It wasn't easy being on Berk. Compared to the ways of both us Franks and even the Picts of the highlands, the ways of these heathens were barbaric. They even fought over the smallest of matters possible which we would merely solve over a simple conversation. But then seeing how the Franks, Bretons, and Latins fought in the Frankish kingdom, I had seen just how similar we were becoming towards these barbarians. I wished I could be back among my own people for I wanted so much to be God's messenger to my own people but it was not to be for the Franks.
The Ingerman and Hofferson families were like many Vikings, farmers. Of course they would till the fields, dust the crops, and fertilize the crops by their own manual labor but as a slave of this Hofferson maiden, I was made to help. I worked with pride and diligence because it was a way of escaping the mindset of being trapped in a foreign land and I could create in my mind the illusion of being back in the church garden. However, there was much more land to work and I had more time to work it, but seeing as how it was bigger than the church garden, it reminded me once again that I was among the village of Berk and not the city of Paris.
Each clan usually lived in their own section of the village and usually isolated themselves one from another except in the case of individual friendships, politics, and celebrations. It was a comfort to me that the Ingerman who owned Father Armonde lived next to Helga Hofferson. Ironically, I would work longer in the fields than even my mistress Helga. She would look back before heading indoors to do other work and smile. Though at one time when I heard her talking with some of her friends, I heard her describe me as her most treasured possession and I had mixed feelings about that. She also complimented me on how strong and built I was as well as my bravery and how dutiful I was in my work without being asked. But the way she looked at me, I couldn't help but wonder if I was going to find myself in the same situation that Joseph was when it came to Potiphar's wife when Joseph was a slave down in Egypt. It also didn't help that Helga was slim, well built, and pleasing to the eye as I feared that temptation might overcome me.
However, eventually came a time where Father Armonde and I came to a part of a field where we were both told to plow and it was part of the land that had never been farmed before.
"Wait, father, what are you doing here?" I asked.
"Well I was told to farm this land for the Ingerman clan," Father Armonde replied.
"Oh this is bad," I said. "This probably means a land dispute which can only lead to a duel or bloodshed."
"Then pray with me that this matter is resolved," Father Armonde replied.
It was ironically this opportunity from which Fergus would prove himself. The Ingerman who owned Father Armonde was in a dispute as they ironically took it up with Fergus.
"Boarlegs has claimed this land which obviously belongs to clan Hofferson!" a Hofferson man shouted.
"Our clan was here first, and now it turns out that two slaves were trying to farm the same piece of land that the two slaves were managing!" an Ingerman woman exclaimed. "Just tell them that we own the land and have these Hoffersons learn their place!"
"Excuse me woman but I will not let another clan tell me what we can or cannot do with property that is rightfully ours!" the Hofferson man shouted.
"SHUT IT!" Stoick shouted. "I may be the chief's slave but if it prevents his subjects from killing each other than I will risk life and death to keep you from spilling blood! Seriously, seeing how united you were when you raided Francia, I thought you all were more mature and united than the clans of the Picts in the highlands but I guess I was wrong! You are not only under the same chief but you are brothers, kin under the same tribe and it's time you started acting like it!"
"The same clan struggles ensue as the Picts and Celts slaughter each other despite the fact that centuries earlier, we fought off the Romans who invaded our land. What does it say about you when a slave cares more about the brotherhood within your own tribe than the clans of your own people? My advice is you either divide the land since neither of your clans considered this until now or one makes a purchase for the rest because it's not worth spilling the blood of your own people. If you want to kill me for speaking as a slave to freemen then take it up with the chief as I am his property but I will not have you spilling each other's blood when you are brothers of one nation!"
The Ingerman woman and the Hofferson man looked at each other with repentance and sympathy as they were moved by Stoick's word. Seeing a slave take pride in a tribe that took him in as a slave, more pride than they themselves had made them think twice about quarrelling. Ironically, they then smiled as they did have a positive history as individuals and it was more than friendship's sake that would help them solve this matter. Fergus moved on to assist a local blacksmith.
"You know, I just hoped to meet the chief but if I must, then I'll certainly talk to his slave in the process," said the blacksmith. "I wanted to make sure the chief's ax and sword are to his liking. So, what is your name good slave?"
"I doubt that names are important," Fergus replied.
"But names are part of establishing trust," the blacksmith replied. "The name is Gobber. Now may I have your name?"
"My name is Fergus of Clan Dunbroch," said Fergus. "I know a good quality sword when I see one, especially since I use the finest iron in the highlands. You certainly make fine blades. This will do and I hope the chief appreciates this."
Many ironically appreciated the assisted chiefing of Fergus. Though others, in particular a few Ingerman and even a few of the Jorgenson felt themselves degraded having a slave helping out with chiefing.
"I don't see why a slave who was captured by our people should dictate and chief over us," Spitelout snapped at Fergus. "You should know your place instead of commanding a freeman."
"In case ye didn't know, I'm only following the orders of my master and if you don't like it then take it up with Stoick," Fergus scolded. "After all, I'm not officially governing but doing the chiefing for another man and I do nae like it any more than you so deal with it."
Spitelout marched off in a huff. However, Alvin was most displeased.
"I'll not have a slave talk to me in such a fashion especially one that we captured in the siege of Paris!" Alvin shouted.
"In case ye don't remember, I only gave myself up so that others may be spared and I could have ended your chief's life but I didn't," Fergus replied. "So before you start boasting, you'd best learn why I'm a slave in the first place and understand that I'm only following the orders of my master. Or are you the one who's lacking loyalty and honor? Given how many times you violated the chief's trust, they should call you Alvin the Treacherous!"
Just at that, Alvin drew his sword and then swung at Fergus. Fergus kept dodging every move as he knew from Alvin's anger that he would tire himself out. Savage joined in as both attempted to kill Fergus. Fergus kept moving out of the way and ironically seemed partially amused with the situation.
"What's the matter?" Fergus questioned. "I can do this all day."
Alvin swung a few more times and missed before Stoick noticed.
"That is enough!" Stoick shouted. "What in Thor's name is going on?!"
"This slave thinks he's above us and can dictate to freemen what they should do with their lives!" Savage shouted.
"For your information, I was merely following the dictates of my master and it's not like I want to chief your tribe," Fergus replied. "Master, I was doing me duty when they accosted me!"
"Is this true Alvin?!" Fergus scolded.
"He's a slave who thinks he can dictate to a free man!" Alvin complained.
"Need I remind you, he's only doing what I told him to and now but you've tried to destroy my property!" Stoick shouted. "It is sad that a slave should have more honor than a warrior such as yourself. I told you that there would not be another chance. I want you off my island by sundown and take that galoot Savage with you!"
"But chief!" Alvin protested.
"I SAID GO!" Stoick shouted.
Alvin and Savage left to gather what belongings they could before.
"Ye didn't have to do that for me master," said Fergus.
"Yes I did," Stoick replied. "You're a great help here. Plus chiefing is much easier. I cannot afford to lose you."
"Chief, we would like to invite you and your slave to a special ceremony," the same Hofferson from earlier requested as he came up.
"Aye, we've been able to settle the dispute and the field that was disputed over is being given to clan Hofferson as a dowry," the Ingerman woman said. "He and I are getting married."
"Ha, ha!" Stoick shouted with joy. "That's the way to chief around here! You have a gift Stoick and you yourself have been invited to a wedding. What do you say to that?"
"Oh as much as I'd like to, I cannot because a slave be not his own master sir," Fergus replied.
"Well then as your master, I command you to come with us," said Stoick. "Besides, you're more than just a slave to me. Given how much you care about my people, you're also my friend.
