On this hunting trip, Rágn and the other men returned with two roe deer and an elk. Sif found it commendable that humans could aspire to catch things so much larger than themselves; he had never hunted anything larger than a badger. The water woman didn't count, as he hadn't eaten her; that wasn't hunting so much as it was a territory dispute.

As much as he disdained the cold, he decided to step out and watch them dress their prey down. They made quick work of it, and after, one of them nudged Rágn's shoulder, gesturing over to Sif.

He approached Sif, then, and spoke.

" Lady Hélna, grandmother already ordered us to serve up the scraps to the village cats," he said. " We'll be taking the shoulders of the elk for our own residence, since Father has so many in the family."

Sif indicated that he understood.

" Then has Lady Hélna come after me?" he asked. " I'll be returning home soon enough. I have to wash all this blood off."

Sif really hadn't, but he took Rágn for an egotist anyway, so he just nodded his assent and went to return home.


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