Tosra & The Auction, day 40

The royal family arrives

One of the locals arrive to tell us they have seen a ship with King Aerikssons banner, and a quick peek from my bedroom balcony with my binocular confirms. So we get ready and walk down to the harbour and arrive pretty much perfectly. We welcome King Asbjörn Aeriksson, his wife Queen Haera and their two Princesses Sefa and Ulfarna, and introduce my sambos, and also Caecilia and Jane. Two maids and four guards also steps ashore, and it's no surprise Gunhild and Hillevi knows them. This is the first time any of the royal family is here on the islands, even though they owned them, and the first time I will really spend time with his wife and daughters, which is one of the reasons for the introductions, as well as introducing Jane to them. The weather is nice and we take a nice walk back to the mansion while we talk about the work here and buildings.

It's fun to see that Asbjörn and his company is clearly impressed by the road and then the mansion as we walk around the cliff. Yeah, the roads route was pretty much due to nature, but man is it effective on guests arriving from the harbour. Kari looks very noble and calm but I know she's proud of our home, while Iselin makes a heroic effort to blend in with our guests high status and noble birth, but she does blend in well. I assume I'm the worst at it being regal, but I don't care that much. When we reach the courtyard, Asbjörn just wants to stand and look at the mansion, with its shiny copper roof and all large windows, and he slowly nods and smiles. I'm proud of the mansion, but not the outside as much as the amenities inside. At least the youngest princess Ulfarna can not avoid showing how impressed she is when we walk in and open the doors to the great hall and see the mezzanine windows. According to Kari she is kind but seems to be a bit of an airhead, while her big sister Sefa takes after her mother Haera and shouldn't be handled lightly.

We show them their guest room. The king and queen will of course have the larger sunny guest room to the south, the princesses the smaller guest room on the opposite side of the corridor, and the maids and guards will stay in the wings attic. Asbjörn is very pleased with their guest room. Many castles and fortresses have mostly small rooms due to many meters thick stone walls, and Feast halls and Longhouses don't have many rooms and they're quite big, so although the room is smaller than the common longhouse part for important guests, this is a separate and luxurious bedroom with a door, which many houses lack, and this room is much brighter, warmer and nicer than any other with nice views out through the large windows. Sadly the glass mess up the view a bit. The fact that the princesses also get their own room is even more impressive. Asbjörn really likes it and does not hold back with the compliments, while his wife Haera and the princesses also give several compliments, but more 'restrained'. Then again, that is the culture here for an occasion like this. They have exactly the same grace and elegance that Kari usually exudes.

We warn them to not touch the exposed parts of the copper radiators and the pipes on the wall because they are very hot. Then we start the basic tour to show the amenities, and as we show them the bathrooms with cold and hot water, showers, saunas and the toilets, Asbjörns smile grows wider. Everything is very eccentric, but interesting. I point out that their guards and maids can use two of the toilets and the small bathroom if they wish, and show the symbols on the doors and on the guest towels. That really surprises them. Especially when we clarify that there is no outdoor toilet except down by the barns. We're all happy that the separating dry toilets works as well as they do, and even Jane agrees that it is good enough, and a wet toilet actually isn't needed.

Asbjörn is very curious to go for a walk and see the island before lunch, and so with our personal maids and two guards each, we go for a walk.

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Robert has no objection to show me the island before dinner, and we start in the harbor. I do not mind taking the shortcut there, but I of course understand why we took the road the first time. If I had such an incredible road with such an impressive view of my castle, I would've wanted visitors to take that road. And the shortcut is quite steep nature, easier going down than up, and there is no doubt that the roads route was the only practical path for a road to be built across the island.

I shouldn't be surprised that Robert does not see the wide and quite deep strait between the islands as a problem, but to actually make stone piers and build a bridge across? That is no small project in its own right, and something few Storman and Jarls would do. But the bridge makes it clear that the islands are one and the same small Furstdom. Joined together. What a change the last few months must have been for the people here. Like many on the islands across the huge archipelago, they have lived quite isolated, but now this is Robert's land, and Robert has plans. The population has already increased, and that is nothing compared to what will happen when the Academy starts and he gets the craftsmen he wants here. These islands will be so important, and with such a bridge and road, everyone will immediately understand that this is a special place.

Robert introduces Captain Asta, and she's just as small and skinny as I've heard, but she has to be skilled for Robert to make her his Captain. The crew has obviously bathed and made themselves presentable to prove worthy of being Robert's crew, and with such incredibly nice little houses he built for them, they should be grateful. They even got oil lamps. The tour of the Millennium Eagle makes it clear that the ship as expected is in a class of its own, and so incredibly much better than my flagship in every way, and that is without counting the ship compass. Robert really loves glass and light. There is even glass in the deck to get more light below deck. I should try to build a similar ship next year, just for the time it save on longer voyages. I'm the King, and with the reputation this ship has already gained, it will be unworthy to use anything less.

This damn road. I want such roads in Borgarsandr, and at least a bit further out like to Tingshamn and the Northmen Tings location. My desire for roads like this does not diminish when Robert explain how the ditches can be covered to get sidewalks, so horse and carriage traffic is not disturbed, and it is also safer.

Why am I even surprised when he shows me the barns? I should expect that everything here will make me impressed, and it is telling how impressive the mansion on the cliff is, as I barely noticed how special the barns are as we walked passed. Of course with glass windows, a water system, a 'waterpump' and everything else. Everything planned to the smallest detail. Robert's animals have it more luxuriously than most of the population. Even a separate dairy and brewery, and Ida who is working is quick to explain how well it works, and her whole person shows how much she loves the barns and her work here. Sure, this barn is not finished yet, but I understand why Robert's staff has been impatient, and that it includes Iselin is not surprising. What a change the last half year must have been for Iselin, but Robert recognizes gold when he sees it glimmer.

That they will plant large orchards for apples and pears for their own production of mead and cider, proves just how far in advance Robert plans, because it will take a decade until the first harvest. But it feels good to hear that Robert intends to spread deep roots here. Kari has again been proven right about Robert. Robert only talked about his Academy and the technology it would lead to, but I wonder what kind of progress agriculture will go through here, just because Robert lives here. I have only heard positive things about straw basket hives before, but in Robert view they are inefficient, bad for bees and even bees should get small special houses built. Optimized for them to build honeycombs, produce honey and to make it easier to handle bees. Which of course will be spread out across the islands to give a large production of honey and to pollinate all plants and trees. Houses for bees.

The carriages are at least something I understand and now really appreciate, and we've already ordered a winter carriage. A coach. We quickly decided that after the first trip down to the harbor. Riding is good and practical, but it can be unpleasant in the winter, especially with a lot of rain and when the temperature is just above freezing. And it is not good for ones health. It rained on two of the trips that Haera and our daughters took, and they were dry and warm when they got out of the coach, and they also appreciated not having to wear anything on their head. No roads are as good as the one here on the island, so four horses will help a lot if the road is bad, and if needed, there is a horse available for each person in the carriage. Haera is also right in that it is both an advantage and a disadvantage that it is hard to see who or how many are traveling in the carriage, and that it is possible to have a discreet conversation while traveling. Or just take a nap, so that the journey goes faster and you arrive rested.

We keep talking as we walk along the road, and Robert explains how the road is built and drainage, and if it is maintained, it will last for hundreds of years. Well-built stone road lasts. Once again, Kari's suspicions have been confirmed. The reason why Robert was an unexperienced rider is that - no matter how incredible it sounds - he has hardly had to ride before coming here. Midgård must be full of roads like this everywhere, and with fantastic carriages and coaches. I don't think Alfheimr is ready for his thoughts on letting people rent carriages in a livery stable in Borgarsandr, but there may be a limited market for special transports, injuries, marriages and such occasions.

It is a pretty view down over the lake and the houses, and I look forward to return here in the future and see the village between the lake and the valley. It will certainly be something completely new. Robert introduces Fjölkunniga Unn and her apprentice Amba, and tells me how they apparently arrived yesterday and must have been up early to have time to plant in their greenhouse. A house with a lot of glass for plants, and Robert's own is bigger... Great Oden.

It feels good to see something I recognize, like the beginning of a hen house and intertwined branches to protect something they've planted. With Unn's permission, Robert shows me her '10x5 craft house'. Entrance hall and with several large rooms. Fireplaces with chimneys, water system, bathroom and toilet. Even a small cold storage in the floor in the common room. And of course large glass windows everywhere. Moving here and into a house like this after living in an ordinary village and sharing a longhouse with other families - what a change. If Robert intends to give houses like this to craftsmen, he will not find it hard to get skilled people here. Unn doesn't really know how to behave in our company, but she tries to be a good host. Robert thanks and apologizes for disturbing them before we leave. As it is perfectly natural that he, the Furst and Regent, owner of the house and the land, thanks and apologizes that we have disturbed them. Robert is not like other men, and I understand why artisans, craftsmen and ordinary people like him. He is a wise, strong and powerful man who does not hesitate to use his power when he needs to, but only when he needs to. Which proves his wisdom.

The incredible road is almost completed all the way through the village, which gives an estimate of the time to build a similar road to Tingshamn. Of course, a nice wide stone bridge has been built over the small stream and the beginning of a side road to the hill where the Academy will be located south of the village. We passed other buildings and projects while we walk there, but I listen attentively as Robert explain how a large V-shaped building will be built on the hill, with the courtyard facing us, and so that the other side of the building face south and the classrooms will have plenty of sunlight. Caecilia gives Robert a slateboard and he quickly sketches how it is planed to be.

This book's true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.

Future visitors from the harbor will first be impressed by the harbor, then even more impressed by his mansion, and when the mansion has disappeared from view, then they will see the village and the Academy behind it. People are already talking about Ackerek and Robert's mansion, but come summer, this island will probably be legendary with a far reaching reputation. People are already taking detours to sail past, just to catch a glimpse. I don't think Robert even considered that the Academy with its copper roof and large glass windows facing the sea to the south, will be visible to everyone sailing past there, because if Robert wanted to brag could have built the Academy on the higher top slightly to the east to get all around views where the building had also been seen from the harbor and Lysesund.

How big has he planned for the Academy to become?! The entire forest and surrounding area; from the mountain top to the valley, and from here down to the grassland towards the sea in the south will be set aside for the Academy's future expansion. Great Oden! That is hundreds of steps in each direction! With buildings like that there will be space for hundreds of students!

We return to the bridge, and Robert explain how he is thinking of letting the side road to the Academy turn and go down to the valley in front of the Academy's entrance and continue back up to the main road, which will continue north along the valley side where there is a normal path now. There the main road will meet another road that has made a loop from the mansion entrance via the northern part of the island, and then the main road will continue past the old longhouse farm and further across the islands to Orusingen. Great Oden. Roads and bridges all the way to Orusingen?! And not because Robert or the people here need it, but simply because it should be there according to his world view. How much silver will Robert actually spend on these islands?! But of course, once it has been done, it is done, and it will undoubtedly make his Furstdom the center of the surrounding region. It will probably be a good idea to sell some of my Lysedal land on the mainland to Robert. So he can invest there too, and dig deeper roots in the area.

Master builder Pedr meets us, and together they show me another craft house before we reach the bridge, and explain how Robert plans for there be more here between the lake and the valley. He don't want the craftsmen and artisans wasting time and energy taking care of fields, but each will have a small garden for the household's need for vegetables and herbs. We stand on the bridge and Robert explains about the future village square facing the lake - of course paved with a nice edge towards the water - and how there will be some kind of gathering place on the other side of the square, like a small feast hall, and maybe a pavilion between the stream and the square. If everything is built and the population increase that much, then there will be so much trade and markets as well. A good road and harbor only makes it more enticing.

The stream under the bridge is led to a drop and a canal to a large wide pond, and it becomes difficult to follow along when Robert explains how water wheels will power one thing after another. Sawmill, smithy, mill and more. Great Oden.

I know Robert does not like slaves, but it becomes clearer why he thinks slaves should not be needed. Water and wind power can do a lot of their work, and Pedr is so pleased and enthusiastic about the wheelbarrows and how they have changed the work. A short time is all that is needed to see how much it changes. They are my slaves, but they have true reverence and deep respect for Robert. He is the one who made their working days easier and that several of them are getting training as craftsmen. He is the one who thinks about their health and life. He who makes sure that those who stay over the winter will do so under a warm roof and certainly more comfortable than large sections of the population. He who sees them as equal to a common man and works along side them when needed.

I understand that Pedr is happy with the little house he has lived in for the last few months. Of all that Pedr has built, it is everything here that will be the high point of his career. Given how Robert is, it would not surprise me if he offers Pedr to become a resident and live the rest of his life here. Robert will have enough projects to keep Pedr busy for years, and certainly happily busy.

On the way back to his mansion, Robert talks about technology and improvements in so many different areas that it's hard to keep up, but it is interesting. About the design of buildings and why they are built the way they are. About water systems, wells, drains and chimneys. How important it is to keep drinking water clean, and to clean drains. I really want to see how these islands will change over the coming years, and I say there are so many incredible projects and improvements at the same time. I see Robert's little smile and realise that I probably only been told a small part. How much does he really do?!

We take a walk around the mansion so I can see Robert's own greenhouse, and on the way I get to see the pavilion. Which also has fireplaces with chimneys along with a beautiful view. Is that Robert's greenhouse?! It is a house. In glass. And so warm! This greenhouse has more glass than the castle! To grow plants in. Great Oden. I just listen while Robert explains about the greenhouse and about fruit walls. Can it really do much to have fruit trees standing by a stone wall to the south and shape its branches along the wall? A stone wall is only warm if its been in the sun.

Haera, Sefa and Ulfarna come out together with Robert's sambos, and Robert repeats a bit about how they should have fresh vegetables and medicinal plants available all year round. Sure, we all see the value in it, but is it worth that much silver? The warmth in here proves that it works, and I'm not surprised that it's important to think about ventilation. How hot won't it be on a really hot summer day? I'm starting to understand that Unn's high expectations will surely be met. And Robert is already thinking about maybe expanding the greenhouse along the front to the double its size, and that it might be next summer. Haera and my daughter's comments make it clear that some parts of the castle garden will be used as fruit walls, and if this greenhouse works as well as it probably does over the winter, I would not be surprise if a greenhouse will be built next year somewhere in the castle. Haera has plenty of her own silver to spend on it. Since Haera's first visit to Reiekrône a couple of decades ago, Haera has loved a beautiful garden. She is rightly proud of the castle garden she has made. But Robert will surely build a terrace garden over the cliffs to the south, and that garden will surely be as impressive as everything else.

Robert explains that the boiler room that heats the entire mansion is on the other side of the basement wall, and like a flash of lightning, it becomes clear how well thought out everything is. That he planned to let heat from the house's heating also be used out here, so that the greenhouse stays warm even in the middle of winter surrounded by snow and ice. Cold and sunlight are of course the biggest problem for plants, and cold is something he has already planned to do something about. That there isn't a fireplace here in the greenhouse, is probably proof that he don't think it will be needed. How the hell does his heating system work?

Robert gives us a tour of the boiler room with its weird big fireplace and again lots of copper, and of course there is a reservoir for water to the greenhouse too. It is a very clever idea to have a larger, more powerful fire down here in the basement, and then 'move the heat' to where it is needed. Obviously it works. Somehow. We understand that it is easier to keep warm on a cold winter if you wear several layers of clothing, so of course it is easier to keep a house warm if it is well insulated. But double glazed windows? There is so much glass - everywhere. Everyone is talking about this mansion's incredible amount of windows and large windows. I wonder how they would talk if they knew it was double glazing? Or that the exterior windows have a thick iron bar mesh inside, which is incredibly clever. Anyone who thinks they can just smash a window and get inside, will get an unpleasant surprise. But that is something we will keep secret. Maybe it's worth replacing some of the castle's windows? Robert is probably completely honest when he complains that two windows unfortunately mess up the view, and the best glass is where there is the best view, but he is considering trying to improve window manufacturing next year. To better see the view. Great Oden.

It is certainly true that this complicated system consumes much less wood than if all the fireplaces in the mansion had been used, but it is also correspondingly less work to manage and spend time keeping lit, which is certainly just as important for Robert. In addition to the guards taking an occasional trip down and throwing in some firewood, Hrappr manages to take care of the rest himself. While he does other work at the barns. Just part-time work from a single man to keep such a large mansion warmer and nicer than anything I have even heard of. And it gives them hot water too.

Robert takes us up the stairs to the wings corridor, and show a funny brass thing behind a small glass pane. Of course, the guards don't have to run down to the basement to keep an eye on the fireplace, but can do so from up here. What do his guards do during the day? When Robert says the heating system can be dangerous if you don't do it the right way, it's probably true. I wonder what the rest of the things on the wooden box do? More brass behind glass and funny symbols, and there seem to a small door with some kind of lock? But Robert has secrets and certainly many projects. Robert's mansion really is completely unique, and completely different from everything I've heard about and seen so far in my life. Not even the huge old cities and estates in the south have anything like this. It will be really interesting to see what the future holds.

The others go to the meeting room, but Robert takes Iselin's hand, gives her a kiss and a hug, and makes her tell me an anecdote about how they made several such 'meters'. It is a clear indication of how important Iselin is to Robert, and proves that she understands how everything works and helps him in his work. It's safer to assume that Robert has understood one of the purposes of our visit.

Haera has already whispered that we have a lot to talk about, so I wonder what she's found out, but I can guess why. With everything we have experienced so far today, Sefa will be completely unbearable if we don't get her married to Robert, and preferably before Ulfarna's marriage this summer. Sefa's comments that Robert is 'too old' and who she thought would be a good husband for her now that Hunulfr is dead, changed after she met Robert and really understood what Kari thought. Concerns about future children disappeared with the knowledge that Robert uses sejd to avoid making his women pregnant, and with everything that has happened since then and his reputation...

Sefa has always disliked traveling around the land and preferred to stay in Borgarsandr, and with the wonderful life they live here...

Sefa will not listen to reason. She was annoyed that I had given Kari to Robert even before Kari's wealth became known, and became furious afterwards. I shouldn't have pointed out that Sefa wasn't in Borgarsandr, or at first were uninterested in Robert. Or that I obviously knew about Kari's inheritance, which is bigger than what Sefa would bring to her marriage. I must have a good explanation prepared when Hagthorn returns, and I might have to admit that Kari is his cousin. Why else would I refuse to give Kari and her inheritance to him?

Did Skarde laugh when he sacrificed himself to Freya? For more than 20 years he suffered from what he did and distant glimpses of Kari growing up. For 20 years the Gods kept him healthy and strong, and he thought it was just so he would suffer. He must have enjoyed when he understood why, and he certainly knew what problems his death would cause me. The Gods really know how to get a man to learn a lesson, and that we are all just strings of thread in the norns weave.

Sefa refuses to accept that Robert is more interested in taking a former slave like Iselin as his wife. Kari and maybe Jane are further obstacles to a possible marriage, because Robert will obviously not distance himself from them just because Sefa wants to be his wife. I saw how they behaved at the mansion in Borgarsandr. It would not surprise me if Robert marries Iselin in the spring, Kari in the summer and maybe Jane before next winter. Kari is now an incredibly desirable wife, and Freya has certainly blessed her with Robert and her life here. And Jane is a human like him.

If I only knew what the Gods and Norns have planned that needed Hunulfr dead...