But we could not stay there forever. The rains blew away, and left only the storm. A wild wind blew through the forest, carrying a sharp, acidic scent. Beyond the trees the sky was mottled with purple and grey clouds. Thunder rumbled in the distance, into the night.
“There is magic out there,” Rolf said. He paced back and forth on the porch, and would not leave to hunt. At night, he slept as a wolf, and woke us with his whimpers. I tried to go to him, but Thorbjorn stopped me.
“We must have care. He dreams of the time the witch had him. He is not here with us.”
The next day the storm was worse. The warriors did not allow me outside, and did not go out themselves. We were almost out of food. I fell asleep, knowing we would soon leave.
Thorbjorn shook me awake. “Come, little one.”
He le
