Daughter of the North:A Shieldmaiden's Fate

Chapter 4 - A Meeting with the Divine

The air was heavy with the scent of incense and herbs as Freydis knelt in the sacred circle,

surrounded by symbols of the gods etched into the ground. The seer, draped in her flowing cloak,

moved gracefully around the perimeter, her voice a soothing whisper as she chanted ancient

incantations.

"Close your eyes, child," the seer instructed, her tone melodic and calming. "Feel the earth

beneath you and the connection to your ancestors. Allow your spirit to open to the divine."

Freydis took a deep breath, focusing on the steady rhythm of her heart. The world around her

faded, the sounds of the longhouse and the village outside dissolving into a distant hum. She

envisioned the roots of the earth intertwining with her being, grounding her in a way she had

never experienced before.

As the seer continued her chant, Freydis felt a gentle pull at her consciousness, as if a thread

were connecting her to something greater. The sensation intensified, and she allowed herself to

be drawn deeper into a trance.

Suddenly, the darkness of her closed eyes gave way to a brilliant light. Freydis found herself

standing in a vast, ethereal realm, the colors around her swirling like a storm. The air was

charged with energy, and she felt an overwhelming sense of presence surrounding her.

Before her, a figure emerged, radiant and imposing. He wore a crown of gold, his long hair

flowing like liquid silver, and his eyes shone with a light that pierced through her very soul.

"Freydis," he spoke, his voice a deep rumble like thunder. "Daughter of Eirik, warrior of the

north, you have called upon me."

Freydis felt both awe and fear wash over her. "Who are you?" she asked, her voice trembling but

steady.

"I am Tyr, the god of war and justice," he declared, his presence both intimidating and

comforting. "I have watched you, child, as you seek to honor your mother and protect your

people. You have a fierce spirit, but the path ahead is fraught with danger."

"I know," Freydis replied, her heart racing. "I want to fight alongside my father, to prove myself

worthy of the warrior's spirit that flows in my veins."

Tyr's expression softened, and he stepped closer, the light around him shimmering. "Your heart

is pure, and your intentions noble. But strength is not just in the blade; it lies in the mind and

spirit as well. You must learn to balance the two if you are to succeed in your quest."

Freydis nodded, feeling a surge of determination. "I will learn. I will honor my mother's legacy."

"Then listen closely," Tyr continued, his voice echoing like a distant storm. "The gods favor

those who show courage and wisdom. In battle, you will face not only foes of flesh and blood but

also the shadows that dwell within. Trust in your instincts, and do not fear the darkness. Embrace