I awoke to see the Enchanter’s mask and the obsidian mammoth. For that instant I was a child again and turned to look for Ikaseraz. But, of course, it was Atutxa sitting by the fire mending his winter boots. I wouldn’t need mine. If I was still alive by winter I couldn’t get out of the shelter. The worst part of living this way was that I couldn’t get to the cave and go through to be with Hare. He spoke in my mind, mostly about the past, but I longed to be with him. Soon I would be with him always. But that brought the thought of having to leave Atutxa which was unbearable. I wouldn’t have had a weak thought like that in the past, I would have to bear it. Tlez is getting old too. She moves slowly now, not that she was ever speedy. I can only hope that Atutxa doesn’t lose us both at once.
When I go to the ancestors I shall be with Mother and Father. And Groohk has gone before me, he is with Mammoth now. I’m sure Owl and Eagle will be there to welcome me.
But I must think about this world while I am here. I tried to sit up, unsuccessfully. Atutxa turned towards me and said
"You’re awake. Would you like a hot drink? I was just going to make one."
I don’t suppose he was, but I said I would anyway. He came across with it when it was made and helped me to sit up.
"Ah! Fennel, my favourite." I pretended surprise though I had smelled it as it brewed. My pleasure was unfeigned. He sat beside me with his drink so I said
"Tell me again your story of going to find the ice giants."
"It is your story, Mother."