14
COMPASS
Sometime far later, the warmth of half-a-dozen blankets and a breaking fever woke him to firelight and soft voices. He looked blearily at the humble cottage of a family that he didn’t recognize. They were gathered around the table enjoying their evening meal when the littlest girl, swinging her legs on the bench, spied him as she hopped up and down.
“Da, he’s awake,” the blonde toddler announced, and the entire family turned to stare at the stranger who abruptly wanted to sink back through the ground, back into a well of darkness. He couldn’t even move, let alone use magic. Could he use magic? He couldn’t remember.
The mother of the household rose to set water for tea while the father came to the side of the cot, escorted by a trail of six children, the youngest barely able
