Sìneag roused the others and explained what had occurred. A new light of hope had appeared in Mairead's eyes as she saw Frida and Tófi and she hugged them tightly.

"We were out foraging when Sìneag found us," Tófi explained. "Damhán has insisted we store up what we can while the weather allows. He is concerned that the season will turn fowl and we'll be without any supplies."

"That's the wisest thing he's thought of all year," Sìneag growled. "What does he plan to do next? Surely he's put aside all ideas of fighting."

"He has, for now. He still lusts for revenge but he knows he can't take on a dragon with so few in number and so few supporters," Frida agreed. "He's asked that someone travel to the elves and ask them for aid but he's had no volunteers. No one wants to risk it or leave so soon after their homes are destroyed."

"We were heading there ourselves when we found you," Mairead said. "It was Sìneag's idea. It seemed our best option at the time."

"We still need their help, if possible," Frida said. "We can rebuild, eventually, but the weather will grow cold soon and we won't survive the winter without extra hands. We have lumber, we have a carpenter. But we do not have enough laborers."

"I could go on ahead," Sìneag found herself saying. "I could go on to the elves, ask them to help us, while the rest of you return to what's left of our village and begin to rebuild."

"No!" Tammara cried. "I won't leave you!" She flung herself around Sìneag's waist and clung on tightly. In that moment, Sìneag hated herself more than in any other. Tammara was the only family she had left and it seemed her best option was to leave her behind in order to save her.

"You cannot travel alone," Mairead insisted. "Surely one of us must go with you."

"Tammara is too young to travel so far and Grier needs you," Sìneag argued. "Besides, you must keep Damhán from ruining whatever future Dale has got now. He's gone mad and I wouldn't trust him leading anything. And I am sure Tófi and Frida are needed."

"We are," Frida said regretfully. "We're the best foragers at the moment. They can't do without us. But you're just as needed there, Sìneag. No matter who goes, someone will be missed."

As loath as Sìneag was to go alone, she knew she must. "I'm the only one that can be truly spared. It will just be a day or two at the most; I'll be back before you know it."

Frida and Tófi looked at each other and nodded. "Okay," Friday said. "Be swift." She handed Sìneag a small pouch. "There's food in that; enough to get you to the elves and back. Be careful, Sìneag."

"I will. Thank you." Sìneag gave Tammara a tight hug. "I'll be right back; I promise."

Her eyes filled with tears. "But people are always leaving me. Helena. Mum and Dad. Everyone just leaves."

"But that's not what I'm going to do. I'm coming back." She kissed her forehead and stepped towards Mairead. "Please watch over her. I'll be back as soon as possible."

Mairead nodded, squeezing her shoulder. "I will. Be safe."

Sìneag nodded and gave her sister a long look. " 'Til next we meet," she said and walked off into the forest.