For the White Christ: A Story of the Days of Charlemagne

In the mist‑shrouded dawn of April 778, a broad‑beamed Frisian trade ship drifts down the Seine, its decks crowded with sleepy sailors and a band of Frankish warriors. The crew, heavy with wine, slumps among barrels while a stout, red‑haired shipmaster watches with a weary eye. A stern Frankish count, an envoy of Charlemagne, confronts him, demanding order and reminding the men that drunkenness makes no difference when the sea turns rough.

Their exchange sparks a vivid clash of cultures: the count extols the value of a few seasoned fighters over a multitude of untrained men, while the shipmaster references legendary northern heroes such as Olvir Elfkin and the fearsome Danes of the sagas. These ancient tales mingle with the very real tension of a kingdom expanding its reach, hinting at larger conflicts that loom on the horizon. The story promises a blend of historical intrigue and mythic adventure, set against the turbulent waters of early medieval Europe.