
In a lush valley tucked away in late‑10th‑century Iceland, a sprawling homestead stands like a Norwegian manor amid the stark surrounding wilderness. Here a restless band of boys—Edrik, the breath‑less youngster, Osrik the confident leader, and their lively companions—spend their days racing down a swelling river, their laughter echoing off the cliffs. Their camaraderie is palpable, each boy eager to prove his bravery, whether by steering a light‑built boat or by dreaming of swords and steeds.
When the river carries them out to the sea, the youngsters set sail toward Reykjavik, their oars guided by ancient songs and the promise of adventure. The calm waters soon give way to a sudden sight: a magnificent warship adorned with golden dragonheads, its crew poised for battle. The encounter hints at a world beyond the valley—filled with danger, honor, and the restless spirit of the Norse age—inviting listeners to follow these daring youths as they navigate both river and destiny.
Language
nl
Duration
~3 hours (182K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Jeroen Hellingman and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net/ for Project Gutenberg.
Release date
2014-02-16
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects
1828–1906
Known for energetic historical adventure stories and a remarkably varied working life, this Victorian writer moved from schoolteaching to journalism, war correspondence, and fiction. He wrote for both adults and younger readers, often drawing on history, travel, and military life.
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