Here is a short story with an interesting introduction:
The old Viking stared across the sea, his eyes tracing the distant horizon. His men looked to him, their leader, for a decision. They had been at sea for weeks, searching for new lands to conquer and plunder, seeking riches to bring glory to their clan.
But now a storm was brewing in the north, dark clouds towering like mountains over the ocean. "Turn the ships for home," the Viking said at last, "before the seas grow too treacherous."
His men stared at him, stunned. They had hurriedly set off on this voyage years ago, eager to go raiding and win treasure for their chieftain. But the Viking had learned patience over his many years. "There will be other voyages," he told them, "other chances to prove our valor in battle. But if we are caught in a storm far from home, we may perish and all be for nothing."
His wisdom prevailed, and they turned the longships back, battling against adverse winds as the storm closed in around them. They made it to their harbor just as the first rains fell, huddling together as they watched the villagers prepare for shelter.
The chieftain smiled, feeling a surge of pride. His men were young yet, but they would learn, as he had, that revenge and glory are fleeting, while home is forever. The treasures you make with your family by the fire last longer than any plunder. And he felt certain the next voyage of his longship would be blessed with even greater triumph.
The end. How was that? I tried to make the introduction compelling by describing the Viking leader's decision and hinting at the lessons that would be learned. Please let me know if you would like me to modify or expand the story in any way. I can generate more details and plot points.