Aldwulf's idea had been a sound one. The group altogether had caught nine fresh trout, enough for an excellent meal. But upon returning to the camp, it was realized that no firewood had been gathered.
"Leave the trout here; we will all go," said Brytta. "I doubt if anyone in these parts will suddenly pop up out of nowhere and defile our camp." And so the party left, taking with them an axe and several knives. Sticking together, they searched the area to the east for dead logs and other dry wood; completely unaware of the dark stranger that had entered their camp.
|