A thick mist enveloped the distant island, one that only the bravest and strongest Vikings could ever hope to find. Valhalla… a place whispered to be both heaven and hell.
On this island, one could eat and drink endlessly, revel with women who seemed almost divine, and duel with the mightiest warriors. Death held meaning only in battle, and strange, mythical creatures—from fairies to colossal sea beasts—roamed freely. The purpose of Valhalla? To test courage and embrace the thrill of power.
Twelve-year-old Jack Grimblade, eyes sparkling with fervor and a wide grin, stared at the legendary book of Valhalla and said with a trembling but eager voice:
— "When I grow up… I'll be strong and brave enough to find this island… Hah-hah!"
Suddenly, a loud voice called from outside:
— "Jack! Get out here! Uncle Sapin is waiting!"
Jack snapped the book shut and replied with a grin:
— "Aye, I'm coming!"
Opening the door, he saw three figures waiting:
Haldor Grimblade, fifteen, muscular and solid, the eldest brother
Ashura Marzenski, lean and quiet, the second brother
Sapin Grimblade, their elderly yet imposing uncle
Haldor's sharp gaze fell on Jack:
— "Finally! What took you so long? Don't tell me you were… causing trouble in the bathroom?"
Jack rolled his eyes:
— "Shut up!"
Haldor glanced at the book in Jack's hands, smirking:
— "Still reading that ridiculous legend? When will you stop daydreaming?"
Sapin placed a hand on Haldor's shoulder:
— "Don't be too harsh, lad… you're still young. Dreaming is part of it."
Haldor grinned:
— "True, Uncle… but dreaming of something that doesn't exist is useless."
Jack gripped the book tightly:
— "Nonsense! Valhalla is real… Father went there himself and saw it with his own eyes!"
Ashura, calm but firm, spoke:
— "Enough arguing! Let's go, the trial's today and you need to earn your mark. If we're late, you'll have to wait until next year."
Haldor's excitement lit up his face:
— "You're right… today is my day! I'm going to earn my Viking mark and become a true Viking!"
Jack's eyes gleamed:
— "Yeah, brother! One day, I'll be as strong as you… I'll gather my crew, sail everywhere, and raid them all! Hah-hah!"
Haldor laughed, teasing:
— "You? There's no way they'd ever give a weakling like you a mark! You can't even fight… hah!"
Sapin quietly smiled, thinking to himself:
— "These kids… they're like the youth of our day, full of fire and spirit… Tor!"
And so, the three young warriors, with the Viking spirit running through their veins, set off on the trial of courage; every step bringing Jack one stride closer to the legendary Valhalla…