Big Salmon Lake descended from the rift

Surnames had never been important, when Birk had grown up (he did not have one either) and he had no idea that they were of any weight and importance out here. Therefore at the mention of Ostregas he simply nodded with indifferent expression. It was very likely that by their next encounter he would have forgotten about it. 

"Me? I am repaying a debt," he replied, understanding her question a little differently. "They helped me out during the winter and I promised to stay and be useful to make it up for them."