Cedar Sweep I dropped the berry in a stream

Ragna let Saena lead them. It seemed a pittance, but if Ragna could give the woman some semblance of control over her life, then why shouldn't she? She cared little for where they wandered, enjoying the company over the familiar sights. Ragna nodded, wordlessly acknowledging Saena's gratitude. If kind words and a short walk was all it Ragna could do to comfort this woman, then so be it.

The shieldmaiden shook her head in answer. I was born in these wilds, she said. On the coast. Stavanger's Bay. She had never asked about the origins of the red wolves of Molech. She imagined somewhere sun baked, certainly, perhaps shimmering sand shores farther down the coast. I do not know from where they hail. The mystery of the Malkaria is part of what attracted her so. They were strange, beautiful creatures whose grace Ragna could only hope for.