‘Einar! Come on, for goodness’ sake! Einar!’ Dirk stood in front of the door of the enormous building towering over the centre of the settlement. The tall, three-storey building served as the jarl’s residence, his home and a meeting place for all the villagers. In front of it lay a small square from which one could see most of the village and the harbour, the very heart of life in Stairon. ‘Don’t waste more time! Everyone’s waiting!’
The boy knocked once more as he heard hurried footsteps on the other side. At last, the door swung open. Dirk saw Einar, who, as usual, was dressed in trousers and a sweatshirt, rushing forward with his silver hair blowing in the wind as he tried to fasten the buckle on his leather belt.
‘There’s still time!’ he called out as he ran, trying not to trip over the uneven paving slabs in the courtyard. ‘You’re early!’
‘Right, right…’ Dirk smiled at his friend. ‘Otherwise you’d be late again and we’d be in trouble. Again.’ He added after a short pause.
‘Oh, come on… Don’t put it all down to me. You’re no better yourself,’ Einar snapped. ‘You’re always coming up with ideas that lead to trouble.’ He stopped in front of the other lad and tried to fix his hair. As usual, to no avail.
‘Right, that’s enough.’ Dirk turned towards the road leading to the harbour and set off at a brisk pace. ‘The rest are already on the lookout for ships,’ he called over his shoulder, smiling carefree.
‘Has the druid said anything yet?’ asked Einar, setting off after his friend. ‘Did he say whether everyone’s coming back safe?’
‘Are you worried about your father and brothers?’ Dirk turned to face him and walked backwards, folding his arms behind his back.
‘That's normal, isn’t it?’ he said, looking towards the harbour again. ‘Besides, don’t tell me you’re not worried. Helgi went on his first voyage even though the druid predicted he might not return.’
‘You know my brother.’ Dirk sighed heavily. ‘Once he’s made up his mind, he has to
