Summer, 1086
Jarl Snorri Thorfinnssonn of Botnborg suffered from the aches and pains attributed to an old man. But he still went to every meeting held by the Great Sachem. Even if that meant he had to deal with the less then pleasant Namumpum.
Entering the meeting place of the chiefs, Snorri spotted his friend Chief Sokanon of the Mashpee Wampanoag. "Greetings old friend!" "Snorri!" the two elders embraced one another, not having seen one another in a fortnight. Another elder walked past them at a brisk pace, giving Snorri a glare of contempt. Snorri released Sokanon and watched the man pass. "Namumpum."
"Ignore that piece of dung. The Aquinnah don't trust you or your people." "They see us as interlopers," growled Snorri. "Aye, but the rest of the council doesn't trust them much either." A small twinkle shimmered in the elder skraeling's eye. It was true, most of the sub tribes of the wampanoag enjoyed the presence of the Norse people. This was probably due to more contact since Snorri's father first landed in Vinland.
"Doesn't change the fact that Namumpum and his clan hate mine. I don't like him, and his son Tisquantum is too much like his father."
"Just remember old friend, the Aquinnah still live in peace with your tribe," reminded Sokanon. "And if they do attack your tribe, we'll nail Namumpum to a cross."
Acording to the Great Sachem, the Narraganset were on the ropes. "Their warriors stone clubs are shattering on our army's shields, and their bare skin pierced by our iron blades. Reports from the field have informed us of a great victory in the southern swamps, and the conflict should be done before fall."
"What will we do with the land? Divide it among our tribes?" asked an elder. "Certainly not let it be ruled by the Narraganset!"
"Once captured from the enemy, we should fill it with settlers from all the tribes and encourage the remaining Narraganset to marry into our tribe."
"I would rather my people marry a Botnborger than a Narraganset mongrel. We do not need that... filth in our tribe." Namumpum spat into the fire. His arrogance hung over him like a cloud, forcing the other tribal leaders to scowl. Prideful was too lacking to describe the Aquinnah leader.
"If we can marry them into our tribe," began Sokanon. "We not only end their threat, but it also means we don't have to kill all of them. My father's father's father helped kill off an entire tribe in distant memory. I would rather lead us into a new age where we do not need to do this." Many nodded their heads. Namumpum drew a long breath on the pipe, the flickers of flame catching in his eyes. "You are showing weakness. We killed all of the men in Nyhöfn. We filled it with our own." He glared at Snorri. "Perhaps we shouldn't have spared the women, for now they live in Botnborg, festering like disease one gets from the big, snorting beasts they brought here."
"You are implying my people are not loyal to the Confederacy." Snorri stood as straight as he could. "My people have done nothing to betray the trust of the tribe. By God, we are now part of this tribe! We have served loyally, fighting alongside you when the invaders came, and fighting for you when the Narraganset raided your lands. No, our lands!" Snorri slapped his fist against his chest. "Any attack on the Wampanoag is an attack on Botnbotrg. And I was made to believe the reverse was also true! So if you and your people really don't like us, then by all means, attack us and drive us across the Atlantic. But just know, you won't just be fighting us pale faces."
The others nodded and smiled, glad that somebody had dared to put Namumpum in his place. The Great Sachem hid his smile behind his hand, admiring the famous spirit of Snorri. Snorri, the same man who kept peace and made friendship with his father, the previous Sachem. Snorri, the Norse Wampanoag. The white red skin. Snorri the Uniter.
The Great Sachem called everyone's attention and informed them of his decision. He supported Sokanon's proposal for enforced integration of the Narraganset instead of just wiping them out. And the meeting was then adjourned.
