‘And this group was supposed to be on the black-magic side of all of this …’ Maria struggled for a word – ‘religion?’

Janssen nodded. ‘They were supposed to be focused on seidhr … that’s the shamanic tradition in Odinism. You asked about the role of women in Asatru. Well there is a tradition of women being the main practitioners of seidhr. This group, however, were supposed to be mainly or exclusively men.’

‘Do you have any idea who was involved in this group?’

‘I don’t know. Like I say, it was all rumour at the time. But I do know that the word was that this group included very important people. I also heard that there was a foreigner involved with it.’

Fabel and Maria exchanged glances.

‘Could ritualised rape play a part in their ceremonies?’ asked Fabel

‘Not in any traditionally legitimate way. But one element of the Blot is the concept of self-sacrifice. Giving oneself. Maybe it’s a perverted interpretation of that. Certainly the rune Gebu is associated with the “gift” or the sacrifice. It is recited as a galdr or ritual chant during a Blot. There’s also the concept of ond. It means ecstasy. It really means “joy”, but it’s open to perverted interpretation, I suppose. And I won’t deny that there were some dark acts committed by the ancient practitioners. An Arab observer witnessed a woman at a Viking chief’s funeral having sex with seven different men before boarding the funeral longship and being burned alive with the body of the chieftain.’

‘So much for your peaceful, gentle religion,’ said Maria.

‘And Christians used to burn heretics and so-called witches at the stake,’ said Janssen, with a cold smile and a glance at Maria’s blouse. ‘Like every philosophy or religion, Asatru is open to abuse. I really have no idea whether the rumours about this sect were true, or if indeed they have any connection to the crime you’re investigating. I’m just trying to be helpful.’

‘And you have been, Herr Janssen,’ said Fabel with a meaningful look in Maria’s direction. ‘Very helpful. Was there any mention of where this “foreigner” might have come from?’

Janssen shook his head. ‘Sorry.’

‘Or where this group held their meetings?’

‘No. I’m afraid not. They were supposed to be very secretive.’

‘Thanks again for your help,’ Fabel said and extended his hand to Janssen.

Janssen made a big deal of coming around his counter and showing them out. ‘Anytime,’ he said. He held the door open for them both, his smile reserved exclusively for Maria.

They had taken Maria’s car and were parked around the corner. She beeped off the car alarm and Fabel paused, his hand resting on the door handle and looking over the roof at Maria.

‘What?’ she said, defensively.

Fabel smiled. ‘You don’t like Herr Janssen very much … do you?’

Maria feigned a shudder, grimaced and made an uurgh sound.

‘Such a pity,’ Fabel said getting into the car, ‘I rather think he had a thing for you.’