As night falls, the North Star hangs high in the sky.
To the Vikings, it was a guide for navigators in the night.
Harald, the King of the North, walked alone into the deepest sanctuary of the tribe.
A circular temple built of huge oak trees, with the walls carved with the legend of Odin riding an eight-legged horse galloping across the nine realms.
In the center of the temple burns a sacred fire that never goes out. It is said that this fire originated from the first flame given to mankind by the gods.
In a corner of the temple, several respected people were preparing ritual items.
They steep special moss harvested from deep in the forest in spring water to create a drink that sharpens the senses and clarifies the mind.
At the same time, they were grinding various precious herbs in preparation for the upcoming ceremony.
"king."
The chief respectfully handed Harald a glass of smoking liquid.
"It's 'Odin's Tears,' a concoction of rosemary, sage, and a special moonshine mushroom."
"Drinking it can make people dream of deceased ancestors and gods."
"Perhaps, dreams will give you inspiration."
Harald took the cup and drank it all in one gulp.
The bitterness was mixed with a strange fragrance that lingered in his mouth for a long time.
He felt the liquid flowing down his throat into his stomach. It was like molten metal, and immediately made his whole body feel hot.
"Now, you need goat's blood."
So, one of them nodded and called over two strong warriors.
They brought a male goat that was completely black with only a white spot on its forehead. It was a sacred goat specially raised for use in major sacrificial ceremonies.
The warriors expertly held the goat down while one of them cut its throat cleanly with a dagger.
Hot blood gushed out and fell into a silver bowl that had been prepared in advance.
The blood mixed with the various herbs in the bowl, giving off a mysterious aroma and a strange mixed smell.
"In our tradition, goat blood is associated with the power of Thor, the god of thunder."
"And when it's combined with herbs and applied to the body, it can open the door to the divine realm."
He took the silver bowl, dipped his fingers into the blood, and began drawing intricate patterns on his face.
First, there are two parallel lines extending from the center of the eyebrows to the temples, symbolizing Odin's eye of wisdom.
Next are the three short vertical lines on the cheeks, representing the tears of another god and the remembrance of the deceased.
Finally, draw a spiral at the chin, symbolizing the cycle of life and the possibility of rebirth.
"Odin is the supreme god of Asgard, the father of the gods."
"He controls war, wisdom, healing, and death."
"Legend has it that Odin sacrificed one of his eyes to the Fountain of Wisdom in exchange for the ability to see through everything."
"So, if he appears in a dream, it means that I will receive Odin's approval and guidance."
"And the Valkyries are Odin's valkyries, responsible for selecting the souls of warriors on the battlefield and bringing them to Valhalla."
"They ride Pegasus and hold shining spears, and can bring omens of victory or warnings to warriors in their dreams."
"May the gods guide you in the right direction."
When he finished painting his face, he seemed to have undergone some kind of transformation.
Simply put, his aura had completely changed, and when people saw that face, they couldn't help but gasp.
"Tonight, I will sacrifice myself and enter the dream world."
"If we can meet Odin or Valkyrie in a dream, it is a very good omen, meaning that our expedition has been approved by the gods."
King Harald of the North said this, and then, as the singing sounded, he slowly lay down on the bearskin rug specially laid in the center of the temple, with his hands crossed on his chest, as if he was asleep.
"Whatever appears in a dream, it will guide our future direction."
Everyone bowed solemnly and retreated outside the temple.
One person lit special resin candles in front of the temple door, forming a protective circle to ensure that there would be no interference or intrusion tonight.
Another day has passed.
The light of dawn pierced through the clouds and shone on the roof of the temple.
People woke up the sleeping Harald on time.
The blood on his face had dried, forming a strange mask effect, but his eyes were unusually clear, like someone who had just emerged from deep water.
"king?"
"Did you dream about anything?"
The chief asked cautiously, and then more concerned eyes appeared around King Harald of the North.
But King Harald of the North remained silent for a long time before he slowly spoke.
"I didn't dream of Odin, nor did I dream of Valkyrie."
"I only see a river. A river unlike any other river in the world."
He stood up and walked to the temple door.
"Also, there is a god standing by the river, radiating golden light."
King Harald of the North rubbed his temples when he said this, as if he was sorting out his confused memories.
"But every time I tried to get closer to him to ask for an answer, the scene started to become blurry..."
"Which Norse god is that golden god?"
"Why don't I have a clue about this?"
When everyone heard this, they were all stunned.
"A golden god?"
"Perhaps it refers to the goddess of fate, Norn? She controls the past, present, and future, and often appears in multiple forms."
But Harald, King in the North, just shook his head.
"I'm not sure. This dream is too vague and too different."
At this time, he took a deep breath and his eyes became fierce.
"Forget it. For us, the prophecy in the dream is no longer that important."
"I have sought revelation time and again, but no god has responded to me."
"It's really strange."
One of the people around him heard this and just stepped forward in confusion.
"What do you mean, King?"
King Harald of the North did not respond. He simply strode out of the temple and climbed onto the nearby cliffs.
From this height, you can overlook the entire bay, and now, a spectacular scene unfolds before your eyes.
Hundreds of longships were anchored neatly in the bay, their black sails slightly billowing in the morning breeze, and the dragon heads carved on their bows staring at the land.
On each ship stood dozens of fully armed Viking warriors, holding axes or spears, wearing animal skin robes, and wearing horn helmets or winged helmets that symbolized courage.
"Our longships are ready, our warriors have sharpened their weapons, and the cry for vengeance and glory is unstoppable."
"No matter what the gods in my dream foretell, we have already embarked on this path, and there is no turning back."
At the foot of the cliff, thousands of Vikings were gathering.
There are experienced veterans as well as young soldiers going to battle for the first time.
But at this moment, they only have one common identity.
Son of Odin, warrior of the North, Viking pirate about to embark on a journey of conquest.
"Since the gods will not provide guidance, then let me guide my warriors."
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