## Chapter 2: The Wreck

Iduna's eyes slowly fluttered open, her mind foggy and her body aching all over. She was lying on a soft, sandy beach, the warm sun beating down on her face. She tried to sit up, but a wave of dizziness washed over her, forcing her back onto the sand. As she lay there, she remembered the storm, the ship, and Agnarr. Her heart constricted with grief as she recalled the moment they were separated. She struggled to sit up again, this time more slowly, and took stock of her surroundings. The beach was littered with debris from the ship, splintered wood and tangled ropes scattered everywhere. Iduna's eyes scanned the horizon, but there was no sign of the ship or Agnarr. She called out his name, her voice hoarse from the saltwater, but there was only silence. Panic set in as Iduna realized she was truly alone. She stumbled to her feet, her legs shaking beneath her, and staggered along the beach, searching for any sign of life. But she was alone, the only sound the gentle lapping of the waves against the shore. As she walked, Iduna stumbled upon a piece of wreckage, a chunk of wood that had been torn from the ship's hull. She ran her hands over it, feeling a mix of emotions: grief, anger, and fear. She remembered the moment the wave crashed over the bow, sweeping her off her feet. She remembered Agnarr's face, his eyes locked on hers as he pulled her towards the hatch. Iduna's eyes filled with tears as she realized she might never see her husband again. She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself, and continued to explore the beach. She had to find shelter, food, and water. She had to survive. As she walked, Iduna noticed a group of people watching her from a distance. They were dressed in simple, practical clothing, and they looked like they had been living on the island for some time. Iduna's heart skipped a beat as she wondered if they would help her or harm her. The group began to approach her, their faces cautious but not unfriendly. Iduna stood her ground, trying to look confident, and greeted them in a calm voice. To her surprise, they spoke back, their language unfamiliar but their tone kind. One of the men, an older man with a kind face, stepped forward and took Iduna's hand. He led her to a small village, where a warm fire and a hearty meal awaited her. Iduna ate and drank, feeling a sense of gratitude and relief wash over her. As she ate, Iduna couldn't help but think of Agnarr and the ship. She wondered if anyone had survived the wreck, and if she would ever see her daughters again. She pushed the thoughts aside, focusing on her immediate needs. She had to recover, and she had to find a way to get help. The villagers provided her with shelter and care, and Iduna slowly began to recover. She told them about her husband and her daughters, and they listened with kind eyes. They promised to help her, to take her to someone who could assist her. As the sun began to set, Iduna felt a sense of hope. She might be alone, but she was not helpless. She would survive, and she would find a way to get back to her daughters. She would make sure they were safe, and she would uncover the secrets of Ahtohallan, no matter what it took. The villagers led her to a small cottage, where a warm bed and a gentle smile awaited her. Iduna lay down, feeling a sense of exhaustion wash over her. She closed her eyes, her mind still reeling from the wreck, but she knew she would face the future, no matter what lay ahead.