Milton Norman Franson

The Saga of Asbjorn Long Bow: With the Vikings in Wineland Milton Norman Franson

In the year 1003, a 22 year old Viking Trader from the new Norse colony of Greenland sails off into the unknown, searching for lands rumored to lie off to the southwest . He discovers and explores a beautiful new land and names it for the unexpected product he finds growing wild there--grapes. Leif calls the promising new land "Wineland" and after returning home sends several expeditions there to trade with the natives and to establish a trading colony. On one of these expeditions, is Leif's uncle and a young cousin named Asbjorn Skulli. Asbjorn has proven himself as a skilled archer and therefore a valuable addition to this colonial venture. After initial peaceful trading, difficulties arise between Vikings and Indians and the skills of Asbjorn "Long Bow" prove pivital to the success or failure of Leif's Wineland colony. Along the way, our hero, "Long Bow" faces many challenges, gains faithful friends, and makes two sworn enemies who follow him throughout the story. He faces his challenges like many might; a few blunders, a few heroic moments, some questionable choices, and ultimately a successful but tragic outcome. Alas, our hero is not perfect. But he faces all challenges manfully, as he was brought up in a Viking culture in transition to Christianity.