The early years
Orkney, a group of practically inhabitable Islands where men are men and sheep are very very nervous.
Orkney, Islands where stories about mermaid encounters are as common as intrigues.
Orkney, Isles ruled by nobles with hunchbacks the size of Ward Hill.
Not much more needs to be told, or is there?
Troublesome times in Europe. Dark ages are ahead of us and Orkney, ruled by Hunchback Paul Thorfinsson, is part of the kingdom of Norway.
Orkney has two vassals. Chaithness , ruled by his brother Erlend, and Shetland, ruled by notorious Thorgeir of Shetland.
Orkney itself has lots of rivals surrounding the proud Duchy. The Western Isles, the Kingdom of Scotland and Faeryar. All this must have been a burden to the still unmarried duke of Orkney.
In 1066 Paul Thorfinsson gets married to Helga Grevan.
Helga (only 16 years old) is the sister of Gofraith Mearomach, duke of the western Isles. Being a strong diplomat, Helga immediately takes over the role of chancellor. Due to the marriage, a warm and strong friendship between Paul and Gofraith is starting. The marriage seems to pay off in a few ways. Not only does Orkney have a strong diplomat at the court, but one of the rivals now seems to be a friend. In 1067 a daughter is born, named Ingrid.
The duke is ambitious and tries to convince the duchy of Faeryar to make use of the protection offered by Orkney and become a vassal. Faryaer refuses in a way that upsets Paul Thorfinsson greatly.
The year 1069 is marked by disaster. Helga dies in labour of the 2nd child and with her, the child dies as well. Though not historically proven, it is said that the 2nd child was a boy and thus heir of the throne. Paul is beyond himself and doesn’t show his face in public for about six months.
The first thing he does after this period is crucial for the history of the Duchy. He claims the title duke of Faeryar and thus prepares for war against the distant islands. In the mean time he requests a marriage with Gyda Staur, member of the Norwegian court. The king allows the marriage and Gyda, whose first husband literally ate himself to death, makes her first appearance at Orkney, much against the will of Paul’s brother Erlend.
The war of Faeryar starts in 1071. The requested grand mobilization turns out to be a bit disappointing. Both vassals refuse to mobilize their troops. Paul is furious, but ships his troops to attack Faeryar, knowing his liege is willing to send some troops to his aid.
The siege of Faeryar is easy won. During the siege two messages reach the duke. In Chatiness his brother Erlend died a sudden death. Whilst grieving for his brother, word reaches him that Gyda is expecting a child. Immediately doubt clouds his mind whether or not he is the father of this child. Tongues say Thorgeir has made several appearances at Orkney while he was away.
After liberating Faeryar and adding the county to his realm, Paul returns to Orkney. Revenge to Shetland and Chaitness for refusing to mobilize is due.
After the death of his brother, his 3 year old nephew is in charge of the duchy. Paul himself is 2nd in line to rule the Duchy and start making evil plans.
Gyda gives him the son desired, Ragavald. Rumours about the real father of Ragavald fill the court.
In september 1071, Paul has his nephew (Hakan) killed. The murderer is discovered and reveals the name of his master. Paul acts swiftly and claims the title.
The message that Ragavald is indeed not his son reaches him. Paul is bitter and returns to Orkney immediately. It is not sure what happens precisely, but Ragavald will no longer be heir to the throne, leaving the duchy without an heir.
