As we near the shore, finally with a full belly and slightly better spirits, I stare wonderingly at the unknown beaches in front of us. The spirited Beowulf has traded his story with us, so I guess that in this new world it makes no sense for me to keep being secretive. What I was trying to shield Thidrek from might not even exist anymore. Thidrek himself might not exist anymore. Damn.

"I have no knowledge of this place either," I begin. "By now you know it," I say wearily. "I am not Boltram, looking for my son Sintram. I am Hildibrands of Bern, and I am looking for my liege, Thidrek son of Thetmar, who disappeared with horse and armour and weapons from our castle some months ago without an explanation. He has done it before - he is an unpredictable lad - but he has never neglected his duties for so long, and this is not like him at all."

I gaze at the shores getting nearer. "I thought I was a well-travelled man. We used to roam along the Rhine and beyond, as far as Rome, and into Burgundian territory, and paying a visit to the Huns sometimes... I thought I was expert of the whole known world. Now I realize the world is much larger than I expected."

I fall silent, daunted for a moment by the sheer immensity of it all. Then I laugh aloud. This is indeed my greatest adventure...

This story continues at Heorot.