Chapter One
It was the High Summer in Vyirlund and the Summer Solstice was upon them, it was the opening of the yearly High Althing, or High Assembly. The Thanes and all the Yarls and nobles of "special rank" such as Royal Huscarls and Earldomans met at Vilhjalmur's Feild, at a wide circle of blue sarsen stones erected for the purpose of marking out the area for the High Althing. The Yarls held Lesser Althings during different times of the year at their Hold Capitols. It was the idea of the First High Yarl of Vyirlund to hold the High Althing outside because the number of people would either grow or shrink depending on the year. The men set up their tents a safe distance from the sarsen stones and used their booths to either advertise for a marriage or sell items or even introduce a new idea. Earlodman Rognvar Paulus had his booth up first and was telling his supporters how important it was to keep the power between the Yarls evenly distributed. "Because, look at the Venetians! They lost their Republic because they allowed one man to gain too much power at the expense of their Senate." he said. Yarl Kielmann was advertising for a marriage between his daughters and any noble that would have them, but most declined because of the debt associated with the three brides-to-be. The rest of the nobles came in with their booths, some sold home-made pies, made by their wives, others sold carved walking sticks and other trinkets. Most booths were there because the men in them were proposing a law or were appealing a conviction from the High Yarl. Debates raged around the tents and scribes ran around with massive law-books, most of them also serving as "fact-checkers" for one faction or another.
The Chancellor walked to the middle of the circle and the nobles turned to his direction as he unrolled the scroll he was holding. "Hear Ye! Hear Ye! This Year's Althing is ready for business!" said the Chancellor and the nobles walked into the stone circle, according to their clans. Clan White Wolf, Clan White Bear, Clan White Fox, Clan Dragon Prow, Clan Flying Dragon, Clan Nordia, Clan Ysgramor, Clan White Raven, Clan White Elk, and Clan Rognvarsen. Both Clan Ysgramor and Clan Rognvarsen were named for their founders, both Vyir (and Nord) National Heros. Clan Nordia was founded by a Nord Yarl who immigrated into Vyirlund after the Vyir invaded the Orcish land to claim their nation from the Orcs. "I, Thane Rognvar Hakkonsen the Orc-Pusher of Clan White Wolf does hereby propose the following law: That the revenues of the High Yarl be increased to 10.8% for the following fiscal year. I hearby also propose that the conviction of "outlaw" that was imposed on Thane Eirikur Eyvindursen be lifted because several witnesses can prove, beyond a shadow of a doubt that it was his enemy that killed Thane Hinrik Hjortur. The name of the killer has been withheld from this statement and has been given to the High Yarl." said Thane Rognvar. He stepped back into the circle of men. A white-robed judge walked into the stone circle. "All in favor of increasing the tax and dismissing the charge say "aye", all against say "yay"" shouted the judge. "AYE!!" came the judgement from most of the Assembly. Everyone already knew that a Yarl was going to propose a 20.8% tax increase and no-one wanted to pay that. "So be it, the measure carries and is now law." said the white-robed judge. Earldoman Snorri Tryggvisen stepped up. "I, Earldoman Snorri Tryggvisen the Flat-Nosed of Clan White Bear do hear by propose that the High Yarl be restricted from handing out anymore titles for the rest of the year." he said and then stepped back. Several men raised their hands to object to the law. "Yarl Ludvik Haraldursen is recognized." said the judge. He stepped forward. "I, Yarl Ludvik Haraldursen the Troll-Killer of Clan Flying Dragon of Whitewood Hold do hereby object to the proposed law on the grounds it interferes with the authority of the High Yarl." Several Thanes rolled their eyes. A thane waved to be allowed to talk without identifying himself. "Recognized. The nameless speaker." said the judge pointing at the man. "The High Yarl has issued so many Thanedoms this year that the boundaries are beginning to overlap! We need time to let the numbers of Thanes reduce by our war against the Orcs before any more titles are granted." said the unnamed Thane. Another Thane waved his hand. "Recognized." said the judge, pointing at the Thane. "Yarls, Earldomen and Thanes, every time a new title is granted to a common warrior, we are never told and often we are left to guess if a newly minted Thane is standing in our Halls! I have an amendment to this proposed law: That the High Yarl send a runner to all the Holds and Halls to proclaim the new Thanes, Earldomen and Yarls for that year and it be done once monthly. I yield." said the Thane. A Yarl waved excitedly." "Recognized" said the judge. "But isn't it up to the new appointee to proclaim himself? What would prevent clerical errors? Imagine the shock of waking up and discovering that your one-year old son has been made the Thane of some far-flung Hall? I say this proposed amendment is unnecessary and would cost us far more in taxes. I yield." said the Yarl. "All in favor of stopping the High Yarl from proclaiming anymore nobles for the year?" asked the judge. "AYE!!" said the crowd. "So the measure passes and is now law." said the judge. "All in favor of requiring that the High Yarl send lists to the Halls and Holds of the new nobles for the year?" asked the judge. "NAY!" said most of the crowd. "As noted, vote did not pass but proposed amendment can be proposed again next year." said the judge. The judge walked back to the edge of the circle. A Yarl stepped forward. "I am Yarl Hrafn Hjortur the Bloody-Hand of Clan White Raven. I hereby propose that my daughter, Princess Gudrun Hrafnsdottir the Fair Hands be allowed to succeed me, my only son was killed in battle and I do not approve of the man who wants to succeed me on the Throne of Whitemere Hold." said the old Yarl. He stepped back. A Yarl waved. "Recognized" said the judge. "A woman on a man's throne? I have heard of shield maidens fighting in their father's stead but a queen? Have you all lost your minds?" asked the nameless Yarl. "I instead propose that the throne of that Hold revert to the High Yarl for his disposal." said the Yarl. An Earldoman waved his hand. "Recognized." said the judge. "It has always been the custom of the High Althing to fill vacant seats and the High Yarl to create them." said the Earldoman. "So why change the law now?" he added. "I yield." he said and went back into the circle of men. Another Yarl waved. "I was to get that throne but I cannot watch over two Holds at the same time. I therefore second the motion to allow the Princess to become Queen." said the Yarl. "All in favor?" asked the judge. "YAY!!" said most of the nobles. "As so noted the law passes." said the judge. A Thane stepped forward to be recognized. "You are recognized." said the judge. "I, Thane Rognvar Baldursen the One-Arm of Clan Ysgramor do hereby propose marriage between my daughter, Hulda Rognvarsdottir and Thane Ari Hinriksen of Clan White Elk." said the Thane. "I consent." said Thane Hinrik Haladursen of Clan White Elk. The happy couple ran to each other and held hands. The crowd cheered for the couple. Another man came forward, it was Earldoman Rognvar Paulus of Clan Nordia. "I, Earldoman Rognvar Paulus the Fertile-Mind of Clan Nordia do hereby propose that the High Yarl allows his Crown Prince to assume the duties of State and that the High Yarl abdicate his throne at once. The reasons are stated in this compact. One, he did knowingly usurp the power of the High Althing on three separate occasions. Two, he did knowingly void the agreed-to upon laws of the High Althing and Three, he did fail to judge five criminal cases according to the laws of the High Althing." said Earldoman Paulus. "All in favor?" asked the judge. "I have an amendment!" said a Yarl. "Recognized." said the judge. "I propose that immediately after the vote, a Moot be convened to elect a new High King." said a Yarl. "All in favor of the measures as proposed?" asked the judge. "AYE!!!!!" said the entire crowd. "If there is no more business?" asked the judge. "Just a minute." said a tall Thane. "Recognized." said the judge. The Thane stepped forward. "I, Thane Sindri Halldorsen the Wolf-Named of Clan Rognvarson do propose that the new High Yarl sends an embassy to the Orcs with a desire for a long-term peace and an end to this ages-old war. I yield." said the Thane. "All in favor?" asked the judge. "NAY!!!!" said most of the crowd. "So carries, the war continues until it's termination by the gods." said the judge. "This meeting is now over and the news of the laws will be sent to the High King and a message will be sent about his replacement." said the judge. "Aye!!!!" and the meeting ended while the festival portion began with the selling of trinkets and food and the skalds sang their eddas. Three Thanes gathered around Earldoman Rognvar Paulus. "Your measure passed, the High Yarl is off his throne." said the Thanes. Hopefully the Moot will convene soon and it will go well for us. I have talked with several Yarls, they will cast their vote for Yarl Hjortur Hakkonsen the Skald-blade of Clan Dragon-Prow." said Rognvar. The nobles walked around the grounds and felt a sense of relief and accomplishment. "The Moot meets tonight on these grounds." said the judge to the Yarls. The sun began to set and the Thanes and Earldomans left for their halls and holds all over Vyirlund. The Yarls and the judge came to the circle and each Yarl put on his crown and sat down on their portable thrones. "Remember the law. All nominations must be written down and put in that wooden box on the ground. I have checked the wooden box, it is free of any trap, any false walls or any magical device. You may all check the box." said the judge. The Yarls got up and examined the box. It was sound. The Yarls returned to their thrones and wrote down their nominations. They put them in the box and the judge read the nominations. "Five for Yarl Hjortur Hakkonsen. three for Yarl Rognvar Magnus and the others are single-name only. Now for the run-off vote." said the judge. The Yarls wrote their choices for Yarl and placed it in the wooden box again. "We have twenty-three for Yarl Hjortur Hakkonsen and twelve for Yarl Rognvar Magnus. Yarl Hjortur Hakkonsen wins this vote and is now recognized as the High Yarl of all Vyirlund." said the judge. The clerks wrote the letter to be sent to the High King. "More than likely, the new High Yarl will choose Yarl Rognvar Magnus to be his successor." murmured the Yarls amongst themselves. The moot convened without formallity and the Yarls went home to their Holds.
Chapter Two.
The sitting High Yarl read the laws and the decision to replace him and he nullified them and sent word to the Holds that nothing changed. The Yarls were outraged at the High Yarl's stubborn refusal to obey a Moot and sailed to the Capitol with the Huscarls to unseat the High Yarl. "Bolt the doors. They are not coming in here." said the High Yarl to his slaves. "Disregard that order, the Moot has elected a new High Yarl and you must return to your Hold." said the Chancellor. "You and what army?" asked the High Yarl. The servants opened the doors to the Great Hall and the Yarls walked in with their Huscarls. "I did not call you." said the High Yarl. "We came to make sure that the new High Yarl sits on the dragon-throne." retorted the Yarls. The new High Yarl strode in with his sealed scroll-of-office in hand. He bowed to the High Yarl and passed him the scroll. The relunctant High Yarl read the letter, bowed and passed the Crown to the new High Yarl and along with Ysgramor's Sword and the Golden Shield. The old High Yarl went to pack his few clothes and books. The new High Yarl had his servants unpack his chest and set up the Clan standard in the Great Hall under the National Standard. After an hour, the princesses and princes, all children, had their chests packed and ready to return to their home hold. The old ruling family left and the new ruling family moved in.
The End
It was the High Summer in Vyirlund and the Summer Solstice was upon them, it was the opening of the yearly High Althing, or High Assembly. The Thanes and all the Yarls and nobles of "special rank" such as Royal Huscarls and Earldomans met at Vilhjalmur's Feild, at a wide circle of blue sarsen stones erected for the purpose of marking out the area for the High Althing. The Yarls held Lesser Althings during different times of the year at their Hold Capitols. It was the idea of the First High Yarl of Vyirlund to hold the High Althing outside because the number of people would either grow or shrink depending on the year. The men set up their tents a safe distance from the sarsen stones and used their booths to either advertise for a marriage or sell items or even introduce a new idea. Earlodman Rognvar Paulus had his booth up first and was telling his supporters how important it was to keep the power between the Yarls evenly distributed. "Because, look at the Venetians! They lost their Republic because they allowed one man to gain too much power at the expense of their Senate." he said. Yarl Kielmann was advertising for a marriage between his daughters and any noble that would have them, but most declined because of the debt associated with the three brides-to-be. The rest of the nobles came in with their booths, some sold home-made pies, made by their wives, others sold carved walking sticks and other trinkets. Most booths were there because the men in them were proposing a law or were appealing a conviction from the High Yarl. Debates raged around the tents and scribes ran around with massive law-books, most of them also serving as "fact-checkers" for one faction or another.
The Chancellor walked to the middle of the circle and the nobles turned to his direction as he unrolled the scroll he was holding. "Hear Ye! Hear Ye! This Year's Althing is ready for business!" said the Chancellor and the nobles walked into the stone circle, according to their clans. Clan White Wolf, Clan White Bear, Clan White Fox, Clan Dragon Prow, Clan Flying Dragon, Clan Nordia, Clan Ysgramor, Clan White Raven, Clan White Elk, and Clan Rognvarsen. Both Clan Ysgramor and Clan Rognvarsen were named for their founders, both Vyir (and Nord) National Heros. Clan Nordia was founded by a Nord Yarl who immigrated into Vyirlund after the Vyir invaded the Orcish land to claim their nation from the Orcs. "I, Thane Rognvar Hakkonsen the Orc-Pusher of Clan White Wolf does hereby propose the following law: That the revenues of the High Yarl be increased to 10.8% for the following fiscal year. I hearby also propose that the conviction of "outlaw" that was imposed on Thane Eirikur Eyvindursen be lifted because several witnesses can prove, beyond a shadow of a doubt that it was his enemy that killed Thane Hinrik Hjortur. The name of the killer has been withheld from this statement and has been given to the High Yarl." said Thane Rognvar. He stepped back into the circle of men. A white-robed judge walked into the stone circle. "All in favor of increasing the tax and dismissing the charge say "aye", all against say "yay"" shouted the judge. "AYE!!" came the judgement from most of the Assembly. Everyone already knew that a Yarl was going to propose a 20.8% tax increase and no-one wanted to pay that. "So be it, the measure carries and is now law." said the white-robed judge. Earldoman Snorri Tryggvisen stepped up. "I, Earldoman Snorri Tryggvisen the Flat-Nosed of Clan White Bear do hear by propose that the High Yarl be restricted from handing out anymore titles for the rest of the year." he said and then stepped back. Several men raised their hands to object to the law. "Yarl Ludvik Haraldursen is recognized." said the judge. He stepped forward. "I, Yarl Ludvik Haraldursen the Troll-Killer of Clan Flying Dragon of Whitewood Hold do hereby object to the proposed law on the grounds it interferes with the authority of the High Yarl." Several Thanes rolled their eyes. A thane waved to be allowed to talk without identifying himself. "Recognized. The nameless speaker." said the judge pointing at the man. "The High Yarl has issued so many Thanedoms this year that the boundaries are beginning to overlap! We need time to let the numbers of Thanes reduce by our war against the Orcs before any more titles are granted." said the unnamed Thane. Another Thane waved his hand. "Recognized." said the judge, pointing at the Thane. "Yarls, Earldomen and Thanes, every time a new title is granted to a common warrior, we are never told and often we are left to guess if a newly minted Thane is standing in our Halls! I have an amendment to this proposed law: That the High Yarl send a runner to all the Holds and Halls to proclaim the new Thanes, Earldomen and Yarls for that year and it be done once monthly. I yield." said the Thane. A Yarl waved excitedly." "Recognized" said the judge. "But isn't it up to the new appointee to proclaim himself? What would prevent clerical errors? Imagine the shock of waking up and discovering that your one-year old son has been made the Thane of some far-flung Hall? I say this proposed amendment is unnecessary and would cost us far more in taxes. I yield." said the Yarl. "All in favor of stopping the High Yarl from proclaiming anymore nobles for the year?" asked the judge. "AYE!!" said the crowd. "So the measure passes and is now law." said the judge. "All in favor of requiring that the High Yarl send lists to the Halls and Holds of the new nobles for the year?" asked the judge. "NAY!" said most of the crowd. "As noted, vote did not pass but proposed amendment can be proposed again next year." said the judge. The judge walked back to the edge of the circle. A Yarl stepped forward. "I am Yarl Hrafn Hjortur the Bloody-Hand of Clan White Raven. I hereby propose that my daughter, Princess Gudrun Hrafnsdottir the Fair Hands be allowed to succeed me, my only son was killed in battle and I do not approve of the man who wants to succeed me on the Throne of Whitemere Hold." said the old Yarl. He stepped back. A Yarl waved. "Recognized" said the judge. "A woman on a man's throne? I have heard of shield maidens fighting in their father's stead but a queen? Have you all lost your minds?" asked the nameless Yarl. "I instead propose that the throne of that Hold revert to the High Yarl for his disposal." said the Yarl. An Earldoman waved his hand. "Recognized." said the judge. "It has always been the custom of the High Althing to fill vacant seats and the High Yarl to create them." said the Earldoman. "So why change the law now?" he added. "I yield." he said and went back into the circle of men. Another Yarl waved. "I was to get that throne but I cannot watch over two Holds at the same time. I therefore second the motion to allow the Princess to become Queen." said the Yarl. "All in favor?" asked the judge. "YAY!!" said most of the nobles. "As so noted the law passes." said the judge. A Thane stepped forward to be recognized. "You are recognized." said the judge. "I, Thane Rognvar Baldursen the One-Arm of Clan Ysgramor do hereby propose marriage between my daughter, Hulda Rognvarsdottir and Thane Ari Hinriksen of Clan White Elk." said the Thane. "I consent." said Thane Hinrik Haladursen of Clan White Elk. The happy couple ran to each other and held hands. The crowd cheered for the couple. Another man came forward, it was Earldoman Rognvar Paulus of Clan Nordia. "I, Earldoman Rognvar Paulus the Fertile-Mind of Clan Nordia do hereby propose that the High Yarl allows his Crown Prince to assume the duties of State and that the High Yarl abdicate his throne at once. The reasons are stated in this compact. One, he did knowingly usurp the power of the High Althing on three separate occasions. Two, he did knowingly void the agreed-to upon laws of the High Althing and Three, he did fail to judge five criminal cases according to the laws of the High Althing." said Earldoman Paulus. "All in favor?" asked the judge. "I have an amendment!" said a Yarl. "Recognized." said the judge. "I propose that immediately after the vote, a Moot be convened to elect a new High King." said a Yarl. "All in favor of the measures as proposed?" asked the judge. "AYE!!!!!" said the entire crowd. "If there is no more business?" asked the judge. "Just a minute." said a tall Thane. "Recognized." said the judge. The Thane stepped forward. "I, Thane Sindri Halldorsen the Wolf-Named of Clan Rognvarson do propose that the new High Yarl sends an embassy to the Orcs with a desire for a long-term peace and an end to this ages-old war. I yield." said the Thane. "All in favor?" asked the judge. "NAY!!!!" said most of the crowd. "So carries, the war continues until it's termination by the gods." said the judge. "This meeting is now over and the news of the laws will be sent to the High King and a message will be sent about his replacement." said the judge. "Aye!!!!" and the meeting ended while the festival portion began with the selling of trinkets and food and the skalds sang their eddas. Three Thanes gathered around Earldoman Rognvar Paulus. "Your measure passed, the High Yarl is off his throne." said the Thanes. Hopefully the Moot will convene soon and it will go well for us. I have talked with several Yarls, they will cast their vote for Yarl Hjortur Hakkonsen the Skald-blade of Clan Dragon-Prow." said Rognvar. The nobles walked around the grounds and felt a sense of relief and accomplishment. "The Moot meets tonight on these grounds." said the judge to the Yarls. The sun began to set and the Thanes and Earldomans left for their halls and holds all over Vyirlund. The Yarls and the judge came to the circle and each Yarl put on his crown and sat down on their portable thrones. "Remember the law. All nominations must be written down and put in that wooden box on the ground. I have checked the wooden box, it is free of any trap, any false walls or any magical device. You may all check the box." said the judge. The Yarls got up and examined the box. It was sound. The Yarls returned to their thrones and wrote down their nominations. They put them in the box and the judge read the nominations. "Five for Yarl Hjortur Hakkonsen. three for Yarl Rognvar Magnus and the others are single-name only. Now for the run-off vote." said the judge. The Yarls wrote their choices for Yarl and placed it in the wooden box again. "We have twenty-three for Yarl Hjortur Hakkonsen and twelve for Yarl Rognvar Magnus. Yarl Hjortur Hakkonsen wins this vote and is now recognized as the High Yarl of all Vyirlund." said the judge. The clerks wrote the letter to be sent to the High King. "More than likely, the new High Yarl will choose Yarl Rognvar Magnus to be his successor." murmured the Yarls amongst themselves. The moot convened without formallity and the Yarls went home to their Holds.
Chapter Two.
The sitting High Yarl read the laws and the decision to replace him and he nullified them and sent word to the Holds that nothing changed. The Yarls were outraged at the High Yarl's stubborn refusal to obey a Moot and sailed to the Capitol with the Huscarls to unseat the High Yarl. "Bolt the doors. They are not coming in here." said the High Yarl to his slaves. "Disregard that order, the Moot has elected a new High Yarl and you must return to your Hold." said the Chancellor. "You and what army?" asked the High Yarl. The servants opened the doors to the Great Hall and the Yarls walked in with their Huscarls. "I did not call you." said the High Yarl. "We came to make sure that the new High Yarl sits on the dragon-throne." retorted the Yarls. The new High Yarl strode in with his sealed scroll-of-office in hand. He bowed to the High Yarl and passed him the scroll. The relunctant High Yarl read the letter, bowed and passed the Crown to the new High Yarl and along with Ysgramor's Sword and the Golden Shield. The old High Yarl went to pack his few clothes and books. The new High Yarl had his servants unpack his chest and set up the Clan standard in the Great Hall under the National Standard. After an hour, the princesses and princes, all children, had their chests packed and ready to return to their home hold. The old ruling family left and the new ruling family moved in.
The End
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