Ella moved restlessly around the small fire pit she had dug out near her tree. She still had a lot to do and if the frigid air descending through the mountains was any indication, she wouldn’t have much time. While every single one of the people living in the village wouldn’t think twice about helping her, she knew that meant they would get further behind on what they needed to do for themselves. She bent to turn the pheasant she had roasting over the coals. Her head lifted when she heard the sound of footsteps approaching.
“I can’t stay long. I told my mom that I had forgotten to give you the nut flour she had milled yesterday,” Jayden said, holding up a small bag.
“What is going on? The elders are up to something,” Ella hissed.
Jayden nodded. “I heard Dad talking to Mom last night. Th
