A World for Yggdrasil
Eine Welt für Yggdrasil
Plot Summary
The TASCA, carrying David terGorden and his companions, arrives at Adzharis, a planet similar to Earth inhabited by dragon-witches. David, carrying the seed for a new Yggdrasil, intends to plant it there, hoping to restore Driver space travel. However, the Nobody, a powerful dragon-witch representing the Council, informs them that they are not welcome, fearing the influx of Terran technology and culture. Asen-Ger argues that David, son of Myriam del Drago, has a right to their support. The Nobody proposes a test for David: he must sow Yggdrasil's seed alone, naked, without weapons, tools, or relying on his PSI abilities.
Meanwhile, in Transit City, Queen Stella by Starlight, the blind commander of the Gray Guards, learns of the TASCA's arrival. She suspects the Terranauts of ulterior motives and orders their detention upon landing. Asen-Ger attempts to convince her of their peaceful intentions and the necessity of restoring Driver space travel, but Stella remains skeptical, sensing that David and another person were smuggled off the ship before landing.
David and Nayala del Drago descend to Adzharis on Nayala's dragon, Sufnor. During the descent, Nayala uses her weather-witch abilities to create a cushion of air, saving them from a fatal crash. They are immediately attacked by witches of the Spider Clan, who seek to prevent the planting of Yggdrasil's seed. The Spider Clan captures David and Nayala, intending to sacrifice them to the moon Chrama. Nayala manages to recharge her powers and, together with David, escapes, freeing Sufnor in the process. During the escape, David realizes the amulet containing Yggdrasil's seed has been stolen, but it reappears, now integrated into his chest. Nayala directs David to a region in the north, untouched by the Spider Clan, where he can safely plant the seed.
Back in Transit City, Asen-Ger and the other Terranauts are imprisoned by Queen Stella. She accuses them of plotting to detach Adzharis from the Council and ally with the League of Free Worlds. Meanwhile, David encounters the Cat Clan, another group of witches, who initially threaten him but are swayed by his words, which echo their ancient prophecies. They reveal that the monster that attacked him was a mutation caused by the fish feed dumped into the seas by the fishing corporation. David, guided by apparitions of Merlin III and Lithe, plants Yggdrasil's seed in a valley, fulfilling his mission. The Nobody sacrifices herself to empower the witches of the Dragon Clan, while Queen Stella continues her search for the missing Terranauts.
Key Events
- 01 The TASCA arrives at Adzharis carrying David terGorden and the seed for a new Yggdrasil.
- 02 The Nobody informs the Terranauts that they are not welcome on Adzharis.
- 03 David is tasked with planting the seed alone, naked, and without any tools or PSI.
- 04 Queen Stella by Starlight detains Asen-Ger and the Terranauts upon landing in Transit City.
- 05 David and Nayala del Drago descend to Adzharis on Sufnor.
- 06 Nayala uses her powers to save them from a crash landing.
- 07 The Spider Clan captures David and Nayala, planning to sacrifice them.
- 08 David and Nayala escape, and Sufnor is freed.
- 09 David discovers the amulet with Yggdrasil's seed has merged with his body.
- 10 David encounters the Cat Clan, who initially threaten him but are then swayed by his words.
- 11 David plants Yggdrasil's seed in a valley in the north.
- 12 The Nobody sacrifices herself to empower the witches of the Dragon Clan.
- 13 Queen Stella continues her search for the missing Terranauts.
- 14 The moon Chrama devours the sun, ushering in a new epoch on Adzharis.
Characters
David terGorden — The main protagonist, son of Myriam del Drago, tasked with planting the seed for a new Yggdrasil on Adzharis. He undergoes a trial to prove his worthiness.
Asen-Ger — An old Terranaut leader and David's fatherly friend. He tries to negotiate with Queen Stella and protect David's mission.
Nayala del Drago — A young dragon-witch who aids David in his mission, using her powers to save him and guiding him to a safe location.
Stella by Starlight — The blind military mistress of Adzharis, suspicious of the Terranauts and determined to maintain control.
Nobody — A very old dragon-witch representing the Council. She initially opposes the planting of Yggdrasil's seed but later proposes a test for David. She sacrifices herself to empower the witches of the Dragon Clan.
Claude Farrell — A Driver and member of the TASCA crew, known for his cigarillos.
Fehrenbach — A member of the TASCA crew.
Thorna — A young Driver woman.
Nilsson — A somewhat forward young Driver.
Tonn Sprott — Deputy Manager of Barnum Seafood Inc. on Adzharis.
Feng Litau — Captain of the Gray Guards on Adzharis.
Trut — An old man of the Dragon Clan.
Vandel — A young man of the Dragon Clan.
Murdala — The Clan Mother of the Dragon Clan.
Nelos Architides — Captain of the fishing station.
Merlin III — Apparition that guides David.
Locations
Adzharis — The second planet of the Barnum System, an Earth-like world inhabited by dragon-witches and the primary setting for the story.
Transit City — A spaceport town on Adzharis, controlled by the Gray Guards and Barnum Seafood Inc.
TASCA (ship) — The courier vessel used by the Terranauts to travel to Adzharis.
Spider Clan Territory — Area inhabited by the Spider Clan witches.
Cat Clan Territory — Area inhabited by the Cat Clan witches.
Ships & Vehicles
TASCA — A small courier vessel used by the Terranauts.
Ringo Cruiser — A glider used for transportation on Adzharis.
Technology & Concepts
Yggdrasil — The Terran world-tree, whose seed David carries. Its revival is crucial for restoring Driver space travel.
Driver Space Travel — A method of interstellar travel reliant on mistletoes from Yggdrasil.
Kaiser Force — A failed alternative to Driver space travel developed by Max von Valdec.
Space II — A chaotic energy space used for faster-than-light travel.
PSI Abilities — Psionic powers possessed by the witches of Adzharis and some humans.
Nobody — A chosen witch of the Council with limited power, acting as a messenger.
Cosmorality — The governing body of the Terran Star Empire.
Gray Guards — The military force of the Terran Star Empire.
League of Free Worlds — A political entity opposed to the Council.
Themes & Notes
This booklet explores themes of cultural conflict, environmental damage, the balance between technology and nature, and the burden of responsibility. The tone is a mix of adventure, political intrigue, and mystical elements. The narrative style is fast-paced, with frequent shifts in perspective and a focus on action and dialogue.
Connections
Continues from: Likely follows directly from the events of booklet 058, given the mention of escaping Rorqual.
Leads into: The planting of Yggdrasil's seed and the political situation on Adzharis are left open, suggesting further developments in subsequent booklets.
Related booklets: Booklets featuring David terGorden, Asen-Ger, Myriam del Drago, or dealing with the Yggdrasil storyline.