Rise of the Folkungs-Chapter 2
January 1st 769, Firdafylki Tribe
Firdafylki's Longhall was a modest one, it had 2 long tables with room enough for a dozen men each at the front of the room was the Chiefs table with seats for the Chief, his immediate family and his advisors.
The hall was dimly lit and the mood was somewhat solemn, at the regular tables were the 12 Household warriors of the Folkung Clan, there had been 15 but 3 had been killed along with Vidarr in the ambush.
Fyrdafylki was by no means rich so food and drink was served sparingly, a few casks of ale were opened, and sour goats milk, warm bread, sausages and plenty of Skata(fish) were served. There were a few toasts to the new chief and tales were told of how Vidarr, a young retainer at the time had challenged the cruel tyrant Dagfinn to Holmgang in a square of branches and had killed him, freeing the people of Fyrdafalki from his tyranny.
After around 2 hours Ragnarr stood, signaling the feast was over and the Household warriors went back to their homes, but Ragnarr and his council remained, they had much to speak of.
''My Advisors, I have come to the decision that all of you will continue serving in the roles my father gave you, but I will be honest, if I find you lacking in your work then I shall have you replaced''
All of the men nodded, though Gothi Barid seemed sullen over the mention of hard work
''Now then I wish to speak of the death of my father, and who is responsible'' Ragnarr continued
''We found no markings on their body'' Bjorn said ''They were unmarked, like common bandits but they were well armed carried spear and shield and I know no party of bandits numbering over 20 men in this land''
Ragnar nodded and turned to Sigudr ''Tell me of our neighbors if you will and any who you think could be responsible, I do not think these were common bandits''
Sigudr was a competent lawspaker, hardworking and good with his words, but he was reserved and soft-spoken in private, and in opposition to Haesteinn had eaten little at the feast.
''To our North are the two chiefdom's of Sunamaere and Raumsdualr, ruled by Trygvve of Dovre Clan''
''And you think he had something to do with this'' Ragnar demanded
''Well his ambition is well known, and he is a great warrior but from what I have seen he is a kind man, no lord I do not believe this was his doing''
''I have heard stories of Trygvves prowess, he is a fine warrior and I do not think he would stoop to this level of dishonor'' Bjorn said
''His kindness could be a show, put on for the townpeople'' Hasteinn said, ripping apart a peace of buttered bread.
''Continue Sigudr'' Ragnar said
''To our south and close to where the ambush occured is Syganfalki, ruled by Gunnar of af Raumsdalr Clan, I recall that he was wary of your father after overthrowing of Dagfinn who was his ally many years ago, and they say he is a lazy man so it would fit with his character to hire men to do it rather than personally see to it.
''He also contested the farmsteads that your father visited, he may have believed your father was encroaching on his land'' Valbjorn the steward said
''He often sent messangers to your father accusing him of various meddling in his chiefdom'' Sigudr said
''So this was Gunnars work then?'' Ragnar said
''I cannot be sure, but it seems likely. The ambush occured near his border and he disliked your father.'' Sigudr said
''Ragnarr, you must not let this pass, you should attack his chiefdom and make an example of him, tear the flesh from his bones in blood eagle!'' Hasteinn said
''Haesteinn, you speak well but forget to whom you speak, I ''must'' not do anything, and I have no intentions of letting this pass, be assured of that.''
''He cannot simply attack him Haesteinn, he needs a claim, a reason, as of now we only have suspicions. If we attack him without reason we may threaten or antagonize the other chieftains, we cannot risk angering Trygvee'' Sigudr said
''Then you shall find a reason Sigudr, go south to Syganfalki and get me a claim, finding evidence of his involvment will be reason enough I think
Sigudr nods simply
''And Valbjorn, I wish you to raise the taxes, my father had always kept them low but they must be raised to a medium amount.'' Ragnar says, turning to his steward.
''My lord, could we not wait, you have been chief for one day and already you wish to raise the taxes?'' Valbjorn says confused
''My father was a great man, but a content one. I am not my father, I have ambitions far beyond this vilage, and to achieve these ambitions I will need spearheads and shields. Tell the villagers that these increased taxes are to benefit them, not only will it help protect Firdafylki, but it will put spear and shield into their hands.
''You would be wise to hide that ambition Ragnarr, the other chiefs do not know you yet and may feel threatened, Trygvve is a kind man but his ambition is well known, he wishes to become Jarl and your lands border his''
''I will take your advice Valbjorn, you speak well'' There is a silence ''Thank you for you council, Valbjorn and SIgudr stay, the rest of you return to your homes'' Ragnar says
The rest of the council leave, and Gothi Barid wakes up from a nap he had been taking and takes an envious look at the 2 remaining councilers ''The inner council'' he mutters to Hasteinn.
''You two were my fathers best advisors and I hope that I can rely upon you as he did'' Ragnar says
Sigudr simply nods and Valbjorn speaks'' I wish only to serve you lord''
''I wish both of you too find me a new Marshall and Spymaster'' Ragnarr says
''I can understand Hasteinn, but you wish to replace Bjorn'' Sigudr says shocked
''Bjorn served my father well for many years, but he is my fathers man and only a decent warrior, he will still have a purpose here but I need my own man as the man who oversees my armies''
''I understand completely'' Valbjorn says
''Hasteinn on the other hand I do not trust, his consumption of my ale outweighs any service he has done for my family, perhaps if he had done his job he could have prevented the plot.'' Ragnar says calmly with little malice
Both of the councillers nod, Hasteinn is not well liked
''Ragnarr we must speak of marriage'' Sigudr says tentatively, ''you need an heir or the other Chiefs will think you weak.''
''I have already decided Sigudr, i will marry Beata'' Beata was Ragnars lover and the sister of one of his household guards, who had been killed along with his own father.
''Ragnarr perhaps the daughter of a farm holder, or even one in another county...'' Valbjorn says
''I have made up my mind on this'' Ragnar says ''I appreciate your advice but I am chief.
Both men nod
''A chief is also entitled to 3 women to call concubines as is our tradition, your father did not hold by it'' Sigudr says
''I have every intention of taking advantage of that tradition'' Ragnar smiled ''My father did not and perhaps that is why I am an only child.'' Ragnars mother had died when he was 6 and Viddars second wife had died of a flu 4 years after and the man had never remarried.
''To Firdafylki!'' Ragnarr says suddenly ''May I lead it to prosperity and power, even surpassing my own father''
Both men raise their horns and they toast. As Firdafylki sleeps the 3 men talk deep into the night about things regarding the other chiefs of Norge and potential allies and foes.