The Viking's Daughter
The Viking's Daughter — an illustrated stories story. 10 illustrated pages, free to read on Wonder Books.
Page 1
Astrid, a spirited Viking girl, raced along the fjord's edge, her laughter echoing against the craggy cliffs. Her best friend, Bram, a thoughtful boy with a knack for history, trailed behind, sketching furiously in his worn leather-bound book. "Wait for me, Astrid!" he called, his voice barely audible above the crashing waves. She paused, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Hurry, Bram! The past won't wait, and neither will I!" Today was special, they planned to explore the ancient burial mounds said to whisper secrets of their ancestors.
Page 2
Reaching the largest mound, Astrid tripped, stumbling onto a loose stone. It shifted, revealing a dark, narrow passage. "What's this?" she exclaimed, peering into the gloom. Bram cautiously approached. "An entrance? But the stories say these mounds are sealed," he said, his voice laced with both excitement and apprehension. Astrid's curiosity was piqued. "Well, there's only one way to find out," she declared, already reaching for a torch they'd brought. The past suddenly felt very close.
Page 3
"Wait, Astrid!" Bram called out, "What if it's dangerous?" Astrid shrugged. "Danger is half the fun, Bram! Besides, imagine what we might find!" She grinned, adjusting her tunic. "Father always says Vikings don't shy from adventure. I have to be brave like him." She pulled out a small wooden carving of a dragon, a gift from her father. "This will keep us safe." Bram hesitated, then nodded. "Alright," he agreed, "but we stick together. ThereFORE, we have to be careful and document everything!"
Page 4
The passage sloped downwards, the air growing cold and damp. Water trickled down the stone walls. "I don't like this," Bram whispered, his voice echoing eerily. Suddenly, Astrid stopped. "Look!" She pointed the torch at a wall covered in faded carvings. Warriors, ships, and strange symbols danced across the stone. As they examined them, a gruff voice boomed, "Who dares disturb the slumber of ages?" A massive, bearded Viking warrior emerged from the shadows, clad in rusty armor!
Page 5
"We... we didn't mean to intrude," Bram stammered. The warrior narrowed his good eye. "I am Erik, guardian of this mound. These carvings tell of a time before the longboats, when Vikings sailed to the East. They crossed great rivers like the Volga, trading with faraway lands!" He lowered his axe slightly. Astrid, always bold, stepped forward. "Trading? What did they trade?" Erik's stern face softened slightly. "Stories, skills, and amber... the sun-stone of the North."
Page 6
Erik showed them more carvings: maps of rivers leading to shimmering cities, warriors clad in silk robes, strange beasts pulling carts laden with treasures. "They sought wealth, BUT they also sought knowledge," Erik explained, his voice filled with pride. Suddenly, the ground trembled. Dust rained down from the ceiling. "The mound! It's collapsing!" Bram cried. Erik's eye widened. "The supporting stones! We must escape, THEREFORE everyone must go now!"
Page 7
Erik led them through the collapsing passage, his knowledge of the tunnels their only hope. "The exit is blocked!" Bram shouted, pointing to a pile of rubble. "We need to move these stones!" Erik strained, his muscles bulging, but the rocks were too heavy. "I remember a carving!" Bram exclaimed. "The ancient Vikings used levers to move heavy objects!" He rummaged in his satchel, finding a sturdy branch. Erik, Astrid and Bram worked together. The Vikings had always survived due to teamwork.
Page 8
With a mighty heave, Erik dislodged the stone. A narrow opening appeared. "Go!" he roared. Astrid scrambled through, followed by Bram. Erik was about to follow, when the ceiling collapsed completely, trapping him. "Erik!" Astrid cried. Erik grinned, despite the danger. "Remember what you've learned, little Viking! Brave hearts find their own way!" Then, with a final wave, the tunnel was sealed.
Page 9
Astrid and Bram emerged from the mound, coughing and covered in dust. The entrance had vanished, swallowed by the earth. "He's gone," Bram whispered, tears welling in his eyes. Astrid squeezed his hand. "He wanted us to remember. To learn from the past." She looked at the horizon, a newfound determination in her eyes. They had lost a guide, but gained something precious: a connection to their ancestors and the courage to seek their own adventures.
Page 10
Years later, Astrid became a renowned explorer, charting new lands and trading with faraway cultures, always remembering Erik's words. Bram became a historian, meticulously recording the stories of their ancestors, ensuring their knowledge was never lost. They learned that bravery wasn't just about wielding a sword, but also about seeking knowledge, embracing new cultures, and sharing the wisdom of the past. Astrid realised she was truly a viking's daughter now. The courage of the past lived within them.
About this story
- Audience: kids (ages 6–12)
Questions and answers
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