serious as she continues.


    "Asta is a very nice, intelligent and well travelled young woman, and I understand why you made her the Captain of your ship. A ship that is already a legend. I noticed that your ship has received something new, but she did not want to talk about it. Asta loves to talk about sailing and the life as a seafarer, and she loves the Millennium Eagle. Being your Captain is the best thing that ever happened to her. She loves all your creations she enthusiastically talks about - with some exceptions - and she admire and praise you. Which hasn''t diminished since the Stag night. But Asta is evasive about her goals in life, or her future beyond teaching navigation and seamanship for the next few years and helping you develop more equipment for seafarers. She refuses to even discuss future offers for work or leaving your service in a few years. She is completely loyal to you. Asta clearly loves this room, and enthusiastically showed and pointed out the map and chart on the wall, and how impressive and practical such maps are when you have the other navigation aids you''ve made, and the skill to use it. I saw the spyglass telescope on the shelf beside the sextants, and the magnificent ship''s compass just casually leaned against the corner over there, which you''ve apparently built more of. Robert, you shouldn''t have something like this just lying around or leaning against a wall in a room everyone has access to, and I don''t just mean for its value."


    Myrun gives me a slightly scolding look as she shakes her head, before she gives me an intensive stare as she continues talking.


    "It''s noticeable when Asta gets suspiciously quiet or changes the topic of conversation, and Asta went quiet when I asked what the globe was, and after a few minutes of trying to switch my attention, she excused herself and left. So I took a closer look on that globe. Much closer. I noticed it rotates. Found a the small Academy mark up there on the top. The same sign that''s on the map and charts on the wall that Asta said was here, and that the Risk game board also has in the same place you also said are here. I saw how the coastlines on the big map resembled those on the globe, and a couple of the red lines match. Exactly. I was wondering why Asta didn''t want to talk about the globe, and remember how you made a map of your farm outside Skiringsalr without having been there before. I have now sat here for a long time staring and thinking. And then you showed up. No matter how absurd I think it is... If that globe were a joke or a work of art, no one would care, but the silence says it''s secret and I noticed the reverence Asta had for the globe - more than a lot of other things in here. So that must be the world as it truly is. I have spent most of the time trying to come up with one explanation after another, but the only plausible one is that the globe is a map of the world. You''re a practical man and wouldn''t have made it like a globe without a very good reason, because it''s impractical in every way and far more complicated and more work to do than a flat map. The maps and charts has text describing corrections, because the map needs it, but it is missing from the globe. No corrections or notes. Because it''s not needed. A flat map needs a correction, but a round globe doesn''t. You made the globe because the world is spherical. Why is it not noticeable? Why doesn''t we and the water fall off? We''re not at the top."


    "Gravity. Gravitation is the force that causes everything to fall to the ground and be held. Gravity is why an arrow that is shot makes an arc in the air and turns downward. The directions up and down exist because of gravity. It is the most powerful force in the Universe. The bigger and heavier something is, the more gravity it gets, and the earth and globe under our feet is nowhere near the upper limit." I gesture and show us both, then point to the globe in front of us. "As we sit here, you and I, we both have our own little gravity, but it''s so incredibly weak in relation to something as big as the world, which is mostly stone and further in, mostly iron, that it can''t be felt. The worlds iron core is the reason a compass works. Eventually I hope to make precision instruments that proves gravity between objects and measure how a small metal ball is affected by a huge lead ball, just by being near."


    It''s fascinating that an asteroid less than a kilometer in size can have its own little moon orbiting it out in space, and humanity has discovered hundreds in our solar system, but this is certainly not the time to bring that up. Iselin had a hard time understanding that part. And that space is empty so things don''t slow down. But it is actually possible to measure the gravity between two objects and in the future I will build a contraption to do that. The Cavendish experiment done around 1800 is relatively simple and elegant, and better telescopes will be used to read the vernier scale from outside the room and inside the screened space. The experiment proved that a large mass can affect a smaller mass when they are suspended in isolated spaces from each other, and how much the effect is. I''m curious to make a similar contraption, and to actually see it for myself. It will be incredibly important to also let others use that, and recreate it in other places.


    "If you could shoot an arrow with sufficient and accurate force and the arrow never lost that power, the arrow would fly straight and disappear over the horizon, but after a long time, it would have circled the world and hit you from the back. It''s quite easy to prove the world you live in, the world you and everyone you''ve ever known or heard of is round and a globe. That is why ships disappear below the horizon much faster than they would on a flat surface, and if you look in really good telescopes in the right weather, you''ll see top of the mast first, and the ship rises as it comes nearer, because you are look over the curved horizon." I grabs a slate board and quickly makes two sketches and I see Myrun understands, and why you see further from a higher altitude. "If you were to really travel around this world, you would surely find other people who already know this. The first person in Midg?rd that we know to have calculated the world size was called Eratosthenes, and he did it more than 2300 years ago, without leaving the place he lived on using simple means, and by sending a wanderer south to measure a distance. To use the Sextant, you need to use mathematics that calculates using a round surface - not a flat surface. Things like seasons; why it''s warmer further south; the movement of the sun across the sky; why further north the sun does not rise for a month in the winter, and does not set for a month in the summer. Everything is explained and becomes quite easy and obvious if you know that the world is a globe that rotate and revolving around the sun."


    "The world revolves around the sun?"


    "Yes. The sun is incredibly much larger than this world, and the suns huge gravity is thus much much greater, so the world rotates around the sun. Where you stand still on the surface of the world it looks like the sun is moving across the sky, but it is the world that is rotating. The sun is round because it is a big fireball very very far away. Things smaller than the world is still huge, and with so much gravity it simply becomes spherical, because every point on the surface tries to fall toward the center, and simply crush everything together until it is round. The globe rotates and it has that angle on its axis to mimic reality. That''s not a coincidence either, and the angle is also the reason that sundials must be at the correct angle for the north-south location where they are to show time correctly. The design of sundials can change depending on how close you are to the equator, which is the center of the globe as viewed from the axis, and marked by that line on the globe joining the two halves. Imagine the middle of the window is the sun. Now watch my finger on the surface of the globe. If you stand still on the surface as it rotates, it will look like the sun is rising, makes a nice arc across the sky and back down. That is a day. But realise that on the other side of the world, it''s the middle of the night when it''s the middle of the day here. So noon here, is not noon east or west of here. But there are no instant communication that far too prove it. But the world rotates around the sun, which means that the direction of the axis changes over the course of a year. When the top is towards the sun, we have summer. When it''s away from the sun, we have winter. Further south, the world is more oriented towards the sun all year round and is thus warmer, and if you continue all the way down to the other side, they have winter when we have summer and vice versa. Their midsummer is now. Future ships that go on real long voyages will experience this. If you time the movement right and the ship is fast enough, a ship doesn''t need to experience winter at all as it sail around the world.


    The moon is also a smaller globe that rotates around the world, caught by the world''s greater gravity. It too is round because everything large and dense enough is. The reason the moon''s surface looks the same is because its rotation speed is in sync with the world''s rotation speed. It''s like we''re dancing and looking at each other and spinning around. We both move and rotate as everyone else sees it, but from your face, it looks like everything else is spinning. The crescent moon is the sun''s light reflecting off the moon and depending on the angle, it will be from full to new moon. The reason the light on the moon goes in an arc is because the moon is a sphere and the sun shines from the side. When the moon is exactly half, it can be used to calculate the angle between the sun, moon and the world we are standing on, and via mathematics prove how many times farther the distance is to the sun than to the moon. An eclipse is when the motions line up and the moon block some of the light from the sun. That is why that eclipse takes a round part out of the sun. When those eclipses happen, and how big they are, is simply a mathematical equation and can be calculated if you have enough and accurate information about the different orbits and such. The marks on the moon''s surface are deep craters and mountains, and if you look through really good telescopes, you can see it when the arc of light passes over a crater. But the moon is a dead world. There is no life there. It''s just grey sand and rock, without even air to breathe. Humanity have figured out a lot of the world, moon, sun and the universe. Travel around and you''re likely to find elves who have figured some of that out too.


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    The orbits in which the earth and the moon move are not perfectly round, but slightly offset, and this is why sundials doesn''t tell the time exactly right, and why a time equation is needed to compensate. The time equation is a mathematical calculation that takes into account where the world is in its orbit around the sun and from where on the world you''re measuring it, and the answer is how much the error is and on which side. I will build a much more realistic world model with the sun and the moon etc that will show this at the Academy in the future. With the right knowledge of the world, the moon, the sun and the right mathematics, you can calculate where you are in the world with a sextant by measuring how they stand in relation to each other and time. The more accurate the equipment and calculations, the more accurate the fix point. I hope in my lifetime to be able to improve the sextant and collect data for tables and so on, so that the absolute position can be determined to maybe 1000 fathoms under optimal conditions. A distance that corresponds to which side of this island you are on, even though you are out in the open sea. Frankly, with three sextant, three distant hills and large mirrors to synchronize so each spot measure at the same time, those three measurements will prove the world is a sphere and its size. One of my projects is that I hope to build huge spyglass telescopes, several body lengths long, to study the celestial bodies with much better magnification and sharpness. Iselin is looking forward to this, but she has already built her own telescope.


    I will not start with information like this directly during the first week at the Academy. It is knowledge that comes after a while, but it will be taught. And well proven. Just telling isn''t enough. There needs to be clear proof that people can try and see, preferably in several different ways. By the way, Asta''s dream is to do discovering voyages. To see what is further away, and hopefully to sail around the world. I can say that land is there, but I don''t know what life there is like, or if there are civilizations there. Don¡¯t know what animals and resources there are. Climate can be approximated, but that''s all. In a few years I hope to send the first group of ships on an expedition led by Asta and let her discover a bit of the World. It is a difficult journey that will take a long time, and need proper stores and better ships. Eventually those voyages will be further away and those voyages and exploration will probably take two or three years. The world is huge.¡±


    Myrun stays quiet while she just looks at me. It feels uncomfortable to have her focusing on me like this, obviously calculating and thinking. Maybe I said too much? Finally she breaks the silence:


    "Robert, when you eventually organise those long voyages across the sea, to establish new farms, settlements and kingdoms far away, please tell me, because I want to support you in that. There are plenty of elves who would like a chance at a new life, especially people in the north and the northwest where the valleys have limited arable land. With your knowledge and support, they will have a good chance for a good life, and they will not be left to their fate, although many would gladly take the chance. This is proven by you waiting and by your creations so far, both for navigating the seas, keeping seafarers alive, and ways of making and storing provisions. You are not a man to send people away without giving them a great chance to survive, and you want to know where they have gone and settled so you can explore from that settlement, and trade with them. You have plans, and I''ve seen how much more land that globe shows there is far far across the sea. The land up here I always thought was so big, is so very small in comparison. Even the land to the east is truly huge on a scale I didn''t understand before."


    I should have expected her to think along those lines, but I don''t want to promise too much. However, it can be practical with support from her in getting volunteers for settlements. But before I can answer her, Myrun continued talking:


    "Your Academy will teach knowledge, and obviously you''re going to teach knowledge like this and so many other subjects. What do I need to pay for you to teach Siri? We both know it''s going to be a straight and honest transaction instead of something else agreed upon, whatever I might have preferred. I know you are not interested in marriage to me, but let''s stop pretending because we both know I would agree to be your second wife, but that chance disappeared with Kari''s inheritance and when I helped you avoid marriage to Princess Sefa. Letting Danr''s ship leave Skiringsalr six months ago was one of the biggest mistakes of my life. I should have lured him with business, to at least give myself time to think. Time to try to get to know you better. Time to be wise and brave. I''ve thought a lot about whether I would have really taken the steps to try to make you my husband, or just lure you to stay in Skiringalr. What would our lives have been like? But just like Asbj?rn, I just have to accept that the Gods makes plans, the Norns weave a fate, and few have the wisdom or luck to change that weave to their benefit. We are mostly their pawns. Iselin told me that she has given you permission to continue having sex with other women, as long as there are no true relationships without her permission, so I hope we can continue to share a bed occasionally. But as I said, Siri''s education will be an honest transaction. So; payment?¡±


    "No doubt, it''s better to keep that purely as a financial matter, just like any other student will be, so that we can both enjoy spending time with each other from time to time, knowing the one has nothing to do with the other. We''re unlikely to become unfriendly, but should that happen, I will do my best to not let it affect Siri''s education. The Academy and its students are one thing - my private life is another. It is important, both for our friendship, and so that any future moments between us is just two friends sharing an intimate moment. Education cost is not decided yet, and I will try to treat everyone equally even though richer people may pay more, partially because they have a better foundation and will generally learn more advanced things, but I can promise that Siri has a place here at the Academy as long as she and you follow the rules, and I''m not worried about that. I can give you a list of the preliminary rules, and education areas."


    Caecilia comes in when I shout for her, and I ask her to get the right folder and the notebook from my study, and when she returns, I take out the relevant pages and give it to Myrun. Myrun nods and agrees as she reads, and even though everything doesn''t sit well with her, she really likes other things, and she understands the education will be very broad, and it''s all or nothing.


    ---------------


    Rules:


    # All students are equal and social class between students doesn''t matter. No titles are used.


    # All residents of the islands must be respected regardless of social level or gender:


    Regent, Craftsman, Teacher, Student, Slave. Man or woman.


    # Conflicts between families and nations do not apply on the Academy''s islands, it is neutral ground.


    # Violence and threats against students or residents at the Academy and on the island are not accepted except in a training situation, and the acceptable level is low and depends on the training.


    # Students do not carry a weapons except during special occasions, and anything more than a knife with a hand-length blade is stored by the Academy.


    # People who use violence, threats of violence, or power, to oppress, humiliate or force others to do things against their will, are not welcome as students.


    # Parents and others must not try to circumvent the rules by doing it outside the Academy and Furstdom islands.


    # Students have no servants of their own as long as there are no medical reasons, and no guards of their own except in certain cases. The Academy decides that from case to case.


    # The students will have to learn to take care of themselves, their room and clothes, and how to cook, for a shorter period of time.


    # Students have to try every educational subject the teachers say they have to try, no matter how disgusting, uncomfortable, unpleasant, or male/female it is considered.


    # Students will be tested in different skills and what they have learned. Cheating on exams and tests is prohibited and dishonest. At the end of each week, there is likely to be a simpler essay writing about what the students learned during the week.


    # Too low performance gives a chance for improvement, but repeated too low results lead to exclusion and being sent home. The education fee is forfeited.


    # The Academy feeds the student during their stay, and the student lives in an assigned place, and wears assigned clothes during the day''s studying or training.


    # Students will not demand, pay, force or be forced into sexual services. It is disrespectful and will be severely punished.


    # Students have to be honest and truthful if Academy leaders ask something specific in a private setting, and refusing to answer is almost as bad. The Academy is governed by law and rules, and the Academy leader decide and impose punishments on students and faculty.


    # If the student is relegated, the student will be put ashore in Lysesund and how they get home is not the Academy''s problem. The education fee is forfeited.


    Education fee:


    The fee partially depends on the ability to pay. Richer families pay more, but some students get slightly better accommodation. Exceptional students who are unable to pay can apply to be exempted from paying, or owing it to be repaid in the future. A few students each year can be admitted from those who cannot pay, on something called a scholarship.


    Educational periods:


    There are two educational periods per year. The summer term and the winter term are each 25 weeks long. Switching takes place at the autumn and spring equinox before and after the Tosra Gathering. Approximate distribution of education time, although the days are mixed.


    Summer Term = Introduction 1w, Foundation 5w, Farm 9w, Crafts 3w, Nature 4w, Social 3w.


    Winter Term = Introduction 1w, Foundation 5w, Farm 5w, Crafts 5w, Nature 4w, Social 6w.


    Areas of education:


    When a student knows the area well enough, the time can be used to learn other things.


    # 1, Basic: Reading, Writing and Maths (all three common systems).


    # 2, The farm: Taking care of oneself and a farm, the land, crops and animals.


    # 3, Crafting: Various basic types, to take care of equipment, and do a trade.


    # 4, Nature: Nature Knowledge, Survival, Orienteering, Sailing, Riding, Driving a wagon, Hunting and Fishing.


    # 5, Social: Language, History, Law and Justice, Etiquette, Dance, Music. Weapons training. Guard duty.


    #6, Advanced: More theoretical and advanced areas of physics, chemistry, nature and special art skills.


    ---------------


    I can''t do or teach all of that myself, but I don''t need to know it yet, and will always need teachers who can do it better in all areas. Myrun have finished reading it, so I say:


    "This spring, after the spring''s Tosra Gathering, the first selection for the Academy will take place, even though it is intended that the lessons this summer will not be as comprehensive and they will be focused outdoors and practice more than knowledge, in addition to teaching many people to read, write and count. Without saying too much, I suggest you keep the whole week before the Auction and the Tosra Gathering free, and tip Liv as well. That aside, much has not been decided yet and at least the first year will be trying out and learning for both the Academy, the teachers and the students, and I expect to lack teachers for quite a few subjects. Many of the more advanced subjects I will have to teach myself because there is probably no one else who can teach them, and a lot of it will be lectures or experiments to show different things or make the students think about areas they have probably never done before. I have already anticipated having to expand the Academy in the coming years due to different orientations and need. Art, music and theater are large areas that have their own premises requirements, and it should be in its own building. But if Siri wants, she will get to participate during this first year, and she will learn a lot about a lot, but I reckon it will take maybe two years for what I consider to be a basic education, and that is because she can read, write and count, but she will have to learn my new maths system. Then it depends on what she is interested in, and considering all the new knowledge, that is hard to predict. The only thing I can promise is that Siri will have an interesting couple of years, and she will see the world differently when she leaves."


    Myrun smile as she nod, and happy and looking forward to telling Siri about her possibilities. As we leave, I turn the globe so the Academy logo is on the back under the globes arm and ask Caecilia to cover the globe with a nicer blanket or piece of cloth.


    <hr>

 Female complications - day 2, Weather

    <hr>


    There has been a bit too much social contact with people, so I excuse myself to rest in my bedroom. I just tell them to come get me or wake me up in a couple of hours, since I might fall asleep. It''s so nice that most people are at the pavilion, and it''s on the other side of the building. I just wish I could get more solitude and alone time than that, but the feast will only be a few days more. A few long days more.


    <hr>


    Asbj?rn and Myrun catch me as I walk down the stairs, and ask about at the wind turbine. They are not the only ones that have wondered what the wind turbine above the gable is for ¨C and they noticed it during the auction too - and then there is the new strange thing with copper wire hanging between and from the flagpoles above the roof and into the guards day room, but I''m just reply that it''s a project I''m working on, which in the future leads to something else. Asbj?rn has heard about all the copper wire I''ve ordered, so of course he is curious and have wondered.


    Tricky subject, but I reply it''s for different types of projects and sejd, which Myrun doesn''t doubt considering she has an IUD that has copper wire. But the amount I use is surprising. What they would say if told that the mansion already has about two kilometer of copper wire running on the ceilings and hidden in the walls? Regarding the strange things on the roof, I reply that there is likely to be a couple of similar things on the mansion and maybe up on the mountain west or north of here. I absolutely get why they can''t figure out what copper wire strung between tall flagpoles do, or the strange thing rotating by the wind. But they also find humour in my overall ''love for copper'', since the roofs, water pipes, radiators and tanks are in copper, although Asbj?rn now knows why, and I assume it''s just a matter of time until Liv have informed Myrun.


    Myrun''s curious eyes on the feed line that comes in and hangs below the ceiling in the day room, proves that she is now well aware of the scale of the mansion''s secrets that may be fully visible but only the initiated know. Luckily, they respect that a Sejdmann has secrets and Asbj?rn just shakes his head, laughs and says that there is always something new and strange here every time he visits, which Myrun agrees with. Every time she visits, she also experience new things she wants to build. She and her children really likes the security windows she got put in their home, even though those windows are only like the slimmer windows here. But she did include stained glass upper parts for some of them. She wants to install a couple of fireplaces with chimneys this coming summer and have carefully studied the ones we have. The pavilion fireplaces are very easy to study, but she have also talked with Pedr about the construction, especially the kitchen fireplaces, which are far more complex.


    The wind vane is another strange thing on the roof, but they get that it tells the wind direction, they just don''t see much point in it. So I have another show and tell about it, along with the rain gauge and my thermometers. All gets to try using the indoor thermometer in a hot cup, cold cut and just carefully hold the bulb in their hand and watch its mercury rise. They see it reaches about the same regardless of who is holding it. Of course Myrun asks if it''s a large thermometer I have in the wooden box, so I explain the barometer as well.


    This have turned into a quite fascinating discussion about weather, and that I''m gathering daily data into a weather book that they are shown, and how that might be useful in the long term. I explain how a barometer can help predict weather changes, and that I hope to spread the these instruments and have collections in many places, since gathering information helps understand and see patterns, and just because it is interesting. Gathering the measurements is the first step, and will be hugely important for the future, although I don''t expect good weather prediction in my lifetime. It is also just too difficult to be able to predict far in the future, and that is under the influence of the gods.


    Of course many are good at interpreting signs in nature to predict weather, or know simpler things like a night with a clear sky is a colder night, but they have not really thought about the weather. Why it is like that or how it works. Weather is something that the gods effect, and good weather is something you pray for. Saying it''s a chaotic system ruled by the sun and chance wouldn''t really be a good idea right now, but there are several who seem quite interested when I tell them how the sun heats the ground and the warm air rises, and they can see birds circling and rising over spots in nature due to thermal rise or wind. Then I need to explain what air truly is, which becomes a small experiment to prove that air exists, and it contains oxygen that we breathe and fire needs. I do the experiment with a narrow candle that stands in a bowl of water and use my widest glass test tube over it, which causes the candle to quickly go out as the oxygen is consumed. I add a little more water and the level inside the upturned tube is lower so what is keeping the water from rising up inside? Why doesn''t the candle continue to burn? It makes me really happy to see that apart from Iselin who has already seen these experiments and of course likes it, Siri is glued to the table where I perform it, and Elvira and Ida have plenty of company as they watch with discrete but obvious curiosity from behind those sitting at the table. I have already planned to give a variation of Faraday''s ''The chemical history of a candle'' at the Academy.


    If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    Of course the gods decide the weather, but I just give them my view that I believe the gods decide the weather effectively and subtly by influencing these phenomena in the environment, because what better sign of power and control than a small subtle influence that has big effects a day or many days later?


    Kari helps me by again showing the weather book and telling us that the night before the wedding the barometer showed signs that the weather would be good, continued to show it in the morning, and who else but a mighty goddess like Freya could have set the wheels in motion so subtly, on the day before, so that the sun would come out during the ceremony, and then stay until the evening. They all accept that answer and see it as a sign of Freya''s power, and when Iselin tells other anecdotes, the barometer begins to be seen as a magical instrument that can decipher subtle signs from the gods, that ordinary elves can read and use. The barometer can''t predict anything far into the future, and without knowledge of the higher air layers, satellite images, supercomputers that simulate millions of small weather cells, and other deep knowledge, weather prediction is limited to a day or maybe two, but for them the barometer is mighty sejd. If anything, weather should probably be put under Loki''s influence.


    In the end, I decide to make and probably give a weather station to Asbj?rn and Myrun sometime in the future, because if they start to get interested in science and collecting weather data, maybe it will become fashionable. It definitely looks like what they want at least a barometer in their homes, and V?lva Gauthild seems to want one too. If I can make meteorology interesting among the rich and V?lvas, it should be good for science, because then surely others will want to show themselves learned and that they also support research and science. I guess Maurr should get one too, but I''d rather have it at Rivendal inn since there''s hopefully going to be a Telegraph station there.


    There will certainly be quite a lot of quackery and mysticism, but I hope that the Academy has enough weight to establish better scientific thinking, with documentation and methodical studies to prove something that others can repeat, and really understand what is happening or how things are connected. When I start printing books it will hopefully lead to scholars sending their manuscripts here, or showing up here with them, to get them printed and distributed. My knowledge is shallow in many areas, has big holes and I''m probably remembering some of it wrong, but I do have very important information that can speed up general technology and science, even when it comes to knowledge of weather. Just how the air layers extend upward, how the temperature falls, Hadley and other latitude cells, the jet streams, cyclones, rain shadows, etc. I''m not even an amateur meterologist, but I have accumulated some knowledge, although I wonder how useful knowing about such things as ''sprites'' above thunderclouds are, and how to present them in a good way. They must learn to question, create experiments and test. Hopefully I will have people trying to prove me wrong, and not just that I was right. Good science is as much about failing, but learning from those failures and spreading knowledge about those failures, as it is about proving what you know to be true. And accepting and adapting your viewpoint when science proves you wrong.


    <hr>


    We have a pleasant evening and the grilled meat is really good. The musicians aren''t bad, but it is just not my style, and neither is the dancing, so I avoid dancing. My late evening bedroom dance with Iselin that turns to horizontal dancing suits me better, and I am also more skilled at that to our mutual joy. This wonderful and sexy woman is my wife, and that makes me proud, as well as just wanting to enjoy her body and company.

 Female complications - day 3, Thunder and exercise

    Female complications, day 3


    The feast continues


    Thunder & exercise.


    It''s still cold outside. Minus is easy to see because of the frost, but it is -7C according to the thermometer. Frost or snow on the ground, and ice on the lakes. I don''t want it to be cold, but it''s good if we get thick ice on the lakes and can start filling the ice house. The ice house''s inner and outer doors have been left open to cool down the inside before filling it. We have quite a lot of buckets and other vessels, so I ask for ice lanterns to be made to decorate along the road to the village. It is after all dark about 17 hours per day, and ice lanterns will be light spots and make it more beautiful for the guests.


    It''s quite cold inside some rooms too, but that''s because I consider 23C is just right, and when it''s 17C inside my bedroom, I want it warmer. It''s not that surprising my room is colder than many others considering it is one of the largest room, with a second floor, and many windows on three walls. All the Elves consider it warm and comfortable in the building, partially because it is far more evenly warm everywhere, instead of the usual hot by a fire and cold everywhere else, and everyone loves the warm water system. Jane agree that some rooms are too cool, and enjoyed pressing her cold fingers against my neck, telling me to fix it. I will upgrade heating, especially in my bedroom, but so far this building have frankly been a great success in comfort that I am proud of.


    <hr>


    After breakfast, Ima surprise me but wanting to ask me something in private, which instinctively makes me uncomfortable considering out last ''private'' moment, as she too seems uncomfortable.


    "My Lord, may I have permission to go to bed with Mr. Digraldi?"


    Okay? That is unexpected and this just got serious, considering her previous life.


    "Ima, has Digraldi approached you or tried to force himself on you?"


    Ima is quick to shake her head and stop me: "No no no my Lord. Nothing like that. We''ve just started talking more and more these past few days when I''ve been helping out and Digraldi is ¡­ nice and charming. I hope he can show me the same tenderness and some of the enjoyment that my Lord did during the Stag night."


    Ima is embarrassed and avoid meeting my eyes, so I feel calmer. Partly because I must have done something right.


    "You are a free woman and you have no master. You work for me during the winter for a living, and you already know that it is entirely up to you if you want to spend a night with anyone. Your life is your own, and if you want to work somewhere else, just tell me, Iselin or Kari beforehand. I just wish you the best of luck and a happy life."


    Ima gets a happy pretty smile as she bites her lips together. She glances quickly to the sides and then gives me a quick kiss on the cheek, followed by a happy "Thank you my Lord!" and a curtsy before she disappears.


    <hr>


    Olafr pulls me aside and with a serious face asks me if I can come along, with Alith following on behind me as usual. This have probably something to do with Digraldi and Ima but it turns out I''m completely wrong. He half discretely points to my cannon standing under the piece of cloth in the great hall. Clearly conspiratorially and not discretely, Olafr looks to the sides and up to the balcony, but except Alith, only Gunhild is nearby and peeking out from the day room. Olafr is as subtle as the hammers he usually wields.


    "Robert, I apologise if I did something I shouldn''t, but I have passed by that many times in the last few days and was just so curious as to what was underneath. I could see the shape and the metal, and I couldn''t figure it out. But I removed the wooden plug to read the engravings, and I realise the deep round hole had rifling and little bits of lead embedded, and I felt a chill down my back. So I peeked in the boxes at the back and saw the special flint lock I made. Robert; that''s a thunder weapon."


    I nod and smile. "Yes."


    Olafr just stares at me and after disbelief and other facial expressions half whispers; "What in Odin''s name are you going to hunt with that!?! Trolls!?! Giants!?! No!! Don''t say anything!! I don''t want to know... I''ll never be able to sleep well again." Olafr runs his hand down his face and chin. "A small bullet like the tip of the little finger can bring down a moose, and those huge bullets in the box... Just tell me that no living thing you know of can survive such a shot. So I might sleep in the future."


    "Olafr, as far as I know, there is nothing that can survive such a shot. It is not for hunting or protection from beasts."


    We still don''t know if there are dinosaurs here, but even they should consider it at least unpleasant to get shot by the cannon, and Olafr lets out a deep sigh of relief before continuing:


    "If it''s not for hunting, I can guess what it could be used for. I''m a master blade smith. My craft has ended the lives of many men, women, and unfortunately even children, and far from all deserved it. What I''ve made for you has been very nice and interesting, and not just for the steel. It''s forging and working with metal in a way I''ve never heard of before, but also because their main purposes are not weapons for combat. I have appreciated that more than I thought I would. I like seeing the swords there on the wall, mounted as art and a reminder, instead of carried at the waist as a show of power and a threat. I know the hunting weapons can be used against elves, but a stone can be used to bash someone''s head in, as well as be in the foundation of a house. I have focused on making the best and finest swords partly because it is a challenge, but also because the finest most expensive swords are rarely used. They are too valuable, and the men who own those swords have warriors who kill for them. Don''t start selling weapons - it''s better for your soul."


    I''m surprised that Olafr sees it that way, because that should be a quite rare viewpoint here. I had expected him to be proud of how effective his craft is. I put a calming hand on Olafr''s shoulder and answer; "I have no plans to sell weapons, especially not thunder weapons. The weather still seems okay even if it''s cold, so let''s go for a walk down south so we can talk more freely."


    A quick check on the barometer, and the walk is decided. Olafr is quick to get his jacket when I get mine and change shoes, and the guards letting the other guards know we''re going for a walk, makes Iselin and Caecilia comes along. With my wife Iselin on my arm, we walk down south, escorted by Alith, Gunhild and Caecilia. We show Olafr the shooting range. Show the moving targets so we can practice not just for fun, but to get better at hitting moving animals - so it''s a cleaner shot with less suffering for the animal. I tell him how big my rifle groupings are at 200 meter and at 400 meter and point out the distant targets, and Olafr just shakes his head. I tell him that I''ve already made an agreement to buy and exchange land on Orusingen, which is adjacent to Kari''s land, but to the south and closer, so we will get a larger hunting ground. With a slightly sarcastic tone, Iselin remark:


    "It''s only as big as these islands together and mostly forest and mountains, and the construction of a hunting lodge or two is already planned."


    Olafr laughs. He definitely wouldn''t say no to future hunts if I invite him. Which frankly might happen. I tell him that the cannon was because I could and was curious how it would turn out and its performance, and defence is a good idea. I can probably sink a ship like a cog with just a nice shot in the waterline. It''s not like most crew practise filling a hole or have tools and wood prepared for it. I should probably make a future training area to drill crew for that.


    This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.


    We walk all the way to the cliff where the long distance cannon shot landed, and we show the small stone pile, cairn, and the impact mark on the cliff. Olafr looks at the mark and towards the distant mansion and just shakes his head. Such a heavy lump shot all the way here. Like the head of a sledgehammer thrown such a vast distance. When we get halfway back, Olafr is in a good mood. Partly because I don''t intend to mass produce weapons of any kind, and partly what the weapons he helped with can do, and somewhat reluctantly he admits that it would be interesting trying to make a steel cannon with a rifled barrel, but it would be terribly expensive and difficult to make. He can only guess what the cannon cost with so much bronze, but cast bronze is far easier to make something like that.


    Olafr admits to being a little depressed now that I have no more steel projects for him to work with, but I cheer him up by saying that there is a forge on the island that needs finishing and testing, and I happen to have some lumps of steel that could be something interesting, and we talk about springs, tent stoves and the manufacture of bolts and nuts via machines. Olafr obviously would like to start with it straight away, completely forgetting this is a wedding feast week, and honestly, I would have liked to join him. Maybe I should ask if he wants to participate in the steam boiler tests after the wedding week?


    "Olafr, unfortunately we both have social obligations, so let''s return to the feast and endure good food, music and friendly company for a few more days."


    Olafr''s loud laugh is a good ending to the subject.


    <hr>


    Many have seen us take a walk with Olafr, and much of the discussion is about what is now commonly known as ''thunder weapons''. Jolfr has of course heard people talk about the moose hunt and thanked for the meat and such, but Asbj?rn, Maurr, Digraldi and Myrun have also heard the rumours and got to eat meat from thunder weapon killed moose. Jolfr have told them what people who were there during the retrieval and slaughtering have told him, and that includes the latest hunt. It proves that the first hunt was no accident or just luck. Several have checked Alith''s mounted moose horns hanging in the guards day room, and seen the moose skin from my moose. They did experience the shot starting the wedding race back to the mansion, and Iselin describes the thunderous bangs a couple of weeks ago and Unn fill in about the frequent bangs heard from the shooting range, as she has watched from a distance, but neither mention anything about the cannon. The ''Thrymheim'' rumours brings some laughs, though I do see a few look at me quizzically. Jolfr turns pale and asks; "How long ago?"


    It turns out that he and his group thought there was a distant thunderstorm during that day. But it was me and my creations. How far was the cannon actually heard? Maybe I should have thought about testing cannons in suitable weather as camouflage.


    We let every guest try to hold and aim with the musket. It''s unloaded, and of course I made sure it is before showing them, but I still make them handle the weapon as it is dangerous. I teach them to always assume a thunder weapon is dangerous and never point the barrel at something they''re not prepared to kill or destroy, and keep their fingers off the trigger.


    They don''t understand how it works, and we don''t tell them, although several people guess it''s a sejd variant of crossbow, so they are very careful. They know that Alith calmly shot this to start the wedding race and it scared several of them half to death. They know the weapon killed a moose, but no one saw an arrow or bolt when Alith fired, if they even thought to check for it. Alith is quite a good storyteller as she proudly retell her memory of the hunts, although she knows better than to include all the details, which includes both weapon handling and what she and I did right after. Iselin takes over and tells about the latest hunt.


    Asbj?rn says: "I can guess the answer, but is it possible to buy one of these thunder weapons?"


    I just shake my head and reply: "No."


    Asbj?rn lets out a deep sigh but that was obviously the answer he expected, and he doesn''t look completely unhappy about it. I have no doubt that Myrun and Maurr would have bought a thunder weapon if I had sold them, but as long as I don''t have to sell, I won''t. Asbj?rn comments that he has also not managed to persuade Olafr to buy one of those superbly beautiful steel swords that Olafr made for himself, and Myrun react to the fact that there are even more of those swords. Olafr offer to fetch his sword since he did carry it at his waist when he arrived on these island, but it is in the house where he sleeps. Of course a Northman like Olafr carries a sword when he travels, but has taken this off as a sign of respect to me and King Aeriksson.


    Maybe I will do a shooting demonstration tomorrow or the next day if the weather is okay? Best to think it over before saying anything about it. Maurr reminds me that I am welcome to hunt moose, deer or just about anything in his forests when it suits me, but of course it is understood that he would like to participate. Probably quite a bit of envy that Olafr is the only ''outsider'' that has actually used and hunted with a thunder weapon. Jane even made really good sketches of that and is planning two epic paintings of the first hunt.


    The more I think about the subject, the more surprised I am that things like crucible steel, black powder, and steam engines aren''t already known and spread in Alfheimr. Jane and I can''t be the first humans to arrive here in the last 300 years, and stuff like black powder has been known for longer than that. At least one human should have tried to do such things or introduced it. And not just here, but all over the northern hemisphere. And who knows what might have been developed in distant places by the elves themselves? Some mighty Kingdom or Empire might have advanced secrets. So I''m going to have to assume that things like black powder, flintlocks and cannons exist, even though they don''t exist or is known here in this region.


    <hr>


    Apparently a discrete competition between our and the visiting guards have been taking place on the exercise bike. All the guards have already tried, and the guest are shown the exercise bike and the hourglass that are now used to take official times. But just learning to pedal around isn''t that easy for everyone, so it''s lucky that they don''t have to maintain balance and the exercise bike has a couple of different grips on its wide handlebars. Unn is not alone in almost falling off the bike. I should probably put a couple of fold up side guards on the saddle. The Highscore list gets another board and grows as more and more people try the bike, and it really is a Highscore list because it takes a pretty good distance to get your name on the top 7 list. Only a persons best time is noted, and Jane is still so far ahead of everyone that it''s a bit absurd, followed by Hillevi, but my name is already in third place on the list and staying there.


    Most of the bike''s moving parts are covered behind wood panels as much as possible so no one gets fingers, trouser legs or skirts in there, but Digraldi recognises his craftsmanship on the pedals and now understands what some of the weird things were for. I take the opportunity to order parts for the other two exercise bikes. There is room for two bikes next to each other and it would be fun to compete that way, or just really exercise with someone else, and it can be a good indoor fitness test for future warriors. I agree with Jane that beside just running with packs and gear, crossfitness and such will be important for my warriors. Myrun finds it amusing what the guest room she slept in on her last visit has turned into. And why. Using such a nice room for indoor training in is very eccentric. The ways we exercise even more so.


    <hr>


    There are many breathless and aching elves during the afternoon. Some see the exercise bike as a horrible torture machine and complain about their legs, while others give up before the end when the sand barely seems to move. To make matters worse, Jane proves that she deserves first place by achieving a slightly longer distance during her 20 minutes and break her own record. Alith happily fetched Hillevi to witness Jane''s final sprint, and that the distance between them has once again become a little longer. Hillevi''s desperate exclamations and profanity was amusing. Jane''s achievement is greatly celebrated, and many have given her well deserved praise for her paintings and sketches that hang everywhere. She gladly take several commissions for paintings, mainly portraits, and Kari makes sure that Jane gets a fair price for her magnificent craft. Frankly it''s not that much and no one tries to bargain. It''s an honour to be painted, and painting at her level is almost like sejd, and sejd is something you pay for. Jane seriously have no competition as far as anyone knows.


    Kari take the opportunity to show Jane''s work where we are documenting life and history, and show what she did from the Tosra gathering, which is really appreciated, not least because the whole thing is so new and unusual. Pictures and text in a book describing an event, just a concise pictorial description of the experience without trying to angle it from the viewer''s eyes. That is different from travelogues or Saga''s, and much appreciated. Asbj?rn''s intention is quite obvious when he mentions the Northmen Ting in two months, and that it would be nice if Jane could document that as well. We have of course planned to attend. Jane already documents everything during the wedding, but generally takes discrete photos instead of sketching directly. As usual without flash and with the screen folded in, just as she has done since the Tosra gathering. She really loves the camera obscura projector I made for her, and the ''dark room'' is just across the hall from her bedroom.


    Tomorrow during daylight, Jane will use the DSLR camera to take photos of those to be painted when they are posing. That way she can paint the paintings or sketches in peace and quiet, and they can be delivered when the painting is finished.


    <hr>

 Female complications - day 3, Symbols and lights

    <hr>


    As Asbj?rn and I is having a fairly private talk, I ask him if he is willing to sell me the slaves who have stayed on the island and work here during the winter. I want to buy and free them, and might do the same with the other slaves who worked here. Of course it''s a matter of economy, but it feels right to do. Asbj?rn is not surprised since he know I don''t like slavery, and he know that both Iselin and Ciara were slaves. Some of the slaves who have worked here are condemned to slavery and cannot be sold or freed, but Asbj?rn smiles as he says he will check with Pedr, and agrees to sell me the slaves who have deserved it later this spring. Fair enough. I''ll just have to put silver aside, since that might be something like 300 ounce or more. Still feels right to do. Asbj?rn is slightly amused of how well the slaves that have stayed live, which is far better than a lot born free.


    We continue to talk about different subjects, and our talk becomes an interesting conversation about nation-building and identity. I am not a history or society expert who''s good at stuff like that, but I know there are basically no real nations here. There are more areas ruled by a king, larger or smaller kingdoms and regions bound under the same leader or family, but the kingdoms and regions retain their own identities. There are no national flags, so when the king is changed, the flag is changed, and princes can split the kingdoms between themselves, or a region change ruler as the princess marry her husband and so on. Frankly, the most ''nation'' like state seems to be that Queendom Damman in the south, since ''special rules'' apply there. There is a certain flag representing the Queen, no matter who is the queen, and that flag is inherited with the position, but that is not a nation flag. The borders of the queendom never change according to law and tradition, and the occasional land ruled by the queen outside the border, is still treated as it''s own region. That might happen if the Queen marry some other ruler, who dies and before they have children old enough to rule. Generally a son or secondary child will rule that while the crown princess becomes the queendom''s new Queen. But it''s still not a nation, as the two large cities Reiekr?ne and Dammau, have their own councils and laws and flags, and the rest of the land in the queendom is smaller half fiefdom''s, usually ruled by a relative to the queen, and those positions are often not inherited. It seems like a complicated feudal mess, and I actually prefer how it is here in the north.


    Here in the north it is different. Almost all land is owned by people and the only land owned by the ''state'' is Northmen Ting''s land with its Tingshamn, and that is so the Northmen Ting is held on neutral ground where everyone is equal and the Northmen Ting''s power is total. The chosen King rule, and is the one to decide about War and Viking Raids, but he have to follow the Northmen Law decided by the Ting. There is a Tingsman or Tingswoman with the King as witness that the Northmen Law is followed, and he or she, have to report to the Northman Ting what the King have done and how he have ruled during the past year. The Tingsman can''t overrule the King, but it''s his duty to inform others and the Jarls if the King is breaking the Law, and a new Tingsman is randomly selected each Northman Ting, so the King can''t collude with the same Tingsman or Tingswoman. The chosen ''King'' does not have any extra land at his disposal when he becomes King, as he only have his personal property. The royal castle in Borgarsandr is Asbj?rn''s private property, so if he loses the royal title, the castle is still his, and the capital will change to where the new King resides. Generally the King with his entourage travels around and makes two or three journeys per year, and it''s just the last two generations that Borgarsandr have become the capital, since that is where the King have lived.


    In the inland there are huge tracts of wilderness that no one owns and where no one lives, especially to the north. There isn''t really a clear boundary to where the Kingdom ends. It''s more if the settlers there consider themselves to belong to a Jarl''s district, or a Jarl forces them to belong to his or her district, and thus they are now a part of the realm. If someone builds a farm in the middle of nowhere and moves there, it will generally fall under some Jarl''s district sooner or later as more people move nearby, and they either independently chose to join a district or are forced to submit. But it may take decades or centuries. Those who live outside a Jarl''s territory have of course no voting rights in the Ting, and technically the Northmen Law does not apply to them, but generally they are not completely lawless since that is dangerous. It is a good reason to place themselves under the rule of a nearby Jarl in order to gain more rights and safety. But people''s identity is where they live and who they are related to, and it can be quite a small region. They are rule by local Ting''s, that are ruled by a Jarl, that is ruled by the King and the Northmen Ting. But there isn''t a common flag. And it is a us vs them between regions or family linages. Who you are related to is important, and marriages are alliances and for power more then for love.


    What started the discussion was when Asbj?rn wondered what Midg?rd is like, and how elections happen, and the ruling structure. How long kings rule there and how it can be done more effectively, etc. I diverted the focus a bit from that to the thinking of a nation instead. Asbj?rn like that he might help be the founder of a nation; something bigger than just leading the royal family; something that can survive another family taking over, and far into the future; that he has founded something greater, and continued in the footsteps of his ancestors. I''m not sure exactly how to do all that, especially here without communications, media and rapid transportation for the general public.


    But we are talking about giving the people a self-image, because a nation is really an image of something bigger that many share. Not something you hold in your hand, and intangible. To do this and unite the people as one, symbols are really used to gather under, because many want to belong to something bigger and be part of a group, especially if it is desirable or considered exclusive. A proud self-image to live up to and a desire to be part of, which can be based on history - true or invented - to provide legitimacy. A name is needed for the nation and this self-image, but it is important that it is not based on a people group or family. It needs to be something everyone can feel they want to belong to and respect. Something that distinguishes the people in the nation from the rest of the people in the world. Something that gives nationalism. The Elves world view is different because no-one sees maps or just something like a weather report overview as part of everyday life. You know land because you have been there, and the same with borders. A common person are at most a few tens of kilometers from the place they were born during their entire lives. That is a bit different here in the north, simply because they travel to Tings and to the Northmen Ting. But many doesn''t travel far. I give some examples of names from Midg?rd, such as the Nordic countries and Scandinavia.


    We discuss how religion, and strongly common religion, and priests who preach it can help gather people, especially if they preach it in a language people can understand. And how to methodically indoctrinate people into a certain view and reinforce a self-image, but I tell him in a way that I hope will give a more tolerant view towards other religions, so it doesn''t lead to crusades, although a strong religion protects the nation from being taken over by other religions and rulers. It would be a good idea to actually write down the equivalent of a bible for the Aesir belief and spread it, because now it is very open, with many contradictory stories and actions. If I choose the right angle, and which tales and legends the ''bible'' tells, the first Aesir bible can give a stronger unified religion that is at the same time more tolerant, but it must be done damn carefully so as not to divide the believers by forcing something on them. Which means stuff like rituals, sacrifices and prayer have to be free. The bible might have to evolve over the centuries. Basically, create a foundation that future generations can use, because the stories that are written down will be retold more, and feel more authentic. Sure, other stories should be written down and saved, but in a separate book. If they are a bit of a mess and contradict each other, they will be less valuable over time. Hopefully. A nation that grows slowly becomes stronger with less problems for internal strife, especially if it is done over a long period of time. Invading a people and saying they now belong to the kingdom is bad, and especially if they are treated badly or as lower class people; there will be friction, and probably fighting and resistance. Integration and making life better for them, or coming to their aid, is more effective. Save the people from a brutal leader, or improve their lives with more freedom, prosperity and a better future, especially for their children, and they are more likely to be on your side. Asbj?rn of course understands this, and the Count''s in the south is an example. Instead of forcing Jarl''s on them, they are helped to maintain their power, prosperity and fiefdoms, and are helped to resist Daes raiders or conquest. Over a longer time, the Count''s power can be weakened while the power of the Northmen Ting and local Ting''s are increased. If it is done too quickly, at least some Count''s will start to oppose it, and think that maybe it is better to belong to the Daes kingdom and swear loyalty to Daes King Magnbjorn?


    The most important thing for a nation, that helps people and nationalism, is a flag that everyone can have and gather under. But the flag should again be more neutral, avoiding colours strongly associated with any specific family or region. A symbol on that flag enhances the impression but there are both pros and cons if that symbol is too strongly associated with, for example, the Aesir belief. The symbol should also be simple so it is clear from a distance and fairly easy to reproduce, because people need to be able to make their own flags. Be able to carve it into wood and art and paint it to make the symbol their own. The symbol is like the house mark on and for the nation.


    I also describe how the misdeeds of a group can completely blacken and warp a symbol, and as an example I take the sun cross and the swastika; truly ancient symbols, and found on some things here, but the swastika was used on a flag by a group of bad people and thus the associations it now has in Midg?rd because of what those people using it did. Colour or used as a flag doesn''t matter. Just the symbol now has a certain meaning, no matter what size or even the correct orientation. So it is important that the symbol of the kingdom is a good one, without bad associations.


    Since we''re discussing symbols, I fetch paper and a couple of chalk and slate boards. When I return, Myrun, Liv, Haera and Unn have joined Asbj?rn, and Iselin, Kari and Caecilia comes along with me. Gradually, as we discuss and draw, we draw more people. There is a lot of symbolism and sketches on slate, and drawings on paper. They have so many symbols. Some simple, some anything but simple. I should have expected that something like the ''road sign'' symbol for ancient monument to be amongst them, i.e. a square with looped corners. The symbols that appeals to a lot are Yggdrasil, the World Tree with a circle of roots and branches. Then there is a grid they call Skulds or the Web of Wyrd which has to do with destiny since it consists of all the lines that make runes, so it covers all the future text that can be created and all the historical text. The valknut, which is three triangles either nested together or as a single line, symbolises the life-death-life cycle, the death of a warrior, the nine worlds, Odin''s power, protection against spirits, etc.


    I think Yggdrasil is more appropriate as the symbol for the religion, Aesir belief, which many agree with. The valknut seems to fit well after we talked about colours or ways to make it special. Many like my quick example of the symbolism in the blue flag which symbolises the sky, water and seas which is important in the culture, and is surrounding their country, with the valknut in the middle. The lower triangle is green to represent spruce, forest and land, and the thick line of the triangle can have inverted V arrows around to resemble a spruce or what a spruce cone looks like and thus the triangle is special even without colour. The left triangle in the middle is gray to represent rock, stone and mountains that is everywhere, especially in the northwest end of the nation which is Norway, and its broad line is unmarked. Solid like stone. The last upper triangle is yellow to represent the sun that shines above all, and the broad lines of the triangle are given fine lines that seem to radiate from the center. In combination with colours, there is a lot of symbolism at once, including that the nested triangles cannot be separated from each other if they are made as a chain or nested.


    The discussions are lively. Asbj?rn nudge me and whispers that he understands what I meant by symbols people want to gather under and be part of. More have joined the discussions, including some of the staff, which is damn good as it need to be something that everyone gathers under. Frankly, it will be interesting if this leads to anything. To switch topic a bit from symbols, we continue to discuss how a common faith can strengthen the nation, especially if it is spread more effectively such as with books and more organised and planned, especially if ''the enemy'' has a different faith, and we also touch on making Borgarsandr become a better capital, and a true capital. Frankly, the capital and the seat of power should be ''state'' owned, and having a ruling hall or castle built in Tingshamn would be better, since no matter who is the king, that will be the capital and castle.


    Asbj?rn and the others are not stupid and quite quickly they understand why I consider the most important thing for a big city and its future, is to have enough clean drinking water, sanitation with sewage and waste management, followed by infrastructure in the form of roads and harbour, and with proper urban planning so the city can grow, and still function and be healthy to live in. After all, infrastructure like roads also binds a nation together and strengthens trade and communication. Asbj?rn, Haera and Myrun are very attentive and involved, and I have to be careful what I say, but both seem interested in simple lessons in why big cities exists, what they require, how they grow, and so on, and solutions to problems. They have obviously heard of really huge cities down south, and they understand enough why a smart leader invests in sanitation, infrastructure and reduced fire risk, especially if the cities get really big. They have not missed that I from the very beginning invested in sanitation, water and infrastructure here on the islands, and I confirm that it will become even more important in the future, and water quality is important to protect. That include from waste, garbage and industrial use. Just because it''s gone under the surface and can''t be seen, doesn''t mean it''s gone. The lake in the village is its primary source of fresh water, so a large water tower with filtration is being built precisely to make drinking water cleaner, and that cleaned water will be piped into most buildings, while the residential sewage is led to a treatment plant in the form of a multi-stage ponds, before it is discharged into the sea.


    This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.


    I don''t know enough details about water purification via ponds and fish farming, but I know it was used for real big cities around the world, especially Kolkata and some parts of Southeast Asia, but it has also included M¨¹nich and other places in Europe. If it worked for a huge city like M¨¹nich in that climate, it will work here. The primary reason it stopped being used is not that it is bad or doesn''t work, but that the wetland became too valuable for housing, the industrial waste became too toxic, and ponds with fish farming is simply less economical than other methods. Those replacements often involving petroleum based fertilisers and industrial purification. But it does work, and Alfheimr should implement proper water purification as soon as possible, and hopefully avoid the mistakes Midg?rd made. Beside being good for nature, it will save insanely many lives, livelihoods and make people healthier. The elves have learned that humans drink far more water than mead and beer, and know how important good drinking water and access to it is for me and Jane.


    One problem with the implementation, is that I know it works, and of course the system requires time, space and manpower, but I don''t know important data. What amount of fresh water in relation to waste water? What type of wastewater? What pond volume is needed? What depth is appropriate? What kind of fish? What kind of plants on the pond banks? Time for the water in each step? We will have to experiment that, and frankly I plan to design it for experimentation and hopefully oversize it to handle future growth. Certain types of really dangerous sewage, where I think fabric dyeing and leather treatment are counted, must not go into the sewage ponds and need to be dealt with separately. How? It might have to be evaporated, compressed and dumped into some type of waste pit, where lime and such deal with it, or in the future burned at high temperature, but gas and smoke might be a problem. Those wastes are less of an issue than starting with just general water treatment from common household drains and human-animal faeces.


    The first step is a sedimentation pond where the effluent should be left for at least a couple of weeks, so solid matter can settle out and it will hopefully kill parasites and the like by interrupting their life cycle. My plan is two sedimentation ponds that are used alternately, where one is filled while the other rests, and I have to calculate the future need of something like 300 people, but that is fairly easy maths. Volume per person per day, multiplied with total duration, multiplied with fresh water ratio. Then the water is slowly flowed down to different fish ponds so I can test different fish and the stuff like that. It needs to happen slowly because high concentration quickly is of course far worse than a slow introduction. Two parallel systems are better than one, especially for experimentation and seeing differences, and every few years a pond will need to be emptied so that the bottom sediment can be dug up and tried to be used as fertiliser for fields. The ponds will probably be more rectangular than desired because it is a practical shape, but I prefer a more organic shape to look nicer. There will be ''walkways'' on the banks between the ponds to facilitate work and maintenance, and there will also be small trees and other things to give the ponds a greener and more attractive appearance. It will be very visible from the Academy, since I simply have no choice due to nature and natural flow. Using pumps where it''s not needed is just dumb. But it''s not all bad as development and experimentation with sewage ponds and water treatment is something that will be taught at the Academy. After all, I want to spread such knowledge and make cities realise the advantage of good water purification, which is; cleaner water is good for nature and health; fish farming in the ponds can produce a lot of fish; the ponds and their management provide many jobs; and the sediment is hopefully free fertiliser for the crop fields. Our talk move over to sterilization and such. I should have assumed, that the people on the small coastal farm outside Borgarsandr where we lived last summer, have talked, so I share more information about microorganisms, sterilization, disinfection and other things.


    Our talk moves on to Rome, its size, problems and how Rome worked. It feels like stuff like this should be old knowledge for them too, but after a while I realise that they don''t really study old writings, have no documentaries and archaeologists who try to piece together and discover knowledge that has been lost. They simply haven''t had anyone teach them that before, and haven''t really had the chance to learn. I expect it might be different in other places in Alfheimr, but not here. So history will be important to teach at the Academy, but it may be difficult to give examples, since I should find and use them from Alfheimr. I''ll include stuff from Midg?rd, since it''s good lessons. After all, Rome hardly did everything right, especially not when it came to hygiene, but the Romans didn''t know any better.


    It really feels like I''m giving a lecture as I continue to talk the classic version about how cities grow, and why local transportation that is cheap or free will be needed in the future, to prevent several poorer families moving together in a small house to share the cost, and slums are formed when the richer moving from those areas. My carriages and wagons is another topic of conversation, and we will make a carriage available so that it can be tried by those who have not already done so. It''s cold, and road is slippery, so hardly optimal, but at the same time it shows how nice and comfortable it can be inside a carriage compared to on a horse.


    After that diversion, the subject continues into population and children, for a nation that has more people and a healthier population with sufficient food production, will of course be an economic power as well as a military power. A small nation cannot have a large Army, and although the small Army can be more effective and dangerous, a several times larger Army will have a great advantage, and can handle loss better. Then there is the fact that a nation with a larger population can more easily field a large Army, and can more easily recover from huge losses. A larger Army can more easily protect more fortifications and castles, and be in several places at the same time. Communications and transportation take time, and improvements in those areas also help in warfare and defence, but only to a certain extent. Of course they also understand this. In the end, more children must be born and survive to adulthood, which places demands on safer food production and overproduction of food and good storage. More efficient farming, fishing and other production, means that there is more time for other things. Improved food, health and medical care help keep children and the population alive, and also make the population healthier, happier and more productive.


    However, it becomes a bit difficult for them to grasp when I start talking about that, in the future, I will give grants and bonuses on my properties to women who give birth, and that the women will get paid maternity leave. I will also build orphanages, more primary schools and so on. They don''t get it because it is an expense for me that I won''t profit from, and a woman will be able to have child after child. And get paid for it. Which reduces the workforce until the children are old enough. It''s really long-term thinking, from which neither I nor the next generation will get a big benefit. But if the next generation is increased by just 25%, then the generation after that increases by 31.25%, and the generation after that by 39%, and so on to 49%, 61%, 76%, 95%, etc. In seven generations, the population has doubled compared to normal growth. What I''m not saying is that I hope population growth will go faster than that, partially due to fewer deaths, but food and water need to be solved. And my economy. However, a generation is 15-20 years, so I have some time to introduce and spread information and technology. Myrun, who knows how big the world is, and suspects that I will try to colonize it, is clearly contemplating and thinking.


    <hr>


    The day''s festivities come to an unexpected end, because the guards discover there is faint northern lights - aurora borealis - and soon we are all standing looking at the sky. The mountain to the north with its forest obscures much of the view from the pavilion or courtyard, and it is a kilometer to walk to the mountain to the south where we got married, so we walk along the road to the village and up the western mountain where we get a good enough view of the horizon in north. Elvira and others help Iselin carry her beloved star telescope and accessories such as the red-glazed lantern and a small folding table.


    Northern lights in southern Sweden isn''t unusual, but it needs to be strong to not be pathetic and it depends on the sun spot cycle, and then cloudless skies are added, which is a bigger problem. In southern Sweden''s interior, clouds are very common during the winter months, and often thick clouds day and night. There can be several weeks in a row when it is not even possible during the day to determine where the sun is in the sky, and the street lights can be switched on even in the middle of the day. I sometimes keep track of what the aurora forecasts say, but it doesn''t matter if there is a great chance for strong aurora if the whole southern Sweden has thick dark clouds. Which can be frustrating. The next problem is that this far south the northern lights are generally weak, and finding a dark place without either the street lights or farms with strong lights the nearest 10km to the north is difficult. You need to look low to the horizon because the northern lights are often much further north, but the phenomenon''s incredibly high altitude in the atmosphere makes it visible from afar. My usual spots are all on the south side of suitable lakes, where there is a suitable beach with parking. Right to roam the land is nice. With weak aurora borealis, even incredibly weak reflection from ice crystals or almost invisible clouds is enough to make the weak auroras difficult to see. Sometimes very weak auroras only appear as a lighter band in the sky to the north, too weak for the eye to see the colour which is usually green. Easy to overlook or mistake for reflections from distant farm or community. But the afterglow does not make a band in the sky or have gaps in its pattern, or that faint ''striping'' that the northern lights have. A camera with a slow shutter speed usually makes it clear, but that feels like cheating. I''ve seen enough to recognise what is aurora and what is not, even when very faint.


    Trying to see good northern lights is often a time-wasting just wait, and that is why I prefer sitting in a car which is somewhat more pleasant than standing outside in freezing temperatures and wind. Since it''s usually been work nights in the middle of the week, I can stay out too long, so often it''s an hour or two just waiting, keeping track of the prognosis, and often it never becomes much more than pathetic and a waste of time. But sometimes it happens, the aurora gets stronger and it undoubtedly is an aurora. The tall standing striped parts and spots or ribbons that get strong. The light begins to slowly fade and move in the sky. Sometimes it lasts minutes, sometimes whole nights. Sometimes the light show just becomes stronger and for five to thirty minutes it can be really sharp, with red bands and areas when the oxygen in the atmosphere starts to glow. Often green below and red above. Sometimes even purple-white tones. If the northern lights are strong enough, you can''t avoid seeing them even in an illuminated city, but you have to be outside or look at the sky, and not the TV. Further north in Scandinavia, if there is snow on the ground and the light is strong, you can easily drive a car without headlights, kind of like a full moon.


    Tonight the Northern Lights are fairly strong, and in a world like this without electric light or pollution, the night sky is so much easier to see as long as it''s a cloudless sky and clear. The staff have brought folding chairs and a table, and hot drinks are being served along with bread and cookies. We stand or sit and just watch the silent lights show. As expected, Iselin''s telescope isn''t good for getting a better view, but instead she points it at the crescent moon and lets those who want to take a look. Almost all of the elves have seen the northern lights before in their lives, but mine and Jane''s presence makes this a slightly different experience. Bifrost is not just a myth. For better or worse.


    Do I wish I never came here to Alfheimr? Both yes and no.


    When I stand like this in the cold winter darkness and watch the northern lights silent show, accompanied by some atmospheric music from the musicians, surrounded by Viking Elves in a medieval world, I can''t help to think and contemplate. Without being too smug, I''d say that for Alfheimr''s future it''s good that Jane and I are here, and we just have to accept that we are here. As the absolute ruler of the islands I stand on, with an arm each around Ciara and Iselin, and with Kari holding me and leaning against one of my shoulders, I''ve been lucky, and my life could have been a lot worse. For better or for worse, I no longer live alone. It''s still hard to see myself as a married man, and in a few months I''ll probably also be married to the amazing woman leaning against my shoulder. Children are a future question, but I honestly don''t know if I''m ready to be a father, or the potential immense pain of losing a child to illness, or even one of my partners during birth, so I''m both relieved and worried that Liv haven''t become pregnant. But many couples tries for years, and we are not the same species.


    <hr>


    I''m surprised when Iselin brings Caecilia along when she comes to join me sleeping, but Iselin just says even the marriage bed needs variety, and her smile is so sinful I can almost see horns on her forehead. Caecilia is so happy to be included. When they seductively show me their fashion teddy''s they''ve worn under their dresses, and that Iselin is wearing a new one, it''s not just my smile that grows.

 Female complications - day 4, Beacons in the night

    Female complications, day 4


    Beacons in the night.


    The exercise bike have seen more or less constant use. 20 minutes is quite a long time and during a two hour stretch, practically only five have time to use it. There are some who obviously have training aches from the previous day, but that is to be expected. It has become a prestige to show that you can cycle all 20 minutes even if you keep a lower pace and many are far too untrained, but don''t want to admit it, especially not when Jane beats them so massively. Cardio training is not really done here, although people move around a lot, walk and work. Hillevi holds the second place due to stubbornness and the training she still followed, I still have third followed by Alith. That there are two women at the top and only two male names on the highscore list, where my time is best, makes it embarrassing for many male guards. In a contest of leg strength and endurance, they are beaten by women and a sejdmann, and my ''achievement'' during the Stag night have underlined my manliness, making Asbj?rn''s proclamation three months ago of my manliness, seem almost prophetic by some. I suspect some take comfort in classifying humans as just naturally better at using an exercise bike.


    Amusingly, one woman on the high score list is one of Myrun''s shieldmaidens, the one who is Siri''s primarily protection, and thus has to run after and accompany Siri playing or going on adventures, and Siri seems to be more boyish in her games than girlish, but what do I know about the norms here? Siri is disappointed that she can barely use the exercise bike - she''s a bit short and light - but Siri is delighted when I lower the resistance and she turns can cycle well on the lighter resistance, especially if she stands and cycles, and with persistence she last until the sand runs out. I fetch and mount an extra slate board, marked ''Children Highscore'' and Siri is overjoyed to lead that highscore list. The fact that there are no other entries on it doesn''t matter, because she is the first, just like Jane on the other list. Jane had fun teaching Siri to high five, and when something warrants a high five.


    I want to have some quiet time, and playing chess with Alith is a good excuse. Alith tries to distract me and lose my strategy, by discretely telling me that she''s looking forward to when all the guests have left and it''s just us, so she once again can use the exercise bike while using her butt plug. Said with a dreamy face. She doesn''t earn any Highscore''s but she doesn''t even bother to take the time, as she just likes how it feels. I don''t get distracted, but Alith makes dumb mistakes during her next two moves, and realise that she distracted herself. She was probably too honest there.


    <hr>


    There is so much talk and discussion happening, that this feast doesn''t really feel that feast like. It''s not what I expected, though I don''t complain. But a week long feast is just too long. During the meal we mention that there will probably be small Academy workshop''s during future Northmen Ting, where we will inform, show and teach about things that are too important, while easy enough for people to start using or doing, where we ask people try it and return next year with their experiences. Northmen Ting will have participants from all over the Kingdom, and though few of the poorest attend, the information will slowly spread to them as well, and the Northmen Ting are many Sejd women from all corners of the realm. We''ve already had good successes with silage as animal feed, especially for cows and pigs, so we will start spreading the silage information. Some region might have a bad harvest next year, so silage is simply too valuable to keep for ourselves. When it comes to silage, we can even bring a few silage barrels to the Northmen Ting and feed animals with it, so people can see that it works, and how it looks, smells and such.


    <hr>


    I take another break from the feast, to gather my energy with peace and quiet. It''s not easy being slightly introvert and getting hoarded by people. So I lie on the bed in my bedroom and think, with Ciara beside me and resting her head on my chest. The ship will get a 12V system with wind power charging, and we will test how sailings is with the same battery vessel we have, but filled with water, just to see if anything spills or leaks. Far better than having problems with acid. The small mini batteries should work best as they are tall and narrow. What is important is that the lead battery cells are really well sealed and protected if they are going to be on a ship rocking and stamping on the waves, and maybe I should make a different vessel design. There will be a well damped suspension and mounting, probably lower and more central in the hold where there is less motion. I need to try to seal the ceramic edges with clay, glue or other solutions. Damping mount helps, but maybe I can make the acid into a more viscous gel? An improved lead plate should help with battery capacity and current. After all, it''s a matter of surface area, so I''ve thought about casting plates with a fine grid, much like a water cooler, or rolling out thin flat strips that are then attached together. Another solution might be some form of lead paste which can be made with lots of small cavities. In a way, it''s a similar problem with activated charcoal filters. How do you make a certain volume have as much surface area as possible? A staggering amount of tiny holes. I''m thinking about using bubbles or some kind of chemical reaction to turn the lead spongelike.


    Since the mansion''s electrical system can charge tablets, mobile phones and so on via the buildings electrical network, a lot of battery equipment is no longer needed just for charging or powering stuff. I have planned to permanently mount my folding solar panel on the outside of the house and hooking it up to the batteries, but that won''t contribute much, so it''s better to save the solar panels for where they are really needed. I can modify and split the solar panels apart, and they are 18V solar panels. The radios work well on 12V and it could be nice to use the solar panel if we travel. Also, I need to do a major upgrade to the mansion''s electrical system quite soon. I need higher capacity and higher voltage available for other projects.


    So many projects and ideas.


    I look at the bedside table clock. I''m pleased with how well the electrical time signals work. They make it so much easier to make something like a clock and the mechanical counter style clock works, but it bothers me that the clock is so thick and tall in relation to the size of the display. But hard to do anything about as the reason is the many facets on each display wheel, and it is 24 hours and 60 minutes. The problem is that tens of minutes should show 0-9, tens of minutes should show 0-5, hours should show 0-9, but every third cycle only go 0-3, and tens of hours need to show 0-2. The six different steps for 0-5 in tens of minutes so it is a wheel with 12 steps where 0-5 is repeated twice, and thus 12 steps become quite similar to the 10 step wheel for tens of minutes. Furthermore, a similar 12-step wheel can then also be used directly to show hours on a 12-hour clock, and AM-PM could have alternating positions on the facets of a further 12-step wheel. But I don''t want to give Jane that satisfaction and I don''t want to use such a watch myself, so the mechanism has a double width hours wheel with 00 to 11 and 12 to 23 written side by side and a shutter that blocks half the view. The first cycle shows 00 to 11, the second cycle shows 12 to 23. Doubling all the facets would have simply made the numbers half the size which would have been worse than this solution, and with a special wheel Jane can get a special 1 to 12 AM/PM watch. The faceted wheels make the clock housing tall and thick, but not very wide. The minute side have the electromagnet that advances the minute wheel, but the tens of minutes wheel and the hour wheel are simply connected and are successively advanced, so there are relatively few parts in the watch. The next version will be upgraded to make setting time way easier, using a latch that disconnect the hour-minute wheels from each other and the electro magnet, so they can be manually rotated to be set. To make the case more symmetrical in width and because the hour wheel makes one revolution in 12 hours, it is easy to add an alarm function where an extra alarm wheel on the side is rotated to when the alarm is to be triggered, and a buzzer starts sounding until the alarm is turned off. It will simply be a table clock with adjustable alarm, with an on-off button. The disadvantage of including an alarm function is that it makes the construction significantly more complicated and basically doubles the amount of parts. The over all design and presentation of the time also means that people need to learn to interpret a completely clock face with numbered wheels instead of analog hands. Fortunately I did add numbers on the grandfather style clocks, and several in my proximity can read both analog and digital numbers. Others will simply have to learn.


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    There will be a small batch of these table top clocks made, and probably half with the alarm function, because I want them. There will also be a batch of smaller timing signal analog table clocks with a 24 hour dial and hands, where the hands will be centered in each other as all future clocks should be. They will be a much simpler design without complicated faceted wheels and so on. They will work as alarm clocks in most rooms, because even that analog table clock model will have an alarm function. It feels like a good idea to make table clocks for most rooms, and I have planned for my sambos to get their own alarm clocks, and so will Caecilia and others.


    Basically I''ll let my sambos choose which model they want. Even the mechanical counter model has relatively few parts and the faceted wheels are made of wood. A 10 and 12 faceted bar can be made which is then split into several parts using a lathe, and markings burned or painted. I really want to give Jane a special clock that works correctly, but is annoying. Like going backwards, or just have irregular ticking.


    <hr>


    As I talk with Asbj?rn, Myrun and Asta, I bring up building lighthouses. I explain what a lighthouse is and show on maps what I have planned, how it will work and used for navigation. Both directly link this subject to yesterday''s discussion of infrastructure and proper paved roads that connect cities and larger communities. Lighthouses do the same at sea. One to four lighthouses would be suitable for Myrun''s areas, but Asbj?rn really sees the use and how many spread out lighthouses can make a huge difference. There have been many shipwrecks in this region, where ships run aground or have navigation problems in the archipelago. Especially merchants from far away lands using deep hulled cogs. He is worried that some people living along the coast might try to destroy the lighthouses, because ships running aground are a nice bonus for people in certain areas. Either through salvage or just plundering the wreck, because who knows what really happened to a lost ship or its crew? But the lighthouse require a lighthouse keeper, and it is possible to protect the lighthouses fairly well, and an isolated location will need a dedicated keeper. After all, a more expensive and fairly tall stone towers makes sense in more exposed places and the design can be fortified and protected, and not just against the sea and weather. A lighthouse will also be a way to legally establish ownership because if the land is inhabited for a certain time, it is owned, and lighthouse keeping can be combined with offering tax relief or similar to those who have land where it is suitable, in return for the maintenance of the lighthouse. There should be a penalty for not tending the lighthouse, and ''forgetting'' to light it in bad weather is dangerous and puts sailors and passengers lives at risk.


    Myrun immediately decides to set up two lighthouses, one on a small mountainous island that lies some distance out to sea from the mouth of the bay where Skiringsalr is, and another that will be inside the harbour. If those turns out to work well, there could be two more, one in each direction along the coast as there are other scattered islands where ships have run aground. Asbj?rn want to set up three lighthouses, but add one or two smaller ''alignment'' lighthouses in each place so that it is easier to estimate direction and distance, for both entry and exit to Borgarsandr. It takes time to sail through the archipelago going in and out of Borgarsandr, and during winters there is precious few daylight hours. The lighthouses can ''extend'' the day''s sailing for both entry and exit depending on the wind, the ship and direction, which can almost double the amount of hours available in the middle of winter. Asbj?rn loves the idea of making Borgarsandr a desirable trading destination for ships that have sailed around the Daes kingdom or comes from across the sea, at least during the dark half of the year, and Myrun instantly have similar thoughts about Skiringsalr, since that will be closer for ships coming from that direction. Both have also realised the value of building better roads that go from the inland and out to ''their'' cities, and it doesn''t have to be paved roads. Macadam will be an option. I already have a big need for different sized roads and thus different sized rocks and have been thinking about starting to build stone crushers that are either wind or water powered, because if there is one thing that Scandinavia has in abundance, it is stone, gravel and sand. Many scattered stone crushers and sandpits help build infrastructure in its vicinity, so for a larger road project over a vast distance, it should be a good idea to have temporary facilities that are moveable, to reduce transport distances. Some type of tracked steam engine earthmover with a dozer blade or backhoe or just to move cargo would have been useful too, eventually I hope to make one.


    We talk more about the details of lighthouses, but both will build fortified towers on the outer islands. After all, the lighthouses have to withstand the weather and storms and manage without replenishing supplies for a long time. So I show my sketches of a couple of different standardised lighthouse installations, but most notably the main lighthouse with the stone tower. Standardisation is good, because it teach a lot of people what it is. I show a couple of variations on light installations and in the future I plan to give lighthouses ''light signatures'' so that they flash with a certain pattern and thus can be more easily identified, and the light will be experienced as stronger. As long as the towers are prepared for that mechanism, it''s easier to upgrade. I also want to test how far the lighthouses can be seen in different weather, because they won''t be bright. Height is of course important, but if the light is too weak, height does not matter much. View distance is easy, since how far the horizon is can be calculated according to the formula; the root of the height in meters, times 3.6, to get the distance in kilometers. For example, the square root of 16 is 4, and 4 times 3.6 equals 14.4 kilometers. But of course waves and height of the observer on the ship must be taken into account.


    We also discuss simpler optical telegraphs to be able to signal from islands to land or similar short distances, and use flags to and from ships, which appeals to Asbj?rn a lot, and when I bring up the possibility of ship pilots, he starts thinking about building a port on the outermost island I think is Vinga, or its equivalent here. A small intermediate station if someone needs a safe harbour quickly due to weather or time, where the ship can then also pick up a pilot to guide the way in. A young man, and in this way more ships can benefit from safe navigation at a cheap price, and especially if they are a long way from here. After all, it''s about knowing the archipelago, currents and grounds, and not just how the lighthouses should be used to navigate. The wheels are turning in both Asbj?rn''s and Myrun''s heads to make their cities more attractive to sailors and merchant ships. Every increase in trade means more silver, prestige and power for them. Trade attracts trade, which attracts people and craftsmen. I bring up other navigation aids and what the Academy will teach to the first year navigators this summer.


    I''m not surprised that Myrun, who owns many trading ships, would in the future like to see a network of lighthouses that sailors can use and sail through the night, and she begins to make calculations for costs, such as the amount of fuel the lamps draw, food and wages. It''s about making trade more efficient as well, and maybe being able to cut down on the number of ships and crew, if each ship becomes more efficient and moves more cargo in a shorter time.


    The weather is fine, so I take them on a tour and visit to the Millennium Eagle, and I show my the ship''s compass, and how its small lantern enables the navigator to keep a heading all night, even if the stars cannot be seen. A simple hourglass like used with the exercise bike keep track of time sailing along a certain distance. With the help of lighthouse beacons to ascertain one''s position even in the dark, good navigators will get fixed point references as they can sail from Borgarsandr to Skiringalr during both day and nights, and deliberately stay further from the coast and away from the dangers of the archipelago. Myrun is very interested, and Asbj?rn has evidently not forgotten what I said about some knowledge being useful both to strengthen the kingdom and give it a more powerful military.


    <hr>

 Female complications - day 4, Power

    <hr>


    Our entourage has grown since they know the plan, and it is a large procession as we head for the village to look at the apartment blocks and water wheels. We keep what happens inside the mechanical lab and the metal workshop somewhat secret, but we show the sawmill which have impresses the guests. The guests have of course heard rumours - enthusiastic rumours - and they have taken walks and stood on the bridge to look at the wheels, the sawmill and log transportation, but haven''t gotten a proper showing. The whole principle of water power is fascinating and impressive, and although there apparently are a few simpler water wheels in southern countries and Reiekr?ne have some, it just hasn''t caught on here in the north. But I suspect it will spread rapidly over the coming years. I can show and explain working systems and have solved all the tricky details, and people will be able to see all the use it can have.


    It is obvious that the village is not an ideal spot for the sawmill, and the only reason it is here is this is where the hydropower is available, but the amount of water available is limited and that water is not reused. Rain fill the lake. I''ve actually considered building a wind powered sawmill down by the shore, since that is where the logs are, and wind is everywhere, but not all the time. It would also have been nice to have some sort of larger reservoir to get more constant and predictable electrical power. So I have already decided to build wind-pumped hydropower in suitable valleys in the forests in the north of both islands, because wind is something that is mostly available, and if I need a lot of energy input, scattered wind turbines that via electrical energy or long mechanical flatrod system can pump up water. Such systems were commonly used to transfer mechanical power several hundred meters, and several kilometers is possible, but I won''t build something that long. Inefficiency is acceptable as long as it works, and I prefer low easy maintenance. When it comes to the dams, there will be built a high water head but low volume dam on northwestern Big Ackerek, northern of the strait, which will be filled with wind-pumped salt water, and that dam systems primary purpose is to operate a sawmill with a future carpentry workshop, and will have a water head of about 20 meters above the sea and be 65,000m3. I would have preferred to not use salt water, but it is effective and there is no need for a lower dam to catch the water, and I simply cannot wait for the ponds to fill with rainwater since that will take years. The location on the side of a mountain with solid bedrock means that the salt water should not be able to contaminate the island''s groundwater. I have to accept the salt water corrosion problem, and if it is needed for maintenance the dam can be completely emptied since the dam is filled from the sea. Should the dam collapse, the water will rush out into the sea and be of no issue. The sawmill will be higher and protected by the geography and should not affected at all.


    So the first dam to be built will be that salt water dam and primarily for a new sawmill, and the location right next to the sea makes it easy to transport logs there, and to delivering sawn planks and wood via boat or barge even before a road is built to the site. There will be so much more space for logs drying and finished planks and other things, and its new location also means that the sawmill with its stock of logs will not be an eye-sore and frankly quite hidden since the location can only really be seen from the strait or across the strait from the north-eastern part of this island.


    The two larger fresh water dam systems, one on each island, are simply two dams, where wind power pumps the water up from lower to upper dam, and water flows back down to the lower dam when we need electricity, and we can regulate flow and electricity production. The upper dam on each system will have a larger volume than the lower, partially because of water head, but most importantly because the upper dam will also be a potable water reservoir to irrigate the fields and feed the water towers on both islands via buried pipes. The roughly estimated volume of Small Ackerek''s dams located in the northwestern part, is 75''000m3 on the lower and 90''000m3 on the upper, while Big Ackerek''s dams are 220''000m3 on the lower and 440''000m3 on the upper. The lower dams are practically dammed bays. Each dam will have a masonry core firmly anchored into the hillside to stop water undermining the dam, which is then covered with clay and soil for stability. I am worried about how durable the dams will be, so the locations are both chosen so the dams are in the northern forests and facing the sea. If one or more dams fail, there is nothing there that can be damaged, and more than a kilometer across the bay to the other shore. The disadvantage of these dam projects, is that based on about 1000 mm of rain per year per square meter, it will take 2 years to start being able to be used and 5 years for the dams to be filled with rain and reach full effect. But then electrical energy will be available when we need it. The light bulb experiment showed how inefficient those will be, so just lighting will require lots of available power, which the wind pumped hydro system will provide. The wind is the energy, while the dams are the energy storage. With inefficiency, I roughly calculate that Small Ackerek''s system will have about 1MWh, and around 3 MWh for Big Ackerek.


    For irrigation and transport of water to the water tower in Ackerek''s village, a small wind-pumped water tower will stand on a small hill above the upper dam, and via a long and buried pipeline through the forest, that follows elevation curves as it slowly descends for a steady flow, the water will flown to the village''s combined water tower-clock tower, as a backup if there is a problem with the water in the lake. At the same time, there will be pipelines buried to feed sprinklers on some of the fields in the valley. If it works well, there will be more buried pipelines and sprinklers and installed for all the fields that might need it, and maybe there will be a separate pipeline to the guest mansion and to my mansion. The village water tower can''t feel those locations, but a higher water tower over there can. A similar system for drinking water and irrigation is will be made from the upper dam on Big Ackerek. Water for drinking and irrigation is literally a matter of life and death, so I really want to prioritise that, and all these projects will provide good practice for similar ones elsewhere. Roads for construction also open up the forest for exploitation and easier access. It will be a lot of work to move the amount of material needed for those dams, so dozens of wheelbarrows and other things will be made for those huge projects. It would have been quite fast to build with modern excavators and trucks, but here it will be manual work.


    We have reached the village, and I present Jofreydr, Awdgotr and Saeunn who are dressed up and looking good, and they are proud to explain to their visitors. Logs have been prepared, because with the multi-blade saws, they have become so proficient and fast that they can saw planks faster than the logs get here.


    We start by the small stream and I explain that I also buy logs from nearby islands and the mainland. The ends of the logs are tarred and the logs are floated here by being tied together into larger rafts that are rowed here across the water. The logs are taken up where the stream flow out into the sea where a pull-up ramp has been built, which is the closest, straightest and flattest route to the sawmill. There is also already a large but simple warehouse there for construction projects. Next year will need a lot of timber, and we''re basically accumulation everything so it can be dried. Sure, there is like 500 meters transport to the sawmill, but it''s a flat, straight road. The stream along with the road has already been somewhat widened and straightened, and a large dam is being built where the stream flows into the bay, so it will work better as a logging channel, just to make the transportation to the sawmill more efficient. A horse can then pull a bundle of logs using the canal, or a man can use a pole to move the logs forward. Freshwater transport and intermediate storage also help wash away saltwater from the bark.


    Once at the hauling zone, a small shallow dam and channel have been made leading to a hydro-powered roller conveyor, which transports log after log up the hill to the sawmill''s log storage, with minimal manpower and horse requirements. There are two small simple flat bridges so the the roller conveyor go under the lower and upper road, road transport is not hindered or blocked. The shape and length of the hill has made us build the roller conveyor as two separate sections, but it is also good for safety and efficiency as only one log can be on a conveyor at a time. To demonstrate, the hydropower is turned on so the conveyor start moving, and we watch as they slide a log floating in the channel to the conveyor, and the log slowly begins to be transported up the hill. Guests stand on the bridges and watch as the log is transported underneath, until the log reaches the top and automatically rolls to the small log storage for drying off the surface water. The disadvantage of logging is that the log gets wet, but if it is done relatively quickly, the log does not have time to absorb much water, and the ends are sealed with tar. If the wood is really dry beforehand, it doesn''t take long before the surface is dry again. It would have been possible to build roller conveyor all the way from the log warehouse by the shore, but we have limited water power and it''s not worth it, and there was already a creek. In the future there will be flat bottomed punt boats to transport the dried logs to the conveyor, with larger barges used to transport logs to the islands.


    When the log wagon arrives here, it will be intended for transport on the islands and from the forest in the north, and it will probably be one person whose primary task is using the log wagon, and whose secondary task is to help get logs into the sawmill or work involving logs. There will be a carpentry shop at the new sawmill, but the villages carpentry shop will remain because its use of water is much less than the sawmill, and when the sawmill disappears, there will be more room in the carpentry shop and for other things. I also have a lot of projects that involve wood and metal work, and it is easier for the craftsmen to talk and work if they are close.


    So much sawn planks will be made. Many buildings only need a simple wall to protect against rain, wind and animals, and sawn planks, which used to be expensive and a lot of work, can now cover a larger area than just using the log directly would have done. Something like a plank becomes a fairly economical solution, and much less work to build than it used to be. Of course they have used split logs before to make less important planks, but the surface has been uneven and with splinters. It has required a lot of work and time with axes and planes, and a person can only do so many in a day or over a year, no matter how skilled. But beside production efficiency, a sawmill can standardise dimensions of planks, and that will make such a difference in construction, furniture and barrel manufacturing and shipbuilding.


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    The sawyers gives our guest a good show as they saw off ends and make planks to our guests amazement. The power planer is not quite finished yet, but it can be shown, and the finished plank that comes out looks really good. The sawyers and craftsmen love it, and the sawyers show how exactly alike they can make planks by making another planed plank. In a short time, a log has been transformed into fine planed planks, and it is so easy and fast, and the saw is already sawing up another log as we speak. The sawmill in Laxlanda will basically be the same as this once we have solved everything and refined the technology and operation, and the new sawmill on Big Ackerek will be built with a lot of improvements and improved work flow. Of course, our guests talk about how much faster something like a Longship can be built, and Maurr is a bit smug when he tells us that he has already spoken to the shipbuilder who made my Laxlanda ferry about collaborating to specifically make Longships and Knarrar for others. I''m not that interested in ships even though I''m likely to get a lot constructed for me during my lifetime, but I probably want a machine shop and factory in Laxlanda just because there is hydropower, and it would also be possible to make a production line for barrels there. Using machines will also make barrels faster and more accurate than complete handwork. Myrun points out that there is a barrel binder in Skiringalr, whose apprentice would certainly like to have the opportunity to start his own business, so I ask Myrun to ask if the apprentice could come to the Tings two months from now. There is a lot of production work I can use power for, and frankly, I would gladly hog all the land close to the water power in Laxlanda. I won''t need it for a lot of years, but eventually I might. Rotational energy is harder to transfer than back and forth flatrod system. I can be done, using a ratcheting converter or three flatrods, but I prefer to not have unnecessary complications. Skiringalr has two rivers and the one from the lake falls quite far on the short stretch out to the sea, so Myrun wants a large sawmill there. I expect that in the future many, many sawmills will be built around the country, and Myrun offers me to own the Skiringsalr sawmill with a similar agreement that Maurr has in Laxlanda, so I''m surprised but hardly complain. Myrun has certainly made a balance between complexity, politics and economics, because otherwise she would have built and owned everything herself. Although she might think more long term and give me a reason to build more manufacturing facilities there.


    The saw that saws of the log ends doesn''t do anything while the other saws are working, and it they show how the the end saw can now be used to saw suitable lengths from a log that is too short, waste pieces or just sawn-off ends. Those pieces are then split into fire wood. Even a bad crocked log can become firewood. The firewood doesn''t even have to be split by hand, because the wood splitter is basically finished. There are things to improve but it works well enough for a demonstration, and Awdgotr rolls a length into position, moves the lever into split position, and the wood is forced against the splitting blade which begins to split the wood. When it has almost reached the end, the operating arm is reversed, and the driver starts to return to its original position where it stops. Just drop the wood in the chute which leads to a basket or via another chute out to a cart, and roll a new log piece into position. The full cart can then easily deliver the firewood to the storage piles or just directly to the mansion or where it should be used and the firewood will be stacked and ready for use. The residents here will not have to spend a lot of time and effort on firewood, which also makes firewood cheaper. Storman Maurr almost drools when I confirm that Laxlanda will get something similar, but due to a larger potential market as it is easy to ship firewood via the river to Tingshamn and Borgarsandr, there will be a separate part of the sawmill that specialises in just producing split firewood, with many saws and wood splitters as demand increases. The sawmill at Elfhamr will have a similar system because the entire Big Lake can float logs there and ships can transport firewood back. Just a small cost and time to have it cut up and split at the sawmill, and Myrun of course wants the same in Skiringsalr.


    Iselin have noticed that Engdrid has finished the prototype spinning wheel and the carding machine, and Iselin''s ill-concealed enthusiasm brings the machines more attention than I wanted, but the guests accept that I have secrets and am working on prototypes that are not yet ready to be introduced. Instead, I try to show my new ''advanced'' ladders. It is basically a ''modern'' extendable aluminium ladder but made in wood, and the longest version has supports that extend out on the side at the bottom to be much more side stable, and they can also be set up as an A style ladder. The ladders have already started to be used on construction projects here, and together with tool vests and tool belts, they are very much appreciated, unlike safety harnesses. I don''t want anyone to die, lose their life or break a leg when it could easily have been avoided. There have been several close call situations, and I should have improved ladders far earlier. Pedr is well aware that I hold him accountable for my safety regulations being followed, and I have started thinking about making and enforcing construction helmets, at least when they are at a higher height or have people working above them. If I can build a stamping press to form things like construction helmets would be very useful and make them cheaper. Probably not a market for them, but the same machine with another die should be able to make armoured helmets and pieces of body armour, and that will have a larger market. Which reminds me that I have to get a piece of ''jack of plate'' style armour made, to test penetration resistance.


    So many projects.


    We''ve already had some snow, which melted quickly, but carpenter Engdrid has been given my sketches and tasked with making a horse-drawn snow plough to make it easier to clear the roads. I hope the width is not too much for a horse, but he will make two blade widths, and those who plough must choose blades in relation to snow depth and how sticky and wet the snow is. It doesn''t have to be perfect, just so it''s easier to walk on the roads, and keep away the eventual mush. It could have been snow chaos a month ago, so this should have been built already, but better late than never. Eventually we will get 1-2 dm of snow over a day. The ice on the lake is already thick enough that it carries people, but we will let the ice grow thicker while it''s cold. If it starts to thaw, they will saw up the ice and get it into the ice house. Usually, the coldest part of winter is in January or February, but snow and ice can happen between September and May, at least in the inland.


    Saeunn is proud when she shows our powerful guests how the grain mill and fulling mill works. Saeunn has more or less accidentally become responsible for both. She''s here anyway, and it''s not that often they''re used. It''s not a very heavy job either, as sacks and barrels are loaded from the yard above and moved with simple blocks and a crane etc, and the sawyers are on the other side of the yard and can help if it''s really needed. But this is a world and life where women have very physically demanding jobs and most have good muscles. Saeunn show the fulling mill in operation and how the stale urine soaked cloth have transformed over four to six hours. Damn noisy process, but we''re working on making it slightly less noisy.


    We knew that the guests would not be able to avoid seeing Klakki and Eym?rd''s area, and they have of course been looking on from the background, so I show another simpler use of water wheels by introducing my ''clay men'' Klakki and Eym?rd showing how the roof tiles are made in the simple clay extrusion machine that is under the canopy outside the stamping mill. They''ve gotten proficient, and the huge demand for roof tiles means they almost only make roof tiles. There has already been a modification to the extrusion machine so it can make pipes instead of just roof tiles, because just like roof tiles, clay pipes is really needed, but not in the same amount. However, the pipes have a much lower production rate in order for the pipes to retain their shape and thus be usable. We are trying to dry the clay with the kiln''s waste heat to control the humidity of the clay, and eventually there will be a new extrusion machine that preferably makes meter long pipe sections with flanges. But then the clay must be stable enough for that during drying. It''s a development process.


    My clay men have the special pottery kiln with it''s drying room as well, and as usual it is in use right now. Klakki and Eym?rd take turns guarding the kiln at night, and during the day they guard the kiln while they make more tiles and pipes for the next firing. They work ridiculously long hours, but when the oven is cooling down, they have a day off, and both honestly seem to think it''s a really good job that they''re proud to do. Hafle mostly works with forests and firewood during the day, but often helps them when his other workday is over. Everyone really wants to show that I will not regret making them free necks. They are former slaves who would have been satisfied with much less, but Klakki and Eym?rd will probably get a 6x4 house to share when available, and Hafle will get an apartment so he can start a family. I try to spoil them a bit to really win their loyalty because they are at the same time making salt from the kiln''s waste heat, and they are uneducated, but they are not stupid. Should they start taking salt for themselves and selling it or teaching it to others, they can earn a lot of silver, so even if that would be committing a serious crime against me and breaking their word, they might take that chance. When the solar plant in the south is finished, it will be Hafle''s job to manage it.


    Awdgotr and Saeunn will also be moving into one of the apartments, and I hope Saeunn can help prepare the other gardens there. I know they plan to try for a baby this spring. Rumour is, that since Saeunn got an IUD, they''ve been ''practising'' a lot. Awdgotr is 20 and Saeun will be 18 this spring, so it''s ''definitely time'' to have a baby. Like many young travelling workers, moving around where there is work for the season, and without a house of their own, they have had to be restrained while saving silver so both can work, and they sure didn''t expect to be offered to stay here and just get to move into such a large luxurious apartment or have such fine jobs and futures. Once the sawmill move, it will be about 2.5 kilometers from the village, and I''ll probably build housing close by for those working there. I wish I could have made bicycles to make commuting faster.


    Jofreydr becomes prouder and happier when I offer him to move to Laxlanda and become responsible for getting that sawmill in working order, and at least in the beginning become the person in charge. We will need to hire someone or probably two to help with all the work in this sawmill, but that should be easy. There are usually one or two helping to make it run efficiently, and the sawmill isn''t really affected by most weather conditions.


    <hr>

 Female complications - day 4, Cool business

    <hr>


    The spinning wheel and the carding machine have arrived in the mansion, and Iselin and Kari already know how the machines are supposed to be used, but since it isn''t something they should show the guests, they will be kept in a basement vault until after the wedding week. I need help to test how both work, and those that do test will help me with improvements and teach others. Jane, who recognises a spinning wheel by its ''classic'' appearance, is amused by Iselin''s enthusiasm, and Jane teases Iselin that she wants to skip her wedding feast guests to spin wool. Iselin''s denial doesn''t feel honest, so it''s probably true. I get it, and a feast like this will give Iselin time to try a bit of carding or spinning every now and then. Jane smile as she poke Iselin and calls her a ''Nerd'', who immediately gets a pleased happy smile at what she perceives to be a compliment. Jane still doesn''t seem to understand that since she generally calls me a ''nerd'' for doing something often impressive technology wise or tricky craftsmanship, in conjunction with it being something I can or will do but she can''t or won''t, ''nerd'' have become interpreted as slight prestigious and just jealousy from Jane.


    <hr>


    Outside of my sambos, only Caecilia, Alith and Jolfr know about a special idea about a boat race, so during supper I tell our guests that during the Northmen Ting, I will announce that a couple of days after Midsummer I will organise a boat race around Tosra, with start and finish line south of here, probably in Lysesund if the people there agree. A total distance of about 60km, which just so happen to also be the distance from here to Borgarsandr, and the race will include everything from narrow straits, cruising between the islands ans shallows in the fjord, to a stretch along the coastal sea, and the wind will have to be tackled from all directions. The start will be early in the morning at 4 o''clock, since the plan is to finish in the afternoon-evening depending on the wind, although of course the weather and wind will decide everything. During midsummer at this latitude, the night won''t have been dark and the sun will have been up for an hour or so, and from the start racers will have 17 hours of daylight until sunset. Probably two classes; one class open to all sailing vessels, regardless of type as long as the boat''s hull at the waterline is more than 25 ells - i.e. 11.2 meter - and only using sails as propulsion, and one class racing the following day that is the same size but otherwise free for propulsion so things like oars are allowed. So two days of competitions. After the big ships have cleared the area after an hour or so, there will be races with smaller boats, for two-three people in a boat under 12 ells at the waterline, i.e. 5.4 meter. They will race in the water between Ackerek, Tosra and the mainland. Start at Lysesund, round a couple of islands south of Big Ackerek, head south and round islands between Tosra and the mainland, and then back to the finish by Lysesund. It is about 15.5 kilometers, and with similar rules about first day is pure sailing, and use what ever propulsion they want the next day. The start and finish line will be the same for all competitions. I want that start and finish in Lysesund, partially so they have the sunrise in their back during the start, and since I don''t want all participants here on the islands. The mainland is just far more accessible than using an island without bridge access, and I expect there will be many who will just watch. There will be a requirement for life jackets on all participants, and that there is a unique flag or marked sail on each boat so that the boat can be identified from a distance. Each large boat must give the organiser the same logo/flag on a 20 by 30 centimeter wooden plate to be hung up on a large wall to keep track of race progress.


    There will be prizes in each race for the crew and boat owner to share, plus of course the honour, but each owner/family may only enter two boats in each class, and there will be no foul play where boats cooperate to block competitors etc. I will have surveillance along the coast, and probably some radio updates even if I don''t mention that, and if the watchers see foul play, a boat can be disqualified, which might be disgraceful. As prizes, I''m thinking of giving each crew member a silver ring, with the race logo, year and racing class. The captain or owner of big boats might get a gold ring. All participants names will be recorded in a special book, where race results will also be recorded. One book for each year, and once I can print books, those books will be available to buy. Most likely, at least the start will be signalled with a bang. I''m also thinking of having a special prize that''s just because someone somehow have impress or feels worth it, and have people vote for it. It might be for sportsmanship or something.


    Asbj?rn have been grinning as I explain and comment: "I think someone want to win with the Millennium Eagle."


    "Of course I would like the honour of being the owner of the fastest ship and the most skilled crew here in the north, but I will enter ships in all classes. An unladen Knarr with a crew of 3 will be really fast in the right wind, and might be able to take a better route that saves time compared to a deeper drafting ship like the Eagle. Much of the race will be in tricky to navigate shallow waters. Longships with many rowers have a huge advantage in some weather, or when the wind direction is wrong. And then there are the small boat classes, meant to be accessible for anyone with a faering."


    This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.


    Asta immediately ask if I''ll allow her to Captain the Millennium Eagle, which I of course will, but she also starts thinking about how she and the crew can participate with their own small boats. Those that do can''t sail with the Eagle since two races happen at the same time, and they can compete for their own glory. I expect Asta and the crew to practice and truly get to know the water where the racing will happen in the next few months, and I''ll probably have plenty of volunteers to collect depth data for charts and just learning the route and options.


    The boat race becomes the big topic of conversation, not least when they understand I mainly see organised competition as a way to motivate the development of boats, sails, techniques, navigation and seamanship. I am keen to build a fast sailing 5 meter boat and participate myself, but probably not until next year. I want to have time to build a fast small boat with a more modern hull, sail solution and center keep, as well as the opportunity to really practice and sail the route several times before. Even if I would like to sail alone and design so that I don''t need help in the boat, I will need to have at least one guard with me, and the rules will require two or three people in the small boat classes. Most people don''t understand that I made the second day classes completely free, precisely so that motorboats of different types can be used, even though motorboats will probably get their own classes in the future, during a third day. It would also be fun to eventually try building some kind of hovercraft. Then there are hydrofoil boats. I consider it unlikely to be able to build something like a hydrofoil catamaran that actually works well, but it is a good idea to eventually try to introduce the technology. But that will require many years, and a completely different way of constructing boats. Frankly, in a few years, I''ll want something like a more modern cutter or so something instead of the Eagle. It''s a good ship, but more modern and with a small steam engine would be preferable.


    In the future, I have plans to organise a simpler sports competition as well, with a couple of running distances, cross-country riding, archery, javelin, strength, swimming, etc, with some kind of combined pentathlon. No Olympiad, but just an unusual, fun and interesting event. There will probably have to be qualifying events, and there should be a couple of big stadiums.


    <hr>


    Bodil tells us that the barometer has dropped quite drastically during the afternoon and I make sure that they warn the guests that the night might be stormy. The temperature is already below zero so there can come quite a bit of snow overnight if things get bad. Hrappr and the workers in the village have been warned that I want paths cleared to the road and some parts of the islands main road, and Hrappr is actually looking forward to trying out the snow shovel I made with a brass blade. The staff use the opportunity to put out more water in buckets and tubs to get more ice for the ice box. It should be for short time use only, until the lake ice is taken up. I''ve done a quick calculation of the lake ice, and even if we avoid reed areas and such, just 25mm thick ice on the village lake will fill the ice house, but 25mm is too thin to walk on and we will have to use boats to saw it up. The ice box has fascinated many, and the rumours about our ice box and ice house experiments have spread. In retrospect, many people think it is so obvious, because it is well known that ice and snow can lie on the mountains in the north even during the summer. I don''t mind if people experiment with building their own root cellar like versions.


    As expected, Myrun is more than happy to start a joint venture to start shipping and selling ice. The huge lake inland from Skiringsalr freezes every year with thick clear ice, and one or two of my merchant ships along with a couple of Myruns will ship ice to Borgarsandr, and hopefully to more places in the future. We are both going to visit Reiekr?ne this spring and can talk with people there. I have already invested a lot here and in Borgarsandr so they are ''my areas'', while Myrun will build a large ice house in Skiringsalr for her own silver. A future problem is building ice houses in suitable places, and getting land for it. It is very likely that some local Storman will be the one to own the ice house and we will just sell and ship the ice, but we will have a discussion about other future locations, and I do own land where Myrun does not, so I can build an ice house there, and Myrun agree to not compete. Of course I will buy the ice for my ice houses, but for a cheaper price. If we build a proper and efficient organisation to ship ice, we can more easily out-compete others who will try to sell ice, by dumping the local price, and with a bigger organisation and better technology, we should be able to establish ourselves before anyone else gets the chance. Myrun is very amused with the whole idea of selling and earning silver from something that just is there for free on the water, and without having to grow or take care of it. Like picking up silver from the ground.


    Of course, I could try getting and selling ice on my own, and buy ice from more places than Skiringalr, but without my own people loyal to me, and considering how damn simple the concept is, I might as well work together with Myrun. My primary goal is to get ice boxes out to the public, and to earn silver is secondary. So it''s better to cooperate with Myrun, and if it really becomes popular, lots of ships to carry all the ice will be needed, because there is limited time each year, and sailing takes time. Myrun has absolutely realised how big the market can become, and all the logistical issues.


    So I show Myrun all my drawings and plans for tools, both sawing by hand and with horse-drawn saws, with horseshoes for ice, tools for handling, special sleds getting the blocks up, and how loading and unloading should be done.

 Female complications - day 5, Signals

    Female complications, day 5


    Signals


    As predicted, the weather has turned bad. The temperature last night was down to -11C, and seems to stay several degrees below freezing today. Those who live on the guest mansion and in the village really had to walk through almost 10 cm of snow in the morning. Hrappr and the workers have been good at shovelling it away where needed. At least it''s not heavy sticky mush, although it''s like to become so in a few days. Cold weather usually don''t last, and even less so here at the coast, and then it becomes mush that usually freeze to ice over night, before thawing. But for now, it''s pretty outside, and Siri has enjoyed playing in the snow and although the snow is not ideal for making things in, she has built two snowmen in the courtyard after I carelessly asked if she was making one. Of course she wanted to know what a snowman was, and a quick description later and with Ida and her shieldmaiden guards to help, it became two snowmen with branches for arms and stone eyes. The snowmen also got a carrot for a nose and stones for buttons after Jane saw what they were doing and decided to help. I was a bit tempted to call one of the snowmen Olaf, but it''s a bad idea when master blacksmith Olafr is visiting. Unfortunately, I jokingly said that to Jane, who immediately realised where in the world she almost is, and that it''s snow that came overnight. She like the animated movie ''Frozen''. The ice lanterns have been very popular, and snow lanterns can be both decorative and beautiful, so right now there is plenty of those being built all the way to the village. We have boxes of candles we have not used, and it was not difficult to engage volunteers from the staff and visiting maids. Heck, me along with Iselin, Jane, Ciara and some of the guests help too, and we''ve just come back in from a snowball fight, and now it''s time for a warm bath. Iselin was a bit cold, so I asked if she would like to accompany me to a warm bath, and Iselin declared defeat.


    <hr>


    That was ... nice. I just relax in my sofa, warm and happy. I''m a lucky man to have such a fantastic and sexy wife. Jane knocks on the door as she peak inside, see me and makes a "ta-da!" with gesture as Caecilia walks inside. Caecilia in a turquoise dress, light make-up, including red lips and with her long beautiful blonde hair in a long thick braid. Caecilia makes a twirl and pose.


    "Robert, guess who she is!"


    What? I have no clue since ''Caecilia'' obviously isn''t the answer. Jane rolls her eyes and hints, "Olaf ..." and gives meaningful looks. Ah. I feel a smile spread and greet Caecilia:


    "Hello, Elsa."


    Jane makes a victory gesture, and Caecilia smile.


    "Doesn''t she look awesome?! Iselin really fit as your ''Anna''. Red hair and practically the same personality. You''re obviously Kristoff. Just so you know, I''ll take Elsa to the attic and teach her how to sing ''Let it Go'' from ''Frozen''. It''s good you have that as a MP3."


    I let Caecilia smooch me before they leave. Deep breath. Yeah, that song is among my MP3''s, and I do have the movie on a USB stick. And I just realised that there is a certain type of roleplaying I''ll probably be doing in the near future. Frankly, it doesn''t really appeal to me, but Caecilia certainly looked very sexy and seductive. Sometimes it takes a deep breath to stay on track, because I know I could just call for Caecilia, and my sex bunny would immediately ignore the singing lessons to instead spend intimate time with me, wherever and however I want, probably even right in front of Jane, but that''s something I won''t test. A sports car accelerates quickly, but Caecilia is unbeatable from zero to sex.


    Okay, that was so bad I''m a bit ashamed to even think it.


    Jane and I needs to have a talk about the Stag night and stuff after the feast week is over, but Jane''s mood has improved. I just wish I didn''t have that anxiety in the back of my head. That will not be a nice conversation, and the outcome will suck. And now my happy pleased mood is gone.


    Shit.


    <hr>


    After talking with Iselin, Kari, Alith and Asta, we decide to show possibilities with radio and telegraphy. I ask Asbj?rn, Myrun, Jolfr and Maurr to agree on an exchange of a couple of words each. A word, which should get another word in response, another word in response to it, and finally a final word. Then Myrun will accompany Asta to the ship for a demonstration, and Maurr will accompany Elin to the guest mansion. They are curious as they walk aside and whisper between them while I go to the day room and pull the curtains closed behind me, with only Gunhild in here. A small crowd has formed as Asbj?rn will give the first word to me. Asta leaves with Myrun, who will stay outside Asta''s cabin, and Maurr leaves too. I put on headphones, turn off the bell and wait. The connection to Elin works fine, and after ten minutes, so does the contact to Asta. Radio voice mode works great at this short distance, but we use Norse code so it''s completely silent except for the norse key''s faint tapping. Everything is ready, so I ask Asbj?rn for the first word. When we are done, everything has worked perfectly, to our guests astonishment. I send to Asta to shut down, and return with Myrun, and to Elin to return with Maurr. When I come out, all the guests are gathered and are completely impressed but confused. Kari just comment that my sejd is powerful, and I thank them for their cheers.


    Asta, Myrun, Elin and Maurr return and all agree that was really impressive. It didn''t take long between each answer and question and we have been sitting in our small rooms several hundred meters from each other in complete silence except when we have spoken to say the words from the other party, and it is not possible to see between the places. I shouldn''t be surprised that Myrun has the most questions, and started asking Asta as they walked. Asta didn''t want to answer questions and just apologised, but Myrun knows that Asta fetched and left something from her house in her bag, but that''s all. Myrun looks very curiously and contemplating at everything inside the day room, and she looks at the antenna cable that runs along the wall to the bench. It continues on the outside up the strangely placed ''flagpole''. Myrun just gives me pointed looks and sly smiles, and she probably see some similarities. Ships simply don''t have either the inverted V antenna or the aft mast loop antenna, and the ladder line wire to the antennas are distinct and the same. I should have sent her with Elin instead. Asbj?rn hasn''t thought about the strange things, and seems to have categorised it under ''strange sejd stuff'' classification, like so many other things. But Myrun has thought more, and she generally seems to be quicker to draw conclusions and notice things than Asbj?rn, although it''s best to assume Haera does that too, but is better at not showing or asking. Myrun says;


    Stolen story; please report.


    "The fact that you were sitting here and Asta on the ship, was no accident. You can do that from a longer distance." To which I just nod. "Borgarsandr?"


    "Already done, and several times."


    That makes Asbj?rn react. "The sleeping and housing question Kari asked! You knew the answer before we arrived! We were on the ship at sea!"


    I just nod and can''t help my smug smile.


    "To Skiringsalr?" Of course Myrun asks that.


    "Not done yet - but yes."


    "Do you need to know where the ship is? Is that why you done so much for navigation? How far does it work?" Myrun hammers away with questions. Definitely quick thinking and curious.


    "Where the ship is on the sea doesn''t matter much, and I don''t know how far. We need to try. But maybe a week''s sailing if the gods will and depending on the time of year. It''s finicky."


    From their expressions and sound, that is obviously hard for them to believe. Places incredibly far away that a lot of people only heard about, and with this strange sejd, message can be there so quickly. If they knew I was hoping for sporadic contact far outside their known world it would be even more entertaining. But frankly, radio is a bit of magic, and how well it works is different between day and night, and frequency dependant. But it proves that nature influences the ''magic'' and that radio is part of the worlds mysteries. Kari hugs my arm and say:


    "I''ve used it with Robert in Borgarsandr. Robert have taught us about how to use it and a bit of how it ''works'', but it is sejd to me. The more I learn, the deeper and more powerful the sejd becomes, and it''s easiest to just accept the sejd for what it can do." Kari points to Jane. "It''s powerful sejd for Jane too, and she had no clue how it works," which Jane nods to confirm.


    I''ve had a chat with Iselin and Kari about it already, which is the reason for the demonstration, so I take Asbj?rn and Myrun aside, and behind closed doors, I tell them that this long-distance messaging sejd is limited as it won''t be possible to send messages between many places. But it is possible to do it between a few places, and I have plans to set up such a place in my mansion in Borgarsandr, of course one here, one on my ship and maybe one on my farm outside Skiringsalr. It will be possible for them to pay to have a message sent to another station, with some hired help, servant or similar delivering it on the other side, as long as that delivery is not too far away. Shorter messages are easier, but longer ones work too. Actually, I just got an idea. Maybe I should ask the maids who lives at that mansion in Borgarsandr if they want to learn radios, telegraphy and so on. After all, they don''t have very good future prospects, and that should be attractive employment for a physically easy job. I could also offer one of them to look after the farm outside Skiringsalr.


    Asbj?rn immediately offers to give me a farm with a lot of land on a peninsula, or my own island, which will be added to the Furstdom agreement if I wish to set up a place near Torsol, a town far to the east on the other side of the nation. Probably in the M?lar valley and close to modern Stockholm if I understand him correctly, and preferably another station in the south, a day or two inland from the coast. If he doesn''t have suitable land for the sejd to work, he will arrange it, and take full responsibility and cost for the building of a house or castle depending on what I want or need. He prefers to build castles to better protect the person performing the radio sejd. Just the ability to have a few such places that can send messages to each other if enemies attack or there is a problem, can save weeks. He really wish it might work across the mountains to the northern coast and places like Skorraey, which I assume is northern Norway.


    "Asbj?rn, I''ll have to get back at you with an answer for all of that. Radio is still a work in progress. But this test was of two slightly different messaging sejds, and in the future I will introduce the second form of messaging called telegraphy in more places. It does not go through the sky, but is sent via copper wires hung between tall poles, but that should work for something like a days journey, although it is possible to make a relay system, where the message is sent from station to station, and since it is fast between those stations, it can reach very far in a day."


    Myrun shouts: "The tall poles along the road with a string! That is why there was a bell ringing in the guest mansion!"


    "Correct. I''m trying it on this island, but eventually there will hopefully be a test system between here and to Lysesund and maybe to Borgarsandr, which will pass via Tingshamn. I''ll be very pleased if I can get it to work all the way to Borgarsandr. I''ll test in phases as there are many problems to solve. This is after all an island, so first long distance test will probably be between somewhere in Lysesund to Rivendal Inn in Laxlanda. However, telegraphy is vulnerable to ice build-up, damage, theft and sabotage, and longer distances over water such as a wide river or from my islands to the mainland are hard. It''s not possible to hang the wire freely that far due to ice formation, wind, weight and so on. It might be possible by laying the cable on the bottom, but water affects the sejd, and fresh water and sea water is different, so it will be difficult as well as expensive. I will just have to test and try to solve each issue. Radio and Telegraphy it''s just two of many projects I have. Two of many expensive and hard projects."


    They have become very impressed and consider all of this as a great state secret, and they will ask their people and guests to not spread it. Asbj?rn remembers that I have had kilometers of copper wire manufactured, and I confirm that mass production of copper wire is important for many project, and not just for telegraphy. Making a lot of copper wire is one of my difficult future projects. Copper wire itself has no real current use and its value is for the metal, but if that wire can be made on a sufficiently large scale and especially thin like a hair, it can be used for a lot of sejd like things. So my plan is to use the summer to try improve manufacture of copper wire. The sawmill was simple compared to that problem. Their minds are already spinning, and we have a lively discussion. The amount of copper wire and poles to reach long distances is simply unfathomable to them, so they see telegraphy as a weather-independent short-range system from radio stations. Myrun has figured out that I am somehow storing the wind, and that saved wind is used to send messages. Which frankly is pretty close to the truth, but also completely wrong.


    I also explain that it is possible to establish optical telegraphy lines over long distances, but it is quite a lot of work and time to do it and requires someone to watch for messages, but it may be the only practical way for longer distances across water, like here from the island to the mainland. Labour here is very cheap so having a slave sit staring through a telescope at another optical telegraph station might be worth it, and the telescope is the valuable thing. Asbj?rn instantly gives me permission to use the islands in the northeast however I wish when I mention them as a way to divide the distances across the sea, and he really wants to support the projects. Copper wire costs significantly more than an optical telegraphs wooden boards and rope, and is vulnerable to attack as it can happen anywhere as the copper wire goes through long stretches of forest. Copper is also valuable, and storm fallen trees can be a problem. I need to try out a buried line and an underwater line, and might as well try to get the copper guild to do test cables. A buried telegraphy line is much more work and more difficult, not least making all the earthenware pipes as I prefer that to put a buried line in, but it might be enough with many insulating layers of tar-soaked fabric or something. Which will cost even more to make. But a telegraph doesn''t need someone sitting and looking through a telescope all the time. I realise that a lesson in cryptography and ciphers might be something for the Academy, so the people manning the stations don''t know what is sent, and the receiver can be sure that the message comes from the sender.


    More thoughts and ideas to record in my diary or journal. I don''t write in it every day, but I try to keep track of what I''ve done every day, and have done it since almost the beginning simply because it might be good to have. At least I remember what I''ve done or what has happened in the few days since the last update.


    <hr>

 Female complications - day 5, Music

    <hr>


    It''s already been too many days with the wedding feast, but at least it''s not a feast all the time in the traditional sense, so I''m finishing my three prototype carbon grain microphones to get some alone time, because Jane is right; "The telegraph is so last season." So I should spend some time and try to solve all the problems for a proper telephone.


    I''ve already built simpler telephone boxes, and since my goal is not a wooden box on the wall with a funnel, I''ve made a more modern wooden handset that hangs on the side of a wall mounted box. It''s simply because that is a damn good design with my limitations. Neither the box or handset is ''beautiful'', but will be replaced once I solve all electrical and mechanical issues. The bells and a crank generator is a solved problem, and so is the battery and hook for disconnecting the battery and switching the lines to from the bell. The most important component to get good enough is the microphone itself, and there has been a bit of experimenting with carbon grain microphones in the last month. These are not what I consider very good, but my attempts to make something better have not been successful, and by adapting the battery voltage and transformer it works. We have to live with crackling noises and low fidelity sound. At least I''ve figured out how to probably filter out the signal from the handset''s microphone to its speaker by passing the signals through the improved small transformer, where the opposite phase seems to eliminate the signal enough. That feels like one of those details that should be easy to figure out and ''it should work'', but can be complicated and time-consuming to get right. Technically, I could finish two of these today, and hang them up here and in the guest mansion, and let the guests try them out, but it is best to wait. The guests have gotten enough surprises, and it will be fun to show them something better for my future wedding with Kari. I really want proper telephones to some places on this island. It would be nice to be able to call the guest mansion, Unn, the Academy, and so on. Frankly, it is good sense to make a good telephone network here on these islands, and solve all the issues and make improvements, before I try to introduce it anywhere else.


    <hr>


    I have talked to Iselin and Kari about playing some music for the guests and they agree it will be nice if there is a separate playlist, and with a certain listening table arrangement and atmosphere, and I agree that listening to it in basically darkness might be a good idea. The playlist are mostly instrumental music and ''simpler'' songs such as Sissel Kyrkjeb?''s ''O helga natt'', but I''ve included a couple of ''Two steps from hell'' as a more impressive finale, and due to a request, Frozen''s ''Let it go'' is played before.


    So we inform the guests that I will let them hear some special music, which is not from Alfheimr, and at least most of them now know what that truly means. Whatever they hear or experience, just listen and be quiet so they don''t disturb the other guests until it''s finish, because the volume will be low. After asking for permission, Asta ran and fetched Lifa, and the mansion is basically empty as everyone is here in the feast hall and extra chairs have been brought. The musicians are especially curious. We turn the light down and hope they will have a unusual experience. I sit at my usual place, and I have Iselin and Kari flanking me on either side with Ciara and Caecilia in her ''Elsa'' outfits beside them, and Alith with Hillevi on either side. Since I''ll be using my mobile phone, I''ve also put up my ''Game master'' screen to hide what I''m doing, although it have gotten a prettier piece of cloth decorating it, and it will distract people from noticing the in the ceiling hung up bluetooth speaker.


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    Only a couple of small lanterns are lit, and with my GM screen in front of me, it feels like I''m being the GM for a roleplaying game, and in a way, I am playing a character. I give everyone another brief introduction that music in other places is often different, and there are ways musicians can save a performance to be able to listen to it another time, and there is much more variety in instruments and sound possibilities than they know. I hear some reactions as I unlock the mobile phone, and our faces are lit up by the screen light from below and I start the playlist, and then the music starts. Iselin and Kari lift my arms and put them on their shoulders as they lean into me, and we just sit there and enjoy the music. Of course there is some whispering between people as song after song plays.


    When the music is over, and as we light up again, I hope they all have appreciate the experience. Not surprising, many wish they could hear more and some are in tears from a magical experience. The big topic of conversation for the rest of the evening is the music, and the musicians who have performed during the week are quite devastated by the experience. I did forewarned them of what they were going to experience, and that we have appreciate their performance and that they are very skilled. They have played a lot and made good music, even though some songs with throat-singing isn''t really my taste. Baugeid definitely wants to hear more Midg?rd music, and she is in tears because she may never hear such music again, and played by so many incredibly skilled musicians. A symphonic orchestra is a new experience, and I get why some believe I''ve let them listen to music that the gods listen to right now, because recording sound is just too way out there. Baugeid is definitely more musically interested than Caecilia is, and less sex focused.


    <hr>


    I lie exhausted with my arms around ''Anna'' and ''Elsa''. Of course Iselin immediately liked Jane''s idea, and it was sexy and fun. I''m just some what bothered by the film''s Anna and Elsa being sisters and considering what Iselin and Caecilia have done, that feels ... wrong. I''ve promised to watch ''Frozen'' with both Iselin and Caecilia, but Jane showed them a part from it, from where Elsa starts singing ''Let it go'', until Anna and Kristoff leave the barn. Jane needed my help with the translation, and the Swedish translation of the lyrics is in the film as I don''t enjoy dubbed speech. Jane has explained that the film is an advanced form of her sketching and painting, where hundreds of people work for years to make a film, and Jane has shown a simple flip book style animation. Not surprising, they loved everything and how magically beautiful it is, and so ''realistic'' even though it''s obviously not real, like a beautiful saga made real. And they liked the song.


    It was Jane''s idea that Iselin and Caecilia should make it special tonight for me, and Iselin changed into a dress similar to the one Anna wore in the movie and changed her hair. Funnily enough, earlier this fall, Jane had been inspired to design that particular dress for Iselin because she had seen similarities in the manner and look between Iselin and Anna. Iselin really wants a dress like Elsa''s from the movie, with bare shoulders, and Caecilia wants one too. Iselin also wants to see Caecilia in one, and Jane wants my women to become interested in design and more variety in clothes, and Iselin is now a Furstess. So it will happen.


    Luckily Iselin and Caecilia warned Ciara, Alith and so on about Caecilia''s version of ''Let it Go'', since Caecilia didn''t keep her volume down, and she accompanied herself on her harp thing while Iselin danced. Lucky it''s only Ciara who sleeps in this part of the building. Frankly, Caecilia did that song really well and with a lot of feeling.

 Female complications - day 6, Time to shoot and not to shoot

    Female complications, day 6


    Time to shoot and not to shoot.


    During breakfast, we inform our guests of my plan to build a couple of clock towers on the islands. Basically an upscaled pendulum clock that means the general population will be able to see and hear the time, since it will have an upscaled striking system too. How far that will be heard I have no idea, and there will probably be larger bells and clock faces made in the future for other locations. It is definitely something our guests see a value in having in their home towns too. Reading the clock to tell time is not entirely easy and is something that have to be taught, but the 24 hour clock is quite simple and the minute hand can be ignored if it only matters to get a general idea, which the hour hand quickly gives, and the chimes at least signal every full hour. It is mostly when time have to be more exactly that the minute hand is important, and for most peoples lives in a world like this, time isn''t. The clock tower here will also have other functions and purpose. If I had only wanted a clock visible to most of the village, it could have been at the Academy. The idea is that the clock towers will also be tall enough to function as a water tower with both wind-pumped and hydro-pumped drinking water. Water is needed every day, no matter how windy or not, thus the hydro power option, and having someone take care of winding the clock and such, also means they will take care of the drinking water.


    Myrun is especially enthusiastic as she find the clocks so practical and it is almost sejd to be able to read the clock in the guest mansion, walk here and be perfectly on time for a meal or event, every day. Or they can go for a walk and be told approximately how long it will take and know that they have time to do, or just make an appointment to meet at a certain time and place, and everyone arrive at the same time, without a lot of waiting and such. It''s so easy to do something like that when everyone knows the time, and you can streamline your day and plan things. The other guests agree. Just like lighthouses, a lot of clocks will be made, and I should create a clockmaker here on the island, who only builds clocks to sell at the auction, both big for towers or house facades, and small grandfather style clocks for indoors. Some of that might become a home industry much like the Mora clocks and the Allmoge clock was in Sweden. Parts and especially cases were literally made by everyday people in their homes, and then sold to passing traders. ''Mora clocks'' literally means clocks made in the town-region of Mora and that perticulary style, which then spread. But instead of passing traders, they are sold through the Academy auctions instead. However, it is very likely that the mechanism itself will be mass produced in my workshops, and up to spec, and the clock cases are something people can make or decorate. Wood carving is a hobby many people have. Precision metal machinery? Not so much. When I introduce and sell clocks, they will be accurate enough for their purpose.


    <hr>


    We have a small thunder weapon shooting demonstration at the usual range, where I put two shots into the target at 100 meters, but I do the reload behind a the shooting wall so that the guests don''t see what is happening. They only see the firing, hear the bang and see the smoke. Everyone is of course very impressed, especially after how well I hit, and I accept their congratulations.


    Honestly, after talking a lot more to Olafr while he''s been here, where we''ve often gotten into crafting and smithing, I''ve gained more respect for him and his skill. Just all the detail problems he had to solve with the manufacturing because I didn''t understand enough what I was asking for. Just the problem of using iron, steel and spring steel in different parts, and sometimes hammering and combining them to get the benefits of both. That he actually tempered the springs in a lead bath to get more even heat in the thick and thin parts of the springs, before they were quenched in linseed oil. The springs were then of course brittle before he tempered them on a piece of iron while observing the colour as the spring was heated. Yellow, violet and then blue. He tempered the springs to light blue, so they regained their springiness and is where he usually tempers many tools, although some tools like for engraving that need to be hard, are done when they are yellow. Then he slowly worked the spring up to full movement, to smooth it out and verify that the movement and force of the spring felt smooth and good. Then they might not be to his likeness, and he had to make a new or rework it. It is possible to carefully file down springs even if the metal resists after all that treatment, but he had to redo so many springs, which he only now admitted. Then there are the other parts he was worried about, and whether it was the right choice to surface harden them.


    Olafr also admits that he and his apprentices gradually got better and better at making all the parts, and especially the order in which he should make the parts or work. Some were better to do when starting the stock. He is not satisfied with certain solutions or work, and either by himself or together, we have come up with more ''elegant'' solutions. I too have realised that it would absolutely be best to make the barrel first, and actually test how it handles over pressure by attaching it to a simple block of wood, instead of doing the proof testing when the rest of the job was done and the gun was ''done''. If the barrel had broken, it would have been an incredible amount of work that would almost have been wasted. I have come up with many improvements and refinements that could be made, not the least of which is to actually make a threaded plug at the back of the barrel to be able to completely disassemble it to clean it, or if really needed to clear a blockage or inspect the barrel. Olafr has also spoken to a couple of colleagues who work mostly in wood, and one told him how he could make the wooden stocks look better. Olafr has experimented, and what I know as nitric acid with a little bit of iron filings in it, brushed on for example maple, which is then gently heated with radiated heat from a yellow shining piece of iron held close by, can give a really nice red-brown tone, which can be deepened with several layers of linseed oil that is rubbed on and wiped off.


    I''m quite convinced that as we talked, Olafr has told me a lot of ''craft secrets'', but I''ve certainly told him what others consider to be secrets, and I''m more than just a customer for Olafr. I''m not surprised that Olafr wants to ''remake'' especially the first weapons, since he has now learned how he could make them better and more elegant. He is rightly proud of his craft, but¡­


    I completely understand that feeling, because I myself have experienced it many, many times.


    I don''t want to sell weapons, but I would have wanted to build up a weapons manufacturing process to see how well and efficiently it could be done, and I would have wanted to try to standardise parts. Olafr obviously had wanted to help me too, because it was so much more interesting work than what he usually does or people always ask him for, and a proper challenge with tricky problems.


    Olafr is so looking forward to starting work in the village forge, and I know he will start right after the feast when the others go home. I suspect I''ll be completely exhausted and need a few days just to really recover, but he''s welcome to start without me. We have already taken a trip there and I have shown him how things work, or are supposed to work, and given him a piece of steel to have fun with and come up with suggestions for what can be done with it. It is very possible there will be some machine parts made because it appeals to Olafr, but some of that steel will be more modern type pull and push coil springs. Also, a 20 to 40 cm long tightly wound coil spring would be nice for trying to making a flexible cord rotary tool for hand held work. But that production had been helped by good tools and machinery...


    <hr>


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    The man who was tasked to travel around and collect saltpeter has returned as the weather is a little too unpleasant. Surprisingly, he has been able to buy and collect a lot. Really a lot. Many times more than I have collected so far, so he gets a small silver bonus before he returns to his home, and has already be told there is future work to travel around collecting and buying more this spring and summer as well, which he is looking forward to. Honestly anything he can collect I will buy, but I should start extracting nitrates from urine in the stables, or maybe just as a first step from here in the manor. We already have urine separation in the toilets, which works better than expected, but we get more urine than we need for both ammonia and bleaching, so we have mostly use it together with ash from the fireplaces as a fertilizer diluted with water in a 1/10 solution. To everyone''s delight, the vegetables have grown like hell from it, but we still have plenty of urine left, so it will also be used for fabric treatment and other things. But, it can also be for extracting saltpeter, and figuring out how to do that effectively.


    You can do more with saltpeter than just gunpowder, for example it can treat meat so it stays red, and finely ground in a 1/10 solution it can cool water 10-15 degrees or so. If the water is cold enough, a bath of it can cool another container and make ice cream and ice, which could be nice in the coming summer if I can''t build a cooling plant. Saltpeter for cooling can also be reused by evaporating the water or allowing it to evaporate, and has been a common way of cooling wine since Roman times, but it seems that knowledge has been lost or just not reached up here. Just important not to ingest that. Really small doses of diluted saltpeter are suppose to have some medicinal effect although I can''t remember what, but too much is dangerous and can be fatal like pretty much everything. It is possible to overdose on water.


    Maybe I should try to build a Salpeter farm on the other island. It is a long-term project as I guess it will take six months, a year or so. I have some vague notion that the piles were manure for the urine, and ashes, hay and garbage. Probably something like sand for filtration? But the urine is the important thing and collected urine was poured over everything, then allowed to ferment in the sun, so probably during the summer, until the small white crystal flowers could be harvested. I think it is possible to use urine directly which is filtered through ash to get the nitrates out. I''ll have to experiment with urine, which is not something I''m looking forward to do, which is silly but an understandable modern attitude. I should make more black powder and build up a good stockpile. And keep it safe, in a separate place.


    It would be fun to make ice cream next summer to offer that at some point. Ice cream is no more difficult than containers of cream and sugar that are whipped while it cools, but better recipes are with cream, milk and sugar or honey, which is heated until it boils, beaten egg yolk with a little more sugar or honey, mix in a little of the previous mixture and pour back and heat again. After it has completely cooled, it should be stirred while it cools down. At least that slightly impulse buy of an ice cream machine taught me a bit. Here, the cooling can be containers with ice that has been salted so that it melts and is colder than zero Celsius.


    It will be a lot of work for something unusual, and I will have to work with the proportions of the ingredients, because I don''t remember or know, but it could be something to offer at Kari''s wedding, and with the ice house, we could have ice cream next summer.


    <hr>


    I''m once again resting in my bed and enjoying my pillow and the quiet, when I hear the door open. I guess it''s Ciara who wants to join me, but when she doesn''t ask if she can join me, and instead I hear what is probably a dress falling to the floor before she crawls onto the bed and I feel her body and boobs against my back, it''s probably Caecilia or Iselin, which clearly is Caecilia as her hand find its way inside my pants and start stroking my manhood as she kisses my neck. I''m in no mood and it is Iselin''s week. Of course my body have reacted, but I take her hand away and say:


    "No Caecilia. I have a headache and I''m not in the mood." Yep, I realise there is some irony in my answer, but most men don''t have my amount of female partners.


    "Take me like you do your h¨®ra. Make me scream with pleasure. Give me a child."


    Child? And that didn''t sound like Caecilia either. I groggily turn around, and a pair of hands grab my head and give me an intense kiss.


    Sefa!?!


    I push her off me with enough force that she almost fall off the bed. It is Princess Sefa!! And she''s completely naked!! And a little offended!


    "That was an unkind way to greet a princess. Take me now and you''re forgiven."


    Adrenaline starts pumping in my body, and I''m definitely awake. It really is Princess Sefa! And apart from the jewellery, she is completely naked as she tries to seductively pose, before smiling and crawling towards me.


    Nope!


    I hurriedly turn around and I look at the wall as I sit on the edge of the bed and take deep breaths to try to get my thoughts in order and calm my beating heart. Hell of a way to wake up!! Sefa slide an arm inside my shirt while her other hand once again finds its way down into my pants and caress me, as she seductively whisper by my ear:


    "Don''t be shy, a princess offers you her virginity. Make me yours. Give me a child."


    NOPE!


    Sefa protests as I release myself from her embrace, and I stay away from the bed and circle around towards the door without looking at her. Her dress is on the floor so I toss it to her, but she beats the dress to the side and tries to act seductively as she lie and looks at me.


    "Freya wants me to be your wife. Hunulfr died to make it possible. Take. Me. Make me scream from pleasure."


    I shake my head as I turn away. "No! Absolutely not! It''s not Freya''s wish for you to be my wife. Sefa; I love my partners, and Kari will be my next wife in 3 months. Get dressed!"


    "KARI!?! I am Princess Sefa! I command you to take me! Make me scream with pleasure! We''re going to have children! We''re going to get married! TAKE! ME!"


    For gods sake! Sefa looks pissed off and lays down completely spread out and naked, so I look away yet again.


    "Sefa, you can''t command me to do anything. You have no power at all, and especially not here on my islands. This is also my wedding feast to Iselin! Get dressed, and get the hell out of here!"


    "Look at me! LOOK AT ME!"


    Shit! I hope no one heard her! The dining room is the room below, but I turn around so she hopefully lowers her voice. "What do you want me to see? Do you think I''m going to be filled with lust and desire because you''re naked? Hardly. I see a spoiled selfish young woman, whose thoughts are so divorced from reality that she thought this idiotic move was a good idea, and being Asbj?rn''s daughter only makes you a bigger problem because you obviously think you''re better than others. But you won''t be my problem."


    Sefa burst out: "Problem!?!" It is with pent-up anger and indignation that she fumbles for words before half-madly hissing forth; "I am Princess Sefa! All men desire me as their wife! You shall be honoured that I want you as my husband! TAKE ME!! TAKE MY VIRGINITY!!"


    Ignoring Sefa''s frustrated sounds, I walk towards the door. I make sure I''m normal and try to calm my heart with a couple of breaths. I really hope there is no one outside.


    "Don''t tell my parents!" Breathe calmly and slowly. Just before I open, a bit quieter and a little pleading: "Please don''t tell my parents."


    I open and go out. No one is here. Thank the Gods! As it seems empty even over on the balcony, I leave the bedroom door open and go into my office. It''s so much easier to explain if Sefa comes out of my open bedroom, when I''m not there. If she doesn''t get dressed and someone discovers her naked in my bed when I''m not there, I''m a little safer from guilt. Damn, that could have gone really bad, and I hope she gets dressed and leaves quickly. My hands are shaking. Best to not say anything to anyone. I need to learn to lock my bedroom door when we have guests, with a key, and from both the inside and the outside, so Alith and sambos can get in. Fucking hell! First Haera and now Sefa! What is it with Asbj?rn''s family?! He himself has a violent temper that he keeps hidden!


    I have only been sitting at the desk for a few minutes when there is a knock, and when I hear Elvira''s voice, I ask her to come in.


    "Lady Iselin asked me to wake up and get milord."


    Elvira must have looked into the bedroom before she checked here, so I guess Sefa managed to disappear. Oof! Lucky! A few minutes earlier... We meet Alith at the guards day room.


    "Alith, tell the others, that in the future when we have guests and I''m in one of my rooms, someone will stand guard outside the door. If I try to sleep, I''ll lock the door with a key. Let just the closest inside."


    Alith looks at me a little questioningly, but noddingly confirms and joins me.


    <hr>

 Female complications - day 6, Changes

    <hr>


    The mansions music group have become more appreciated, and visiting musicians have intensively tried to learn music and how to read musical notation during the free time they had, and the musicians are surprisingly good at repeating it after hearing something several times. But then again, they have had to learn music by listening and remembering all their lives. Baugeid and the couple often take turns entertaining so someone is free to learn. The couple have asked about becoming music teachers here at the Academy so they can truly learn musical notation and just more Midg?rd music, but we''ll see. I haven''t made a decision about that yet. Since Caecilia blithely told them that they basically listen to music every other day, and let them experience a few impressive pieces through the best headphones, Baugeid have been almost begging to move here and teach music, dance, and more. Just so she can listen to it more. Baugeid has also let us know that we have priority for her service. If we only tell her in time, she''ll be here for future feasts or events. She have even tried to avoid getting paid this time, but she has done good work and deserved the silver. As a skilled ''older'' h¨®ra, I should have expect that she isn''t poor and owns a farm outside Borgarsandr with several slaves and servants who look after the farm and the animals for her, so that she actually wants to live here on the islands just for the music, is telling. I''m glad that Baugeid wants to live here mainly for the music, but she has also made it clear that she hopes to entertain me in the bedchamber. Either here, at her place, or at some event elsewhere. Honestly, I don''t mind Baugeid occasionally visiting the island to learn music.


    I have warned them that we might not hire any musical teachers this spring, maybe next fall, but if they show up for the selection in Lysesund, we will let them know. I don''t mind hiring all three, just to spread the word about musical notation and for musicians to travel around to other feasts. If they talk well about the Academy, the rumour and information will spread. The couple are quite young with no land of their own, so if I give them work and a home, they should create their lives here on the island. Eventually I do want the Academy to have a proper musical education, and that will take years to learn. By sambos and Jane absolutely want a musical class to exist, but beside getting the instruments and teachers, we have to build halls and rooms for that, and most likely a dedicated building. It just makes sense to have something so ''noisy'' separated from the rest, with proper studios and such for future electronic music and recording.


    <hr>


    Jolfr Lum surprises us by giving me a gift; some of the land adjacent to the area that I will buy this spring and right next to Kari''s land as well. That should be a true indication of how he feels about those land deals. If I understand what he means, it should be about a square kilometer and mostly hilly forest with only a little arable land, so ''limited valuable'' land, but it is a big gift, especially with his means, and more hunting land is nice, so a very appreciated gift. I give a small return gift in the form of a telescope monocular, which he accepts with reverence and happiness.


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    I don''t really know why he gave the land away and I can''t really ask, but for most people it''s probably pretty low value land apart from status, and apart from goodwill, maybe he was hoping for a nice gift in return, which he seems to have gotten. He might also hope for more future moose meat, or to participate in hunting. Frankly, I should probably take all the large landowners and Jarl''s close by hunting next fall. Unlikely with firearms, but hunting crossbows might be a thing, and a gift. If I use one too, it''s easier to say no. I have been avoiding powerful people in the region, and eventually I have to be friendlier to them, even the women. Most understand we''ve been busy and a lot of constructions and preparations for the Academy happen, but that just buys me time.


    <hr>


    Maid/servant Shakini surprises me when she asks if she can continue to work and live here at the mansion, instead of returning to Borgarsandr once the feast is over. She really likes it here, and there are only good, pleasant memories here. It''s so different here. Her request makes me a little worried considering how her life has been for the last decade, because what does she truly expect from life here? And if she still thinks it would be worth it to stay? Too damn many thoughts that I can''t really get an answers to, so I leave that decision up to Iselin since she is now the lady of the house, but I like that Shakini actually asked about something, and tell her to ask Iselin, and pretend that she never asked me.


    Iselin is pleased and proud when she shows up to tell me that Shakini came to her, asking to stay, and since Shakini has been an excellent maid who works hard, she hired Shakini, with similar agreements to Elvira and Jalida''s about protecting our secrets, and that Shakini can have a husband and family if she asks first, etc. Shakini is now a free woman, and Iselin thought it felt so wrong to require lifetime service of her, but Shakini is very grateful to stay here, and on her own initiative has sworn to serve until she is no longer wanted. I didn''t even think about keeping secrets and stuff, so Iselin was smarter than me, and I don''t have to pretend when I kiss my fantastic wife and say she''s done good and right. Occasionally, it still hits me that I''m actually married. And to Iselin. I still don''t truly see myself as a married man.


    There is already sleeping space for Shakini in the double room she has used so far, but it may be that room needs to be used for other stuff. Currently, only Hrappr sleeps in his own room, and the wing has plenty of room when the musicians and the royal family leave. Frankly, there is still room for 8 more people, who will have better sleeping accommodation and privacy than many otherwise have had. But I want to keep Hrappr''s bedroom just for him until maybe we hire another man. His room is in the wings attic compared to the maid rooms downstairs, but Hrappr has a room of his own which is quite big, and he is so happy and proud of it. I''m pleased that the all the staff loves their accommodations and lives here.


    <hr>

 Female complications - day 6, Cryptic

    <hr>


    It is nice to see Shakini smilingly happy as she helps out, wearing the same dress she''s worn so far that matches the other maids in colour and style, but now it''s hers and not borrowed, and she will have gotten another so that one can be cleaned and such. Shakini has been fairly robot-like, so it is extra nice to see her show some feelings, be a little happy and want something. Ironically, there are more maid-servants at the B-mansion in Borgarsandr than here in this mansion, but we don''t need more maid-servants here, so even if they ask, we won''t accept more. Frida seems to be working well as caretaker for the B-mansion, and can continue as such, but she might want to get radio training, which can be very useful if she is going to manage a property or mansion for us.


    I take Asbj?rn and Myrun aside, and bring them into the meeting room, and put Alith as a guard outside so we don''t get disturbed. I''ve realised that if they start using more communications in the future, it''s best that they use crypto, a crypto which I don''t know the code to, so they trust what''s being sent, who it''s from and I shouldn''t be suspected-blamed for reading it. Of course I hope they make some crypto mistakes that make it easier for me to crack their codes and read it, and it will be an interesting challenge to do so, but I want to help them avoid the easiest mistakes, and better they have a system I can''t read, than a weakened one just so I can read it. If I can get the king to start using letters and mail etc, more people will adopt it and spread it. It is good both for binding the kingdom together and for increased communication, and showing how important literacy is.


    Of course they already know the problem with sending messages, not least to verify that the message is from the sender it is said to be, and no one read it on the way or changed it. A wax or clay seal is not safe if someone copies the seal, which they worry about. So I start to explain the value of a crypto and being able to send secret messages where you don''t have to rely on the transportation method. A big problem here is that the runes doesn''t have a truly fixed order or alphabet, and areas even has different amount of runes, and then add dialects. Some use two runes for a sound, or have a special rune for that sound, and runes can be slightly different. How do you make a working easy-to-use crypto without a secret table or document when everyone use different rune alphabets? We have solved it amongst my group because we use the same rune line and system, since many couldn''t read, or very badly. For others, I have come up with a less than ideal solution with a crypto disc as an aid where the disc has the most common 30 runes. The disc has 30 fields, which is one field every 12th degree, and it has a simpler moving arrow markers on the edge. A similar disc centered on the same axis can rotate and has the same order and runes as on the first. The crypto key is a simple runic code line where the code is a string of runes and you move backwards from the letter when you encode, and forward when you decode, and the key repeats until the message ends.


    I have made a simple crypto disc prototype out of wood and written runes in ink so wheel can be shown and they can try using it. The disc is not really secret, although of course it complicates decoding if the enemy does not know the order of the runes, but the rune key is secret and can be memorised. This crypto is not ''good'', partly because the runes is in a fixed order, but a longer rune key makes it difficult to decode, and will probably be good enough for the time being because it avoids a lot of the simplest mistakes in the simplest cryptos. Once they learn the order of the runes and get used to it, they don''t even need to use the disk, everything can be done by hand, and they can get a better crypto in the future. Then there is the issue of dialects and getting them to spell words in the same way.


    Both Asbj?rn and Myrun like it, and it''s not hard to get them both to practice it with short messages, and to make it easier as they learn, they use a four-rune word as the code key. They like that as long as both sender and receiver know the rune alphabet and keep the key in their heads, it becomes very difficult to decode and looks like nonsense. As a valuable bonus they also know that the message comes from the other person who knew the key - the senders name can be in plaintext at the beginning, where the code verifies that it is actually correct. I give them some tips like having different rune keys in correspondence to different people, so that someone who knows the system has no idea which key two other people are using. I also advise them to exchange new keys when they meet depending on how much the previous key was used, and that messages that are short are more secure. I tell them there are more secure crypto systems, with more steps in the decoding or with much more complex mathematics or require you to have, for example, a secret book filled with codes. But then, if you don''t have that book available or if someone secretly copy the book... I don''t need to say more than that.


    They are crypto newbies, without even a proper common alphabet and with a crazy number system, in a world where most people can''t read, including some Jarls and Storman. They have to start somewhere, and as expected, they really like that the real secret which is the key, can be kept in their heads and easily replaced. As long as nothing is written down about the system, not even how it works, it helps the secret, and they can do the work of encryption and plaintext conversion themselves without help from servants or others. I can get Digraldi to make brass copies of the discs divided into pieces, and camouflage its purpose as something else. Digraldi does so many strange things to me that he probably won''t even ask what it is or for, and that goes for most craftsmen I hire. Asbj?rn and Myrun have only seen a small part of everything I''ve had manufactured, and a lot is ''strange''. If the crypto discs are finished next time we meet, I will give them to Asbj?rn, so he can pass them on to those he thinks should have them and teach them the system and invent a code key. Asbj?rn really wants me to try to get it done for the Northmen Ting at the end of February because many people will gather there from far away, especially his allies, and he can then easily spread the system to those he wants.


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    Myrun asks how safe I think it is, so after I explain how difficult it is to answer that question with ''how round is blue?'', I just say I can give them a rough example of the amount of combinations and the time to test them all, and use a slate board to figure it out. Basically the brute force way. I say that each extra rune in the code key increases the time it takes to try it out by 30 times, and I give examples if you need 18 plain text runes to be able to see that you have found the right code, for the code to have repeated itself at least 3 times.


    If an operation takes two heartbeats, i.e. 2 seconds, and the code key is a single rune, it takes about 2 x 30 x 18, i.e. 1080 heartbeats to decode the message in the worst case and 540 on average, because the first rune you try can be right, just as well as the last, so around 7 minutes, an eighth of an hour, but the code is so simple that you will discover it in less time. They get it and don''t think it''s particularly impressive. So I continue that if the code key is two runes, it will be about three hours. Three runes 5 days. Four runes 4 months. Five runes 10 years. Six runes 300 years. Where a person never sleeps and just tries by hand, combination after combination. Even if 100 people sit and try combinations at the same high pace half the day, week after week, month after month, an 18-rune message coded with 6 random symbols takes an average of 6 years to crack, even if any message with that code can then be read. If you then change the code key after a year, they just have to start over, for all hundred people, if they don''t want to read what was written a few years ago. From just looking at the messages, they will not know that the code key has been changed, and the code key is only valid between two people if everyone uses their own code key. If messages from several people or with changed code keys are mixed, the correct code key A may be tried on a message that used code key B, C or D, and with that the code is never cracked even after they have tried all the combinations, because they ''tried'' every code, not knowing there were several. And those keys might have different length. If they try a code key that is, for example, five long against a code key that is six runes long, there will be a mismatch, and only when it overlaps will the plaintext appear, and that might be tricky to notice and understand. It''s basically a waste of time because message encoded with six characters only the first five match, and then only after thirty characters there are five more that are correct. Those who try to crack the code may not even understand why it failed.


    Asbj?rn and Myrun''s expressions are quite amusing.


    What I''ve said is not entirely true, especially in long messages where regularity analysis can start to be done and with other cryptographic weaknesses like bigrams and user mistakes and maybe a weak key. I also have a damn fast computer, but explaining what a computer is and can be programmed to do is a whole other shock. It will be an interesting challenge to make a brute force code-breaking program in the future, with a database based on words, but with a fairly simple crypto system with relocations and other things, the tablet computer hardly helps. And the tablet will not survive forever. Good manual code breaking will be important.


    To get Asbj?rn to test how difficult and frustrating it can be to crack a code when you have to try all the combinations, I ask Myrun to write a short secret message of about 20 runes, a few words, and use a code key of only four characters. Then Asbj?rn can use all the time he wants until Northmen''s Ting to try to crack the message by trying, and I give him the prototype disc. But there is a chance he will succeed, because the key may be near where he starts and he knows it''s only four characters. Regardless, he will feel a little safer sending messages with the crypto system, and especially when the code gets longer because just a six character code has 900 times more combinations than the one he will try to crack. Myrun is so happy to do her part, and Asbj?rn looks unhappy and grumpy, because he guesses it will mostly be terribly frustrating and a complete waste of time, but he wants to try and gain experience by trying to crack it. I''m right that it will feel better. But he wants Myrun to try and crack a message too, so Asbj?rn will code a message for her to try. It''s not hard to make another crypto disc, as just knowing the runic alphabet is enough.


    <hr>


    It''s the last night before guests leave and it''s cold and damp outside, so safe to light flying paper lanterns, and in the cold clear winter night we watch as they slowly ascend. Just nine simple lanterns, but it''s effective, beautiful and so appreciated. Good suggestion by Jane, and she came up with it when she started thinking about Disney movies and her favourite which is ''Tangled''.


    Even the Elves know that heat collects at the roof and it is cold at the floor of a house, so this is an interesting lesson and proof that warm air is lighter than cold air and rises. I whisper to Iselin that among the first the ways humans flew were with very large hot air balloons. Which was dumb to say, because now I probably have to try and build a damn big balloon...


    <hr>


    This evening Iselin brings Kari into my bedroom, as she once previously this week brought Ciara. It feels like Iselin is concerned, that just because she is now my wife, everything hasn''t changed between all of us. Frankly, it''s rarely been the three of us in a bed during sex and they''re basically tag teaming me, but that is nice and Kari clearly likes being included. Iselin wants to try a bit of simple bondage with cloth tied around her wrists and a blind fold which is special for her, while for Kari it is simple and more sensual than what she usually wants to do. It feels quite absurd to have them both tied up beside each other on my bed.

 Female complications - day 7, Finally over

    Female complications, day 7


    Finally over


    It feels wonderful to know that every guest have gone home. Well, Olafr and his housekeeper-maid Bekkhilda are still here living in the village, but the feast is finally over. Such long feasts and get-togethers is not my thing, and I prefer something like the autumn Tosra gathering. Shorter time, more spread out, and not in my home. Asbj?rn and Haera is nice, but it''s a relief they have left. But they will be back for Kari''s wedding, probably with his son Hagthorn and his wife, and I need to have more stuff prepared until then. Many activities will be repeated, because so many of the guests have given more or less subtle hints that they hope to participate in future weddings, and have realised that there is a good chance that Kari will become a wife in the near future. At least the feast, accommodations and everything has been very successful and appreciated. This have been an unusual wedding in the middle of winter, but oh so successful and special. So much sejd and comforts. And the guests don''t know how we usually live, like the electric light we all look forward to using again.


    As expected, everything about the mansion has been very appreciated. Its windows and overall lights. The comfortable interior heat. Hot and cold water always available, even in the morning to wash hands and face. The toilets. The art and decorations. Many have mentioned the paintings, art, carpets, crystal chandeliers, pendulum clocks, etc. Even the view from the attic has been appreciated. There isn''t much up there besides being the usual games room and for music, but still appreciated. Most longhouses have only one floor with a high ceiling, perhaps with a small dark loft for servants and storage at the ends. Some larger feast halls and mansions do have a second floor with balconies, but not like Thrymheim. Thrymheim is so highly appreciated and impressive, and it''s more or less a fact that the mansion have been named Thrymheim. Bodil has already made a finely carved wooden sign to hang above the front door, and ''someone'' has explained road signs and road stones to my women. Bodil loves using the band saw and router to make nice shaped edges that are perfect, and most rooms have been given nice signs to match. Many don''t understand how she was able to make them so precise, but the carpenters on the island understand that we have prototypes for machines that the village''s carpentry shop will get.


    Of course the guest mansion and so on also needs to be named, and Borgheim is likely for the B-mansion. There have been many many suggestions, but it basically is a castle, a borg, even though the word ''borg'' usually refers to the height more than the fortifications, and the manor is also in Borgarsandr. Heim basically means home. Borgheim might as well becomes official, and it''s not like I really care as long as the name isn''t annoying or just dumb.


    <hr>


    It''s not official yet, but Digraldi and Ima have connected and spent a couple of nights together. Olafr thinks it''s great for both of them, and me and my sambos agree and are also happy for them. Digraldi discretely made sure that there was nothing between me and Ima or someone else, and it seems that Ima is going to become a kept woman come spring, or maybe even Digraldi''s concubine. Ima would probably have preferred to become a wife, but unfortunately she has no land, family, and so on, and with her background, she must be very happy for the fairly high status as a kept woman or concubine to a skilled craftsman in Borgarsandr, and she looks happy. I''m happy if Digraldi and Ima have found each other and become happy together. I''m also glad if Ima is no longer my problem.


    Before the feast, I didn''t knew that Digraldi is a widower after his wife died in childbirth a few years ago, and he has not remarried and seems to have mourned his wife deeply. We''ve only really talked about work before. Besides the slave woman who was with him here, he has an elderly female relative living in his house who takes care of the household and helps raise his son Albriktr. If I had known, I would of course have invited the son to the feast as well, and then Siri wouldn''t have been the only child here, even if there is a couple of years between them where Siri is older and a girl. At least we sent a kite as a gift to Albriktr.


    Ima was so happy when she accompanied the boat back to Borgarsandr and Borgheim, and when I think back, Digraldi seems to floated on clouds for the last two days. It was frankly amusing how completely uninterested he was in the crypto disc, and I ordered 60 parts with a little trickery and details so they don''t seem like they''re going to fit together, and I included a template, drawing and directives to get the angles and runes right. I''ve actually ordered a lot of weird stuff from Digraldi without explaining the purpose, like parts for more weather vanes with anemometers, thermometer housings, orienteering compasses, pendulum clock parts, bell striking mechanisms, blocks to become typefaces for a printing press, lots of funny wooden blocks for metalworking machinery and tools, and two enlarged pendulum clocks with matching enlarged bell systems to be used in clock towers. So many parts for pendulum clock mechanisms have been ordered, but everyone really like how convenient the clocks were.


    Not entirely surprisingly, there''s been a new little deal with Digraldi to make clothes irons and mangles, and Ovdhon will get a few to show and try to sell, and at least the royal family wants all of it. Haera and Sefa really liked the look of ironed clothes and although they don''t do the laundry, the tools have impressed the visiting maids too. Ima can use both, and of course it was enough for Digraldi to look at it assembled, for him to understand what he contributed to and how they should be built. Of course he has saved the molds because I might want more of them, and now there might be quite a lot more, and a new product line.


    Asta brought the signed contracts for corsets, saddles and so on back to Borgarsandr, and has a long list of places to visit, order to do or stuff to collect and return with. She will browse my Merchant Company and shops, and leave orders. So many orders. Like, to cabinet makers for beautiful cases for pendulum clocks and barometers. I prefer function over form, but a lot of people here like to cover surfaces with squiggly animal shapes and other decorations, and there''s a pretty good chance we''ll replace what I''ve already built with something more beautiful. The stuff we have can be moved to other houses. Carpenter will also make wind turbine parts, covers for weather station parts with good ventilation, and more deck chairs, and furniture. And much more.


    Asta will also leave work to the glass maker to mass-produce the parts for thermometers, barometers and rain gauges, as well as glass bottles, plus larger glass plates to be used for pendulum clock cases and other things. I also need more laboratory glasswares, and things like a fractional still and other things, because I need to distil alcohol and get a purer alcohol for more efficient sterilization. I can measure the temperature now, and have the beginning of laboratory glass and hopefully have cork on the way. An efficient fractional still can be used both for making the distillation of pure alcohol more efficient, and avoid the methanol that boils away first. I can make the condenser itself out of wood or ceramic around a glass tube, because I don''t care if it leaks a bit as long as it works, but there are designs of condensing solutions that can be easier to build and clean. I also need 10 large glass vessels, simply as large as he can, where the shape isn''t very important. I have planned for some to become terrariums as a part of the Academy''s future biology education. I really should have waited to start the Academy until the autumn. So much stuff needs to be ready.


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    Asta is also visiting the copper guild and talking to its manager Einar to try to get them to manufacture two four-wire 500 meter underwater cables to my specification. The finished cable will be quite thick as each conductor will be relatively thick, double varnish insulated and then insulated and protected separately with fabric, before they are tied together and sealed with wrapped fabric and tar in several layers. Asta will also try to get them to manufacture two twelve-wire 700 meter cables, which needs less protection, but they are less prioritised, because there is 8.5 km of copper wire in each cable, and then all the insulation work add up. It will be expensive and take time. Hanging telephone wires are quite ugly when they become as many as there is likely to be from Thrymheim if we have the exchange there, and sooner or later I will try to bury wires in the ground. So the idea is to bury two cables. One towards the harbour, and one towards the village. It also helps against sabotage if few know where the underground cables go or terminate. I would prefer to protect the cables more, because I don''t know what roots and so on can do long term, and it can be practical if I need to run more cables in the future, so my ''clay men'' will make pipe segments for the buried cable. Lots of segments. There will also need to be something like 60 segments with an opening to be able to split away a wire, troubleshoot or just to make it easier to add another cable in the future. Since the clay men may not make it, Asta will talk to potter Ruskva to help make pipes and segments with openings. Of course they will be standardised.


    I know that the seamstress guild will get more work as fashion teddy has become a hit with my sambos and Jane has made many sketches of different designs. Not unexpectedly, Iselin, Kari and Ciara liked it very much, but they all appreciate something luxurious and special to sleep in, while Jane herself apparently prefers a t-shirt with a thong if she is not ''au naturel''. TMI. Even Haera and Myrun have looked with interest at the fashion teddies and corsets. More unnecessary TMI.


    If I understand Iselin correctly, high heels are something that seem to appeal to a couple of others as well, and we think Jolfr Lum has a growing fetish for them as Jane very pleased told me she had received separate questions from his wife, concubine and maid how they were to walk and move in, and that Jolfr Lum asked them to speak to her. Myrun was uninterested but Siri seemed to like them, although that''s probably just because she felt taller and more grown up in them, and Siri looks up to Jane, Iselin, and Kari. I don''t think stiletto heels will be a great success because they are basically for indoors use only and only in houses that have suitable floors for it, although wider heels or wedge heels might be a better seller. Jane has already reluctantly sketched what she calls block heels, because Jane thinks block heels are generally so ugly. For Jane it''s all about stilettos, although wedge heels are acceptable in some designs and situations. Jane accept that some have bad taste and other heels are more practical for a wider range of floors and outdoors, but if they start walking in heels, they might eventually understand ''the true faith''. I hadn''t even considered that some of the clogs we gave away had a lower wedge or block heel, but I''m not surprised it was made or noticed.


    Clogs in general seem to be quite popular. Jane still thinks they are ugly but has a ''cunning plan'' about it. Because it is possible to make clogs entirely in wood according to the classic old style from the Netherlands and more, slaves and poorer people might make their own in that style, while richer people aim for more decorated and lighter weight with leather uppers. So Jane''s hope is that stilettos and the like with minimal wood and more leather, fabric and jewellery will be considered the highest status shoe.


    Iselin is really looking forward to getting her heels and stilettos. Ciara and Kari wants it because the others wanted to get shoes like that, but both know that I don''t care whether they wears them or not. Caecilia wants it because I said it looked good on Iselin and Jane. Caecilia seems to see it as her duty and opportunity to be the sexiest of my women. I have to try to remember being careful about complimenting things when Caecilia is around, because combined with Kari''s desires that can be misinterpreted, Caecilia might end up walking around looking like fetish queen, and that would just feel wrong.


    In any case, Kari said that Haera, Sefa and Ulfarna was looking forward to ordering clothes once back in Borgarsandr, and Myrun, Siri and Liv always planned to visit Borgarsandr before they returns home as well. Siri was instructed on how to build paper lanterns as she loved that, so there might be quite a lot of paper brought.


    Liv, Myrun and Siri loved the marriage feast and it has been so very different and worthy of my status as Sejdmann. Myrun laughed when she told us she need to spend silver upgrading her home too. Every time she''s been here, she gets new ideas for improvements, and come spring, there will be lots of work done. She really wants to get a couple of fireplaces with chimneys installed along with a cold and warm water system, and we had some exotic dishes that more or less require a kitchen like Thrymheim. She will also see to it that the lighthouse are built, and hopefully the construction and installation will be ready before next autumn. Myrun have high hopes for lighthouses, and that more will be built.


    Myrun is also interested in seeing that a bridge is built over the larger river outside Skiringsalr. It will make transport and trade easier, and the river is less deep and a shorter distance than the harbour-bridge construction between the islands I''ve had built, but for the river, a slightly higher middle section will be made so that small boats without a mast can easily row underneath. She has thought about a bridge before, but it just never really happened. As far as Myrun is concerned, the fact that a lower non-opening bridge blocks the river passage for larger ships isn''t negative, rather the opposite. Few are affected, and it gives her more control over the river transport, so it goes via her town, and a bridge also makes transport along the coast easier for a lot of people, which makes the road more important. Myrun is considering making a better paved road for a few kilometers in both directions along the coast, as well as an inland road. A good road and bridge would make it very clear to travellers that they are now on her turf, and be a visual brag for how rich and powerful she is. Just for bragging right and more control, a section of the bridge might have a drawbridge, which would also allow boats with a mast to pass. She might improve the bridge over the other river dividing Skiringsalr in two, and make that too a drawbridge.


    <hr>

 Female complications - day 7, Olafr

    <hr>


    As I approach the forge, metallic sounds makes it clear that Olafr have begun working. Olafr sure loves the forge. We are going to test the new thunder weapons tomorrow. Olafr doesn''t know about it, but we''ll probably do some bird hunting on the islands if the weather is good in the next few days, but it''s been around -5C during the day and down to -13C at night. And I who assumed the coast would have milder weather. Which it surely have. Inland there must be a lot more snow and colder. At least it''s dry powder snow, instead of wet mushy snow that freeze to clear ice each night. At least we should have plenty of ice from the lake. It''s more than thick enough to walk on, so for the ice on the lake to grow thicker faster, they have ploughed away a lot of the snow. We actually have a large lake with thick ice, so I''ll task Olafr with trying to make a pair of classic Swedish long-distance skates with leather straps, iron spikes for ice claws, an ice spike and an ice drill. If we can get some above freezing temperatures that melt the top layer and then cold nights where it freezes, the ice will be good for skating. Crumbly lumpy ice is not nice to skate on. If we had lived in the east coast archipelago, the Baltic Sea which has almost no salt, would surely have frozen enough to go on long journeys, and from island to island.


    Olafr is happy to see me, and once again mention how much he loves the forge and that is so nice and bright. The skylights really makes a big difference during the day and he wants it in his forge. His forge roof is fairly old anyway, and he is curious about making the new roof in tiles too, which will make it easier to install the skylights. Olafr is also very happy for the light the oil lanterns give and how much more comfortable it makes working during winter. The double oil lantern in the ceiling makes it easier to keep on working even when the sun have set, as it can be so annoying having to stop just because there isn''t good light, and a focused lantern with a reflector helps a lot when doing fine work on a workbench or sanding. Better light and more heat at the same time, since the reflector not only reflect the light, but also quite a lot of radiating heat, and metal is cold to touch, especially during winter. A lot of metal work is after all filing and grinding, not standing in front of a hearth and hammering on an anvil. Olafr does complain that the oil lanterns will be expensive to buy, but I''ve told him that the price will drop when more of are produced. Olafr can obviously afford it anyway, he is just careful with spending money, but I''m thinking about giving Olafr an oil lantern before he leaves. He has done a hell of a lot of important work for me, and done them very well. I''m happy to make his life better, and Olafr is nice and interesting to talk to.


    Hydropower is really interesting and surprisingly useful, which he now loves and is beginning to truly understand how versatile it can be. Olafr appreciates the power of the hearth''s air system is there if he wants it, and the very good chimney and fan makes it easier and more pleasant to work. When the fan is running, the chimney is very effective in getting the smoke out of the forge. Teary eyes does not help when working, and generally the hands are too dirty to wipe the eyes or face. The automatic hammer is especially interesting, and Olafr loves how all you have to do is step on the pedal and the automatic hammer starts hammering. The automatic hammer does exactly as the blacksmith expects it to, without explanation or misunderstanding from an apprentice, and often there isn''t much time to work before the iron is too cold to forge, or join. And the hammer never gets tired. Never hits wrong. Then there''s the big power hammer, but that scares Olafr, and he likes the safety equipment I''ve tried to build in. But he sees a use for the power hammer too, and especially when it comes to shaping large things, and forming tools for both the automatic and power hammer makes them more useful. Olafr thinks it is unnecessary that the grindstone have also become water-powered, but admits it is practical. Neither himself nor an apprentice need to make it turn with a crank or springed pedal, and the blacksmith can focus on just grinding. The filing machine with its adjustable table and replaceable files is a very interesting idea, and something Olafr really like. It makes some work stupidly easy to get right, and you don''t even have to do any real work. Just hold the metal and move it.


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    Olafr thinks hearing protection isn''t for him, but agrees that his hearing isn''t the best and his ears are ringing, so it would probably be a good idea if you start with it early. He has been advising his apprentices that they probably should use it, although it''s probably too late for them too. The fact that I am so careful about hearing protection and demand that my women and guards use hearing protection, is all the proof Olafr needs. I''ve been right about a lot of things, so probably that too. And I have after all already made a collapsible pair that is easier to carry and Caecilia usually have in her shoulder bag along with ear plugs, and I also plan a special helmet with attached hearing protections for my warriors using thunder weapons.


    Olafr appreciate water straight from the wall even in the forge, and although he thinks hot and cold water in the house and a shower are unnecessary luxuries, he admits that it is a nice luxury. Especially when it''s cold outside and it is always ready at home, and he can just stand there in an indoor shower and feel the warm water raining down. It warms his body and the dirt is just washed away. As a blacksmith, Olafr is used to sometimes being very dirty and sooty, and even if he has washed himself before, the bath water sometimes gets really dirty and it''s cold water or takes a lot of time to heat up, but with a shower and some soap he feels cleaner than ever and it''s so faster and just nice. Bekkhilda also complains far less, but he understands that it makes her work easier and more luxurious too.


    Beside the ice equipment, we discuss the shape of the anvils, pros and cons, and different types of machining tools for power hammers, rollers and eccentric presses. There will definitely be tooling for the bolt making machine because Olafr really wants to see it, and just how the eccentric press punches out nails or washers from a flat bar of iron is very fascinating. So we discuss design, and what to do with the steel lumps.


    <hr>


    We have realised that it is a bit wrong in the staff accommodations, because since Ima went back to Borgarsandr, Shakini now has that bedroom to herself, and a single room is quite a lot more luxurious than sharing between four like the others do, so Elvira moves in there, as a small reward for not trying to put more work on Shakini. Both aware that they may need to move out of the bedroom in the future if we need the room for something else, and Shakini will probably move up to the wings attic if that is the case, but for now, the room is theirs, and they love it. I thought the room might be needed as an extra bathroom or something if we have a lot of guests, but it worked well during the feast, and even the toilets were enough.


    Personally, of the maids, I like Elvira the most, even if she takes the fact that I''m the Furst and she''s just an insignificant lowly maid far too seriously. She is smart, tidy, seems to be able to keep a secret, and is just nice and charming to chat with, even if we don''t really have deep discussions or talk a lot. Elvira definitely keeps her promise, that she would strive to be the best maid we could wish for. The fact that she is a sexy young and beautiful woman with slightly exotic looks has nothing to do with me liking her most, and I appreciate that Elvira doesn''t flirt even when we are alone, as Jalida sometimes do. Since the stag night, Jalida has become more clear with her intentions, actually saying she is available for sex whenever I want it, but I think that is partially to gain advantages.


    Elvira is the one who primarily clean my rooms and she seem to get along well with Caecilia and help my women too, so Elvira is generally the maid I see the most in the main building. I hope it''s not because I miss when Jalida and Ida are there. They are no longer banned, as that only lasted until the days before the wedding. It feels like elves in general are a couple of points above average in looks, and that doesn''t just apply to the Norse elves, but also Elvira, Jalida and Shakini. ''


    <hr>

 Female complications - day 7, Dealing with Jane (Part 1)

    <hr>


    I''ve let the others know that I want to be alone, as there have just been too much people in the last week, and I need to have that conversation with Jane too, but I really don''t want to. It''s at least going to be awkward and maybe tears and more than that, so I just need to be alone for awhile and do something distracting in the workshop. But it''s hard to work, because the mind wanders. And I can''t prevent where my mind goes, and those thoughts about Jane. Work is just not enough of a distraction. I might as well just deal with the Jane situation instead of trying to ignore the issue, but I really don''t want to. So it''s late afternoon when I knock on Jane''s door and say we need to talk, asking her to meet me on the sofas in my bedroom when she''s done painting and have cleaned her fingers etc. Don''t hurry, I have things to read. On the way, I tell my sambos, Caecilia and Alith, that we are going to talk about serious things and need to be alone, even though I don''t tell them what. Considering their faces and answers, most seem to have noticed that something serious has happened, and it''s not good. Alith and Iselin know it''s connected to my talk with Jane during the wedding feast, but I think several people are guessing. There are plenty of secrets here, but some seem to be open secrets. Then again, they''re almost all women, and I suspect they''re significantly more attentive about interpersonal issues than me and Hrappr.


    I''ve checked with the maids, Ciara and Alith, and Jane''s story seems true. She sat there in the dark, though even Alith didn''t think of it until I asked, and I''ve sworn Alith to silence about it. Alith doesn''t know the whole truth or why, and probably never will. I just said that Jane regrets saying anything about Midg?rd traditions, because she wanted to have me for herself, but instead saw so many other women having sex with me and she wanted to punish herself for her stupidity, and there were far more women than she thought there would be. Pathetic excuse, but it was the best I could come up with on short notice. I should have thought of a good excuse. It doesn''t take long before Jane arrives, serious and silent. She closes the door without me asking her to, and sits down next to me when I point to the sofa. With some distance between us. We''re both silent, and I don''t want to start, but I have to, so I just take a sigh to collect myself and start talking:


    "Jane, first, I have to say I''m not really mad or angry at you, just somewhat annoyed and disappointed. You already know I think that actions should have consequences, good and bad, as it is part of learning. Without consequences few would be following the rules in society, and then we wouldn''t have a civilized society. So now you need to answer a few questions truthfully, okay?" I look to the side and Jane just nods while looking down. "Then, I would like to thank you for actually guarding me to prevent me from having to say ''no'', or have sex with someone that would be hard to later accept. It doesn''t matter if you stopped anyone or not, you thought about it and did something." Jane looks up at me in surprise. She hadn''t expected that. But then she looks down at the table in front of her again. "That aside, did you stop anyone?"


    Jane faintly nods and then answers: "Yes. Jolfr''s concubine and Danr''s slave woman. Both were disappointed, but I told them that it didn''t matter if they wanted it, been ordered or push to it by her master or man. I didn''t ask. It wouldn''t happen because it is against your principles. I told them that they could verify with the framed copy in the library of King Asbj?rn''s proclamation a few months back, and that killed any protest. Well; they would have to find someone to read it for them."


    "Thank you. I also remember you said 17, and I hope my memory isn''t that foggy. So I guess you know? Please tell me."


    "Bugger!! Fuck!! Yes, I know. About the bloody Queen. I followed when you walked to the shower with her lady-in-waiting Skirlaug, and heard Skirlaug told you to let her shower and clean you and to enjoy each other in silence to not disturb other guests, and she took you to the master bathroom. I had used taking a bite in the kitchen as an excuse, but I couldn''t really stay there, so I decided to return up to your dark office to avoid drawing attention to myself. I met the Queen with her guard coming out of their guestroom and said ''Hello''. Something about her way and dress made me react, and I realised that I didn''t hear the doors out to the feast hall open or close, so I walked back and saw her guard in the hallway outside the master bathroom. I didn''t know what to do, so I waited in my room with the door ajar. Another maid walked by and people pasted to the feasthall once, but it was quite late. I heard noises from the big guestroom and figured the King was in there enjoying his maid Sylvi. I heard when you came out. Heard you saying you enjoyed Skirlaug''s idea with the blindfold and would try it later in the bedroom. I realised that they fooled you, and you didn''t know about the Queen. I returned my plate to the kitchen before checking the manometer and battery gauge, and I saw the Queen and her guard coming out of the toilets, so I guessed she sneaked in there. I returned up and made a quick peek inside your room so there wasn''t anyone you would object to being there, and saw you in the bed with Skirlaug. I just returned to your office and continued watching and thinking."


    "I didn''t know I had sex with someone other than Skirlaug until the next morning when I was in the bathroom again. That''s when I realised it wasn''t Skirlaug, since she is shorter than the woman in there, and there were two interruptions, so I guess those were the Queen sneaking in and out. But that is a secret that can never be known or talked about, and this should be the last time any of us will. She is married to the King and it might be really bad if it became official and known. You remember Hildifjoer and Lawman Filison''s wife and Tom."


    "I know!! I know!! My mind went wild with bad thoughts about what might happen if anyone found out!! I was slightly frantic because I didn''t know if I should tell you! In the end I just kept quiet about it. I took the easy way." Jane sighs, and with a resigned tone, "Again." Another sigh. "I''ll never talk about it to anyone. I have learned that. Does she know, that you know?"


    "Yeah. When I gave Haera the dragon ring? I gave it to her wrapped in the blindfold with a phrase that she would likely interpret as I knew if it actually was her, and that it would never happen again. Beside her reaction when she recognised ''the blindfold'' and understood that I knew, she subtly confirmed it was her."


    "Oh, that is devious! Why am I even surprised?! I''ve fallen for your deviousness myself. Oh bloody hell, I just did it again! You just asked me if I ''knew''."


    "I had to be sure. To be honest, when I understood that it probably wasn''t Skirlaug I fucked in the bathroom, I dreaded it was a trap by Princess Sefa to become pregnant so I would have to marry her as my second wife."


    "Oh God!!" Jane looks horrified as she burries her face in her hands. "I should have told you! Stupid!!"


    I know what I must say and admit, but I make a few deep sighs before I do.


    "Jane... This is actually quite hard to say, both to admit it to myself and to inform you about it, but I won''t sugarcoat the truth here just to protect your feelings, and you''re the only one I can tell. I really am a changed man after the stag night, and I realised it two days later. In hindsight I should have stopped it and you where right; I could have stopped it. But you where also right in that I didn''t know. I thought there might be about five or six women that night, most of whom I already have had sex with. Like Myrun, Liv, Alith and a few with big hints like you or Unn. I really didn''t think that the maids, Gunhild or others would jump at going to bed with me like that with others in company. Or Ima, Asta and Lifa. I still hadn''t really understood how open sex can be had here, and my old life sure didn''t prepare me for that. It''s one of those ''I know it happens, but in others lives'' thinking. When Jalida was the first unexpected one to showed up and weirdly excited, it was just her. Then Elvira just after. Then Gunhild. Ima. Then just one more. But they kept on coming - no pun intended. It''s really messed up, but I felt bad about telling them ''no''. That they where not worth my attention, and that I was being unfair or something. And when it continued to snowball I just stopped counting or give a damn; what''s one more woman, maid or friend? It wouldn''t matter to stop it then, and ''not being worthy'' still applied. I just kept trying to give them all my best, but I became emotionally numb.


    The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.


    Had I predicted what would happen, I would have stopped it. That was a ''no good outcome'' situation, and preventing it would have been the best. But it really doesn''t matter to speculate. ''What if'' might be helpful to learn, but it''s usually just a waste of time. Accept reality, learn and move on. Plan ahead and make backup plans. It has already been awkward and I know that at least Jalida and Elvira want to occasionally have more sex with me. Jalida had such a contented happy smile, asking me to take her whenever I wanted. Like I was rewarding her or something. Or maybe she just wants to gain favour so she isn''t banished from the main building again. Elvira is more subtle, but have given me several hints after. Like when I offered her to move to Caecilia''s old bedroom with Shakini, and she asked if it would include Caecilia''s kind of services to me. I instantly said ''no'', and she gladly accepted the room anyway. I guess for several of the women it was the first time someone though of their pleasure instead of just being used for sex. It was more that I was the thing being used by them. I know Hillevi regret not joining that night so that will probably happen, and now I just logically accept it because I don''t want to hurt her feelings.


    This is what I mean with me being a changed man after that night. Some kind of mental or social block about sex just shattered in me, and I might be in some kind of shock. I no longer really seem to have any ''wrong to have sex with someone'' feeling, and a lot of women now have ''we''ve already had sex once, why not again?''. I don''t really see the point in it, but if Elvira came to me and said she was horny, so long as I don''t have anything else to do, it''s likely I would have at least a quickie with her, since Iselin have given me a carte blanche and seem to truly mean it. Just bend Elvira over the sofa or something and screw her. Like; eh, yeah, okay. Whatever. Which is pretty much the situation with Hillevi. The sex probably wouldn''t mean anything to me. I wouldn''t get a kick out of it. No feeling of lust, need, proudness or power. Just... The sky is blue, water is wet, screwed the maid because she is horny, then organising my workbench or continue reading. I have started to fear that I have lost the idea that sex mean something. That I will start taking willing sex partners for granted, and maybe stop caring about taking care of their needs and feelings after. I really don''t like that emotionally and morally, I probably would have sex with a willing slave woman now - it''s just logic and principles that stop me. But when you start hacking away at moral codes and push limits, they get moved. Most likely forever.


    Of course beauty and sexiness matters, but just look at a normal female elf - that''s a low barrier. Which hardly makes it easier saying no. But no matter what, I wouldn''t have sex with Iselin''s mom or something. And men can just forget it. But beside that, I only really care about what my girlfriends think. What Iselin thinks. I don''t want them to feel pushed away or marginalized and I fear they might be. That my sex with them might mean less too. I want them to feel special, and they so deserve to feel special. It''s been hard enough trying to balance my attention to them and be fair. But a lot of things are getting difficult and I don''t like that change in me. I''ve already found myself starting to use logic and trying to plan schedules and balance how often I might have sex with my maids or guards, just to make sure my wife and girlfriends feel special and wanted. I have no real feelings saying all of this. It''s just calm logical reasoning to me. So, yeah: I am a changed man and your actions did have consequences."


    I have long noticed Jane crying and despairing, but it''s all true. I''m not crying, angry, irritated or even annoyed. There are no emotions in what I just said; just calmly logically stated. I wish there were psychologists to talk to here. I reach over and take one of the hankerchiefs I prepared beside the sofa. I guess I''ll need one myself sooner or later. It makes Jane cry more as I hand it to her, and she protests and try to push me away as I sit beside her, pull her to me and hug her, but I don''t care.


    "Stop fighting! Give me a hug and cry! You''re still my friend Jane, and I still care about you. You''re in pain, and that I was the one you hurt doesn''t really matter for me right now. What''s done is done, and we both have to accept reality, learn and move on. I might be too good in separating between what is important and what is personal. We don''t have a professional psychiatrist to help us so this is probably a terrible idea, but it is what it is. You don''t have to worry about me hitting you or something."


    "Please ... do." Jane sobs out the words. "This ... hurts more and deeper." Jane cries but hugs me. I understand what she means.


    "Now I have to talk about consequences, and what we both have to accept for the time being. You have to promise me that you will never talk to anyone about this except me, even if you need too - and only in English. No one can ever know, and you can''t even say something by mistake, in anger or if you''re drunk. Iselin, Kari, Ciara, Caecilia and Alith can never know how this changed me. That they where tricked, that you tricked them and it should have been stopped. It will hurt them more than anything and they are more important than you, or me. Imagine Ciara finding out she participated in hurting and changing me and didn''t stop it but helped. She might go completely catatonic, be a zombie for the rest of her life, or just snap." Jane freeze and goes quiet, before she continue to hug me and cry, while nodding. She didn''t consider that either. "We both have to pretend like there hasn''t been any big change for the sake of them. I won''t forcefully push you away or throw you out of the house, since that would be a clue something is wrong, so it will have be slow and gradual. One thing I am sorry about is that it also changes a lot between us."


    Jane sighs, and separates us with a serious and joyless face, red and wet from tears. It''s tragic that I feel no longing or really anything for her, other than as a friend and someone who has been through something the others can''t understand. We are isolated from the world by this, a common scar in our souls, even though our scars are different. A psychologist would be damn useful right now. This is actually hard because I intend to gradually separate from her - slowly so the others can''t connect it to anything specific and maybe over 3 months or more - and Jane needs help. It''s probably best if she moves out after my marriage to Kari, because that also gives time to build a house or maybe move into the Academy when it''s finished with the excuse of being an art teacher. But first I want to know.


    "Jane, please correct me if I''m wrong about this. I was kind of expecting us to be friends with some kind of benefits at least a couple of times in the close future, and I don''t know what in the far future. I feel that something have been building up these last 4 months we''ve known each other. The talking, the songs, the hints, the others declaration that we could have sex as long as it wasn''t anything else, your bet. The kisses, which was ... nice. I just figured that you didn''t want to be the one taking the first step, and I was a bit of an asshole and sort of forcing you too, but it was real close a few times. It might be my ego talking, but I thought you wanted me to come after you, to prove that even with all my girlfriends and partners you where special enough that I still wanted you as mine. Close?"


    Jane looks suffering as she closes her eyes, looks away, sighs, nods and respond:


    "All true. I never really thought about it that clearly, but of course you have." Jane makes another deep sigh. "Yes. I wanted you to ask me." Jane lets out a resigned sigh, and hugs her knees. "This is more easy saying now when everything is a bloody mess. Yes. I wanted to know that even with all your girlfriends and crazy amount of sexy willing partners, I was special enough and could seduce you and make you crave after me. Want me. Dream of me. Lust after me. Need me. Really care about me. Convince the others to accept me as something more, even though I don''t think I really wanted it to be anything more than just sex and an ego boost. At least not until recently when it was too late. Way too late. I wanted the satisfaction of you really going after me. I have been thinking about my relationship with Tom over the past months, but especially the last week. I knew it wasn''t really healthy, but I ignored the bad parts and sugarcoated the rest. I spent so long trying to make our relationship live up to my illusion of it. The illusion I gave others became my false reality. The way he just threw me away, within days of us getting here, shattered that illusion beyond hope. I had suspected he wasn''t faithful. Didn''t really love me any more - maybe never did - but I didn''t want to think about it, so I didn''t. But the way he threw our relationship away, threw me away, just to have sex with a medieval farm maid. I felt so worthless, such a looser and sucker. Just someone pretty to use for sex and money. A trophy who didn''t know better, and here I was useless to him - a burden to be discarded.


    And then I tried to force you to accept me as your kept woman. Nothing more than a whore and baby factory. My head was so messed up, and you where right; you should have tried to make me pregnant as soon as possible, especially if that was all I was. Most men would have said yes, and I would probably become dependant even though I would have felt repulsed by you. I know what I was thinking back then. If you had been a manipulating arsehole, instead of a somewhat manipulating good guy, I can sadly see myself ending up doing whatever depraved thing you asked, especially if they became pregnant or I didn''t become pregnant. Being lead around in a leash and lent out to guests to be used as an exotic sex toy, just so that I wouldn''t be thrown away. Like sex was the only thing I would be good for, and then it would become the only thing I was good for. I was desperate and so stupid, and I didn''t realise it. So very stupid."


    I ... I don''t really know how to respond to that. But before I do, Jane continues:

 Female complications - day 7, Dealing with Jane (Part 2)

    "But you flat out told me you didn''t want me as a sex partner, didn''t want us to have sex, even though you said I was pretty. I hadn''t really considered the possibility that you would say ''no'' to sex with me, even though you already had several women. You - an older slightly overweight nerd - didn''t want me as a sex partner. It wasn''t the cheap trick of trying to pick up a girl by negging her in front of her friends. You honestly saw sex with me as a burden and complication you didn''t want. I now know it kind of broke my self-image a bit that sex with me might be a burden - not a privilege and a reward I could bestow on someone. Like I instantly aged 30 years or was fat and ugly. You really only cared about my knowledge, craft and skills, and boosted my confidence in it being valuable here after a harsh acclimatisation, and have really proven it since. But I would never have gotten this far without your support. I hadn''t even tried to get or make any kind of art supplies or use my skills or knowledge. I did common chores that anyone could do, and they where better at it. All those weeks in Hildifjoer and I never even tried! All my talk about being a strong independent confident modern woman with a career, and I failed badly when it got hard. I almost made myself into what I''ve ridiculed, or much worse. You forced me to prove myself and adapt, and it gave me confidence in myself too. You have since boosted my confidence even more with things like the music and notebook, saddles and so on. Useful valuable knowledge I had, but probably wouldn''t think about introducing here. Or going through the effort to actually use."


    She seem a bit proud of what she have accomplished, as well as being disappointed.


    "I realised that you truly didn''t see them as trophies; ''ooh, look at all my young pretty girlfriends''. You really didn''t care about showing them off, and you still don''t. When you walk with them arm in arm you''re not showing them off. They''re showing you off, and you have just accepted that it needs to be done for their status and protection. You avoid public attention. You prefer walking in the woods and empty parts of these islands with a minimum of guards. You practically hide in the carriage, instead of enjoy feeling like a lord. You would rather go out of your way to find a small lake or cove to relax in private, instead of walking in front of everyone with your gorgeous young girlfriend on the main beach. You dressed them up and gave them jewellery and the valuable knifes, because in your eyes they deserved it; they should have pretty things, and others should know they''re special persons worthy of their attention no matter their background. It didn''t matter to you if they used the gifts or showed it off, but they should have it. You only really cared about them as persons. As friends and close partners. You care more about them than yourself.


    A couple of months ago, when you told me how you sat down and face to face in private broke it off with your last girlfriend, because she deserved someone better than you - you really meant it. It wasn''t just a bad excuse. You had thought long and hard about your future together. You knew what she wanted in life and that you couldn''t give it to her, and took the hard logical decision - even though you missed her for years and still wonder how her life turned out and if she''s happy. I saw you starting to tear up and how you became lost in those thoughts, even after a decade and you being trapped in a medieval world. You had made sure that it was in private and that there wasn''t anything important for the next week, so she had time to deal with it, and I believe that you tried to console her and really tried to shift all the blame to you, just to make it easier for her.


    Oh, bloody hell!


    We''re in private. With plenty of time. You even prepared a damn handkerchief. You are trying to console me, when it really is my bloody fault and you really don''t care that I hurt you. Because you care about me more than yourself. It''s you who don''t deserve me."


    Jane just cries and I let her while hugging her. I''m getting teary too, which makes me contemplate why. It''s probably how sad and depressed she is. I just can''t help my tears. Empathy and compassion are a hell of a combination. Through the tears and sobs, Jane continues to speak:


    "What really affected me was that you cared so much about Ciara. I''m happy she wouldn''t tell me details of her life as a slave, because Alith have asked her to only tell her, so Ciara won''t give someone else nightmares. Alith is brought up in this harsh world, so I really don''t want to know. But Ciara slipped up by saying things like how she was tempted to commit suicide so many times, even though she really believed it''s a sin which would send her straight to Hell. She had a knife and was about to slit her throat in the dark, welcoming Hell, when she realised that her Hell would be the same, only more of it - for eternity. By continuing living through Hell here until she died, she had a small chance to reach heaven, and the Gods were happy she past their test and Iselin was their helping angel who brought her to you. Her saviour. She have a weird belief now. There is no Heaven or Hell for her, only endless darkness with you as the only light and warmth which she will follow anywhere. It''s not just words. Ciara believes it. A week or so after we meet, I was talking with Iselin as I sketching her, and I made another very stupid comment. So she told me how you treated Ciara from the start when most wouldn''t even look at her. Men and women. Most wouldn''t touch Ciara because she was a slave that looked and smelled horrible, and those who did would be rough with her - but not you. Your compassion and empathy struck the instant you were told and you felt responsible for her. A private bathroom with a servant. New fine cloths. A bag she could mark with her name, and her own food, soap, comb and a knife. They later understood that you didn''t touch Ciara, because you didn''t want to scare her - because you cared. You whistled to let her know you where getting close so you didn''t spook her. You still do that occasionally, and only with Ciara. You respected and gave Ciara safety from a distance. You got female guards because she stung herself on a needle, and you told them to protect her, and made sure they got her real name right. The first time you really touched Ciara was a hug when she cried, because you wanted to comfort her. You asked if you could give her a hug to comfort her, because she should have a shoulder to cry on and not feel alone. I really started to crave to be that cared for. Not just lusted after, but to feel that care. Feel that fierce protectiveness and safety. For me! Not my looks, money or friends. Just me! I had it - and now I will loose it - by my own stupidity."


    Jane just talks and vents. Saying something out loud can sometimes help you accept that, especially if you say it out loud to someone close. I deliberately haven''t asked Ciara exactly what she experienced, because I don''t know if I can hear it. Ciara knows that if she wants to tell me or talk to someone, I want to hear it. But Ciara doesn''t care to tell, because it was her past life and it is unimportant. On the other things, Jane isn''t correct although close enough, but I haven''t bothered to analyse some things. And she is unfortunately right about her goal, and her action. Jane continues before I can think of an answer, but I wouldn''t have had anything meaningful to say anyway.


    "As you said way back in the garden; you only choose Iselin. You only really loved Iselin, and you love her deeply. The others choose you, but now you love them too. I wanted to be special too. I wanted you to chose me too even if it wasn''t love. With you, at least it wouldn''t be fake love. When you told me about how far you might go if someone deliberately hurt Iselin - which is not healthy and more than a bit scary - it only made me want you more. I want to know that someone would go that far for me. To care and need me and value me that much. Not thrown away or ignored, but avenged with vengeance. You give them so much freedom, trust and love, but you might unleash the fury of a God if someone hurt them. The Queen gave me the impression that she and the King is worried that someone might hurt them, and the kingdom becomes collateral damage in your rampage. And they might be right. It if had been Iselin, Kari or Ciara that was drugged by Radgeirrson, you wouldn''t have let him off with becoming a slave. He would have been made an example off. Something legendary. But when it was you that almost died - you didn''t really care what punishment he got. But only him. Not his family.


    This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.


    Like that duel: Yes, he might have killed you, but as soon as they were on the line and threatened and he didn''t back down? Fate. Sealed. No half measures. No holding back. No stupid trying to wound to get first blood. Just limiting collateral damage. Center body mass. Boom! Dead with half his back missing. Threat permanently neutralised and a lesson to others. Then you grieved over what you had to do. What you had become. Your lost innocence. But you didn''t hesitate to deal with the threat to them. And still, if they asked you to let them go, even so they could be with another man? You would. Even your wife Iselin. Especially Iselin. You would probably make sure she would be okay. Hell, you already have with the gold and land you gave her. You actually really have. Fook. It would absolutely shatter your heart with sadness and feeling deeply hurt, but you probably wouldn''t even raise your voice or ask them to reconsider. You would ''accept reality, learn and move on''." Jane looks up at me, but I''m need to focus on holding back tears from that unpleasant thought. "I wanted you to be that caring, protective and possessive about me. Me! Ooh... Bloody hell! You''re tearing up from just the thought of Iselin not wanting to be with you! I''m so sorry Robert! So so sorry!"


    It''s hard trying to collect myself, especially as Jane hugs me. I clear my throat and I wipe my eyes, I don''t like that my voice sounds broken and strained; "It''s not really that clear cut or easy. You''re just seeing the parts you want, from the angle you want. I''m no hero in shining armor and a bit of a selfish assho..."


    Jane''s hand over my mouth shuts me up and she looks angry!


    "Shut up!! On the ''selfish arsehole scale'' you rate low! Trust me on that! I sadly know plenty of people that rate higher on that scale, which I also sadly used to call ''friends''! I am far higher on that scale than you! Let. Me. Finish. I know your faults! You can be inconsiderate; inattentive; careless; lazy; and stubborn. But there isn''t any malice in it. You just don''t see it, think about it or is unmotivated, but you learn and your good sides more than compensate. I know you''re no knight in shining armour, because you''re shinyness is in your heart and mind, not something you wear on the outside to impress others. I guess it says something about me, that it would be easier to admit falling for you so damn hard if you were! You''re so far from everyone I ever looked at or tried to get together with, that it is weird. Still, I just don''t care about your age, looks, body shape or dick size, and you''re the first man that applies to! Don''t give me that face! I''m being honest here!


    Something about the fact that you pretty much can have any woman here is just weird, but at the same time sexy, which is weirder. It shouldn''t be, since I don''t have their upbringing. But I really like that you''re still a good enough man to not abuse it, especially in this world with pretty much the opposite religious or social pressure. In this world, lowly free women maids are expected to be used for casual sex, if they want to keep their job to a Lord. You were given good looking exotic young slaves for this exact purpose, or as permanent bed company, and instead you offered them to become free women and told them to not have sex with you, and that you wouldn''t allow anyone to mistreat them. But you spoil them too, treat them very nice and they hear others talking. Elvira carefully asked Iselin and Kari, if the stag night meant that even she could have sex with you. That it was okay. That you or them wouldn''t be insulted.


    In this world with it''s laws and norms, and the power, influence, religious status and money you have, you can pressure just about any woman to sex - if she doesn''t throw herself at you - and you know it, and it scares you. And that''s not using legal means to forcefully take someone''s land, house and women. You know you could even seduce a woman with poems, lyrics and gifts, just so that she wouldn''t get any blame by society, and most fathers or husbands would probably use Sejdmann as a religious excuse, just so they wouldn''t be forced to come after you and die. You truly believe that power corrupts, and avoid using any power - especially involving attraction and sex. That''s a limit you really don''t want to nudge, and I pains me knowing that I have forced your limits way more than you. Because I am that stupid and mean.


    What have given me sleepless nights and also pains me, is realising that if our roles where reversed? I would have abused that power. I just wonder if I even would have thought it wrong. I''ve used my looks and status so many times in the past. I could use it - so I did. I felt I had the right to, was entitled to use it and it worked, and men where weak creatures - especially nerds. I was a noble using status, attraction and allure of sex to get what I wanted, and it really was the social norms that stopped me from being a real monster. Reverse roles here, and I would probably be a horrible monster. I was no better than Tom and would probably have been worse. I based my assumption about you before that first meeting on preconceptions and on what he did and would do, never realising that I would have been so much worse, because when I did it? It was just and right. Talk about being a hypocritical bitch! Even when your reputation was so very unjust and I was that stupid ... I shouldn''t have reacted like that when we first talked."


    I have no answer to that, but I am quite impressed with how she seems to have reflected on her past life and behaviour. It must have been really hard to start seeing herself that way, and I can only guess how it changed her view of things and events.


    "You - who didn''t even have a girlfriend at home in Midg?rd and hadn''t had a woman in years - asked a willing lovely naked young Lova to leave your room, even when she was pressing her naked body against you and were fondling you, and I can only imagine how difficult that was. Just because she might have been pressured into being there. You didn''t even ask her, because she might have lied. That and other actions should have told me about the real you, not what other people thought with their worldview. But I didn''t see that, because I only saw what I wanted to see. I now get why you gave them a little gold. You were grateful, and you had the means to make their life a little better - so you went out of your way and did. No-one here even knew those letters included gold. Iselin really did have to talk you into sex, and you where obviously already in love with her, not caring one iota about her past or status. Ciara told me how Iselin sneakily crawled into your bed like a cat when you slept, and you still didn''t allow it to become more. I really like that. I get why Ciara thinks you''re the only real man here, and in a way, I sort of agree with her."


    I try to show my support when she opens her heart by hugging her a little extra, but I feel so uncomfortable about the high pedestal she has put me on, because I''m not nearly as good or pure as she seems to think, and it is hard to hear her feelings for me. Because it seems real.

 Female complications - day 7, Dealing with Jane (Part 3)

    "This is a fucked up world and situation, but half a year ago, I would have never in a million years believed that I would crave and need the attention of someone like you. Fall in love with someone like you. Talk about being shallow! I would only see all the things I wouldn''t want in a man, and completely miss that you''re a good intelligent kind and caring man with strong opinions about right and wrong. Good morals and principles you stick with, and with plenty of compassion and empathy. You are gentle and funny, but also brave. It''s not bad that your a decade older, or a some what introvert nerd who dislike parties and social life. You still enjoy company. It''s not bad that you don''t drink alcohol, wine, beer or even coffee. Or smoked. It proves strong opinions and standing up to social pressure, and it''s far better than getting tipsy or drunk all the time. It''s not bad that you like being alone and at home, and avoid social media accounts like the plague due to beliefs and principles, and with almost no interest for sport. It''s better than the opposite. You haven''t had a TV for one and a half decade, yet you still don''t mind paying the TV license with taxes because a democracy should have free unaffiliated public media - you just don''t like that they use the money for entertainment programs too. You don''t care about fashion or your own looks, and never had a gym session before you built a gym for me, and you also became my training buddy, because you cared. You loath physical training.


    I know there are plenty of sexy male elves, but now when I look at Hrappr or Hagan or someone, I just see all the things they''re not compared to you. Much is just attraction to a sexy body and men showing it of to attract women, and I''ve realised that''s not important any more. I have become devoted to you and I really dread not living with you, not being your friend and partner - which is true - but I just realised is my typical arsehole way of getting you to let me stay, and now I loath myself for saying it.


    But it is true.


    Half a year ago in Midg?rd, I wouldn''t have looked at you twice. I would have made fun of you if you tried to talk to me, even if you where just trying to be helpful or polite, which is probably the only reason you would talk to someone like me. Because I was a rich beautiful bitch, full of myself and just really caring about the outside illusion or the obvious - no matter what me and my friends said we wanted in a man. And you were you. But we would never even have meet, and it would have been my loss. If we got back to our old lives in Midg?rd tomorrow, I would still want to be yours and move to you in Sweden if you''d let me, because my old life there wouldn''t really mean anything. No amount of luxury, partying or sex would change the fact that I would now see it was just empty illusions. I dread that I will be spending my life alone and looking on from a distance, but I deserve it for arseing it all up. It''s weirdly liberating telling you this. Just think about all frustration and problems that could have been avoided if we talked like this 3 months ago. But then we would be other people. Well, I would be. I would still be that epic stupid bitch, so it was probably just a matter of time before I cocked up, but I''ve learned and downgraded to legendary moron. Still enough me to do a huge horrible cock up without realising I almost had what I desperately wanted."


    Jane has crawled up against me and rest her head on my shoulder, while I''ve put my feet on the table. It is quite nice just sitting here and talk about things that usually are so damn difficult, but right now we''re almost too openly honest with each other. It actually feels pretty good, and I don''t like losing my friend. I will miss her, and I give Jane another one-armed hug.


    "Yeah, we''re both stupid and morons in our own way, and we probably both have some mental health issues. I shouldn''t have pushed you, and you effect me enough that Caecilia eagerly checks my groin after you been close, hoping I will take her to bed. She''s not the only one. That stupid awkward bet of yours really didn''t help..."


    Jane makes a resigned snort, and nods. "Yeah, I''m still a legendary moron." I notice that she glance down at my crotch, which has no reaction, and she makes another sigh. Change thoughts. Huh. I start to think, and count the days from the wedding.


    "Jane, I just realised something. You know what day today is?"


    Jane shakes her head.


    "I''m pretty sure it''s December 31. Tonight is New Years Eve."


    Jane looks up with a surprised face.


    "Seriously? New Years Eve? Well, this is one hell of a sad party." I agree, but I''ve never been much for a huge New Year celebration. They can be fun, but not really my thing, especially if there is too much alcohol. Jane gets a growing smile and continue; "I guess you never really cared about celebrating New Year. I would be in panic mode about now, trying to get ready, dressed up to the nines and being frantic about making it the perfect evening. Making sure I was getting kissed at midnight under the fireworks, taking a few selfies to let everyone know - including me - that my life was perfect... You have probably spent a lot of New Years alone, made a nice meal and watched the firework from home, or drove somewhere private with a good view."


    "Correct. It doesn''t really bother me, but I get lonely and it would be nice to have female company; someone to cosy up to like us two now, in the dark just ... being. Eat something good, maybe watching a movie and just being comfortable enough in each others presence to cosy up without any pressure for sex before seeing the fireworks, kind of like us now, which to be honest, is nice. I like just sitting here with you talking, and if it had been for any other reason, this would be really nice. It''s slightly ironic, but intimacy for me doesn''t require sex all the time; just a close personal connection I just can''t have with a male friend."


    "That sounds nice... Actually really nice. And honestly way more romantic, intimate and better than many of my New Years. They seldom lived up to my big expectations anyway, even though they where ''nice and fun''. I''ve been hyping things all my whole life. Everything really suck, but this is nice."


    Jane adjusts her body a little to cuddle up a bit more comfortably against me. The silence is awkward while my thoughts grind, because it would be nice to be able to sit like this with her without all the baggage, pressure and what happened hanging over us. I will miss this. Once again, it''s Jane who breaks the silence:


    "It''s weird being your friend and living here, but except the obvious, I guess I never had a boyfriend or male friend even close to you in creativity, personality and life philosophy. It''s says a lot about you, that you go on a rant about giving flowers on an anniversary or Valentine and really don''t like it. Not because you can''t, but because you think it''s a dishonest show of affection. A meaningless dishonest show just using money, that can be set with an alarm and ordered online - especially if it''s deliberately presented in front of friends or co-workers. You might give them gifts any other day when it''s least expected and just an ordinary day, but you won''t make a show of it, if it can be avoided. So it stays honest. And not flowers, because you think they''re a bad gift unless someone is making a garden, and pretty much just an indoctrinated wish by our western culture and influenced by companies. Which I now sort of agree with. You much rather give a good experience and a memory that last, or a gift they mentioned they want and forgotten about, or something that solves a problem they have. You loath gift cards or cash for similar reasons, but will give them if it''s asked for. A relationship with you won''t be what our culture have been thought to believe is romantic - what I thought was romantic - but it will be romantic if she free her mind about what being romantic can really mean. You''re a born romantic - but your morals, principles and beliefs usually comes in the way.


    If it wasn''t for your pathological need to explain certain things, combined with trying to being honest, I would never have known about one of the few times you really have given flowers by choice. You didn''t want me to know, but you disliked lying to me more. I love that you travelled around on the evening before the last day in primary school and gave every girl in you class a single red rose - in person. That must have taken a hell of a lot of courage and determination. And you did it because it ''felt right'' and they should have a rose from ''someone'', and waiting to the last year and last evening, was the only way you could do it without it being seen as trying to charm a girlfriend or asking for a prom date - which you of course hadn''t gone to. You knew you would probably never see them again, and it was only one short day left with minimal bullying to endure from the boys and boyfriends, and before some of them left on trips. That is so very much you. I wonder how many of your old friends even knows that, because you sure as hell don''t like talking about it, because you don''t want the credit. There can''t have be many teenagers in the world that''s actually done something like that, with such a pure motive. And a bullied nerd? If it was today it might go viral, and you would have hated getting attention for that. You would probably still have done it, but in secret and never told anyone. Swedish age of consent for two young people had pasted, and I feel slightly ashamed for womankind that you stayed a virgin several more years until someone wise''d up, but at least I''m not the only moron. I guess it proves that women can be just as clueless as men, and fifteen year old me sure as hell wouldn''t have truly understood and appreciated it.


    Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.


    You surprised me so often, and gave me precious gifts you knew I would love that no-one else here could have given me. But you didn''t do it to woo me or get in my good graces - you just saw a problem you could fix, and you cared enough about me, to give me my own wonderful charging station in my room, and my camera obscura setup. Or the bluetooth speaker upgrade you didn''t need for your mobiles or tablet, but I did, and the insane web server I can''t tell you how much I love. The day after when I was again lying in my bed looking through everything, I realised it was my ''radio moment'' - but better. You built radios partially because you missed Iselin, but that server was mine! It had no purpose for you or anyone else, and instead forced you to have your tablet on a lot more so I could connect to it, knowing it will shorten the life of your tablet, and make it slower when you use it. You did that just for me! Me! I was bawling my eyes out."


    Jane isn''t looking at me but I can hear and see how happy she is about it, underlined by her giving me a hug. I probably didn''t really understand how important it was to her, and sure, I did it for her, but I didn''t see it the same way, and ''nerd got to nerd''. I literally told her that the next day. However, that explains a bit why she asked me to only start the tablet occasionally and otherwise use it when I have the tablet running for something else, but don''t directly work on it.


    "You managed to surprise me when I least expect it, and not just about technology. I know we played our game; it was fun and we exaggerated a lot, but bloody hell you got me good with ''Be my lover''. That was another proof of how dangerous you can be when you try. You just didn''t turn that around on me, it completely blinded me. The faces you made, your eyes, your damn smile and the lyrics. I got horny as hell in no time flat! If you had asked me to bend over the bench and submit - I would have! If you had made any move at all, even just signalled me closer with a finger... I would have ripped the clothes of your body and shagged you silly! I had to bring Caecilia to my room - just to be even close to coherent - and after she left I still couldn''t get your eyes and that damn smile out off my head and got so very horny. Bollocks!! I can feel it again just remembering it!" Jane surprise me by throwing her leg across my lap, and sitting across my lap, holding my head with her hands and fixating me with her eyes! "To continue being honest, after that I was probably yours for the taking whenever you wanted, I just wasn''t willing to admit it to you - or myself." I feel like a gold fish, my mouth open and no words come out. Jane''s words have ''blinded me'', and I just look into her eyes. "Robert. I don''t care what we call it, or if a penance is even possible - as long as we can continue being whatever we have been, and as long as I can spend more time with you like this. And we can screw each others brains out! I want to cuddle up with you for the rest of my life, but I know that it will only be occasionally because of the others. I accept that reality. But now I need you to fuck me like your life depend on it! Bloody hell do I need it! I''m getting more horny as I speak! This is terrible timing, but I think we both need to at least once."


    I realise she is right. I don''t really care that she hurt me and don''t need to punish her just because. It would have hurt me more. I need her. I need Jane and I want her with me, no matter it involves sex or not. I grab the back of her head and push her lips against mine. Her kiss is passionate and hungry. This means something to me. Jane means something to me, something deeper than she ever did before. In our shared misery and consequences when we talked, we seem to have found each other deeper than we ever and at the same time, become freer.


    <hr>


    My gaze leaves the ceiling and I look at the clock. A bit after 1900. Dark outside since hours ago. Jane is lying on the bed next to me, and I am just ... exhausted in my whole body. Damn! That was intense on another scale, and god damn; we both have ''fuck me like your life depends on it''.


    "Holy FUCK Robert! Pun deserved! Thank the Gods I though they just had low expectations. I thought I was going to die from that orgasm train. And it might have been worth it, except stopping me from experience that again! Then we kept going! I knew you were creative, like to pleasure a woman and have been getting lots of practise ... but... Blinding."


    I can''t help but feel a little proud of that, but she too deserves credit.


    "Don''t sell yourself short! This was epic, and most likely top five!"


    Jane''s lovely giggling laughter is heavenly music to my ears; "Robert, never stop being this specific, honest and silly you. Most men would probably have stated it was the best ever and praised me and us with empty platitudes, and giving me compliments for looking divine and so on. Just to boost ego''s and try to make sure we could have sex again. You? You just made a comment it was epic, and most likely top five, and I like that praise more than anything. It''s so honest and I believe you stated a fact! Your top five must really be something if something like this is needed to reach it! Frankly, I feel a bit proud over that grade considering you''ve had plenty of threesomes and so on. And now I really want to experience a sure top five! I can feel myself getting horny just thinking about it. Again! Bloody!! Hell!!"


    "As much as I would love to continue, I know my limits and I need food and water. We both need it. A shower would be nice too. And new sheets."


    "You should probably get the sofa cushions washed too. The room is a bit of a mess."


    "Worth it! I don''t have your stamina, but I really want to get it. Christ, I would really like to continue! But I can''t, and we need to talk about our future. This afternoon meant more to me than a lot has the last few days, and I would much rather have just another hour like this with you than another meaningless orgy night. Hell, just cuddling with you is so much nicer and time better spent. You''re awesome Jane, and not just here in bed. It might be to early to decide anything since we''re both drugged up on endorphins right now, but I this is nice. The stag night you instigated made me a changed man, but our talk and this sex have made me realise you changed me again, but this time for the better. So ''thank you'' for that. Myth; Sexual therapy - Confirmed."


    Jane laughs, rolls next to me and we hold each other and give each other kisses as I caress her head and hair. I really feel a lot more for her than ever, and I really just want to stay here with her. Jane''s beautiful dark eyes twinkle as she looks into mine. I''m so very glad she talk more than me, because I was about to make one of the biggest mistakes of my life.


    "This! This right here! I want it to continue. I really want this to continue, Robert. Even if it''s just once or twice a month - I need this! Talk about delayed gratification!"


    "Just having you beside me... Yeah. I want it in the future too, and not just once or twice a month. I need and care about you too Jane. I choose you too." Jane face looks so happy, and she buries her face against my body and makes a lovely muffled little squeee, and we hug more. We just lay and feel the others body and gentile touch, but my stomach and bladder are bastards. Crap. Jane giggles as she once again hear my stomach growl. "But I need eat, drink and have a shower."


    Jane look as me with an incredibly sexy smile that becomes playful and dirty as she reply;


    "You can eat me again anytime, and I could give you a golden shower to solve the other two?"


    Her creative dirty humour makes me giggle, and I kiss her a few more times before we get out of bed and get dressed. Damn, I really wanted to pull her down on the bed and keep going, but I settle for pushing her up against the wall and enjoying her wonderful eager lips. Food and drinks can wait a few more minutes.


    Or however long we need.


    <hr>

 Female complications - day 7, Dealing with Jane (Part 4)

    As I open the bedroom door, I see Alith leaning against the wall in the corridor outside, with a sly smile as she see us and Jane starts doing a ''walk of shame'' - which I always considered an idiotic expression. There is rarely any shame in it except in other people''s judgmental minds. Especially considering how pleased and happy Jane and I are right now, and Jane smilingly responds to Alith high five. ''Walk of satisfaction'' would be better. Alith wants me to give her a high five too, which I do as we watch Jane disappear around the corner. We''re still watching as she comes back into view after rounding the balcony, with Caecilia practically bouncing along and seeming eager to hear every detail as she accompany Jane down the stairs. So she too must have waited. Both look happy.


    ¡°Alith, how many know?¡±


    "That you and Jane finally had sex? The whole house knows. And Unn. Kari is the winner, by the way. Her date is tomorrow, Iselin''s expired a week ago, and mine unfortunately three weeks ago. Hillevi claims that Kari and Jane had conspired, because she lost once again since her first bet, and her next one is in a month."


    That makes me giggle as I return back inside. I grab my glass and fetch some more water from the mini toilet''s sink, and half collapse on the couch. I''m gonna take a few minutes to recover before showering and eating. I guess it was supper they were trying to announce when they knocked, but I expect they have save some food for us in the hot box. I just shouted ''Busy!'' while Jane giggled. I need to clean up the room, but that can wait, because I''m so a peace and happy right now - and then Iselin appears and she sits down next to me, puts her feet together and cuddles up to me while I hold her. Shit. My mood has dropped like a rock. We''ve only been married for a week, our ''honeymoon'' is going on, and I want another partner. Swine! I''m a damn swine! Iselin doesn''t deserve someone like me!


    "Will Jane become something more than just occasional sex?"


    My heart breaks when I hear her question, especially since she doesn''t seem angry or disappointed but more resigned to her fate being married to a swine like me. Iselin deserves honesty, and I need to tell her at least a somewhat edited truth.


    "I don''t know yet. We''re both pretty high on endorphins right now. We''d both would like to, but I don''t want to hurt you, or the others. I really don''t want to hurt you my dear wonderful wife. I don''t know if you noticed, but something happened a week ago when Jane and I were talking in the greenhouse and she went away crying, and I went into the workshop."


    "I noticed it then and later when Jane pretended that everything was fine when it clearly wasn''t. I told Ciara you were sad. I would have liked to accompany you myself, but we had guests and I was the lady of the house. Ciara is good that way, she just said ''excuse me'' to Myrun and me, and walked away. She only cares about you."


    "Ciara might not show it, but she cares a lot about you too, and you''ll always have a special place in her heart and not because you''re my wife. She sees you as sent by the gods and the one who saved her. But anyway. There have been issues and things between Jane and myself over the last few months, and this afternoon we talked it out. That night during the feast we realised we really needed to talk it out, but put it off until after the feast was over. As we sat here on the sofa and were brutally honest with each other, we realised how important we are to each other. Something we hadn''t really wanted to admit before, not even to ourselves. Especially not Jane, because it was too much of a life change for her. I hope this doesn''t disappoint or hurt you too much, but Jane and I have realised that we have some of Ciara''s feeling inside us. We need each other even though we don''t know how or as what, and if you don''t say no, that will include sex."


    I can''t look Iselin in the eye so I can be honest, but in the corner of my eye, I can''t help but notice how she''s looking at me. Iselin turns my face to hers, and she just has a beautiful smile as she says;


    "It has long been obvious to us that there is something special growing between you two, but that both of you have avoided acting on it. Probably because it''s a bad thing in your culture. We know you don''t want to hurt us, but Freya brought Jane to Alfheimr, and into our lives. You are the only humans in Alfheimr, and come from lives we can''t really understand, and we can only guess how you two feel. We''ve seen Jane become more and more desperate in trying to lure you into some kind of intimate relationship, and how she affected by your presence. We know how you are affected by her. We also know how sad she has often been, and how much she seems to need you in her life. We know how Jane has looked at you, and she finds faults with every other man. You have been in a relationship for the past few months - it just hasn''t included sex until now. We know it''s different where you''re from in Midg?rd. Where the usual and socially acceptable is a man and a wife, and concubines or mistresses are wrong and shameful. But Jane has also told us how common divorce is, how many times some humans remarry and how many different legally defined ways of living together you have, with inheritances and whatnot. Midg?rd just makes it unnecessarily complicated, and here it''s easier. I knew that months ago and accepted it before you asked me to be your wife. I''ve always known that you would have more women than me, and now it doesn''t matter to me. It actually feels good to have Kari, Ciara and Caecilia helping me with you, the mansion, the islands and everything else. But I have been so afraid that I would once again be just your personal servant - if even that - because there are so many richer, more powerful, more beautiful, younger and untouched women.


    But with all the women you''ve had and have, offers and opportunities you''ve just ignored or been disgusted by, I know I''m special to you. Not even Princess Sefa could take my place as your first wife, and everyone understood that. The others told me how you were when I was away, and how much you missed me and tried to bury yourself in work and building radios so that in the future, we could message each other even if we were far apart, and that at the same time you were sad to build radios without me. It feels good to know that Ciara, Kari, and Caecilia together weren''t enough to replace me when I was gone, and you didn''t miss Kari the same way when she was gone earlier this fall. You don''t care that Kari is much more lady like and is so rich and powerful. You don''t care that Ciara, Caecilia, Kari and Jane are so much more beautiful and sexier, and that they were all born free and raised in rich families. You don''t care that I was born as a slave and only own what you have given me. You love me, and to you I am irreplaceable, and you have proved it to the world and the Gods by making me your betrothed and your first wife. Jane said something a month ago that really stuck; you have only chosen me. Everyone else has chosen you. Since the first time we met when I poured mead for you - and on you - you''ve been in love with me, and I come first. That''s why you didn''t allow me to come along to that night with Liv when we were in Skiringsalr. Even now, after you and Jane have had sex for hours, I still come first, and you are deeply ashamed of wanting to have any kind of sexual relationship with her. That you wanted Jane as your woman. Jane! Sometimes Midg?rd just makes it so unnecessarily complicated, but no matter what it becomes or is called, I think Jane will be like wife number three even if you don''t get married. Jane still seems to think that having more than one wife is so wrong, even though she can''t explain why when I ask her. ''It just is'' is not a proper explanation! It seems to be less of a problem for you.¡±


    Iselin has such a beautiful devilish smile that I can only smile, kiss her and hug her more. I love her so damn much, and every time I understand her a bit more, my love for her grows, and I''m so damn grateful for her understanding. Between the kisses and my tears, I say ''I love you'' several times. She so deserve to hear that every day of her life. Iselin looks pleased as she continues talking.


    "Ciara will of course accept Jane, but it might be wise to gently point out that Jane needs you just as she does, just not quite as badly. Of course no contract, because Ciara''s must be only one. Kari will accept Jane. They are good friends and Kari did ''talk'' me into officially having sex; it was Kari who foolishly tried to stop it from becoming anything more than that when she really should have known better. But Kari is still a little unsure about her position and your love for her, because she know she doesn''t come first, and she doesn''t like it when someone threatens her place in your heart. Kari would also prefer to have you all to herself. But Kari has changed so much since we first met her, and her life has had enormous changes. I believe it will be enough for her, that we know you will propose to her eventually, and made the decision even before she became rich - even before she became your concubine. She also have become terribly rich and she has the control over her life she always wanted. That, combined with you being worried that she wouldn''t want to be your wife after she got rich, and her desire to be controlled by you and that you''ve created s-rooms for her... Kari know that she is special to you too in many ways, and even though you love her in a different way than me, she has a very special place in your heart too, and you care for her and trust her. You are so very special to her.


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    Caecilia''s opinion may not matter, and she''ll probably accept anything as long as she can continue to be your personal servant and courtesan, but you should show that you care about her. We think she has developed deep feelings for you and I, and is afraid to show it to us. Caecilia probably doesn''t know how to handle love - when it becomes something deeper than just sex - and doesn''t want to damage what the three of us already have. Caecilia also needs a man in her life and it''s a good thing she''s so focused on that man being you, because I love the life the three of us have - although I''d rather have her as my courtesan." Iselin has such a wonderful sneaky, playful yet possessive smile and look as she stares into nothingness, that maybe I should be a little worried about the future.


    "You are a wonderful woman Iselin, and the night I met you was the luckiest day of my life. I am so incredibly happy that I gave you that compliment. One of the best moments of my life was when you said ''yes'' to to be my fiancee, and I am so terribly happy and proud that you are my wife. I love you so much. I realised a few hours ago that in most of Midg?rd tonight is something called the New Year, that is when we go from one year to the next. Not like here at the first full moon after midwinter and is nothing special. In Midgard it is done tonight and celebrated all over the world. The tradition is that there are feasts, and there is a countdown to midnight and then there is fireworks to start the New Year with a bang. How about having a small late feast just for us in this house and shooting off a couple of fireworks rockets in the middle of the night?"


    Iselin''s face gives me the answer loud and clear, so I send her to prepare it, since as my wife the home is her domain. Before she disappears, I lend her one of my wristwatches so she can officially handle the countdown. She learned to read digital numbers and clocks way back, but she has also spent a lot of time with the MP3 player.


    I talk to Ciara in her room - where she of course has been listening to us having sex - and Ciara is happy for us. Ciara corrects me that Jane already is my unofficial concubine. That makes me confused, but Ciara reminds me of what I told her last summer when I offered her to be my concubine; that for me a relationship is not only about sex or children, and a concubine is a woman I enjoy spending time with, who I want as mine and is special to me. And Jane and I have sat close to each other, enjoyed being close, comforted her when she''s been sad, went for walks in the forest and so on. I built a gym for Jane and have given her many special gifts as the most natural thing in the world for both of us. Now that we''ve finally figured out that Jane has some of the same feelings for me that she does, Ciara looks serious as she looks me in the eyes and tells me to make Jane a wife after Kari, and until then an official concubine. Jane needs it.


    I didn''t really mean it that way when I said those words to Ciara, but apparently she''s taken it as fact. What else have I said to Ciara that she took as fact?


    <hr>


    The whole house has become busy trying to prepare food, grill some meat and throw a little feast, just for us and the staff. I talk to Kari in her room. Kari doesn''t like it, but says that there obviously have been something growing between me and Jane during the past months, especially from Jane''s side. Kari doesn''t like that Jane is a beautiful charming human, and that she has more things in common with me than I have with Kari. She can even give me healthy children. All of a sudden in Kari''s explanations of things she doesn''t like that Jane is or can do, that she can''t compete with, Kari''s face freeze and she zones out while being quiet, which is worrying. Then her mouth grows into a crooked devilish smile and Kari starts breathing a little more controlled, which changes what I''m worried about. That''s not good.


    "Kari, have you started planning to ''corrupt'' Jane?"


    Kari''s calmly nods and her devilish grin is from ear to ear as she looks at me.


    "You haven''t seen how involved Jane has been in everything. She''s been helping me do things, trying on the handcuffs and so on, and I''ve seen her expressions. I know she bought her own handcuffs she probably thinks I don''t know about. I''ve seen her dreaming away when we talked before she quickly came to her senses. How much thought and study she must have done to know so much about BDSM sex and stuff. Robert, I look forward to helping her and having someone to talk to about it. And what possibilities and ideas she hasn''t told me yet, but maybe will when she wants to try it herself."


    I think back on how Jane said certain things when we talked, like being led around in a leash or ''bent over the bench and submit'', or how she would have Kari strapped to a rack with a leather ball, etc. Well, it''s probably quite likely that Jane has some fantasies about such things, but that doesn''t mean it''s something she actually wants to do after the first experience. Fantasy is one thing, reality often another. But I''m a bit worried that Kari is probably right that Jane might have a lot more ideas and knowledge. Kari quickly stands, locks the door and when she pulls out a couple of towels from the cupboard next to the bed as well as her collar, I know what she wants and it''s not long before my hand is drenched as our mouths invade each other. I also play on her fetish when I whisper that her opinion and properties are irrelevant, and that Kari should be happy that she is so beautiful, smart, sexy and good at making me enjoy myself, because I will continue to take her whenever I want, and she is mine.


    Well, if Jane wants the same as Kari, at least I have some experience now and can repeat it. And it is satisfying to be able to make Kari relaxed and pleased from orgasms and endorphin. Especially tonight.


    <hr>


    Ciara sought Jane out when I went to talk to Kari, and hadn''t been prepared when Ciara matter-of-factly and earnestly tried to make her understand that she needed to become my official concubine for her own good. It will make everything better and is the solution to all her problems, which speaks volumes for Ciara''s attitude.


    Jane is slightly more taken aback when Kari explains that it''s the best solution for us legally, and as my concubine she has more status and protection than just a free woman I have sex with, which the others confirm. I reassure Jane by saying what the law call it says nothing about our true relationship, and the legal title should not be coloured by her vision of Japanese concubines or Middle Eastern harem ladies. Which I understand is exactly what she have been thinking, as she sighs while smiling and tells me to get out of her head. Caecilia is a h¨®ra, but Caecilia''s life also doesn''t match the notion in Jane''s or my head that we associate with that title, even though we both hate calling Caecilia that word, which is why we use courtesan. What the law calls our relationship says nothing about Jane as a person or how we see each other. Between us she will only be Jane, my best friend, girlfriend and partner. As long as she doesn''t want to call herself something else.


    With a playful crooked smile, I whisper ''be my lover'' as I look into her eyes, and Jane gives me a playful little tap on the shoulder. She knows not to do anything more than that and only in private contexts, as it is an insult to use violence even playfully. If a married person hits or slaps their partner in the face, or violently in front of witnesses, that is enough for immediate divorce. It is a gross insult, especially in front of witnesses, and it doesn''t matter if it is a man who hits the woman or the woman who hits the man.


    Jane is officially declared my concubine in front of the others as witnesses, and I give her the necklace I''ve already designed for her, but she also really wants one like Kari and Ciara have, in embroidered lace fabric. Jane prefers to be called ''?lskarinna'' after I explained and translated back and forth between English of several Swedish and Nordic words. Mistress was totally dismissed because Jane thinks it''s ''meh'', and ''I''m not your bloody dominatrix''. She likes the Swedish ''?lskarinna'' which translated into English becomes feminine loveress or lovess more than lover which is gender neutral. But they sound too close to loveless, which she definitely is no longer, so: ?lskarinna. Jane likes the way it sounds in Swedish so I use it. More sinful and more special than Mistress, which is also an asexual title as a female Mister. Jane likes that ?lskarinna only has one specific meaning in Swedish.


    The title is important to her because I have a wife, two concubines and Caecilia. My ?lskarinna. The woman I live with in sin, which made Jane laugh considering how absurd it is, but I point out that there is something in it, because the others were brought up here and relationship like ours is not a sin to them but a sign of status, but where she and I come from? Having a mistress who lives with the married couple? Jane likes that; to be the mistress. The sexy worldly woman who lives with the married man and his young innocent naive wife. Jane completely ignores reality of how Iselin and the others view us, and calling Iselin naive even in jest is almost an insult.


    <hr>


    It''s a simple but good New Year''s celebration and a nice little feast with good food and music. I get incredibly well kissed and smooched during the fireworks. Also a quick kiss with Jane, but we''re both too uncomfortable with anything more enthusiastic when the others are standing around and egging on. Which they think is funny.

 Female complications - day 8, surprises

    Female complications, day 8


    Surprises


    I realised that I actually miscalculated a day for the New Year and we celebrated on January 1 instead of December 31, because tablets, smart and dumb wristwatches and all mobile phones won''t have the same error. Oops. Jane pretends to be completely devastated and shocked that I could do something so wrong. Her whole life and world view is ruined, and I''ve fallen off my high chair, and can''t be my woman any more. She loves to over act, and honestly it feels good that both Jane and I seem to have recovered what we lost, and that we again can joke around.


    It hasn''t even been a day, but even I have noticed that Jane is behaving in a different way, and seems closer than ever to Iselin who warmly welcomed her as a concubine and official sambo. They do like that word. Jane is definitely happier, and seems freer and more carefree, but it''s not that strange considering the thoughts and anxiety she must have felt in the last few weeks. That was apparently one reason why she tried to make it more Midg?rd Christmas like during the wedding. Jane had expected that this would be the last Christmas with us, and she would be alone in the future. Alone and outside of all social life and friendship. Alone in the world.


    The others have also welcomed her as a sambo, and it''s basically just Kari who switch back and forth between happy for her friend, and unhappy that I have another woman, even though she has just waited for it to happen. Me too is happier and I feel better, and I''m quite convinced that what I feel for Jane is, to some extent, love. Or maybe the sex was just really good. Which it were. I got a damn weird social life, but neither they nor I are unhappy, at least not from what I''ve noticed, but that doesn''t always mean much.


    Both Jane and I have shared a laugh on the irony that after a long autumn we have finally reach somewhere she was trying to get to when we first meet, and I was trying to avoid it. My kept woman. My ?lskarinna. It feel so weird to even think that word. But the important difference is that there is now love between us, and we are definitely friends, and children are a subject for way in the future. Neither of us are really interested in having children, although Kari has mentioned that it''s time for us to start, so they know that Liv is the fertility issue instead of Radgeirrson''s drug overdose.


    <hr>


    Olafr is just happy for us, and as subtle as the hammer he wield, that it''s time to try to make children with all of my women. Iselin and Kari do want children, and now being married means Iselin and I should try, which we sort of have been doing, since Iselin have sensually told me, whispered or grunted to fill her up, and that just feels way too good. Even with an IUD, if I can make her pregnant, she is likely to become so eventually, since I don''t expect the IUD to be fool proof. The only other woman I regularly ''unload'' in is Caecilia, and probably not enough for her, while Kari and Ciara are more careful, and I believe they truly want know I can have healthy children before we try, as it might be too painful otherwise.


    Anyway, as Olafr will help me with many complex projects, he needs to better understand what it is we will do, so I show him my workshop. He is very fascinated with everything, but for him this is similar to alchemy, with many funny creations in especially wood and brass, and in a very real way, this is a wizard''s workshop. Olafr is proud when he recognises and now understands the line shaft system and belt drive, but also confused as there is no water wheel here. So after warning him, I start the steam engine. Olafr recoils with a: "How in Odin''s name!?!"


    I show that the steam engine can be turned on and off, and he gets to try it himself. We have a long discussion about what a steam engine is and how it works. It helps that I can show parts and take apart the steam engine I''m finishing for the steam boat, and there is also show the steamer''s boiler in the basement. My explanations makes Olafr quite speechless. He knows that the lid on a cooking vessel can move when it boils, but that that phenomenon can make something so heavy move, and with such power, he had never imagined.


    Once Olafr starts to recover from that shock, I show the machines I made, like the scroll saw and the metal lathe. Of course, Olafr has seen those foot-trodden simple lathes that are used to shape wooden barrels and wooden bowls, and we have one in the carpentry shop, but they can''t handle metal, and don''t have this fine control. I show how precisely I can measure and control the cut and work. As Olafr witness the lathe making a nice and absolutely round part, I see Olafr''s eyes tear up. His eyes stay on me and the work fort the whole time as I slowly make a simple brass spinning top, which may not be the most beautiful work ever, or the finest surface, but it is beautiful, and a piece of leather with the finest abrasive soon have it polished. Olafr understands how enormously difficult this little brass thing would have been for an ordinary craftsman to make, and he has just seen me turn it very quickly. It is nicely balanced where it spins on the bench and he can hardly understand that it can spin for so long without falling. But most of the mass is in the outer disc. It''s entertaining to watch the famous swordsmith crouch and watch the little spinning brass top up close, and once it falls, tenderly pick it up and look at the brass top with a smile, before spinning it again. So I give him the spinning top.


    I suspect Olafr wants a steam engine in his Borgarsandr workshop and some of the machines, no matter if he needs them or not. I take the opportunity to show my lens grinding machine and it to fascinates Olafr, but the lathe is metal and just more impressive. It is a completely different type of metal work than he is used to, and he really wants to try building other machines to process metal.


    Olafr knows we''re working with something called ''electricity'', so I show the fan to the greenhouse, and an electric motor. I explain it''s called electric power and that big rotating thing on the roof? It captures the power of wind and converts it into electricity, and I lead the electricity here via copper wires, store the electricity in the clay pots under the stairs, and then I can use it to power the fan as the power flow via the copper wires. Break the circuit and the fan stops. My explanation only makes Olafr speechless. So I show the light, and explain that the servant system uses electricity. The message back and forth to the guest mansion used the copper wires along the road, and I explain the basic of a telegraph and how combinations of short and long pulses can transmit a message.


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    The difference between hydropower, steam power and electricity is power scale, portability, time and availability. For instance; hydropower is dependent on the presence of water, flow and head of water. I can''t move this electrical system, and can''t save that much power in the clay pots under the stairs and beside taking time, there are losses, so I can''t power something powerful for long or really that powerfully, but electrical power is practical for some things and can drive machines like my lathe, and for such use electricity is compact, controllable and can be started immediately without keeping a steam engine running or waiting for the steam engine to build up power. It is possible to hold an electric motor to, for example, drill a hole.


    The successor to the steamboat engine will hopefully be able to move the Millennium Eagle''s replacement, for a whole day without using sails, and we only need wood or coal to keep the fire going, and the ship can almost ignore wind direction, and move even if there is no wind. I draw a comparison between a bow and a heavy axe as they are good for different things. The bow is finesse and can reach far, but is useless for cutting down a tree with, and the axe is useless for trying to take down a deer from a distance.


    "I''m willing to try!" We just look at Alith grinning. "Although, I do agree a bow reaches further and is more precise."


    <hr>


    After all the revelations, Olafr needs some time to himself, and since there are only small things left to do, I complete the two best of the telephones, which beside tidying up, honestly is mostly a matter of choosing the best carbon-grain microphones and the best speaker elements. The telephones have been given a powerful crank generator that can drive a classic double ringer, and the handset hangs from a hook that switches contacts. When the telephone is lifted, the ringer is disconnected while the speaker is connected, and the battery is connected to the microphone. To make the telephone more efficient with louder sounds, and avoid the microphone always being live due to background noise and so on, as well as save battery and make it safer if someone doesn''t hang the handset up correctly, there is a push-to-talk button on the handset. We have a push-to-talk button on the radios, so no one but Jane will find it strange that the telephone has it. There are mostly advantages to having it, and if you want to have the microphone plugged in all the time, you can just hold down the PTT button, or move the PTT to lock it. If the handset is hung back, the battery is still disconnected. Every telephone requires a ''small'' battery to be able to talk and that is a limitation of talk time, and while that time is many hours, the PTT button still saves the power. In the future, I hope to power the telephones via the telephone network just like ''modern'' land line telephones are. Here on the islands, there network will be relatively short distances and low current, so I can make the supply direct voltage DC and thus battery powered, instead of AC which requires a generator. I should be able to send speech and power via the same wire and through a capacitor, coil and diode, the microphone can then get the power that it needs, while the capacitor only lets through the high frequency sound to the speaker. It is also possible that each telephone continues to have a battery, but that the telephone''s battery is maintenance-charged when the handset is hung up. There would have been advantages with AC feeding, but worse to do. Right now, I''m trying to implement the KISS principle, so a battery in each telephone is the solution I''ve chosen, and it''s a manual switchboard, but in the future, a ''line active'' signal is needed for the switchboard to know that the phone is hung up and automatically disconnect the call. Now someone has to listen into the line to see if the call is still in progress, or a ''ring'' signal must be made to let the switch operator know that the call has ended.


    Perhaps I should make a modification, so that the socket for an external telephone handset is available on the standard radios? Being able to actually pick up a telephone and make a radio telephone call would also be quite fun and could be handy, and hooking up a phone line to the radios shouldn''t be too difficult, and then a PTT will be useful. If I really think about it usage, is there some kind of ''PTT is pressed'' signal on the line so switching can happen automatically, otherwise someone has to listen to the conversation and switch over the radio when ''shift'' is said. Hmmm...


    I have managed to avoid Jane finding out about the success of this project, so to experiment and surprise her, first telephone is hung up in the guards day room, and the second telephone I plug the telephone directly into the junction box in the small pavilion hall, but we run the wire into the wings hallway by squishing the wire with one of the inner doors. With the inner doors closed, it will be a good test without having to go outside and the snow and cold. Even with sand, the stairs are icy and slippery.


    I test with Iselin and Kari, and we have to use a relatively high voice and speak clearly for it to sound good and clear, and it crackles and pops, but it works. Higher battery voltage would have given a stronger signal, and I should try to do transformers. But I clearly hear what they are saying and can hear the difference in the voices. Soon Ciara, the bodyguards and staff have joined us and are testing. It is not long before the ringing and commotion attract Jane''s attention. It''s so damn satisfying when Jane immediately realises what it is, and her face and expression as she eagerly wants to try. Like a child on Christmas. I leave to let them play. I have many more projects that are half finished. Later tonight we will try to move the telephone in the hall to the guest mansion, and that it is no more difficult than changing which wire the telephone is plugged into. There will probably be both a telegraph and a telephone in the guest mansion in the near future. It''s good for future telegraphy practice, and guests don''t need to know we have a working telephone system. We have so many types of electric ringing bells that I need to start giving them different sound signatures.


    Heh, I need to make ring tones!


    The sound of my study door opening behind me, makes me turn my head, and Jane close it behind her. Wow, that is a very naughty look and smile as she very pointedly locks the door. Jane glides forward, giving me a kiss as her hands begin to fumble with my waistband, and whisper:


    "The telephones work well, so you, my lover, have earned a surprise blowjob."


    <hr>

 Female complications - day 8, character development

    <hr>


    Almost all projects have been on hold for the last two weeks, but beside the wedding, it''s mostly due to the weather, but I need to try making copper oxide diodes with heat, and for that I need a small high temp oven. So I repeat the build according to the same principle as with the first lab oven which is well insulated, but this one gets a vertical chamber so I can also melt metals etc in a small crucible. I make this oven smaller and it gets an existing modified manometer gas temperature gauge that can go much higher, which simply has exactly half the internal volume of its sensor tank and line, and thus gets a scale that is twice as high. The really complicated thing is that the measuring body is made of iron, since brass or copper will melted if I get it as high as I hope. The thermometer doesn''t measure the temperature in the crucible, but at least it makes it possible to gather measured values over time. The thermometer is already tested with the existing lab ovens, so it''s just brick work to complete the high temp oven. I hope it will be good enough. I need to make a couple of woodgas supplied bunsen burners.


    When I''m working, I listen to music, LousySpy-Tansunn ''Blue Vacation F-zero'' makes me think that woodblocks, xylophone or tubular bells shouldn''t be that hard to do, so I start building it by just cutting blocks from wood and metal. Soon Jane, Bodil and others have gathered to hear which sound they think sounds best, and we try to find which form is most suitable and gives the right and tone. Drilling a couple of holes in the side and removing the wood in between makes another sound. Getting brass blocks cast is obviously a thing on the shopping list, and even though I can''t really calculate the tone or expect that won''t change from casting, it is possible to trim the brass blocks down, and we''re trying use the sound speed difference between wood and brass to get similar tones-sizes, but it doesn''t really seem to work, so we just have to try. At least I have a metal saw and files.


    Bodil helps make wooden blocks, and we cheat by using the tablet computor to find tones and mark them. There are already exist similar instruments here, but not like a whole xylophone-glockenspiel in style, so they focus on that and blocks and tubular bells might be a compliment for the drum set as well. It''s entertaining how many people want to participate in making music and musical instruments, but here in Alfheimr you have to make your own music and entertainment, and it does feel nice to work together. Instruments like guitars, lutes, violins and so on, are simply too difficult to make well, and it require skill and that makes them expensive to buy, so few have them, and most people make their own simpler instruments like drums, flutes, wooden blocks, etc. You can play music on many instruments, and making something of your own that works doesn''t have to be incredibly advanced, as such groups as the Blue Man Group and Wintergatan have shown. Although that can also be incredibly fiddly and hard when quality, durability and reliability count.


    <hr>


    After supper I introduce my long awaited Role Playing Game, with D20. It''s a simplified version of the Swedish Drakar och Demoner (Dragons and Demons) system because I hate level based systems like Dungeons & Dragons, but I also had to change some races and descriptions to better fit the reality here and Aseir beliefs with its worlds. Basically, I''ve had to switch places between Humans and Elves and lessened the difference and that humans don''t live that much longer, and removed anthropomorphic Ducks as a player race. Professions have also needed tweaking. The game world is parts of classic Drakar och Demoner world ''Ereb Altor'' but limited span and a bit more realistic, so beside Iselin who have been very curious, I make a fairly large presentation of everything, not least how the system is supposed to work and the balance of an adventure group. As long as they have at least one decent combat skill and don''t make completely idiotic RPG characters, they''ll be fine, if the dice cooperate. The first game nights will be to learn the system and they can change roles if they want. Or die. Since Drakar och Demoner doesn''t have levels and resurrection magic is so rare that you might have an epic adventure just to try to get one, even the mightiest hero might get killed by a lucky peasant or town guard. At least the players expect violence to be deadly and final. I''ll be a kind Game Master, but dice combined with player idiocy and lack of self-preservation can''t always be mitigated, and actions need consequences.


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    Surprisingly, Jane wants to participate, but she likes to over act and pretend, and she create an Elvish archer with a bit of nature magic whom she names ''Arwen''. Not hard to guess what inspired that character, but nature magic has healing, and healing is always good for the party. Especially in the Drakar och Demoner game where healing potions are uncommon, and good ones are practically non-existent. Jane show a nice sketch on Arwen. Iselin have already chosen a female human mage who knows elemental magic, and no one is surprised. Iselin is mostly disappointed that the mage becomes little more than an apprentice, but she understands that the game is about the character developing and getting better over time, and apart from several minor spells, she can zap targets with lightning. Iselin will absolutely zap something during the game. I know from experience, that someone who is creative and planning enough to play a beginners mage or apprentice well, can become a terrible mage if they survive long enough. Ciara is so very pleased when she can play an Elvish male Paladin who fights to spread the teachings of light and honour her God, and everyone realises that it is probably a romantic embellishment of her true outlook on life. That she knows a little mentalism magic is not bad, especially not in a group with two other magical schools. Caecilia surprises us the most when she doesn''t make a bard, but a male Human barbarian who lives to fight and love, and after muting Iselin''s protests that humans aren''t barbarians, I help them both evolve that opinion into traits for their game characters, and about life goals and ideals. Kari prefers to watch, and is curious about the Game master role and what happens behind the GM screen.


    There are more people who would have liked to play, but I am a far too experienced GM to have a large group of beginners. Four will be bad enough, but they have more options than three. There will probably be enough chaos, but I''ll let the others watch if they are quiet and don''t disturb, even though I know that is just wishful thinking.


    So I introduce the setting and each character as they, for various reasons, sought refuge in a small inn one rainy and cold night...


    <hr>


    No game adventure survives contact with players, but with some discrete manipulation from me and luck with the dice, they succeed in their mission, and when they just slightly wounded and tired manage to get back and collect their reward, their characters celebrate, and the in-game night ends when Iselin''s mage accompanies Caecilia''s barbarian up to the room. Our audience of mostly guards and a few visits from the rest of the staff, have been making small talk and couldn''t quite avoid voicing their opinions, and Caecilia and Ciara will get a lesson in tactics until next time. Gunhild buried her head in her hands, and Alith gestured no no no in the background, but to Bodil''s amusement they were completely ignored. Ciara played a proud Paladin quite well, and her comment that warriors of light don''t hide in the dark, and that evil must be destroyed was wonderful, because Jane and Iselin tried to be stealthy and sneaky and avoid taking on too many enemies. Basically, Ciara did a Leroy Jenkins, with Caecilia''s barbarian quick to follow. However, Iselin and Jane was quite an effective combination. Iselin''s game character is a beginner mage, but she is a scheming ninja at heart, and that can be effective. The most important thing is that Jane, Iselin, Ciara and Caecilia had fun. And it was very transparent when Iselin asked if Caecilia would accompany her up to her room so that: "... we can discuss how our characters spent the night." Ciara joined me to sleep. She is happy with the game night, and she wants to play again. Her Paladin has more light to spread, to dispel the worlds darkness.

 Female complications - day 9, work-out

    Female complications, day 9


    Work-out.


    I remember that I have a lot backpack stuff in the cupboard that I mostly ignored unless I remembered something, but much of it is just stuff like the kitchenware and freeze-dried food. I''m likely to never get more, but I have six meals left so I''ll use one to just show my sambos and bodyguards what it is and how practical it can be. I will also open and offer them some from my Pepsi can, but both of those will happen after Kari returns from visiting her properties.


    The titanium knife-fork-spoon is nice but quite wasted just being stored away, so I''m considering turning it into something else. Above all, it can be valuable as medical aid, as bone tissue can grow on titanium and the body does not reject it, but even trying to operate and insert-attach it will be a nightmare I''m frankly unlikely to want to do, so it will probably never be used. I could easily replace the titanium bracelet on my one wristwatch with leather if necessary, but titanium has a very high melting point to be able to process it, more than 100C higher than iron, and I assume it might be tricky. I should look into trying to mine titanium ore in southwest Norway, but I reckon it''s going to be a hell of a hassle to even try to mine it, if I ever succeed in actually produce a usable metal. Considering when it started being used and made things from it in Midg?rd, which I think is the 1950s, and it only became common in the 1980s, and from what I remember reading-seeing in documentaries, I assume it''s not just smelting the right kind of ore. It is probably some advanced multi-step chemical process. Titanium had been useful for a lot of stuff, and frankly I would like ''just'' giving Jane titanium oxide to paint with so she''d didn''t have to use lead white. Talk about a ridiculously expensive paint if I need to make a mine and develop a special industrial process and smelter to produce it.


    Still, I should really try to buy the land where there are large known mines in Midg?rd. Especially the iron mines in Kiruna, Malmberget in G?llivare, Taberg and Storforshei northeast of Mo-i-rana. Iron ore will be incredibly important, and there''s plenty of money in it. If no one lives there, it''s actually just a matter of building a house and having someone live there for the land to count as mine, with all the rights included. But all are huge projects, and most likely the workers in the northernmost mines like Kiruna will have to work in the summer months when there is light and the temperature is above freezing, and then leave with the cargo when the ground and lakes start to frozen in October, or do the transportation next spring via rivers and lakes. Sweden is known for its really good ore, and the Kiruna ore and Malmberget ore is damn good magnetite. From Kiruna the easiest way is northwest via Torne tr?sk to Narvik and should be something like 160km where most of the distance can go over lakes and the river, and following those lakes and the river is also the easiest way to find the right place and the right mountain. Kiruna is relatively easy to find, with good ore originally mined in open pits, if it''s the same here. There are known mines inland closer than those far north, but I have no idea if they are here, or if someone is already extracting ore from them. The annoying thing is I actually have maps with mine symbols, but those maps doesn''t say what kind of ore was mined or when. I do know about Taberg which is about 10-15km south of lake V?ttern. In modern times it is a nice nature reserve, but Taberg is a distinctive mountain that really sticks out from the surroundings with a stream running in the valley below, and it should be very easy to find since it seems to be the same nature-geology here. And if the mountain isn''t there, it will be obvious. I have to guesstimate about a 4-5 day journey into the country. Ugh! And now I''m annoyed that I saw a week or two as a chore, which is pathetic time and effort considering the enormous wealth it could bring me. Although a lot of costs and work before any possible iron production starts.


    I should send an expedition to find the right place and try it come summer, and try to make some kind of agreement with potential residents nearby. If there are people living nearby. At Taberg and the coast by Mo-i-Rana there may be people and settlements, and according to Ovdhon there are scattered settlements very far north, far above the arctic circle, and at least some larger villages. There is two Jarls up there, but both ruling over a vast low population area. The Midg?rd Vikings had settlements all along that coast and considerably further north in Lofoten and even further north. Here in Alfheimr, the largest settlement and only real town is called Skorraey, but it takes a couple of weeks to sail there non-stop, and I honestly don''t know where that town is. The description ''in a fjord on the coast a few weeks sailing north'' covers a very large area, and the description match almost all of Norway''s coast line. The culture here seems to have a lot of respect for those who live in the far north and the so-called ''Reindeer People'' in the interior, and their sejd. Of course I want to stay friends with them, especially if I make mines in ''their'' country. It''s just smart to get the locals help, since they know the area and can survive there.


    Alith is sleeping so Gunhild accompanies me to the villages workshop and the topic of conversation quickly becomes the role playing game. Gunhild and the other guards want to try it too, but they have to wait a bit so I can play a few times with my sambos. They are welcome to start playing by themselves with another game master. After a while, Gunhild changes the conversation topic to my sambo''s new weaving project. I know myself, and discrete clothes are good, and I''ve realised that tartan can be look nice and work reasonably well as camouflage if the colours and patterns are done right. Hopefully I can get something that looks good and help blend in if I need to hide. Colours have been selected to match grass, pine, dead leaves and trees. If it works and looks good, it might be something our bodyguards also wear as a ''prettier'' uniform. Jane is all for us getting a ''clan tartan'', even if the colours are boring.


    <hr>


    The new simple filing machine is ready and works. It is a very simple machine that is based on the scroll saw, but in this machine a file blade is clamped, and it makes vertical up-down movements and you just have to hold the part against the file instead of actually having to do the filing movement by hand. With the adjustable table as support, it becomes easier to make precise flat filings. I still have hope for a belt sander, but making the sandpaper itself is not easy. We will simply need to test whether fabric or leather is good enough, and what kind of glue and sanding material works best and how durable it is, but doing all those tests is something I leave to the craftsmen in the metal shop and carpentry. If something works for wood but not metal, that is still damn useful. But a future project and for now there will be copies made of the filing machine, with two in the metal workshop and at least one in the carpentry, because wood will of course be completely different from filing different types of metal. I will have one in my workshop in Thrymheim as well. I want to make a machine that makes files too.


    If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.


    The carpenter Engdrid is given the task of making another horizontal loom to Kari who also wants her own. She has mentioned that her room is big enough for one, so that was an obvious clue, and she will get an improved loom as part of her future wedding ''morning gift''. It''s a bit ridiculous how I keep the best carpenter busy with special work instead of him working on the buildings he''s supposed to work on, but Pedr doesn''t complain because it''s work for me, and Engdrid doesn''t complain either. I clearly need my own carpenter sooner or later, so I might just offer Engdrid the job officially.


    Engdrid has finished the exercise machine so that is brought back to Thrymheim and put it in the gym. Ciara and Caecilia will make a couple of pads for sitting and the back for the exercise machine. The custom lead plates with a drilled hole for the shackle are finished, we just need to weigh them and hammer weights into the lead so that the resistance or work load can be varied. Sure, after making the design and drawings, I know how it''s suppose to be used, but I gladly let Jane demonstrate how the machine can be used for various exercises, and officially I appoint Jane as Thrymheim''s training expert, and everyone should go to her when they start using the machine and so on, so she can give them tips and advice for the right training and stretching. Frankly, many already ask her about stuff like that. Since the punching bag and medicine ball are also finished, the gym is now completely finished. It feels nice that a project is completed, and even though I didn''t want the gym in the room it is, I might just motivate me to work out.


    <hr>


    Preparing to test shoot the newest weapons goes pretty much on routine now, but we''ve had a lot of practice trying new weapons, even if the cold and snow make it a little more difficult this time. The new rifle with its new screw-on scope works just as well as the other two if not slightly better, and soon there are okay groups at 200 meters, but we continue to mark its sight to 600 meters. The double barrel shotgun works really damn well, and the two-shots feels good given how long time muzzle-loading flintlocks takes to reload. It just feels so right to stand on the shooting range, stock against shoulder with barrel pointed slightly down and wait for the moving target to start moving, and I let Olafr and my group try it. The biggest mechanical issue is obviously lubrication of moving parts, which I really should have expected. Modern firearms have problems when it gets cold and icy, and winterizing guns is a lot about what lubricant works and adjusting gas pressure and such. Alfheimr has incredibly limited options when it comes to lubricants.


    Gunhild is so fascinated by the double shotgun, both for hunting and defence. A couple of blasts from one of these will probably break most smaller groups because the shock effect is not to be trifled with, and pellet size makes a whole lot of difference. Gunhild likes shotguns more than rifles, and truly loves to stand on the moving target range and wait for the target to start moving, and she have done that a lot with a bow. Alith likes all firearms. She loves all firearms, period, but seems to prefer the rifle and both the challenge of being a good long range marksmanship, but most of all the opportunity in hunting elk and other large game, and she has wondered if a bear could be shot with such a rifle, making me slightly worried. Had Alith been born in the right time and place, she would probably have loved to go on big game hunts on the African savannah with British nobility, with a Holland & Holland rifle in her hands.


    Who knows? In ten years or so there might be a trip to the desert and savannah, but I''m guessing that Alith will have a family and children somewhere by then.


    Ciara likes the recoil, loud noise, smoke and how dangerous it is, while Iselin just likes that it''s powerful technology she understands and wants to use it, but it''s just different kinds of fun for them. Jane seems to see firearms and hunting as something she should do, a bit like classic British fox hunting with hounds and riding in fancy clothes, and she thinks we should do just that sometime, just because it would be fun. Considering cloth sketches and other things, Jane seems to be trying to get my sambos to wear more modern clothes mixed with what she likes from history, which is a lot of corsets, plunging necklines, form-fitting clothes or ridiculously wide skirts, accessorized with big hats, hand fans and silly lace umbrellas. My pointing out that we live in Scandinavia and it generally doesn''t get that hot, and shorts are better for keeping cool, only made Jane complain about my terrible Fashion Sense. She likes the ''Southern Belle'' and ''Victorian Lady'' style, and considering my projects, we could make a cool steampunk variant. Right now, there have been a lot of sketches of elegant furs. An animal rights advocate, she is not, but I really don''t complain about that, especially with Alfheimr options. However, I have rejected her sketches of school girl uniforms. The academy will have some kind of uniform, just not that kind. And no damn ties for the boys.


    Iselin is an enthusiastic ally to Jane, but I''m guessing that''s partly because she wants to see Caecilia and Ciara in clothes and dresses that highlight their bodies and busts. She tries with Alith as well, much to Bodil''s amusement. Iselin was obviously honest that night when they were playing Anna and Elsa, and she dreamily admitted that she loves seeing a beautiful bust with a nice neckline, and loves how uplifting bras and corsets can be. When she sees a nice big breast cleavage, she just wants to bury her face and enjoy and play with them. She likes to play with her own breasts or someone else''s. Surprised me, because I thought it was mostly a stereotypical male thing, but Jane isn''t surprised and knows straight women who have been even more breast-focused than Iselin.


    Bodil and Gunhild show us how they started to do tactical exercises, especially with a bow, and Bodil show her favourite, where you start by waiting for the moving target to trigger, shoot that, then immediately run to an improvised short range and hit three different targets there from 15 meters to 30 meters, and finally runs to the long distance range and shoots at 60 meters. Points and time decide winner and score, and not surprisingly, Bodil is the best at this even in snow. Gunhild shows her favourite. Just throw a 10kg weight to the side of the short range, and run there and shoot at the target 30 meters away until a good enough hit is made and a point earned. Then throw the weight back, run over there and shoot, and repeat until the time runs out two minutes later. Most points win.


    There will definitely be a real dedicated timing clock here in the future, preferably with 1/10th of a second timing, and probably a clock that counts down from a settable time between 2 to 5 minutes and rings a bell. We will also try to do similar exercises with firearms, which means that reloading done correctly and safely under stress will be important. Just not now in the snow and ice.


    <hr>

 Female complications - day 9, nasty surprises

    <hr>


    In order to be able to do some tests with higher voltage AC alternating current, including isolation tests, I need some way to produce that current, so helped by others, we make a single phase multi-pole high frequency high voltage AC generator, and during the test it has a big crank geared way up so the frequency can be way high. I basically want to see how high I can make it, and geared up makes it hard to turn, but the current doesn¡¯t need to be high. It might eventually be cranked by an electric motor, but for tests hand cranking works well, and this is just safer, and electric isolation is experimented with. It''s after all high frequency and high voltage. High voltage can be good fun, but must be handled with care, because you either give it proper respect or you will suffer the consequences. Vaporizing small electrolytic capacitors with a couple of kilovolts makes a very powerful flash of light, and it would be fun and interesting if the AC generator can do Kirlian photography, but in real time. I could have built a 15-20kV 15kHz flyback transistor solution, but building it here without proper datasheets, it is guaranteed that the magic smoke will be released from the transistor or mosfet, and that¡¯s a sacrifice I won¡¯t make. I''m not even going to try to measure the voltage with my multimeters, so this will be a calculation of generator windings, gearing and just crank revolutions and so on. We¡¯ll measure the generator output though a high ohm divider, and then estimate the transformer output.


    We¡¯ve built a step up transformer of similar design I used for the spark gap radio, just to test how good of a spark the generator can make, but this time we¡¯ve gone for overkill on the insulation. I would prefer to have some form of insulating oil and all inside a ceramic vessel too, as using dry wood as a case isn¡¯t ideal. I assume the output need to be above 10kV or something for it to start working, ie the spark overcomes the air resistance and produces a plasma, but the higher the voltage, the more impressive, and as we test, the safety spark gap proves it was a good addition. Actually a fairly impressive spark, and those with me agree, but way hard to keep cranking for full power. Actually¡­


    I need to try building a Jakob''s ladder. For it to work on a Jacob''s ladder, the power must be fairly stable beside high voltage and frequency, so crank at the right pace. Two thick brass wires will be the Jacob''s ladder itself and I will want to protect it from someone touching it, or deforming the copper, so probably a wooden post up each side at the back to stabilize the brass wires and maybe try to enclose in a glass tube in the future. In the beginning it will be open because I simply don''t have anything suitable to protect it with.


    This is far from the only electric-magnetic project going on. Magnets are something that still fascinates most people around me, and Iselin is finishing a magnetic field display. Simply a wooden frame around a big strong horseshoe magnet, and many small iron needles on thin string that are drawn to the magnet, but don¡¯t touch it, and thus float in the air, and can be poked, or poked away and held close to stay there. It''s a pretty impressive proof of magnetism, and with enough of them the magnetic field lines sort of show up. With an extra needle on a string, someone can feel the power for themselves.


    <hr>


    The ship is returning from leaving the guests in Borgarsandr and apart from the usual like more windows, there is much else that was bought or made while we had the wedding feast. The log wagon is expected and they will start testing it. However, the new coach carriage will take another two or three weeks, so until then we have to make the decision whether to let both stay in Borgarsandr, or take a coach here. There is a ferry now, so I know the likely decision will be to bring it here. But that is for the future, and right now most people are focused on other things the ship brought and it almost becomes a little Christmas where I go around handing out presents.


    I give Iselin her own side saddle, the first proper one after Jane''s prototype, and she now has her own horse. The saddle is beautifully but sparingly decorated with impressions in the leather and marked with her name, and a lady''s side saddle suits her because she often wears a dress, and as a Furstess she now really is a Lady. The saddle maker hasn''t had time to make more saddles, but I expected that. The internal reinforcement in wood is complex, and it''s not handicraft he''s used to doing, but apparently he partly hired someone to help him.


    I give the wooden boxes with caltrops to the guards. Gunhild''s smile as she gently feels them and tries to lay a couple out on the floor, is so damn sadistic that it makes me a bit worried. Bodil and Alith grimace and they both seem to be thinking how evil the caltrops might be when Gunhild say she''ll make sure to sharpen the pointy tips. Everyone understands what it would mean with caltrops spread over the floor or stairs in the dark, or the slightly larger ones hidden in a forest or a meadow. How quickly it might change a battlefield if a force is led into such a field and the other side has bows and spears to welcome them with when their attack becomes a mess.


    The seamstress guild has been working hard sewing but hasn''t had time to finish all the corsets, but they have finished many, and of course Kari prioritised herself. Kari stops me and others from touching the packaging, and will take care of this unpacking herself, and I understand that she must have had something special made that she doesn''t want me or the others to see. But apart from whatever she bought for herself, Iselin, Ciara, Jane, Caecilia, Gunhild and Elvira get theirs. I get the package of two sets of military uniforms, and Alith is definitely more interested in that than the corsets.


    It''s kind of amusing when I see how Iselin in particular is more impatient than a child on Christmas when it comes to high heels, which is why I gave her the other stuff first. Iselin tenderly receives the shoes as if they were glass, and immediately begins to try them on. Alith was a little disappointed that her corset was not finished, but becomes happier when I surprise her with boots with wedge heels, which she soon proudly walks around with. It''s clear that Alith likes the extra centimeters of height she gains. A bit unusual for her but much more stable than the narrow higher stiletto heels Iselin and Caecilia is walking around in, and Alith''s heels works better outdoors.


    This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    Caecilia gets her orange jewel plug wrapped in a cloth package, but I promise we''ll spend time and I''ll make sure to give it more intimately to her then. Caecilia, who has just received both a corset, shoes and a plug, shines like the sun and unsteadily disappears together with Iselin to try on the corsets. Hope they don''t twist their ankles.


    I whisper to Kari that she was rude when she yanked my fingers away for the package and she needs to be punished in the ''b-room'' in an hour. Kari whispers ''three hours'', gives me a kiss on the cheek and storms off.


    Okay, she''s planning something again.


    <hr>


    When I get Kari''s message from Caecilia, I shower and go down to the b-room where Kari is posing and waiting for me in the glow of two oil lamps. Dressed in a new leather corset with her ring collar already on, so for her the game has already begun, which means I need to play my part as well. The corset has metal D rings sewn into matching leather in several places, so I walk over and inspect them closely as Kari stands expectantly. I think I know what Kari needed extra time to sew on herself to avoid having to explain it, and it gives quite a lot of ideas, which she is very aware of considering where she sewed the rings. As I consciously walk around looking at Kari; close, but only touch her corset and the D rings - not her skin - and I notice that Kari is shivering with anticipation, and she has a hard time holding back her smile. That small lip bite is just cute!


    "Eyes forward. Look straight ahead on the wall."


    The rest of the leather goods are neatly arranged on the table beside her, together with some folded towels, the oil jug, mugs and a jar with something to drink, her jewelled plug and so on. I need to think about the introduction and how we should start. Kari can''t see exactly what I''m doing out of the corner of her eye, and I''m guessing Kari has to try hard not to peek. When she finally - as expected and probably deliberately - makes a peek that I catch, it becomes another mark of her ''disobedience'' she must be ''punished'' for, and so the game continues.


    Of course, Kari only gets to try one new thing, so we have something more for the future. We need to drag it out, and we still haven''t tried the wooden cross, but will in the near future after I propose to her, but she doesn''t know that. But Kari has been good and gets to choose a toy, even if I pretend to not understand her choice, and she has to accept my mistake and I ''punish'' her because she was unclear.


    <hr>


    Unfortunately, when we finished, cleaned and go up, it becomes clear that we''ve made a mistake in our planning. People in the library. Asta and Caecilia. And no idea when they will leave.


    Crap.


    It''s a bit funny but Kari and I have no choice but to spend more time discussing the ''session'', improvements and Kari enthusiastically coming up with future ideas. Jane have clearly been saying too much, probably thinking Kari wouldn''t get it or understand it. It''s lucky that I always try to have backup plans and we discussed several possibilities and alternatives way back, because Kari needed to pee when we are at it and used the distress signal, so half panicked I took the leather ball out of her mouth so she could tell the problem, and had started to loosen the restrains. Only the second time we had to abort our sessions, the first was for cramping, which was worse. Frankly, I have recommended her to drink water and get salt and vitamins to prevent cramping, so that may have contributed to her need to pee. But the backup plan makes it a part of the game, but the potty didn''t have to be used for the first time, instead she used the bidet and she was ''forced'' to use it with my help, with her wrists tied to her waist and blindfolded, and me washing and wiping her off. Lucky it''s a bidet and not a potty, because it was more than pee that came out, and with a completely different pressure behind it.


    She hacks away at her boundaries all the time, and thus mine too, and boundaries are moved. Domination is something I still don''t really look forward to, and what I do probably hardly counts as that anyway. It''s mostly Bondage. Regardless of what it''s categorised as, nowadays it''s a bit sexy, nice and I''m starting to like what we do down here. Most of all, I just love how much Kari enjoys our games and how happy it makes her. If it has been a really good session like the one we just had, she just wants to lie down and enjoy the feeling afterwards. No talk or movement. Just pressed against me and enjoy the silence, and her smile and face are absolutely wonderful.


    It feels a bit absurd as we lie here our sex dungeons bed, waiting for the library to be empty so we can leave, with Kari again neatly dressed in her everyday dress curled up next to me, but I can feel her special corset underneath and caress her bottom, while she hugs me. Happy and satisfied, she begins to tell me that she has really thought about what I told her about Midg?rd and technological developments a couple of months ago. It took her time to take it in and process the information. So many thoughts that came up, and some unpleasant ones. But in retrospect, she doesn''t regret that I told her, and she wishes to know much more about Midg?rd in the future. She may not be able to truly absorb it as quickly as Iselin, but she wants to know. So I promise we will have a movie night, and I know it will be ''The Man from Earth''. Kari complains that she has to take a trip to her properties and really can''t put it off any longer, so it will be next week, and none of us can say how long it will take, but Gunhild or Hillevi will go along and probably Ida as her maid. Kari is a Storman and should have her own personal maid, but I suspect Kari is a little afraid of having a personal one, who will learn what her lady truly loves.


    Kari is curious about the property and the people there, but she is also worried they might think less of her. She want to improve their life, and I already know Kari will try to gather men for a construction team to come here so they can be trained for future constructions on her properties.


    We have checked if the library has become empty each 20 minutes, but even an hour later, Asta still hasn''t left the library. So we open the double door between the secret cellars, remove the soundproofing bags and go out that way. The secret path from my bedroom can only be opened from that direction, so another secret door out to the meeting room is a good idea. I still haven''t built the improved secret door in the partition between the b-room and the secret library, so I can make it too and a little extra soundproof when I build the new secret exit-entrance. I should also improve the sound insulation solution to the semi-secret basement so it''s easier to open that way.


    <hr>

 Female complications - day 9, good surprises

    <hr>


    Iselin appear behind me and hang herself over my shoulders; "Husband."


    "Wife."


    "Busy?"


    "Not for you, my love."


    Iselin have a pleased smile as he glide into my lap, and I give her a kiss as we hug. I like kissing her, but she seem to have something on her mind.


    "Kari, Ciara and I have a surprise for you, and Jane helped us. We need your help and it''s in your bedroom, but not about sex. Well, in a way it is, and it will be for that too."


    What? Iselin just gives me a mischievous smile, clearly not going to tell me, so I follow as she excitedly guide me to my bedroom, and it''s more than just my sambos waiting. Woah!


    "A new and bigger four poster bed in oak! It''s it beautiful?!"


    "Yes it is! Beautiful carvings and decorations! And drapes! And attached small bedside tables!"


    "Yes! We hoped it would be ready for the wedding, but the carpenters took a lot of time with the carving, and we had to change the design to include electric lamps! After seeing Radgeirrson''s bed a few months ago, we talked to Jane, and she helped us design and make plans for this! It have a similar double sprung wooden base you designed for the other bed, and we have a new full size mattress for this, plus two spares! No dumb edges! We have several new pillows and the best sleeping set have been arranged as well, so it is easier to change, air and dry! The double drapes are Kari''s idea! The awesomely decorated outer dark blue is thicker to eliminate sun light - since we know you dislike the morning sun and summer is coming - and the inner thin white let light through and reflect the electric light! Using both will eliminate any cold drafts and dampen sound. Both from outside noise and what happens in the bed." That is a naughty but lovely grin! Iselin cup her hand around my ear, and whisper: "There are a few hidden spaces and more drawers, and I have removed the hidden gold and such from the old bed."


    Wow, they have really given this bed a lot of thought! "Thank you! Truly thank you!"


    I hurry to kiss and hug them! They give me a quick show of some of the official features, and they need my help in moving the electric light. Iselin believe she can do it, but they didn''t want to risk the precious electric lights. Jane is pleased by how decadent and ''right'' the bed feels, although sadly there are no good mirrors, or there would have been mirrors in the sealing, hidden by another movable drape. My sambos have already sketched normal width beds in the same style for their bedrooms, and the first one is being made.


    So I help remove the electric light, and after discretely checking the old beds hidden spaces, the bed is dismantled and removed. It''s quick work to switch over the electric components, and Iselin have clearly understood it well enough to make the new ''fixtures'' practical. Once they''re installed, all help to lift the new bed in place, since it''s a big and very heavy furniture. Definitely a lot of solid oak!


    The others are shoo''ed out so I can consecrated the bed with my wife. After the long session with Kari, it''s lucky that Iselin can be so damn sexy! I''m a lucky man! The cuddling is cut short since Iselin is too eager to show all the compartments. She and Jane has been having way too much fun designing them, especially the hidden compartments, but it''s not bad. There are two spring loaded quick accessible compartments, and a knife pop out from one of them. We move the gold into a more hidden and harder to reach one. We place the ''toys'' in one of the just discrete drawers. This bed is awesome!


    <hr>


    Jane is given the task of painting a large painting, approx. 190 cm high and 90 cm wide, which will hang inside the meeting room on the wall facing the library. For the ''look'', it will get a wooden frame so that it is slightly pushed out a centimeter or so from the wall, and there will also be some simpler shelves on the wall to show some nick-nacks or creations I''ve made.


    As inspirations, I show her the folder I''ve created that she can download to her mobile, with images from Art, Fantasy, Role-playing book covers, Ravine, The Lord of the Rings, etc. I want a nature scene, probably with mountains, water, maybe a dragon or two, maybe a battle field or something. As long as it''s an epic view and painting, Jane is free to do what she wants, and there may be more in the future. Maybe in my bedroom or other places in the mansion. That wall, like many others, is boring as hell and an epic painting is better than a tapestry, and sambos totally agree that Jane''s work is preferred. I''m actually considering covering an interior wall with smooth planed planks so she can do a mural, or two. It would also be nice in the guest mansion. Especially the eastern short side in its large room on the ground floor, which also lacks windows. Jane clearly like the challenge and disappear to find a large slate to sketch on. That the painting will hide a secret door down to the secret library and b-room is something few need to know, and Jane isn''t one of them. Probably eventually, but not now.


    <hr>


    The Christmas gift game is an interesting experience for everyone, and as planned, the staff and guards participate. We have more than enough packages, and we play inside the staff room because it''s simply easiest when there are so many of us. Some have a little difficulty understanding the game rules and I repeat three times so everyone knows how it works. There is a pile of small packages in the middle. A time limit is set. Everyone takes turns rolling a normal die, and on 1 or 6, you get to take a packet until all the packets are out, or steal a package from someone else, including me and my sambos, but the last packet a person have must be exchanged for another so that everyone gets at least one packet. When the time run out, we open all the packages so the contents are shown, and we play another round. Same rules but now everyone knows what is available, and some things will be more desirable than others. But everyone gets something even though the dice mean someone gets two or maybe even three things. They are not expensive things, and it is allowed to give or exchange afterwards, because the thing is owned.


    Stolen story; please report.


    Very appreciated game, and it''s terribly entertaining to steal packages from Hillevi, especially if she just got it. Hillevi switch her place when we play the last round, but Kari, Elvira and Rikvi take the opportunity to steal from her, but Hillevi is just too lucky with the dice. Some small things like the combs, rings and necklaces change hands so many times, while Ciara has focused on the honey jars and glares at anyone who steals them until she gets to keep one. I take the opportunity to snatch the other one from Jane, and after the game is over, I give the honey jar to Ciara. I''m not particularly fond of honey, so plus points for me. Elin just smells her fragrant soap with a satisfied smile, and overall it has been a good time and joyous atmosphere.


    In general, we will probably do some Christmas traditions in the future so Jane gets her Christmas celebration, and things like Lucia and New Year''s celebrations will be done again. Next time on the correct day.


    <hr>


    Since Kari will be gone for a week or more, we spend the evening together, and make it a movie night to see ''The man from Earth''.


    I tell her that Elvira or Jalida would probably recognised the nature from their childhood that should be similar, and Kari thinks it seems beautiful in a desolate way, but it must be difficult to farm and have animals there, and she doesn''t want to experience a 10-15 degrees warmer than the hottest summer here. Kari wishes she could have a ride in such a car, and thinks they go so fast! I tell her about how cars can go many many times faster, less than an hour from here to Borgarsandr on normal Midg?rd''s roads, which causing Kari to miss some of the movie. So I pause and briefly explain how common large bridges are. What is often the deciding factor is the cost and finances of the bridge, not structural limitations. That a suspension bridge with a span of more than a kilometer is even possible, is incredibly difficult for her to understand, but I can show pictures of several, including the Millau Viaduct. Kari really wants to see some type of car, just as Iselin and more wants, and there will be an attempt to build something sooner or later. What kind of engine remains to be seen, as a steam car should be most practical, while something like a ''golf cart'' powered by electricity would be sufficient to demonstrate the possibility and to drive to the village and back.


    We continue watching the movie, and Kari likes the house and the windows. I tell her that he is not rich but a normal average person and a teacher in a simple little house, and I have to pause a little and explain what the oven and the fridge are for, and I hope to build a freezer here, maybe already next summer. It''s just damn tricky and will require a lot of experimentation. The bow is fascinating, that humans still use a bow for hunting when we have firearms, and she definitely thinks it would be interesting to make a modern compound bow here if I can, although I say it won''t be any better in combat. But Kari wants to try a ''Midg?rd bow'' so it will probably happen. Bows and even crossbows may be something she likes more than firearms, ''a more elegant weapon for a more civilized age''.


    Kari really likes it when she sees older Art show up with the much younger Linda, and she snuggles up to me with a smile and a kiss, without even asking about the motorcycle. She has of course noticed the clothes they wear, and notices how plain blue jeans are. Like Iselin, she likes the expression about one century''s magic is the next century''s science. Kari loves the Swedish word for science; ''Vetenskap''. She loves how descriptive the word is as ''Vet'' is ''Knowing'', so the word can be roughly translated as ''Knowledge of known thing''. A word that says how much one knows about how the world is and works - not believe. Know.


    Kari likes the movie, even if she has some difficulty following along as there is a lot of talking and I''m not that fast in translating everything and every nuance, and I need to explain religious beliefs too. But she just likes to sit with me and watch it.


    <hr>


    As we lie in bed and talk, it has been a very good day. One surprise is that Kari has ''obviously'' taken advantage of the new bed to design in features, and arrange padded leather straps that can be fastened around the posts to provide attachment points without chafing the wood, and there are also other hidden features among the headboard carvings and sides to strap someone body part to, and the same applies to the beams at the top that hold the draperies and beds ceiling. Kari really wishes Alfheimr had mirrors as good as Midg?rd, because she would have wanted that large hidden mirror above. She would like to see herself strapped down while I amused myself. Beside stuff like that, Jane has definitely talked about different varieties of beds too.


    Kari likes the end of the movie when they drive off together, but what really fascinates her is how old many of them are and how healthy they looked. It''s really hard for her to fathom that average human life expectancy is 80 years or more. So we talk about that, and I tell her about how many many diseases have identified and solutions or cures have been found for them. How medicines have been methodically researched and that medically, humans may soon be able to live forever, or much longer than natural lifespan. It is being researched, and in Midg?rd we know a great deal about exactly how the body works and ages, but there are no simple solutions to the problem that have been found so far. It''s an incredibly hard problem, and I explain why the body ages in the simplistic way I know. Sure, there might be a simple cure with some natural remedy here on Alfheimr, but the chance is almost non-existent, and if a natural cure actually exists and becomes known, that plant will surely be eradicated in short time. Especially as it probably only prolongs life. It''s unlike to be a lasting cure.


    Unfortunately, it''s better if that problem isn''t solved as it will cause huge problems with overpopulation, and Kari quickly realise the problem with everyone having babies but no one dying except from disease, accident or war. They already have problems here with arable land, but they can cut down and clear more, at least in the interior of Sweden, and improved cultivation techniques can increase the food production. This also applies to Midg?rd, where artificial fertilizers are the reason why the population has exploded in the last 100 years and doubled to more than seven billion. Without artificial fertilizers, only around 3 billion would have food. That is one of the ironies and why there are still famine crises from the 1960s onwards, because many countries have since then increased their population by four to six times, and that is just not sustainable with the increased load on natural resources such as water and arable land, and society becomes very vulnerable to weather that cause failed harvests, or water shortages in droughts that last several years. Which Kari understands. With global warming this will get worse. When many countries are insanely dependant on food import, it doesn''t take much to cause huge famines. Unfortunately, changing how people view having babies and how many, or using IUD''s and such, is a cultural and religious thing, and that have not been changed as fast as technology and medical care have done. It doesn''t matter if you like it or not, the World simply can''t take an ever growing population, so frankly, there needs to be a limit on having babies, and probably just one per person until natural deaths and factors such as some don''t want to have a child have decreased the world population to 5 or 6 billion.


    Deep and difficult thoughts, but it''s time to turn off the new bed lamps. I really appreciate the bed lamps - such a practical and good idea - but Kari thinks one of my lanterns is practical enough, and she likes its living flame compared to the cold steady light of the LED, although she do like how easy electric light is to control. But Kari simply likes fire and flames and seems to have slight pyromaniac tendencies, and she loves to have sex in front of the fireplace.

 Female complications - day 10, Five

    Female complications, day 10


    Five.


    Cold morning, and snow and frost hangs on the trees and in the exhaled air. It''s cold standing here in the harbour waving goodbye to Kari as the ship sail away, but I''m glad I truly miss her even though I walk back to the mansion with Iselin and Ciara on my arms. I''m glad I actually miss Kari when she leaves. Ciara makes Jane slip in between us, and yeah, she too need to be included.


    Jane talks us into having a ''dress like Midg?rd day'' which wasn''t hard as the others understand it means wearing my clothes and hers. I believe Jane mostly ''miss home'' and wanted to spend a day more like she used to than in the now usual dress, and even though a couple of months ago I said it was okay to dress as she wanted in the mansion and on the islands, she has hardly done it. She didn''t want to stand out.


    So as we come home, I switch to my gray pants and black t-shirt with the snowboarder on the back and ''Don''t follow me, I''m crazy and lost'' text, which Jane still loves and it makes her grin when she sees it. They change clothes a bit and try different combinations, but Iselin pulls wife rank to choose my black t-shirt with Boba Fett in green-brown profile and surprises me with her own green shorts she sewed up, accessorized with the black stiletto heels with red-tinted leather bottoms that match her hair. I absolutely agree with Jane''s comment that my sexy goddess wife is ''hot as hell'', and Jane says she''s already resigned herself to competing for second place among my sambos, which is a brutal battle. But I will gladly admit that Jane looks damn good as she walks around in slim jeans, heels, a shirt with rolled up arms and the top buttons undone, bra slightly visible with a tasteful amount of cleavage. Proud, sexy and she knows it, but that applies to several of them.


    Ciara wears my nicer black t-shirt with the embroidered print on the left chest, and black merlino wool underpants that are too big but ''work'', and according to Jane look like tights or yoga pants when they''re rolled up, and Ciara wears socks. Surprisingly sexy in a casual way, but I can see every curve, and Ciara is wearing a bra but no panties. Janes is a little frustrated as that shouldn''t look so damn sexy, but on Ciara, it does.


    Caecilia had to choose between my quick-dry t-shirts, and borrowed the blue-striped one and my thin black shorts. Of course also with high heels. Since Caecilia got the high heels, she has been walking around inside in them almost all the time, although I''m not sure if she likes it or not. The fact that I asked her not to wear high heels if she''s uncomfortable, doesn''t like it, or hurts in the slightest, doesn''t change the fact that she heard me say it can look sexy, and being sexy for me, seems to trump everything else. That Iselin loves her shoes and clearly likes to see Caecilia in high heels does not diminish Caecilia''s motivation. Caecilia likes the airy shorts, but I notice a slight jealousy when Jane shows how a shirt can be worn, because it''s sexier than the t-shirt.


    I''m just sitting here on the mezzanine sofa and glance at them as they discuss weaving patterns up on the balcony, and it strikes me that I actually have five sambos with Caecilia. Five! Jesus. All very beautiful and young women, who seem to get along, at least from what I''ve noticed. Five! Is there a limit to what is called a harem? Is it the number or is it the situation? At least Jane and Caecilia are doing some work, even if it''s for me, and Kari is her own Storman taking care of that business too, and Iselin is my only wife, so they don''t count in the harem? Bad excuses? It bothers me that I probably have a harem because it gives me associations I don''t like. It says something about a words power due to association. As I lean back, ''five'' keep repeating in my head and I close my eyes.


    Huh.


    Apart from Caecilia, who turns 18 in two months, my wife Iselin is the youngest of them, still 20 years old. Iselin only knows that she was born sometime at the end of winter in February when the Northman''s Ting is, while Caecilia is at the end of March just before the spring equinox and she will turn 18 during Kari''s wedding feast. March-April as a birthday is common if it is a planned child, because then it makes the mother available for lighter work at the harvest in August-September while pregnant, and able to help with work in the summer after the birth, so


    the woman can work most of the agricultural seasons, but it depends on how much help the couple has and what profession they are in. Jane with her 25 years is the oldest and she also has a birthday this spring on 20th of April. Funny coincidence that their birthdays are roughly a month apart. Ciara''s birthday is a couple of weeks later on May 3rd, but they have a different date count in Alba and she''s not sure what day it really is here, so it could be off by days or a week either way, but she has now decided on 3 May. Kari''s birthday is July 10 and she turned 22 just a few days before we met her.


    If I remember the dates correctly, I met Iselin on the fifth day after I arrived in Alfheimr, and I made her a free woman and we got it together from day 10. Around day 30, she became my fianc¨¦e and Ciara became my concubine with a contract, and a couple of days later Kari also became my concubine. Then it went fairly smoothly for a month and a half until Jane showed up, unexpected and unwanted, but now I wouldn''t want to be without Jane in my life. Without knowing it, Caecilia had already sworn herself to me, and she became my ''something'' about 50 days after Kari, and a bit reluctantly I accepted her 10 days later. Which I don''t regret now either, especially not when I see her walking around dressed like that and know that she would immediately be up for sex if I suggest it. Jane is now my official mistress and concubine something like 100 days after Caecilia. I really hope the progression doesn''t continue, so I get another concubine or something in 200 days in late summer. I really need to get better at saying ''no'' and refusing to accept women who want to be something more. I have to try to keep my distance from other women, and especially those I see a lot of. Five. Plus all the sporadic sexual partners beside those, ignoring the stag night.


    I should take a day off or something, and I mean from everything. If it had been autumn or spring, I probably could have wandered off by myself for a couple of days, just me with my thoughts. Or well - tried to wander off. It would be very unpopular both with my sambos and the bodyguards if I am alone in the wilderness. And here there really are wilderness.


    Caecilia disrupt my thoughts as she gives me a kiss before slinking down to lie across my legs. Her butt in my lap as she leans against the side of the couch and smile. Sometime it feels like she have a sixth sense for me thinking of sex or her, but I just smile and hold her with my right arm while I close my eyes, relax and contemplate my life. Half lost in thoughts I let my caress Caecilia''s soft legs and after removing her shoes, I massage her feet a little, before sliding my hand up her legs into the shorts, but reminding myself to run my hand over the shorts, as she''s guaranteed to have no underwear, and it feels wrong to play with her so openly even though few would complain - if anyone. I also don''t feel like escalating to sex, and Caecilia would be disappointed if I didn''t continue. Instead, I move my hand further up her stomach and caress her skin under the t-shirt, where my fingers just slide around, making circles and patterns while the mind thinks. How it will probably turn out. Traps to try to avoid. Things to try to focus on, like giving everyone a day each where they are my focus, where we do what they want.


    "Earth calling Robert. Earth calling Robert. Houston, we have a problem."


    Jane leans against me pretending to hold a microphone and makes a ''kischshst'' sound to imitate radio noise. When did she sit down next to me? Just better to reply in English.


    " ''Uh, Houston, we''ve had a problem.'' is a more correct quote if you''re thinking of Jim Lovell and Apollo 13."


    Jane just rolls her eyes before answering; "Of course you would know that... Oh, bugger! I saw those ''Moon machines'' documentaries you had. Shit. Anyway, you looked lost in space. A penny for your thoughts."


    "Thinking about the future. My life. And more. Started when I realised that I have five young and hot as hell wife, girlfriends, mistresses and courtesans, who all seem to get along and like each other. It''s just weird. Why no one clear jealousy? Will that last? Pitfalls to avoid. What can I do to increase the odds that this will last?"


    Caecilia''s smile grows wider and it''s not hard to guess what she''s going to say as most of her thoughts seem to be on sex before moving onto other subjects, and I just put my finger over her lips to silent that, which makes Caecilia really smile. She knows that I know, etc. Caecilia sucks my finger into her mouth and plays with her tongue, before I pull my finger out with a plop and place it on her leg. Even as a teenager I didn''t have her sex drive, but my 18 year old self would have loved having Caecilia as a girlfriend in more ways than one. Iselin is right; I should show Caecilia that I care about her. An elbow from Jane interrupts my thoughts and she says;


    "Oh, don''t kid yourself. There is frustration, envy, jealousy and territorial disputes, and have been since before we moved here. But it''s at a low level, usually directed at each other, and everyone is working to make it work and compromise, because no-one wants to make you sad, hurt or be pushed out by making you choose. Their culture and that Iselin and Ciara isn''t possessive helps, but are also a part of the problem, particularly Iselin. She is unbelievably proud of your character, your manliness and sexual prowess, and she wants every woman to know ''what she got''. She is completely fearless and feels secure that no woman will ever take you away from her, and it has only gotten worse as you keep proving her right. But Kari, Ciara and me don''t feel the same."


    It''s probably lucky that Iselin doesn''t know about Princess Sefa and how I denied her. I haven''t told anyone. I still don''t know how - or even if - I''m going to bring up Haera or Sefa with Asbj?rn. How the hell do you say something like that?


    "A man should normally start running when women he has had a relationships with meets - but for someone with five concurrent women and girlfriends you''re impressively safe, and we''re all friends. Most of the time. So continue being the shiny big hearted blind idiot we all love, and appreciate our hard work without questioning or drawing attention to it." That was a clear STFU and I do as I''m told, but Jane keeps talking when she''s satisfied that I''m embarrassed enough. "You might not like it, but technically there are 14 women in this house, mostly younger than 22, and you, old man, have had sex with all except 5... Oh. My. God! You haven''t had a girlfriend in a decade, and I''m the oldest girlfriend you ever had! There is a famous quote from Hugh Hefner - the founder of Playboy - when he was in his forties and asked a young woman to be his date, and she said she hadn''t dated anyone older than 24. Hefner''s reply was ''Neither have I''. Maybe the front door should have the suited bunny logo, Hefner." Jane''s face lights up with glee, happiness and enthusiasm: "Bunny suits! Just imagine seeing all the maids and us as Playboy Bunnys! Imagine Caecilia as a playboy bunny lying served in your lap - it would suit your sexbunny! Oooh, I can teach them Bunny Dip and Bunny Perch!"


    Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    I just sigh and look at Caecilia who doesn''t understand, though my attention to her, her nickname and the word ''sex'' makes her look seductively into my eyes and smile enthusiastically. It would be so absurd it''s not even worth thinking about, but best to stop it immediately, because Jane has proven she doesn''t always think through her ideas.


    "No thank you. I wouldn''t appreciate seeing them in that, and it''s just bad clothes that are a waste of time and silver, and it would probably be taken the wrong way and not used much. It would just feel wrong if they were forced into such revealing clothes; as if their presence was just for sex, so please; thanks, but no thanks. I don''t need to know what Bunny dip is either."


    Jane is pretending that I''ve deeply hurt her feelings, but she can''t hold her face and starts to smile again and rests her head on my shoulder as she takes my hand in hers, as she use Norse:


    "Joking aside, you''re obviously the glue that holds everything together, and it''s easy if a little uncomfortable to admit, but for a while now I''ve been accepting the truth about my life here. You''re a good wonderful caring man and you give all of us a really good life in safety, comfort and luxury. You give us gifts and try so hard to make everything better, to be fair and for all of us to be happy and entertained - in both meanings. It would have been far more uncomfortable if it was just you, me and Iselin, but now there are more of us. I don''t want to say it, but I think Ciara''s view is uncomfortably close to reality even if her religious interpretation is fucked up, but what she said to me a few months ago and the day before yesterday, rings a little too true. You are the sun in our lives. We used to live in cold, damp caves and basements, in the light and warmth of fires and candles, because we didn''t know what real warmth and light were before we experienced your sunlight, and saw the world''s greenery and blue sky in your light. Now, we cannot leave it, for to return into the darkness with only candles and fires, is no life."


    I dejectedly smile and give Jane a kiss, and one to Caecilia to as she immediately wants the same. She just ''happened'' to rise up a bit and push her lips out to receive a kiss.


    "You know, it''s a bit ironic really, because going by old meaning of words, which is quite close to the words here and before it was reshaped by speech afterwards, do you know what ''Robert'' means? It''s a combination of the words Hr¨®dr meaning well-known glory or ''known glory'' and Berht meaning light or ''bright''. Arn means eagle and so on. So my name Robert Arnesson can be interpreted as ''The bright light with known glory who is the eagle''s son''. Considering what happened, my plans for the future, and how some of you look at me, it''s a funny coincidence."


    Jane really didn''t expect that, and we just sit there in silence for several minutes while playing with our fingers. When Caecilia starts talking, I''ve basically forgotten about her, even though she''s on my lap and I''m still holding her.


    "Ciara is right! My Lord''s name is no accident; it is proof that the Gods and the Norns wove my Lord''s thread since my Lord was a child, and my Lord is the sun of our lives. I have regretted that my promise hurt my Lord and made my Lord''s life difficult, but I have not regretted staying here and becoming my Lord Robert''s hor¨¢ and personal servant and assistant. We all live a dream life better that Jarls or the royal family - they are trying to achieve our daily lives! It is my Lord who gave us all of this, and then my Lord is also a wonderful, intelligent, caring man and my Lord likes us to be independent. My Lord does not require us to be available and please my Lord when he so desires, but feels obliged to give us good sex and make us happy. What woman can ask for more in her life? What woman can be so selfish to think that only she has the right to this, when sharing is not a problem?" Jane probably doesn''t agree, but she doesn''t say anything. "Both of us come into my Lord''s life later than others, well aware of the women my Lord already has in his life, and how special Iselin and Ciara are to my Lord. All of us want to be just as special in my Lord''s heart and mind, and we know that should anyone cause trouble and really hurt my Lord or tip this balance, the others will join together against that woman, and frankly, she deserves to be thrown out and live in the dark reality. Even if my Lord wouldn''t throw me out, I would leave if the others didn''t accept me. If Iselin, Ciara and Kari didn''t accept me."


    Jane stiffens and reacts to Caecilias words about being thrown out to the dark reality. It''s actually a bit funny considering what I said to her a long time ago, with almost prophetic prediction.


    "Jane, not to sound smug, but when you sat across my lap and declared your love and I was yours for the taking, wanted us to be something and that we needed to bang like my life depended on it; that might have been your best action yet! We had epic sex and became a couple. I got some part of me back, and you saved your future."


    "I just really realised the exact same thing! My life was saved from the brink of absolute ruin - by horniness and you being you!"


    "That was then and this is now. Accept reality, learn and move on. I love you, Jane. I just thought of another thing too. Do you remember the garden talk after I got drugged? I said you''d fall in love with me and desperately try to find a way in sooner or later. I foresaw the future there."


    "Hey! Remember my bet? You got my arse after New Years, and we both liked it! I foresaw the future, too!"


    Before I can reply that it''s not the same thing and a self-fulfilling prophecy doesn''t count, Caecilia is quick to cut in;


    "Why doesn''t my Lord like switching between my butt and my vagina, or that I take my Lord''s semen in my mouth after my Lord has been in my butt?" We just look at Caecilia, before I close my eyes and just hear the rest: "I always wash my butt by injecting warm water with the big metal syringe if I know or hope we''re going to end up in bed, and I even use some alcohol! My Lord knows that I want my Lord''s semen inside of me! If we''re not in the bathroom, my mouth is handy and at least I can taste it! Then I can also just cuddle up and enjoy my Lord holding me without taking care of it with my fingers, and no-one like an uncomfortable wet spot, and using a rag or cloth is unnecessary and just feels wrong!"


    I keep my eyes closed as, I don''t need to see to know Jane is enjoying my discomfort with the whole subject, specifically that Caecilia is once again way too clear in her description! My stupid brain goes off on a tangent, and I almost ask if that doesn''t mean she always wash her butt, considering she always seems to be hoping for sex. That can''t be healthy for her. Sure, Iselin and I made a couple of big metal syringes for that purpose, and there''s one in my bathroom cabinet and both bathrooms and the toilet cabinet, but that''s mostly to have it available if that kind of sex is planned. Or someone is really constipated or something. I''m still not comfortable talking about certain parts of sex and my sex life, especially not in front of someone else, but I give Caecilia a refresher lesson about germs, and those that are in one place shouldn''t be on or in another, and it is also a fecal-oral route of infection even though it is the same person. Usually. Some sex is simply unhygienic although it can be nice with the right partner, which is a reason why the syringes exist and for certain use of condoms, but nowadays I never use condoms with Caecilia because it''s something I know she really dislikes. Something between us that dampens the experience and something that prevents sex from ending ''properly''. I won''t deny that it''s nice to have a partner where I don''t have to think about the risk of children, but there are both pros and cons to her thinking that the sperm should end up in the woman in one way or another for a ''proper'' finish, but that is apparently a fairly common attitude here, and not just among men. Also, Caecilia actually seems to really like it, and is quick to lick Iselin off if the semen ends up on her body, which has led to Iselin''s breasts sometimes being a target when we have a threesome. Rags or cloths is a solution that Caecilia thinks is just wrong. Although Iselin also doesn''t mind if Caecilia''s breasts are the target, and they have shared it. Jane''s giggles doesn''t lessen my discomfort and she doesn''t even try to hide her glee;


    "Ooo-oh it''s bloody hilarious watching your squirm and trying to convince your sexbunny with science, especially when we all know that you love to give your partners the best sex you can, and both she and Kari love arse play enough that they don''t care about possible consequences, and we know you enjoy it too! You''re just squeamish and paranoid about all our health. That''s nice, but I agree that the condoms are naff! So, Carpe Diem! Be careful and use a condom with other women, but I prefer you cum in my bum when we go back there. Your new mini bathroom is brilliant, and it''s so easy to clean us with water, soap, alcohol or rags and start over. I too might start ''preparing'' for some occasions. Enjoy those of us that swallow, and if Caecilia want to go arse-to-mouth, just appreciate your sexbunny."


    Jane isn''t wrong, and my eyes fall on Caecilia who just smile seductively, and bites her lower lip as she eagerly nods. Caecilia loves my nickname for her, and everyone agrees it''s fitting, especially Jane. I find myself thinking of Nickelback''s ''Shakin'' Hands'', and Caecilia with her looks and attitude towards sex could definitely have made a lot of money in Midg?rd, but here she is focused on me, and she also wants to take take care of other things in my life too. For fucks sake, appreciate her! I really should appreciate her more for the person she is and not just the sex. With a silent apology to Jane, Caecilia takes my hand and slide it up under her t-shirt and place it on her breast and its hard nipple. Oh boy. Caecilia slide a hand around my neck and pulls herself up into a sitting position, which push her cleavage in my face. Caecilia looks me in the eyes as she snuggles her butt into my lap while playfully smiling.


    "Good sex is worth the risk, and my Lord knows I like pleasure and having fun. I was freshly showered and washed before I lay on my Lord''s lap, and hope my Lord will take me up to his bedroom so my Lord can inspect how thorough I''ve been. I have an orange present my Lord has promised to really give to me."


    I realise I''m actually thinking about whether there''s anything I need to do other than immediately accept her wish - guess I''ve gotten used to it. But she deserves my appreciation, so I give Jane a kiss, put my arms around Caecilia, and bring Caecilia up to my bedroom. If I just could get her to stop using ''my Lord'' or ''Sir'' almost all the time, but ordering her to not do it would felt too forced against her will, as Caecilia think it''s wrong for her as my personal servant to use my name except for special situations, or sometimes behind closed doors.


    <hr>

 Female complications - day 10, The complete history, abbreviated version

    <hr>


    What is it with women and regularly complaining about a man''s fashion sense and then asking that same man if they look good or sexy?! There is just no-win answers! Even when they truly look god damn good and sexy!


    Jane is happy about her two new pairs of high-heeled shoes that were ordered before the wedding, plus a pair of over-the-knee leather boots inspired by the movie Atomic Blonde, and just general Midg?rd fashion. But how would I know she isn''t entirely happy with the outcome of the boots? At least she chalk them up to ''research and prototypes'', and yes, she truly does make designs for the shoemaker and has an agreement, and mainly uses her own silver earned from paintings for the new shoes, even though earlier this fall, I gave her a budget to use for her own projects.


    It''s not something I would expect, but I''ve realised that Iselin and Jane seem to share an interest for shoes. I hadn''t thought about it before Caecilia mentioned it during after sex cuddling, but Iselin has been acquiring more and more shoes. Boots, summer shoes, winter shoes, wedding shoes, indoor shoes and two pairs of clogs-slippers. And now she has four pairs of ''proper'' heels. A pair of wedge heels like Alith, and three pairs of high heels in different colours and shapes, one which are stilettos with leg laces. Iselin has often used high-heeled shoes in bed when we cuddled or had sex, but not when we''re going to actually sleep because both Jane and I have told her that her feet need to rest, beside not being cosy. After the first surprise, I have to admit it''s kind of logical. Iselin doesn''t have Jane''s and my sexual or pornographic association with heels. And if have you never truly learned to take off your shoes when you are indoors, because socks don''t exist and dirt, uninsulated wood or stone floors are cold, and sometimes wear shoes in bed if your feet are cold, why wouldn''t you wear high heels in bed?


    When I visit Iselin''s bedroom to ask her about shoes, I find her lying on her stomach on bed reading something, cross-legged and wearing stiletto heels as she hums something, and she gets a seductive and happy smile when I approach and kiss her. God damn I''m a lucky man! So I sit beside her on the bed and ask her about her shoes. Iselin looks ashamed while say she is sorry and asks for forgiveness for her wastefulness, but all the high heels are just so beautiful, especially the thin stiletto heels, and they are mainly indoor shoes while the others are for outside.


    Clearly completely fascinated about the shoes, she explain how the shoes and high heels are different and for different use. She really describes each pair in detail, and when she casually mentions how she was 10 years old before she got her own pair of proper summer shoes, I understand that she, as the daughter of slaves, naturally had a simple and poor childhood, and sees good looking proper shoes as a proof of wealth - that she is important and rich. Even more so if you have many shoes to chose between. I suspect that Swedish style clogs may be more appreciated than I thought. I truly understand why Iselin was so quick to like stilettos, because to her they are shoes she can wear indoor, when I don''t like people to wear most types of shoes indoors, and especially stiletto heels are so obviously an unnecessary expensive luxury, because they''re not shoes for working in. Even though she has actually worked in them when she has helped me in the workshop. She also clearly likes how they change her posture and makes her taller and closer to my height.


    I suspect Iselin loves shoes more than jewels, and when I ask her, she is completely stumped by the question, and her confusion as she don''t know how to answer is probably an honest answer.


    Shoes are much cheaper than jewels and generally more worn and useful, even stilettos, so if Iselin wants to wear pretty shoes and feel luxurious and rich, I won''t stop her as long as it doesn''t get out of hand. I just ask her to try to limit herself to a few new shoes each half year, if she can, as she needs to consider her reputation too. Iselin is cutely embarrassed, as she reluctantly and with her face buried in a pillow, admits that she has already ordered four more pairs of shoes; two slightly different pairs based on Jane''s newly improved over the knee model, and two high heeled platform shoes Jane designed specifically for her. Iselin eagerly assures me that she won''t buy any more shoes before summer.


    I just feels goey in my heart for Iselin''s happiness and clear love affair with shoes, and I have every right to make my marvellous, intelligent and lovely wife feel rich and luxurious. She is after all a Furstess now, and it''s also nice to know what I can get her as a present, as long as I check that she doesn''t already have shoes like that. If shoes are her only personality flaw, I''m happy, so I just lay Iselin down on her bed and kiss and hug her, happy that she''s my wife.


    <hr>


    The day I''ve dreaded has come, and I''m just grateful that Iselin waited more than a week and a half since I promised she could ask me anything, and I would try to explain. Of course Iselin asks such a simple question, with such massive implications: How was Midg?rd created and does the same apply here?


    She knows enough to understand that what she asks will have big consequences, but it might change everything. Her view of the World. Her view of herself. Her view of life and religion. Iselin still wants to know. So I look for some information and take notes so I can explain it well enough, then we sit down so I can answer her, the best I can.


    I don''t know why Midg?rd and Alfheimr are so similar in life and nature, but as she knows, I have theories. Most of what humans in Midg?rd have figured out should be true here because the worlds are so similar. So I open a couple of pictures on the tablet plus a PDF file, and start explaining about the Big Bang 13.8 billion years ago, the expansion of the Universe and the formation of stars by gravity, and how about 4.5 billion years ago the solar system and Midg?rd were created, which in my Swedish language is called Jorden, and in Jane''s language Earth. Both mean almost exactly the same thing.


    Earth''s gravity made it grew, and ever increased gravity pulled more rock and meteorites, and as gravity compressed everything it got heated, from friction between the masses and radioactivity. Everything became a big liquid mass as it melted. As heavier things like mainly iron but also gold and other metals sank down and formed a core in the center, the process reinforced itself. The Earth gets a magnetic field due to the molten iron core that moves and the created magnetosphere protects the Earth''s surface from most of the Sun''s harmful radiation. The northern lights glow for the first time, but there is nothing living to see them.


    The solar system is still a bit of a mess, and a smaller sister planet in an unstable orbit hit the Earth and the combined mass splits into a cloud in space, but enough stayed close enough that gravity gathered it back together and the Earth formed once again and started to slowly cool, but now the Earth had a Moon, which is the remains of the sister planet with some of the combined mass.


    Space is very cold and comets consisting of ice and randomly formed organic molecules bombard the Earth, and about 100 million years later the oceans have formed. There is still no life at all, not even mould. The Earth''s surface is a completely sterile environment, but there is rock, lava and ocean''s. Another 300 million years pass and the molecules have joined together to form amino acids and other organic chemistry. In small hot springs there begin to be organic molecules, alcohols and sugars that provide proteins and self-replicating chemicals and RNA and the basis of life. It is 4 billion years ago and life has begun to emerge in its most primitive form.


    Microscopic organisms thrive in the ocean''s coastal environments, forming mats and algal life. The Sun is smaller and not as hot as today, but the atmosphere is full of carbon dioxide, which is part of what we exhale after our bodies use up some of the oxygen we inhale. Carbon dioxide keeps the atmosphere and surface warm, like a greenhouse. Fewer and fewer comets hit the surface and life adapts. It is 3.2 billion years ago and the first photosynthesis begins to take place. Carbon dioxide and water are converted into oxygen and glucose, which is a type of sugar, with the help of the Sun''s energy.


    Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.


    It is 2.2 billion years ago and the amount of oxygen has increased and increased. But the simple microbial life that exist is not adapted to use oxygen, and is poisoned by it. Half of all life on Earth dies. But some organisms adapt and evolve. Organisms that create a protective outer shell. A membrane around its core. Those organisms continue evolving and become better at surviving and more efficient at converting things into energy - into nutrition.


    It is 1.6 billion years ago and these cells clump together into organisms consisting of many cells. The cells work together to become more efficient at living and reproducing. Some cells begin to specialise, leading to more complex life.


    It is 700 million years ago and the first simplest small animals exist, like jellyfish and similar life, but almost all life has been in the oceans until now. Not on land.


    It is 540 million years ago and the Cambrian explosion occurs. Where before there was no life there is, and it is constantly adapting to new environments, becoming more advanced and more diverse. Many will end up in unsuccessful evolutionary alleys and disappear, but the diversity is enormous, and life competes with each other, becoming even more advanced varieties.


    It is 240 million years ago and Dinosaurs walk the Earth. Lizard-like animals and birds but some are larger than whales and the largest are longer and taller than Thrymheim''s main building. Their huge fossils and bones can still be dug out of the ground today, but the bones have since long turned to stone. The reason the bones are deep in the ground is that million of years of foliage, dust and such have accumulated on top and become solid ground. Fortunately, up here in the North is a bad place to look for huge fossils.


    It is 66 million years ago and a meteorite - a huge stone around 10 km in diameter - hits the Earth''s surface at the Yucatan Peninsula, which is a third of the Earth''s circumference away from us, at a speed many times faster than sound and creates a crater that is about 180 km in diameter. The devastation is world changing and all the rock, soil and dust is thrown up high into the atmosphere and darkens the Sun. The shock wave probably travelled through Earth and made huge Volcanic eruptions darkening the Sun even more. Day becomes like night and three quarters of life dies - plants and animals. There are no more huge Dinosaurs, as they are dying of starvation and other things. Small mammals like squirrels, rats etc fill the void left by the Dinosaurs and these are our earliest ancestors. They do not lay eggs like Dinosaurs did, but give birth to live young which are given milk. Our cat Krosp is genetically more in common with us than chickens, birds and lizards that are from the line of Dinosaurs and lay eggs.


    Mammals expand and evolve across the Earth. They grow and change, and one of the genera that forms is apes, which evolve and become our ancestors. 5 million years ago, a branch of these apes broke away from the others and developed a little differently, and 300 thousand years ago, the first human walks on Earth in the warmest, nicest parts of Africa at the equator. They are quite intelligent and fire has already begun to be used for light, heat and cooking. Languages have begun to emerge from grunts and sounds.


    Humans evolve, and 60 thousand years ago humans migrated out of Africa, slowly migrating and gradually adapting to new climates, new challenges. Hunting and gathering. Following animals for the seasons. 6 to 12 thousand years ago, humans stop wandering around and lives on what he finds and hunts. Humans began to cultivate the land and keep animals. It is what is now called the Stone Age because weapons and tools are made of stone. Knapped flint is used as points for spears and knives, simple pointed stones are shaped into axes. This happens at different times in different regions, but the tools and weapons make life easier and open up opportunities. And of course creates small Wars.


    6-8 thousand years ago, copper began to be melted from stones and the first metal tools were created, and humans had found an alternative to flint, stones and bones. The first real civilizations began to grow in the more livable parts of the world. The wheel, mathematics, bronze, sailing and boats, earthenware, and so on are created later, and slightly different in different regions. Agriculture and logistics allow people to gather in cities that grow. Iron is discovered 1500-2500 years ago, and civilizations grow, religions grow larger, military and political power emerges and this is roughly the era where Alfheimr is.


    We feel a year is long, but if we shrink the entire existence of the Earth to one day, then every second is 52,000 years. Civilization as we know it has existed for about 1/10th of a second in the lifetime of the Earth, less than the blink of an eye, and humans have only existed for 6 seconds. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.


    In geological time, this is the best time on the world, because later the Sun will get hotter, the CO2 content will increase, so water will evaporate faster, and there will be stronger weather and more rain. The water reacts with CO2 in the atmosphere to form a mild acid that rains, dissolves rocks and erodes the soil. But CO2 reacts with silicon in the soil and is washed into the oceans. The sun gets warmer and the process happens faster and faster. CO2 level begins to fall, and fall, but it keeps the Earth''s surface cool and habitable. But photosynthesis needs CO2 to work, and animals need greenery to survive.


    In 400 million years, the CO2 level will drop to the point where animals and plants will have problems, and the forests and large animals will disappear first.


    It is 900 million years in the future and the CO2 level has dropped until photosynthesis can no longer work and plants die. Animals die. The world is again just rock and water without life, only a few simple microorganisms exist. The temperature increases, and the water evaporates faster. The oceans are getting saltier.


    The Moon has slowly moved further and further from the Earth and no longer influences to stabilise the Earth''s axis, and the angle starts to get bigger and bigger. Seasons and shifts become more extreme. Eventually, the Earth''s iron core solidifies and the Earth loses its protective magnetic field. The Earth''s surface temperature is then 100C and the oceans are boiling. The Sun''s UV light breaks up the water vapour and the hydrogen leaves the Earth, while the oxygen falls down.


    It is 2.5 billion years in the future and the Earth is a lifeless stone without water, just waiting for the Sun to enter the next phase.


    It is 5.5 billion years in the future and the pressure in the Sun''s core has increased, and the Sun begins to expand.


    It is 8 billion years in the future. The Sun has become a red giant type star, and the Sun has grown past the Earth''s orbit. the Earth has been swallowed by the Sun and no longer exists.


    <hr>


    I have to repeat it and there is long interrupts to explain something, but Iselin is shocked. She already knew some bits, but this is a lot to take in.


    We spend the rest of the evening talking about different things and I show her the pictures that I have. Try to explain to her how Midg?rd know this. Or like how religion was created to explain the world and events. Religion is a comfort in a big scary world where you don''t know what will happen. It''s hard for her to understand all I''ve said, but she finds the truth so much more amazing, so much better than the stories religions have made up to explain. She really wants to find the fossils of large lizards and be able to see the remains for herself.


    Iselin likes that I can''t actually explain why Alfheimr exists and how Jane and I got here. There is still knowledge that not even Midg?rd has figured out yet, and many or even most in Midg?rd still have some form of religion and believe in Gods. The fact that she now know ''everything'' does not mean that she has to stop believing in everything, because that is what Faith is, and Midg?rd cannot explain everything. Iselin stand firmly with me for my plans for future test areas to test my thoughts on dimension travel. Within that scientific field, Alfheimr may be ahead of Midg?rd. Iselin both hope and not, that there is other humans here in Alfheimr.


    Iselin is very keen that everything I told and explained to her MUST be written down in books, and we have already made plenty of notes, but she wants it to be with as much evidence as possible so that the Elves themselves will be able to test and see if it is true in the future. We have had discussions about carbon-14 tests and Darwinism.


    I play Nightwish''s ''The Greatest show on Earth'', which is about the history of Earth, and translate is as they sing. Especially Richard Dawkins words about the odds of us being here. We should be damn proud to say ''We were here'', because we bet all odds, and I tear up when Iselin really seems to understand and whispers, "I''m here", followed by her looking me in the eye and proudly and tearfully repeating it.


    "We are here."

 Female complications - day 11, projects & workers

    Female complications, day 11


    Projects & workers


    "Ow!" What the fuck?! This is a hell of a way to wake up! "What the hell Jane! Why did you wake me by slapping my head?!"


    "Because over-excited Iselin woke me up by leaping into my bed shouting ''we are here'' in my face! It''s way to gods damn early to be awoken by her wanting to know my take on the bloody history of the world and the future, and bloody dinosaurs and evolution! If you''re going to tell her something like that, do it after the gods damn breakfast!"


    <hr>


    Most of the morning is spent making parts for about eight smaller clocks that can be controlled by time signals. The nice thing is that I can make just a clock face that hangs on the wall and not having to do any fiddly time movement, but even the parts for just the clock take time to make by hand. The filing machine is very nice, but to save time when filing gears, we join a pack of thin plates together, and then a center hole is made before the teeth are filed, and when the pack is finished, it can be separated and we have several similar gears. I wish my planned gear cutter was already finished, both for time-work saved and tooth shape.


    The stepping clocks will be nice, but there will also be new flip clocks made with split-flap display, which will have a significantly better ratio between size of number - overall size of clock. I actually feel a bit stupid that I didn''t figure it out sooner. Of course, it is considerably more work to manufacture all the flaps, but the split-flap display can be ''painted'' to show lots of different designs and information, and if only the wheels are big enough, the entire alphabet and numbers can be displayed. And Jane can get a future AM-PM clock, even if she have become used to using the 24h clocks. However, her way of waking me up this morning, means another type of clock will be built.


    A split-flap clock''s mechanism for rotation is basically the same as the previous segmented step clocks, but I would like to figure out some way to mute when a flap falls down and hits the previous one. Fabric that the tip of the flap lands on might do enough. If there will be many split-flap clocks or displays to show other information, a tool for the excentric press is a very good idea. One issue with this simple flap falling down style of split-flap display is that it can only turn in one direction, which limit its usefulness.


    Iselin and Alith are working on a project that Jane talked about and I forgot, and that Gunhild and Alith wondered about, which is a couple of telescopic batons. Jane thinks they would be excellent weapons to have available for self-defence, and especially useful for our bodyguards. It''s not exactly easy to make good durable tubes with this level of technology, which Jane of course didn''t consider, so she ''handed over'' the design to me because she failed to even figure out any locking mechanism. I don''t know what real telescoping batons in Midg?rd use, but as long as the manufacture of the tube is solved, a latching lock is quite easy, at least for prototypes. How well it will endure with the forces involved from impact and use, just have to be tested. So Iselin and Alith follow my sketches, and after drilling out forged tubes pretty much like a gun barrel, they use the lathe to make the outside of each segment smooth, before we heat shrink internal stoppers so the segments don''t separate. And finally there is making cut outs and adding the locks.


    <hr>


    The weather is cold, and the barometer indicate it seems stable and will stay cold, so I visit and help Olafr. At least it''s fairly dry snow instead of wet snow or slush as that sucks even more than usual due to the shoe options here.


    Olafr don''t mind the weather and just likes to work and try out the forge and hammers which he like. They''re so flexible, both in power and speed, so a lone smith can have more control over where the blows land and how they hit and with which force. He has made an excellent set of pliers, hammers, wedges, files and all sorts of dies and tools in various shapes for both the automatic and the power hammer and the anvil. He has also improved both hammers with multiple stop blocks for different heights.


    Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.


    Olafr has been helped by the two blacksmith-machine operators as well as the construction crew''s blacksmith and also the best fine carpenter Engdrid. They are working on improved benches and making parts or stands for special machines, while also working on parts for the carpentry. The two machine operators and the construction crew blacksmith seem to be proud to be in the same forge as Olafr, and to help with his creations.


    Carpenter Engdrid just likes to work inside the warm, spacious forge instead of outside or in the unheated Carpentry, but it''s also for the social aspect. And it''s nice to see Engdrid using earmuffs he made for himself, and I ask him to carve some more when he''s done with the other jobs, which he''s happy to do as he really likes his earmuffs. Hearing protection is good for the future, but Engdrid also like that it''s easier to concentrate on the work. There will be more of the collapsible earmuffs that are easier to carry, just to have available for impromptu hunting. Engdrid appreciate all the small special jobs he gets from me, and of course the extra payment he gets for it, plus it''s a break from the norm and interesting. The craftsmen here are paid by King Aeriksson to work on the islands and do the jobs they are given, but everyone appreciates getting a bonus, especially as there are days they can''t work outside, and they try hard to do the strange jobs very well. After the sawmill and what happened to Jofreydr, Awdgotr and Saeunn, many dream of maybe being offered a really good future here or elsewhere, and the carpenter Engdrid hopes to work in my Carpentry.


    Using schematics from me, Olafr has built a ''large'' rolling machine for shaping iron and other heated metals into plates of precise thickness, and also a small rolling machine that can help make finer steel wires etc. He understands more than I do about the material and steel in springs, but springs from coiled wire is new. Partially for practice, I ask him to make several coil compression, extension and torsion springs for things I have planned, such as dampers for ship''s compass, secret door locks, etc. I need simply spring options, and flat or leaf springs have limited use. One special project is making a crossbow with a steel bow, partially since Kari doesn''t like firearms and still wants to join us hunting. My bodyguards and Olafr likes the idea of a heavy steel bow, strong enough to need to use a lever or winch to tension it. A crossbow with a steel bow is much more manly than a regular bow, and at the same time it is easier to use the crossbow and it does not require the same practice and muscles. Of course it will have good sights and be as safe and ergonomical as I can make it.


    I got so many strange projects for them. A simpler steel thing, is a couple of different rope brakes for climbing plus locking carabiners, but I can basically make those by myself and they''re not a priority.


    However, I need his help to make a prototype of a hot-formed high-pressure air tank. If I''m going to try to make a powerful air rifle, getting the high-pressure tank right is the most important thing. Enduring the pressure and being safe is my primary concern, but corrosion and rust will quickly become a problem as air has moisture and condensation will form, and in the long run there will probably be galvanic issues. There are several ways to make a pressure vessel, including a forged pipe with folded edges and the last end plugged, but these have potential problems and will need to be sealed in some way. Heating the finished tank to red annealed and dipping in brazing alloy or some form of bronze is a possibility that would both seal any pinholes and help against corrosion and rust, although it might increase galvanic problems.


    One or two of those tanks will be made, but I want to trying hot forming a cylinder where a steel plate is formed into a bowl, which becomes an elongated cylinder whose open end is hot formed together to make a smaller opening, and thus less force on that opening once pressurized. Basically an enlarged CO2 cartridge where the necks inside gets lathed and a long threaded section, where a special valve or similar can be screwed in. Probably with a heat shrink steel ring on the necks outside to really withstand the pressure. The tank will probably be dipped in an alloy just to reduce corrosion and galvanic problems as the valve will probably be made of brass, but that something for the future. I have no idea how much pressure the tank will withstand, so several will be manufactured as similar as possible, especially in wall thickness, and they will be tested.


    A ''small'' high-pressure tank has far more use than just for air rifles, so it is not a waste of time to make simple tools for the power hammer. Other potential use is air tools, fire extinguishers, diving and more.


    <hr>

 Female complications - day 11, Gunhild

    <hr>


    Even though the weather is cold and there is snow, it is nice to go for a walk, so I ask if Gunhild is up for a longer detour heading back, via the ferry to check the road there which should be completely finished now, then via the Academy''s main building and over the mountains and back home via the bay. Of course she is.


    So we walk and make small talk about all sorts of things, like I often do with Alith but rarely with the other bodyguards. I realise that this is a new year, and if I remember correctly...


    "Gunhild, wasn''t your and Hillevi''s service until the end of the year?"


    "Yes. Actually, our service was completed before the wedding and Midwinter feast even though the year wasn''t over yet, but there was so much focus on the wedding and other preparations, and we really didn''t want to miss it or be a bother, so we were going to bring it up afterwards if Sir didn''t, but we to forgot. Frankly, just the knifes Sir gave us means we already considered ourselves paid for at least another year, but we know Sir don''t see it that way. To be honest, that our service was finished was one of the reasons I used the Stag Night. Legally we haven''t been Lord and Shieldmaiden since. Having sex with my Lord just feels so wrong on principle, as if sex is part of my service as a Shieldmaiden."


    "I completely understand and respect that." Alith may not agree with that view, but Gunhild''s view seems to be the norm for shieldmaidens, and Alith see it as she temporarily leaves my service when we sometimes are just friends or have sex.


    "We really didn''t mind to continued working as Sir''s shieldmaidens. But if Sir want, take it as a small gift for Sir''s marriage and because of the enormous gifts we been given. Also, this guard duty is so terribly easy and a pleasant life, and none of the Ladies treat us like guards are usually treated. I''m very happy that I followed Lady Kari to Sir''s service and considers it the best choice of my life. Frankly, my Lord deserves and need to be guarded for Alfheimr''s future, and I suggest Sir have more guards. My Lord is too important, and as my Lord say: Shit happens."


    Yeah, I know I need more. It just feels wrong to pay some random person, although that was pretty much how Alith and Bodil became my bodyguards.


    "I appreciate that you continued to work, but it feels nice to be able to enjoy a walk with a friend instead of a Shieldmaiden and discuss things freely between two free friends. My name is Robert, and you''re free to use it."


    "Thank you, Robert."


    I like seeing Gunhild''s smile. I don''t really know how to bring it up, but best to just do it even if it''s embarrassing.


    "I hope you doesn''t mind a strange question and you don''t have to answer, but frankly I have no one to really ask, so why not you who has lived in this world longer than they others and see more."


    "Go ahead."


    "Why does so many young women see me so desirable for sex? I don''t mean as a long-term partner or marriage, but just sex, and maybe just once. Why isn''t Hrappr or Hagan more attractive if it''s just sex? After all, they are younger, have more muscles, look good and have long hair."


    Gunhild really didn''t exactly expect the question, but at least she takes the time to seriously contemplate the answer before she says something, which I appreciate, because I want to know.


    "Of course I can''t say how much my answer applies for everyone, but going by what I know, and heard other say or questions, I''d say you''re simply desirable and attractive on different scales. Hrappr and Hagan are the younger men who does have muscle, body shape and doesn''t look bad on their side, plus are somewhat charming, but that is pretty much it for them. You are not fat or unattractive, and if I might say so, good looking and looks healthy. You really fulfil that image of a older wiser worldly man without being seen as an old fatherly figure. Those who know your real age find you even more attractive because you look younger than you are, which Jane agrees with, so the Gods have clearly blessed you even in that way. Men like Hagan or Hrappr usually try to show off their manliness, skills and long hair and such, while you, who have more hair than anyone we heard of, cut it off and just don''t care about trying to show off. You don''t try to impress women or men, and that is attractive for some women, especially as you''re undoubtedly manly enough to keep so many young women happy both in and out of bed. Then there is how special you are, since you''re also basically a King, and the only known Sejdmann, and now add the duel, where you utterly annihilated that fool who didn''t heed your words and accepted the peaceful solution, which is both manly and proves your power and protectiveness, which many women finds very attractive. All this, yet you are still genuinely nice to all women regardless of their status, which is extra attractive to those of low status, because they feel more special, and it is clear that you''re not pretending to be nice. In conclusion, there are many Hrappr and Hagan here in this world and women see them daily, but Robert Arnesson is unique and you literally have your own growing Saga! I can just imagine how awesome that Saga will be in a few years."


    Okay, yeah, I get what she mean, I just haven''t considered it in that way. I just have to remember to never take women or my wives and girlfriends for granted.


    "Having said that, I''ll admit that it has sometimes been difficult to be you guard, both emotionally and sexually compared to, when for example, we were guarding Kari. To hear, smell and know, and living with that every day, and seeing how satisfied and happy the women are the morning after, or when they know it''s their turn or moment. After the Stag Night I understand that even better, even if our moment that night wasn''t particularly intimate or special."


    "I apologise for that. And not being a special moment."


    "It''s nothing to apologise for, and you shouldn''t change because of us or the staff. Several of the servants clearly have similar issues and are extra jealous of Iselin and Caecilia. Bodil seems the least bothered, and Bodil clearly looks only at men, and never women. We''ve also noticed that you seem to look forward to each woman''s individual company, even when it isn''t sex, and from what I''ve seen and heard, you seem to like just holding them, sitting on a couch and talking, etc. Them as persons and not just the sex."


    "I do. How could I not?"


    "There have been no signs of boring everyday life, where a man and woman go to bed and say good night to each other after a long day at work, and then just sleep or mechanically have sex. No matter who the woman is, her status, age or background, you seem to appreciate them for the people they are, and you wash and shower more than anyone else, just because you don''t want to be sweaty or smelly for any one of them. You sit and try to talk to Elvira, Ida or Shakini in the same way as you do Liv, Unn, Jarl Skiringe, Queen Haera or King Aeriksson and behave equally politely towards everyone. It''s amusing, but you should know, how noticeable it is when you deliberately avoid trying to sit and talk like that with some who seem interested in marriage or similar, like Princess Sefa."


    Crap. Well, it''s good to know. "Thank you for telling me."


    Gunhild tells me how worried she was when they were forced to leave Kari alone on the farm, as she didn''t know what I was really like and had only heard my reputation, and how she sees Kari as a little sister. About how shocked Hillevi was after she sought Kari out and talked to Kari that day in the harbour, and I find out some of what Kari told Hillevi, which she also reluctantly passed on to Asbj?rn when he asked. J?rmundgandr! Ha! In any case, that confirms there was stuff happening behind the scenes where Kari tried to do her best for our side and her own future.


    Stolen novel; please report.


    As Gunhild continues to talk, I''m grateful that I live quite isolated on an island and don''t live in or close to Borgarsandr full time and go to all the feasts that are held, or just somewhere on the way to Borgarsandr, like at the R-mansion where people pass by, and where I should then offer overnight accommodation etc. Then I would have been far more accessible and life would have been far more annoying, as well as so many more opportunity for misunderstandings or duels, as some men would try to prove their manliness against mine, so that they themselves would rise in reputation and status. Gunhild is amused how many people have been curious and discretely asking her and the other guards when they are in Borgarsandr etc, and shieldmaiden colleagues have been extra curious about what her life and service are really like.


    I need to be more grateful to Kari for giving them instructions, which she has rehearsed with them, for how to answer various questions and steer away feelings about alliances via marriage or concubines, feast invitations and more, especially from higher status widows with daughters and-or ambitions.


    I should have expected Jane to have talked to Caecilia and Gunhild when they been doing music, writing sheet music, practising Krav Maga, etc. So the guards have been told about Casanova and apparently Jane owned a modern version of his memoirs, and they''ve sat and fantasized about what their lives would have been like if I''d travelled around on my ship, from town to town, selling what I made, going to feasts and charming women and had more sex, made friends and enemies and ended up in adventures and duels. Gunhild definitely prefers that I''m not that kind of person as it both makes my life so much safer, and they can relax more. All want me to live long and well, doing whatever I want, since it''s likely to improve this world one way or another. My life is absolutely interesting enough for them, and they appreciate that I am easier to keep safe here on the island. Gunhild really likes this job. Even when it''s boring here, it''s still far better than normal guard duty elsewhere, and often way more interesting.


    Gunhild wants to remain working for me, and she knows that Hillevi thinks the same way, so we have to agree on a new contract, and I will let Iselin participate in the decision because she is my wife. However, Gunhild smilingly suggest that any agreement with Hillevi can wait a couple of days, because Hillevi could really need to ''relieve some frustration''. It''s gotten much worse since the Stag Night. Gunhild is so amused that Hillevi who is usually the more forward of them just couldn''t take the opportunity - especially not in front of other women or servants - but Gunhild dismissively says that Hillevi is still a young adult and hasn''t learned to cease the opportunity, which makes me laugh too. I understand Hillevi''s dislike of audiences.


    Gunhild say she would like to stay in my service for the rest of her life, and she hopes that I can have many healthy children with my partners and she hopes to help when the children grow up, both as a guard, a nanny and training them in weapons. It''s depressing and hurts when Gunhild talks about her own feelings about the future, and her life. She laments that she is old and only getting older. She had hoped to be married many years ago and to now live on a farm with her husband and her children. It has always been her dream just like most other women.


    She has achieved her goal of becoming a famous shieldmaiden; she has worked for the King for many years, and now for me. But it has not led to a family. No children. But it is far from all men and women who can create their own families, or can afford their own farm, servants and slaves. Gunhild is the youngest daughter and her two older married brothers already have families and children of their own. They live in the south, on the other side of the big ridge, which sounds like northwestern Scania. Her older sister has her own husband, a son and a little daughter and works on a farm north of the ridge and a few days in from the coast. Her parents died many years ago.


    Gunhild''s brothers stopped marriages when there were interested suitors who appealed to her, but suitors stopped coming a few years ago, and she doesn''t like the idea of her brothers splitting her bride price - they''re not worth it! Gunhild only has her reputation and some gold saved up, but no land and is old, and it was a long time ago since she was ''untouched''. Hard to find a man who wants her and who she wants, when there are better younger women, such as my other bodyguards. So her new dream is to continue her service here, and it''s a very nice dream she''s looking forward to.


    I tell Gunhild that 28 years isn''t old at all, but realise that here it actually is. I think the average life expectancy is 40-45 years or so for women, and that''s in peacetime. Even if she found a husband and got married this year, there''s a pretty good chance that Gunhild wouldn''t see her children marry, or see grandchildren. It makes me feel very old!


    Gunhild wonders when it is common to form a family in Midg?rd and life expectancy, which is a hell of a question! I can just honestly say it varies enormously, since our lives are so different and medical science makes a huge difference. Many of the worst places are more like here, while others like where Jane and I come from the life expectancy is 80-90 years, and if I had continued to live in Midg?rd with its healing knowledge and medicines, I could probably count on living 100 years or more. Medicine is making such progress that many believe the first 200-year-old has already been born, and it is very possible Midg?rd will find an anti-aging drug during that time scale. It may honestly only be 10-20 years away, but it is incredibly difficult, and probably far longer.


    Most humans wait to have children until we''re closer to 35 years old, and being single and childless at my age raise no eyebrows. Most people work until they are 65-70 years old, and then enjoy their retirement. Gunhild has seen the paintings of my parents and I tell her that both are alive and around that age. Gunhild has a hard time understanding that, since they don''t look that old! It''s fun to tell her that on a recent trip, my mother hiked up mountains in 3 hours and back down the next morning, about 15 times higher than the mountains on this island. As I continue talking, Gunhild is just shocked, especially since it was done in just three hours and over rough terrain by a woman more than twice her age who doesn''t usually do such things. I promise to show pictures from the hike.


    When Gunhild truly understands that I am very well aware that I would probably live three to four times longer in Midg?rd than the 15-30 years I can hope for here, she doesn''t know what to say. It is as it is, and now she knows why I am careful about hygiene, and make sure that the water is clean and healthy, and that the air does not have a lot of soot from fireplaces and that we eat a variety of nutritious food, exercise and so on. It makes you live longer and stay healthier.


    Gunhild doesn''t understand how a bit of smoke from a fire can shorten your life.


    "Gunhild, there have been extensive studies in Midg?rd, over generations, that show that those who live in cities, for example, live a few years shorter on average, just because of the air they breathe, and the normal smoke from fireplaces in longhouses without good ventilation is worse. It''s so important what we breathe in, and there are many horrible insidious diseases that take time to develop. Fine rock dust can lead to something called silicosis, because you breathe in the fine rock dust deep into the lungs, and the body can''t get rid of that. Coughing just doesn''t get rid of all the deeper finer particles, so little by little the lungs are scarred, and the scar tissue don''t work. The lungs get worse and worse. Soot is a very very fine powder, so the same applies to coal dust and soot. The fine black dust that forms on anything exposed to the smoke or top of the flame such as the top of the oil lamps, is carbon. The actual flame in a fire is carbon particles and other things that glow due to their high temperature.


    None of these diseases can be cured, even for Midg?rd medicine, which is an awful lot more advanced than here in Alfheimr, and many places in Midg?rd have strict rules about work environments to protect the workers. Midg?rd have many laws that deal with a worker''s rights, protection and safety. The safety harnesses, roof working platforms, and similar stuff I made for safer work here would not have been legal in Midg?rd, because they have to be made by accredited craftsmen and installed properly. For example, I can make a ladder and use it by myself, but for workers I have to buy an approved ladder from an approved craftsman. In many cases, Midg?rd avoid ladders and have work platforms or mobile lifts precisely because there is a greater chance of an accident with a ladder, especially a tall ladder. You don''t need to fall far to have bad injury or death. Workers injury or deaths are very serious business where I come from in Midg?rd. Unfortunately, in a lot of other places and a large part of that world, lives are cheap and there isn''t even close to the same laws, or abidance to laws that exist."


    It sounds very strange and very complicated for Gunhild, but just this information about how to stay healthier and that I prioritise that for all of them, increase Gunhild''s desire to continue working here. Maybe she might be able to climb mountains when she is 50 or even 60 years old! Gunhild suddenly feels younger and her future is a little brighter, even though it is sad that she seems to have given up on her dream of her own family. I lighten the mood a bit more when we pass the shooting range and tell her that as soon as it''s a nice day, we''ll have some shooting tests with the new weapons. Of course they should work in this weather, but it''s not nice to be out in it for a long time, especially handling metal, and I don''t want the weapons to rust. We have treated them with linseed oil, but steel is steel and moisture causes rust.


    <hr>

 Female complications - day 11, Atomic

    <hr>


    As soon as we get back, Alith ambush me wondering if I can show her fighting from something that Alith completely mangles the pronunciation of and has to say it a couple of times and mention it''s a movie, before I understand she means ''Atomic Blonde''. Jane mentioned it while they were sparing and weapons practise, and Jane thinks Alith should see it. So I say I have to get back to her about it. I get that Jane means the fighting sequences, but I need to check the specific parts of the movie, if it''s too shocking or exactly what is shown and also in the shot, and the time stamps for the scenes.


    It doesn''t take much time, and yeah, it''s fine for them to see it. Might be hard to get since they''re not really used to seeing movies, so I expect to rewind a couple of times. When I offer to show Alith, the other bodyguards ask if they can see it as well, and they have learned that as long as they ask, I''m likely to show them or explain something. Of course they have already heard what a movie is and seen ''short movies'', which is the music video''s. It''s mostly made-up stories where people act characters and pretends pretty much like in a role-playing game, but it looks very realistic. After all, there is a much, much simpler type of theater here, even if few have seen it as it is generally in larger markets, and more common in countries south of here. The Norse Elves are more about storytelling and Saga''s. Once again I have to prepare them for the jumps in camera angle, and that a pistol is a compact firearm that is weaker than the ones I made but can fire several times without using a flintlock, and everything is made up and there are no real bullets. The action and speech is practised and repeated and there is a cameraman running around in the scenes, and there are retakes, etc. Like a dance in violence and battle, where blood and is smeared on between takes and the actors are not really that injured, although injuries happen quite often during movie shoots, and deaths have happened when things go very wrong because it is not completely harmless.


    Then I get them to gather behind my tablet, point out Lorraine, the heroine of the story, and show them what Jane means.


    We see the scene in Gascoigne''s apartment, and I have to show them several times, since the first time is just too shocking for them. Three impressive minutes until Lorraine walks away after throwing the policemen''s guns away. Of course they react to the guns and that such compact firearms can fire multiple times. Yeah, she is suppose to win, so of course the guards make mistakes. Then they get to see the fight in the stairwell and house from when Lorraine and wounded Spyglass reach the stairs where he rests until the fight is over, and he tapes his stomach and they walk out. Seven more impressive minutes, which are repeated several times, as it appears to be one long take. They have been glued in front of the tablet''s small screen and press their heads together, which makes it hard to not laugh. As far as they''re concerned, Lorraine is a shieldmaiden goddess!


    They have so many of questions! I explain that yes, it is more realistic combat in modern Midg?rd by someone who is well trained in what we call close combat, using every available tool and going for weak spots like throat, groin, knees and such, and hitting the hand holding the knife to make a more forceful stab. The actors have to practise, practise and practise just to be able to act their part well. When I say that actress Charlize Theron is 40 years old or older in the movie, and looks so stunningly good, they hardly believe me - she would be a grandmother here! In Midg?rd quite a lot of 40 year old women haven''t had their first child yet. Gunhild seems even more motivated to stay here and live well and healthy.


    I have to calm down the excited bodyguards, before anyone gets hurt, and tell them that if they try to copy the things they just saw - which I suspect they will try to do - they need to be very very careful, because I won''t accept them truly hurting each other, and the pavilions stone floor is not particularly good for that even with the thick training mats. At least they need to wear head protection. They''re probably not ready to see the John Wick movie, but it''s probably a matter of time.


    Perhaps I should have Jane write down, sketch and translate parts of one of my pdf book that has chapters on close combat, or well, ''The gentle art of assault and murder'' as it is referred to there. Combat is not beautiful choreography - it is a brutal struggle for survival where the goal is to as quickly and efficiently as possible ensure that the opponent cannot fight. The only real rule is to emerge victorious from the battle while being as unhurt as possible, and most of them understand that better than me. Gunhild have killed and been in duels. Speed, aggression and surprise are always important, but if you can avoid having to kill, it is more practical in more situations. The bodyguards are already good, and getting better from Krav Maga and how often they now practise, but everyone can learn to fight better and practise more.


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    <hr>


    I talk to Iselin and Ciara, and they just have to accept that I will be ''unnecessarily nice'', but it''s not a major thing. Iselin remembers his own not even three weeks employment half a year ago, and I want to give all the ''more important'' full-time employees like the bodyguards extra time off. The norm here isn''t an 8 hour work day and return home; it''s full-time positions, work every day, around the clock, and often hard. Which feels like I''m taking advantage of them, no matter what the norm is here, hence ''unnecessarily nice'', because I have decided to give them one day off every two weeks, plus two days per year. They can choose which days it is as long as it doesn''t cause any huge issue and they notify in time, and it is possible to collect the days so that they get 28 days and four vacation weeks per year when they are completely free. Still pretty bad with modern Midg?rd standards, but it was easier to talk them into this, and everyone will see me as very generous.


    Looking like a saint, while being a crook.


    Gunhild stay in our service for 12 ounces of silver per year, and for indefinitely. We have to talk her into it, as she flat out refuse to earn more given the life here, especially with my generosity, and she likes the days off. When Gunhild smiles slyly and says she can take a day off every two or three months and then isn''t our bodyguard, and we are not her Lord and Lady, we both quickly understand what her sly smile is implying. Before I can even say anything, Iselin offers her arm to Gunhild, who immediately accepts the arm grab that a deal is made. Gunhild swears the usual oath of fealty and service, valid hence forth.


    Iselin and Gunhild just smile and laugh at my disbelieving face. When Iselin, with a twitch of her eyebrow, says that maybe she would have agreed to more days off, Gunhild laughs and pretend to lament that she didn''t even try that. Holy shit. My wife Iselin is like ''my pimp''! I''ve had small hints before, but I''m starting to suspect Iselin seems to like the idea of me having sex with other women, and not just my sambos. Lucky, Kari Jane and Ciara don''t have quite the same point of view.


    Gunhild says her days off might not be anything special or for a special reason, but she likes to have the option and knowing she can take a few days and just lie around and be lazy, or travel to some market or whatever, and know that we want her to use those days off. I whisper that if she ever need time off for something important, just say so.


    Alith frankly has a fairly more constant work as she selflessly sticks to me most of the time, but at the same time she usually doesn''t take a night watch so she can protect me when I''m awake and go for a walk, ride etc. We really need more guards and bodyguards. Both me and Kari are Storman too, and we can afford it. We''ll have to try to make a deal with Hillevi when she returns with Kari, and then also show her the ''Atomic Blonde'' segments.


    <hr>


    After some nagging and nudging, we have a shorter role-playing session this evening as well, and it''s easier to play, but they fail their escort mission when their client dies, while still reaching their intended destination. The atmosphere was loud at times, although some alcohol in the players probably was a bad idea. The discussions afterwards gets me thinking about whether I can roleplay situations with the bodyguards to see if they can learn from mistakes they might make in the game, where I as the GM can do fairly sadistic but realistic ambushes, traps and problems.


    <hr>


    I don''t know who was more uncomfortable, me or Jane, because Caecilia was adamant that Jane should come along with her to my room for the evening and spend the night here, although Caecilia made it clear that she would leave before we fell asleep, so that Jane will be alone with me during night, and that I should prioritise Jane.


    Admittedly, the discomfort pass for both of us, and Caecilia is mostly a supportive third party. Still a bit weird. At least Jane is pleased as before Caecilia leaves, Jane declare this to be a top ten for her, and that she understands a bit better why Iselin and I have nothing against Caecilia''s company. Frankly, that it''s not just because sex with Caecilia is very good at sex - she''s a nice knowledgeable person, a good musician, and charming with humour and very talented in many ways - but of course the sex contribute, along with the fact that Iselin seems to be in love with her too.


    It''s a bit interesting actually. Of my sambos, the one I have the most normal sex with is Iselin, followed by Jane and Caecilia, and there after Kari. Ciara''s placement feels more perpendicular to the others although I can''t say why, as we actually have mostly normal sex, just not in a situational way.

 Female complications - day 12, Caecilia

    Female complications, day 12


    Caecilia


    It''s nice to be awoken by soft lips and a good kiss while feeling a sexy female body against mine.


    "Robert, I don''t fear you."


    "What?"


    "I just realised that I don''t fear you. I finally truly understand what a stranger once told me; ''you shouldn''t live in fear of saying something or doing something that can set him off. You have the right to be happy, and you deserve to be in a healthy relationship.'' Fear and anxiety isn''t healthy. My previous relationships have not been healthy. Yeah, they could be argued to be far more ''normal'' than the one I have with you due to the others, but this is far more healthy, because I don''t fear you. I know you can be dangerous and your mind can be scary, and you actually have killed someone, but ... I don''t fear you. At all."


    How the hell do you respond to something like that?! Especially while being woozy, half awake and cuddling with my girlfriend? But I have to say something! "Good."


    "It''s more than good, it feels bloody wonderful! Are we likely to eventually argue, get mad at each other and so on? Yes. But unless I do something monumentally stupid or really violent, I won''t have to fear you, and hardly even then. Frankly, I''m far more likely to be the instigator and reason for any fear between us. You''ve never picked a fight, punched, clawed or slapped someone. I have. For silly and dumb reasons, or just assert dominance in a very alpha-beta animalistic way. Yeah, it ... ''works'', but mainly on those that put themself on that scale, or isn''t strong enough to avoid that scale, and willing to live with the consequences. Being violent and make someone fear you can feel powerful, but fear isn''t respect. You can''t use violence to ''earn'' respect. It''s just pretend respect when it''s actually fear and anxiety, usually made and demanded by those that won''t actually be able to achieve true respect. In many ways humans are just very smart animals, pretending we''re not animals. I''ve been thinking a lot about stuff like this and relationships. I don''t want to be that kind of person any more. Or the type to vandalise or destroy things, thinking it alright or just to cause hurt. It can be cathartic and feel damn good - get your blood pumping - but now it feels ... animalistic. Living with elves in a medieval world have made me see how much values and behaviour comes from the world and civilization we grew up in. What is normal. My higher values than Iselin or Kari is basically just from that, but you were above the mean in that too."


    This is so wrong. Sure, I want us to talk about things, and be honest with each other, but I''m not really ready to have these kinds of discussions. Especially not right after waking up! But it''s good that she thought about such things and wants to be a better person, and I have to try to show Jane that she has my support. So I kiss her and hug her a little tighter. But what can I say?


    "Changing who you are is so hard, and also so easy. Self reflection like this and being willing to change is a huge thing. I''ll be there for you and help you, just tell me how."


    "Than... I was about to say thank you, and you would probably reply with something like ''you don''t have to thank me for that''. And you would mean that."


    That makes me smile. "True."


    "This is feels strange. Our relationship feels so strange, yet so good. A lot of those small things in what a relationship have meant for me, just isn''t there, but that is not bad or something I really miss. I don''t expect you to do or behave in certain ways I''ve always taken for granted as what a relationship must have to be true. Yet I know that doesn''t mean this relationship isn''t real. That you don''t truly love me or care about me. You''re literally married and have three additional girlfriends, but somehow that just... So strange. It feels like I''ve reached a higher state of enlightenment, but also ... not. I wouldn''t say I''m wise or self-assured with who I am. Far from it. But like I can see it from here? Kind of sad that I needed to be dropped into a medieval world to change like this. How would my old life have continued? How would I have been? I know wisdom comes with age and life experiences, but how were you at my age?"


    "Can''t really say. Of course I''ve changed too as I lived and experienced things, and wish I''ve done things differently. You have life experience that I don''t, and not just because you''re a woman."


    "I wish I had met you a couple of years ago. My life would have been better with you in it."


    "My life would have been better with you in it too."


    "You bloody right it would! Most of my friends would have thought I''ve hit my head or something if we had become a couple, but that is just their loss. They wouldn''t understand why I would move to Sweden to be with you! It feels weird to say that I probably wouldn''t have stayed friends with a lot of them, and not really missed them. There''s like four people I miss from that life. Four! I have practically the same amount of true friends here! Except job wise and the moving to a whole other country where the main language isn''t English, it wouldn''t have been hard to actually move and leave that old life behind me. My parents would be surprised as hell by you, but I think they would really like you once they got to know you. My father would probably do a second background check, just to wrap his head around how the hell we ended up together! Your avoidance of social media, web security and privacy would have his approval."


    "Background check?"


    "Oh yeah, he wouldn''t admit to that, but I knew he always did, and it''s kind of cute. He occasionally slipped up with knowing things he shouldn''t had, and things you couldn''t find out by just googling. He is very protective. When I moved to New York, he vetoed a couple of apartment choices, due to the neighbourhood, building security or just having to travel through badder neighbourhoods. Even if Midg?rd is a mess due to the CME, I bet my father and a couple of his friends have been zig-zagging all over Hardangervidda, trying to find me. I wish I could have let him know I''m good and safe. I miss him. And of course my mother."


    Jane is teary-eyed and so am I. Some days it''s just harder knowing that we will never see our families and friends again.


    "I like your sneaky way of explaining the Universe and stuff like CME to Iselin, without stating there is no God or Gods. That Gods might just poke the natural randomness to cause the CME to be bigger or hit Earth at a certain time they need a Bifrost. I still find it hard to believe you told Iselin about the complete history of the world, and that it didn''t destroy her faith! About evolution and apes! Or about freaking Supernovas! She is really dedicated to map the sky so she will be able to see if there is even a weak Supernova. Robert, you need to start telling me when you have told Iselin something like how we''re all made of Stardust, so I don''t look dumb!"


    "I''ll try to remember it."


    A hell of a conversation to have this early in the morning, but good to have and she just sounds annoyed instead of angry. And I can improve her mood a bit, because I''ve decided to give Jane and Caecilia RobA knives. I''ve had two lying around for half a year, and I have a couple of folding knife versions too, and they can get one knife each. Jane has earned it with just her craft, and she is now my ?lskarinna, my official mistress, so she should have one.


    The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    I have an official mistress. When will that become not weird?


    Caecilia also needs a better knife and she is my personal maid and sex bunny, and knives are a status thing. So before Jane gets out of bed, I fetch a regular knife or a folding knife so she can choose. Jane quickly chooses a RobA folding knife, because with its cork screw it is slightly more practical. She''s have a wonderful happy smile as she clips the folding knife in her pants pocket. Even though she knows how much use a knife has in a world like Alfheimr, she still thinks it feels so ''outdoorsy'' to actually carry a knife, and the folding knife feels ''more normal''.


    I''m happy for the hugs and kisses.


    <hr>


    Discussions at breakfast and other things have made time pass, but eventually it''s time for Caecilia''s gift, and I find her in her room painting, so I knock on the frame and after she has dried herself and finished, I give her the choice. Wow. I am not prepared for how strongly she reacts. Caecilia''s hands are shaking and tears are flowing as she gently takes the regular knife from me, and she have to sit down on the bed because her legs won''t support her. She just tenderly holds the knife in its sheath against her bosom, and bow her head as tears silently runs down her cheeks. She looks ... vulnerable. I think it''s the first time she''s really looks so vulnerable and I don''t understand why she reacted this strongly, but it connects as I sit there and hold her and let her cry against my shoulder.


    Caecilia has ''forced'' herself into this household, and ''use'' me for convenience and unsecure future, and the first days after we met, I tried to get rid of her. She has probably always felt separated from me and the others, sambos and staff, which she honestly have been and not just because her first sleeping place here was in the wing with the staff. She knows I can force her from the islands and our lives whenever I want. But with first permanently moving to this room which is her own, with a south facing window just like my sambos, I signalled that she have become important and accepted, and now with the knife that she actually means something to me and that I am not going to force her away. It hurts my soul when I realise I''ve not been thinking about her feelings, even though Iselin said so just a few days ago.


    "I love you!"


    What? I am definitely not prepared when Caecilia - without even trying to hold back the tears - gives me many passionate kisses and happily declares her deep love for me which she says has been so difficult to keep hidden until now that I have accepted her. She is so happy to be my h¨®ra, but for the first time since she became a h¨®ra, she is sad that by law she cannot become anything more, and cannot give me children. Just pleasure and enjoyment. Can''t give me anything. Through the kisses, I manage to say that she doesn''t have to give me anything. Her companionship and service are more than enough.


    She looks up at me, collects herself and she gets a serious look and tells me to witness. What? She kneels in front of her Freya statue and asks Freya to hear her. What the hell!? Caecilia almost scares the crap out of me, when with the tip of the knife between the fingers of her right hand, she calmly, controlled and methodically cuts something into the top of her left hand between the thumb and forefinger, as she swears an oath to Freya''s and on her own name that as long as she lives to be only Robert Arnesson''s, and no other man. To serve me in any way I wish, for her body and soul are mine, and for Freya to punish her if she breaks her oath. It''s so unexpected and she does it with such utter seriousness and determination I can only watch.


    When the first shock wears off, I understand that it is important to her that I witness her oath to goddess Freya, and she have just give a slight grimace from the pain, as she is completely focused on what she is saying and doing. Thankfully, the knife is sharp and there isn''t much bleeding before she quickly have finish. She licks the blood off her fingers and the tip of the knife with a satisfied smile, and it probably hasn''t been more than 10 seconds.


    Holy crap!


    She gives the blade a bloody kiss, wipes the blade and carefully slips the knife back into its sheath, before standing up and showing me her hand. Through the flowing blood I see she carved a dark red small R rune in a triangle. My house mark. My brand. She kisses her bloody hand, then the Freya figure who gets a bloody lip print. As she licks away the blood running down the back of her hand and from the wound, she drag her finger through the collected soot from the oil lamp. She methodically rubs the soot into the wound she cut, and through the pain and twitching in her eyes, she smiles. She takes more soot to really fill it in. She finishes by licking and kissing her bloody hand once again, wrapping a piece of rough fabric from her painting supplies around the hand as a makeshift bandage as she relaxes.


    I''m completely speechless, and I haven''t moved. Caecilia shines with happiness as she sits down on my lap, and with a blissful smile says that now, by a higher power than the law, she is Caecilia Sexbunny Robertsh¨®ra. Both Jane and I dislike Caecilia liking to call herself that, but with this oath and action, it''s hard to deny her the right. Between kisses, she repeats that she really is Roberts in body and soul, and I can taste the blood from her tongue and bloody mouth. Caecilia rest her head against my shoulder as she hugs me, and I feel her relax as she says ''only Roberts'', and she repeats it several times.


    I sure didn''t expect this when I came in here to give her a knife, even though I knew she''d be happy. I''m not happy with her actions, but it explains why she so easily gave her word half a year ago to be mine without us ever having met! It hasn''t really connected until now, how seriously she took it and her oath.


    I no longer mind having her in my life, and so does good work, so what can I do but hold her, as she smiling sits in my lap, repeating she is mine, again and again in different forms, and she uses my name, not Lord or Sir. Another happy kiss and with her tongue and fingers lovingly caressing me she makes sure I don''t have any blood on my lips or cheek. Obviously, I have two fanatics who will be with me for the rest of my life, and I have to make sure that Caecilia''s fanaticism doesn''t spiral even more out of hand.


    Oh, bad pun.


    Caecilia starts singing softly to me and it''s The Corrs ''No good for me'' with her own lyrics. Considering certain parts of the original lyrics, I understand why it resonates with her, but she changes the lyrics as she sings, which is impressively done because she doesn''t fumble for words.


    "I see a home, a quiet place. Now I''m yours, in your strong arms. I''m protected, all worries gone. It''s not parental. It''s reality, no longer fantasy. And you''re good, so good for me, you''re all I see." As she happily looks up and locks her eyes in mine, I feel small tears starting to come as she sings the her special chorus; "Walking on clouds, when you look at me, feel like a child, full of vulnerability. I shake like a leaf when I feel you in me, and you''re all that I see, you''re so good, so good just for me."


    Given how fluently and happily she sings the changed lyrics, it wouldn''t surprise me if she dreamed of singing the song with those lyrics, and I listen as she sing.


    "I feel your strong embrace, now I am loved, and I need no one else".


    I want to take her to Unn and have her clean and disinfect the wound and apply a new bandage, but that doesn''t change anything and I just can''t do it yet, so I just keep listening as this lovely gorgeous woman sing about her love for me.


    This is a world of powerful gods, spirits, violence, sacrifice, blood and sorcery. I don''t believe in gods, but I know that Caecilia is completely convinced that Freya has heard her oath, as she with blood, will and sacrifice made Freya witness when she gave herself to me, and that Freya will punish her if she breaks the oath. Just like with Ciara, I just can''t push her away even if I wanted to, so what can I do but take her sweet blissful face in my hand, look into her gray-green eyes wet by happy tears and shining and say:


    "Caecilia. I accept your oath, your words and declaration before Freya. You are now bound to it and you are mine in soul and body."


    Caecilia really shines with bottomless happiness, and when I kiss her and calmly lay her down in her bed, Caecilia truly becomes mine, probably for the rest of our lives.


    She lets the world know that she loves it when I repeat that she is mine, and just before she orgasms, she happily screams out my name and that she is finally Caecilia Sexbunny Robertsh¨®ra, before giving in and shaking from pleasure.


    <hr>

 Female complications - day 12, Health issues (Part 1)

    <hr>


    We''ve snuggled, partially while she sang her own version of ''Only when I sleep'', but I leave Caecilia in bed to enjoy her after sex glow. We need to visit Unn. The bandage has stopped the worst of the bleeding, but there is some blood on the bedsheets and our clothes. But before visiting Unn I gather my sambos and explain what happened. Jane is horrified that Caecilia cut herself like that and rubbed soot into the wound so it will be a visible scar tattoo, and is annoyed at me because I didn''t take her to Unn right away. Ciara have just happily accepted it, commenting that Caecilia understands, and when I see Ciara looking at her own hand with a thoughtful expression, I kiss her cheek and ask her to never mark herself and that she is mine for as long as she wishes, even without a paper contract or marking, which gives Ciara a proud happy smile as she straight herself before kissing me. Iselin doesn''t seem that surprised, but seems a little sad that Caecilia swore an oath like that to Freya, as she too is convinced that Freya must have heard the oath. Iselin would probably have been happier if Caecilia had included Iselin in her oath.


    Of course it doesn''t really change much, but now we all understand how serious Caecilia takes her oath and word - especially me - and how much she actually ''loves'' me, because she has literally marked herself with my house mark and made sure it''s a visible scar. The whole incident also partly explains why she made sure she couldn''t have children, and made sure she was branded a h¨®ra, and abandoned her old life and travelled north across the sea. Well considered and careful long-term decisions don''t seem to be Caecilia''s way. I hope she doesn''t regret this decision too in the future, just like she just regretted taking away her ability to have children.


    We''re all convinced that Caecilia sees our bond as deeper and more unbreakable than any Elvish Law could ever be, and Jane makes a sour comment that I really have a knack for getting women to dedicate themselves to me. Her comment completely flies over Ciara''s head.


    <hr>


    Alith, Bodil and Ciara come along as I bring Caecilia to Unn, because Unn has to check the wound so it doesn''t get infected and carefully clean it a bit because that piece of cloth is not clean. Caecilia is just so happy and seems completely carefree, as she softly sing and literally dance along beside me through the lightly falling snow. Sometimes she slides up to me, gives me a hug or kiss and continues to dance along while humming.


    Unn isn''t pleased with Caecilia''s action and thinks it''s stupid, but this is not the first time something like this has happened, especially from someone who is young and short sighted. There are apparently many famous tragic stories in Saga''s and fairy tales, so even if Unn hasn''t experienced it before, she comments that it fits in my Saga. Which makes Caecilia just a little happier. Of course, Unn doesn''t doubt for a moment weather Freya heard the oath, because I am Sejdmann Arnesson and I''m already very blessed by Freya. Unn is not the only one who is convinced that Freya always has her eye on me, and seems to partially share Caecilia''s belief that Freya influenced and guided all my sambos, staff and bodyguards to me. I hope Freya doesn''t give me more blessings, or bless more women by guiding them to me. I''ve had far too much trouble saying no, and it''s starting to feel crowded in the mansion and in my life.


    I should have expected Caecilia to refuse to let Unn do the slightest damage to her mark, so I just matter-of-factly tell Caecilia that her body is now mine, and let Unn see to the wound so it doesn''t become infected. Before I even have finished the sentence, Caecilia holds out her hand and lets Unn do whatever she wants with the wound, and Caecilia has a happy smile as she sits there, humming the ''No good'' song. One of my favourite songs, Krypteria''s ''The freak in me'', would have suited her better. Or Ciara. Or Kari if interpreted from another point of view. Or myself. We all have a freak inside that we''re afraid to let others see, and unlike Caecilia, Ciara and Kari whose freaks are quite modest and focused on me or sex, I''m actually afraid to let my own dark and ruthless side out into a world like this.


    Unn carefully cleans the wound with alcohol, but avoids damaging the mark because, to Caecilia''s delight, she too see the mark as sacred, and re-applies a new clean bandage that her apprentice Amba has boiled and cooled, telling Caecilia to come back each day. I like that they have absorbed a lot of my lessons about sanitation and disinfection, but I need to make purer alcohol for future wound cleaning. Unn has a simple ceramic still which is basically just a specially shaped pot with a spout that she cools with wet cloth pieces on the outside, so my still should be far more efficient, when I get the parts and have assembled it. I have thermometers, which should help. I should also try to do an ethanol pureness meter. Water and ethanol have different density, so it should be doable to have a floating scale. The deeper it sinks, the purer the ethanol.


    I remember to ask Caecilia to never injure or mark herself in a similar way, or other people, and to not swear more oaths, and to take care of her body and health. Caecilia just happily nods and say, "Yes Robert."


    She looks so happy that I care about her so much.


    That she is finally important to me.


    <hr>


    Caecilia ''walks on clouds'' as we continue on to the forge/metal workshop where Olafr is working so hard it''s almost ridiculous. He has hardly noticed the weather outside, for it is warm, bright and pleasant inside, and I know that he is there from morning till late evening, as he continues to eat supper with us most evenings. His ''maid'' Bekkhilda cooks and prepare other meals in their borrowed house kitchen and has also been allowed to try out the mansions kitchen and some other buildings just to try them too, and Bekkhilda loves the kitchens.


    I''m unhappy with the bad weather but Olafr is just happy that I''m letting him keep working and doing pretty much whatever he wants in the forge for a couple more days, because he has nothing waiting to be done in Borgarsandr that he cares about, and sees this as a vacation. Even though he does work for me, the forge, the machine shop and the carpentry. I just let him work, and we discuss the tools for the eccentric press, the rollers, the bolt threading machine, the crossbow mechanism and the high pressure tank. Olafr would like to see working finished threaded bolts made before he leaves, and we should be able to test that tomorrow or the day after tomorrow. We can already make unthreaded nuts, but a good bolt threading machine is tricky.


    Olafr has not seen my Leatherman Wave before and is terribly impressed with it, both in its excellent quality and how different it is from what is made in this world. He especially likes to see the carbide cutters which are proof of what I said about other steels and alloys, and it also makes him realise there is no rust on the tools. Olafr just wants to keep looking and examining the multitool, and I don''t know how many times he folds in and out the knife blade, the saw and other tools. The small scissors and bit holders are interesting, but so is the threaded screws that hold it together. I guess Olafr has a new little hobby project to do, so maybe I should show what a Victorinox knife looks like as the design is easier but can still be made locking, and with wooden sides and some useful tools. Olafr has already made himself a folding knife.


    I remind Olafr to stop by the mansion and join us for supper, and I can send Elin to fetch him and Bekkhilda. Ugh. Life is so much easier when you can make time appointments. I like that he has a free woman as a housekeeper, instead of a slave woman like Danr had. Olafr has willingly admitted that Bekkhilda makes sure he eats more regularly, and without her he would be completely engrossed in his work for days at a time. I get that, as I tend to be the same. It has happened many times that more than 24 hours has gone by where I haven''t eaten - because I simply didn''t think about it - and the months since we moved into the mansion has probably been the most orderly part of the past 15 years of my life, not least because Ciara takes great care to ensure that my comments or advice are followed and reminds me and others. And she sure knows that a hurt facial expression is enough for me to give in and do as she wants.


    Olafr and Bekkhilda aren''t married or seem to have much of a sexual relationship - if they even have one at all, because I haven''t asked - but she''s probably pretty good at controlling Olafr if she wants to - as long as she doesn''t try to comment on metal working or participate. Olafr has strong clear opinions about women and forging, and apart from being company, bringing food or as a shieldmaiden guarding me or using the equipment, women have nothing to do in a forge.


    <hr>


    The evening meal becomes interesting as Unn and Amba were also invited on the way home, and when we talk about other things, we get into the topic that Unn thinks it''s strange that there aren''t many cases of lumps on the lower neck here by the coast. Fairly quickly I understand what she refers to, but it takes a while before I realise that it''s probably called goitre; enlarged thyroid gland. Unn is curious about my opinion, because it''s a common ailment in the inland regions where one sixth to one third have it, and it''s a fairly widespread opinion that the soul and body needs to be close to the sea to be healthy.


    If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    I begin to search my memory of what I know or guess, and say that in most cases it is probably due to iodine deficiency. I hardly know much about the thyroid gland so it''s quick to explain, that iodine is an element much like iron that is absorbed by certain plants from the ground, but saltwater fish have many times more iodine than freshwater fish which have more than most plants. Everyone at the table already knows that Jane and I are humans, so I can tell them that among humans, iodine deficiency has been a huge problem too, and it is only in the last 100 years that it has been solved, although it is still a problem in the poorest inland areas, even though the solution has been known and it is not expensive.


    What solved it in Midg?rd is iodine added to salt, so that the body gets iodine with the food regardless of where we live or what we eat, and it is easier to give the right dose without overdosing because it is predictable how much salt we get through the food. The fact that people along the coast sometimes eat saltwater fish means that they have fewer problems with iodine deficiency. I don''t know if crabs and mussles have iodine or their concentration, especially as mussles are filter feeders, which is a whole other issue and potential danger.


    They all listen attentively to what I say and Unn seems fascinated that something smaller than a grain of sand a couple of times a week can solve that huge huge problem. Jane has never known why iodine is in salt, but she is very well aware that ''Iodised salt'' is written on the packaging and that it is good for the body in some way. That Jane knows it and takes it for granted without knowing why, and that none of us ever saw humans with large lumps on their necks though we were living inland, does much to confirm what I have said to be true. They remember what I said several months ago, about the body needing some metals, about copper and that the blood is red because of iron, and for example zinc is needed for the immune system. Iodine is just another ''metal'' the body needs. Olafr is of course more curious if it is possible to forge something from the iodine metal, but it is more likely like lead or zinc in that it cannot be directly used like iron and copper. Jane is as intrigued as the others, but annoyed that humanity doesn''t teach such things in schools. It''s a hell of a lot more important than a lot of other useless facts about dead Kings or such.


    Which is true, and it probably is taught in schools, but because it''s such a solved problem, it quickly slips out of our minds. If you live with a problem and people you know have problems, then you learn and remember. If it is a solved issue, why even know about it? Just use salt with iodine and it will never be a problem.


    Unn is happy that she likes to eat fish and grew up by the great L?ngsj?n i.e. ''Long lake'' inland, and sea fish will certainly and for ever more be a regular meal at our dining room table. Thank the Gods that I''ve already told them how biomagnification works and mercury in fish can be a big problem if you eat way too much, and that there is no medicine or cure against mercury or lead in the body, otherwise there would probably be fish every day.


    I tell them that added iodine is one of those small things that has done a huge amount for the general health of humankind, and that it also affects the body and intelligence negatively if children grow up with iodine deficiency. Or other deficiencies. It is important that children get the right nutrition as they grow, because the body and brain must develop correctly and sufficiently. A starved body becomes thin and has no energy, but the brain also needs the right nutrition to not starve and function as well as it can, especially when the brain is growing, but it can be very subtle and some very small amounts of minerals and vitamins are terribly important. Many humans take a small pill each day, that have the daily requirement of the 20-30 most important vitamins and minerals just to get enough and cover the most important.


    I excuse myself and quickly fetch the small bag with about twenty pills I had with me on my trip and the hike. I take out the small note describing the contents in the bag. I have learned to always include what something is when I put pills in other packaging, and cut the label out from a package or box or write it down on a small post-it that I stick inside. So I hold up my fingers and show roughly how big a cube of water is a gram, and say a milligram is a thousand of that, and basically a coarser grain of sand. A microgram is a thousand of that. I then read out what the pill contains and the amount; iron 11 mg, zinc 9 mg, copper 0.45 mg, iodine 75 ¦Ìg, etc. The contents get quite a lot of attention when the bag is passed around, and of course the clear little ziplock plastic bag also gets a lot of attention. Especially when Iselin points out that it is completely waterproof, and thus protecting the pills even if soaked in water.


    "Jane, do you know what the English word ''Cretin'' means?" And I repeat the question in Norse for the others sake.


    "Yes? Umm.. someone is stupid, childlike and an idiot?" I signal for her to translate it and explain to the others and she do with a ''someone stupid and childish'' in Norse.


    "In English - Jane''s native language - ''Cretin'' was originally a description of a person who, as the child grew up, remained childish, stupid and did not age normally in the mind. Often shorter too. It was very common in mountainous regions and isolated parts far from the coast. In some valleys all people were more or less affected, but most could still contribute to farming and take care of animals. This was partly due to inbreeding - cousins or close relatives having children, which weakens the body and makes defects - but the major impact was that children grew up with, among other things, iodine deficiency. Nowadays it is much rarer in Midg?rd, and in many countries it is not a problem."


    "Iodise salt stopped that?! So all those historic tales about yokels, hillbillies and the village idiot are partly because of iodine deficency?"


    I just nod. When the rest understand, Unn begins to realise that iodine deficiency is a bigger problem than she thought - she knows many people in the interior who did not grow up quite right. They need to eat more fish! Unn asks if salted or smoked fish will work. It should. I tell them that certain types of seaweed, especially kelp, have a couple of magnitudes more iodine than saltwater fish, and since iodine is an element and not a biological protein that breaks down, maybe dried seaweed can start to be sold inland, and if people eat it just once a week it may solve the issue. The seaweed can be finely hacked up much like a spice like oregano. Actually, seaweed is cheap and we should also try to use it as a fertilizer and a way to add nutrients to fields, and it will also lead to some crops accumulating iodine better. I just can''t tell which crops are best for it, or if it introduces other problems.


    We can try to produce iodine and sell it with salt, because it is such a very small amount of iodine that is needed - 75 micrograms per day - but it feels quite unnecessary. Manufacturing can also be problematic. I believe it was a Frenchman who first produced iodine by accident while preparing seaweed ash for gunpowder production. If I remember correctly, a lot of seaweed was burned for its ash, which was carefully rinsed with water and the rest broken down with sulphuric acid. But he used too much acid and purple smoke formed and crystallized on cold surface. Iodine crystals. It took years for anyone to figure out what it was, but it''s one of those interesting ''... what the fuck?!'' moments that change the world more than the few ''Eureka!''.


    Worth trying, just to get iodine.


    Then there are some unstable iodine compounds that explode when they dry or with the slightest force, but I''m not going to try making explosives like that, and have to be careful so it doesn''t happen by accident. However, iodine has other uses such as for sterilization during surgery and wound treatment. And in case of radioactive radiation to make the body absorb less of some kind of radioactive isotope.


    "Robert! Robert!" Jane excitedly drum her fingers on the table. "Iodine is used in some kind of chemical process to do photographic glass or silver mirrors! Its got a French sounding name I can''t remember! Tom had a poster showing those steps with washing and fuming, but I remember that it involved iodine, mercury and nitric acid! It was funny and we liked how much easier photography was using modern chemicals and processing! I''ll check photos from my mobile and Tom''s to see if there is a photo with that poster in the background, and I''ll look through his phone if there is more usable information about photography!"


    "Good catch! Just what you just told me is a start for experimenting with photography!"


    "I did good!"


    Jane looks so pleased, but we have to make a brief explanation to others. In addition to trying to produce iodine, I''m giving Unn permission to organise trials with dried seaweed and kelp to see if it can help relieve symptoms when someone is getting a goitre, and if that works, we can try to convince people to supplement their eating habits over the long term. However, if a person has had the problem for many years, it can be incurable and a permanent injury, because the body has healed and grown with it. Before the tests start, the population in the test area should be counted and recorded how many have goitre. So if problems with goitre decline over the next decade in subsequent counts, the population will be healthier, and live a little longer. If we can help raise the average intelligence and health, that is also very good. And then we know that it is a working solution to the problem. Having proper data and documentation is important.


    And yes, it may be possible in the future to produce small tablets with iron 11 mg, zinc 9 mg, copper 700¦Ìg and iodine 100¦Ìg to try to achieve 100% of the recommended daily intake for an adult of the last two. If we ever resolve the production of anything else on the list, it can be added to the tablet. I just want to avoid it leading to ''quackery'' and selling other magic pills. ''Sejdmann'' Arnesson''s Mineral tablets! Buy here!''. Yuk! I also wish we could include things like vitamins A, B, C and D, but I don''t know the chemical structure, even though my formula book has a couple of pages with nutritional content, carbohydrates, fibre and minerals for 60 different foods. And what is stuff like Folic acid or Riboflavin?


    They know we eat salads with carrots a couple of times a week precisely to help our health, and that is partially to get Vitamin A, which is important for our vision and body, especially during pregnancy, but the carrot must not be cooked. Many of the healthiest aspects of some vegetables and fruits are destroyed when they are heated to boiling point, but they can be heated until they soften and are too hot to eat. We do eat carrots like that too. Vitamin D is obtained through sunlight, and a lack of it is usually common in the winter when the summer''s reserves have been used up.

 Female complications - day 12, Health issues (Part 2)

    Unn asks if I know anything that can help or cure ''honey urine'' which is a tricky problem. Honey urine? Unn clarifies that it is when the urine tastes sweet and attracts flies, and the person is usually thirsty and hungry, and even if the person eats extra, the person becomes emaciated and dies after a few weeks or months, although some live years. Okay. They have limited ability to diagnose things, and urine is important to check because it is the body''s outlet for residual products that are not pooped out, and tasting is more of a test. I didn''t fucking think about that! Tasting urine! Yuck! Anyway, logically, that must mean a lot of sugar in the urine, and something that is a common problem and sugar based should mean... Diabetes? Oh fuck! Imagine getting type 1 diabetes here! I understand why the person doesn''t live that long once that develops. Shit. I have two friends who have type 1, and know older people who have type 2. A human ending up here with type 1 is screwed!


    My reaction has betrayed me, so I say I think I know what it is, and humans call it diabetes. Jane immediately reacts to that word, and her "Diabetes?!" and the face she gets as she say "Oh, bloody hell!" while she covers her mouth, makes everyone understand that she too knows, and that it''s not good.


    So I explain that humanity separates that disease into two types. Type 1 that you develop at a young age, probably before the age of 25. Type 2 becomes common when you are older and about one in four or five older people get it. So far humanity has not solved any cure, but it is treatable, however, that treatment is advanced and I don''t know how we can solve this here. I explain simplified and roughly what I know about how the body works. The body converts the food we eat into different things, and the most important is a type of sugar called glucose, followed by fat. For example, muscles use sugar and fat to move. The muscles consume the sugar and fat during movement. Residual products from that work become water we pee out as urine, and carbon dioxide we breathe out. Humans say that muscles burn or consume the energy. But the brain and other organs cannot use fat for energy and needs sugar. Several of them already know that humans generally divide food into carbohydrates and protein. Protein is meat, fish, eggs and so on. Carbohydrates are bread, vegetables, fruit, milk and the like. Protein is used to build up the body, while carbohydrates are mostly the energy we use to live and move and become sugar in the body. Fat is a store of energy, and the body can convert sugar into fat, but not back into sugar. When we eat more sugar than we need, we become fat because the excess is stored as fat. Unfortunately, the body is bad at storing sugar. If we are resting, it might last 2 days, but if we are working, maybe a couple of hours. There is a special mechanism that kicks in during starvation, but I don''t know how that works.


    So it is important that the body''s handling of sugar works, and it is managed by something mankind named Insulin. There is another gland called the pancreas, and cells in it create the protein insulin, but if this production does not work as it should, the body becomes ill, and this is what humans call Diabetes. Type 1 is that production ceased, and that was solved about 100 years ago because mankind finally managed to isolate and figure out exactly what the body needed, and began to produce Insulin - first from animals but later mass-produced synthetically. So insanely many animals needed to be slaughtered each day for all the humans that needed it, that is just wasn''t viable. Like several hundred pigs. But it made pork and bacon cheaper to buy. Synthetic production of insulin via modified bacteria solved that huge issue. Humans with Type 1 diabetes measure their blood sugar several times a day, and often inject insulin into the stomach or leg fat with meals because the body does not produce the insulin itself. Eating insulin does not help, because then it ends up in the stomach. Diabetics need to think about what they eat, what the food contains in sugar and carbohydrates, how much they physically move and work, etc. Too low blood sugar leads to unconsciousness and is fatal. Too high makes them strange and is also fatal in the long run and shorten life. Too much insulin kills.


    For a long time, the person could only estimate how much insulin was needed due to food and activity, and injected a proper dose, which definitely made their life better and longer, but it was not accurate enough. With advanced microcomputer technology, we started measuring blood sugar via a drop of blood. The most advanced solution is a sensor that sits on the body and continuously measures the blood sugar, and via a mobile app the person can keep track of the value and history, and via a small pump mechanism with a small insulin container that sticks to the body, they can remotely control via the mobile app so that a certain amount of insulin is injected at a certain interval. I actually have pictures of modern pumps, just because my friends have tried different ones, and I''ve been shown the orange plastic box with the auto-injector in case they run into problems. If you go hiking in the wilderness with a diabetic friend, that is something you make sure to know, and make backup plans if shit hit the fan. Heck, I''m the more careful one and beside being good at map reading, a GPS and walkie-talkie with the right frequencies programmed might save my friends life.


    Anyway, even with modern capabilities and living in a country where insulin and the technology is cheap, it''s still cumbersome and a complication in their lives, but a sensor measuring often and a pump injecting insulin solves the diabetic problem, and is so much better than just estimating and injecting. Progress has been made in making the body produce some insulin, which may be controlled via a small internal computer. The best solution would be to solve so the body can function as it should or even cure so that the body''s own production never ceases, but that is still an unsolved problem for humanity. For Type 1 Diabetes it may be solved within 10-30 years, even if many people in the world will not be able to afford the treatment. Some countries help with the cost of health care, others do not.


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    Age-based Type 2 Diabetes is that the body''s systems starts to work poorly, and Type 2 can be managed quite well with daily exercise and a good diet. Severe obesity, being sedentary and other things increase the risk of Type 2 developing.


    It''s been a lot of information, but that''s about all I can think of right now, and they have very serious faces.


    And I realise that Ciara and the others will never let me get fat or sedentary.


    All information about how the body works is valuable, and is something I am writing down as I think about things. From random thoughts or info dumps like now, and Caecilia is already writing down what I said, and I repeat a few things to her and the others. I don''t know where the pancreas is in a body, or exactly how it looks, but eventually we might try to operate on a dog or pig and remove something, and see if they get honey urine and so on. Trying to produce insulin from pig pancreas will be a huge issue, as the insulin needs to be purified without destroying the protein, and to not give an allergic shock when injected. It will probably take a couple of lifetimes to develop animal derived insulin. I don''t know if we can manufacture any blood sugar meters in the future. When diabetics put a drop of blood on a measuring strip, some of the blood''s electrical properties should vary with the blood sugar. So conductivity, capacitance or frequency response? Given that these test strips are disposable rather than electrodes that can be cleaned, it is likely that there is some kind of chemical component on the strip that reacts with the sugar in the blood. So I''m unlikely to be able to do that.


    However, the modern small disc like sensors with a needle that is inserted and talks to the mobile app are used for a long time for many many measurements, but that might also be the reason why they work, because they get ''continuous'' data instead of just one measurement point.


    Then there''s the issue of calibration and data collection, because we probably need someone with diabetes to measure how their blood differs from other people, because diet affects and blood sugar goes up and down, but so do other things after meals. There are certainly other chemicals that can make a measurable difference in the signal from a drop of blood, so how do we know what is blood sugar and what is not? Creating diabetic animals might be needed just to develop measuring technology and the insulin. Once a pig or dog can be kept alive with injections, elvish trials might begin.


    But how is insulin actually made? I know they used the pancreas from pigs and cows, but how is the protein separated from the rest? How is the protein isolated and cleaned so the human-elf body accepts it instead of the immune system attacking?


    This is extra annoying for me because it is such a huge problem, and I have sent many links and documents to one of my diabetic friends. I need to check my documents and on my phone, but I probably don''t have any useful information, since I mainly linked to it. Which sucks. There are so many lives at stake!


    Caecilia and makes a lot of notes, and I''ll write down all my thoughts for the future. I doubt we''ll solve any of it in my lifetime, but future scientists have something to work towards. What we can do right now is save this information, develop better medical technology and science for the future. Hopefully, future humans arriving here will know more, but if it is a solved problem or via a too high-tech solution like how it is today in Midg?rd via insulin producing bacteria, then there is little chance that someone will be able to help. If a person who needed insulin, say 60 years ago, had arrived here, there is a greater chance that they knew practically useful knowledge than us modern humans where it is a ''solved'' problem. How many diabetic humans have actually cared about learning the history of their life threatening decease? A person who has worked with biotechnology and is good at it can at least help with such things.


    <hr>


    Lying and enjoying the ''after sex'' feeling, while feeling Caecilia''s body against mine, and knowing she is also happy and pleased, feels quite ... good. It would have felt a bit better if she had been at least five years older and I hadn''t had other women, but this is a different world with different standards and moral norms, and there is a lot I''ve had to accept. Compared to violence, duels, wars and slaves and living in a medieval world and civilizations, having multiple women and their low age compared to mine are hardly a big deal. The transition regarding women, their rights and life here, has also been greater for Jane. But my future with potentially three wives, Ciara and now Caecilia will require balancing and attention to each''s feelings and needs. Thankfully, most of them grew up with this and understand it better than I do, and they obviously understand that I occasionally need help. Iselin made sure I thought about offering Caecilia to be my company for the night, and so did Ciara. Which is the reason I now lie here and feel her frankly said magnificent sexy body against mine, while I think about the day, Caecilia and other things. Both Ciara and Caecilia are quite strong in their faiths, but in slightly different religions. However, I shouldn''t have to worry about religious wars between them. They also have more things in common, like in body shape and names that start with C and end with A.


    Sure, it sucks arse to have to live in this medieval world, and my life will probably be fairly short with very limited healthcare and entertainment. But it could be so much worse.


    The thoughts drift on and I can''t help thinking about what Unn said, about my life being like a Saga, and what happened so far would be a fairly okay story, even though the characters feel too two-dimensional, and everything feels too positive. I really hope my saga gets an unusual Disney ending, ''...and they lived happily ever after'', instead of what is usually a better story and more interesting Viking Saga with intrigue, tragedy, betrayal, violence, pain, suffering and gruesome deaths.

 Female complications - day 13, silence is golden

    Female complications, day 13


    Silence is golden.


    Right after breakfast we do a couple of furniture moves. Minor things but still enough that no one would notice that the only thing I really bothered to prepare for is a suitable place in the meeting room for Jane''s big epic painting. It will be a show piece between two open shelves, so no matter which of the two sofas a guest sit in, they will either enjoy the large windows and the view, or that painting. Sadly we won''t be able to see the painting from the dining table. I''m curious about the painting, but Jane refuses to give me or anyone else a show of her project, as she all for surprises and big reveals, but honestly, I don''t really care much about the motive or her plans as it is basically camouflaged door. I have already prepared for that door which will be very discrete, and stuff like a 2 dm high sill will make it extra discrete. It''s partially deliberate that all the secret doors so far are different, and with different opening mechanisms.


    <hr>


    The lathe has gotten really good with more and more parts and features, and I''m happy with it even though I''m thinking of making a whole new one. I will need far more lathes and people who are skilled in handling them and producing stuff to spec. There is a whole lot of machinery that needs parts made on a lathe, and if I really want to ramp up technology and production, I should just continue making machines and training people on them. But that costs a lot of money, so I need to solve that first. Salt can potentially become a huge income, but I''m far from there.


    I want more machines.


    It will be fun to test how much difference the suppressor makes in noise and smoke, and how sooty the suppressors internal parts will be. It is quite primitive and really just stacked discs with a hole in the middle. I would have liked to do something more advanced with baffles and more asymmetrical in the hope of introducing turbulence, but this is good enough for a first test, and my primary goal is to avoid hearing damage. I''m also worried about the tolerances, because the bullet has to go straight through the hole in the middle without touching any side. In the future I might try thin leather that the bullet shoots through, but the goal is not something like a welrod. The goal is to avoid hearing damage for me and mine.


    It would also have been nice to give my wives their own hobby workshop with lots of options, although so far Iselin is the only one using the lathe, and she has helped me with lathe work and will probably continue to do so. The others also help in their own ways, but I''ve tried to make it clear that I don''t expect them to want to do the same stuff I do, or that they have to be a part of that work. There are quite a lot of projects going on, but at least some are partially for fun. Iselin is currently turning parts for a gyroscope. She want one after I described it to her and what it can do. I take one of the spinning tops in the same style as in the movie ''Inception'' and go to Jane to show and give it to her. I have to wait outside while she probably hides someone I''m not supposed to see, but then she lets me in and gives me a kiss, I''m happy to receive and answer. It''s still feels weird I''m in a relationship with her too. Nice, but ... weird. Because she is a human woman.


    "What''s up, lover? Not you, I see." Jane makes another meaningful look at my groin, but she has a playful smile.


    "Ha. Ha. Have you seen the movie ''Inception''?"


    "It''s the one where they hijack dreams and interact in dreams right?"


    "Yup."


    "That''s a good movie!"


    So I open my hand and she show her the spinning top resting on my palm. "A gift. Want to check if you''re dreaming?"


    Jane gives me her dazzling smile. I''m a lucky man! She spins the top, looks at it for a few seconds and then looks me deep in the eyes with a growing devilish smile, slides her arms around my neck and kisses me - completely ignoring the spinning top as she pulls me down onto her bed.


    Oh. Right. At the end of the movie he doesn''t care if it''s a dream or reality.


    <hr>


    "I really wish all the wind pumped hydro dams and light bulbs were finished."


    "Me too Jane, me too. But I can''t do shit to speed up rainfall. It will take years."


    "Yeah, I know. At least you''re likely to have solved lightbulbs and wind power until then."


    "Thank you for not putting any pressure on me."


    "Oh come on! Don''t be like that! I have faith in you!"


    "I do have plans, but even trying to make timelines or assuming stuff will work is hard or dumb. I really want to have more power available. It just makes so much stuff easier, but efficient use of available energy is the limitation for every civilization in history."


    "What?"


    "Think about it. A civilization is always limited by available energy; historically, here and in Midg?rd. Animal power and manpower, be it slaves or not, are limitations. You need to spend energy and work to keep those alive. A civilization can''t have more manpower or animal power than the available food, and that takes energy and work to create and transport. Sunlight is a limitation for a civilization, because you need light to easily use available manpower to work, especially this far from the equator, since the civilization need to spend more work to chop down trees to just keep warm. Some technology just makes more energy available, or use it in a more efficient way. All wind power is energy input into a civilization. Sails on a ship saves manpower having to row, and wind can power a mill for flour or saw wood, instead of manpower. Same with water power. Converting wind or water power to electricity is just an efficient way to be able to use that energy for a lot of things, and transport that energy to where it is needed. A lightbulb is nice, but makes more work hours available, and improves the civilization. A civilization needs to invest in technology to have wind and water power and electricity available, but once discovered and infrastructure invested in, the civilization improve and have more energy available. Available energy decrease the need for slaves. Oil, gas and such is just different energy that along with electricity makes civilization prosper. A tractor replace farm animals. When there is plenty of energy available, fewer people need to spend all their time and work just to survive, and knowledge, arts and entertainment prosper, and life also improve for more people and not just the elite. Warm water is a luxury, but not if energy is cheap. Then it can be had by the masses. If a civilization have excess energy available, it can do inefficient conversion to a form they need or just luxury, and still consider it worth it. And avoid bad ways to get energy, like oil and gas, which are polluting and with limited supplies."


    "I''ve kind of heard this before, just not like this. And it is bloody more noticeable in my current life."


    "Making farm machinery and improve storing food is good lifetime goals to have, but I really want to make the elves value machinery for their more efficiently use of work and effort, and to see the potential machinery and electricity have. Especially here in the north where life is hard, but they have water and wind available, machinery and electricity can hugely effect and improve their civilization in comfort and tech level, and decrease their need for slaves. I will be limited in transportation and storage of electricity, but I don''t expect to solve everything."


    "What?! We''re not going to be driving around in Tesla''s and streaming movies over the internet 20 years from now?! You''re absolutely destroying my faith in you!"


    <hr>


    The power hammer hammers out lumps of iron into long and relatively round bars. The pieces are heated up while we change tools in the power hammer, and in one and the same tool the round bar is cut off and also formed in a template, and the pieces are moved between the two with tongs. When the tool opens, a cut off piece is formed on one side, and a bolt without threads falls out on the other side. One man move the piece while another push in the bar, and the next cycle start. There is a bit of excess material poking out on the formed bolt, but it''s not a problem. This is prototyping so the work flow in the forge is not optimal, so another person takes the still hot bolt with tongs and places the bolt on the feed chute of the threading tool where it rolls down. This machine just cycles slowly up and down, and a little before the top position the feed opens and the bolt rolls into place. With the downward cycle, the bolt rolls between the two thread forming plates and in the same process excess material is cut off, and a finished threaded bolt rolls out on the discharge chute. Many, many smiling faces, and this feels so damn good. I let some bolts cool down and harden in water. I don''t care about the durability of the first bolts, as I want to check the dimensions and try rotating the threads of three bolts against each other. The thread forming plates are made by hand, even if they are very carefully made, and it''s tricky to get them to properly line up.


    This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.


    Yes! So damn good!


    The proud craftsman smile as they makes arm slaps, back pats and just have that feeling off satisfaction and a difficult job well done. Olafr is beaming! We will make a stack of these bolts, but by changing the distance between the thread forming plates and its angle, different diameters of bolts and screws can be threaded, and by changing the thread forming plates, different thread patterns and pitches can be made. It is mostly a question of which dimensions to make. The tools in the power hammer can be adjusted for length and what head is made on the bolt or screw, but the diameter is fixed. I want to make a larger M20 for future tool attachments and such, and it will probably be a finely threaded M20 with the same 1.75mm pitch as these M12. After that, it feels like M8 is the most important size to be next, which can also give a finely threaded M12. Then M6 and M4, but that will probably need dedicated finer tooling and machines, especially if I want to do even smaller M3. I also want to make screws with slotted heads. But before that threading for M8, M12 and M20 nuts must be solved, but it is more complex to get right because that needs movement in two directions.


    The mood is high as more bolts are made, but it actually gets higher when Olafr shows that he has completed the crossbow prototype. This is what I consider to be a fairly advanced model, with an adjustable sight and also an arrow holder for 3 arrows. Well, bolts instead of arrows is the correct term when it comes to crossbows. He seems to have gotten things like the safety, the feel of the trigger and the sight good. Really good. I smile when I realise that one reason Olafr got triggers etc is good, is because he got experience with firearms before he made a crossbow. Talk about backwards tech history. Olafr has made several different bolt heads, from a wider one that cuts, to a long narrow one that can penetrate armour and chain mail.


    I don''t know how powerful this crossbow is, but it is not to play with and certainly won''t be silent to fire. I''ve been training a bit of arm strength when I''ve been training other things, but Olafr''s is a heck of a lot stronger and he''s just strong enough to load the crossbow with his bare hand, and it doesn''t feel safe. It is harmful to the crossbow if you lose the string or shoot without a bolt, and he sure don''t want to load it by hand, so he also uses the lever arm. Olafr has realised that a winch, or pull cord with small blocks would be nice if a crossbow is stronger, but both of us are worried about the force on the bowstring if it gets much stronger. It will be interesting to try to make a couple of different designs with built-in lever loading, pull cord or pump mechanism loading. I''m glad that Olafr got the bow string guard right, as it hopefully will protect the face a bit if the bow string comes loose or snaps, but how the bow string comes loose or snap will matter a lot.


    We decide to go to the shooting range to test the crossbows power and accuracy.


    <hr>


    The others were notified on the way, and arrive as we''re adjusting the bow. We need to loosen and move the bow a little sideways to compensate for the bolts flying a little to the left, and it''s a good demonstration and test of disassembly and those parts and adjusting the sight. Once the arrow flies straight enough, we fine-tune the sight. Then Jane once again stand to the side and try to film the arrow against a light background so we can see speed and figure out the power.


    There will be a lot of shooting at the shooting range arrow targets and wood targets as we test the crossbow, and again we are many. Those who want to try can. Many people know about crossbows, there just isn''t a culture for it here in the north as a bow is much simpler, cheaper, faster and easier to carry. Most men practice with bows for hunting and combat, but they are usually not huge powerful bows with 50-70kg pulling force, as 20-30kg is the most common. The bow I sometimes practice with is in the upper part of that class simply because I am taller than average, and that was what was available for my fitness and strength. The crossbow is far more powerful, and much easier to learn to shoot well as it does not require the same skill or building up the muscles that a bow requires. It is not easy to keep a bow taut, and a strong bow requires a strong fit person who has shot a lot for a long time. However, I don''t think crossbows are suitable for normal Leidung warriors because of the complication with a crossbows size-weight and special bolts.


    I really need to check how the warriors my land possessions equip and feed for Leidung service are equipped, because as a Storman with my large land possessions I of course need to fulfil my Leidung duty. Leidung is a form of home defence and navy, where each region must arrange a certain amount of ships with equipped warriors with food for two to three months, and Leidung duty is distributed down to land ownership and settlements. It''s just a slightly different distribution than pure mantal because Leidung and Skeppslag i.e. ships crew, is an old organizational institution, where some regions have increased more in population, but not their Leidung duty, and it''s also based on free men, so about 160 to 240 mantal means a ship with 24 oars and equipped warriors crew, and it is set in law what each warrior must have as a minimum. Leidung can be used both for defence and offence, and the Leidung men swear to serve for a certain time and leader. If there is a large attack or raiding force to be made, the Leidung usually gets an elected ''Sea King'' as leader, and that is a post based on military merit and respect. Usually there is a limited amount of ships and people in such a fleet, and it can be very profitable, so participation is sought after, and distribution of profit is in relation to financial support. Going Viking or conducting a Viking raid is not the same as Leidung, but more of a private enterprise from a village, region or Jarl, but generally they can''t raid anywhere they like. There might be treaties and such.


    Leidung is not something I really have had to think about because it is a continuous duty that must ''always be ready'', and thus already exists without me having to organise it. When land changes hands, the Leidung obligation that comes with that land generally does not change. However, that the Ackerek Islands become my Furstdom has meant that its small part of Tosra-Mosra''s Leidung has been affected, and they have had to find and equip one more warrior. But my large land possessions in the south entail a correspondingly large Leidung duty there, and especially there I should look over the warriors and their equipment, but also elsewhere. 7 to 10 mantal means a Leidung warrior, and due to old laws, the legally required equipment change a little depending on which region it is. The minimum for a Leidung warrior is a good leather armour, sword, shield and a knife, but a spear and a bow with a quiver of arrows are very common and so are requirements for chain mail and helmet. Of course, there is prestige in how well equipped a regions Leidung warriors are, and especially for a Storman when he-she equips an entire ship, or most of a ship.


    Betting means that Elvira and Jalida, who have never even used a bow, are asked to come forward and get 10 shots under my guidance to learn how to load and try to hit the target at 50 meter. It goes surprisingly well, although Elvia doesn''t like shooting the crossbow while, Jalida feels a bit too eager for my attention. Anyway, a crossbow like this is clearly a good weapon to teach people when defending from a protected position, and especially to women who usually don''t get at least some combat training like men and sons, and few women hunt, as it is also mostly for men and sons, so we will probably make 10 more crossbows and train all the staff on them, and make like a thousand bolts for them. To test which tip shape is most suitable, the guards should test the penetration of different armour and shoot like 5-10 bolts with each tip to get better data on penetration and damage, at short and longer distances all the way from leather up to shield in front of plate armour with chain mail underneath. They must also do similar tests with firearms. Bolts optimized for hunting are a niche that doesn''t need quantity. In battle, quantity is needed, and the enemy will have at least leather or several layers of thick clothing and most likely chain mail.


    This crossbow is hardly perfect and can be improved, and there is different priorities if you want to mass produce for an army or just have something for hunting. Most of the crossbow part don''t need to be forged steel, and iron or cast brass work well. Cast and finished brass parts are cheaper than the same in steel but weigh a bit more and the crossbow is much more expensive than a bow. But for a dozen, we don''t have to care much about cost and work. Olafr has already started thinking about building a new and beautifully decorated crossbow, and he clearly want to make one for himself. So he will make 5 more beautiful ones with decoration and 5 simpler ones without decoration.


    After Olafr leaves, I try my rifle with the suppressor. Had I thought about a suppressor from the beginning, I could have placed the front sight further back and used it as a stop and lock, but hindsight is easy. The quick release mount now became extra work, but is a very good idea, because I just push the locking catch and rotate a quarter of a turn to remove, load, and mount it back on and rotate back until the catch clicks. Of course, it is more cumbersome to reload, but it is quite fast, and considering how long a reload takes anyway, it does not make a huge difference, especially when hunting. Slow reloading and overall low shot tempo even on a shooting range means that the suppressor does not get too hot to touch.


    As expected, the rifle is hardly silent even with a subsonic load, but the suppressor lowers the sound a lot and the smoke cloud is much less. Tablet on recording is not a perfect sound meter, but I can see a relative decibel difference measured taken from the back, from the side and obliquely from the front, and the primary goal is after all to avoid hearing damage. A secondary bonus is that the suppressor actually makes it impossible for anyone to see the barrel rifling, which is a very important secret. I should really try to make it hard for people to get information about important things when it comes to firearms, and I wish flintlocks weren''t so visible and descriptive. But hard to make it more difficult to understand.


    After more shots, it''s time to clean the suppressor, but before today''s shooting session is over, we try a tactical shooting course. Ciara is most entertaining to watch as she switches abruptly between rushing, and calmly and methodically reloading, then rushing. With winter clothes and in a dress it looks quite absurd, but Ciara has definitely found something she likes. Maybe I should give Ciara a firearm of her own for her birthday in a few months?


    <hr>

 Female complications - day 13, lightning

    <hr>


    The Jacob''s ladder I have been gradually building on since autumn is finally working as I hoped, and after Bodil and Jalida help me carry it to the great hall, I introduce it. It''s not heavy, but we have to be careful with its rods, and for the first tests there will also be a couple of lead batteries in its base. Partly so it stands stable, but also because the house''s high-voltage system is not done yet. The people started to gather as we carried the contraption here, even though it''s basically straight route from the workshop, and they wonder what I''ve done this time. Jane has already taken a couple of photos and will be ready with the camera. We place the creation in the main hall, right now in the middle of the hall for the first showing, but then against a wall where it will take power from.


    It is a square wooden pillar about 80 cm high with a crank on the front and two copper rods that bow towards each other before going up and slowly way from each other. On the top in front of the copper rods I have painted two symbols: a high voltage warning in yellow and black, and a stylized hand with a red cross over it. The symbols don''t really mean anything here, because ordinary people don''t have the colour and symbol association that me and Jane do, but at least red is strength and danger and hopefully people will learn what the symbols mean. Everyone in the household takes my symbols serious and now understands what the most common ones mean.


    Of course I still warn against touching the copper rods, especially when someone is cranking. It will hurt like hell and can cause permanent damage if it gets bad. Compared to the small falling water generator, this one is much more powerful. It is important to crank with a sufficiently high tempo for this to work. I tried a relay oscillator, but it didn''t work well and I guess it was too low a frequency of about 30Hz, and the sparking was a problem if I reduced the contact distance to increase the frequency, but I could partly remedy that with a capacitor. But even with a specially built ''vibrator'' I only got up to about 100Hz. So the crank is not a generator, but just spin up a multi contactor disc in high rotation to give a high frequency by connecting and disconnecting the battery to the transformer, and the flywheel that is spun up gives more stable output and surer disconnect. Along with a spring lock, the crank system also acts as a safety so that the mechanism cannot stop in the connected position where the battery is short-circuited through the transformer. That will get ''hot and unpleasant''.


    When they have gathered around me and look expectantly on the strange contraption that I built, I start cranking. There is a whirling sound buzzing as everything spins up and a spark strikes between the closest parts of the rods, which becomes a beautiful blue-white-purple arc of plasma that travels up with a sharp sound. Gasps, shock and recoil! Even Iselin. Jane just records and captures it while smiling. I haven''t shown or described what the contraption is meant to do for any of them, but Iselin has seen the construction and helped with some experiments as well. Iselin understood the multi contactor, the battery and to some extent the transformer, but did not understand where the current would go because the copper rods just points up in the air, and she knows that current has to ''flow around'' for something to happen, and this is not a radio. Just like high frequency and radio, high voltage has its own rules. I remind Iselin that she and Kari wanted me to build something that could make bigger lightning bolts.


    Tada!


    Even Jane is puzzled when I show that the arc does not rise when I loosen and angle the rods horizontal, and the arc stays between the shortest gap. The copper rods must be vertical for the arc to rise. Jane doesn''t appreciate me smugly telling her to try to figure it out. I know she doesn''t like it when I make demands on her modern knowledge, and if she doesn''t know or can''t figure it out. If she doesn''t, I will eventually tell her that the plasma creates warm rising air, and the arc chooses the easiest path, which is through the plasma, so it follows up and the process is self-sustaining until the distance becomes too far or the top is reached where the rods are really bent out from each other. The strange smell is ozone, but Iselin is now familiar with that smell, just not this strong.


    "Sir, is it possible to make a weapon like this?! Shooting lightning bolts would be so cool!"


    Alith''s "Oohh!" and eyes says she loves Gunhild''s idea, and more people nod.


    I don''t regret explaining the word cool to them. Both Jane and I tend to use the word occasionally, and the others have adopted the word just like several other words, so Gunhild and Iselin is hardly alone. Unfortunately, I have to disappoint my weapons fanatics and explain that shooting lightning at longer distances is just impractical, but it is possible to build a small device that is battery powered that makes a small lightning, and when placed against the body, the nerves and muscles are knocked out for a short time. This is one reason why no one should touch the copper rods and the warning hand symbol is there, as this arc is strong and will do more damage.


    Jane quickly realise mentioning a tazer gun was a bad idea, and I dash their hopes for a handheld tazer as I continue to say that unfortunately it''s just dumb to build with what I have and can do here. I don''t really want to use Midg?rd components to transform up DC, and really have few suitable components although it is possible to do with a transistor and fly-back transformer. But maybe with a pulsating relay or vibrator oscillator. Tazer use does not require a stable arc. But then there are high voltages, and problems with batteries, although I actually have the cells from disassembled things and the compact small batteries. There are ways to make something tazer-like so I''ll think about it, but it won''t be small and practical.


    However, it might be handy to have a small handheld spark device that provides a spark enough to light the oil lamps instead of having to do it with flame and fire as now, but I wonder if the rape seed oil is that volatile and easily flammable. But yes, we can try and Iselin is so game to help with that creation. She isn''t the only one.


    <hr>


    Gunhild''s question about shooting lightning have made me start thinking about whether I can build a laser. Rather, I am quite convinced that I can build a laser, because that can be relatively simple with a so-called TEA laser that uses the nitrogen in the air and high voltage, but it will be a 337 nm UV laser with just a very short light pulse every time it triggers, so that laser is unfortunately practically useless for me. The most difficult thing with building such a laser here, is in addition to generating high DC voltage, a sufficiently thin and effective dielectric insulation in the capacitor. But thin glass should work and beside that I carry a lot of plastic bags and more durable plastic folders with me, as well as aluminised food bags that might work. I have built such a laser before. But it''s technically not a true laser, and a UV or IR laser that is weak and pulsed is more of an interesting curiosity than impressive, which also applies to my little red laser pointer. That weak red beam is only somewhat impressive in the dark, while looking back towards the laser, and it is a bad laser with very limited coherent light. A practical laser in the visible range would be impressive and absolutely best to demonstrate the principle of a laser, or a burning laser in the higher IR range. A 1 to 10 watt laser in the lower IR or visible range would be damn evil in a battle to target the enemy and instantly blind them, or at least seriously damage their eyes.


    You trying to attack me? I take your eye sight. To blind someone from a long distance, now that is frightening magic.


    Although, if I can take an enemy leader''s vision it might be useful, and might call off a battle.


    A huge disadvantage of such a powerful laser in the visible range is that there is a high chance it will take my own sight or someone I care about, long before it takes an enemy. A quick glare against a metal surface or bright surface is enough, and there are no laser eye protection here. Sunglasses are not laser protection. The enemy may be wearing metal helmets and so on, but there is no perfectly flat metal surface here, so from a distance it would scattered the light enough. But shit happens.


    Still, I want to do a laser, and preferably a useful laser.


    A laser consists of two main parts, the laser medium which is where the beam originates and is amplified, and the energy source which provides energy to the laser medium. The laser medium can for example be a semiconductor diode as in ordinary laser pointers, or a crystal as in the first Midg?rd laser which was a synthetic ruby, or it can be a gas such as CO2 as in ordinary industrial lasers that cut metals, or a liquid with dye. There are more variants and combinations, and a lot of stuff can be a laser medium with the right pumping and circumstances, including normal air, but where in the electromagnetic spectrum the laser emission ends up can hardly be influenced, and it might be terribly inefficient, so most laser mediums are not useful or have an impractical output effect and so on. There are reasons that some lasers are more useful than others. Good, compact and dependable infrared diode lasers are the main reasons that fiber optic communication have become such a huge part of infrastructure, and with several different wavelengths ''colours'' in one fiber, a lot of data can be transmitted through one fiber.


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    Anyway, to get energy into the laser medium, things like electric current, high voltage field, radio energy, chemical reaction, strong light or another laser are used. There are many ways but not all are practical or suitable for everything, because the laser medium must be energized in the area where it absorb the energy. A bad car analogy is that an electric motor and a gasoline engine provide horsepower to move a car, but it doesn''t work to connect a power cable into a gasoline engine or pour gasoline into an electric engine. In the first laser with synthetic ruby, a xenon flash lamp was used, because the crystal is transparent and light goes in, and a tiny bit of the white light flash has the right ''colour'' to be absorbed, but the crystal cannot be excited with, for example, electricity.


    Most lasers require the light to bounce back and forth so it amplifies itself and comes in phase and with the same frequency, becoming coherent light energy. The word laser is an abbreviation that translates to ''Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation''. Often this is done with two mirrors, one at each end of the laser medium, that should be slightly concave with a focus over the mirror distance so the light bounce back and forth, with one mirror emitting 0.1-5% or so of the light energy, and this becomes the actual laser beam.


    The xenon camera flashes I have may be powerful enough to work as ''optical pumping'', but its pulse rate will be low even if I modify it. It will only give an extremely short pulse with laser light from a laser medium and it will be relatively weak and quite useless, although shorter intense pulses can be useful or very valuable in certain contexts. The xenon flash will also have a limited lifespan, but at least it''s something for experimentation.


    So the problem in building a laser in this world is finding an appropriate laser medium, being able to drive and pump it properly, and building mirrors, silvering the ends, or bevelling the glass at the right angle so that the beam is reflected back and forth. I can forget semiconductors and probably dye as well as crystals, so a gas laser is most likely to build. A nitrogen TEA laser would have been the simplest because it doesn''t even need mirrors, but it is pulsed in the UV range. A CO2 laser would be the most powerful even though it has invisible 10.6 ¦Ìm output, but tricky to build, due to the power source and gas purification etc. An argon laser which has blue-green colour would be nice, but I can forget about creating pure argon gas. Or krypton.


    Had the car with its car stereo come along here, I would have taken out the red laser diode for DVD reading and made a more powerful red laser pointer; not enough to damage from a distance but still fun to play with. The laser for CD reading would also become a IR laser pointer, but less useful due to it being 780 nm.


    Damn.


    It would have been so incredibly useful and valuable to have had the whole car with me, because even if it was damaged from a crash, a lot would have survived, and that''s so much electric stuff like cables, lights and electronics, and so much valuable metals, rubber, plastics and other things, not to mention glass, mirrors and stuff. And all the technology and stuff I had with me in the car too, in the form of dashcam, drones, tool boxes, etc.


    Maybe I should send someone to take a trip across Hardangervidda along the stretch where the road is in the coming summer, to check if a car happened to come to Alfheimr. There is almost no chance, but Jane and I were about 8 km apart when we travelled here, and the road over Hardangervidda was only around 20 km from me. And there are people camping and such there too. If I could find a car, it would be worth so much, so I should definitely send some to wander around Hardangervidda. Having them actually walk along the most likely places for a car will be hard if they can''t read a map, but I can teach them that, and give them a compass.


    But back to other thoughts about laser and lights.


    I haven''t come up with an important use for my little red laser module, so it''s about time I make that gold ring with the laser in it that I can put on my finger when needed and that can be activated with my thumb. A magic light pointer that should be a quite cool magic effect in a dark feast hall with smoke from fires and torches. I just have to remember to have it in my pocket when we leave the islands. I''m going to make an adjustable mount for the laser ring so it can act as a small laser sight on my rifle scope, just because it''s extra absurd and slightly more useful.


    How many small laser sights have I made before in life for airsoft weapons and other things? Most of my own had it, often a combo module with red and IR laser and a focused white light illuminator. Usually cheap 6.5mm laser modules, but there have been so many lasers I''ve played with or built from laser diodes and optics. And other types. Lasers are cool, and in many situations practical.


    Actually, I should make a simple quick mount for my own Mini Maglite LED and attach matching parts on the underside of the double barrel shotgun and the hunting rifle. Tacticool as shit or something. I haven''t had any other use for the Maglite so far, and right now I don''t need another work light or something. The Maglite is better focused and has sharper light than the guards flashlight, but stupider lit as I have to screw in the front, but the light is focused enough that I can roughly aim with the light. Even if I use the lathe to make a new push button rear, the problem is that the maglite flashlight changes light mode between activations if that activation is short, but frankly, I can probably live with that for most hunting. Actually I could probably do some shutter style light block to let light through, but that waste batteries. The Nitecore Tube lamp modified would be better, but I don''t want to modify unnecessarily.


    Actually, the guards could really use another flashlight, and a better one.


    After thinking about it, I choose to scrap the one they have and make two new flashlights, each with a Lipo cell from the scrapped Wouxun radio so the NiMH cells are free, and the flashlights are charged in the same way, in a charging dock they can share. The charger for the flashlights will be a simple dock made of wood and brass with the charging circuit from the bluetooth headphones, but the charger needs 5V so it will be left in my workshop. They will have the same type of switch solution as the old flashlight had, but will also have a push button. The light source of the newer flashlight will be the focusing LED of the scrapped DSLR camera with a lens that gives stronger and more focused light. This is the dark time of the year, and they too could use a weapon light, so I''ll make a modification to the lights and shotguns, so that the flashlights belt clip can click onto the shotguns front strap mount, so the flashlights also can be used as bad weapon lights. Maybe we can do night hunting for small animals in the forest, or just rats in the barn helped by the light reflection from their eyes, and there is a small tactical advantage in the basement all year round.


    With Bodil''s and with the help of several others, we start building and modifying. Bodil asks if it''s okay for her to decoratively carve the casings for the flashlights and the dock, which I gladly give her, so we''ll put in the electrical stuff of the flashlights when that wood work is finished and oiled.


    <hr>


    Long dark winter nights mess with my circadian rhythm, but life in this world is better at keeping it in check. It''s evening and I''m sitting in my office and after I''ve updated the diary log, I''m trying to solve various design problems and issues. So many projects and things to think about. I create lists, but there are still problems and I forget things. There is a knock and Jane ask:


    "Robert, can I borrow the bluetooth speaker?"


    I just point to it without taking my eyes from the papers. It''s not the first time they borrow it, and the music group often uses the bluetooth speaker, so she knows what to do. This fecking problem! Lousy writing tools sure isn''t helping! I need to make proper fecking pencils! Which is another project! Argh! Music starts playing, and I recognise that rhythm with guitar and drums that starts ''Kiss - I was made for loving you'', and I find myself nodding to the beat. I hear the door lock click, so I turn around. Jane is leaning with ther back against the door, wearing one of her Midg?rd shirts, jeans and high heels, but what is most surprising is that she has put on lipstick and eye shadow. Have I ever even seen that on her before? She''s seductively wagging her hips to the beat and has a sinful smile as she points to me and says:


    "Stay in that chair and don''t move."


    It takes a few seconds before I realise that Jane is giving me a sexy striptease while she dance and sings along to the song, where she of course changes ''girl'' to ''boy''. It''s damn easy to play along in her fantasy which is sexy, erotic and my first striptease. I can''t remember any girlfriend ever done a proper striptease before.


    When the song ends, she has put her bra on my head and is smiling expectantly, so I stand up and say in classic Tarzan style; "Me Robert. You Jane." I lift her up over her shoulder in a fireman''s carry as she starts pretending to be a kidnapped Victorian lady and pretend to fight back and complain about being kidnapped by a jungle barbarian as I take the speaker. I carry her into my bedroom as she begs me to be careful as I, "ravage me all night long." Jane giggles and smile as I lay her into my bed. Good end to this evening.


    The evening becomes more intense when later, with a playful smile and eye gesture, I questioningly pull long fine pieces of fabric up from one of the bed''s hidden compartments, one by one. Jane immediately gets a sinful smile and lies down with her arms up and out, but she is first given a blindfold as we play with each other''s bodies, mouths and tongues, before I gently and sensually bind her hands.

 Female complications - day 14, honesty fly

    Female complications, day 14


    Honesty fly


    We wake up feeling nice and content, and I snuggle up against Jane''s back, hugging her to me. My sexy ?lskarinna. Jane is sleepy but sounds happy as greets me: "Good morning lover. That might not have been a sure top ten for you, but it was for me. I really don''t regret that I got you to practise on Kari, and I have to give her credit for the interesting options on this four poster bed."


    Jane sighs contentedly and it''s nice just to hold her. Feel her body against mine.


    "My wonderful sexy ?lskarinna. Jag ?lskar dig. I love you. I love talking and spending time with you. I love just lying and holding you and having you next to me." I feel Jane snuggle a little against me and happy with her position, she sighs contentedly, which only makes this nicer. "If I had known a few months ago..." I kiss her neck and feel her shiver and try to curl up a bit more. "I did not expect your awesome striptease yesterday, which was my first striptease ever. You looked so damn sexy peeling of clothes like that, and the look and makeup was the cherry on top. Good evening and night. I hope you don''t expect to get up for a while, because I like to just lie and hold you like this, feel and smell your hair, and your body against mine. Oh yes, your mine, and I''m not letting you go!" It feels so corny to say that once again, but it''s true and works all too well.


    "My striptease was your first ever?" I can hear Jane smiling and being pleased about that. "Robert, a striptease pole over there beside the bed. There is room and I promise you''ll not regret it. A friend had one installed in her bedroom that I practised a bit on. Of course just to be her training buddy and practice flexibility and strength."


    "I''m convinced I would appreciated it, but I doubt it''s a practical idea. A steel pipe can probably be entirely forgotten, cast brass will probably be too heavy, and making it out of wood is not practical because I don''t think wood is durable enough for a thin long pole like that, with such forces applied to it."


    "Did you just call me fat?" Her voice has taken on a slightly threatening tone, but she mostly sounds surprised.


    "Pffffh! You''re certainly not fat, but do you have any idea of the amount of energy a mass in motion has? Double the speed and the energy quadruple, and although you were mostly sensual yesterday, I reckon you can be quite energetic. Reversing a car into something at 5-10 km/h is a completely different thing than hitting a tree at 30km/h. Oak or something might be okay for a pole, as masts for sails are common, but the pole will be mounted at the flood and at the ceiling, which will mess with its flex, and the forces are applied to the middle more than the ends as a mast, so the risk is that the pole flexes out of its mounts, and it can split or give wooden splinters, which would dampen the mood. For the pole to be gripped, it needs to be around 40-45 mm, say 45 mm which is enough to grip but a bit stronger, or maybe 50 mm, because those 5 mm extra in diameter probably means 10-15% more in strength and less flexing. There are wooden beams in this room both up in the ceiling and under the floor to which the striptease pole can be attached which can take the forces down and to the sides."


    Jane just smiles as she say; "It''s best if the pole can rotate, but also be locked with a pin."


    "It should rotate? That makes sense, but that means bearings that handle side load and axial load. Shit."


    "That''s so typical of you. You immediately start analysing the problem, trying to think of solutions, possibilities, etc. But it''s good that one of us thinks extra hard, because we both know I don''t do it enough."


    "You shouldn''t belittle yourself, and we all make mistakes. Just try to learn from your mistakes, and try to learn to think about consequences before. I hope we can always try to talk openly. I''m bad at it myself, and uncomfortable, especially about feelings and sex, but I would like us to try. Just give me some time to get used to it. I also want to hear about any wishes or fantasies you have, so I can try to fulfil them. I''ve said it before, but I like to make you happy relaxed bodies full of endorphins, and it''s often more satisfying for me to do that, than if you do the same to me. The combination is of course the best, but satisfying me sexually is not difficult, as you must have noticed."


    "Well, you''re a man so you pretty much just have an ''On'' switch in multiple locations, and it''s a bit unfair that men are so easy. But you''re good at playing, exploring and handling my buttons, joystick, knobs and complicated touch interface - and we females like that most can get multiple orgasms."


    "Men would really have appreciated it if women also had an ''On'' button, but it''s a nice challenge as long as you let me play. Feedback is appreciated. I hope you will tell me your fantasies and what you like, and also tell me about less good sexual things and acts between us. Regardless of what you say or don''t say, I will try to figure it out, but it might very wrong. No matter what you say, I will never judge you or ridicule you. No matter what. If I do, know that I''m disappointed in future me, and remind me so. Even if you want to have sex with other men, tell me before. As you know, it will hurt me, but I''d rather be hurt because you told the truth, than don''t dare to say it, or do it in secret. Don''t expect it to stay secret. So I wish you tell me, and I know it will be hard. It''s hard for me, but I want you to know that you can trust me, and don''t be afraid to hurt me with honesty. Be afraid to hurt me with dishonesty and deception. I can accept a lot, accept reality and live with it, but if you have been dishonest or deliberately hurt me, the risk is high that I choose to live without you. It would still hurt, but it would eventually pass."


    Jane rolls over and hugs me. She looks teary as she looks into my eyes and kisses me.


    "I also want us to be honest with each other. It was so liberating to talk to you in that couch, and I''m so extremely pleased with how that went, so yes; I will try to be honest and I also wish that you tell me about all your fantasies, because I want to try and fulfil them. I should have guessed that you never had a striptease before. You''ve told me ju where sexually inexperienced before coming here. I still can''t believe that you never seen a full porno movie, but considering how uncomfortable you were just watching the sex scene in Atomic Blonde, I don''t doubt it. Two hot women making sensual love in a movie and you try to look away, eat and drink to have an excuse to not watch because I wouldn''t let you skip it. No wonder you turned that around on me for revenge. But it is cute that you feel you''re intruding in the fictional characters private moment, when you have seen and experienced much more than that in real life several times. Also very telling about how much you respect privacy. I will try to talk to you about my fantasies, and I will try to give us both more sexy experiences you never even dreamt of. It''s my duty as your awesome lover. Sadly it''s impossible to help you join the Mile High Club."


    Jane''s beautiful face just has a wide happy grin. My eyes focus on her lips while I slowly zone out as I think about building an aeroplane. I''ve had those thoughts before. Building an aeroplane isn''t terribly advanced as long as it won''t be optimal. I know the principles and importance for control; angle of attack; airfoils; air resistance of different profiles; centre of gravity; rudder; wires or lines for controls and putting frame and wings in compression and rigidity; how an aeroplane handles in the air. And instrumentation such as altimeter; compass; air speed; climb and fall rate; artificial horizon; angle meter; fuel gauge; etc. I have flown RC models with or without FPV and built my own models in different materials. The basics are the same for a 2 meter model and a small aeroplane. It won''t be a supersonic fighter or huge highly efficient long range passenger jet. I like electric gliders, long distance FPV, quad flying in terrain and have competed in drone racing. Materials and engine is the issue, but material is less of an issue since pine or laminated wood and stretched linen fabric works and lasts a long time even if it is not optimal. Total weight and the engine are the problem, because a glider doesn''t count. The design, manufacturing and above all the fuel for a petrol or diesel engine is problematic. A steam engine weighs too much. An electric motor does not work as lead batteries weigh too much, and what I can build in batteries or electric motors has lousy efficiency and power to weight ratio. Turbines are too advanced to make with all its precision, and the demands on metals due to high rotational speed and heat. Pulse jet is a problem due to fuel, material and probably power to weight ratio. Maybe I can make some kind of alcohol or biofuel diesel engine. Rapeseed oil? Ethanol? Mixing them? Wood gas? A lightweight internal combustion engine would also be valuable for machines and ground vehicles. I notice Jane staring at me, and that I''ve come back to reality.


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    "You just seriously thought about building a bloody aeroplane, just so you can join the Mile High Club?!"


    I just nod. "Not just. It''s not impossible to build and the problem is mostly to make a sufficiently powerful, efficient and light engine and its fuel. It will probably be close to an ultralight, motorized hang glider or self-stabilising plane like a Cub or biplane from the early 1920s, but nothing wrong with them and the plane itself shouldn''t be much of a problem to build, although I have to do a lot of structural and load testing as the weight has to be kept down. And I tend to oversize which is not good on aircraft where weight is at a premium. I haven''t piloted any real aircraft before, only radio controlled and in simulators, and don''t really look forward to the risk of being the test pilot, especially since it will be close to the stall limit. An autogyro is tempting as well as some kind of parachute even if that parachute is bad. I''ve crashed more than one RC aeroplane before I could get the model out of stall or a death spiral, because I like slower RC and flying at low altitude, except when it''s long range FPV electric gliders. I have some videos on my phone and tablet.


    The engine and fuel are the biggest issue, especially if the aircraft is to be reasonably useful and carry two people, or carry some kind of cargo and have range. The aeroplane is going to need a 20 hp engine or more to even try getting it airborne, and for a practical aircraft I''m going to need to create a lightweight 40-80 hp engine, and with good reliability and runtime between service. Several very very difficult problems, especially here with this level of technology and lack of fuel and lubricants.


    I''m thinking of an alcohol or biofuel engine, which can also fill the niche for a lot of power in a compact size and light weight, but even a bad and inefficient engine would be useful for other applications like a small powerboat or car, and the engine doesn''t need a lot of horsepower for an ultralight style aeroplane or more glider design. For just being the first motorized flight, something with a short lifespan and small tank will suffice. I don''t think a pulse jet can be manufactured either. Create fuel like propane is troublesome, and wood gas probably isn''t enough and the stresses the material must withstand are a big problem, otherwise a pulse jet would have been mechanically simple if I used the more modern U design instead of vibrating diaphragm valve or shutters like in the German V-1 flying bomb. Using a pulse jet to fly would be extra impressive due to the noise - talk about using thunder to fly - because pulse jet engines are only really good at converting fuel into noise, and as a bonus you get a lot of heat and some power. Maybe I should try building a pulse jet in steel, and try feeding it with alcohol. It should scare the crap out of everyone, and would be fun and impressive to try on a boat even if it''s going to be slow. Unless I can get the boat to plane."


    "Robert. I don''t really care! I just said something I thought was impossible. I should have known that for you impossible just takes longer. That should be a stupid slogan, not a realistic goal! Bollocks! You might actually build a real aeroplane here, with stuff made here. 100% native Alfheimr. In the bloody Viking age. ''Yes, your knights in shining armour are impressive when they''re all lined up with their banners fluttering in the wind. That strange noise getting louder? Oh, nothing; just my Air force making the bombing run I radioed in.'' I kind of wish that I actually had geology and chemistry as hobbies so I could help you more."


    "One of the reasons for the pavilion is to enable larger construction projects. An aeroplane wing fits easily in there, and I can actually build a whole aeroplane there, but it''s a pain to get it out of there unless I build it as detachable sections. The railing on the short side against the basement entrance and the court yard is made to be easily removed. Gliders will happen in a few years, but I don''t have a good slope without trees, or it will be a weight driven winch for acceleration like the Wright brothers used. People will more easily accept that as real flight if the aeroplane take off from flat ground. It would be fun to have an aeroplane even for a shorter distance or flight duration, but from a functional and useful point of view, a seaplane or a flying boat model would be the only practical option. Most fields are not large flat fields that has been ploughed for hundreds of years like in Midg?rd, and especially not ploughed with large wide machines, but there are plenty of water surfaces nearby and beside the coast and fjords, Sweden alone has something like twenty five thousand lakes that are larger than 0.1 square kilometer, and Norway have something like twenty thousand. However, it is difficult to get a seaplane to plane and leave the surface and take off. Seaplanes are generally heavier and have more air resistance, which also requires more engine power. I''ll need to try different solutions like papier-mach¨¦ and the like to save weight and reduce air resistance."


    "Oh my god! The pavilion and papier-mach¨¦ was created before we moved here! That was half a year ago! You knew and planned aeroplanes back then!"


    "Yes. I know about important design things like pontoons, the step pontoons have, the shape, etc, as well as several flying boat designs and solutions. I also know the risk of them rolling over when landing or when they take off, and will require calm water, which smaller lakes often have, but a flying boat is better than pontoons and should be overall lighter with perhaps less air resistance. A usable flying boat that can fly to Borgarsandr or Skiringsalr would be nice and impressive as hell, not to mention landing on the lake at Northmens Tingen if that lake is big enough, but the river certainly is, although wind direction matters."


    "Bloody hell! We might actually fly to Borgarsandr in a few years! Unless we take the speedboat or the car! That really is 1920s!"


    "Don''t hype it up for yourself. Take it as it comes. Creating something practical to fly that''s reliable and safe enough for us, might be too difficult even in my lifetime, because there''s so many issues because of how primitive the technology here is. But yeah, I hope to start this summer, and I expect the first real steamboat to be built by then and maybe the steamcar will be built by the fall, although we will hardly take the steamcar to Borgarsandr. I already have everything I need for the first steamboat prototype, it''s just that other things have gotten in between. That''s why I had two catamaran ferries made, when we only needed one. Big flat surface for the steam boiler I have in one of the storerooms. I already have a steam engine, and I plan to try with paddle wheels and a propeller."


    "Oh God!" Jane is really shocked, and it''s kind of amusing.


    "I''m constructing an electric outboard motor, and will test a modified faering on the lake, just to cross it off the list. It doesn''t get much easier than an electric motor, gear, propeller and a switch. Although I complicated that a bit by making a rotary throttle switch on the handle which change how the battery is connected to give some speed control. It''s mainly that the parts are so valuable or I might have tried to build a radio controlled model aeroplane. There''s plenty of mountains and hills to throw the plane from here, though I have to be careful with all the surrounding sea. I''ve been thinking of using the valley below the village as a small airfield, because there are hills and mountains all around except to the south. I should build a free-flying model out of wood and paper. I think it would be appreciated, and Iselin should love to build her own. There are many flying toys that are more or less advanced to make, but haven''t seen or heard of any here."


    "Yeah, she loves throwing paper aeroplanes, and they all love boomerangs. When you start making model planes and flying toys I think I want to be part of that. I need more hobbies and that feels different and more modern than pretty much anything else, and not so bloody complicated as radios and all that. Doh! What am I saying? Of course you will make it complicated and advanced."


    "It will mostly be fiddly work with wood, glue and paper and it doesn''t have to be complicated, but some complication helps and makes it better. It would be practical, for example, to have a small mechanical timer that releases the stabiliser to a 50 degree angle which makes the plane land after the preset time, although the same can be done with a burning fuse. Or a mechanism that disengages after you pull launched the free-flying model with a cord. A small alcohol-powered model engine can also be practical and fun since I can do control line flying, and can be good practice for making bigger engines. I can turn small things on my lathe. I''ve been thinking about making a radio control in the 30 MHz range with the remote control from the SDR dongle, and maybe build a RC aeroplane with move control surfaces via electromagnets. Simple rudder control like bang-bang control that spring to neutral would work. It''s enough with rudder-elevator or aileron-elevator to be enjoyable, and it could be built well enough to be crash resistant. Sorry. Thoughts that goes on tangents as usual. As you know, I like solving problems and figure out solutions."


    Jane looks amused as I once again gone astray in my musings, and this time about building an unnecessary but fun RC controller, although that might be good for other sejd and magic.

 Female complications - day 14, reading Jane

    Jane''s face gets a more serious look and she asks; "I guess you see us; wife, girlfriends and me as riddles to solve?"


    "I am bad at reading people and social things. I often miss obvious things if I''m not in the right frame of mind. Woman blatantly flirting with me, adjusting her breasts in front of my face so I''ll focus on her cleavage, and asking me about my sleeping arrangements for the night? Poof! Right over my head, because at the time I was more interested in the conversation we were having. It''s annoying when I way too late realise things like that. Not so much because I missed sex, but because I missed something so obvious. Who knows what it would have led to? But no, you are not riddles to solve. You are very close to me and I care about you, so I want you to have a good life and be happy, and our relationship means trying to make you sexually happy and satisfied. I try to notice what you seem to enjoy most or not so much, but I am also often curious about how good I can be at something. For example, I look forward to shooting at the range, but not because I get a kick out of it, and after reaching enough proficiency, it won''t make me a better hunter, but I want to shoot because I want to know how good of a shot I can be with these rifles. I want to improve the rifles for a similar reason, and just try different things to see how they effect the accuracy or ballistics. Curiosity and challenge.


    I can''t help but apply the same mindset to sex - especially since I have multiple partners - by both trying to do my best for you, because each of you deserve the best sex I can give you, but also constantly trying to learn, improve and see how good I can be as your partner and for the sex you like. You are not riddles to solve, but I want to be the best I can be for each of you. Most of the time, I can no longer switch off my brain during sex, because it has become such a big part of my everyday life. I''ve gotten used to sex, and a naked woman''s body or naked breasts no longer turns my brain off, and that''s both good and bad. Good because it means I can lie here with you, look into your eyes and feel your beautiful naked body against mine, feel your soft skin and curves under my hands and still have this conversation, instead of getting distracted and becoming a drooling idiot. The bad thing is that I now can, because your deserve me turning into a drooling idiot when I feel you against me and under my hands. I''m just glad you''re so very sexy when you want to be, so I''m reminded of how lucky I am."


    My honest opinion rewards me with a beautiful smile and a pleased happy kiss from Jane, but I need to continue.


    "So I can''t usually switch off my brain, but I often have trouble understanding people. So unfortunately there''s a good chance I''ll notice that the chair you''re using wobbles, or some is chafing or a bit wrong etc and fix that, but I''ll miss that you''re annoyed about something completely different. Or like when Kari wore a corset for a long time. Everyone else seemed to have noticed it. I just wasn''t looking at her body. As you yourself said, I had missed how many women were really looking at me. I had noticed it, but I didn''t realise and understand how real it was. My self-image didn''t match, and since I''ve never flirted with women for one-night stands, it didn''t make sense that women here would want to do that with me."


    Jane looks at me with a slightly critical and thoughtful expression. "We all know your attention is random and you can be hilariously blind and at the same time annoyingly perceptive, like how you notice a lot of faults or plot holes in movies. But I understand your issue about emotions, women and sex. What about me? What about my fantasies?"


    "Urgh! I''m afraid to say it. Afraid it will be wrong and you will be offended or interpret it as something I subconsciously want, which you may then feel compelled to fulfil etc etc. Layers and layers of thoughts, because I''m bad at reading and emotions."


    "Robert, sometimes you think way to much. We agreed be honest, so man up and say it. I won''t judge you either, but I''m curious about what you got right and what you got wrong."


    Jane reluctantly turn round when I indicate that she should, so that she is once again lying with her back to me, but I continue to hold her.


    "Sorry that I''m talking to your neck, but it''s easier this way. I love you and I don''t want to see your face if I''m wrong, but I''ll close my eyes anyway. It''s better that you can get your head together before I see or you say anything, because it gives me less information to contemplate about or draw conclusions on that might be wrong." Damn this is hard, but we have said we will be honest so I just have be it. I feel myself stutter as I start.


    "According to Kari, you have acquired a pair of wrist cuffs, and you seem to know a lot about bondage and domination. About the clothes and accessories, especially details, so you must have read, looked and maybe fantasised about it, and it wouldn''t surprise me if you bought things that you have hidden in a closet, but never dared to show. Never dared to talk about it with your friends or boyfriends. Especially if they''ve made negative comments if you discretely tried to bring the subject up. It may be completely innocent, because I''ve learned some about that stuff too, just because it''s a part of a good story or interesting story, or because I''ve read a lot of other things the author created. But my knowledge is very limited, and I have not searched for such stories or bought anything sexually related. I''ve read several South Korean stories that had plenty of sex, but I scrolled past to get to the dialogue and such. Done the same for way too long fight scenes. You know how I am. Anyway, it could be that you simply like the look and feel, or the idea of it, but not the act itself.


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    Frankly, I do like the look of some sexy or fetish clothing on women, but my practical mind gets in the way, and I''m glad you designed sexy clothing and other things like corsets and introduced this. I probably wouldn''t have done that, which seems to have been a mistake, and that''s after I introduced bras and panties. But I saw a practical use for those. Well, mostly the bra. I can''t see myself ever having introduced high heels - especially stilettos - because they are just a too impractical expensive luxury item with extremely narrow usage range, as few here even have wooden, tile or stone floors, and cobble stone streets are rarely smooth enough. I would never have thought there would''ve been anyone who wanted to wear them, since they haven''t been bombarded by modern media and fashion. Yes, high heels can be stylish and sexy partially because I have that association, so I wouldn''t have expected Iselin to love stilettos, although it became completely clear why when she explained it to me. For me, shoes are only practical items; I don''t buy shoes because they are stylish, fashionable or luxurious, and I only own one pair of dress shoes that I have barely worn. I have literally bought all-black fancy trainers to only wear to certain events where I can avoid the dress shoes. Because it''s more practical and comfortable, especially if I have to walk or stand for a long time. Besides those two, I basically have five pairs of shoes including my hiking boots and sandals for the beach, and I don''t like when I need to buy new shoes. I usually by the same type and size if that is still available, maybe in another colour.


    To return to sex, you probably haven''t dreamed of dominating your partner, since you''ve given Kari such specific things that go against that, or that''s why you''ve done it, to subtly dominate her. But given what you''ve casually said about ''asking me to bend over'' and ''being led in a leash'' I think you want to try being controlled or be ''submissive''. To experience feeling completely at the mercy of someone who completely controls you, and you are that person''s plaything. But it requires trust and care, and I don''t think you''ve truly had that."


    I start using my hands on her arms, body, wrists and fingers as I say things, echoing what Kari likes to hear.


    "I think you want to feel how I sensually but methodically tighten the wrist cuffs on your wrists, how the leather and fabric tighten against your body, hugging your body. The pressure of a corset, that I know you sometimes like to wear and find beautiful. How straps with rings go around your waist, along your back, between your legs, around and over your breasts. A collar around your neck, with a ring. A ring that is to control you, to lead you where I want, and you just have to follow. How I clamp fast and control your legs and arms. Restricting your movements. Taking away your free will. You have no choice but to do exactly what I make you do. I take your sight with a blindfold over your eyes, so you only feel my hands and hear my voice, surrounded by darkness. Your sense of touch and hearing heightened. I take your voice with a ball gag in your mouth, and you can only pant and feel saliva gathering, and you can''t even stop that. Your will is meaningless, because only my will exists. You are my plaything, and nothing more."


    As I have talked and touched her, I have felt her reactions, her heart pounding and her breathing. How she seems to shiver here under the thick blanket, and I have continued to talk as she seems to react positively. I feel like Kari was right enough about her that Jane wants to try, and as long as they want to keep it separate, it shouldn''t be a problem.


    "You are just a toy for me to enjoy and give pleasure, a body with no will of its own. You can only helplessly feel my fingers and hands caressing and playing with your helpless body, as you are completely at my mercy. Feel how I tenderly touch your nipples and use my lips and tongue wherever I want, how I want and how long I want. How, with dildos and my cock, I penetrate you and give you orgasm after orgasm where you lie helplessly straining against the shackles and straps, and you can only gasp and indulge to pleasure, because you have no choice."


    <hr>


    Jane, whose cylinders where firing like crazy, doesn''t let me out of bed until a pleasant half hour later. I''m so happy we''ve become a couple, and I''m also glad I let her talk her mind out that afternoon, because my planned distancing from her would have been a huge mistake, for both of us and for my psychological healing, and I let her know that. I love Iselin the most, but Jane shares second place with Ciara, although Kari is close behind them. Frankly, it''s more like they each have their own part of my heart.


    It''s only when I stand in the shower that I realise I have some faint lipstick marks all over my body. Her lipstick might not smear like classic lipsticks, but it''s not entirely without leaving smears. I also realise that I need help to find and get rid of all the smudges from my body, so I open the bathroom door a smidge and get them to call for Caecilia, who soon comes rushing, and happily speeds up when she realises that I''ve asked for her from the bathroom. Caecilia helps me with the issue, although she first tries to kiss them off my body, and then some. I''m not really keen on having sex with her, but she''d be so disappointed if I called her to the bathroom without any intimacy. I better call Ciara next time.


    <hr>

 Female complications - day 14, diodes

    <hr>


    I will paint camouflage on the cannon, just because I can and want to, regardless of what my wife and concubines want, but that camouflage will be similar to the future uniforms, especially on the shield. When I take a closer look at the cannon, I realise that a solid shell is missing from the cannon''s ammo box.


    Who the hell could have taken one?! Why?!


    It''s literally 4 kg of iron and lead and 7.5 cm in diameter! Ah. I realise what the shape looks like, and who might want to borrow one, so I sigh and call for Alith. When Alith arrives, I meaningfully look at the empty space in the ammo box, and Alith looks a bit guilty, so I whisper, "Did it fit?"


    Alith gets a terribly guilty look on her face and looks away before whisperingly responding: "I''m sorry, Sir. But the cannon is so powerful and sexy, and the shells have been popping up in my mind since I helped load the cannon at the firing test. Once I got that in my head, I just couldn''t let it go, and the cannon just sits here under the cloth outside our day room as a constant reminder, and I''ve walked past it so many times each day. It was too embarrassing to ask, and I just hasn''t put the shell back yet. I''ll fetch it right away."


    "Alith, return it discretely when possible, and wash off the shell before you return it. Also keep in mind, that the finish isn''t completely smooth and lead is worse than wood, so don''t do it again. Your health is important to me."


    <hr>


    Finalising more clocks is going smoothly and relatively quickly, and apart from a flip clock for my bedroom, we have been gradually upgrading the existing pendulum clocks, so the main hall, guest mansion and staff room pendulum clocks have proper striking mechanisms. The staff room clock has a simpler striking mechanism for each hour of the day, but the other two are advanced and divide the day into six hour sections and have a single strike, followed by a double strike, triple strike etc to six strikes and then start again. So the clocks strike six strokes 00, 06, 12, 18. It''s easy to count when you hear it, and we should always be able to tell which of the six hour sections applies except possibly in the middle of the winter night if you wake up completely wrong and confused. The sound is deliberately chosen to be quite low so as not to wake anyone up but still be heard. If there is a problem with that, we will simply use the blocking function so that there are no strikes during the night.


    The wall clocks powered by the electric timing signal are very flat and look ''modern'' as the stepping mechanism takes up very little space, and we hang them in the various larger rooms where we want to display the time, and there is currently a wire available that can be used for the time signal. All sambos wanted clocks in their bedrooms, so as well as building a smaller table top clock that can also be use as an alarm clock, it has been necessary to run an extra wire for the time signal for them, but this has been relatively easy as they already have electricity and are next door or above each other, or in Ciara''s and Caecilia''s case, next to my room. In the future, I will need to run a lot more wires in the house and make a better network for time signals, and it will probably be similar at the Academy and elsewhere. But, until that construction gets closer to being finished, there''s simply no point in making many more clocks, even if there are a few special ones, and prepare for when we do need those clocks.


    Because Ciara really loves clocks, the ticking of the pendulum and it going back and forth like a tail, a special clock is being made for her, which is based on one of those cat clocks that has a tail and eyes that swing back and forth, but it won''t tick. The plan is a normal time signal clock, but with an electromagnet that sets the tail wagging every time there is a time signal, while the eyes just change which way they are looking. So the eyes don''t switch back and forth in time with the wagging tail. Jane''s special clock isn''t finished yet either. It looks like the others'' table clocks, but has extra features she''ll hopefully find annoying. Iselin has been very enthusiastic about both special clocks, and she wants her own flip clock on her bedside table. It is likely that somewhere there will eventually be an advanced flip clock that shows the time, day of the week, week number and day and month.


    So many projects.


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    There have been several batches of copper purification, and the copper crystals have been pretty good too and pretty, but they are damn fragile. I have after much heating managed to melt copper with my new high temperature lab furnace, so I know it can reach 1085 C, and that its thermometer scale works reasonably well, although I doubt the furnace can get much higher, because it took a hell of a time to slowly reach copper melting temperature. In this case that is actually an advantage as a stable temperature around 1000 C create the red oxide layer. However, I think I will continue to use the electrolysis method, as it seems to give the best diodes.


    But while the high temp lab furnace fires up once again, copper is purified and the electrolysis bath continues, we take down all the thermometers and verify that all still show the same at minus and in heated water, which feels very good and reassuring. I''ve once again started thinking about eye protection and sunglasses, and tempering glass has gone well, so I can make some sunglasses or eye protection with tempered glass. I''ll find, grind and temper some glass plates in coloured glass. Especially the glass plates in slightly darker red-orange glass and yellow glass will probably be good because some parts completely lack small bubbles. I need to make a proper microscope.


    We continuing to mould more rain gauges using the same template as last time. I''m going to build more barometers too, so I can start setting up weather stations in many places. If the maids in Borgheim want to learn radio, they can also learn to collect data from a weather station, and I want Asbj?rn to have one and probably Myrun too, and one at Asbj?rn''s new lighthouse at Vinga island would also be practical, as well as in Forsheim, Laxlanda or the future inn in Elfrhamr. The V?lva living in southern Orusingen would also appreciate a barometer, and could get a whole set if she agree to gather and share data.


    Both Iselin and I are happy as we test all the copper oxide diodes, and measure that they work without any diode being shorted. We mount them in stacks, sadly they seem to have quite a lot of forward resistance, enough that I probably won''t have to add a resistor to limit charging current in many cases, and that makes me a bit more worried about heat generation and cooling. But all the diodes except the smallest single diode for radio receivers have fins that poke out to dissipate heat, and we will use paint with thin clay to try to insulate them a little better on the outside and keep out oxygen etc. Eventually our work has become four <60V capable rectifiers, so I''m now going to start planning for higher voltage AC power plant and higher voltage battery. There have also been single diodes suitable for radio receivers although they are not that small, and diode stacks using the larger diodes rated for <20V that can handle more current, and I''ll have to test how much current that is, and a finished rectifier bridge that can convert AC to DC for <20V.


    Jane still find it hard to believe that we''re literally making semiconductors in Elvish middle ages.


    <hr>


    It''s evening when Iselin and Caecilia comes to fetch me from the workshop. I don''t react at first, and is just about to proudly show Iselin the promising Zinc Negative Resistance tests, but I see that both of them have put on make-up, and not as is usual here. I also recognise that red tone on their lips. Indeed, Jane has helped them, and they find it strange. Even though they don''t really see themselves in mirrors many times each day, they can see what the other looks like, and Jane has taken photos and used the mobile phone camera in selfie mode so they could see themselves. Iselin doesn''t think lipstick is for her as it feels strange, but she likes the way Caecilia looks in it and has done so since she was ''Elsa'', and clearly once again, Caecilia comments that Iselin looks extra beautiful with make-up, which gives Iselin a sweet smile. But then again, isn''t make-up almost always worn to impress others? Both are so gods damn beautiful, with make-up just being that extra touch.


    Damn... These two beautiful young women are my wife and my courtesan. Wow. Schwing!


    Iselin likes the eye shadow though, and black eyelashes are okay. I''ve learned and am quick to say that make-up is their choice, and given what should be possible here, I prefer them both without lipstick if it smudges like crazy, so we can kiss whenever we want without having to worry about smudges or needing to wash clothes or maybe damaging clothes, which they both agree with.


    However, both agree that there is a market for more and better make-up, and Iselin has already decided to support Jane''s experiments in it, including Alfheimr lipstick. I''ll have to talk to Jane about it, so she''s wary of anything that could be dangerous, but I think she knows that. Botox is hardly the first poison used to look beautiful, and in the 19th century arsenic was commonly used to lighten skin and show that you were rich enough to not work in the fields.


    As we walk up the stairs, I notice Iselin whistling Rihanna''s ''Umbrella'' as she dances up the steps in her stilettos. If I remember the video correctly, I suspect I know why she wants eye shadow and care less about red lips. Huh. Iselin''s birthday is coming up, so I should take a screenshot and ask Jane to paint a Rihanna ''fan girl'' picture for Iselin. Can I make an umbrella with impregnated fabric or something that is actually really good rain protection?

 Female complications - day 15, another view

    Female complications, day 15


    Another view.


    It''s early, but not really that early, since we need daylight to hunt medium and large birds. But they sky is brightening as we cross the bridge between the islands. It is cold but clear and not raining, and only a few degrees below zero, and we can see the frost on the ground, and snow that has not melted yet on the northern sides. This makes it difficult to sneak, although sneaking too well is often counter-productive in scaring up birds.


    Olafr and I each carry a double-barrelled shotgun, while Iselin''s father Iuli have a bow, just like our bodyguards, although Gunhild carry the crossbow since I want to try that too, and I''m not alone in that. We will meet up and probably switch. Olafr is with Alith, Iuli with Bodil, and I''m with Gunhild. I chose Gunhild to protect me and Alith know why she''s getting a small punishment, but she understands that things will go back to how it was.


    <hr>


    When we walk back over the bridge, it has been a good morning. I got a bird while Gunhild got a bird and a hare. Olafr and Iuli have each got a bird, and Bodil got another hare. Both shotgun pellets and the crossbow works fine, and the crossbow is insane overkill on a medium sized bird, but pleasant to shoot. I should make a kind of clay pigeon range with a throwing machine and mass produce clay pigeons, and Olafr likes the idea, but first I''ll try it with a hand launcher. Klakki and Eym?rd will be tasked with moulding clay pigeons using templates and firing them. It''s not the first strange thing they make, as they''ve already been tasked with making some simple discs to put on the anchor lines of larger ships to make it difficult for rats to climb on board.


    I let Gunhild take lead and shoot with the shotgun, for which she was so grateful, and it made me happy to see how happy Gunhild was when she stalked with the shotgun in low ready and head searching, just like how I had done. And she is good. Same with the crossbow which is almost like holding a shotgun. I know they practised with the crossbow yesterday, but apparently they practised more than I assumed. Gunhild thinks a bow is better for this type of small game hunting, but the crossbow is more powerful and easier to hit with at longer distances and branches etc are less of an issue. She is looking forward to trying to sneak around in a Ghillie suite with a crossbow and hunt animals that way. Like the others, she is curious about the crossbow prototype with a built-in mechanism for faster reloading. Shorter reloading time, easier reloading while in a small cover or behind a shield, and that is less exhausting to do again and again, and less things that need to be held and can be dropped or lost, are obviously advantageous in combat, instead of the most powerful crossbow with slow reloading. But there will be very powerful winched crossbows made that are probably used mostly for large game hunting.


    Fresh meat is nice, and bird or hare is different than hen or fish, and will be welcomed. I assume there are quite a lot of hares on these islands and we can set traps, because there are always plenty of hares in this kind of environment. Maybe we can make large cages and raise hares for meat? Hardly the most awesome meat, but we have fresh sea fish a bit too often for my taste and it''s not my favourite, but we live on an island on the coast, and I''m well aware that fresh fish is a luxury too and good for our health. My information about goitre and iodine means that fish will be common on our dining table.


    Once back at the mansion, today''s kills are left to the staff, while Olafr and I talk about the ongoing projects.


    The manufacture of high pressure tanks is not a priority but is progressing like many other projects, and the nut making machine will be tested and adjusted, and we will also test the newly made tools for M20 and M8 bolts, and the simple extrusion machine for carbon rods. Olafr is curious about the other projects I mentioned, so I show him the drawings for a milling machine and a large vertical lathe for drilling shafts, cylinders and simple but large turning work, and also the sketches for future gear milling machine and dedicated nail making machine. So many machines in iron, steel, bronze, brass and wood, which process and work metal, and getting more complicated. Before he leaves the island, he might want to do something more impressive than what we already done. Olafr''s eyes and face as I''ve been describing, is all the answer I need. I feel a bit bad about keeping him here on the island, but Olafr is nice and he''s damn good at blacksmithing and metal working. Also, it''s quite amusing that the very famous master blade smith for swords and edged weapons helps to make tools, bolts and machines to make it.


    But now it''s time to cook with Iselin, so I shower and change clothes before going to the kitchen. I''ve been looking forward to our cooking session, where just she and I will cook together and then have a nice little meal, because we haven''t done many ''normal relationship'' things. Alith stands guard outside the kitchen doors with a big smile on her face, but I''m grateful for that as Alith says that Bodil is on guard outside the kitchen windows and the staff have been sent out and are not allowed back in, because Iselin is only wearing lingerie and an apron...


    <hr>


    As we have firearms that have not been reloaded after the mornings hunt, we once again do a small combat in the building exercise. It''s good practise and we think of new things. The cannon is on the ground floor next to the mezzanine and if the shit really have hit the fan, we can load it and fire a cannister shotgun load at enemy charging in through the front doors, or a solid cannon shot if the doors are about to fall anyway. The impact should smash the doors inner steel reinforcements and spread iron splinters and create havoc on those waiting outside, and by pure chance the cannons position and aim is almost perfectly lined up across the courtyard towards the road leading to the mansion. We should have time to reload with cannister before the enemy gathers for a renewed attack. I''ve screw the flintlock back on to the cannon so at least it is prepared.


    The bodyguards like those ideas, and Gunhild really loves the idea of firing a cannon shot through the front doors just before they fall. Likes it so much I almost worried. Bodil reminds me of her idea of having spears or similar rising up from the floor, and that''s something I''ll have to put in some effort and do.


    <hr>


    I have decided to teach Iselin and Alith how to make black powder, and first I tell Iselin, who is surprised quickly followed by excitement. We call Alith to the sofas in my bedroom and ask her to close the door behind her. When Alith comprehend she''s about to learn that huge secret, it shocks her, but instead of just being overjoyed as I expect, she looks at me intensely, happy but seeming to make a decision.


    "Robert. Please let me finish talking. I have not wanted to say this, and I apologise for not being completely honest and keeping something from you, but we know you won''t like to hear this. This is not just me, but Bodil, Gunhild and Hillevi think the same." Those words makes me a bit worried. "Last summer I realised how frighteningly wrong our high self-image is; that we Elves are one step below the Gods, and better than the people of the other seven worlds. Better than the primitive people of Midg?rd. So very wrong. We are the primitives, and not much better than children throwing stones at each other. Since you''ve been here, you''ve done more and more amazing things, spent huge amounts of silver and time making our world better, and your goal with the Academy is clear: You''re trying to make us Elves live longer. To be healthier. Grow better and more food. Live better. Have safer lives. Not die so easily. Make us understand our world better. Make better crafts. To help us discover new lands and spread out across Alfheimr. Your goal is to try, in just your lifetime, to help us Elves leap hundreds of years ahead in knowledge and technology. Maybe a thousand years. We are all beginning to realise what this truly means and how it will change our world. What you have already done and said proves this.


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    You do it because you are a truly good, wise and selfless man. Last summer I realised what could have happened if you instead had been a conqueror. A man who takes what he wants and doesn''t hesitate to kill, enslave and plunder. You could have subjugated kingdoms and probably taken over our small primitive kingdoms in a few years, and with what you have created so far, none of us doubt it. Robert, we know you are clever and cunning enough to have made you so very feared, or to have made us see you as a descended demigod and selected you as our leader. Many outside our household already see you as such, even though you have tried to avoid it. You could have done it in a few years time, and then enjoyed all the women and riches you wanted, without sharing your power and instead creating a lineage that ruled everything with secrets and knowledge you left behind. You know that others can do it, especially other humans, and you are worried that there may already be other humans here who are doing it.


    Robert, you are the most important person here in the North. Perhaps in all of Alfheimr. All of our lives are unimportant and we are replaceable, because everyone from the lowest slave to the most powerful King can be replaced without really affecting the world. But not you. Jane said that you are one in ten thousand among humans, just because of what you can do when it comes to radio, and you have so often impressed her with your vast knowledge about all kinds of things and topics and what you have done or told. Like most recently about iodine; Jane knew it was good for the body, but not why. Not how important it is, what it affects, nor where it comes from, what it looks like or how little is needed. She was annoyed that most humans never learn such things.


    But you knew.


    For a few months now, Gunhild and I have had new dreams; we just don''t know what those dreams are. But we know that as long as we continue to be around you, we''ll experience and do things we never realised we could dream of, and we''ll live an enormously good life in the meantime - knowing that our lives have an incredibly important purpose. You''ve already almost died twice and have had to kill, just to keep making our world better and safer. For us Elves. For our children and grandchildren. We are so honoured to use our lives to protect you and the others. We haven''t told you this because we know how you see us and our service, and you want us to have our own lives and dreams. But we are already live our dreams every day in your service, and can you honestly say that I am wrong?"


    Shit. This is not what I wanted to hear. I don''t know how to respond, because I can''t say she''s that wrong. I have to make sure that the elves don''t automatically kill every human who comes here out of fear, even though that might be the best thing for the elves in the long run. Iselin brings my focus back to reality as she hugs me and gives me a kiss and says:


    "I, Kari, Ciara and Caecilia agree, and we''re not alone. King Asbj?rn and Queen Haera think the same."


    I have to say something, so best to give an honest answer: "Just like among you elves, there are good and bad humans. Most humans won''t be a threat, and most won''t have too much dangerous knowledge to use, partially because Alfheimr, to some extent, is too technologically primitive. That''s one reason I don''t want to create some technology here, and will keep other stuff secret. Jane is not wrong when she says I am unusual in terms of broad knowledge and being able to use it as I''ve done, but of course there are also many humans who are way better than me. Especially in specific areas. However, someone like Jane is much more likely to come here than someone like me, and I don''t think any of you see her as a major threat to this world, even if her creations are important for your future. Thoughts and Art are not to be underestimated, and as you know, Jane has much more knowledge than that.


    A major problem for humans coming here is that they are not prepared to cope with the first few days, and to even find any elvish settlement. Like Jane and Tom, most humans are poor or terrible at being in the wild, because they have never needed to know such skills and are not used to being so, and for much of the year, the climate here quickly becomes lethal to the unprepared. Practically speaking, it has little to do with Alfheimr having a lower level of technology, but more with the fact that you are not as widespread throughout this world as humans are in Midg?rd. Midg?rd still has a few isolated tribes that live far more primitively than you, because they want to and the rest let them. But that''s in places in my world that have much warmer friendlier climates.


    Here, there are no huge roads and settlements everywhere, where people travel or live all the time, year round, and no road signs and help, which is easy to get in Midg?rd, as almost everyone has a mobile phone in their pocket. Here, it is mostly deep forests and wilderness. Real wilderness is rare in Midg?rd, and almost only in places where no one lives due to the climate or lack of work. We have nature reserves - literally areas that can be much smaller than this island, that preserve nature so it doesn''t get built on or exploited - but even then there are usually roads and paths with signs so humans that visit can easily walk around, not get lost, and find information about the nature reserve. Areas like the interior of the kingdom have humans, roads and houses everywhere. It''s really hard to take a random location and direction, and then walk a couple of hours without seeing a house or passing some kind of road. Midg?rd has bridges literally thousands of fathoms long and going so high above deep valleys that clouds pass under the bridges. We have roads and bridges across the seas like to the Daes Kingdom. We build artificial islands in the sea that can take hours to walk across, because human cities need the space, or just to have a place for a huge bridge to transit to a tunnel under the sea, as we make that transition very softly to make it easier and faster for our horseless wagons. We make tunnels under the very deep fjords in the north that are several times deeper than the mountains on the island are high, or tunnels straight through mountains that can take hours to walk through on the flat level road, for fast travelling and for several horseless wagons in width, going so much faster than horses can run, and the wagons are warm and comfortable even in the middle of winter. We have huge tunnels under high mountains or seas that are longer than the distance to Borgarsandr. This is what most humans are used to, and they are not prepared for the wild nature in Alfheimr. Iselin, you understand better than any Elf how enormously a different it is."


    Iselin nods, looking very serious, but thoughtful.


    "Most humans have never hunted, trapped, fished or even grown vegetables, and they probably barely know who to start. Many have never lit a wood fire, and most humans cannot do so without modern tools. They don''t recognise crops and barely know how to make food from them. Many have never even been in a real forest. They buy all their food where the slaughtering, baking and such is already done and they never leave the huge cities. Humans have something we call ''ready meals'' or ''micro food'' which is literally taking a small special cardboard box of frozen food from the cold storage in our kitchens, and put it into a larger metal box, wait a few minutes, and then it''s a complete meal, hot and ready to eat with meat, vegetables and sauce, or whatever the meal consists of. We have restaurants all over our cities and towns, and home delivery of food. Just make a phone call and hot food will be delivered 20-30 minutes later. There can often be decision anxiety about what to order, because there is so much choice.


    So; many humans arriving here will die alone in the wildness in the first few days, from starvation or hypothermia, without even realising what has happened, and without meeting any elves.


    That said; yes, if I had been a different person and enjoyed power, who liked to watch others grovel on the ground and be worshipped, or just liked to see people suffer and to be able to take what I wanted, I could have been very dangerous. I really hope that something doesn''t force me to be dangerous, or something happens that makes me want to see elves suffer. Jane asked me some unpleasant questions a couple of months ago that I hope I never get an answer to. I hope I never get really angry. For me and for you. I can''t even order you bodyguards to stop me, because in such a situation you probably wouldn''t know, or think it is justified, and I would be motivated to keep you in the dark about my intentions. But should something terrible happen to people I care about and I am angrier or more distant than you have ever seen me, and I am grieving deeply; keep an eye on me. But be very aware that since I''ve now told you this, I will be suspicious and wary of you in such cases and may be pretending."


    I hug Iselin to me and I just want to sit here with her. This has made me think back on my conversation with Jane, and I feel my eyes starting to tear up as she intensely hugs me back. Alith kneels in front of me and her tone is solemn and proud:


    "Freya, Odin and Thor. I ask all the Gods to hear me and witness that I, Alith, swear on my honour and soul to be loyal to Robert Arnesson for life; to protect his secrets and honour, and to guard Robert''s life with my own. To serve until my presence is no longer wanted. Punish me if I break my oath."


    She looks so terribly determined and proud. So different from the standard oath that Gunhild renewed just a few days ago, and the oath is very specific to me. If Gunhild really sees me in the same way, I understand her behaviour better. Both why she and Hillevi continued to guard, and why she was reluctant to accept the silver. I just thank Alith and accept her loyalty and service, and after a short hesitation she gives me a hug and a kiss on the cheek, before she excuse herself and leave.


    Alith returns with Gunhild, clearly whispering between them as they walk, and Gunhild swears almost verbatim the same oath that Alith just did, and she too is proud and happy to do so.


    Accept reality. Learn. Move on.


    <hr>

 Female complications - day 15, black powder and steel

    <hr>


    We make sure we are alone and undisturbed inside the workshop, and Alith makes double sure that Gunhild guards outside. First I tell both Iselin and Alith my thoughts about other humans who have come here in the past, and that it is very possible that there is good steel, firearms, steam engines and so on in other parts of this world, especially in the northern hemisphere. That even King Asbj?rn doesn''t seem to have heard about thunder weapons before, indicates it''s not widespread usage nearby, but it might exist in ''Russia'' or ''Canada'', and information might be written down in some book or books. Which doesn''t make Alith happy to know and worry about. Elves somewhere might have figured it out by themselves. But better to suspect and be weary of, than be totally in the dark and surprised.


    I pull out my tablet and mobile phone, and show dashcam footage so they can see a video of me almost hitting a moose on a forest road. It''s a small country road, a 70 km/h road, so 25 m/s through the forest, but there are houses, fields and other stuff all the time, and road signs. They ask if it''s a girlfriend giving me directions, and I explain that it''s the GPS navigation system. Recorded sound that plays back much like music, but to give directions. At least they''ve heard about GPS before, and that it''s in our phones and even my watch. Just not with voice directions. I show more selected pictures and dashcam clips, from all seasons of the year and things saved mostly because they are special or funny, like when I drive in Norway across mountains and sheep don''t want to move. I hadn''t considered that the clips also show fields with white wrapped silage bales scattered around, and a big tractor and a combine harvester need their own explanation. Tunnels and serpentine roads are of course included, and so is arriving at a big ferry, and trains on the ore railway from Kiruna to Narvik. I show pictures from when I visited Millau bridge in the south of France, and how small the cars and houses are, and there are some other bridges too. Just driving in traffic on wide Autobahn over a crest in southern Germany and seeing a huge city fill the valley ahead, and huge road work queues, cranes and machinery. It''s a big revelation and we''re way off topic, but they like me showing them, and Alith especially appreciates it. This is the world me and Jane are used to.


    I can no longer doubt that Alith won''t do her best to keep the black powder secret, and both Iselin and Alith know that black powder is undoubtedly sejd that can kill. Alith has not forgotten my story about battleship cannons that can fire large heavy steel cylinders from here to Borgarsandr, but I explain that similar things are used in fireworks and can also be used to blast apart stone. It''s hard for them to understand that we no longer use black powder in Midg?rd, as we have far better stuff. We go through everything about making black powder, what it looks like and why it works, how different compositions and amounts affect power, ignition temperature etc. That black powder on paper open to the air just sizzles or poof into a cloud - no explosion - but the gas expansion is the useful thing, and why firearms look and are loaded as they are.


    Alith is glued to every word and sketch, and the intensity with which she listens and learns is almost unpleasant, as I methodically go through all the steps in the production, and safety precautions. Then we repeat it as we together make several batches of black powder, mostly out on the pavilion, where they each make a batch of black powder. It will take at least a day to finish and be thoroughly dry, but eventually we will have many kilograms of black powder, for safety divided up and sealed in clay pots, both corned and tumbled, as well as finer powder for the flintlock, larger for the cannon, and the special blend for rocket motors that are not corned.


    <hr>


    Since the power grid and servant-alarm system is ''solved'', and I managed to build copper oxide diodes that we are long term testing, there is nothing that prevents a high voltage power grid from being built. All that is needed is to manufacture and assemble already developed solutions, so I have been contemplating what the next project will be.


    I asked Iselin if there is something she wants to do. Of course there will be more work on special clocks, but we can''t really work on the larger pendulum clock or the clock tower until I get the parts from Digraldi. In addition to various small projects, however, we can work on finishing the steam engine and building the steamboat.


    Unexpectedly, Iselin suggests improvements to the large metal syringes for cleaning the butt hole and also suggest making a couple of leather bladders with metal nozzle. We did make a couple of simple large metal syringes to use for enemas a couple of months ago, but now that they have been used for a while, she wants to improve them, and make another model. I''m pretty sure she or they have spoken to Jane again, and I suspect it was Kari and Caecilia who brought up the subject, as I rarely have anal sex with Iselin or Ciara.


    It feels wrong that some of my sambos do enemas followed by a bit of alcohol for a basic ''sterilisation'' when they have planned anal sex, but I have to admit that it feels pretty good to know. It won''t really help if someone has an intestinal worm or parasite, as they can release hundreds of thousands of eggs each day, but at least it''s cleaner. Poop is not nice. As long as we avoid mouth contact afterwards, there is a relatively low risk of infection transmission. So far, none of my sambos have shown any symptoms of having worms or the like, and nowadays we are extra careful about how food is handled and prepared. But the thought and worry is still there in the back of my mind. Modern medicine and condoms, how I miss thee. I''m very happy to be here in the North were such things seem to be less historically common than in warm climate. And in this world, population movement is very low. Especially longer distances. And thus decease migration.


    Anyway, as a small side project, together we have designed rune stones and rune writings. There will be several rune stones raised, and there will also be runes on cliff faces. Two will be memorials for first radio contact over a distance. A rune stone will be erected at Borgheim, and one will be carved into the rock face north of the courtyard. Most are the same, and the text says that the first wireless conversation via radio, using electromagnetic waves for speaking and sending messages, took place between the sites and gives the distance in several measures, including kilometers, as well as the direction and the date and who the participants were. It starts with my name followed by Kari, Iselin, Ciara, Jane etc and it is also adorned with bom?rke aka housemarks.


    A rune carving will be made close to where the first long range cannon shot hit, also saying the date, participants etc. One rune stone will be erected where the moose were felled, in the middle of the forest, because it''s not that hard to find that location. We will also erect three welcoming rune stones, one in the harbour on either side of the harbour bridge, and one where the road and ferry reach the island from the Orusinge side. Those will be a more beautiful design, with my and the Academy logo, when it was created etc. We are also thinking about making three large Stonehenge-like stone gates, and these boulders will be designed to lock into each other, and the rock they stand on, and they will be deeply secured in the rock and cemented in place. They''re not for walking through, and won''t be over the road, but a very visible monument beside the road. We suspect that there will be more commemorative rune stones erected or carved into the rock on the other side of the courtyard road so we will have to make space there and they will probably be slightly tilted back if they are rune stones. It may be bragging, but it feels important for history. If it were for ego, I would pay a bunch of stonemasons to make a small Mount Rushmore on the side of the mountain.


    This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.


    It would honestly be kind of fun to make that with my sambos faces. Completely unnecessary, but fun. I''m hoping some good stonemason will want to do the works here, and it''s probably just a matter of silver changing hands. I need to build a mobile crane capable of lifting very heavy rune stones, and it needs to be moveable to where those Stonehenge gates might be. I kind of want to do a modern-ish crane, but it''s likely to be quite medieval and use a lot of manpower. That is the cheaper and quicker solution in this world.


    <hr>


    Olafr shows up, surprisingly freshly showered and dressed up as he was at the feast. He has four finished high pressure tanks with him, but is serious and wants a meeting, so we sit on the sofas in the meeting room, and for once Olafr seems to be uncomfortable in my company.


    Olafr asks if he can be the one working here on Ackerek island instead of Ketill or someone else. He''s not young so he understands if I say no, but he is willing to take a new apprentice to train until he can''t do the job, and there''s so much new stuff anyway that he too has to learn. He should have at least 5 active years left. Maybe 10. 15 if he is lucky. Olafr really wants to continue building interesting things in steel, like machines that process iron and brass, and say it will be kind of fun to once again make shovels, picks, etc, which he knows are needed here. He will leave his business in Borgarsandr to his son Ketill who loves making swords, axes, spears and knives, and instead live here full time. He likes not having to make weapons all the time, although once in a while will be fun, especially if they are thunder weapons or other interesting designs. He sees a future life here as the next evolution in his life, instead of stagnating or fading, and he will have to retire at some point to leave the way clear for the next generation. Olafr also like the quiet comfortable life here, how nice the living accommodations are and getting away from the ¡®hustle and bustle¡¯ of Borgarsandr.


    I call for them to get Iselin, because as my wife she should be included in this decision. While we wait, I think about the fact that Olafr never said Ketill was his son. And I''ve never asked. We''ve mainly talked work, projects, hunting and such. I can understand why he would be happy to send his son here, but if Ketill loves making swords and so on, it''s better that Olafr works here. I want craftsmen who are skilled and passionate about what we do - that''s when you get the best results - and Olafr seems to fulfil that. I don''t think I''ll find anyone better, and I like how quickly he''s been fascinated by machines and his ability to absorb information and understand drawings. And I like spending time with Olafr and we get along well, which definitely is important. As I ponder while we wait, Olafr seems to take it as a criticism, and blurts out that I don''t even need to pay him for the work. He is undoubtedly rich enough to live comfortably for the rest of his life, but he is not a person who can sit still and twiddle his thumbs.


    When Iselin comes in, I explain to her and of course we are happy to have such a skilled blacksmith and craftsman working for us, and of course Olafr will be paid. Labour should be rewarded. I also offer Olafr to move into any apartment in the new apartment block, and if he wants he can have the end towards the valley, and as it is not finished we can make a special solution with more space and a veranda that goes around the short side. Of course, the roofs of the sawmill and the metal workshop and the water wheels will be below, but there will be nice evening sun especially in the summer, and we''ve already planned to install nice large windows on the gable, with double glass. Olafr''s eyes are moist as he happily swears me allegiance, and to protect our secrets until we specifically say what he can tell others.


    We talk about the practicalities and Olafr will take a trip to Borgarsandr, hand over his business and house to Ketill, who he knows will be happy to take over the forge and the customers. He will pick up his things, some tools and furniture, and come back. When Olafr talks about how he will leave his old life behind, everything he has built up in Borgarsandr and move here, Olafr''s eyes start to tear up again, but they are tears from both sadness and happiness for the future, so he quickly excuses himself with having a lot to do in the next few days. Before he leaves, we offer him to take my ship to Borgarsandr when the ship returns. We''ll talk to Asta about when the weather permits, and he''ll be contacted. I need to order and fetch things from Borgarsandr anyway.


    After Olafr leaves, I talk to Iselin about asking Olafr to find someone he thinks is suitable as an apprentice and helper, first on the island, then outside. The two blacksmith-machine operators Birger and Gaermarr will be employed, but I need skilled people for the future, here or elsewhere. We also decide that Olafr will learn crucible steel making from me, so he can do it himself, and also start producing a limited amount of steel so we can sell it - making crucible steel a new commodity from these islands. Practically speaking, I''ll make money selling weapons, but it helps my conscience a bit that I don''t make the swords, and those swords will sell for so much that they won''t see much use, and mainly become ornaments and status symbols. Other blacksmiths will eventually learn to forge things from the steel, and there will be more weapons, and the price will go down, but Ketill will have a head start as he is already used to it and has gained a reputation. At the end of the day, it''s just so economically worthwhile that it''s a good idea, because I have a lot of projects that cost, and at the end of the day I want to see steel production increase, and more elves need to know how to do it so the knowledge outlives me and Olafr. And Iselin, who of course wants to learn that too.


    I will also need to make proper melting furnaces instead of crucibles, but that may have to wait until the summer. The steel now made by others is chance mixed with skill, where blacksmiths like Olafr know how to hammer, heat, hammer, heat and do things to make it good and make carbon steel, but he doesn''t know why that iron is better and believes in mysterious explanations and reasons. But they can forge impressive things by mixing steel and iron, and I like Gunhild''s wolf tooth spear. So why not make a deal where Ketill can buy maybe 10 lumps of steel a year at a cheaper price, but we get half the sales of finished swords? Ketill will be enormously rich from that and get a good reputation. We get money without direct labour or cost. The rest of the steel lumps we can sell through my own merchant empire, and also sell some of the swords Ketill makes. So we profit from the lump, and as an intermediary in the sale, and the product reach a wider market and clientele. The steel lumps made with new crucibles will have the Academy logo moulded into them, although the lumps need to be worked enough that the marks left by the crucible disappear. It is possible to make a punch with the Academy logo. Or my logo bom?rke. Again, reputation needs to be created. Honestly, I can see myself buying Ketill''s first steel sword. Not because I need the sword, but as a sign that I want his craftsmanship, and he can then say he forged a sword for me. It might be quite special and valuable for future generations.


    But that''s all for tomorrow; tonight the proud adventurers will try to survive another mission, and I need to prepare for that. No Game Master plan survives contact with the players. All seem to be equally enthusiastic role-players.

 Female complications - day 16, different times

    Female complications, day 16


    Different times.


    In addition to the usual workouts at the gym, running in the woods and various combat training, which now involves the telescopic baton, I have realised that I really need to train with my Boomstick dagger. The bodyguards have already trained me in using my Boomstick for close combat, and there are three wooden replicas of my Boomstick they had made for that purpose, but they don''t know that the Boomstick has a hidden dagger. Surprise is an advantage, but it is obviously more advantageous if I actually trained to use it. So I modify one of the wooden replicas by sawing the handle off in the right place, mounting a dagger blade imitating part on the handle and drilling a hole for that. Copy to locking mechanism is a bit more work, but now works. So I call Alith and Gunhild to my workshop to show them the truth. Both have sworn their life in service to me, and they need to teach me how to use it for close combat. Both are delighted, but Alith is a bit shocked that the cane is not just a hidden firearm, but has also had a hidden dagger since the beginning, but the firearm part is a secret that Gunhild still doesn''t know. I also show them the torch which is another unexpected secret, but more ''useful'' och ''sejd''. The tear gas will remain a secret, even from Alith.


    <hr>


    The sun has come up and it as beautiful but cold winter weather morning, with the sun glistening in the frost and ice. So I ask my sambos if they want to take a walk, and Iselin, Ciara and Jane are happy to do so, and of course Caecilia, and Alith, Bodil and Gunhild following behind. The cold wind stings the cheeks a bit, but the wind is fairly light. We''ve had more than a week of cold weather now, and if it''s this cold out here in the archipelago along the coast, it must be much worse inland. I assume that the jet stream has bulged down, bringing cold air from the north, and then stayed so and is acting like a wall against warmer winds from south and west. I wonder how basically one written page of information of something like the jet streams will impact future meteorology.


    Jane both love and hate her new table clock. She loves that I actually took the time to make a special clock, just for her, with a choice of 12 or 24 hour time, but she hate having to choose 24 hour time for the hour hand to move clockwise. Now she has realised that the minute hand show correct time every 15 minutes, but goes up to 2 minutes faster or slower in between. Jane has of course realised that this is also ''by evil design'', and Iselin has told her that this is partly due to the way Jane woke me up. Iselin is so proud of how the clock is ''correct'' but also ''wrong'', and how much extra work it took. Precisely and calculated wrong. Jane is a bit extra annoyed that I also made Ciara''s cat clock less creepy than the original, and this version looks like the cat is playfully wagging its tail, planing mischief. Ciara is so incredibly happy with her cat clock, and others like it so much that there will probably be a similar one in a more public place.


    Everyone knows that Olafr will be moving to the island and will be my master blacksmith, which is popular. Olafr is a nice fellow, and both Alith and Gunhild hope there will be more hunting. Given the way Gunhild held that shotgun and stalked the last time, I suspect plenty of elk, deer and other game will be hunted next autumn. It''s probably true that the bodyguards live a life of wonder and dreams.


    It''s hard to know how many elk we can shoot, but I reckon something like 3 km2 per elk should be okay, so maybe two adults and two calves on the Orusingen properties. It''s basically just we who will be hunting elk on Orusingen anyway, and we can also hunt on my estate down south. I really have to visit my estate Forsheim, but it is two or three days sailing there one way, so around a week to be there one day. I miss modern cars and roads. A one way trip in Midg?rd would have been like 2 hours. Even on the rutty dirt roads here, a modern car could do it in 6 hours or so, and quite comfortably.


    I''ll talk to Asta about Borgarsandr, because if they so wish, the crew can get a couple of extra days in Borgarsandr. They have been paid. I''m so glad Kari and Iselin keep track of and manage things like salaries, and that they consider it their job, especially now that Iselin has become my wife. Right now we don''t have anything planned, and a longer stay gives Olafr more time to leave his old life there. Also, Asta will have a new list of things to buy, but I think Kari will join the shopping trip, because I suspect has a lot she wants to buy, and won''t let anyone else do it for her, and it''s likely that more people will want to come along. Jane is definitely in a shopping mood, and have been talking of things to buy or order. I also expect Ida to come along as their general servant, because she loves travelling with the ship and ''see the world''.


    <hr>


    When I tell Olafr that I''m going to reveal the secret of steel to him, he''s completely overjoyed, and he loves the deal we''re going to offer Ketill. He would have jumped at it! His son will earn a good reputation and become rich. Olafr also understands why I will sell steel lumps for swords and other things, as it isn''t only for the silver or the reputation it will bring, but also to create a market for it, and get blacksmiths interested in pure steel so they can learn how to make steel items. In the future, that will allow me or the Academy to sell other steel goods when the market for exquisite and expensive swords eventually becomes a bit saturated, after maybe 5 or 10 years. The price will drop and more items can be made in steel, or just make it available for a larger weapons market. There will certainly be more steel swords in the future. But not from me or us.


    By then, I will hopefully have built up a production centre for smelting steel on a larger scale, although I''m not sure how much good that will do without increasing iron ore production. I really should try to mine iron ore in several places, and besides Kiruna and Malmberget outside G?llivare, the hiking GPS has a terrain map with mining symbols. I''ve heard of some mines as just Swedish history or culture. I''ve visited some. In addition to iron ore, G?llivare also have a large copper deposit just a few kilometers away, but an open pit mine on the scale that is probably needed, will be terribly unprofitable with manual labour and this level of technology. Kiruna will be bad enough with all the needed supporting logistics for food, fuel and transportation, and Malmberget iron ore mine will be an even harder project. I don''t know the surrounding nature well enough in my head, but I hope there are lakes and navigable rivers that can help in some direction. Hopefully, it will be possible to create a good transportation route to the Norwegian coast. If Kiruna iron deposit exist, so should the huge long lake Tornetr?sk, and that lake should be 2/3 of the distance to Kiruna from the nearest coast. I should be able to find my way to Kiruna''s ore deposit without the GPS map, but Malmberget will be difficult even with maps. It''s one thing when distinctive terrain helps and I''ve been through there a few times in Midg?rd, but another thing here in pure untouched wilderness. Especially if I have to send someone to do that exploration for me, which is very likely. I''ll have to make maps and directions and teach them how to use it. Not easy. I really don''t want to do that exploration myself. Just the boat journey along the coast to get up there! Crap. I''ll probably have to transport a large disassembled boat like a knarr up to that huge lake. There are probably no suitable trees in the highland, just short twisted mountain birch, and if we have to build that boat along the coast and carry it up there, we might as well build it here and transport it up there to save time. The summer is short.


    The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    As far as I know, a lot of the land up there is wilderness, even inside the kingdom''s borders, and more so outside, and there is that law about settling somewhere for two years for the land to automatically become your property, but it would be beneficial if I could get Asbj?rn and the Kingdom on my side. It will literally be lawless land unless I get it included under a Jarls domain. Or I create a new Jarls domain in the inland. Just the fact that a mine and logistic network develops the wilderness and create work for people, should be appreciated. I''ll probably have to make a journey way up there to the ''Narvik'' region this summer, and try to work something out with local Storman and the Jarl. According to Kari, Jarl whats-his-name up there is friendly to Asbj?rn, and there are quite a lot of settlements along the coast, fjords, islands and the whole Lofoten archipelago. Then there is the ''reindeer people''. I need to get them on my side and be happy, as that Kiruna mine will be on ''their land''. Considering how they probably live, and how the mine and logistic support will work, it shouldn''t be huge issues, and probably be an appreciated trading post or two. But that boat journey will be bad enough and I sure as hell don''t want to travel all the way inland to where Kiruna is, with all the mosquitoes that are very likely in the summer.


    Shit! The mosquitoes! Definitely worth saving the Midg?rd mosquito repellent I brought along for that!


    Just thinking about those mosquito clouds sends a shiver down my spine!


    Future issue! Crucible steel first. We''re going to order many more and bigger crucibles in Borgarsandr, because I have so many machines etc I need or want steel for. I really should start with cast iron too. I need to make a proper furnace this summer.


    <hr>


    Iselin like her crown and the social position it represent, but she is also a bit uncomfortable with that social position and the power associated with it. She is also a bit too lively in normal life and don''t want to drop her crown, and braiding her hair into it to force the crown to stay in place takes time to do and undo, so since the wedding feast, Iselin''s crown is usually on a pillow on a shelf, and I''ve been helping her plan how we''re going to convert the flashing circuit with its battery into a necklace. It will basically be like my Pocketburner, but in gold with some gemstone in front and she can screw the front and jewel in to light it, and it will hang from a gold chain. They will bring drawings with measurements etc to Borgarsandr, and she will have to find some jewel that fits, but it will probably be another emerald as the LED is green, and she knows better than to choose something that dims the light too much. All that gold will make the necklace heavy, but there''s nothing to be done about that, and Iselin doesn''t mind. Making screw threads in soft gold will be an issue, and we have to do that ourselves on the lathe, and it might feck up the ''finished'' piece.


    Also going to Borgarsandr will be a pile of drawings for Digraldi on more parts for lighthouses with holders for Fresnel and glass lenses, and spyglass cases and such.


    The glassmaker will probably be overjoyed at the amount of work, or really frustrated. Lenses for spyglasses and telescopes. A size reduced glass cannon shot for Alith with a curved stop and a finger hole in the bottom. Many glass tubes, and especially long glass tubes for barometers. Lens segments for the lighthouses, as we need to try to make both smaller lenses and larger segmented Fresnel lenses. The sea is flat and preferably a lighthouse light will be focused in a thin disc along the sea surface, and if the lighthouse light rotates, that light can also be focussed in a narrow horisontal beam. The more the light can be focussed to where it is needed, the brighter the light is perceived to be. A reflector redirects light by blocking it and bouncing it in a certain direction, while a glass lens angles it. This is an important difference if the lighthouse need light all around as a glass lens can do that, while a reflector can''t, unless it is rotating. However, large glass lenses are heavy and difficult to manufacture as one large piece, and therefore expensive to produce. A Fresnel lens is a large lens divided into small parts that follow the surface shape, but with a smaller thickness. Lighter. Less expensive. And can be divided up into many easier to do segments. Their lighthouse light will be quite bad and the brightness will be low, so those lenses will help a lot.


    So we''ve made drawings of glass segments that are stacked and packed around the oil lamp, and measured and sanded to make clay templates that get the right shape for a segment of a lens. It''s damn hard to know if it''s the right shape, especially as I have no real control over the materials refraction angle, but I don''t expect perfection and it will be improved in the future. The segmented design ''only'' needs three different segments - the centre and two towards an edge - because the segments above and below are symmetrical and we''ll just make twice as many of those. Eight complete sets can be combined to give all around light, or with a bit of different shapes, focused into eight beams. A segmented design also makes it easier to have some segments made of coloured glass or with glass filters behind, and combined with clear uncoloured glass, the lighthouse can thus have different colour signatures too, although the width of the fields needs to be adjusted for each situation. It will be interesting to see how good the glassmaker is at moulding Fresnel lenses, but given that the glassmaker managed to make prisms, it should be possible. Probably with a lot of grinding-polishing. It will also be interesting to see how good the lighthouses will be overall, and how visible the light will be.


    There will be many improvements over time on all parts of a lighthouse and probably take several years like most other things. That is okay, as long as the Elves start seeing the use and value of lighthouses.


    Potter Ruskva will get an order of 50 pottery vessels of an improved design for lead-acid battery cells in standard format, compact format and special format for transport and tilting batteries. Plus a special high voltage cell. Plus 100 larger crucibles with my logo-bom?rke, and some other little special things like extra dildos and parts for an insemination syringe. I don''t think she will be complaining about having more work.


    <hr>

 Female complications - day 16, Elvish Renaissance Steampunk

    <hr>


    The plates for the sunglasses are ready and the nice sunny weather reminds me of them. So we use brass to mould frames for them and make sunglasses. Iselin, Ciara, Jane and Caecilia help me with that and we make sunglasses to fit them. Simpler designs although Jane makes sure the frames are ''less ugly''. Brass with thin leather by the ears, and the nose bridge relief we make in wood or glass with brass embedded so the metal does not rest directly on the skin, or just as part of the frame. Spring steel would be better and lighter, but brass works well enough.


    We have talked about trying to make diving goggles, and the most difficult thing is once again the lack of rubber, so goggles will basically have to be adapted to the face of the person who will use them, and a greased leather edge will act as a seal. Maybe double-edged to better seal and withstand pressure and be more comfortable. To no surprise, several people want diving goggles to become a reality, and I''m one of them. Of course we will try to make them along with simpler snorkels. I want to try to do a valved snorkel too. Some are very keen to have a set of their own, especially Iselin. Just the thought of a ''water spyglass'' on the face and being able to dive down and take a closer look makes Iselin dreamingly zone out. It is possible that I will solve a diving regulator for the mouth and we have smaller air tanks, but that will be for short duration use and not for deep water, just for increased safety. I have already planned to make diving bells and other things eventually, and will in the future need a suitable ship to handle the weight of a diving bell. Some type of large catamaran with a powerful crane seems useful for a lot of sea projects. If the ship is to have a counterweight then there will be a lot of weight, and a steam engine should be damn useful both for ships movement and to pump air down for longer dives. However, every diving experiment and equipment developing has to start at shallower depths and no more than 10 meters deep, so that there are no problems with divers getting the bends during the very likely emergency ascent. Because that will happen sooner or later.


    Jane have literally been poking me to help her make a few pairs of classic steampunk goggles with leather straps and brass eye cups, and I''ve relented. Will looks steampunk as hell, but can be handy as eye protection goggles, but likely to fog up like crazy, so we add ventilation on three pairs, and sealable ventilation on one pair. I really shouldn''t be surprised that Jane likes the steampunk aesthetic, as she loves the Victorian and Southern Belle style, and she is way too pleased when she realise that most of what I will be able to do technologically, mixed with the clothes she has introduced and has plans for, will partly lead to a realistic steampunk culture. Jane just slams her fist on the table and declares:


    "Elvish Renaissance Steampunk! Absolutely glorious!"


    Although I''ve read a lot of Jules Verne, I''ve never been a steampunk fan, but the nerd in me is happy when Iselin tries the goggles, and sits looking around with a pleased happy smile. So unbelievably cute! Jane just smiles, sighs and says:


    "I''m so very happy I don''t have to compete against Iselin for your affection! Good personality, funny, smart, nerdy and a very sexy gorgeous redhead. She''s bloody nerd kryptonite, and you really got the jackpot there! She even loves for other women to join your marriage bed! Doesn''t she have any flaws?"


    I think quickly, realising it''s not a good idea to mention that she sometimes snores or drools a bit as she sleeps - and it''s honestly mostly cute - but it''s not appreciated that I need to think about whether Iselin has any flaws, so I say the first thing that pops into my head: "She would probably buy a wardrobe full of shoes?"


    I realise who I''m talking to, and who introduced high heels here, and how often Jane has mentioned her own collection of Louboutin''s, Choo''s and whatever. Jane just stares at me, tilt her head to the side and gives me a displeased look, so I just answer with a dumb smile, knowing what''s coming.


    "Robert. That, is not a flaw. Loving stilettos just makes her more awesome! I was about to give you a surprise blowjob, but now you''re not getting one."


    I don''t have a good reply, so I take one of my usual routes and give them each a kiss. 3 out of 4 sambos admit that it generally works, and 1 out of 4 that it always works. Ciara asks Jane to help her with something and they leave the room, but as soon as they leave, Iselin hurries to lock the door and turns round with a sinful smile, still wearing those goggles.


    Apparently Iselin has learnt enough English to understand what ¡®surprise blowjob¡¯ means, and Iselin and Caecilia have decided to give me one and had Ciara get Jane out of here.


    <hr>


    When Jane returns, she totally gets what happened, partly helped by Iselin and Caecilia''s giggling, and partly by Ciara actually being completely honest about Iselin whisperingly asking her to take Jane out of the room with some excuse.


    Our work and talking about sunglasses and goggles, it occurred to me that Bodil probably needs glasses to see up close, and I remembered that Hillevi probably needed some to see better at a distance. I''ve known that people here obviously have vision problems, but they have no solution. I just haven''t realised that I have a solution. So I try making a simple 1.5 mm pinhole lens for Bodil and it amazes the heck out of her when she can see better at very close distances. She can''t understand how a plate with a small hole blocking her vision, makes her see sharper at closer distances, and everyone gets to try it. Convex lenses are relatively easy to do so I start to secretly plan to make lenses for a pair of glasses for Bodil, and measure her face for them although she don''t quite realise it. If they''re good enough, it will be a good gift for her, even if it''s not that expensive. But cost isn''t the main thing for a good gift.


    I really should build a lens grinding machine. I could make a foot pedal driven, or belt driven, or with a small electric motor, because I still haven''t used the electric motors for anything practical. The electric outboard motor for the boat doesn''t count and that is just because I can.


    Best if the lens for glasses are curved to better match the distance from the eye instead of a flat lens, so maybe heat the glass so it softens and is formed in a heated clay mould, and then grind and polish the outside to give the right focus. It will be a pain in the arse to get the correct shape and focus, and I''ll probably have to make a couple of different ones. Actually, since it is for close distance work, a narrower field of view work and then a smaller lens with a flat back is enough. Bodil can then look over the top of the glasses to look at the surroundings.


    <hr>


    Before it gets dark, Iselin and Alith try shooting with the black powder they''ve made, and Alith admits she has trouble aiming when it''s her turn, much more than usual, and we can see how much her hands are shaking. She had trouble loading, and says her heart is pounding. But she fires, hits and is overjoyed. It must be a hell of a mix of adrenaline, endorphin and emotion.Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.


    Alith now know and understand the most powerful sejd she has ever heard of, the most powerful sejd for war and battle there is - and even if I don''t agree with that, I just keep quiet. Whether her name becomes known or she has a family and children, she has just achieved something no other shieldmaiden has ever done, and she knows that she is one of three who know this sejd, at least in this part of the world. Even Jane doesn''t really know how it''s done, or where to get saltpetre and what it looks like - but Iselin and Alith do. They were there when we collected it.


    It''s kind of cute when Alith doesn''t quite know what to do with all her joy and euphoric feelings, and if Iselin hadn''t been with us as we walk back to Thrymheim, we would probably be having really intense sex in the shooting range shelter. Alith prefers that outlet, and I find it hard to say no when my sexy Valkyria wants sex.


    Pffhh! ''Difficult''. I haven''t said no once, and to be honest there have been times when I have wanted to ask her.


    Obviously there will be no analysis and discussion right now, so we might as well do it tomorrow and call it a day, which is the reason we''re heading back to Thrymheim.


    We hang my firearms we''ve been using back on their racks above the fireplace in my bedroom, cleaned but reloaded and marked with orange cloth. I catch Alith making a couple of quick glances at my bed but she says nothing. Iselin give her a hug and whispers something in Alith''s ear and she turns so red in the face but nods. Iselin closes my bedroom doors, takes Alith and me in one hand each and leads us towards the bed with her oh so sinful face. Her eyes shine with sinful naughty thoughts and lust as she suggest I warm them up. It''s cold outside.


    Iselin''s unexpected suggestion has Alith holding back her usual enthusiasm, but I feel my own smile grow to match Iselin''s, and Alith''s embarrassment quickly fades.


    <hr>


    Totally unexpected guests has turned up, in the form of an ''elderly'' man and two young slave women from Forsheim. Gunhild recognises the man, Heimir, and apparently Alith has heard of him, for he is a renowned master of hand-to-hand combat, and armed combat. Apparently Heimir has lived on the Forsheim estate and trained Radgeirrson''s Leidung warriors and helped train horses. Heimir has heard about my thunder weapons etc, and is naturally curious, but his primary purpose for the visit is to ask if he may serve me here, and help train my future warriors. Heimir understands why I haven''t had time to visit Forsheim yet, but was planning to talk to me when I did visit. Honestly, Heimir is a person I wouldn''t mess with just for how he looks. Muscles and scars plus just radiating confidence and ''you''re going to get your arse kicked''. Apparently he works out for a couple of hours each day. Him living here and becoming a future trainer for my guards and warriors is something I need to think about, but it feels damn silly not to accept a well-known master who wants to do it. For now, he can stay in the guest house.


    Heimir isn''t the biggest potential problem and issue filling my mind though, because it''s the slave women Ryla and Agnes, who have been Radgeirrrsons'' entertainers at Forsheim, and are my slaves.


    I know that Shakini and others have said there are a couple of skilled entertainers at Forsheim, but I have more or less taken it for granted that larger estates have at least one semi-dedicated musician and entertainer on staff, because in a world like this, you can''t just turn on the TV or stereo, and there is hardly any books to read. I just haven''t thought of it as something I need to bother with, especially as I hardly use Caecilia''s services in terms of music, singing, dancing and storytelling. Given the Radgeirrson Merchant Empires importation of exotic slaves, it''s not surprising that he had two beautiful and fairly young slave women as bards-jester-musician-dancers, with green-eyed black-haired Agnes having an exotic face and a slightly olive complexion that suggests faraway origin, and Ryla being tall and having huge breasts. Both have beautiful and expensive clothes, furs and gold jewellery, and musical instruments, and they are here to be of service to me. That I didn''t bring them here for the wedding feast seems to have hurt their feelings, as if I consider them inadequate and unworthy, and they want to prove themselves and deserve to live here. Frankly, I didn''t think about the, partially as it would be a three or four days journey during winter for them.


    Do we need Agnes and Ryla''s services? No, we don''t.


    But they have travelled here for several days through the winter cold just to be of service and they really want to show what they can do, and Iselin, Caecilia and others are obviously very curious, so might as well get it done, so we''ve given them some time to prepare. And get warm och shower.


    <hr>


    There''s no doubt that Ryla and Agnes are great entertainers, and they make beautiful music to which they dance and are incredibly acrobatic and flexible. Agnes got a great voice! Then they start juggling and balancing. When they want to show us their fire show, we go out on the pavilion, and after quick preparations, they put on a hell of a show. They juggle with fire, spinning rods with fire at the ends while dancing and being graceful acrobats. Fireballs at the end of chains, which are swung almost like a weapon and give small explosions of fire when the ball hits its target. They blow fireballs and devour fire. Climb on ropes they''ve looped around roof trusses. All acrobatic and gracefully performed, and Ryla who is almost a head taller than Agnes, occasionally acts as the male partner in an acrobatic show, but her huge breasts and beautiful face leave no doubt about her gender. She might be bustier than Alith, but hard to tell as their length is so different. My company loves their show, and they have absolutely earned our applause.


    Should I''ve had them come here for the wedding? Yes.


    Apparently, Heimir has been giving them combat training for 10 years, and they want to duel for entertainment, but also prove that they are willing to protect me and my women''s lives. They show off their weapons so I can choose what they fight with, and somewhat surprisingly to me and Jane, they have something that looks like sai. I always thought of it as an Asian weapon, but it shouldn''t really be that surprising something similar have appeared in several places, and the ''blades'' of these are angular and end in a sharp point. Frankly, the main difference from a larger medieval stiletto dagger is the upward curved parrying hooks, and the way the weapon is held and used. Ryla seems eager to show her skill in using two sai''s at once, but they''re surprised when I ask them to use leather and wooden practice weapons instead of real ones. They have some blunted weapons, but sometimes use real sharp weapons. Their question about whether I want to see them fight naked is surprising, partially because it''s cold out here in the unheated pavilion, but I imagine that Radgeirrson didn''t think the same way I did, and probably enjoyed watching them fight naked.


    They start fighting, and they are very fast, skilled, and acrobatically graceful with wooden staves, daggers, axes and swords. Once someone has disarmed or ''killed'' the other, they take a few steps back, take other weapons and start again. Sure, there are elements of acrobatic showmanship, but Alith and Gunhild are very impressed and say they are really skilled. The control and precision at that speed is impressive. But having trained several times a week for 10 years, and are used to using sharp weapons, it''s not unexpected. Finally, the training weapons have run out and they transition to unarmed combat where Ryla quickly gets Agnes in a leg and arm lock and she is strangled and forced to surrender as she is about to pass out. Ryla is a head taller than Agnes, just a few centimeters shorter than me, and more weight and muscle and reach is obviously an advantage in a lot of combat, and she hardly seems bothered by her breasts. I''m absolutely certain Ryla or Agnes could kick my arse in armed or unarmed combat, probably without even breaking a sweat. Alith, Gunhild and Bodil seem to think similar, but they definitely want to try fighting against them, though it won''t be tonight.


    They kneel down in front of me, and I congratulate them on their fantastic performance, but I refuse to punish the loser Agnes, because I am not like Radgeirrson. The fact that Agnes expected to be punished explains why the duelling felt serious. I can only imagine how Radgeirrson punished the loser.


    They want a private meeting with me, which is fine, but first they will relax a bit and take another shower etc. Sambos obviously want to talk to me, and I want to talk to Shakini about them.


    <hr>

 Female complications - day 16, Agnes and Ryla

    <hr>


    To be honest, I should have expected Ryla and Agnes to be two of Radgeirrson''s ''well-trained'' favourites. Surprisingly, they have had the h¨®ra procedure performed, which I now know involves a bone needle being inserted, and then some plant extract is injected. Anyway, Agnes and Ryla are thus unable to have children and are ''perfectly safe''. Both hope to fulfil the same service as my entertainers and bed slaves. Hopefully in Thrymheim. They have assumed I would appreciate having them available for entertainment and my bed, and just waited for me to arrive in Forsheim so they could prove themselves. My disinterest in their services frightened them, especially when I didn''t ordered them here for the wedding, and so they travelled here, and Heimir, who had his own thoughts about service here, came along.


    Almost immediately after the meeting room doors closed, and they saw it was just me and Alith in there, they pulled up their skirts as they slid down on all fours and crawled over to show how submissive and well trained they are. It felt so wrong to see them crawling to my legs, trying to kiss my feet and seductively hugging my lower legs while stroking my crotch, wanting to show off their oral prowess. My reaction of reaching out to stop them, only made them start kissing my hands and sucking on my fingers, begging me not to get rid of them. I was not prepared for that. Or what was coming. Ryla gracefully lifted one leg straight up as she lifted the skirt part of her dress and spun around, while Agnes gracefully did the same and they showed how they had prepared and wore a tail plug in their bum. Agnes gliding down and sitting in a split began to caress Ryla''s legs and vagina and lick her, while Ryla just bent her upper body down towards the floor and after they exchanged a sensual kiss she began to lick Agnes'' breasts with her own huge breasts on full display. Very flexible acrobats, who didn''t care that Alith was right next to me. Lots of piercing and gold jewellery, especially Agnes who has rings in her labia.


    They said that they have also satisfied Mrs Aldis, and are of course only too happy to satisfy my wife and my partners. I made them stop their incredibly flexible demonstration, and they seemed so afraid of having displeased me. Expecting to be slapped or worse, and to be thrown out from Thrymheim and perhaps even Forsheim.


    They were so willing to answer my questions and be of service. I have taken over Radgeirrson''s lands and slaves, and a lot of his servants now serve me, including Shakini, so even though Shakini told me that I am nothing like Radgeirrson, maybe that''s just the public image. Radgeirrson pretended, so maybe I''m just better at pretending and more discreet, or wanted to test how ''loyal'' they actually were. Age is often uncertain, but they are about 20 or 21 years old and grew up as Circus children and have trained to be acrobats, jugglers, fire performers and entertainers since they were children. They were sold into slavery and came to Radgeirrson as 11-12 year old, when he started indoctrinating and training them. Living on Forsheim as his bards, jesters, musicians, dancers and for sex, has been their reward for how well trained and loyal they are. Battle master Heimir was hired to give them combat and weapons training, and Forsheim''s Leidung warriors have received less training, although Leidung is voluntary for free men and often for 3 or 5 years. Ryla and Agnes train 6 days a week, first running, then fighting and then music and dance and such. They have received an incredible amount of combat training to be able to protect and give their lives for their master and lady.


    They have fought so many many times in their lives, including fighting to the death against other slaves, which is surprising and not surprising at once. Radgeirsson was an arsehole, and this world is cruel.


    Both of them seem so incredibly indoctrinated and intent on being and doing what their master wants, that they just want to know what I want so they can fulfil it, and when I neither punished nor rewarded them after the duels, it made them more fearful. It took a while for me to realise how genuinely scared they seem to be of given freedom like Shakini and others have been, and being ''forced'' to make a life for themselves as bards, jesters, entertainers or shield maidens, that I got a vibe of how desperate Ciara was to live with me and to get her contract. They come from different lives and experiences, and their fears are different, but that desperation in their eyes and voices was similar.


    Sure, they are incredibly skilled entertainers and close combat warriors, and certainly not bad at sex, but I was pretty set on not needing them here all the time, because how often will we have feasts? We could fetch them when needed. I hardly use Caecilia''s services when it comes to entertainment and sex, and I don''t want to ''inherit'' Radgeirrrsons'' ''toys''. The primary reason for letting them serve is actually as secret bodyguards while they are skilled performers, but it still just feels wrong because they really hope I will have sex with them. But there are times when we really need more bodyguards even if they don''t live with us every day, so Ryla and Agnes can sleep in the guest house and get more music training, and of course learn to read and write, and occasionally act as secret bodyguards. Should Iselin or Kari, for example, need to go on a two- or three-week trip again, they can come along. They could have travelled with Kari to her estate.


    Iselin has already and quite correctly pointed out that they will be more useful living close to us than in Forsheim or Kari''s estate. And from what I have just experienced, they seem potentially extremely loyal. Alith''s opinion is that I should accept them, because they are ridiculously skilled in combat, and many forms of entertainment. Also, they have no family and can never have children, and thus no man will marry them. So let them swear their lives to serve me and my household and keep secrets, and make them free necks. It might be true, that just saying I won''t have sex with slaves I own, will probably make them accept becoming free necks.


    I too can see what is the smart decision, but I can also see a whole lot of negatives due to my women and slipping morals.


    <hr>


    I would have liked to talk to Kari before making a decision about Agnes and Ryla, but we can predict what she will say, no matter what her true feelings and fears. Ciara didn''t seem to mind, and was just pleased that we will have such awesome entertainment and skilled bodyguards. Iselin really don''t seem to mind two more eager women in our lives, but then again, she did enjoy the threesome with Alith, and now I know my wife better. She''s also just happy for the incredible show Agnes and Ryla made and that we will be able to see more of, but she also shot her own black powder. Jane was the only reluctant one, but she get why they''re good to have adjacent to our lives, and if she''s going on a journey in this horrible dangerous world, she would like to have someone like them as a discrete bodyguard, beside other bodyguards. Plus they can help with all the musical projects.


    Ryla and Agnes were so grateful to pledge their lives to serve me and my household, but I can''t really imagine what a huge relief it must have been when I removed their necklaces. Too many in my company have experienced that feeling. Iselin, Ciara, Jane and Caecilia are well aware that Ryla and Agnes want to give me and them sexual satisfaction, and Iselin is not entirely adverse to that. Especially if Caecilia and I are not around. Ryla even has very large, beautiful breasts that look amazing on her beautiful and graceful athletic and flexible body. Tomorrow Iselin will take measurements for bras as both will have at least a sports bra, so I guess I''ll hear who got the biggest boobs. All of Agnes and Ryla''s gold piercings, jewellery and beautiful clothes, including some made entirely of more or less transparent lace, as well as their weapons, were not their property but were mine as their owner, but after they swore their lives to me and I''ve made them free, I gave it to them. Worth quite a lot yes, but it felt weird to take it or give it to someone else just for its value.


    Sitting and working with Iselin feels good, especially when Iselin is in such a good mood. Ryla and Agnes were a good distraction from the threesome with Iselin and Alith earlier today, but it was nice. Different from a threesome with Iselin and Caecilia, as Caecilia is way more intimate with Iselin than Alith was comfortable to be, but Iselin didn''t mind that and Alith didn''t complain when Iselin finally got to experience her breasts and nipple rings while we had sex. As a little gift for how well Alith learned black powder, I gave her a stacked dildo. Both Iselin and I gave it to her several times.


    She was right that it would be nice with Alith, and she finally got to experience her amazing 65G breasts that she has been dreaming about for half a year, and Iselin would appreciate a repeat in the future. Iselin had from the beginning hoped that Alith might be open to joining her in bed occasionally, as she didn''t predict how her life with me would develop, and had assumed that Alith wouldn''t have sex with me, given how shieldmaidens tend to view their master and their service. Unfortunately that didn''t happened, but Iselin is way happy that I love her too and that I didn''t care about her background and that we''re now married. She is also pleased that Alith and I seldom have sex and that was the first time in my bed. Iselin definitely has an inferiority complex towards women with large breasts, unless she too can enjoy them. But, if I hardly have had sex with Alith, Ryla probably won''t be an issue either. She don''t have to mention that even though she has given me carte blanche, she might revoke that if I abuse it.


    Huummm.... Kari and Jane have about the same breast size as Iselin, and in the B-C range, which may be a contributing factor to their easier acceptance, and Caecilia who have E, was way open about sex with Iselin.


    Iselin has known about Alith''s and my ''occasions'' since my birthday, when they returned from to the King''s farm from Borgarsandr. Alith and I didn''t notice it, but Iselin smelled sex in the bedroom, and it was just the two of us there. The fact that Alith had a satisfied happy little smile was just an extra clue, before she also overheard Ciara telling me that Alith had talked to her about it. She only heard bits through the somewhat open window, but she did hear some, like how the sex between Alith and me was just sex without feelings.If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    Iselin has been drawing conclusions ever since, and occasionally noticed things. She almost expected there to be something more between us, just like Jane has become, but Kari, Ciara and Caecilia came into my circle, and we''ve kept it discrete enough that not even Iselin has noticed anything special. She has only guessed that we had sex at certain times, including at the Inn in Laxlanda. Iselin knew how shooting their black powder might affect Alith, because she too remembers the first time Alith shot and just sat on the ground next to Bodil. But when we didn''t act upon that, even in my bedroom when Alith was ''so obviously horny'', she decided it was time to show that she likes it if a suitable willing woman occasionally join us in our marriage bed.


    My wonderful wife Iselin is so exceptional in so many ways, and my love for her only deepens as time goes by, and I learn to understand and appreciate her more and more.


    I was well aware that she likes sex with women too, and likes sex when it is just sex without deeper feelings. We both know she loves threesomes with an extra woman more than I do, especially if they have big boobs and they like sex with women. Iselin loves me and our sex when it''s just the two of us, but she likes sex with women too, and when the right woman joins us, it''s that much better.


    However, Ciara and Kari are not suitable because both focus almost entirely on me - especially Ciara. So, Iselin prefers to appreciate Ciara''s body and breasts in a beautiful dress. Ciara does look so much better and healthier than when I first met her, and she have regained her large breasts. But apart from Caecilia who is always willing even if it''s just with Iselin, which is ''very nice'', she has discretely checked if there are other interested women. Jane might be interested, but Iselin doesn''t want to pressure her because they are good friends and she is worried about the friendship. Iselin didn''t know that Caecilia had ''dragged'' Jane into a threesome before Jane let her know. Apparently a secret Caecilia didn''t tell her, and Iselin is a bit annoyed with Caecilia, and also happy that Caecilia keeps secrets and respects other people''s sex lives. Alith also let her know that Jane knows and how Jane found out, which entertained Iselin. Of course Iselin sees Ryla as potential for a threesome, but Iselin is also clear and firm that it has to feel right for all of us, so sex or a threesome won''t happen for a long time until it feels right. If it ever do.


    If we interpret Alith correctly, we believe she''s only interested in men. Alith really enjoyed the time with us, so maybe there will be another time in the future, but we believe the ''sinfulness'' and the unusualness of having sex in front of and together with my wife Iselin attracted Alith to do it. She and I have always had sex in secret before, so quite a big chance there will be no repeat.


    <hr>


    After supper, I continue working beside Iselin as she puts the finishing touches to her own diode radio. She want to do everything by herself, and has already made a suitable rotary variable capacitor beforehand to use in other projects, as well as other primitive capacitors, and she has calculated and made the coil as well, because everything is used in other radio projects, on the same frequency. Just to be on the safe side, I''ve discretely tried a real Midg?rd diode in her radio receiver, so the radio is on reasonably the right frequency and works, but Iselin doesn''t know about that. The receiver has a tested copper oxide diode, but she is making her own diode via heating, because the heating method is simply less magical, and although it gives an inferior diode, it is good enough for the purpose. She really wants to build everything in that receiver by herself. While the small copper plate heats up and cools down, she finishes the holder for the needle and copper plate, and attaches it to the wooden plate with every other component on it.


    I have started work on modifying three radios to triple frequency bands. The 3.6 MHz range will continue to be our standard, but we have only tried these radios for relatively short distances in the winter, and summer this far north might be very different. Having a couple of options prepared is both practical and important for collecting Alfheimr radio signal propagation data. Due to overtones, the obvious options are 14.4 MHz, or 7.2 MHz or 1.8 MHz which is doubling or halving. 14.4 MHz feels too high. 7.2 MHz is the most appealing, partly because it''s just double the frequency, which means half the length of antennas which makes those antennas take half the space and be easier to mount, and I''m curious how much difference it is in use. I''m keen to try 5.4 MHz which is a half tone up, to have a middle option depending on atmospheric conditions. However, half multiplier up will complicate antennas and tuning, although some antennas can be made with traps and several radiating elements.


    Choice is mostly about the antennas, since the radios have a modular design and it''s quite easy to change the oscillator for two or three frequencies, and changing the input/output filters to different frequency bands and tuning is manageable. Especially for a regen radio since the transmitter and receiver are separate modules. A modular design is also good for spare parts, and there is room in the radio case to store a couple of ready-made spare parts that are set up and ready to be changed in case ''shit happens''.


    Iselin''s receiver is almost finished and she is way too excited to wait until tomorrow to test, so we decide to test this evening. She don''t care about the winter darkness or cold, but then again, she do love watching the stars on a clear night and want a bigger telescope. While Iselin disappears to put on clothes and prepare, I quickly check with the multimeter that there is a diode function by moving the needle on the copper plate. I really don''t want her to be disappointed or for it to not work because I gave her faulty information.


    There is marshy ground on the other side of the small cove south of Thrymheim and completely open between there and Thrymheim. Caecilia will sing and talk in Thrymheim''s radio as this is a pure AM receiver, but Jane will also try to transmit some Norse, because she wants to be involved. They will start half an hour after we leave as I reckon it will take fifteen minutes to get where we''re going, and probably an extra fifteen minutes to hang the aerial etc. Pendulum clocks and watches make it so much easier to synchronise events. So we take her receiver, copper wire for a long antenna, earthing rod, hammer, a pair of headphones, the mobile radio and the guards flashlights and lanterns etc, and head out into the darkness and head down south.


    <hr>


    Iselin is so very energetic when she throws the weight over a high branch and pulls up the copper wire antenna in its insulators, and doesn''t even let the guards help hammer the ground rod into the frozen earth, before she sits down on a rock and prepare to starts listening, having selected the ready-made diode and ready to try dial in. Looking at my watch I give her a new time update. 1 minute left. For once, she ignores the starry sky. I wonder if I can ever make her a good enough telescope, because she already know that the better the telescope, the more you see. She loves the pictures we have taken of the starry sky with the best digital camera and its zoom lens at a relatively slow shutter speed as the movement of the sky quickly becomes a problem, and we have also taken pictures through her telescope. There are so many more stars! She has already started building an equatorial mount, and ordered large brass plates that she will try to make into large light collecting nice mirrors.


    It''s clear when she makes contact and hear Thrymheim. Iselin''s eyes fly open as she jerks her head, and the smile she gets is adorable. She lets me listen and it''s really low, but I can hear Caecilia singing the Norse version of ''Let it go'' on the radio. Well, we''re getting kind of Frozen. We have a wonderful kiss and hug. Iselin is so happy, and I''m happy that Iselin is happy, and for her huge accomplishment. She lets Alith and Bodil hear and they too smile and congratulate Iselin, before Iselin takes back the headphones and just listens and enjoys the music, ignoring the icy cold chill, and the starry sky above and the moon standing low.


    The creation on the stone in front of Iselin is one she built herself, using things from here in Alfheimr. Like blackpowder, it''s now something Iselin knows she can make, and it''s both primitive and incredibly advanced at the same time. Both Bodil and Alith are interested in the radio and would probably like to make their own, and Iselin describes what she is doing as she tries to bypass the diode with a small pre-wired copper wire and it goes silent, and she tries to plug in the newly made copper oxide plate and change the place the contact needle is and the pressure on the copper oxide layer. I take a couple of photos of Iselin sitting with the headphones and her faint moonlit face, with the mansion''s illuminated windows in the background and the mansion''s roof giving some light reflections. Iselin makes contact, but loses it, and starts to search with the needle and make a nice contact, and Iselin has a big smile, and we get to try listening again before Iselin impatiently take back the headphones. We sit there as she listen and enjoy her accomplishment, until Iselin gets a funny look on her face.


    "This is weird. Caecilia has returned after some silence, and asks Sir to repeat, because she didn''t think to listen?"


    "What?"


    Ah! It''s Asta or Kari on the ship, but of course Iselin''s unamplified diode receiver hasn''t heard the ship, which is giving a much weaker signal, much further away. However, the grin Iselin has is absolutely marvellous, and yes; this is a better test than expected. I take up the mobile radio and unfold the antenna and start the mobile radio. Soon we hear that it is indeed Asta who is transmitting after she heard Caecilia singing, and that they will return tomorrow. Everything is fine with them and Kari has already gone to sleep, and she was just going to give an update as usual when she heard Caecilia sing. Iselin has already started to take down her radio antenna, and gives me a kiss, saying it''s cold and she wants to be ''warmed up'' when we come home. So I send a reply to both Asta and Caecilia:


    "Robert here. Asta and Caecilia; our radio test is over. Let Kari sleep. See you tomorrow. I''ll switch off the radio and we will return to Thrymheim in 20 minutes. Over and out."


    <hr>


    Iselin and I celebrate a really good day with music, including Iron Maiden, AC/DC, Rammstein, Epica. Guitar solos and headbanging. I really should look into making an electric bass or electric guitar for Iselin, because she could use my amplified speaker. It will probably be a ridiculous amount of silver, time and energy to even have a chance of getting something good enough sound-wise, and the question is even if she wants to learn to play a guitar, because it will be a lot of work and improvements. But I will always wonder if I don''t try.


    Iselin surprises me when she also starts playing Kate Perry''s ''E.T.'', but she likes the sound, beat and feel, and loves the lyrics. She explains that Jane heard the song, thought the lyrics suited her and translated and explained the lyrics to her. Jane was absolutely right, and Iselin loves the song and lyrics enough to have written them down, not least because of all the technical words that are descriptive and that she understands better and better. She in turn, has explained the lyrics to Kari and Ciara, who also like it. So it''s now one of Iselin and Ciara''s favourite songs, and they are practising playing it.


    Actually, it is true that I was mesmerising at first, and she was unsure what a Sejdmann was. I am a Sejdmann from a completely different world, a different dimension, and I opened her eyes and she is happy that I brought her into the light. The fact that she now knows what magnetic, supersonic and lasers are, makes the lyrics more magical as time goes by, and she would absolutely want to be abducted and taken to Midg?rd. My marvellous wife is very suggestive when she wants me to kiss her and fill her with my poison.


    <hr>

 Female complications - day 17, Karis back

    Female complications, day 17


    Kari''s back.


    Iselin is still far too early for my liking, but she understands her husband and just likes to snuggle up next to me in bed. Caecilia knocks on the door and as usual she has weather and breakfast information, and when I meaningfully lift the duvet she smile and joins us in bed. I know Iselin doesn''t mind, and Caecilia appreciates it even if it''s only for a short while before getting up to visit the toilet before breakfast. Caecilia gives me a good morning kiss, and so does Iselin. Caecilia show her hand to me, which she says feels better, but after breakfast she will visit Unn again to get the wound checked.


    Iselin remembers to remind me that tonight we will have the Torra bl¨®t feast, as it is apparently a tradition here on this day of the year. I know she and Caecilia have said something about it before, but they also know that I don''t really keep track of such things, and as the lady of the house she''ll be doing all the preparations anyway, although the others will help. There''s not much of a ritual to be done and should go fast. I have decided to be a bit active in the pagan rites so I will be. Next month is the ''men''s month'', and Iselin and Caecilia want me to choose a day where they celebrate me, and if the weather is bad that day it is a bad omen for the year. They both see my attempt to avoid a bad omen by not choosing a day as annoying, but very much me and a bit sly.


    It feels good that Kari is coming home today, because I have missed her. I look forward to being able to call Kari my wife. Concubine just feels wrong. Although that applies to Jane too. The fact that I''m actually thinking about and missing Kari while lying between two amazing women like Iselin and Caecilia actually feels good. And a little bad.


    I''m not complaining about my social situation, but it still feels ''wrong'' that I have four sambos and Caecilia. That is just too many relationships to juggle so no one feels under appreciated or unprioritised, so I''ll keep trying to do my best. Then there''s the whole topic of future children that we''ve been trying to avoid, but I know Iselin and Kari want to get pregnant. And not just once. And honestly, if it wasn''t for the whole uncertainty about the health of the half-elf child, I would have wanted to try. I know that Jane has no interest in having children, which is probably why I don''t really feel any desire or need to even try with her, but we also need to be careful that it doesn''t happen by accident. Sure, Jane has a Midg?rd IUD, but they are not 100% protection, so we are still careful and will continue to be so, especially certain times of the month. Lacking contraception and with the bad Alfheimr condoms, it is by far the easiest to have sex with Caecilia, and it feels too good to not need a condom and just be able to cum in her. Her happy, satisfied face when I have done so is a bonus.


    One of those ''I should have seen it coming'', is that semen is used in some magical ''cures'', and Unn has already asked if my semen can be made available for that. The downside, and the upside, is that the semen has to be fresh, which means the cure has to be done when I''m available for donation, so I''ve been asked if instead of Caecilia washing out any used condoms, can''t Unn have the semen? Frankly, I don''t really mind, even though it feels weird, and there will certainly be people travelling to Unn, hoping to get this medical cure. Of course my Sejdmann semen have to be extra potent. That''s not even the top of weird list. Apparently there is some belief in the southern kingdoms that a man''s semen can keep a woman''s skin beautiful. For a noblewoman to use her husband''s, servant''s or slave''s semen as a face mask is just... Oh, boy. But it''s better than using arsenic and such poisons.


    Some men who would love to help apply their beauty product to a paying woman''s face.


    <hr>


    There are so many uses for more accurate lens grinding, not just for better telescopes and monoculars and glasses, so along with the others, I continue working on a simple lens grinding/polishing machine driven by a belt drive. The lower template or lens is centred on a large gear, and the upper one is attached to a similar one. They are connected by two gears on a shaft which makes them rotate, but between the two upper gears there is a small gear which change the rotation direction and speed, to avoid pattern forming from synchronisation. To create a small lateral oscillating grinding motion, there is a fourth gear right above the drive shaft that has an off-centre pin that causes the upper arm to oscillate with another tempo. The pressure on the lens being ground is from a lead weight and thus adjustable. We have a lot of experimentation to do.


    I have already learnt a lot, and will learn more during the use of the grinding machine, and will make a better one in the future with more careful adjustments and options. Prototypes are rarely perfect, and sometimes it is better to build new from scratch with the experience, than to modify and improve the prototype. And we might save the prototype to a future museum.


    <hr>


    There''s a knock on the door of my workshop, and after I shout ''come in'', the door is flung open and Kari glides in, rotates my chair and sits gracefully across my lap and then drops her stately posture. She kisses me aggressively and hungrily as we embrace. My lovely concubine - and hopefully future wife - naturally gets my full attention when she tells me about her week.Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.


    It''s a short day''s boat journey plus a couple of hours on horseback to reach her large estate and manor, or if the ship hadn''t been used, a whole long winters day on horseback. The manor is so very large and in beautiful countryside, but of course not as nice as Thrymheim. The manor is many longhouses surrounded by a pallisade, where the largest longhouse is larger than the length of Thrymheim and inside the open middle it''s very high up to the roof. She owns so many animals and so much land that it''s hard to believe. She spent a few days there seeing the land, visiting Skarde''s burial mound, greeting people, settling some minor disputes and future changes, and officially assigning someone to manage the manor on her behalf. She has also spoken to a few couples about her mother, whose name was apparently Iona, but it seems that few people knew Iona, but it is more than 20 years since Iona died.


    Skarde have also left her a huge fortune which he had accumulated over several years and intended to be buried with, as he had nothing to spend it on. His old inheritance would indeed have gone to King Asbj?rn. So he wasn''t interested in investments in the manor or animals, and being buried with it would be a revenge against Asbj?rn. But he changed his mind after he had met Kari last autumn, and she brought back two chests that she could barely lift even if she didn''t carry them herself. And that''s only part of her fortune. A construction team of 16 people will come here in a few days. Kari smile as she ponders whether she should build a manor house like Thrymheim on her own property, and perhaps even one on Orusingen? A hunting lodge seems a bit small for someone of her status and wealth...


    I''m rich, especially after the auction last autumn, but Kari is clearly richer and owns much more land and livestock. Actually, that makes it a little hard to figure out the morning gift, and I''m glad I don''t have to give a bride price. Many will suspect that Asbj?rn didn''t give her to anyone because of her then future inheritance, and waited until someone was worth the ''reward''. The truth is probably that he hoped Skarde would die without knowing what Kari''s life would be like, Asbj?rn would have inherited, and Kari could have been given to some good man anyway.


    Now that she had visited her estate, it was no big deal, and she should have done it before. She was very well received, and the people of Kariby liked her. It''s only a day''s journey from here, so in the future she''ll be visiting her estate every few weeks, maybe 6-8 times a year or so, and she''s hoping I can come along in the spring when it''s nicer, which I''m definitely looking forward to. Kari is so enthusiastic about her estate that I cautiously ask:


    "Have you started to have other plans for your future? You''re rich and could have a great future without me..." I shut up as Kari''s horrified look tells me to stop talking and never mention it again!


    Eventually Kari stops kissing me when she has convinced herself that I know I am the only man for her, and her heritage has not changed that. Her heritage only makes her worthy to be my woman and to become a Furstess. She is willing to give me half her estates right now, just to prove how seriously she wants to continue being my woman and future wife. Half makes me smile, because I like that she is still planning for her future, and has an honest backup plan, and Kari knows I like backup plans and honesty. It lightens the mood.


    I update her on what''s been happening here, of course first about Caecilia, which just makes her close her eyes and sigh. But she is not surprised. I continue about Ryla, Agnes and Heimir and Olafr. Kari thinks everything is excellent and for our good. I remind her about the rune stones and she immediately decides to raise three to Skarde and maybe make a stone ship, and she will also ask Jane to paint a proper painting from the camera picture and the sketch. Maybe two.


    Kari along with Hillevi are amazed at the lightning machine when I show it, but they both love it, and find it so fascinating, and Kari likes to crank and see the lightning and hear the sound. I should have guessed that Kari would be interested as it is electricity and a bit like radio, and she wants to know how it works. Of course, Iselin is quick to offer to help Kari understand.


    I promise Kari that we will go through how it works in the future. To make everyone a bit more surprised, I ask them to turn on the radio. When we crank the lightning machine, we hear strange noise from the radio. The lightning machine is basically a spark gap transmitter with no tuning or shielding, especially if we attach longer wires from each side as antennas, and it doesn''t matter how the frequency is set. We can still hear it. Frankly, a good example of electrical interference and what is called RFI - Radio Frequency Interference. The primitive transmitter I built and we tested last autumn is basically a more advanced version that is made to transmit at a certain frequency.


    Iselin has already said she wants to try to build her own 100% Alfheimr transmitter, and I am also curious about how ''good'' a mobile transmitter can be made. We haven''t actually tested exactly how far the one I built reaches. Honestly, the spark gap transmitter with a simple receiver can become a short range tactical radio because it is not that advanced and it is 100% Alfheimr. The receiver require no standby power, or only a really low consumption if a coherer and bell is used. However, the transmitter draws a lot of power when transmitting, and I need to improve the range considerably for it to be really useful, and of course make the radio much more practical to carry. Trying to raise the frequency would also be good to be more portable and reduce interference with existing radios.


    Kari has heard about yesterday''s radio test and Iselin is so proud and practically gloating, when she shows her very own radio receiver that she built, and tells how we last night sat on the mountain on the other side of the small cove and listened to Caecilia singing here, before Asta broke in from the ship. Kari really wants to do the same, and is annoyed that she missed it, and I promised she will build one too. Iselin must have been waiting for this opportunity, because she comments that Kari was involved in everything when I started the radio projects when she was away to get her parents, so it''s only right that she''s the first elf to make and own her own radio receiver.


    <hr>

 Female complications - day 17, ice cold

    <hr>


    Hillevi''s has obviously spoken to Gunhild and the others, who told her what they swore to me and why. She would have liked to swear lifetime service like Alith and Gunhild did, but she hasn''t given up on her old dreams yet, and they know I genuinely want them to follow their dreams. So Hillevi gets the same deal as Gunhild with a day off per month, lasting a year, but she make sure that her service starts in a couple of days from now. It''s a bit amusing to see how difficult Hillevi, who is usually very forward and open about what she thinks, has to say what she really wants to ask me, especially with Iselin sitting beside me, who can''t help grinning because she understands and finds it amusing.


    I don''t want to force Hillevi to ask, so I just send Iselin out and say that I''ll be alone and bored in my bedroom for a couple of hours tomorrow morning, but a friend can join me and make the time more enjoyable. Hillevi offers to keep me company. Just in case. As a friend - not a bodyguard. Because she starts the day after tomorrow.


    So cutely transparent.


    <hr>


    My idea of ice bathing from the lake''s small jetty is generally regarded as an idiotic idea, but I force the bodyguards to participate and they understand why since I told them that according to statistics, the chance of survival increases greatly if you''ve done it once under controlled circumstances, before you happen to fall through ice. The ice is about 15 cm thick so they will start taking ice from the lake to the ice house, but as it is still around -4C I have made them wait. Thicker ice is better. I want to show the value of ice claws, so we''ll utilise a sawn up hole by the jetty and its ladder. There have been four pairs of simple ice claws made that will be tested, and I will be the first to ice bathe, but of course secured with a rope around my waist. Ciara is the only one of my sambos that have volunteer to take the plunge, but the rest want to watch and ''maybe'' do it. Apart from Jane, they have been swimming until quite late this autumn, and they know that I said it was good for their health to winter bathe, which they verified with Jane who very reluctantly agreed.


    To make it easier for any bathers and to get warmer afterwards, Hrappr has erected a tent and lit a couple of fire baskets inside, and there is bath towels and thick blankets. We''ve also put out a couple of smaller reed mats to stand on. Plus we have heavy fur coats and such to put on. I know I won''t need it, but if it helps motivate my sambos... Motivation and making this short moment more special, is the reason we''ve also brought sausages and hamburgers to grill.


    It''s cold but I just have to man up, and I can''t even hesitate because I have to set a good example and show my manliness. It''s after all my own dumb idea to do this, and I have winter bathed many times before, including in ice. Just not with an audience like this. Although I have winter bathed surrounded by snow and ice, while watched by very warmly dressed immigrants grilling sausages, probably thinking I''m mad.


    Hrappr and the others are standing by with the safety rope that I''ve attached to my waist, and to make it more complicated, I''m going to have to ask Kari''s permission before I try to get up without help. I know I can manage a couple of minutes without any problems. We''ve tried to keep most of the crowd away, but of course many workers and locals are watching from a distance. Entertainment is limited and weather limits what work can be done. Olafr stands curiously with Bekkhilda beside him and Pedr joins them. Unn and Amba are of course also here, and ready to help.


    Cold!


    Especially the shock of cold water on my head, but this hole is deliberately shallow enough that my shorter sambos can stand on the bottom with their heads above the water. It''s a safety measure to not have to swim, and panic about that. I try to steel myself and focus on breathing, and feel my hands on my thighs. It''s interesting how much worse it is in 0C degree water than +7C degree, especially for the feet and hands. I stay down for an unnecessarily long time but I have to get up while my hands and feet work. Caecilia has, with increasing concern in her voice, called out the time in 15 second intervals, and I can feel the gazes of my sambos and bodyguards. Iselin is waiting with a bath towel, and Ciara has my dry clothes, while Kari stands with my fur coat. Kari gives me permission to get up before I''ve even finished saying all the words.


    I know what it''s like to try to get up on ice without ice claws, and I yank the ice claws from their holder around my neck and stab them in the ice. The satisfaction when they bite into the ice and I can pull myself up is so damn wonderful! My stomach is cold, but I pull myself up and decide to dry off and change without going into the tent. I''ve never had a warm tent to go into, and always changed on the beach, so that is also an advantage to having winter bathed many times before, and camping all year round. Walking barefoot in snow is no problem as long as it is not for a long time or stretch. Cold is mostly a problem if there is a strong wind, which there isn''t today, and after a few minutes I''m fine, although Ciara and Kari still insist that I put on my fur coat. Their voice and faces makes me do so, and Ciara is next.


    So I start to oversee and prepare for others taking the plunge, and Ciara goes into the tent and prepares. I had my Midg?rd swim shorts, and the others will use thin dark shorts and t-shirts so they are not completely naked. We''ve brought extra, since drying will take time. Ciara is first, then Alith, and one by one the bodyguards jump into the lake, and when Kari, Iselin and Caecilia have also taken a dip, Jane does it too just to not feel left out. Hrappr have asked if he can try and of course can, which leads to the rest of the staff doing the same, followed by Heimir, Ryla and Agnes. Olafr, Pedr, Unn and Amba are next in line.Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.


    I hadn''t noticed it, but several of my sambos quickly noticed that Ryla and Agnes generally bend at the waist instead of their knees when picking up something on the ground, and apparently they''ve been trained by Radgeirrson to do so since they were little, and they''re definitely flexible enough to do it.


    <hr>


    So many people have taken an ice bath today. Most of the workers wanted to do it too, to show their manliness, and also a couple of the wives and maids, all of course are allowed to borrow the dark clothes that have started to dry or at least is warm wet. Some have panicked and needed to be pulled up, others have not been able to use the ice claws effectively, but it has been an interesting unusual experience and a different day where we have all gained experience. I make it clear that those who panicked should not be teased, because it is literally something they cannot help, and many probably cannot swim either, so just being in ''deeper'' water can cause anxiety. Now that they have taken an ice bath, in the future they might not panic. This is one reason to do ice bathing under controlled circumstances. Everyone has also learnt how difficult it is to get up without the ice claws, but even with them, it is not fun and can fail, and the lifeline is most effective.


    Everyone who will be taking up ice for the ice house will have ice claws, and there will also be other safety equipment such as simple leather straps with studs for the shoes, so they get better traction and grip when walking on the ice. There will just be unnecessary accidents otherwise. Ice claws are something we will try to spread, because it is better and much safer than pulling your knife and trying to get up with it. Those who want to make their own ice claws will be allowed to do so. We will probably not need personal ice claws this year, but it is cheap and easy to make. Just a wooden handle with a nail and a metal ring as reinforcement to keep the wood from splintering, plus cord and a leather holder.


    Very cheap, and it might save someone''s life.


    <hr>


    The day is kind of nice, and Kari and Iselin are happy to accompany me, so we visit the Academy and discuss that and future expansion, because even though this is not finished, it will most likely be needed, and some rooms and such need to be done for practising and other things. For example, I want to invest in a really big greenhouse for the Academy, where it will be used for education and botany experimentation, among other things. If it can give us medicinal plants, special food and spices, so much better. The greenhouse will be big enough to fit trees inside the main building, and we will need to employ someone just to look after the greenhouse. A heck of a lot of glass will be ordered, but most will be single pane.


    I would prefer to make future Academy buildings and even most village buildings out of brick, and although it is available to buy or is something we can start production of ourselves, it has simply been too expensive. However, if I can increase my future income with significantly more salt production, it will be possible. The log buildings are very good, and relatively quick and cheap to build, but I''m a bit worried about the fire risk.


    We return to the lake as the ice bathing is over and the bodyguards have taken the opportunity to try hanging the privacy screen in the tent. Of course there''s no bed in the tent now, but the screen seems to work surprisingly well. The privacy screen is clearly a good idea so there will be another one made so that the other side of our larger combined tent also gets one. My sambos lives are as important as mine, so well worth the money. If the privacy screens are just in the way for the rest of our lives, and an unnecessary complication and expense, I''m perfectly happy with that outcome, and I''ll probably sleep a little better when the screens are there. Peace of mind is not to be underestimated. Especially in this world.


    We come across Heimir talking to Olafr and after talking to the people here, Heimir is just happy to make a life here, and likes the apartments. He is happy to swear to serve me and train my warriors here, and keep secrets as needed. He is also happy that I have accepted Agnes and Ryla, but not surprisingly, he almost seems to see them as adopted daughters since he has trained them for 10 years. Of course he is happy that I''ve freed them. Radgeirrson bought slave Heimir 10 years ago, but Heimir has been a free man for some years now. Heimir has a woman he loves in Forsheim, so he will travel there to get her and his possessions, and return in a couple of weeks. Heimir is very curious about my thunder weapons and combat that way, and about Jane''s close combat skills, while Jane is a bit worried, because she is convinced she will lose. Badly. She saw Ryla and Agnes duelling, and after seeing Heimir her response was:


    "A Viking warrior like that will be incredibly dangerous, and will probably take a hell of a beating, and fight until he no longer can''t. Valhalla! I would absolutely follow your mantra of shoot them before they get close. I would shoot them several times, and probably a security head shot just to make sure."


    We walk down to the shooting range where Kari and Heimir get to test the crossbow. Kari doesn''t really like it, but thinks it''s nicer than firearms and Kari wants to participate in hunting. I don''t think Kari really cares about the hunting part, and mostly wants to be involved in the social aspect, and that is okay. Kari really dislikes the sound, flame and pyro effect that the flintlock mechanism gives, and it is only slightly better with eye protection. However, she wants to try shooting with the silencer, so even if a future air rifle is not ideal for elk hunting, it might appeal to Kari. The silencer does not make much difference from the front or obliquely from the front of a supersonic bullet, as with the silencer there is a clear and loud supersonic ''crack'' that is no longer drowned out by the sound of the firing, but to the side and behind the weapon and for the shooter, the sound is much lower, and thus less harmful to hearing. Still best use hearing protection, but at least it should be less harmful. Hunting elk etc with a subsonic bullet is probably a bad idea due to energy and ballistics, but my sambos are concerned about my hearing. And so am I.


    Heimir can of course shoot a bow and has used a simple crossbow before, but long ranged weapons is not something he has been interested in. He mainly sees bows and crossbows as ''short-range'' weapons and for hunting, although he knows how far a bow can lob an arrow. But this crossbow is so incredibly different to what he''s used before, and it is so easy to aim and strike hard! Which has made Alith and Olafr grin. Just like Jane, they are very well aware of my view that combat is best done at a distance, especially if you have a weapons advantage and tactical advantage. If I can injure or kill an enemy before he gets into close combat, I will.


    <hr>

 Female complications - day 17, Blót

    <hr>


    We continue on to the harbour, where we encounter most of the crew. As I have most of them gathered, I ask if they might want extra work and thus pay. Making games. I will provide the materials, and pay them a little extra for each game they finish. The plan is to mass produce the game RISK, and make it more traveller friendly by splitting the game board into four pieces, which are folded so the playing surface is folded against the playing surface, and with a leather strap and buckle around it holding the thicker bundle together.


    The two boards in the centre are hollowed out in the bottom, providing a protected space to hold small bags for game pieces and perhaps even the playing cards. If everything doesn''t fit there, the leather strap around it will also have a simple leather pouch sewn on. They need to make everything and there is woodwork, painting, drawing, leatherwork and some sewing. Pieces and dice to make and paint, and make sure the dices are fair and balanced. Making flat playing surfaces that fold together. Copying the game board exactly and make all the cards. Sew the cloth bags and leather straps etc, and imprint RISK as a label on the straps and as tags. In both runes and Laitje-Frigonese letters. I want to get the games made so the ''Academy'' can start selling them, and I will have more games that needs making in the future, if they want to. They have a lot of free time when we are not travelling, so I thought I would give them the chance to earn silver before I have it made by others, but I require well made products as the Academy logo will be on it.


    The negotiation for silver doesn''t take long and they''re happy to accept to make a large batch. I''m glad Iselin and Kari handled the negotiation, because I would obviously have been too generous. I really need to truly learn the economy and how things are valued. But everyone sees it as they already work for me, and that this is a pure bonus.


    <hr>


    After supper, it''s time for the bl¨®t, and as the lady of the manor and these islands, it''s Iselin''s duty to do it and outside the house she welcome ''Torra''. Torra is some kind of winter spirit who should be offered hospitality so that the winter doesn''t drag on for too long, and Caecilia and Unn is so happy to help with the offering and that we do it together. This bl¨®t is basically that some kind of food is left outside during the night so that Torra can at least eat, even if he doesn''t want to show himself and come inside. In this case the offering is just a bowl of porridge, a piece of bread and dried meat, and a stoop of mead protected by a towel, which is placed on a stool by the courtyard sundial.


    Unn and Amba is very curious about the lightning machine, and I just haven''t thought to show it to them before. Of course they has heard about it, and seen my falling water lightning generator. So I crank it up and their reaction is fun to see. I even let Unn crank it herself, and she is so happy as they leaves for her own home.


    Since we''re alone, I let my sambos know I have a surprise for them. I''ve decided to make Torra bl¨®t a bit more special by showing them my cooled 33cl Pepsi can, and have prepared for all my sambos to try some by pouring some for them. Jane starts laughing like mad when I show her the can, to the others bewilderment, and she laugh out:


    "Only a nerd like you would bring a Pepsi can on a long hike!"


    The kiss she gives me is endearing, before her tongue and hands makes it more intense and erotic. She has gotten more comfortable to do that in front of the others. Jane understands that this can and its liquid is absolutely unique for this world, and no-one will experience anything like it again, so I already have a camera recording - partly for my own amusement - and am prepared with the digital camera.


    It takes some explaining what they''re seeing, and about to experience. They can''t understand how the liquid could have got into a closed metal container, and Jane realises she doesn''t really know either, but of course she understands that the manufacturer must somehow put the lid on afterwards as it is the only way. The second shock to others is that metal, of such quality and art on the outside, is so common, that Midg?rd stores and transports drinks in it because it is practical, and that this can is not incredibly expensive artwork and exclusive. They won''t believe that there are probably a billion or so of these cans made every day in Midg?rd, so I won''t even bother mentioning it. Jane does, however, but grossly underestimates it to tens of millions, so I correct her. They are just beginning to understand how machines can do jobs way faster and more accurately than a human or elf could ever do, and how that can change how everything works.The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    They are so very impressed with the sound of me opening the jar, followed by me pouring it into cups for them so each get a taste. Incredibly appreciated, even if the drink is not to everyone''s taste. Jane enjoys her own small amount, well aware that this will be the last time she ever will enjoy something like this. It''s so cute to see Iselin carefully drinking the last sip from the can, and I take a photo of it.


    Elvira have brought more to drink that we pour into the can, just so that everyone can try drinking from it. I''ll take a couple of photos of that too. Is this actually an anachronism, because technically the can is not from their future?


    Also, it''s shocking how light the can is, how thin the metal is, etc. I don''t need the can''s aluminium yet, it''s probably only 15 grams or so, and I''m going to save the can and in the future cut of a section so future elves can get ideas on how to make something like a soda can. Since it is aluminium the can will not rust. Leave it outside, and it will still be there in 100 years, even if the sun has dulled the colour print and maybe made it disappear. They are yet again a bit shocked when I explain that aluminium is one of the most common metals found in the ground, but it is never found in pure form, and is much harder to extract than lead, iron, tin, gold, silver, etc, and I doubt I will be able to produce aluminium in my lifetime. For example, rubies, emeralds and sapphires are all aluminium that has reacted with air and with some other metal that gives it its colour. It''s a bit hard for them to understand, but they don''t doubt me and Iselin is not alone in thinking the can is even more magical and fantastic.


    The discussion takes another turn when Jane and I confirm that Midg?rd can make many gemstones, and they are more perfect than the ones dug from the ground, but this has led miners and jewellers and many others to prefer natural stones which, because of their imperfections, make them more unique than something that is perfect. Most of what is made is used in machinery and industrial applications. For example, my mechanical wristwatch has tiny little layers of ruby, and the glass is sapphire crystal, i.e. it is aluminium oxide without colour, not ordinary glass. More durable and resists scratches better than glass, because it is harder than glass, but it is exactly the same material as the blue sapphires or rubies. It is an example of how common aluminium is and combine with other things.


    "Epsom salt! Robert! Epsom Salt!" Jane is excited about something, and seems to assume I must know what she means, and sure I''ve heard of it somewhere, sometime. I think. She grabs my shoulders and is over-enthusiastic. "Epsom salt is magnesium something! Epsom is a place south of London, inside the M25! It was a health spring people visited!"


    "Okay?"


    "Oh, come on!! That must be valuable information! Magnesium!"


    "I''ll give you that, but it might be hard to obtain even if that exist here, and then to actually extract magnesium from it."


    "Don''t be like that! Epsom salt! Magnesium! I did good!"


    Jane seems so pleased with her ''big'' contribution, and tries to explain it to the others. But sure, it''s important information, and might be very important. But how am I going to send someone to try and get hold of a few barrels of it? Some merchant from my merchant empire travelling there? How should I describe it? Since it''s got ''salt'' in the name, it is probably white crystals or slurry or brine like water.


    Like Aluminium, Magnesium is one of the most common substances on Earth, but as far as I know not in pure form. I really don''t like chemistry! However, Iselin is looking forward to start ''experimenting'' so she can feel like a scientist, which will basically mean trying a hell of a lot of things, and combinations of things. But if she wants to do such boring work, I won''t stop her, and maybe I can help her with ideas and suggestions. I actually have no idea what will happen if crystallised Epsom salt is used in fireworks. Iselin will just be happy to try it, no matter how it goes. No-one will complain if fireworks get better or more varied.


    They are going to Borgarsandr tomorrow, so they can talk to Ovdhon. I also hope he can get hold off high quality quartz crystals, commonly known as ''bergskristall'' i.e. rock crystal or mountain crystal, and have been and is common in Sweden and Norway. Quartz and silicon are still a big industry in modern Sweden and Norway. Actually making useful frequency stable crystals or piezo elements is a completely different thing, but both would be really nice for radios. And other things. Maybe I can make more piezo electric igniters, for guns or other purposes.


    <hr>


    Most of my sambos are going to Borgarsandr the day after tomorrow, including Kari, because there are things she wants to do and buy there. With her new treasure chests of silver and gold, she can buy whatever she wants, but she knows not to waste money unnecessarily. That''s my job.


    So after I work a little more on the high pressure tanks, I take Kari to the bedroom for the night, but it''s more than ''a while'' before we fall asleep.

 Female complications - day 18, electric noise

    Female complications, day 18


    Electric noise


    At breakfast Kari is a bit sore and tired but in a good happy mood. I''m tired and lethargic but I can take a nap after being ''alone and bored''.


    I''ve showered and just slump down into the couch, contemplating what to do while I wait, when Hillevi shows up - freshly showered and clearly embarrassed and a bit uncomfortable as she sits next to me. Oh, this is awkward....


    But I just have to man up, although it feels damn weird as I know and see her as a friend. But eventually our small talk feels more relaxed, and I''ve reassure myself she truly wants us to have sex. She knows it''s important to me that she feel absolutely no pressure and can say no at any time. Hillevi is clearly uncomfortable with kissing or any mouth-to-mouth action, as it feels too intimate, and she definitely prefers the couch or sheepskin sleeping pads on the floor instead of my bed, which is my wife''s and concubines''. I see some similarities with Jane''s view on sex with women, but I think it''s for a different reason for Hillevi, because except this short moment, we will be master and bodyguard. Frankly, I agree that the bed might feel awkward. We will have to be extra careful as she has no IUD, and we both agreed to use condoms.


    Hillevi helps me lay out and snap together a couple of sheepskin sleeping pads on the floor, which are joined by blankets and pillows while Hillevi lights my fireplace to help us keep warm and make it a little more special. The central heating steam boiler actually works so well that my fireplace is generally only used when I''m trying to make it more special for a sambo, and usually Kari. She do like looking at fire and flames. We sit there beside each other and it''s a little uncomfortable who''s going to make the first move, but I move to sit behind her, and start tenderly touch her body and kiss her shoulder until Hillevi seems to accept that we really will have sex, and then she gets ... wild.


    It''s not me having sex with her. It''s her having sex with me, and she''s stronger than me.


    But we have a nice time together, and when I go to take another quick shower, Hillevi just continues to lie on the sheepskin pads, blankets and pillows on the floor in front of the fire, with a satisfied smile on her face. She even gives me a little kiss on the cheek before I leave, as an extra ''thank you'' for trying to make everything as good as possible for her, respecting her wishes and making her feel like we are equal lovers. Non kissing lovers. I just close the door and let her enjoy her after sex feeling. She had really been looking forward to experiencing me going down on her. Hillevi was good floor company although lack of an IUD meant we had to be extra careful.


    I meet Caecilia and Elvira on the balcony who are of course waiting to clean up after us, having previously cleaned up after the night with Kari. I ask them to wait a bit so that Hillevi can take her time to enjoy her feeling and get dressed and leave when she feels like it, instead of feeling forced out. And hold back on the questions. Caecilia is so curious. Once again my thoughts go off on a tangent, that it''s nice that I have a bodyguard who doesn''t mind being witness to sex if I''m not alone with her, and a courtesan who makes sure no one disturbs me when I have sex with others, if she cannot participate herself.


    <hr>


    Ciara helps me with my haircut and beard, and afterwards she rests her head on my chest as I lie on the bed and rest. It''s not just because I feel tired and lazy, I am thinking about the comical amount of orders they''re going to try to place for things, and I do look forward to the parts they''re going to pick up. So many projects.


    The music group has gathered a really good set of instruments, and they are trying to think of more. The drum kit has been upgraded and looks quite modern, with a foot pedal for a big bass drum and another for a hi-hat. It seems that Jane and Hillevi are both more natural drummers than anything else, and there are quite a few people who want to take part in the music sessions, so it''s lucky I bought extra instruments. Kari can actually play two instruments and was also taught to sing and learned songs, but she has no interest in music and has previously not wanted to be part of the music groups performances, but has started to change her mind and is trying to regain her old skills. One of Jane''s goals is to try to create a couple of more modern blown instruments like trumpets and saxophone, but the most current project is a good pan flute, which could become popular. The culture here have horns and a couple of regular flutes and a weird double flute. The Academy will also need instruments in the future so students can practice and get some music training, so they will buy more. And have more made. Agnes and Ryla''s future musical participation will only make the music group better.


    Caecilia will try to have two special instruments made, which the instrument maker will surely say are useless, especially one of them. I have made several sketches of them, and want to do the final touches myself on them and I will give an advance payment for the job, so I believe he will do it. Basically I''ve copied a six string guitar from music video footage, pictures and other stuff, and I have plans to build a mechanical vibrato that works on acoustic guitars. Actually, it probably won''t be an exact copy of a Bigsby or the other vibrato systems there is, but it will give vibrato on a lever. I hope to modify and add a microphone in it, or piezo pickup, but it might be difficult to make a piezo here and get the piezo sensitive and good, and it requires a signal conversion and electrical amplification. A dynamic or ribbon microphone should give the best sound quality, but must also have electrical amplification, and thus all amplified pickups has limited use before vacuum tubes exist.Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.


    The other guitar, however, is from James May''s ''The Reassembler'' where he assembles a solid body electric guitar. I like most of James May''s programmes, and love the short Reassembler series. Winding electric pickups will be hard enough as I have a limited amount of suitably thin copper wire, and it will probably be a hot rail style of pickup, just to get stronger signal and ease of manufacture with two metal plates and a larger magnet between, but I will need to build in a small preamp with volume. The guitar might get rotary switches for pitch and distortion, as just an amplified acoustic guitar isn''t really what either I or Iselin are looking for. A Boss HM-2 pedal would be overkill even if you could build something similar with a quad op-amp, but unnecessarily complicated, and a Wah Wah Cry Baby is also complicated. I don''t want to sacrifice too many Midg?rd electrical components on the instrument.


    I''m most worried about the guitar metal strings though. They have to be spring steel to be any good, and they need to be so carefully made to sound well. The thinnest ones have their quality and accuracy problem, the spiral wound ones are a completely different problem. Then, steel strings require a stronger guitar and neck than regular instruments here have. Their regular strings here made of sinew obviously don''t work to influence an electric field. There''s actually a pretty good chance of some kind of four string guitar just because I have a hard time getting and making small parts and screws, and am worried about the strength of the neck with strong steel strings. I don''t even know if the instrument maker can make an internal iron-reinforced neck, so he''s going to make four necks, two of which are unassembled so I can try putting a steel rod in, and then there is the whole issue about how well it works over the long run. I reckon that there may be quite a lot of work to get even one string right, not to mention several, but I assume Iselin and Caecilia will be interested in helping with the development.


    In the end: If the projects fail, they fail. But I''m looking forward to hopefully getting them working usefully enough, and that someone wants to play the guitars. It will be primitive in any case, with limited range and sound quality, but frankly, the goal for the electric guitar is not fine-tuned acoustic tones accompanied by faint pure vocals, while also not Swedish Death Metal.


    If I succeed in manufacturing vacuum tubes in the future and making good pickups and microphones, then there will be several electrically amplified instruments, tube amplifiers and speakers made. I can only try and hope the instruments will be good enough to use, and that both my wonderfully sexy wife and my courtesan likes to use them, although I believe Iselin will want to play completely different music than the others. She might not even be satisfied with simple rock. Jane on drums would probably be game anyway, and I''m interested in learning to play some instrument myself. A synth would be damn fun but that''s so far in the future, if it''s even possible in my lifetime.


    Maybe I can ''circuit bend'' and use the circuits and components that are never meant to work that way or for other things to make ''noises'' that can become music? It might be worth spending time on it when I''m bored. I''m nowhere near as good at it as ''Look mum, no computor'' but it might make something useful out of something useless, and it''s an interesting project. It does require me to desolder and modify IC''s etc, so better soldering equipment would be useful, although some IC''s can be carefully taken leg by leg. The Bluetooth headphones have an amplifying circuit with lots of filter components and other things around it, and an IC''s digital outputs may or may not make different audio noise or tones...


    <hr>


    Olafr really wants to see a boat powered by fire without sails or someone rowing it, but the first step is trying to run the steam boiler on land. However, this requires a wooden frame to be built to hold the boiler and steam engine together as it is fixed pipework. My ships boat builder and carpenter Engdrid don''t really understand what they are going to help me and Olafr build, but it will eventually be install on the catamaran they think of as an extra rope ferry, and we need their help. We will try both paddle wheels and a propeller, and they will build and equip the catamaran with it.


    The carbon rod production and pencils seem at least partially ''solved'', but we clearly need to experiment more with different carbon powders and clays and amounts for different purposes. At least we have something that is a bad pencil. Engdrid has made ready-made pencils by hand-cutting notches in thin flat wooden boards, then gluing the type of carbon rod that gave the best writing line, and gluing another notched wooden board on top, and then after drying, bevelling the edges into ready-made pencils. Not perfect for writing but works, so more mixtures are being experimented with and there will be dedicated machines-tools for milling wood slats with notches for pencil casings, and a better extrusion machine with interchangeable former, and a former for thinner pencil rods. I still need carbon rods for resistors and other things, so it''s good with more options. If my merchant empire can sell good pencils cheaply to the population, it will revolutionise writing more than fountain pens will.


    Jane is so happy to have some kind of working pencils, but also because I''ve solved yet another kind of electric light, and commented that her faith in my ingenuity is restored. She can live without electric cars and internet as long as she has electric light. And I agree.


    <hr>

 Female complications - day 18, going downhill

    <hr>


    I dislike the cold, and being out in the cold, but the weather is what it is, and at least it''s not wet cold. I thought the sea and coast would mean milder winters, and according to the locals, this is unusually cold for unusually long. It is not every winter that there is more than the thinnest ice on the small lakes, and not very thick as we have now, but there have been winters when they could walk across the sea ice between the islands, which we cannot do now. I just have to accept that my first winter here in Alfheimr is cold and unpleasant, but with my warm and comfortable mansion, I really should not complain. The workers, Pedr and others living in newer houses are also happy for how good they are. The lake ice is frankly a good thing due to the ice house and for various tests, like now when we''re testing ice skates. But the cold and just trying to have a more social time, is the reason for having a fire and grilling sausages.


    The ice skates are based on tour skates also known as Nordic skates, and a 50 cm long steel blade with a flat top wooden footplate for some angled metal brackets and leather straps. Not surprisingly, Jane was expecting something like figure skates or hockey skates, but quickly realise why I''ve made something more practical for long distance touring and for walking between lakes or stepping ashore on islands. My explanation that the model is called ''Nordic skates'' or ''Tour skates'' in English says all Jane needs to know. Jane expects me as a Swedish man to know everything about snow and winter. No pressure.


    Considering what Olafr has already helped make and done very well, it''s funny that he''s a bit worried about getting these right, but it seems good enough. This is a very simple design, although constant blade width, sharp edges and a slight curve along the blade is important, and so is the foot attachment. I had planned for it to be mostly metal, but it makes sense to have the top part in wood, both for manufacturing reasons and cold conducting reasons. I probably should have skipped the metal brackets since normal winter boots here doesn''t have a thick rubber sole and will be all leather, and the other pair of ice skates to test doesn''t have them, and instead use thicker leather. But Olafr is so much more comfortable with the project of trying to make a well-balanced ''tactical'' Tomahawk with a spike back and small crowbar on the top.


    I try to adjust the metal angles and tighten the leather straps so the foot is gripped correctly. It does take some fiddling as I designed so there are several different mounting holes both front and back, but this seems good enough. It''s been a few years since I last skated, so there is a bit of nervousness. I''ve never skated in front of this kind of audience before, and not in front of girlfriends. Or a wife. Of course I have ice claws, an ice pole and a throw line with me, but I''m not worried about the ice thickness. It has been well tested. There is also a tent set up, just in case. So man up, and after several good luck kisses, I glide out on the ice.


    These skates are good enough, and it only takes a minute to get the feel of it, and soon I''m speeding up and doing big laps over to the other side of the lake and back to the crowds fascination. Yep, the skates absolutely works well enough, and as expected, tight turns and slaloming isn''t what these are good for. Olafr and the others will have to make some more. In the future, skating is something the students at the Academy will learn, and it would be fun to introduce Ice hockey or Bandy.


    I test the other pair of skates before I let others try that pair, but it soon becomes very clear that no-one have ever skated anything like this before, and my sambos don''t appreciate how easy and elegant I made it look. Trying to teach isn''t that easy, as it is both about balance on the skate, weight shifting and movement. Their boot isn''t ridged either, which makes learning harder, and those who haven''t tested don''t really understand and can''t avoid at least smiling, and once again there is a big audience. And some find it way harder than others. Maybe I should make a large wooden surface to have people practise just standing and walking on a hard surface first, before going out on slippery ice? But it''s kind of a nice moment to trying to teach my sambos how to skate, and there will be more ice skates made. And ice poles to help balance. Jane have skated before, and of course try to show off, but falls. No toe picks makes some moves hard, and the blade makes tight turns practically impossible. I''ll try to make shorter and more rounded blade figure skates too. A wider blade isn''t hard, but a good even hollow ground will be hard. I let them try my skates too, so two can practise at the same time.


    It genuinely feels good when a couple of workers explain about similar skating using bone blades tied to the feet, but it is clearly more gliding on the surface. I get why it''s more a thing in certain inland areas or on the Northeast coast archipelago around ''Stockholm'' area where the water salinity is about 0.5% or less. Where it is useful for moving across the ice if you live on an island. But I also get why a sled or a form of wide short skis or double man length long skis are more useful, require less skill and is considered safer.


    ''Unfortunately'' the workers will start taking up ice for the ice house, because it''s going to be a lot of work, and we don''t know how long it will stay cold. And if it stays cold, we might be able to get one more round of ice blocks. If there is no more skating this winter, some of my group will hardly be sad about it, but a couple of them have started to get the idea, and all agree that it might be nice for next winter as a fun thing to do. I might even make a watertight shallow hockey rink ''pond''. It should freeze faster, and be way safer if the ice crack. And we could start to play hockey. Along with the sausage grilling, it''s been an enjoyable day, especially when I got a ''surprise blowjob'' from Jane.


    Come spring, a small jetty will be built on the south-eastern side of the lake with a shelter and benches round a fire pit with grilling equipment. There will be similar shelters with fire pits built in a few places along the shore on the islands and a couple of other small islands as it is a nice thing to have, and something the residents might appreciate having available.


    <hr>


    My ''crazy and lost'' snowboarding t-shirt along with the pictures, video clips and other things Jane and I have shown about winter sports and winter vacationing, has made my sambos interested in things like downhill skiing and snowboarding. So they have suggested making at least a small ski slope on the island, and this winter has proved that there can be enough snow for downhill skiing for a week or three in winter, or just for sledges and toboggans. By using the north side of the mountain to the west, across the valley from the village, we can get a short 250 meter ski slope that has a drop of about 35 meters down to the road going to Orusingen. With horse and sled, Hrappr can then drive us back up to the top for another go. I think the slope is unnecessarily short and there may not be enough snow every winter, but Jane, Iselin and Ciara are absolutely right; a bad short slope that we can ride a wagon or sled to in fifteen minutes, beats a better and more awesome slope that takes two weeks back and forth by boat, in Nordic winter. It is better that my sambos and future warriors, students and children practise here, and we will also have an easily accessible facility for testing equipment. Given the injury risk of modern downhill skiing, and limited medical care here and potential life threatening injuries, it''s a good idea that the slope is what I consider ''boring'', and at least there is no avalanche risk. That is mainly between 25 to 45 degree slope. I really need to educate on avalanche risk and why it happens, and what needs to be avoided etc. And how to search for people and what equipment to have. There are other places on this island that could be ski slopes and longer-higher ski slopes, but over there we don''t see the slope all year round, and neither will the village, and sheep can graze there during summer. Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.


    Which is why I''m currently walking around on that mountains north side to get a better view or it, and Ciara and Jane is just happy walk beside me. Yeah, the weather is cold and so on, but it''s nice to take a walk with just one or two of my sambos so it feels like ''just the two of us'', even though we''re three, plus Alith is protecting us.


    I have to agree. This can be a ski slope and it''s north-facing which is good to limit sun exposure during winter. The slope will get a C or S shape to suit the terrain, and be about 250 meters long and 25-30 meters wide, with a slope between 3:1 and 7:1, so 20 to 8 degrees. So like blue rating with the last 40 meters being green? Maybe make the lower part wider? Yeah, this slope will be cleared, and stumps pulled up and surface flattened over the summer, although trees can be felled now. Easier to transport on frozen ground. We might as well start marking trees now. And then I have to make some skis.


    Making good enough cross-country skis, downhill skis and ski boots or making a snowboard will be difficult. Very difficult to find a good glue and make plywood that can handle moisture etc. Some variant of Telemark skis may be difficult enough, but would be good to teach and use. Whatever skis we end up creating, I''ll have to try which skiing techniques work and not, since I''m by far the best and most experienced skier. Ciara really wants a snowboard because of my ''crazy and lost'' t-shirt, and that I''ve been on many skiing vacations. She were very focused on learning how to ice skate, and I get why she want to skate and ski with me. Jane expects that in addition to acceptable snowboards and cross-country skis, I can surely make some kind of snow cannon and maybe a piste machine. She have faith in me. Sometimes it feels like she have too much faith in me, and don''t understand all the problems.


    Can I create a water and air pump with enough pressure to actually make a snow cannon? For that I must have fresh water access, and there is no water reservoir at the top even if I intend to clean up the small pond there and build something there for irrigation, and it is possible to build it higher up than the pond. But it is at least 6000 m2 of slope to be covered. Jane consider it''s just bad excuses. Get working, bitch!


    Once I have better pressurised tanks that can handle decent pressure, I''ll have to see if I can make snow on a small scale. Cold water, pressurised by air pressure, and mixed with compressed air and sprayed out from enough height when it is cold. Snow. At least some nights between November and March should be cold enough, so I have some time to experiment. And it''s not like I need to solve it to next winter.


    I might as well try to get a worker to make skis this winter, just to have something to learn and improve upon before next winter. The skis here are so incredibly bad by modern standards, and barely worth calling a ski. But it''s not like they share such knowledge widely or there is a huge market for good skis. Many probably make their own, copying others or what they''ve heard about. So I''ll try for a bow shaped modern ski that lifts the middle for better weight distribution and flex, and is slightly narrower in the middle for better turning, with more modern bindings that stabilise the foot but freeing up the heel, along with a pair of better ski poles. It should make a big difference. Especially in combination with climbing skins, or maybe with ''fish scale'' patterns on the underside for less steep terrain. Then I need to research the best wax depending on the snow and temperature, and what someone can improvise in the field from animals or trees, because shit happens. A spare ski tip will be tested. Maybe do twin tips? Try adding steel edges on a pair needs to be tested, but how to make that steel stay in place, and not weaken the ski?


    One thing I want to try is to make the ski so the tree rings are vertical in the skis, and the softer wood in the annual rings will wear a little more than the hard rings, which should make the skis slide easier. I believe I heard or saw that was something that was historically done. If good skis can be made from pine, it is very advantageous, because pine is everywhere in the north. We just have to try to make skis, poles and everything else until next autumn, so come spring and summer there will be prototypes and smaller series with a little different shape and of different types of wood, and then test when the snow falls next autumn-winter, to then build more during the winter and use next spring, before a larger production next summer.


    At least my bodyguards and sambos don''t know about proper snowshoes either, which I assumed already existed and it might, but all of them are basically from ''coastal Norway'' or ''coastal Sweden'' where there is far less snow than in the interior or Swedish Norrland. Maybe just a few centimeters or a decimeter, but it won''t stay for long. As well as making proper snowshoes, we are also going to try making improvised ones.


    As we walk around marking trees to cut down for the future ski slope and checking where there might be a reservoir, Alith tells me that she and the other bodyguards like Ryla and Agnes as bodyguards, or secret bodyguards. They''ve talked a lot with Ryla and Agnes, and besides the fact that they seem incredibly grateful to be part of my household even if only occasionally, they also seem convinced that I''m sent by Freya and the most important man in the North and must be protected, even if it costs them their lives. Unlike her and the rest of the bodyguards, Ryla and Agnes have no family, cannot have children, and will never be married or even concubines. Their loyalty and lives are totally focused on me, and Alith and Ciara are pleased and happy to know that. Jane understand the benefits, and are okay with some of it, but of course she is a bit worried about the sexual potential, and she is a bit envious about Ryla''s boobs.


    Alith doesn''t like the fact that Ryla is really tall and also has slightly larger breasts than her, but it''s not Ryla''s fault that the gods have blessed her that way. Alith is hoping that Ryla and Agnes won''t make me uninterested in intimate moments with her, which I can honestly say Alith doesn''t have to worry about. Yes, they are incredibly flexible acrobats who want to please me, but I have no sexual feelings for them, and I will try to avoid getting it. I''ve managed that with Bodil, Gunhild and Hillevi. At least so far.


    Ciara have known about my intimate moments with Alith since we lived outside Borgarsandr, and Jane since a month or so ago, but it still feels awkward talking about future sex with Alith, while holding hands with Ciara and Jane whom are walking beside me. Jane have such a smug face and enjoy Alith''s and my discomfort.


    <hr>

 Female complications - day 18, training legacy

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    I have realised that whoever lives on one of my farms and properties as caretaker will practically run that farm and property too, and become its ''manager'', and in Skiringsalr also get a servant-helper or two like in Borgheim. Since ''my entourage'' is now many people, I will need space in Skiringsalr, and thus a relatively large building will need to be built in Skiringsalr. It will probably be like the guest house, but will have security windows and quite likely with a smaller pavilion because that is nice and useful to have. It will still feel crowded, but we will probably not spend much time there. There really isn''t much point in spending time there. So, shared bedrooms for most people, although I''ll have my own bedroom, and Iselin-Kari as wives will probably share the other larger room with single beds, and Ciara-Jane will share a room with a single bunk bed. The house will also have a small central heating system. Practically speaking, it will be a quarter of the space Thrymheim has, but it won''t have secret cellars, exercise rooms, several guest rooms, a large attic, a large wing, etc. Although I should add a couple of bedrooms just for the ''good to have'' factor. My plans for the future have not quite turned out as I thought, and I wish I had made Thrymheim a bit bigger.


    Master builder Pedr is helping me make plans and sketches so that all the lessons learnt from building here go into that building too, and all the updates are included. Pedr really likes the new design, and with a barn for animals, it will be a really nice and comfortable farm, which is true. Although many elves wouldn''t like to have their important expensive animals in a separate barn where they''re easier to steal. I might settle for a guest house style building as a hunting lodge on Orusingen, but there''s a pretty good chance Kari will go for a bigger one. Unless she gets it built in stone or brick to be more impressive. We will still need a barn next to it for animals, horses, carriages etc. The distance between our hunting lodges-farms will be about 5 km or so as the crow flies over hilly rocky terrain, and much further by road. I''ll need to have a caretaker to keep my hunting lodge in good shape for visits, and there might be some animals there too, just for the caretaker. It is possible to send a servant or so there the day before, because even if it takes 3 or 4 hours to walk there, no one will react much to that, and even less if they use a horse or wagon. If they use a wagon, they can bring food and animals.


    Pedr will ask a couple of the free carpenters to volunteer to work for me instead, as they are not tied to the king and work here on the islands. I will offer two or three permanent jobs and hire preferably free men to work for them and create a construction team of maybe six men or whatever they see fit. Just building in Skiringsalr and on Orusingen will take time, and I''d guess it''ll take several months and longer if the weather is bad, but there''s a chance they can build two or three houses a year, especially if they get a couple more men. Frankly, the builders are very hard working and work well and fast. I need to send someone to cut a lot of logs and lay them up to dry before construction in all locations, and look for suitable building sites. I''m really looking forward to being able to mass produce planks and just send them to where needed. It''s such a waste of time and effort to make planks by hand.


    Anyway, at that rate, that''s at least two years worth of work when including barns and other things, and I''m sure I''ll have more work for them here on the island. Given how much my new house designs have been appreciated by those who live in them and visitors, I suspect the builders will be able to get jobs for other wealthier people who want similar houses. They''re not really that expensive to build, especially given the life expectancy. Kari''s own construction team will probably need its larger size, but they can be split into two groups.


    <hr>


    Shakini asks to speak to me, and wants Iselin and Caecilia to join us, which we of course do. Seeing Agnes and Ryla has reminded her of what she helped Radgeirrson do. What she did. That they''re jealous of Shakini living in Thrymheim is another matter, although she''s been clear about what her new work is like, and she''s just a servant looking after the household. Agnes and Ryla still seem intent on ''earning'' to live in our household and provide us with entertainment, sex and be bodyguards, and are so willing to also help clean, serve and take care of laundry etc. They''ve heard about the Stag Night, and are sorry that they missed that chance to prove themselves.


    Shakini explain that it''s not just Ryla and Agnes who have had the procedure done that take away a woman''s ability to have children. They were the longest lasting experiment for one of Radgeirrson''s projects, which was to create what he called ''the perfect personal servant'', who in his eyes should live to please her master and mistress, with music, dancing and sex. As well as submissiveness, they were trained in flexibility, agility, dancing, music, singing and fighting, by older slaves bought specifically for that purpose, but also trained in general maidservant duties, and things like looking after children and riding horses etc. There were actually four of them from the start, but they were told from the beginning that only the two best and most loyal and dedicated would survive, and so they did. They had their first duel to the death against another slave at the age of about 14. Shit. It''s not strange that Ryla and Agnes are the way they are. I''m just glad they''re not trying to get revenge for their master, but since Radgeirrson disappeared, they seem to have a hole in their lives. A hole that is now filled by me.Stolen story; please report.


    Argh, that thought brought up sexual associations I really didn''t need!


    Radgeirrson was incredibly pleased with Agnes and Ryla, but they had taken so many many years and he wasn''t interested in a repeat performance if that was even possible, especially to get more acrobatic circus children or similar. And he didn''t need more or wanted to let anyone else enjoy his hard work. There was also little chance that anyone would grow up to have breasts as huge and beautiful as Ryla''s, or a voice as beautiful as Agnes''s, or be as good at music. They were his trophies.


    Training girls to become submissive sex slaves was easy, but a bit monotonous and not satisfying enough. Shakini explain how Radgeirrson continued to refine his methods, finding girls or teenagers with suitable or interesting personality traits he gave different training to see how they could be moulded and made to do, and not just for sex. He started training an 11-12 year old girl to enjoy torturing others, but Alyva became too sadistic so he contemplated killing her, but Alyva escaped and has not been heard from since. She should be 18-20 years old by now. Alyva worried him, and he stopped that kind of training. I think Radgeirrson should have learnt and stopped after Nidbjorg, but maybe their training took place at the same time. I''m not going to ask Shakini for details. Not right now.


    The last years, Radgeirrson began to focus on markets to the south, partly to avoid any problems that might arise in his home region. Since there are more land bound serfs and fewer slaves, the slave market there is different, but so is the feudal power structure and social structure. A couple of years ago, Radgeirrson had three young girls brand themselves as h¨®ra after systematically training them to please a man and indoctrinating them that they wanted to be a h¨®ra, that it was the only thing they were good for, and that was a good future for them. They were taught Laitje, music, dance and etiquette, but mostly trained to always want sex. To like being abused by many men at the same time, and to feel pain and be violently treated. Then he got that woman he knows to perform the procedure that takes their ability to have children, and sold them across the sea to the south, because there aren''t the same h¨®ra laws as here, and they could ''properly serve''.


    While I am holding and soothing deeply offended Caecilia, I am damned glad Radgeirrson didn''t give one of those girls to me or someone like them. But he probably genuinely thought me worthy of a proper h¨®ra. Caecilia is not only furious about how Radgeirrson practically forced the girls into it, but how he tainted the whole concept of a h¨®ra, because it''s not just about sex. It''s companionship, art, dancing, music, religion, sagas and so much more. Sure, she loves sex, but a h¨®ra is not just sex, and for other h¨®ra like Baugeid, other things like music are more important. It''s crucial that it is the h¨®ra''s choice when and to whom to offer sex and companionship, and to say no unless they''re worthy, and training those girls to never say no and like feeling pain and being violently treated is ... wrong!


    <hr>


    Jane has of course understood my plans with the guitars, and ''accidentally'' told Caecilia and Iselin all about it when they asked her for confirmation, since Iselin had figured out what it could be because of the look. All three think it''s definitely a good project, and as Jane sits cuddled up next to me on the couch, we talk about that and other future instrument. At least trying to make a piano or similar instrument is looking more and more likely, but not prioritised. Neither the cost nor finding some instrument maker willing to try it, and before that, I need to figure out a mechanism. It''s not like Jane will. At least piano wire / strings should be way easier than for an electric guitar or bass. Hopefully, I can make some interesting sounding instrument or effects pedal out of leftover electronics, and I explain the principle of circuit bending, but I don''t want to waste too important components on musical stuff.


    Our conversation shift topic, because Jane is trying to convince me that we really should go for a realistic Renaissance Steampunk, and she has got the others interested in matching clothes. No matter what I or Jane wants, the technology it will be what I can make and what works, and I suspect that wood gas may be better than steam power for some vehicles or applications, and there may be more electric power and vehicles than first thought. I should focus more on producing a lot of electric power and a stable supply, since with enough power, inefficient lightbulbs, motors and heating can be used.


    Kari comes in and asks if we can have dance practise, because Kari also wants me and her to dance and preferably in our own way, and Jane is partially in favour of them having their own dance. To no surprise, Jane is incredibly more knowledgeable about dancing than I am, and even though she says she is not that good, the rest of us think otherwise as she has shows us one dance after another. As Jane try to use me as the male partner for one thing after another, and show clips on her phone, Kari quickly focus on something where I lead her, but where she can do sensual or flowing elements, and Jane clearly enjoy the fact that it''s a wild mix of many things that shouldn''t be mixed. Tango, Kizomba and other things. I''ve only heard off and seen Tango before, so she could be bullshitting us. We definitely do our own version of it, but that is okay, and the smile Kari has makes my heart melt.


    What Jane makes her and I dance is ... sensual and close in a completely different way, and Jane definitely likes how jealous Kari gets about it and that I''m getting a woody. Kari try it, but she seems so very uncomfortable dancing like this just in front of Jane, that it probably won''t be something we try to do except behind closed doors.

 Female complications - day 19, strings attached

    Female complications, day 19


    Strings attached.


    We wave goodbye as Olafr, Kari, Jane, Caecilia, Hillevi and Bodil leave the ship for Borgarsandr. I got goodbye smooches from Kari, Jane and Caecilia, but now they are gone and we start to walk back to the mansion. Iselin and Ciara decided to stayed here. Iselin would have liked to come along, but we are going to test the steam boiler tomorrow, and she absolutely does not want to miss that. Then it is still our ''honey month'' when we should be together, and I won''t complain about more ice skating and just working a bit with them. Yesterday, another two pair of ice skates was made, so Iselin, Ciara and I can easily skate together. Well easily skate together, not easily skate. Iselin and I have both become quite fed up with drinking that honey mead, but drinking that mead reminds us that this is actually our honeymoon. By Western standards, this is a pathetic honeymoon, but different cultures and expectations. Iselin is really looking forward to our Reiekr?ne trip this spring, and that''s about as exotic as any trip practically will get without spending a month just travelling back and forth. Just the trip to Reiekr?ne will take about a week each way, and I''m not looking forward to that. At least the weather should be nicer than we have now. Scandinavian April can be anything from -10C and snow, to +20C and sunny days, and I know which I prefer.


    <hr>


    The construction team slash workers from Kari''s estate has arrived, and right now what they can do is limited due to the seasonal weather and lack of daylight, but Kari has seemed impatient, and the are work to do. The men are happy to work, serve their new landlord and be able to visit the Academy Islands. They have a couple of women has come along to take care of their cooking, and washing etc. Sure, men here will do that if they have too, but only if they have too. At least they brought plenty of food with them, and sleeping kit.


    Since the guests left and the labourers have finished enough of the apartments, the best craftsmen have been allowed to use a couple of the apartments, so they''re filling up, although for now, only Olafr''s and Awdgotr-Saeunn''s apartments are ''permanently'' theirs. Clay workers Klakki and Eym?rd have moved into a now empty 6x4 house. The workers already here have been allowed to use the other craftsman''s house, with the understanding to not mess it up and keep it clean, so we accommodate Kari''s construction team in the village barn''s attic. A bit cramped, but sheltered, dry and reasonably warm, so they seem happy. They did bring tents, but I know what I would prefer during winter and they agree. They are definitely shocked at how different everything here is, and we''ve heard several comments that they are now beginning to realise what Storman Kari has planned for her property.


    <hr>


    There is a lot of activity in and at the waterwheels buildings, besides the usual. There is a new roof tile and clay pipe manufacturing workshop being built north of the road through the village, but set back from the main road since I want fancier shops and buildings along the road. My current village plan is to have a book shop and printing press and paper making and such things towards the valley side, as there is some water power available because of the pipeline under the road. I just wish the amount of lake water wasn''t so limited. In the future I''ll probably have to install a steam engine or two for the village workshops.


    Iselin and I work in the forge tweaking the clock bell system and the steam engine, while the labourers and carpenters try to finish the carpentry, the bell tower and surprise for Jane. Occasionally we take a stroll to check how things are going in all places, to give instructions or to test something. Workers have also erected poles and are attaching wires to the village and onwards past the apartments and to the Academy. Unn will have her own wire, and she will be one of the first with a phone, simply because it''s a good idea with quick contact with the islands medical care. There''ll be a phone somewhere in the waterwheel buildings, and Saeunn or Bekkhilda will probably handle the phone simply because I''ll usually need to talk to Olafr or something, but I don''t want to scare Olafr or the other workers in the forge, metal workshop or carpentry with a ringing bell or something. It''s better that someone answer or leaves a message, and both Bekkhilda and Saeunn are available. It will probably be Bekkhilda as Saeunn is working in the mill etc, but both are involved in other work too. Right now they and other women are making leather parts for ice skates.


    Eventually, I have to build a telephone exchange somewhere, and because of the wiring and purpose, it is impractical for the telephone exchange to be at Thrymheim once it becomes a more complex system, but for now the day room there is suitable. Although, if the other islands gets a lot of phones, Thrymheim might still work. In the future, someone will have to become a telephone operator and operate a switchboard, but the amount of telephone traffic will be so low that it will not be a full-time position. And I want to avoid a lot of talking on phones just because they can, and eavesdropping. Some eavesdropping will happen, partly because the current system has no automatic disconnect so the operator has to listen in occasionally to detect when the call is over and disconnect, but I want to avoid genuine eavesdropping. I need to finish the last phone and install it at Unn, and then build more phones, but that''s relatively little work and goes pretty quickly if I and others do several parts at once. Installing the wires is another issue. Just buying the copper wire is another issue. Frankly, I''ll probably need to make a more refined telephone system before I try to spread it wider, and it would be nice with automatic hang up or at least operator signalling.


    My sambos - via Jane''s influence - have been pushing for an internal phone system in Thrymheim, and most likely there will be one limited system to talk to the staff room and the maids at least from some places in the house. I guess it''s only a matter of time before it''s between rooms. But it won''t be any time soon. The existing servant system works and I don''t want to have to make a lot of carbon microphones and speakers etc. Although sambos and bodyguards have offered to help with that. If there is to be an internal system, it should work with the telephone system as a whole.


    One of the cleverest things I''ve recently done was to get Engdrid to make two simple wooden cups with a thin wooden diaphragms at the bottom and connect them via a long string. The simple cup string telephone proves that it doesn''t take sophisticated things to transmit speech and sound. Hopefully, most people will come to the conclusion that a proper telephone handset is almost the same thing, and thus not ''too sejdish'' to use. So the string telephone is mounted by the road for anyone to try, just to get people to accept that it works. Extra pairs will be made to take to the Academy exhibition at Northmen Ting, as well as extra membranes. The wooden diaphragms are easy to make with a planer, but not durable, so we expect some to break. There will be a couple of metal diaphragms too, and maybe with a metal wire, just to show the material only affects how it sounds, not that it sounds.


    At least the carpentry line shaft system is working fine. A new scroll saw has been completed and installed, and the table router has been moved to the carpentry. The wood lathe is now two, and the new is getting better and better and doesn''t feel primitive, and is getting more shaping tools. The larger wood saw is a scaled-down version of the sawmill, but with an adjustable work surface and stops similar to the scroll saw. It''s for bigger jobs than the scroll saw, which is for fine cuts and curves. The planing machine works well, and I will send someone to Laxlanda to help them construct a planing machine there. Finely planed planks have a lot of uses, and save a lot of labour compared to doing it by hand, and will be far more accurate. The sawmill and planed planks will make future shipbuilding much cheaper and faster.


    It feels nice to be able to go to the sawmill and pick out planks or wood I need for something. Some dimensions are used so much that they have been told to build a stock, and we have standardised several sizes. Each plank is branded with a small rune combination at the end; two runes for the type of wood and cut, then the dimensions in mm. If I want a 3 meter long oak plank that is 15x100 mm, I can just get one. Or similar in pine or birch. The carpenters love it, and that there are planed planks. It''s so quick to lay floors or make furniture, especially when the furniture are designed to utilise the system. Combined with the table router to round corners or make simple shapes, it is so much quicker and easier to make complex shapes. I know the railings etc at Thrymheim and elsewhere will probably be replaced this summer. Making something like the wooden parts for a dozen ice skates is so much faster than making them by hand, and they turn out exactly the same, partially because they''re made on the same machine settings and tools. Even a difficult job like carving a long, exactly straight and narrow and deep groove for the steel blade is very easy when a router with the right tools can mill out most of the groove and with perfect depth, width and straightness, and only the final trimming at the end of the groove is done by hand.


    Carpenter Engdrid loves everything, and when I offered him to work here as my permanent carpenter, he immediately accepted and thanked me and Iselin. He''s probably been waiting for that offer, and will move into his own ''luxury'' apartment as soon as it''s finished. Bodil, of course, has already been given permanent permission to work in the carpentry shop whenever she wants, and she is by far the most experienced with the scroll saw and the table router, but they are not sophisticated machines and quick to learn.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    Engdrid is enthusiastic about the simple milling machine for wood. Building a lot of that machine in wood is hardly optimal, but it is cheap and simply not prioritised to construct everything in metal yet. At least they now understand it''s use and why having one in metal that can do metalwork will be nice. Next, they will probably construct the template copying wooden lathe. It''s basically a rotating milling wheel that works its way back and forth over the rotating working length and slowly deeper on each passage, and controlled how deep via a template. With the right template, the copying lathe will be able to do the rough work to copy a lot of wooden things, from round parts for furniture or railings, to roughly shaping a stock for a crossbow or firearm. Once again, it''s a case of designing something so it can be effectively copied in the machine.


    Next smaller machine tool will probably be a Dremel like rotary tool with limited mobility via a spiral flex arm like power transmission. Definitely something to keep hair away from, but hopefully there can be some kind of guard on the outside of the power transmission. Like everywhere else, there are appropriate warning symbols on all machines, and everyone working at a rotating machine is required to have their hair up and wear a headscarf. And most people here have long hair. At the moment it''s winter, so a wool cap has become a popular option, especially in the sawmill, which is quite open to the wind. In summer it will probably be a bandana.


    A bad-ass bandana, +3 bonus. But only for me and Jane.


    <hr>


    It''s evening when the Borgarsandr group contact us via radio, to inform us they have arrived and all is well. Ima has spoken to Kari and asks for permission to leave her job for us and move in with Digraldi. She will become his concubine, and help raise his son. Of course, she is allowed to immediately leave as I have already said to them, and I tell Kari to pretend we suspected it might happen and that I am happy for them. I wish Ima good luck and Ima will get a small gift of 2 ounces of silver, and so she feels she owns something even though it isn''t that much. Yes, it is completely unnecessary to do so, but it feels good to do, because she doesn''t even have much clothes to take along when she moves to Digraldi''s household. Digraldi has been so important to me that it is a small amount.


    As suspected, all the other maids in the B-mansion wants to come to Ackerek and learn how to operate radios and telegraphs and so on, and I understand why they want to get an education and become more important than just another maid, and there''s already status in being associated with me or the Academy. At least for some duties. It''s also a bit fitting that women learn to handle radios, since it is a powerful sejd and most will assume it''s something for women to do, although unfortunately it also probably means those radio women will have a harder time finding a man. Sejdwomen and all that nonsense.


    But Frida, Soma, Birna and Gisela will come along with the boat, and they are offered a modified ''contract'' similar to Shakini''s and Elin''s, which Gisela has also asked if she can have. The fact that they will get to experience my mansion is also something they''re all looking forward to. To visit Sejdmann''s mansion. Thrymheim. The Eagle''s home. Ima has apparently talked and talked about her experiences here during the marriage feast, about all the sejd and wonders, and Ima is now going to be the concubine of a rich craftsman. They know that Shakini is now permanently employed as a servant here, and that Elin is in charge of a guest house and receives training they too will get. ?sa runs a nice inn, that''s apparently quite popular. Last autumn they asked to stay at Borgheim because they had no future prospects, but now it''s clear that just one visit to my islands can lead to whole new and good lives, and I practically offer them good jobs with a future if they learn, so I have no doubt they are motivated. And Gisela wish the same. Gisela, who I forgot was there and embarrassingly also forgot to make a free woman last time I was in Borgarsandr, as I was too focused on radios and Iselin. At least Gisela has not worn a neck ring. Of course, Gisela also wants to experience what she has heard talked about and Kari says that Gisela seems eager to be educated, and is happy to translate and such if she can. Gisela wants to be more than a bed slave in a faraway land, which Kari of course understands.


    Argh, Gisela is a bit of a problem. I can free her from all service right away, but it feels wrong towards Elvira and Jalida who I ''forced'' into lifetime service. So it''s better she get something similar to Jalida-Elvira and Shakini-Frida-Elin-Soma-Birna, because I can always say it''s fulfilled when it suits me and before I send her off. It might be a good idea to start teaching her radios, because it might be handy if she and I were to set up a radio outpost somewhere down there in Frigonia or somewhere, and then have someone to spread the Academy''s reputation when she goes back there. Should she be too stupid or untrustworthy, I just won''t send along a radio and stop teaching her, and I just won''t have much use for a radio over there anyway. The knowledge is useless without the radio, because the radio is the important thing, even if it reveals how the communication takes place. Sort off. It is a it magical. A wooden box with brass and copper that can transmit and receive voice or sound from far away is something very few people understand - I can literally count them on one hand. I also see no direct value in another servant at Thrymheim, even though Caecilia has become less of a servant over time, she still does the same job of looking after my rooms etc, even if it is partly with Elvira and now Shakini too. I could have Gisela look after one of the other farms and properties.


    We don''t even really need Ida right now, even though she now primarily takes care of the animals and vegetable garden along with Hrappr. Shakini has made the staff''s job even easier. Not to mention streamlining with things like the servant call system, and that I don''t expect to have someone stand by me all the time. But there will be more work to do in the spring and summer, and underloaded staff is better than overloaded.


    I''ll tell Kari to buy or order some dresses, bras, shoes etc for the new ones, and also give them each a bag, comb, scissors, soap, towel, knife etc. It was already planned for Shakini, Elin, Frida, Ryla and Agnes. Shakini works here. Elin manages the guest house. And the others will still live and work here for a few months, and at least some of them will continue to work for me so they might as well get some good clothes and shoes to match the others, especially now that it''s cold outside. Of course, we already have a stock of staff clothes, but more are certainly needed, and shoes are a bit individual. Wooden clogs are hardly suitable all year round, although some people love them. Kari is also going to get them to start making clothes for the Academy''s students and staff, and it''s going to be a big order.


    Kari tells me that Jane have been smiling and said that I really have a habit of giving some silver, or the equivalent amount in gold, to women I think should have it, as 2 ounces is what I gave to Lova and Astrid in Hildifjoer too, what seems like years ago. Kari lets me know that almost everything of the Borgheim upgrades are finished, and it is so much nicer, and the light tunnels down into the basement vaults make them nicer and brighter too. There are of course things left to do on the steam heating system, and I will have to install the last bit myself, but it is warm and cosy. As we''ve already discussed, the workers are going to convert part of the stable into a better living quarters with its own chimney for fireplaces etc, with above all good sleeping accommodation. If we are at Borgheim, we may have high status visitors, and it feels better to be able to give them and their servants or guards a better place to stay, without actually being inside the main building. When the construction work is finished, the men will get a well-deserved bonus and time off.


    Ketill is apparently happy to take over his father''s business, and happy that his father has gained even more prestige. Ketill has already accepted the deal about steel, and asked to be allowed to mark future steel sword blades with the triangle Rob triangle A marking, which Olafr warned me about and I of course agreed too. It''s a bit of an ego boost. Ketill will be allowed to buy lumps of steel at a fixed ''lower'' price in return for us getting half the sale price of the swords and my merchant empire having the right to buy half the swords, but for the same price as others, which Ketill of course agrees to. He cannot make special swords without the steel, but if he sells the swords for 100 ounces after spending four weeks on them, he makes about 25 ounces on his labour, which may seem ''little'', but it is after materials etc are deducted, so pure profit and equivalent to a good horse. If he does ten such swords a year, that''s 250 silver ounces of profit. 100 cows. A fortune, every year. I myself then earn 75 ounces per sword, without really doing anything, and paying a pittance for material.


    Ketill can also buy steel for market value but I don''t have to sell to him, and the merchant empire also solves the problem of finding buyers willing to pay what he asks, and as long as they don''t overcharge, there will be plenty of buyers. That the merchant adds 50-100% of the price for a final buyer in Europe is another matter, but I get a share of that too. If such a sword is sold down south for say 160 ounces, then after overheads etc, I will have earned about 100 ounces without doing any work at all. I buy iron, and Olafr and his helpers make the steel for their fixed wages. Ketill forges it and my merchant empire sells it. Ten swords, 1,000 ounces of silver each year. 28kg of silver. Many earn well, and all get rich on an exclusive commodity. I get most and become richest and control steel etc, so they all want to stay friendly with me. The nation will buy all the steel nuggets they can under the agreement, so I get something like another 200 ounces there. If the nations blacksmiths learn to make and sell swords from the steel, the nation will be richer too, but the northern markets will be saturated pretty quickly, but they can sell to other travelling merchants. The price will fall as time goes by, but I assume it will take a few years. Until then, it''s a good deal for all involved except the wealthy buyers, and will probably continue selling at comfortable scale. There are after all limited production, and when it comes to money, many small streams makes a river.


    I look forward to getting a sword made by Ketill, and since I don''t actually need it, he can take his time and make the sword as he wishes.

 Female complications - day 20, high pressure situation

    Female complications, day 20


    High pressure situation


    It''s good timing that Kari and others are in Borgarsandr when Kari''s loom is delivered and I get help from the bodyguards to quickly smuggle it into the secret room below the stairs, and put it under a blanket. Of course Kari might discover it, but I don''t think so, because there''s only one room she cares about in the secret basements, and that use another hidden entrance. I don''t really like giving her a loom, but she want one and that is what matters, and Kari will also get her own side saddle. She already has a horse here, but I have no idea how many horses she actually owns, but I''m guessing it''s several dozen. Frankly, I don''t care that she is wealthier than me, but it does make it harder to give her gifts than Iselin or Ciara.


    What else I can give Kari, keep milling around in my head as I do most of the construction on the hidden soundproof door into our b-room and prepare for the door that will be hidden behind the epic painting. I want to give something more, but I don''t know what. What can I give her that Kari really loves or appreciates, and that I can give in front of others?


    -------


    The steam boiler is tested with static pressure by filling the tank with water and then slowly air is pumped in until the pressure reach 6.0 bar, because the manometer only goes to 6.5 bar. Gradually we also increase the weight on the dead weight safety valve, which has also been a good way to check the scale on the pressure gauge and verify that everything is working. I also screw in to increase the force on the regular safety valve, and engrave its scale according to the pressure. High pressure worries me, and we will try using this steam boat with max 6 bar. For what is probably the first steamboat engine and steamboat test it is definitely enough power. All of this fiddling and pumping takes time, so at the same time we''re also slowly testing pumping up the pressure in high pressure tanks using a similar method. That is extra nerve-wracking - at least for me - because we will pump until two explode, and the pump is screwed onto a short adapter with an additional check valve, to which two pressure tanks are directly connected, because minimal space between the pump cylinder head and the check valve is the only practical way to really achieve high pressure, and the primary reason for the adapter is that I have a special dead weight safety valve and a hopefully very high-pressure manometer that needs to be calibrated using a similar method as for the boiler.


    There will be so much higher pressure in the small tanks - hopefully 20 times - and there is a large steel plate on the centre section and thus between the tanks and the one pumping, and the tanks are in water, both to show any tiny holes, and to absorb energy in case of explosion. It''s a long cycle pump like thing, so not a lot of volume in each pumping, but it will be needed to be able to hand pump the high pressure I''m hoping for. I have calculated how many pump strokes will give what pressure, but that is not exact and I don''t know how much air the tanks will hold as water filling is not accurate enough. Also, if the water leaks out through a small hole, it will require a lot more pumping.


    While we wait, we play with the new simple rangefinder that requires two people, or that the rangefinder is mounted on something like a tripod or at least stably weighted down in a good spot. We''re trying without a tripod. The rangefinder works like some optical ones like the coincidence rangefinder, but is a long rod with a screw-on diopter sight at each end. One person holds the rod steady and aims at the target with the fixed diopter sight. The other person follows softly along and aims through the second diopter sight, adjusting the screw that adjusts the side angle. There is both an accurate angle scale with vernier, and a distance scale. We have carefully measured some distances here in the valley over flat ground, and will take several measurements to see how accurate the rangefinder actually is. Theory and drawings on paper are one thing, reality is another. I hope it can be used for cannons or similar, for the first shot to get close enough.


    -------


    The steamboiler has reached 6.0 bar and now it''s time to just wait and let it be, because we need to test that the boiler does not leak while pressurised, and the metal might have to settle in. One advantage with this method to test the boiler, is that we now know that it can handle 6.0 bar while cold, and that the first pressurisation rose very slowly. Another bonus is that I didn''t have to do any pumping as I had said it could be dangerous, and thus everyone noped that I should do it and be close. I don''t think anyone beside me understands exactly how dangerous it could be, but many have learned that when I''m careful about something, it can be dangerous.


    It''s particularly nerve-wracking when the safety valve on the high pressure tanks trips, but the pressure that''s lost is only in the pump manifold itself, while the tanks with their check valves hold the pressure they''ve reached, so it''s not too many pumping cycles to keep increasing, and the pumping strokes are carefully counted. We also keep an eye on the tanks diameter so they don''t expand too much. The water has clearly soaked up any compression heating. I''m damn proud and a bit scared when we pass 100 bar, on the tanks that Olafr forged, and I turned brass tops and valves to.Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.


    It''s hard work to pump even with a lever, and the pressure gauge is about to go out of range, and so is the safety valve, because I didn''t think we''d get that high, so we stop at 140 bar. 140 bar. Holy shit. I had intended to pump until a tank explodes, but at this pressure and probably way higher? I''m nervous as the worker loosens the bleed valve so the adapter and pump depressurises, and we let it rest to see if there is any back leaks from any of the check valves on the tanks. Then we''ll try unscrewing the tanks. At least to me, they feel like bombs waiting to go off. We might have to drop one on rocks from increasing heights, to know how dangerous they are to handle.


    While they rest, the other high pressure tanks will be pumped up. Maybe I could modify the pressure gauge and safety valve for higher pressures?


    -------


    As we wait, we have switched to doing the final touches on the steam engine, when Hrappr comes running and tells us that King Asbj?rn''s ship is about to dock. I really want telephones! We just have to drop what we''re doing and rush to welcome Asbj?rn, but we''ve just made it to Thrymheim when Asbj?rn, escorted by a couple of guards, arrives at the manor, and he looks serious and asks to speak to me alone in the meeting room. I get a little worried as there are few things I can think of that might be the issue, and I make sure to take my Boomstick with me even though Asbj?rn does not seem confrontational or angry. He actually seems more uncomfortable and not wanting to be here. As we sit in the meeting room facing each other on sofas, without guards, it is with resignation and after a deep breath that Asbj?rn begins to talk:


    "Robert, you are without blame, but Haera has confessed to me how she used a blindfold and Skirlaug to trick you into having sex with her in the bathroom during the Stag Night, thinking it was Skirlaug."


    FUCK!


    Even though I realised this might eventually happen, there is no good reply. I can only be honest and try to act honourable, admit the truth and try to avoid any kind of duel. But Asbj?rn doesn''t wait for an answer and continues:


    "Skirlaug has apparently been fantasising about having sex with you since you had been in Borgarsandr for a while, and influenced Haera when she talked to her about it. Your growing reputation and the happy women around you, not least Kari, made Haera''s lust grow, until she got an opportunity when you were fair game and there would be many other women there. Both were so pleased with their deception and that no one knew, until a few days later when you seemed to have figured it out, just like you did with Kari and her family, and discreetly returned the blindfold and told Haera to enjoy the memory, because it will never happen again. After initial dread, Haera savoured the memory, even a little more because you knew."


    "I''m sorry, but yes; it''s true. I figured it out afterwards, because in my memory, Skirlaug was taller in the bathroom than before and afterwards, and she had more energy once back in the bedroom and slightly more vocal. All furniture have standardised sizes. I guessed who it might be, choosing words that would be interpreted differently depending on whether it was Haera or she had no idea of the second meaning, and her reaction confirmed. I didn''t think she would ever tell you."


    Asbj?rn sighs, closes his eyes and shakes his head slightly. "That it was such a small thing that revealed their plan, and that she confirmed a guess. Who truly thinks about the woman''s height when you''re having sex?" Asbj?rn just slumps and leans back, but doesn''t seem to be done talking yet, and honestly I don''t know what to say. After all, I have had sex with his wife. "Robert, you are blameless. I''m a little disappointed that you didn''t tell me when you figured it out, but I also understand why you didn''t say anything. It would have complicated the wedding feast, and you were probably trying to protect me from pain and having to make a hard decision about it. I would have preferred to know the truth, and maybe your plan was to tell me the next time we met, and it''s still your honeymoon with Iselin. And I know you loath travelling. Legally speaking, Haera has deceived you, and the ones at fault are Haera and Skirlaug. Haera has been unfaithful to me - unfaithful to the throne - and has also deceived a close and important friend into doing so. Does anyone else know?"


    "Yes, there is one more person who knows and is sworn to silence. When I suspected it wasn''t Skirlaug, I talked to people discreetly, and was able to connect the dots and who it might be. To be honest, I was really worried that it might have been Sefa trying to get pregnant and force me into marriage."


    The look on Asbj?rn''s face, and the way he jerks upright, proves that he obviously hadn''t thought about it from my point of view - that I didn''t know who I''d had sex with - and that is him realising the problem that Sefa would have caused. If only he knew what Sefa actually did, but best to not tell him that here and now. If ever. Asbj?rn''s life is already a mess.


    "I found out that someone else here happened to realise who I had sex with, but it was only when I specifically asked about small things that the person confirmed, and that person was convinced that only Skirlaug and Haera''s guard knew. Because of the seriousness, the person hadn''t even planned to tell me, and understood that it needed to be kept secret. I never thought Haera would tell you."


    Asbj?rn laughs sadly.


    "She''s had no choice. Robert, Haera is with child. Your child."


    Whut?


    Queen Haera is pregnant?


    I''m the father?

 Female complications - day 20, messy complications

    What? Asbj?rn is waving his hand and saying something, and I look at him again. He smiles and seems to find my shock entertaining.


    "You weren''t prepared for that. But it''s true. In all her caution, she wasn''t careful enough. Haera didn''t think she would get pregnant, partly because we had trouble having children, and partly because she''s not young." Haera is pregnant. "We should have guessed that Freya blessed you in that way too - and rewarded Haera for giving in to her lust - which only confirms how well your sejd to prevent children works, since none of your women have become pregnant. During the feast we learned about the powerful sejd you have created and are spreading among sejdwomen, and of course all the women here probably already have it, otherwise there would be many big bellies here." Haera is pregnant, and I am going to be a father. "It''s a really impressive sejd, and it will be really appreciated by many women and men, even if I still wish for more children. I don''t know whether to be happy or unhappy that it wasn''t Sefa, but then we would have a different discussion. And Haera was dumb to not use Unn''s services and get an IUD until far too late and just before we left." Haera is pregnant, and I am going to be a father. "Robert, you will be a father. Haera is with child and none of us dare go against Freya''s gift to Haera and you, so she will give birth near the autumnal equinox. If this were 20 years ago when I was younger, more hot-headed and violent, I probably would have killed Haera already, or forced her to do something about it and we would''ve had to live with the consequences. But those days are gone. Our time is over. Robert, will you acknowledge yourself as the father of the child?"


    "Yes, if you wish. But I have to get even more serious now. Really deadly serious, because there is a big issue. Genetic compatibility."


    I tell Asbj?rn the simplified variation of genetic compatibility, about the pros and cons, about the problem that the child might get and deformities or health problems. It is not certain, but the possibility is high. It is up to the gods to decide whether a human man can make an elf woman with a healthy child. However, it may be very clear that the child is mine, especially with the ears and hairiness, but it is most likely that the child takes most after the mother. I tell him that I have been worried that I might only have children with is Jane, and she with me. That''s actually one of the reasons Jane sought me out. But I have still been careful by creating and making my own IUDs for my women, and still limited the times I have ejaculated in them, especially certain times of the month, because a chance is a chance. I also tell him about the attempts that have been made in secret with Liv since last autumn, without results. The Gods have humour. There are also many indications that humans are more fertile than elves, and we are trying to find out why. Whether it is due to differences in the body, ageing, or something in the food etc, but that project will certainly take decades. We will collect copious amounts of information to try to find clues. Asbj?rn definitely seems to take it very seriously.


    "Asbj?rn, I find it hard to believe I even came in Haera - that I was so careless with an unknown sexual partner - But my brain wasn''t really calling the shots during that evening, and ''spice'' affects me much more than elvish men. I know Kari went out of her way to make sure all the women around me have IUDs, and while I didn''t take advantage of that, I was glad about it the day after the stag night. But there were several women there that I should have thought about not having any protection. I really messed that up."


    "It is what it is, and we are all pawns to the gods. Your information about ''genetics'' only makes it clearer. Of course, I no longer trust Haera; she says it was the only time, swears to the gods that it is so, but how can I truly trust her? Especially when her previous lady-in-waiting died of illness a few years ago. Did she silence a conspirator or witness who didn''t want to keep a secret? Whatever I believe, it is also about what others may believe and think. I suppose I have to take some of the blame myself; I haven''t really focused on pleasing Haera in recent years, but have tried to make Virun, Melka and Sylvi pregnant. They are younger and should be more fertile, but I may have to eat the rotten food and face reality. Accept that it was never Haera who was the issue, but me. Our marriage has been a good marriage and alliance, and we have enjoyed being together. Our marriage has worked better than expected, but has also played out most of its function as we have three adult children."


    "Do you still love Haera?"


    Asbj?rn nods while looking sad and sigh. "Yes, but more as a friend I can now never really trust, than a wife. It is no longer important whether I love her or not, or if I can forgive her. I have already made the only decision I could to protect myself, to protect the throne, to protect our children and property. After what you just told me about genetics, I''m glad I did, because it minimises the impact of Haera giving birth to a child that clearly isn''t mine. An unfaithful queen is really bad; it''s disrespectful to the Throne except for me as her husband. A man who has sex with a queen behind the king''s back can also have reputational and status problems, not least because it can be interpreted as disrespect to me and the Throne. You are not to blame, but things can easily go wrong when rumours and gossip spread, so we have a plan to minimise the impact. For you and me."


    Asbj?rn sits up and looks more serious.


    "I have already divorced Haera in front of witnesses because of her recent infidelity, but since she told me and admitted it in front of witnesses, the punishment is only outright divorce and the law lets her keep her morning gift, which is considerable and more than enough since I was young and stupid, and she has her own extensive properties, but divorce is not enough punishment since she was the queen. So I have banished her from the land because, as queen, she has also betrayed the kingdom. Haera has told the witnesses that in recent years she has become lustful and had sinful thoughts. Her marriage to me has served its purpose as we have several adult children, and although she says sex between us has been good, she has sinfully dreamed of being used by a man who did not know who she was. After we returned to Borgarsandr with her new IUD, she disguised herself and tricked a man into having sex with her to satisfy her own lust and dreams. Some suspect that she was a masked woman in ''The Blushing Maiden'', which is slightly ironic." Asbj?rn gives me a look, and we both know that I am the actual owner of that feast hall. "Haera has given in to her lust without thinking of the consequences, and she''s sorry for that, but she takes her responsibility."


    Asbj?rn makes a sad laugh before he continues talking:


    "It''s mostly true and it also protects you. Haera''s reputation is now as a sinful woman with no control over her lust. The Queen who betrayed the Throne to indulge her lust, though she is respected for her honesty and courage to admit it and live with the consequences. Our children and her family want nothing to do with her, and they have renounced their family ties or will do so - they have little choice. Harea is now a woman few want to associate with. No honest man will take her as his wife or concubine as it will tarnish his reputation that he have fallen for such a known treacherous, deceitful woman, or that he want to indulge in his own lust. Just socialising with her can be harmful to many, especially if they didn''t know or socialised closely with her before.


    Robert, I partially came here to ask you a huge favour, and it will also help protect you from Haera''s act. Haera, her lady-in-waiting Skirlaug and shieldmaiden Raneigh are all on the ship, with their luggage and most possessions. Our plan has been this; since I still care about Haera as the mother of my children and the mother of hopefully the future king, the years we had together, etc, I will let her be close. You, being a good man and friend to both of us, and being in the unique position of having your own nation within the borders of the kingdom, let Haera live here on your islands while Haera has a mansion built for her own silver, where she can live out the rest of her life. Close, accessible and protected, yet not in the kingdom, and it makes it easier for our children to visit their mother if they so wish. At least Ulfarna will - she''s on the boat and cries most all the time.Stolen novel; please report.


    As Asbj?rn Aeriksson, I give you Lysedal, a larger property close by on the mainland, as a thank you for letting Haera live in your Furstedom, and as King, I also extend the Furstedom agreement to include the smaller islands a few hundred fathoms north-east of Large Ackerek, so you can let her build her mansion there, and living secluded makes it easier to keep her pregnancy and the date of birth a secret. Haera will thank you for putting up with a woman like her, by giving you Svenlum, which is a collection of properties that is right next to the ones I''m giving you, and the south and east side of the lake. I gave them to Haera in the first place, and all of it are conveniently close by to here. Haera cannot set foot in the Kingdom in the next few years, until in the future when I can forgive her for the sake of our children, when I leave the throne to Hagthorn, or on my deathbed.


    A major problem with Haera''s pregnancy, is that you might clearly be the father. We had not expected that. But it can, with the help of your sejdwoman Unn, be timed so that the official story is that ''the child was born a little too early''. No one would be surprised if Haera, with her reputation for lust and deceit, had conceived a child with you while living here in Thrymheim - you don''t even have to admit to being the father, even though it''s obvious. You already have a well-deserved reputation for being really manly and able to satisfy women. It will be assumed that Haera has once again given in to her lust now that nothing is holding her back, and has been unable to control herself in your presence, used her deceptively charming manner, or sorcery. I will in future discreetly spread the rumour of this and regret that I did not consider of the danger when I asked you to let her live here, and Haera''s reputation as a deceitful woman giving in to sex and lust will be more firmly established.


    The child is her problem, and her reputation will only become more set in stone, but many will see the child as a gift from Freya; as an ironic gift for being honest about her womanhood and giving in to lust, and reward her action and how she bravely took her punishment. If you were to recognise the child as yours at some point in the future, you would be perceived as having acted as Freya''s hand, and as a good man who wants to give the child a good future and a better reputation than the child''s sinful mother can give it. Should it be a deformed child, many will interpret it as Freya punishing Haera with hope and then despair. It is entirely up to you whether you want to throw her out of Thrymheim or isolate her in one of the houses when the pregnancy is obvious, but you keep your word to me and her, and let her live here on the islands. Should you and your women show that you are socialising with Haera, it will be more of a sign that you are good enough friends to disregard and ignore her reputation. It proves your dedication to Freya and words, because it is already known that you see relationships, sex and love differently, and you have more than once said that children are born without guilt, and are innocent of what their parents have done or are doing."


    I stay silent while I quickly think about it. I would really want to have Kari here beside me right now. This is a hell of a story and huge complication, but I understand why Asbj?rn and probably Haera made those decisions, and it protects us too, but the story needs to be more detailed if the story is to hold up. As the saying goes: ''Tell the story right''. Asbj?rn still seems to love Haera considering how he''s still trying to give her a good life here. He''s not the vengeful partner, so this will be more difficult.


    "Asbj?rn, I hope you realise the problems it still causes me, not least because I will have to have sex with Haera in the next few days, just to make the date of when the child was created more uncertain, and so that enough people know that we had sex and when. It''s already been three weeks, and we need to make sure that enough of the staff know that we''ve had sex in case anyone is thinking or curious. I don''t know if it works if we just pretend to have sex while she spends a night sleeping at the other end of my bedroom. I don''t trust myself to be good enough to pretend that and give the right reactions in the future to surprise situations, and the same might apply to Haera since she did react when I confronted her with those words. And although I have soundproofed between rooms and floors and the doors are thick, it''s not perfect. Haera also needs to be the one who quickly and obviously starts lusting after me, and tries to seduce me. Maybe just due to emotions and seeking comfort or something. She needs to appear the lustful and sinful and the active part, to sell the cover story and partly to protect my reputation, so I behave the same as I''ve have behaved so far. She''s your ex-wife, and I don''t seduce women into my bed. I do not take trophies. And I''m newly wed. Haera needs to act the role she''s been painted as for the next few weeks until her pregnancy becomes clear and the official history can be followed, and she needs to do it well and not overdo it. Her guard and lady-in-waiting need to act their roles too, which is easier though, especially for me. At the same time, Haera must endeavour to make her belly and the growing baby less visible in the first two-three months, as far as possible, with clothes and other things."


    Asbj?rn just nods in agreement and replies: "I''ll talk to Haera and the others before we come ashore. Haera already knows what she needs to do and what the rest of her life will be like. Isolated from social events and most of her family. But she has only herself to blame."


    "We need to talk about this with Iselin because she doesn''t know anything. Honestly, a few more people in the household need to be informed so they can be sworn to secrecy, follow the official story and help fill in the gaps. They''re not stupid, and we don''t want them to accidentally reveal things. They are women, and in certain areas women tend to pay more attention than we men do, so they might notice that Haera is with child earlier than she should. It will also be my first child, so many will be extremely curious, attentive and interested in her pregnancy and future children."


    Asbj?rn just nods and agrees. Things he hadn''t thought of, but that makes the plan better. So I call in Iselin and Alith. We tell them what happened and how Haera tricked us, and they get serious when they realise all the complications. Iselin is so disappointed and feels betrayed by Haera as she has looked up to her, while at the same time she is excited by the news that I can make an elven woman with children and clearly looks forward to maybe being a mum herself in the future. Alith is shocked but doesn''t say much. Both understands and accept what needs to be done and agree to cover for Haera - for our sake. The official story is repeated and agreed, and it was once back in Borgarsandr that Haera gave in to her lust. Hearing and knowing about the Stag night orgy, and the women who talked about it afterwards, not least her lady-in-waiting who kept mentioning back in Borgarsandr, was the final straw, and she was also protected by her new IUD. Obviously the Gods aren''t stopped by an IUD, or it broke.


    Haera will be sad - she won''t need to pretend that - but she will find it hard to control herself around me and will try to seduce me now that she is no longer tied by marriage. That she has dreamed of having sex with me is the truth, just not that it has already happened. It might happen in the next couple of days while most of my women are away, and she might be ''slightly intoxicated''. Iselin and Alith also have roles to play, and need to act like Haera isn''t pregnant and such. I will have to talk to Unn later and she too have to know enough to cover it up, but keeping secrets is a part of being a sejdwoman.


    Shit. I just realised that Haera will need a guest room for at least a couple of months, and it''s just a question of which one. At least until her pregnancy is known, she needs to stay here, as she needs to spend time in my presence and she is a Storman guest. It sends certain signals if we have sex and Haera then moves to the guesthouse a few hundred meters away. Likewise if she lives there, and I visit her soon after she arrived, because ''no one'' will know that we actually had sex. Then she is ''a visiting Storman'' so a room in the wings attic is not good, and better that the islanders respect her high social position as a Storman. Potential surprise guests means that we may need the ground floor guest rooms with short notice, and it''s best if Haera''s accommodation is a bit out of the way so any unexpected guests don''t have to socialise with her. The vacant room on the second floor can send very wrong signals, so the least bad option is the vacant attic room here in Thrymheim''s main building. The room that is basically a mirrored copy of Caecilia''s, and meant for future use. It''s small, but at least it''s a room of its own with a good view, so the staff will have to dust it off and prepare.


    Then there is Haera''s lady-in-waiting Skirlaug and shieldmaiden Raneigh who will also live here for now, as they are all complicit and have betrayed the Throne, and of course people will know that Haera must have had help and conspirators. She was The Queen, always protected and with a lady-in-waiting, also known as her personal servant. But they are not exiled, just very unwanted. We could send them to the village, but better they stay here as a group and those two can live in the wing. Asbj?rn will leave and inform them, before returning with them and their personal belongings. We''ll store their stuff in the basement or attic for now, depending on the contents, and they''ll return in an hour or so. Just walking along the road takes about 10 minutes each way. There is quite a few trunks, and some horses, so we''ll send Hrappr to help with the horses and bring a cart.


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