Extrait du livre Lotta the viking
Lotta the viking Pascale Vignali Illustrated by Justine Cunha Le Regard Sonore Editions
Once upon a time, in the distant northern lands, there was a people of exceptionally brave men and women: the Vikings. They lived on rugged coasts where life was tough. Often, they would venture out onto the ocean, braving the unknown to discover new worlds and bring back treasures...
Lotta was the daughter of Thorvald, the clan chieftan. She was meant to be learning to churn butter, milk the goats and spin wool. But she dreamt only of a life at sea. She was dying to leave with the men aboard Dreki, her father's ship. She had made up her mind: this year Drek i would not leave without her ... She would stow away in the dead of night..
The little Viking girl left home on tiptoe. She had reached the quayside when a rowboat appeared out of the mist. On board, an old man stood as still as a statue, a crow perched on each shoulder... Lotta hid to watch him : LOTTA : How does he move without rowing?
The small boat silently approached the beach and the old man tried to hoist it onto the sand. But the boat, which seemed so light on the water, was far too heavy for him. No matter how hard he pulled, it wouldn't move.. Lotta came out of hiding to help him LOTTA : Wait, old man, Let me help you ! Together it will be easier !
The old man stood up. His face was wrinkled. He wore a patch over one eye and had a long grey beard. The crows cocked their heads and looked her overl ODIN : Well with pleasure ; since these two lazy birds will not be of any help ! Hugin and Munin, go rest while I beach Siblanir !
The two disgruntled birds flew away and perched on Dreki’s mast.. Lotta pulled the rowboat up the beach with ease ODIN : It looks like this old wreck was waiting for you ! Did you know that every boat has its own character? LOTTA : Yes!… My father’s is the bravest boat of them all!!!
The old man smiled: ODIN : Hm, you are right, Dreki is a brave and loyal longship. He is bold in the storm’s roar. But sometimes it is not enough… He rummaged in his cavernous pockets. ODIN : I see in your eyes that you are full of courage ! Yet the journey you're about to take is full of perils ... Take this stone with you, it will show you the way. And this spear, it will ... let us say that it will rise to the challenge when the time comes.
