The picture that I saw in the runes has proved to be right.
As for me, I am forging ahead with my studies. New roads are opening up before me, and I am both excited and apprehensive. Hrype has spoken to me several times about Gurdyman and the drawings he is trying to make to show the route to faraway places; for some reason the two of them believe I may have an aptitude for the work Gurdyman is trying to do, and there are suggestions that I should go to Cambridge to study with him.
I worry about leaving my home and my family, and also about where such studies will take me. I worry, absurdly, that if I leave Aelf Fen to go to Cambridge, Rollo may come back and not know where to find me.
That, I know, is foolish. If — when — Rollo comes back, he won’t let a little thing like half a day’s journey keep him from me. I wonder what he and Gurdyman would make of each other?
Sometimes I can’t sleep. Then I pick up my bag of runes, slip outside into the night and, once I am far away from the sleeping village, light my little fire and see what the stones can tell me. I still suffer afterwards, although I am learning how to lessen the effects. Perhaps that’s something Hrype will help me with, once I pluck up the courage to ask him.
Tonight is such a night, and I sit here alone in the darkness looking back at the village. My fire has died down, and I shall not replenish it, for soon I shall return to my bed. I look up into the sky. It is autumn now, and if I wait a little longer I shall see the Huntsman over in the south-eastern sky: his belt shining like precious jewels, and his faithful hound at his feet.
I love the stars. I heard them singing, one summer night, or I thought I did. I still remember Alberic’s beautiful, heartbreaking lament for Ida. When I visit her grave, on his behalf, wherever he is, I sing it to her.
Oh Ida, can you hear this sad refrain?
Can notes of music pierce your damp and peaty frame?
And would you hold me close if I were lain
Beside you? Could we sing the happy songs again?
I think she would be pleased.