ANNAVISKER RISES.
ANCIENT LEGEND # 11.
“If History were taught in the form of Stories, it would never be Forgotten” Rudyard Kipling.
12925BBBC. The new longboat departed, it’s extended upward curving prow adorned with a full figure carved portrait of Wijken as a young girl. Birgin stood at the tilloar, one hand raised in farewell, the crew rowing vigorously, roaring in unison with watchers onshore. The Gottenlanders anticipated a return this cycle or next. It never did. Work commenced on another and sturdier vessel, but without the experienced Birgin, or frequently elsewhere Skandar, progress remained slow, often dispirited. Once completed, the crew nervously made numerous safe circuits of their island coast. With a degree of reassumed confidence it’s added keel was strengthened. Simultaneously a third shipbuild with an integral keel was commenced upon. Both crafts had long spits supported by busts of an older Wijken, each cradling an infant Birgin or Birgitt.
12919BBBC. Time to try a longer voyage. Thus the old original longboat led it’s companions to the Skaelperstraenduns, to wait in the lee, as the other two ventured out into the Salten sea beyond. A successful, within sight, circumnavigation preceded a heavily shell laden trio back to Viskerbij, all crews ascertaining eager readiness to search for their missing ship and crew.
12918BBBC. Conflicting apprehension and excitement hovered over the leavetaking that Klentenfest. Well equipped with arsenals of slingshot, arrows and reindeer horntipped spears of varying lengths, Captained by two of Skandar’s eldest sons, crewed by muscular veterans, the Twinvessels were quickly gone. That the Captains were named Achana and Aahno, synonyms for purity and perfection, was considered by the tribes to be portent protection. That frail old Skandar, slipped the eternal sleep just one day afterwards, was an omen for the opposite.
12917BBBC. A latesummer homecoming, dispelling those latter concerns, when the twinships hove to view, carrying mainland meats, skins, curious nomads, abundant tales to tell - and best of all - the fine cum hairy Birgin. All weaponry discarded unused at the fortress. Amongst the hubbub of joy and embracing came the sadness of his perplexity as to the fate of the missing shipmates. The visiting nomads accorded accommodation, Birgin and the other returning sailors allowed time for their families, whilst the Klentenfest site prepared itself for both a celebration and a remembrance closure. Birgin spoke all night amongst the campfires on the heroic deeds of each of those missing beloved. Then he sat all day with the elders at the Oval Hall, his words collected, depicted, on cloth and skin by the attending illuminatii… Thus….
“Our crossing to the rivermouth was calm and easy, when there was no wind to assist us we simply sang to row a little harder. Each man made a new stanza, Bigchins and Bluehands beating loud untiring rhythms on the benches” The listeners chuckled at the nicknames given to the Hoggermens… “Soon after our landing, many nomads visited our fort, curious to know more about us, our peoples here. Amongst them were nine, of some status, indicating that they wished to visit this hall, to discover our Truths. They accepted a need for them to train as rowers that some of my crew could remain at Annavisker harbour. Initially we practiced rowing many days upriver, where we discovered a wonderful place for a second settlement. The river at this point is wide and slow, split by a mighty flat topped rock, ideal for a Great Oval Hall, accessed by causeway. We will of course require a great number of settlers - and small boats.”
The elders interrupted “We need more folk here too, is that not the point of our expeditions ?…. Some of our people here are suggesting that we also need to explore further to the east, beyond those waterlogged uninhabited lands we know of……. Perhaps if you could keep bringing nomads here to expand our base, more arrivals than departures……. Ja’Aiwa more younger women at that…… This is surely what Wijken would have proposed…… Indeed, but enough, let us This day receive the rest of Brave Birgin’s Tidings…..” Birgin then went into much detail of how work had progressed at the fortified harbour, with some assistance from nomads. “They speak a variety of similar tongues - we can converse with them well enough. They are certainly aware of our old Golden Lantern and it’s fate. None had ever visited, however they trade for salt with Jamak’s peoples. Jamak and Rhadavar are held in high regard, but no longer mobile. The nomads carry messages between us, although they are no speedy match for the M’Hernicus of the past. It is a tradition we must revive, and soon.” The elders nodded in agreement, making that hand gesture which implies a later discussion.
Birgin continued… “After the upriver voyage the ship continued training the nomads, by following the coast in each direction for a moon or so, attracting some attention. As it overwintered then at Annavisker we saw an increasing number of nomadic visitors. We celebrated Klentenfest, reciting for them all our Golden Knowledge, our Kenna Warreid. The ship left us for Viskerbij in good hands and good weather. In it’s abscence, Annavisker continued to grow, we have raised dwellings for everyone - with more being prepared for newcomers , two broad jetties proving easy moorings for the twinships, and we have raised three large storage houses. This we did despite our unease at the longboat’s non return. Finally we were distraught to learn of it’s disappearance from Achana and Aahno. Last night we remembered our fellows, wishing them and all Gebretheren peace. These thoughts will remain as you enjoy conversations with the Nomads we have brought to you on this voyage. I believe that more will flow to this our Hall of Moeder Wijken” “Aah Wijken… aah Edukana… Aiwa, let them learn to Grok, to share…. Knowledge is the Only Honest Wealth…”
“Now my friends, what news of Skaelperstraendun ?” “Aaah, you will be aware that our ships visited the Saltensea, where it became obvious that they must create longer, stronger ships to brave the rolling waves, prior to exploring the greater ocean beyond. Such ships cannot be launched on turning logs. The weight problem has been solved by digging huge hollows in which to build, that can later be flooded, but there have been problems with this. Only one ship has been created, yet not stable enough on the bigger waves. Suggestions are sought” “Ha ! Perhaps they should consult Bigchins and Bluehands, who have already survived that ocean, albeit stuck in a massive driftwood tangle on the great wave. Perhaps they may well have some observations to share”.
To ask the question, meant a trip back to Annavisker, which could take at least another cycle.
12916BBBC. The twinships set out again, carrying the families of those waiting on that distant shore. Half the nomads were happy to stay, sending messages to their kinfolk to join them. Birgin was to select, as far as possible, strong young women. Eventually a suggestion from the Hoggermens was relayed to Skaelpermens, “Outriggers for buoyancy, which would also allow for a broader lower edge to the sail”
To be revisited….
NeXt A, B, C + D #7, 22nd May. D for All the Other Dragons.
New Thread, starts 29th May. This Creative Journey, inc Learning on Substack and other Wonderful Wonders. Plus Trike Trek.
NeXt Inspirational Episode #6, 5th June. Magnum Opus- a Rise Island Update.
NeXt t’Otherwith Soldier, 12th June. The Delicate Aroma of Dead Camel, Erm…
I am always happy to receive Your comments, criticism of either sort, no umbrage taken.
Your connection to seafaring comes through very strongly. Lovely narrative.