Hazel
The sisters left me in the lodge. “We will take the guards with us, but do not stray far,” they cautioned. “We will send Knut to you.”
I wanted to call them back and tell them I had no wish to see him if he did not want me, but I could not.
Though there was a bed piled high with soft pelts, I paced the floor, unable to sleep.
Finally I pushed open the great lodge door and explored my surroundings. The forest had been cut away to make room for the lodge and a clearing around it. A cluster of wildflowers grew near a stump. The giant Berserkers must have carefully cut the tree down, taking care not to crush the delicate blooms. I stooped to pick one and a shadow fell over me.
“Knut!” I sprang up, ready to bounce into his arms, when I saw his solemn face.
“Hazel,” He passed a hand
