* * * *
Cut returned home two days after my arrival, smashing the north cavern door to enter by way of the secret tunnel. He had followed my tracks and understood I had been captured. He knew the Conestoga returned to the Mead, but who was in the wagon? The dogs’ calm demeanor led him to believe I was in the house, but was I alone? He first expressed relief at finding me safe before growing angry because I ignored his wishes and returned without him.
He relented somewhat after I explained what happened but continued to withhold his pardon until we replaced the smashed door to the cave with one twice as strong. He now realized the value of the secret entrance.
“You are a strange win-tay,” he said, not for the first time, as he drew me to him that night. “You disobey your husband in front
