Chapter 18
When I first learned that my grandmother was a volva, and that I too had a calling to be a volva, I confess I didn't exactly understand what that would mean. I knew volvas were something like witches, seeresses who would use magic for divination so they could advise rulers.
Working by my grandmother's side, I had refined that vague idea into something more concrete. Being a volva in Villmark meant being a judge when needed, a protector of the village from bad magics, a general kind ear for anyone who needed to speak from their hearts, and yes, an adviser to the council.
What I had been slower to recognize was just how much running was involved. But after the last few days, I couldn't deny that I spent a lot of time running, running as fast as I could.
In hiking boots. And a
