The waiting had become intolerable.  Finally Mina could no longer take it, and she half-opened her eyes.  The flames from the fire threw grotesque shadows against the backdrop of her mother’s rhythmic breathing.

The time was right.   Mina silently slipped out of bed and removed the heavy cloak and deerskin pouch that she had placed under the bed earlier that day.  Although she had fur-lined shoes for her trek, she left her feet bare for the moment.  She easily avoided the few obstacles in the house, but paused for a moment at the doorway.

Her blue eyes, normally wide and passionate, yielded an intimate softness as she gazed down at the sleeping form of her mother.  Her eyes began to fill with tears, but she would not allow herself the moment.  Pulling the hood of...

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