15
Just visible in the distance, sheltered in the lee of a hill, was a roof. This meant that there was life in the moorlands, which Palustric had likened to the top of the world, stretching as barren as anywhere in the Hag’s land. The only company for the three travellers had been the occasional hunting hawk, a bird which Adam and Lar no longer trusted. However, so far, nothing had hindered their progress. All they needed was a rest and a break from the wind that chapped their hands and faces. They slept wherever they could huddle in hollows and crannies, and their packs contained, apart from honey, meats, cheeses and fruit (thanks to Adam). The sight of that distant roof brought thoughts of hot food, a welcome fire and a warm bed and a quickening of their step.
As they drew near to the
