Spring, 1087
The snow was starting to thaw, and the weather was gradually getting warmer. And Tisquantum's trial at the Althing was supposed to start yesterday. Instead, here he laid in a bed in Wampanoagborg, shivering and sweating under a heap of furs. Snorri, Sokanon, and the Great Sachem stood in the doorway while Namumpum knelt beside his son, holding his hand and talking to him. A medicine man stood with them. Snorri decided to speak. "What's wrong with him?"
"He is very sick. He's been suffering from joint pain and a severe rash for months. Something he caught while hunting." The medicine man glanced at Tisquantum. "Going untreated, his body became weaker and weaker. Now he's suffering from shakes and has a high fever."
Sokanon bit his lip before asking his own question.
"Will he live?" The medicine man slowly shook his head. "The boy is a dead man walking. His pride and arrogance kept him from coming to the Healing Hall to see me or any of the other healers. I expect him to die within the next few days. I pray to Kehtannit that I'm wrong." The medicine man sighed and left the room. The window allowed a beautiful view, which only served as a contrast to Tisquantum and Namumpum's fates. Snorri and his two friends left the building, wanting to leave a grieving father alone with his son.
Snorri returned later that night, long after when the sun vanished over the horizon. Nampumum was still there, just as expected. A candle poorly illuminated the chamber, shadows danced on the walls. Tisquantum was still shaking, but that was also as to be expected. Snorri didn't want to be here, but he was all the same.
"Namumpum." The skraeling's back stiffened,
"You and I do not get along. At all. As a matter of fact, I think you're an @$$hole. But... I am sorry. I am very sorry for what has happened to you. I'm a father as well, and I would be devastated if my Thorgeir was suffering from the same affliction." Snorri's eyes fell to the floor for a moment before rising back up. "I don't hate you. Nor do I hate your son. I would not wish this on any father." By now, Namumpum was looking at Snorri, his mouth opening wordlessly. Snorri held up a hand. "Don't say anything. Not one word. I just came to say I'm sorry and.. to give you this." With a soft thud, Snorri dropped a leather bound bible on the bed. "I found solstice in scripture after the passing of my brother and my wife. Perhaps... perhaps you too can find peace." Without another word, Snorri left the room.
Summer, 1087
The church was filled with the harmony of three hundred Christians singing hymns, their voices rising to the rafters. While Botnborg was the religious center of the Wampanoag Confederacy, Wampanoagborg boasted its own impressive cathedral. Lacking any large windows, the building was illuminated with thousands of small candles. The scent of tobacco waffed in the air, slowly oozing from small iron lanterns as small amounts of plant burned inside. A proper replacement for incense in this corner of the world. After the service, Snorri saw Namumpum exiting the building after speaking with the father. It was unusual, seeing as he was always an opponent of the Norse foreign God and the faith as a whole. Snorri thought about chasing him down, but he lost the Skraeling chief in the crowd.
Winter, 1087
Snow was falling gently. All across the domain of the Wampanoag was white with snow, and the christian subjects were taking the time to celebrate. But this year, Bishop Faltheim was putting together something different. In the capital of the growing empire, the bishop had organized a play about the life of Jesus. Snorri wouldn't miss it for the world. It was almost the pinnacle of his brother's life work. For a first time play put on by the church, It was rather enjoyable. Snorri got a kick out of his fellow Norse playing the roman occupiers and the Great Sachem himself playing Jesus, wailing on a cross. Though the costumes and armor were certainly out of place, Snorri was sure the romans didn't dress like vikings, he greatly appreciated the story. When "Jesus" rose from the "dead", Bishop Faltheim stood in front of the crowd and asked everyone to quiet down and gestured for a large wooden tub filled with water to be brought forth.
"My children, I hope you have enjoyed the performance. But now, I have a very special announcement to make; an opponent, a non believer, has asked to join our ranks among the faithful. Long has he despised us, the flock of the lamb, but he is now ready to renounce his ways for he has seen the light of God." Namumpum walked to the center of the stage, prompting shocked whispers in the audience. His usual attire had been replaced with simple white robes.
"Namumpum, do you accept Jesus into your heart and be washed of your sins so you may be born again?"
"I do."
"Then by the powers invested in me by the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, I declare you reborn and absolved of your sins." The Bishop himself submerged Namumpum into the water. He raised him back up, Namumpum sputtering out water and gasping. The audience clapped, and Snorri hoped that this meant that their feud could finally be put to rest.