Voyage Of Destiny. Chris J. Biker

I will use it for today's battle!"

      "Then I will call mine Lightning of the King of the Seas!" exclaimed Thorald, pointing it towards the ceiling.

      "They seem to be two names really worthy of your swords," Harald commented.

      All the guests had arrived in the meantime and the four went out. The boys finished preparing themselves. Their training was complete: cultured, bold and very skilled in handling any weapon. They had grown up healthy and strong and were about to prove their manhood. They put themselves to the test with fervor in a duel that impresed everyone present, especially their fathers who were so proud of them.

      A lavish feast had been prepared with every kind of delicacy, plenty of beer, wine and mead. When everyone took their place, the banquet and a grand libation began. The atmosphere was joyous and fun, everyone was talking to everyone else and having a great laugh. But the real surprise was yet to come... Olaf stood up and asked for everyone’s attention.

      "Harald and I will set sail in a few days, and we will return before winter comes."

      Thorald fell silent, he could not believe he was hearing those words. His father had just arrived, he couldn't leave again in a few days. His thoughts could be read in the expression that crossed his face, sad and disappointed. He was still lost in thought when he heard these words...

      "Of course our boys will come with us," Olaf declared proudly. "This journey is our gift to honor your adulthood," he added, addressing the two young men.

      The two youngsters jumped to their feet, barely able to contain their enthusiasm. It was very important for a Viking to demonstrate his ability to face a long sea voyage. Because a Viking was first and foremost his ship. Everyone raised their full horns to toast and wish the two boys a glorious future, like that of their fathers.

      Isgred had been talking to a good-looking young man for a couple of hours, who never took his eyes off her.

      "Who's the young man talking to my daughter?" Olaf asked, turning to Harald.

      "Heidrek, he's the son of Gunther, my second cousin."

      "He seems to be rather interested in Isgred."

      "My friend, if that is so you can rest easy, he is a good boy and is of noble rank as well," Harald informed him. "It would be good if you exchanged a few words with him before you leave."

      The two friends exchanged a intoxicated look, raising an eyebrow and bursting into hearty laughter. The effect of beer and mead was making itself felt.

      Isgred went to join her father. "Father, I'm retiring for the night, I'm rather tired."

      "I noticed that you were in good company this evening," Olaf said slyly.

      Isgred's white cheeks turned red. Her eyes, blue as a clear sky, spoke for themselves. She lowered her gaze with a shy smile.

      "You're going to have to wait. When we return from our voyage we will arrange a meeting between the two clans." Isgred's shy smile turned into a small suffocated cry of joy.

      "Thank you, Father!"she exclaimed enthusiastically, kissing his cheek with its bushy, long, reddish beard.

      The young woman set off on her way home, but before crossing the threshold she looked back at Heidrek who was watching her. They exchanged a smile and a slight nod of consent.

      The festivities continued until dawn amid songs, dancing, laughter and much drinking.