My quest led me to a village several miles beyond the snowy mountains. There was a large but downtrodden cottage nestled amidst the tiny houses. The wooden frames barely seemed to be holding themselves together.
A gust of wind escaped through my lips as I struck the door ring against the wooden framework. There was a creak and a curious face peeked through the half-opened door. “Who are you? Are you here to meet me?” A sweet voice fell in my ears as the teenage girl’s gaze assessed me from top to bottom.
“Umm… I am looking for someone.”
“Oh, come in,” she said, opening the door wider. Her casual response made me wonder if it was common for people to show up at the door and say they were looking for someone. She ushered me to an old-fashioned hall.
The fire blazed under the mantle. Two
