The wind swished between the high cliffs, and the mist obscured almost all view of the water. Misty Bay had always been awe-inspiring for the villagers, but today the three young Vikings - Ivar, Sigrun and Runar - felt a growing excitement instead of fear. Their village, Skalmholt, lay on the northern coast of a large island. The houses had turf roofs and the yards were full of boats and fishing nets. Ivar, the eldest of the three, was 12 years old and imaginative, but rarely spoke of his plans before they were ready. Sigrun was his equal, always brave, loved archery and took care of falcons. The youngest Runar was 10 and still pretended his staff was the axe of a true warrior. That morning, by chance, they came across an old map tucked between the boards in the wall of Ivan's grandfather's hut. It didn't look like ordinary maps - the drawings on it tangled like snakes, and in the middle of Misty Bay was a drawing of a circle with strange symbols around it. Next to it were painted boats, but one was different from the others - as if guided by an invisible force. - 'That looks like an invitation! - cried Runar, and Sigrun smiled broadly. Ivar, staring at the map for a moment, felt a familiar tremor in his heart. - Maybe there is something hidden there. Something that no one had discovered yet. In the afternoon, without asking permission, the three of them slipped out behind the village. They took Runar's boat, which was usually used for crab fishing. They put pieces of dried fish and some onions in a bag, and Sigrun took her bow. The fog was as thick as milk, and the shadows of their boat were reflected in the water. They sailed for a long time, laughing and imagining what they might find: a dragon's egg, a Viking turned to stone, or perhaps treasure under a large boulder? Soon, however, the laughter fell silent. Strange sounds began to come from the mist - like a chant that had no words. Suddenly, Ivar's oar snagged on something in the water. They looked down: in the depths was the silhouette of a huge boat, completely different from any they had ever seen. Next to it, as if waiting, floated a metal shield, silver and shining, even though the sun had long since disappeared behind the mist. Runar grabbed his staff and Sigrun tightened her bow, though they saw no danger. At the same moment, right next to them, they heard a splash, and from the turbid waves emerged....