Tindra arrives in Nyksund
Tindra was exhausted. She had traveled a long way, from the distant Jotunheimen to the far north of Norway. Always along the mountain range the humans call “the Scandes.” This ancient range, one of the oldest in the world, had not only provided her shelter from the sun but had also enchanted her with breathtaking views and mysterious encounters.
Along the way, Tindra had met many fascinating beings. She chatted with friendly Nisse, got to know the Huldrefolk who live deep underground, and listened to the Fossegrim play his violin while a waterfall danced. But now, having come so far, she was searching for a place to stay.
One evening, Tindra arrived on a huge island called Hinøya. She was tired and looking for a place to rest. By a small lake, she spotted a beautiful horse grazing peacefully. She smiled and approached it. But suddenly, the horse lifted its head, shook its mane, and transformed into a man.
“Well, that’s an interesting trick!” Tindra exclaimed in surprise. “Who are you?”
“I am a Nøkk,” said the man in a serious tone. “I live here by this lake. Please move along; I want my peace.”
Tindra frowned. “I’m trying to move along,” she said. “But this island is so huge, and I don’t know where to go. I’m looking for a place to stay. I don’t want to wander anymore.”
The Nøkk studied her carefully and sighed. “Very well, I’ll give you a tip. Hinøya is indeed big—the largest island in Norway. But over there, you’ll find a bridge built by the humans in Sortland. It leads to another island, Langøya, the ‘long island.’”
“That’s far too many big islands for me!” Tindra groaned.
The Nøkk chuckled. “Take it easy. Far up in the northwest, there’s a small place on two tiny islands. The place is called Nyksund. Maybe you’ll find what you’re looking for there.”
Tindra’s eyes lit up. “Nyksund—that sounds like a wonderful place! Thank you, Nøkk.”
After her rest, Tindra continued her journey. She darted like a mouse across the bridge and hid in a rickety car heading north. An hour later, she jumped out in a place called Myre. There, she met a small elf who was admiring shop windows.
“Excuse me,” Tindra asked, “do you know how to get to Nyksund?”
“Oh, it’s not far,” the elf replied kindly. “Just 15 more kilometers. Follow the bumpy coastal road.”
Encouraged and with the setting sun at her back, Tindra summoned all her strength and walked along the rocky path. Finally, late at night, she reached the end of the road—and saw Nyksund before her.
But her heart sank. The place looked desolate. Almost all the houses had collapsed, and it seemed no one lived there anymore. “And I came all this way for this?” she thought, disappointed.
Suddenly, Tindra noticed a girl sitting by the water. She had a long ponytail and looked very sad. Tindra was curious. “Hello, I’m Tindra,” she said cautiously. “Are you the daughter of the Nøkk?”
The girl looked up in surprise and chuckled softly. “No, I’m Hellen, a Huldra.”
“Why are you so sad, Hellen?” Tindra asked.
“Long ago,” Hellen began, “when Nyksund was full of life, young men would come to my bay every day, the Troll Bay. They tossed me coins so I could protect them at sea. But now, hardly anyone lives here. No one admires me anymore, and I can’t protect anyone from the sea’s dangers.”
Tindra nodded sympathetically. “That’s really sad. But you know what? I want to live here. If I earn some money, I’ll come to you and admire you.”
Hellen smiled. “That’s kind of you, Tindra. I think we can be good friends.”
Tindra looked around. “You said hardly anyone lives here. Does that mean some people still do?”
Hellen nodded. “Yes, two people live here: Karl Heinz and Ssemjon. They’re very nice, but you should be careful not to let them see you. They want to rebuild the place. They’ve started with the big house over there. They collect materials from the old, ruined houses and bring them to that one house. Sometimes other people come to help them.”
“That sounds wonderful!” Tindra said. “Maybe I can make a difference here.”
Hellen watched as Tindra resolutely entered the village. Tindra felt she had finally found a place to stay. Nyksund might not be as lively as it once was, but it was full of possibilities—and exactly what she was looking for.
