Chapter Sixteen
The Gathering Storm
Iadrawyn sat bolt upright in a damp sweat. It was several moments before the familiar, shadow-cloaked surroundings of her bedchamber intruded on her senses. Realizing she was clutching at her blankets, she forced herself to release her grip. She took several deep breaths to slow the terrified beating of her heart. She was safe, in her hut in Vila Eadros. Although she knew this to be true, she couldn’t shake the fearful sense of foreboding that loomed over her.
Realizing sleep was no longer an option, she rolled off her pallet to stand. Despite the woven grass mats strewn across the floor, her feet were cold. The chill of the packed earth beneath the mats seeped up her legs. Winter was coming.
Although the turning of the seasons had wreaked havoc amon
