Near the bay, several rafts and boats lay anchored. They were small: the rafts could carry only one person, while the small boats could hold five or six at most. The leader of the group gestured to Rodrigo’s party, indicating that they were to board the boats.

  —He wants us to get into those boats—Anpiel told the group.

  —They do not look very safe—Epona protested.

  —Will there ever be a single day when you do not complain about something?—Ana asked, disappointed.

  —And what will happen if you fall into the water, Epona? Please!—Menrva snapped irritably as she boarded the boat indicated to her.

  —Fine, fine. I was only commenting—Epona replied, annoyed.

  Rodrigo was worried. They had barely survived nearly a month-long voyage by ship, and now they had to board another one. Memories of seasickness flooded his mind, though he hoped the fruit would still be effective.

  —Do not worry, Rui. Where we are going should not be very far—Ana said, approaching the young tannin as she noticed his troubled expression.

  —Thou shouldst not fear the water, Rodrigo-san—Susanoo remarked, and he boarded the boat alongside Ana.

  The Irish goddess lightly tapped the seat beside her with her palm, signaling for Rodrigo to sit there.

  Just as Rodrigo sat down, Epona, Tania, and Anpiel approached, but there was space for only two more in the small boat. Epona leapt onto Rodrigo’s lap, an act that immediately irritated Ana.

  —Hey, mare, go somewhere else!—Ana shouted angrily at the Celtic goddess.

  —Did you not see, crow? There is no more space—Epona replied sarcastically, clinging to Rodrigo.

  Tania and Anpiel boarded another boat, both wearing disappointed expressions.

  —Can you tell them that I do not know those individuals?—Tania muttered irritably to Anpiel.

  The boats departed from what appeared to be a large island. The individuals on the small rafts—called kayaks—slid into them, leaving half their bodies exposed, and paddled across the sea with oars. The boats also had oars and sails, though they were small and crude compared to those used in Europe.

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  The journey lasted about two hours, until massive rocky islets with grass on their upper surfaces came into view. The men skirted around them until they reached a vast plain, covered in green grass beneath a blue sky.

  Across those plains stood several tents made of what appeared to be bear skins (Tipi). A bonfire burned at the center of the encampment. The tents bore symbolic drawings of animals upon them.

  Once the boats and rafts were secured, the men gestured for Anpiel to follow them toward the bonfire. When the other members of Orniskem attempted to disembark, the men stopped them.

  —It seems they believe Anpiel to be the leader, and he will be the one to see Sedna—Menrva commented.

  —Or it could be a trap!—Epona said nervously, still clinging to Rodrigo.

  —You, of all people, being negative? How unusual, Epona—Ana replied sarcastically.

  —It is called being cautious—Epona snorted irritably.

  —These people are allies of Asgard. I doubt anything bad will happen—Tania said seriously, her arms crossed.

  Anpiel was escorted to the bonfire. There, seated beside it, was a very small, very old woman. She was completely wrapped in a massive bearskin coat and held a wooden staff in her right hand, topped with an antelope’s antler. Her skin was brown, and her gray hair was tied into two braids.

  The leader of the expedition bowed to the woman and spoke a few words. She waved her left hand, signaling that she understood.

  The old woman fixed her gaze on the malak and then asked, in clear divine speech:

  —Who are you, and for what purpose have you come to Nitassinan?—

  Surprised, Anpiel bowed deeply.

  —My name is Anpiel, and we have come to seek the great Sedna—he answered.

  —And what would you do if you were to see the great Sedna?—the woman asked with a faint, knowing smile.

  —We have been tasked with meeting her so that she may help us find a certain person in this land—Anpiel replied.

  —And why should she help you?—the old woman continued.

  —Because… we are allies of Asgard, and we came here upon their recommendation—Anpiel explained.

  —Asgard? Those are the men who come from across the sea, are they not?—the woman said.

  —Some of them came here and settled, but their warlike nature broke the bond between my people and theirs. For now, we want nothing to do with those ‘Normans’ in our lands—she concluded, gesturing dismissively for Anpiel to leave.

  At her signal, the men escorting Anpiel once again aimed their spears and bows at him.

  The woman spoke a few words in her own language to the Skr?ling warriors, and they began pushing Anpiel out of the camp with their spears.

  —Please, my lady, it is vital that the great Sedna help us—Anpiel said as he was forced back.

  At that moment, the angel fell to his knees and pressed his forehead to the ground.

  —We beg you. We need your help. Please.—

  The old woman fell silent and motioned for her men to stop pushing him.

  —Why would a divine being bow his face before a mere human?—she asked.

  —Because I need your help, great elder—Anpiel replied, still prostrate.

  —You could easily kill all these men, and me as well, and go to Sedna yourself—she said.

  —I have come in peace. I would never commit an act that involved the genocide of a people—Anpiel answered.

  —Very well, messenger—said the old woman. —I will take you to Sedna.—

  —Thank you very much—Anpiel exclaimed, lifting his head.

  —I am Sedna. What matters do you bring before me?—the old woman said, opening her eyes. They shone with a blue so clear and pure that it matched the sea of Vinland itself.

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