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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Maerdwyn" data-source="post: 2617869" data-attributes="member: 835">The next days are full of anticipation, as the boat is prepared and the warriors affairs are put in order.  One of the men, the ugly Ahtagar, marries in this time - his display of bravery apparently overcoming the sight of his lame foot in Fruitha's eyes (though some think it likely that she tooks steps to ensure the first child she bore in the marriage would not share Ahtagar's deformity.)  Ahtagar, as a consequence, is one of the happiest of the men as they board the Hygelac giba anjan.  It's dark, and will be for a few hours yet, but the journey must be timed so that the boat will be approaching the rocky shore of Daneland with some daylight left.  Daneland is not far, but with only four hours of light during each day at this time of year, the rowing will need to be strong indeed.Beowulf, as is his custom, rows the whole way.  Briet, on the other hand, take only a short turn, before Ealdstan relieves him. "You aren't used to it, lad - it's no shame.  Save the arm for your sword and shield.  You can row when we return, with Grendel's head mounted on the prow."  The other men switch off, with each rowing about half the distance, and Areld pilots the boat, steering it sure through the hazards of the Danish coast until at last the boat runs safely aground, pushing through the green muck and algae floating atop the black water.As the men climb out of the boat, daylight is waning.  The land rises away from the shore at a relatively steep incline.  There are a few bare trees in sight, and the ground muddy with melting snow.  At the crest of the hill over looking the rocky beach, Olaf is the first to see four armed men show themselves.  They hold their distance, as well as their spears.</blockquote>

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