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I looked around our hut, and I was struck with a longing for too many things. I was excited about our trip out to see the North Clan and I could hardly wait to get started mapping for them. I’d brought extra supplies for Helva, and it was my job to get her started in the trade. Gaert and I worked about as well together as a wildcat and a tub of water, and I was looking forward to getting away for a bit.

But I’d miss home. I’d miss this hut and Indi and even Iver. We would not be gone for long, but it was enough to give me pause, to make me look around the hut a bit longer.

“Ready,” I finally echoed.

And I was.

We headed out, meeting up with Ess and Jory in the kitchens and saying goodbye to everyone who came to wish us off with a cup of mead.The women in the kitchens doled out small packs of food, and Indi held us up with tears and hugs and kisses until I promised we wouldn’t be long, and Roan pried me from her arms.

Soon we were trekking north, just the four of us with Goose on our heels, telling stories and laughing as we went.

“Would you look at that,” I said, drawing to a halt with Roan behind me. There in my path was a boulder the size of a bear, split cleanly into two halves.

Roan looked over my shoulder. “It signifies an ending.”

“Sounds ominous.”

He bent to kiss my temple and then my cheek.

“No,” he said. “It’s a good omen.”