Avaldsnes

[Scott of Hyperborea]

For a while, it looked like the Harbor Fortress of Avaldsnes was actually going to fire on the Queen of Night's Repentant Children, but eventually it thought better of it. Attacking a chunk of ice the size of a mountain is rarely a good idea, especially when said chunk of ice can fire back. The Fortress quickly lowered its flag, and the Queen of Night docked at the Aegirgata.

Jorvik Sturmgardsson, seneschal of Avaldsnes, was there to meet it. Standing in front of the Avalsborg, he gruffly shook hands with Tori Ristelion, the Queen of Night's 137th and current captain. "I was wondering when you'd arrive," he said.

"And I was wondering whether you were on our side or against us," admitted Tori.

"I was wondering that myself," said Sturmgardsson. "Baron Harald's been a little evasive as to what side of the rebellion he was on. Probably wise to do, in these parts."

"Well, nothing personal," said Tori. "But we needed a port on the mainland, and you're technically part of Kai-Raikoth, so here we are. If you want no part in this conflict, we will depart this city by this time next week, and leave you alone henceforward. If you want to join us, we would be grateful for your assistance."

Jorvik Sturmgardsson looked pensive. "What, exactly, are you going to do?"

"Well," said Tori, "we haven't decided on our long term plans yet. But for now, our goal is to destroy ISI's ability to launch genocidal orbital strikes, thoroughly and permanently. We're heading to the Leonardo command center in Wintergleam. Once we get there, we intend to confiscate the equipment, smash up what we can't confiscate, and burn what we can't smash up. Are you with us?"

"We're Vikings!" bellowed Jorvik. "Of course we're frickin' with you!"

And at that proclamation, the assembled warriors of Avaldsnes, that little slice of Stormark in the heart of Shireroth, filed out of their houses, singing a rousing war song:

♫ ♪ If burning towns is to your liking
Maybe you should be a Viking
Get your longboat, take to sea
And a Viking you will be!

If you've some familiarity
With a life of cruel barbarity
Get your longboat, sail away
Join the Viking hordes today!

If you like both war and boating
Worship Thor and worship Odin
If you like good times, take heed:
Be a Viking - we've got mead!

You don't need a to take a course, man
To become a proper Norseman
There's just one thing you must learn:
Always pillage before you burn!

THERE'S JUST ONE THING YOU MUST LEARN
ALWAYS PILLAGE BEFORE YOU BURN! ♪ ♫

(Note: funny childish chant should in no way detract from the acknowledged metal-ness of actual Vikings. In fact, after they finished the chant, the Vikings totally sung some Turisas songs)

SUMMARY: Hyperboreans land in Avaldsnes in preparation for attack on Wintergleam. Many of the Vikings of Avaldsnes join their army.