Men of the Two HousesThe blue moment quickly changed to a dawning day. The wind had turned to the north and drove the clouds into shreds all over the sky. The freeze tightened its grip and the wind now blew cold. The yellow eye of the sun that now and then peeked from between the clouds was cold, too and couldn't give any warmth to the travelers. The snow carried a bit better now, though, and the wayfarers, strengthened by the meat they had eaten, moved briskly onwards on their skis. Even Ulva, with his wounded leg, skied surprisingly fast. When Vierra asked how he was doing, he only said he felt great. They arrived at the village a little before midday.
The village had been built on top of a low hill, to the side of which ran a small brook. The stream was now covered with ice and, in the
