ANNAVISKER, FRIENDSHIP, SALT.

ANCIENT LEGEND #16

CONTINUED FROM AL #15 “RETURN TO THE SHRINE”.

12557BBBC.

The Totems were many, ornate & intricate, depicting significant figures from the past. One that held a long flat, shell inlaid board took Morgatn’s intense interest. Svelka translated Toraka’s explanation “The figure is Birgin, son of Moeder av Drefuss. It was he that created the first ziggazaag, without which none of our ships, halls or totems would exist. It was quite primitive compared with those you have seen on the wayside today. The Sailmaking figure there, is his Sister, Birgit”

“Aaaah yes, you have told me of the twins, raised by Wijken as her own” “Indeed, Toraka’s family have always served our peoples” “What ! Serve ? Is he not a Chief ?” Toraka picked up on this, shaking his head, laughing. Svelka continued “Just as we Whitten, none of our peoples have chiefs, just councils of Elders. Goethelanden maintains the tradition of an Octet. When there is no agreement the Guardian is asked to advise a decision. Yet otherwise he simply does their bidding” At Annavisker however, they still have - a Triphorlax” “How strange !” thought Morgatn, who as the senior Lanterna of the Hengelts was accustomed to settling all tribal matters himself.

The following day the three of them walked to Viskerbij’s Oval Hall to meet and confer with the Elders. Morgatn subjected himself to their teachings of Orolandus, far more extensive than he had envisaged. His daily visits lasted until beyond darkfall, either Toraka and Svelka translating. Whilst he was familiar with his own teachings of Kenna Warheid, he was surprised to discover these Golden Truths at Goathenlanden did not entirely match. Svelka suggested that as their peoples had been separated for four hundred cycles after the Vloede, perhaps some things had been forgotten…..

By midsummer Svelka’s crews were growing impatient to make the long trip home. Morgatn wished to continue his education by visiting Annavisker on the mainland. Svelka pointed out that she may not be able to return to ferry him later. Especially if Cheeid had remained with her people. She had already agreed to be his M’Kafferan, just as she had been for H’Alba. This was surely her destiny. Morgatn would have to ship-hop the long coastal route to Whitten Isle. Deep South initially, then far north along the opposite shore. Morgatn seemed to relish the idea, besides he spoke with confidence of Morgarth’s and Daffryedda’s capabilities to govern the tribe in his continued absence.

Presently they all set off for Annavisker, where they would load hide and meat for the voyage before leaving their friend for the Winter. The Elders had elected Toraka to accompany Morgatn as interpreter, which delighted them both…. (Annavisker’s dialect had drifted from it’s origins). The two had bonded via avidly exploring each others language - Morgatn would surely need help !

The morning of departure, Toraka exited the shrine carrying a hefty staff, as tall as Morgatn. The broader end was pierced by a cluster of wickedly sharp shells, the grip tightly wrapped with sturdy hidethong. It’s middle section bore fine artwork - Svelka’s parting gift - an engraved and whitened depiction of H’Alba. “This is my old hunting Kloebba” offering it to Morgatn for inspection “Ho ! a mighty weapon that would have suited an ancestor of mine, or at least a smaller version !! He was a great hunter, which was the meaning of his name - Ham’Shaffa” Grinning at each other, they made their way to the dock.

Morgatn immersed himself in the culture of the mainland, much impressed by unexpected differences, quickly building a reputation as “He who questions all”. Whereas the island community were occupied in the studies of handskills and ancient truths, the folk of Annavisker were traders and explorers. Eight moons per cycle new expeditions departed to smaller settlements and beyond, following routes principally along the many broad rivers that fed their inland sea. Nevertheless these busy folk held Goethenlanten in high regard, considering it as a rebirth of the fabled long lost Orolandus, Origin of all wisdoms.

Annavisker also had a steady flow of hunter nomads bringing meat and hides to be cured and exported along the shores of the Saltenzee route to Whitten Isle. It was with parties of these nomads that Toraka would take Morgatn on short hunting trips. The giant swung his Kloebba with accurate ease, but it’s length and weight were, at first, too much for Morgatn. It was thus late in the winter before he finally managed a clean kill, felling a large beast with a single stroke…. “Ham’Shaffa !!” he roared, Toraka bellowing shared exhilaration “Ho ! the spirit of your ancestor has entered my Kloebba ! Henceforth to carry his name !” The pair rolled laughing, in the bloodied snow.

That night they burned a fatlamp at their camp, by it’s glow Toraka carved beneath H’Alba’s image “See my friend, the symbols for Great Hunter, a tale to carry to your people this Khlente !” “Not so soon, for I wish to first visit the Salt Mines founded by Janak av D’Akani, so long ago. Your Elders have spiced my appetite of discovery” “And your thirst for adventure ! Perhaps thou wouldst then seek Orolandus too ?” “Naynay, I am of the blood line of Naraga, who sisters enjoined with with Janak and Jameera his father. Perhaps there are descendants of our shared line at the mines. Just another cycle or two before returning to my family, my people. This life can nere be long enough to seek out the Origin” “Then I shall accompany you, and as we travel you must tell me more of more of this Naraga and Janak”

In fact Morgatn was actually busy with something else that he must not confide in, having long suspected that the Giant had been ordered to watch and report back to the Elders. Morgatn had a dangerous ambition.

To Be Continued……

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