THE SWEDISH COVID MILLIONAIRE - Chapter 4: Shadows over Värmdö
A 50-part fiction series, unique to Nicholas' Chronicles
(The picture depicts Jan Guillou and Peter Bratt 1973).
It is a gray evening in late September 1973 when MUST officer Peder and Prime Minister Olof Palme arrive to Värmdö. They have traveled from Stockholm in a car driven by Palme himself.
Värmdö, with its deep forests and isolated coves, is a place steeped in mystery and secrets. Its history stretches far back in time, to the ancient Nordic eras when the area was a significant site for pagan rites and ceremonies. Peder notices that Palme is unusually silent, which intensifies his already strong sense of anticipation and anxiety about the meeting that is about to take place.
They stop at an old manor house, hidden among autumn leaves and tall fir trees. The manor, with its worn but majestic appearance, has a silence and stillness that feels almost unreal. Peder, who was recently initiated into the secret Ariosophic circle that Palme belongs to, knows that this place was carefully chosen for its seclusion and historical significance. The manor has a long history of occult ceremonies.
They are greeted by a tall, thin man with sharp features and intensely gray eyes. His name is Viktor, and he is the representative of the circle. Viktor leads them through the large gate and into a room filled with antique furniture and dim lighting. On the walls hang old paintings of mystical and archaic scenes, all seemingly sharing a common theme: they depict rites and ceremonies, often with elements of the occult.
Peder feels a shiver down his spine as he sits down at a massive oak table. Palme and Viktor do the same. The conversation begins with a discussion about Rudolf Steiner, the Austrian philosopher and founder of Anthroposophy. Viktor describes how Steiner spoke about the influence of the spirit world and the possibility of channeling ancient spirits to become a great leader. He mentions that Steiner warned about the dark forces that could be unleashed through such actions, but that the circle believes they have found a way to control these forces.
"We believe that these spirits can give us the power to lead people, to shape the course of history," Viktor says in a low voice. "But it requires sacrifices, and not just any sacrifices. It involves blood, life."
Peder and Palme exchange a quick glance. They both know what Viktor is talking about—human sacrifices, even the sacrifice of children. It is a secret so dark and deep that it could destroy them if it ever came out. But they also know that these rites, if performed correctly, can give them unparalleled power.
Viktor brings up Carl Jung's ideas about Wotan, the Germanic storm god whom Jung believed lived on in the collective unconscious of the Germanic peoples, and connects them to Steiner's thoughts. Viktor explains how the circle sees Wotan as an archetypal force, an ancient spirit that can be awakened and channeled through chosen individuals.
"Jung spoke of Wotan as a representation of the raw, primal force within the Germanic peoples," says Viktor. "Steiner warned of the dangers that could come with manipulating such forces, but we believe we can control them. By binding this spirit to us, we can lead and shape the future. Wotan stands for both creation and destruction, order and chaos. But it requires the ultimate sacrifices, and we must be prepared to do what is necessary."
The conversation shifts to FiB Kulturfront's recent revelations about the Information Bureau (IB). The newspaper has published detailed articles about IB's secret operations, shaking Swedish politics to its core. The articles describe how IB, with government approval, has monitored and infiltrated leftist groups, unions, and even some parts of the Social Democratic Party. FiB Kulturfront has obtained secret documents and insider testimonies, creating a political storm and calls for an independent investigation.
Palme leans forward, his eyes narrowing. "We have to be careful. FiB Kulturfront is dangerous. They have already shown what they can do. So far, my strategy has been to deny Jan Guillou's and Peter Bratt's revelations about IB. But that is no longer enough. We need to ensure they are prosecuted and punished."
Viktor nods. "The circle can help. We have our methods, our contacts. But it will cost, and not just in money. Are you willing to pay the price?"
Palme hesitates for a moment before answering. "We have no choice. If we want to maintain our power, if we want to continue leading this country, we must use all means at our disposal."
Peder feels his heart beat faster. He knows he has crossed a boundary, that he is now part of something much larger and more dangerous than he could have ever imagined. But he is also aware of the power and opportunities that lie ahead of him. He is ready to do whatever it takes.
The evening ends with the three men agreeing on a plan. But they also know that dangers lurk around every corner, that a single mistake could lead to their downfall.
As Peder and Palme leave the manor and drive back towards Stockholm, they both feel the weight of the decisions they have made. The shadows over Värmdö follow them, but they know they are prepared to face whatever comes their way.