Taking hold of Melcorka's sleeve, Tomah pulled her inside what must have been her own wigwam and led her to the place of honour at the centre back. In seconds, Tomah's entire family squeezed in around the central fire, and a smiling woman produced a meal of fish.
'Bradan.' When Melcorka indicated that she wanted him with her, two of the youngest Skraelings ran outside and ushered him in, laughing at the whiteness of his skin under his clothes and touching his hands. They spent the night on supremely comfortable mat beds made of spruce boughs and reeds, so similar to the heather beds of Alba that Melcorka wondered if there was some relationship between the two peoples.
Next morning, they emerged into the village to see the Norsemen emerging from various lodges and wigwams, some alone, oth
