Sea Sown WishesDragon-headed bows of two longboats appeared from the mist like ancient sea monsters. The sounds of men rowing the boats echoed strangely in the impervious air, mixing with splashes of water and oars creaking against damp, wooden surfaces. The late autumn weather in the Northern Gulf could change violently, offering a traveler anything from warm sunshine to a freezing blizzard. On the bows of the boats stood the lookouts, who stared constantly into the gray, damp wall that loomed out in front. They rowed in unfamiliar waters. Even the slightest error could mean a shipwreck on the icy sea.
The crew members, shivering in their rain-soaked clothes, knew exactly what kind of danger they were getting into. The men of the leading boat were long-bearded, proud Vikings. They travel
