The Viking Seal

CHAPTER13 - He Wasn't Shakespeare

'Onto endless seas higher than a boat's length, brave warriors sought lands anew.

Beneath the rule of Thor and Balder, past icy mountain islands, sails tested mightily. Long days and nights of ocean's fury.'

"A few of these words might not be exact, but you get the gist. There are some bits that were too faded to retrieve, and then it goes..."

'Strange sights of coastal cliffs, luring with promise of sanctuary. Green with forests dense.

Caves of rock in harbour's shelter where man redeemed strength and courage from river's wealth.

Here is oath's swearing with resolve committed. To Odin we pledge, and cast the seal upon this land, the proof of founding.

Leaving gifts of thanks for voyage made and stores for those to come.'

"That sounds pretty straight forward to me," Stone said, after the professor finished reading. "They set off exploring. The ocean was formidable. They sighted land, found shelter, planted a flag and gave thanks and stashed stuff for future expeditions."

"It's not that we don't understand the story, it's where exactly the story takes place and whether it is an account of Bjarni Herjólfsson's voyage. So far there has been no identification of the participants." Chester's pipe had come to life again, pumping huge clouds toward the ceiling. "The bit about the seal is interesting. Your reference to a flag might not be far off."

"Thor and Balder are some sort of gods, right?" Arny asked, seeking reentry to the group.

"Yes." The professor thawed slightly, pleased that Arnold could show a genuine interest. "They worshipped a number of gods, including Odin, the god of war and leader of the Norse gods; Thor, the god of thunder; and Balder, the god of light. Viking warriors believed that if they died heroically they would be called to dwell with Odin in Valhalla, his palace in the realm of the gods.

"Opposing the Norse gods were a host of evil giants, led by Loki. Vikings believed that both gods and men would eventually be destroyed in the Ragnarok, a mighty battle against the giants, but that a new, peaceful world would emerge from this disaster."

"The apocalypse?"

"Their version of it, yes."

"But they kept on looking for a future."

"Don't we all?" Gretta tossed the comment out, silencing the group. "I get the feeling you are waiting for the lab report, and then you want us to go and match the locations to the poem's references."

"Precisely. And to pay close attention to the last two lines we translated. If indeed they did leave some kind of marker as a claim it would be of immense value to the scientific world, forget the monetary aspect."

"A thousand years later! What can you possibly expect to find now that resembled the land back then?" Arny jumped up and stomped to the window, hands jammed in his pockets. Dammit, he scolded himself. Two minutes later and you're at it again.

Chester abandoned his pipe once again, tipped back his glasses and massaged his eyes. "Arnold, I simply can't grasp the reason for your reluctance in supporting this effort. Do you realize how long scholars and historians have debated these theories? The precise identity of Vinland is still a bone of contention among these groups; some say it is Newfoundland, others, Nova Scotia or even New England.

"We have references in the journal and on the map that suggests Helluland could be Baffin Island and Markland might be Labrador. In 1963 archaeologists found ruins of a Viking-type settlement at L'Anse-aux-Meadows, in northern Newfoundland. The popular argument is that this is where Leif Ericson came ashore. If we could prove that our map fragment supports any of those theories and can bring the information to the attention of the world, then greedy collectors like Wayne Jenner won't deprive future generations of knowing their roots and their heritage. I don't- I can't make it any clearer..."

"The fact is, Arny, a lot of the coastline of Labrador and Newfoundland is unchanged from way back. With the exception of some small fishing communities and a few pokes here and there by nature, it's virtually the same." Gretta shot Stone an admiring look, which he acknowledged with a smug grin.

"Stone's right. Even - or should I say particularly - the coast of Baffin Island is a perfect example."

"I apologize. Wasting time trying to convince me won't advance your project." He turned from the window, wearing a sheepish look. "I'll keep my doubts to myself from now on—I really promise."

****

April arrived with its signature rainfall and the temperatures rose markedly. Stone and Melanie shared the same indecision over wardrobe, switching from heavy coats to jackets but keeping sweaters over their shirts. Gretta arranged for the four of them to head to the mall and, at the Congress's expense, upgraded their wardrobes to what they thought they would need in the coming weeks.

The university research people methodically documented and organized all the material from the bookshop, including as complete a translation as possible of the Norwegian material. The poem was verified as a textual reference to the map fragment and the wise men, as the lab techies were called, generally agreed that the map was a part of the northernmost coast of the Island of Newfoundland—the same area as L'Anse-aux-meadows—but hedged their conclusion with a nod toward the coast of Labrador.

Debate raged over the accuracy of the conclusion but in the end the Congress agreed that the fragment aligned most closely with the general area around the Strait of Belle Isle.

Plans had been finalized for air transport and the use of an old, Congress owned fishing boat, converted to a compact, research vessel. A skipper, employed exclusively by the Congress, was contacted and placed on standby with orders and authority to stock the vessel with necessary supplies and accommodation for four people plus himself and his one crew member.

All that remained was for the weather to follow its usual pattern and free up the waters off the coast for shipping to continue safely. The two couples found their free time beneficial, and they learned all about one another, recounting their more interesting adventures and getting to appreciate what each was bringing to the project.

As the month advanced, the rain diminished and they began to feel the nervous excitement of their impending mission. Professor Stilton was on the telephone regularly providing updates on the research and the preparedness of the boat. His last call informed them that they would be leaving in three days time.