Chapter 6.1: Lost
Recently the weather had been so fickle. As the Viking rows got lost in a thick, impenetrable veil of ocean mist, Norway could not make out their directions, and thus could only count on his instincts.
"Puffin?"
A puffin rested on the bow of his vessel, showing they were on the right way. Faroe couldn't be so far from the crews.
The thick fog dimly revealed an island.
"Look, Faroe's in front of us." A sailor exclaimed.
As the others docked their ships, Norway realized this was a strange place. Definitely not Faroe, but perhaps a deserted island where he had better not stay. Yet the fog was too thick, and getting lost one more time was the last thing he wanted, so staying there for a while didn't seem to be a totally bad idea.
The strange island had some similar traits to his home: lofty mountains, snow blanketing almost the whole region, and even harsher climate than that of his land. Surrounding the newly arrived explorers was nothing but an icy white.
A puffin flying towards Norway surprised the blonde boy. How could the creatures stay alive in such an unwelcoming frozen place, while they should have migrated?
The Norwegian boy followed the bird to a high mountain and discovered an unfrozen stream. Impossible! Norway reached one hand out to the water to quickly withdraw it because of the searing heat. It was so magical to have a hot spring on a snowy island, no wonder those puffins stayed here to build their nests.
"This could be a new home for Vikings' permanent residence. A bit cold but, well, still bearable, then I should name it Iceland."
.
.
Norway had been on the island for a short while, enough to set up a new village, build several fishermen and prepare for the return to Faroe. He decided to enjoy a hot bath at the spring before leaving. On the way, he noticed numerous puffins gathering into a huge flock, gliding in a circle on the sky before heading all together to the spring. What's happening? Norway quicky followed the birds.
The creatures landed around a strange source of light next to the stream. Curious, the young Norseman moved closer, as the light sparkled and vanished, revealing a little boy. A baby born from natural light must be the representative of the place. So that's how a nation is born, Norway thought. And the kid over there doubtlessly was his brother – Iceland.
Norway cuddled the sleeping baby in his arms, carrying him to a nearby house. After dressing the baby, he sat down and watched his younger brother. Iceland's body was cold, his light golden locks of hair almost bordered on a platinum colour. Perhaps this was because of the island's weather. Norway hoped Iceland to wake up soon, call him 'big brother' and play with him; he would take the endearing child out to discover the huge mystical world. Just conjuring up the scenario in his mind made the Norwegian boy feel eager.
.
.
"Where am I? Who are you? And who am I?" A child around three or four years old asked the man in front of him.
"Your name is Iceland. Remember, Iceland. Now wake up, hurry." said the man.
"Wait...!"
The boy opened his eyes. All he saw was a dark ceiling.
"Where am I?" He looked around, noticing a luminous stream of moonlight pouring into the room through a window. So beautiful! The little child, lured by the glamorous moon, stepped out under a majestic starry Nordic sky.
.
.
Norway woke up. He had fallen asleep without knowing it.
"It's evening already? Maybe..."
The empty bed struck terror into his heart as Norway frantically searched for his missing brother. Where has he gone?! Nowhere to be found in the house, Iceland must have run outside. Damn, how can I be that careless?!
"Iceland! Where are you?"
The blonde noticed small footprints on the snow which headed to the far north. Maybe that was his brother. Norway climbed onto a steep mountain, wondering how a baby could reach such dizzying height.
"Wait for me! Wait for me!" called a pure sweet voice.
The voice of a child. Definitely Iceland's. Norway picked up his pace to the call, seeing the white-headed boy playing tag with some puffins.
"Iceland, it's cold out there, let's go home." said Norway.
"Home? Who are you? How do you know my name?"
"I'm Norge, your big brother. And it's me who named you."
"You're lying! Are you a sea monster which feeds on children like me? Sorry but I won't be fooled!"
"Who told you that? I'm really your brother! So, come home with me okay?" Norway made for his little sibling.
"STOP! Stay away from me! Mr Puffin, HELP!"
A puffin, followed by his whole flock, appeared and aimed directly at Norway. The Viking got no second to dodge the relentless attacks from the birds.
"Aishh! Go away! Go away! What did I do... Hey Iceland, wait!" Norway tried to run after the young boy, but his younger brother wouldn't stop. He couldn't be the meal for that monster; he just pretended to be nice before catching and eating him raw. Mr Puffin had told him that.
Iceland kept running without noticing his deadly awaiting destination.
"Iceland, WATCH OUT!" Norway yelled.
Iceland jolted, abruptly stopping at the end of a high cliff, beneath which was a gaping abyss. Needless to say, falling down there was equal to breaking one's body to bits.
"Argh... AAAAAA!" Iceland lost his balance and... fell down...
"SUMMONING TROLL!"
Iceland felt somebody clutching at his body, stopped him from falling prey to gravity. Looking up, he recognized that blonde guy, who was also hanging himself on the precipitous cliff, with a giant holding his leg.
"It's okay, I'm gonna save you Iceland. Pull me up, my Troll!"
.
.
"Are you alright? No need to be scared now, big brother is here for you." Norway held Iceland tight in his lap.
"You are not a monster?" asked Iceland, "Monsters won't risk their lives to save babies."
"Of course not, who told you I'm one of them?"
"Mr Puffin did, he also warned me that you're going to eat me."
"Mr Puffin?"
"Iceland! Iceland!" A puffin flew to the two siblings, he was even able to talk.
"Mr Puffin, Norge is not a marine monster! He's just saved me, he's so wonderful!" Iceland said happily.
"So you are that 'Mr Puffin'? Why did you talk about me like that?" Norway grunted.
"Don't want him to like anyone but me." said Mr Puffin.
"Of course I like you so much, but I love Norge too! Can you two become good friends, please, please?" Iceland begged.
"Fine."
"Iceland, can you call me big brother?" said Norway.
"Big brother...?"
"That's how people call their elder siblings like me, because we're brothers. Say it Iceland, I want to hear it from you, say it please!"
"Big brotherrrrr!"
"So cute~! My adorable Ice! Now let's go home, summoning Troll almost wore me out..." Norway then turned to Mr Puffin. "From now on you can go with us." The bird then landed on the Norwegian boy's shoulder.
That night, a cozy warmth enveloped their tiny shelter on the freezing island.
...
Author's note: The Norwegian sailors accidentally discovered Iceland on their way to Faroe Island, docking at the wrong site due to being lost. They only had a real intention to find Iceland years later.
Bạn đang đọc truyện trên: Truyen3h.Co