THE LOST VIKING SAGA

When the Sea Prowler was secured above the tide line, the Norsemen followed the same path toward the inn they had left so few nights before. Their dirty German uniforms drew many stares from the people of Hastings as they moved through the narrow streets. Inside the inn, the owner nervously handed Olaf an envelope. While, Olaf opened it to discern its contents, Major Penbrooke took the inn keeper aside and requested use of his telephone. The envelope contained a brief note from Colonel Brundige congratulating them on their return. It also outlined what they could expect to happen now that they were back on friendly shores. The owner of the inn had been well compensated by the British government to allow for their every need during the time they waited for transport to return them back to Barrow-in-Furness. The note assured Olaf that more information would be forth coming after Penbrooke had checked in via telephone.

“I have just spoken to Colonel Brundige, Olaf,” Penbrooke said as he returned, “He informed me that there is fresh clothing for all of us in the rooms the inn keeper is so generously providing for us. Do you want me to inform your men so they can get cleaned up?”

“I can do that, Major. Did the Colonel give any indication as to how long we will be waiting here?”

“He did indeed, Olaf. I was informed that we can expect someone to retrieve us tomorrow morning and transport us to the train station. From there, we will travel by train to London. I was not told how we will occupy ourselves, but we can expect to spend one day in London. After that, we will board another train that will convey us back to Barrow-in-Furness. I relayed to him the news of David’s sacrifice. The Colonel told me to reassure you that your ship and David’s body will be retrieved in the next day or so and brought back to the base. The body will be cared for and preserved until then by someone here in Hastings.”

“Thank you, Major. You have done well to make certain all my concerns were addressed. Is there any food to be had? I am famished and if I am I know the rest of the men are as well.”

“Apparently, the Colonel has arranged for us to take a meal together this afternoon. We are to change our clothes and then make haste to a banquet hall just down the street from the inn. The inn keeper had already made the arrangements as per the Colonel’s instructions. Colonel Brundige’s optimism regarding our completion of the mission was unshakeable it appears. These arrangements were all set in motion the day we left for France.”

“Impressive. I will see that the men get to their rooms and change. We will meet you back down here in a few minutes.”

Penbrooke acknowledged Olaf with a nod and walked off to locate his own room. Olaf explained the plans to the men, who were very relieved to have an opportunity to shed the German uniforms. A short time later, they were all gathered around the fire in the common room, dressed in clean, new English military utility uniforms. Each tunic had sewn upon them the English equivalent of the rank they had held in the German uniforms. Colonel Brundige had anticipation of their success had more than provided handsomely for their needs even before they returned. When the Major descended the stairs and joined Olaf again, he saluted after seeing the insignia on his tunic.

“For some reason this feels very natural to me after serving under your leadership, Colonel,” said Penbrooke smiling.

“Please. Do not bother with the rank unless it is absolutely necessary, Albert. I am satisfied with you continuing to refer to me as Olaf.”

“I would be honored. It is agreed then. I will only use your rank when I sense it is prudent to do so. So, Olaf. Why don’t I check in with the inn keeper and see when we can expect to have some dinner?”

“That is a good plan. I will wait here with the men.”

Major Penbrooke went off in search of the inn keeper, while Olaf began to intermingle with his fellow Norsemen. Now that the mission was complete, they all seemed slightly ill at ease, uncertain what would happen next. While they waited, Olaf made certain to thank them for their loyalty and for their commitment to their success in France. He listened closely to their questions and addressed any concerns that were shared with him with honesty and a sincere desire to allow them the freedom to express themselves. Although he could not answer the question of whether they would return to their time now that they had triumphed over the Nazi evil, Olaf did his best to calm their fears and anxieties over where they might go from here.

Having located the inn keeper, Penbrooke shared the good news that a meal was being laid for them and would be ready soon. The Norsemen followed the Major down the street to a large building with tall, stately columns. They were ushered inside toward an area identified by signs as the Assembly Rooms. As they filed through the door a large banquet room opened up before them. The tables were set with fine linens and very delicate looking tableware. Several formally dressed men with crisp white aprons tied around their waists stood at attention toward the back of the hall as Olaf and his men were seated at a group of tables in the center of the room. They had no sooner taken their seats as the men in the back sprang into action, filling their glasses with wine or water, setting platters of bread on the tables, bringing out bowls filled with greens, and generally attending to their every need.

“When Colonel Brundige told me no expense had been spared for us, I was uncertain what to expect,” said Penbrooke with no small amount of wonder. “I have heard of the Assembly Rooms. They are quite famous around the south of England, and known for their food. I do believe it is quite expensive to dine here.”

“All I can say is that I will eat whatever they set before me,” replied Ebbn.

“It looks like Bjorn is far ahead of you, my friend,” said Olaf. “That is the third platter of bread I have seen them place on his table.”

The food was delivered to their tables in a continuous stream. For the next hour they were presented with a parade of food that was consumed nearly as fast as the waiters could bring it. The staff seemed unfazed by the appetites of the Norsemen, their faces blank as they bustled back and forth between the dining area and the kitchen. Only once or twice did Olaf observe them exchanging questioning glances with one another or looking with fascination at this hearty group of men. They must have had many questions in their minds about why Olaf and his men were given such high importance in a facility that more often than not, according to Major Penbrooke, catered to England’s richest and finest. Regardless, the waiters were courteous and ever ready to keep the Norsemen satisfied. The flow of dishes slowed somewhat as their appetites were sated until at last they leaned back in their chairs, their stomachs full, and their eyelids growing heavy from lack of sleep. Moving sluggishly, they left the Assembly Rooms and returned to the inn where they collapsed heavily into their beds and did not awaken until the sun was fully risen the following morning.