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from the trees.”
    Golatia shook her head. “It’s a pity you can’t smell it all. Bless you for your limitations, young one.”
    Ellie didn’t know how to respond to that, so she remained silent.
    The old woman stopped in front of a small house. It was closest to the well. “Rica gave me this home when my strength faded.” Golatia growled low in her throat. “There were those like Belia, who said cast me out. It was the old way.” She snorted. “Sometimes, the old way is not the best way, you understand?”
    Ellie nodded before remembering her sight problem. “Yes, ma’am.” She was surprised when the woman took her free hand and squeezed it.
    “You ignore what they say when the time comes. Be strong and have faith in your man.”
    She frowned. “I’m sorry. I don’t understand.”
    Golatia’s laugh was a honest-to-goodness cackle. “You will, young one. Now, give me that bucket, and make sure you come visit me soon. Bring Viggo’s wife. The poor dear doesn’t need to be sitting at home by herself all the time.”
    “I could carry the water in for you, ma’am.”
    “Golatia,” she corrected. “Ma’am makes me feel every one of my ninety years.” She took the bucket, holding it with surprising strength. “Never you mind. I’m strong enough for the bucket yet. Don’t forget to come see me.”
    “I won’t.” Ellie couldn’t resist grasping the woman’s hand and squeezing it in the same way Golatia had squeezed hers. It didn’t matter if the woman was strange and possibly a little off. She had shown Ellie the first kindness from anyone other than Davinia since her arrival. “Good day.” She watched until the woman made her way inside before turning away. Pleasant warmth flowed through her, and she felt optimistic about winning over the Pack for the first time since the meeting. Maybe they weren’t all bad.
     
    * * * * *
    It took some convincing, but she managed to persuade Davinia to accompany her for tea at Golatia’s house two days later. Ellie had spent most of her time stuck in the cabin, and she was bored stiff. It wasn’t polite to simply invite themselves over, but the woman’s invitation had been open-ended. Something about the other woman suggested she too was lonely, and Ellie didn’t think she would mind the imposition.
    “I don’t know,” Davinia said for the tenth time, as they approached Golatia’s small cabin. “I don’t even know this woman. I think it’s best if we keep to ourselves.”
    “Davinia, you’ll never fit in with these people if you hide in your house.” She threaded her arm through her friend’s and walked forward, bringing her along. “She’s a nice old woman, and she specifically told me to bring you along.”
    “Okay.” She gave a heavy sigh, but her steps didn’t falter as they walked onto the porch.
    Ellie knocked loudly, figuring Golatia’s hearing was probably bad too. It was a long time before the door opened.
    “Sorry, dears. I knew you were coming, but it still takes me a time to rattle my old bones from the kitchen to the door.” Golatia stepped back to give them room to enter.
    Ellie wondered if she had heard right. “You were expecting us?” Had the woman been preparing for their visit every day, only to be disappointed?
    “Yes, Ellie. I knew you’d finally convince Davinia she was welcome.” Golatia grasped Davinia’s hands. “You’re welcome anytime, child. Come sit, and I’ll bring in the tea.”
    “Let me,” Ellie said quickly.
    Golatia nodded, allowing Davinia to assist her to a rocking chair.
    Ellie walked into the kitchen through the living room. The floor plan of the cabin didn’t provide a break between rooms, other than doorways. There was no door barring the kitchen from the living room.
    She saw a tray on the counter, and her eyes widened when she counted three cups and saucers, and six biscuits. Golatia really had prepared for their arrival. She shivered, remembering the other woman’s strange words