In the evening, he returned to the large house his room was in, walking in to find that the entry room was full of loud, debating people. They stopped speaking at once as soon as Sif entered, and so he had no opportunity to learn what they had been arguing about.

" Lady Hélna, you've returned!" the bowing man exclaimed, and, true to his epithet, threw himself to the ground, prostrating himself. " What did this coven do to displease you?"

Sif tipped his head, not understanding.

He took the birds he had caught for his kittens and sauntered past him, keenly searching around for them.

The old woman came to his side, and began to speak to him.

" You frightened coven Yrnhold by leaving this morning," she said. " Has he offended you?"

Was he going to be bothered by them about leaving for the rest of the night? How annoying.

He shook his head no, and held up a jay, trying to convey that he had simply been out doing cat things.

" Ah, is that for your kittens?" the old woman asked. " I'll have them gathered up for you."

<- .....->