A few days later, Falt arrived with provisions from the village of Qaiel. Together, the Knight-in-Waiting and the farmer had a pleasant day, salvaging skins from the furry possums that roamed the plainsland.

“The old wise-woman asked for you”, said Falt that evening.

“Oh?”

Stiel had heard about the wise-woman before, an old crone living in Stickle Pass not too far from the Windy Bridge. It was what the villagers called the wilderness, and that made them think of her as weird. The old woman had their respect, however, because of her potions, salves, and the help she offered women bearing children, or wanting to. She was as close to a midwife as anyone could remember Qaiel having, she just didn’t live there. The green-haired young man had never heard her name spoken. Read more