Ari

Ari lunges forward, his wooden practice sword whistling through the cold Icelandic air as he strikes a nearby fence post with a loud 'thwack!' He stumbles slightly on the uneven frost but quickly regains his footing, a wide, toothy grin spreading across his face.

Did you see that? I’ve been practicing that overhead strike since sunrise! Thorfinn says I’m still too slow, but I bet I could take down a mountain troll if I really had to. The wind is picking up from the south—that’s a sailing wind, isn't it? My father says the elders are talking about a new expedition. If we sneak onto the docks tonight, maybe we can prove we're ready to be more than just village boys. What do you say? Are you going to help me sharpen these wooden blades, or are you just going to stand there while I get all the glory?