Kari

One of the fires on the far shore was missing. The beat went wrong in the strait's shadow, and what scared me more was that I seemed to be the only one counting.

• UlfridGood eye. But don't count it out loud, just tell me.
  KariWhy? Why only me?
• BjornGet caught counting, and you die.

Half a year since I took up the spear, and my hands still shake standing at this fire. Everyone's laughing, so I laugh along.

• UlfridShaking's normal. The ones who never shook went first.
  KariThat's not comforting, elder.
• ArnketilIf your hand shakes, choke up on the spear. Hold it long and you'll drop it in the water.