There were many things that Vikings had more advanced than other nations during their era and that was fishing and herding.
" Son, look closely. There are many ways to catch a fish. One could spear them in the water or you can catch them with bait."
Magnus placed Halfdan on his large thigh as he put the bait into the water while waiting for a fish. In the cold north, herding livestock was difficult in the winter because most of them needed to be warm. Hence, they couldn't slaughter them to eat for tomorrow.
Growing plants were also extremely difficult due to harsh winter and soil that was frozen almost 2 thirds of an entire year, so fishing was a good way to sustain their livelihood.
" Father, why don't we place worms on the hook?"
Halfdan who was well-versed in modern methods knew baiting was essential to fishing due to its efficiency.
" It is a good idea but how can you find worms in this weather, son?"
Magnus laughed with a loud voice while praising his intellect. It wasn't completely wrong to find bait or worms to lure the fish but this winter they couldn't find one even if they wanted to do so.
" Ah, right."
Halfdan put that down on his memory later to use worm farms to sustain his tribe. It has been 3 years since he came here and he sometimes mistakes this as a modern era where people had access to everything.
" Halfdan!"
Helena and others ran out from the bushes while wiping their noses which were turned red due to coldness.
" Chief!"
They also noticed Magnus who was holding a rod in his hand while talking with Halfdan.
" Brats, aren't your parents worried about you?"
Magnus spoke with a smile, looking at his son's friends with a soft look.
" Father said I could play if I had done my chores and training."
Helena spoke with a proud face despite Magnus who was watching her with interest.
" What about you?"
He turned his head around to see Harold and Arne who were curiously observing his movements.
" We also did the same."
Hearing their words made Magnus grin with a gentle face as he picked them up and placed them next to him while handing rods that he made from branches.
" Chief, why doesn't this water freeze like other water?"
Helena who saw the river which was coursing like summer, was puzzled as to why it was moving.
" Some rivers don't freeze, child. You just have to find that river and fish there. Of course, if it has fishes."
Magnus rubbed her head with his giant hand while teaching them how to fish. Looking at these young children who were thriving to learn from him made him happy after a long time of peace.
When he was young, Magnus often had to resort to extreme methods to survive in the wilderness because his tribe always fought against others despite their struggle with food and resources.
At that time he decided to live with plenty of food and peace with others after going through those harsh tribulations. He never wanted children to experience harsh environments from a young age despite Viking traditions.
" Father, I got something!"
Halfdan said loudly as he pulled the branch with his all strength. However his strength wasn't enough to pull the fish out, so Magnus grabbed the branch while pulling it out with ease.
Flop, flop*
A big salmon flopped on the ice as it tried to go back into the river but unfortunately, it met a strong man who could easily hold it down.
" It is a big lax!"
Magnus was impressed to see such great fish in this river. He never imagined his son would catch something like this and it was both delicious and big which was a good thing.
" Wow!"
Other kids admired Magnus who caught the fish without any effort this winter. He seemed to have the paws of a bear like he was able to catch them even though they were slippery and powerful.
" Today we are eating this with this."
Magnus showed his catch to the children while lifting the salmon with a grin. The children cheered when they heard Magnus was treating them with delicacy.