Two warriors, Ru and Wurgest, both rush to offer in helping to carry my possessions to my father's house. So I let them each take something and walk behind me down the familiar path. Nothing has changed very much. The village looks even more shabby and poor in comparison to Inver Colpa and the places around the hill fort. As we near my father's house, I smell a fire burning. Someone has thoughtfully prepared a welcome for me! It will be good to warm myself by a blazing hearth after the journey over the half frozen sea. I hurry towards the hut, making Ru and Wurgest curse under the weight of their burdens.

When I step into the doorway, I bump right into Gartan! I expect him to move aside but surprisingly he stands in my way, looking down at me with a lofty smile. I take a step to go around him but he moves sideways to block the way, still smiling.

I open my mouth but Gartan speaks first. "I think, Lady Verica, that you would be much more comfortable in the guest house," he says lightly. "I am afraid that my snoring might bother you in the Brude's House."

This is not what I expected. "This is my father's house!" I protest, stamping my foot. "Guest house? I am no guest here!"

Gartan refuses to let me in. He glances past me to Wurgest and Ru, and much to my frustration they exchange a few nods and winks with him as if to agree that I have lost my position here.
"The guest house is comfortable," Gartan continues, crossing his arms on his powerful chest. "It is yours if you wish. This house is mine now. I am chieftain!"

I swallow hard and bite the inside of my lip to keep from bursting into a rage. Hot tears spurt from my eyes. I turn away and let my hair fall down to hide my face so that no one will see me crying in shame. Behind my father's old house, the house where I lived for all of my days before we went to Inver Colpa, there is a smaller hut. That is where I must go. I don't even look back to see if Ru and Wurgest are still following me.

The guest house is little but well-built. It will be warm and cozy once a fire is built. I hardly notice anything else, since my eyes are blurry with tears and anger. Ru stares at me mutely, still holding the box that carries my clothing. Wurgest drops the other chest just inside the doorway, then he simply walks away without a bow or a single word.

"Put it over here," I order Ru, pointing to a space beside the bedbox.

"I can kindle the fire for you, Lady Verica," he kindly offers.

Ru's deep voice rumbles, reminding me of Dobhar. I begin to regret leaving Inver Colpa. A sigh escapes me as I remember all the pleasant comforts of the Rian's house and my wee room right next to hers. Ru begins to make a fire even though I haven't answered him. In a short while, my new home is brightly lit, warming with the flickering flames on the hearth.

As the kindling catches, I murmur a prayer, more out of habit than reverence. A blessing for the newly made fire. Ru grins and makes a sign with his fingers to add his own good luck wishes. Then he is gone.

Alone I sit by the fire for a long time, thinking sadly of Inver Colpa. Weariness sinks in and I fall slowly to sleep.