Hans steps into the Schøtstue, the heart of Hanseatic life on Bryggen. This is where people gather to eat, hold meetings, settle disputes, keep warm, and celebrate together. It's also where the cabin boys go to school.
Today, the room is buzzing with activity. The young servants hurry about lighting candles, while flower garlands decorate the windows. Hans smiles. When he was a boy, there were no windows here—only a smoke hole in the roof. The extra daylight makes the room much brighter, and much better for playing chess in the evenings.
Today is a special day.
Everyone has gathered to celebrate the rebuilding of Bryggen after the terrible fire a few years ago. Outside, a brand-new Hanseatic flag flutters proudly, showing the half eagle and the crowned stockfish. The tables are laid with the finest dishes, and everyone is dressed in their best clothes. Some of the young servants have even combed their hair perfectly flat, making them almost impossible to recognize.
Hans takes his place at the merchants' table. He is no longer a cabin boy.
Around him sit well-dressed merchants discussing accounts, warehouses, and trade. Sometimes Hans misses the noisy tables where the boys sat together, laughing over tales of sea voyages, fearsome sea monsters, and the daring games young apprentices once had to complete to prove they were brave enough to become Hanseatic merchants.
Still, there is one advantage to sitting with the merchants.
The food is excellent.
And there is an entire barrel of ale to share.
Suddenly the room falls silent.
One of the aldermen steps into the middle of the hall.
"On behalf of the Hanseatic Council," he announces, "I wish to thank everyone who helped rebuild Bryggen, so that once again we can do what we do best..."
He raises his tankard high.
"...trade!"
Everyone stands, lifts their cups, and calls out together in German:
"Prost!"
Then they all take a drink.
Hans sits down again.
Quietly he smiles to himself.
"I wish you were here, old friend," he whispers.
His eyes drift to the timber wall.
Scratched into one of the beams is a simple little carving made many years ago—
a young cabin boy...
and a funny little rat.