Master was not happy. He was waiting for me by the door, having just woken up. While tending to my wounds with his expansive collection of salves and brews he berated me for being such a stupid young brat, always getting myself in trouble trying to prove my worth. I sat there and took it. He was right. I had been stupid to both take the risk of hunting the bear and attempt to bend the very earth to my will. Not to mention leaving the forest and almost getting thrown off a cliff by the river.

That night I dreamt. A cold stone hall, larger than any room I had previously seen, laid before me. Behind me was the large open doors, letting the light of the sun illuminate the dark halls before me. At the very end of the hall stood a silver throne, looming over the gathered people seated alongside a long table cluttered with the foods of a feast. Making my way over to my assigned seat I observed the people around me. Jarls, chieftains from far away, dressed in fine furs and well-crafted jewelry, conversing merrily among each other. I jerked at the sound of the doors closing. Moving through the hall with an entourage of well-armored guards was a young man. On his head was a crown sculpted from a single chunk of sapphire and his back was adorned with a coat made of deep blue fur. His blonde hair gleamed in the faint rays of sunlight from the door. At the throne he turned around towards the jarls and smiled.

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“Now, feast!” His words sounded like rippling water. “Feast, for tomorrow we sail!”. I could feel the Essence moving with his voice, leaping to obey him. Suddenly, the hall fell silent. As I looked around, I realized that the dream had changed. I was now alone in the large hall, except for the man on the throne. He turned to me.

“It seems we have a visitor.” My blood felt like ice in my veins. My heart raced. I forced myself awake. How had he known? How had he seen me? Had he seen me? Or had he just seen something? I couldn’t know. But I knew I needed to learn more about these vision, learn to control my power. I only hoped Master could help me.

Master was as usual at the top of the tower, looking out over the sea.

“Master, I had another dream” I said, solemnly. “I think that there are many more ships coming. This place won’t be safe anymore.” I don’t know why I decided not to tell Master about the strange man. It just didn’t feel right. I was sure he couldn’t harm me. I had never been harmed from a dream before.

“No.” Master spoke. There was finality in his voice. “But I can’t leave this place. If you wish to go, I will send you off. There isn’t much I have left to teach you. I have only one final lesson boy.” His back slumped and his eyes had begun watering. He took a deep breath.

“Boy, promise me to never give in to the corruption. Do not push your limits. If you do, only your first dream awaits.” He stood up and held my head before putting his forehead against mine.

“Thorvald, I’m proud of you boy.”