“Brynja, will you join me in my study, please?”
“Of course,” she called. “I’ll be right there.”
Fifteen-year-old Brynja walked quickly down the hallway toward Captain Ingebjorg’s office. Taking a deep breath, she went inside.
“Sit down, my dear,” Captain Ingebjorg instructed.
“Of course, sir,” Brynja answered as she sank slowly into the richly upholstered armchair.
“You’ve lived with us for six months, Brynja. I’ve told you that ‘sir’ is a bit formal.” The kind man chuckled.
“I’m sorry, sir—I mean Captain Ingebjorg,” Brynja corrected.
“Perhaps in time you’ll feel more comfortable.” He smiled.
“You and your wife have been so kind, taking me in after my parents and my sister….” Her voice trailed off as tears filled her eyes.
“Your mother was a highly respected woman in our village. Her knowledge of the wind saved my ships on more than one occasion. It has been our honor to take you in and care for you,” he answered.
“I know I’ll never be able to repay your kindness.” Brynja wiped her eyes and tried to compose herself.
“Perhaps there is a way.”
“I am indebted to you, sir, and I will help you however I can.”
“I’ve observed that you have a great many abilities. Did your mother teach you?”
“My mother taught me from as far back as I can remember. My sister and I spent our lives honing our craft. Mother always said we were much more powerful than she ever was. I’m not sure whether I believe that or not.” Brynja shrugged.
“You have knowledge of wind knots?” Captain Ingebjorg steepled his fingers and leaned forward.
“I have constructed many.”
“Do you have an affinity for the wind as your mother had?”
“I can call upon the wind and communicate with it. I can feel it before it ever arrives,” Brynja explained.
“What else can you do?”
“I can make tinctures to heal sickness, but mostly I heal with the touch of my hands. I see colors surrounding people, and those colors tell me the path that person will walk. I have visions, often very vivid, that foretell the future. I can control objects with my mind. I understand many languages that I have never spoken, which makes it easy for me to communicate. These are just a few of the things I can do.”
“Your mother couldn’t do all of that.” Captain Ingebjorg’s eyes widened with surprise.
“No, she couldn’t. I think that’s why she believed me to be more powerful.”
“Well, your abilities are truly extraordinary, my dear,” he replied.
“Thank you. Is that what you wished to speak with me about?”
“Indeed. I’m setting off on a long voyage, and I’m in need of your service.”
“How can I help?”
“Mrs. Ingebjorg and I are leaving Vardø. This is to be a long journey to a place I’ve never been. I’m worried for the safety of my wife and my crew.”
“You would like for me to make a wind knot?” Brynja asked.
“More than that, my dear. I’m asking you to accompany us on our voyage. Your knowledge and abilities will ensure our safety.”
“What is the name of the place?” Brynja’s forehead crinkled.
“Oregon. It’s in America.”
Her eyes widened. “I’ve dreamed of that name.”
“What do you mean?”
“Ever since Sigrid died, I’ve been dreaming of a place called Oregon. I’ve seen it so vividly and have felt compelled to go there, but I had no idea it would ever come to pass. I didn’t even know if it was a real place.”
“I assure you, it’s very real. Many Norwegians have settled there. Seafaring is a big industry, especially where we’re heading,” Captain Ingebjorg explained.
“I’ve seen the town in great detail,” Brynja confessed. “I dream about it every night.”
“Then perhaps you should tell me the name of the town where we’re headed.” Captain Ingebjorg chuckled with delight at his young ward.
“Departure Cove.”
“You are indeed a wonder, my dear. That is the name of the place.” The captain nodded and smiled widely. Brynja’s inexplicable knowledge of the town was the confirmation he needed.
“Sigrid was right. My path will lead me on a journey to a faraway place,” Brynja said quietly.
Captain Ingebjorg rose from his desk and stood in front of Brynja. Crouching down to her level, he clasped her tiny hands inside his large calloused and weather-beaten ones.
“So you’ll join us on the ship? You’ll speak to the wind on our behalf?”
She nodded solemnly. “I will. I believe it’s my destiny.”