The next morning, the snow outside lay thicker than before, but the sky had cleared a little. Pale sunlight spilled over the village, making the white ground sparkle.
Isabella woke up early.
Her sleep had been a little disturbed by dreams of black panthers running away with bath ladles, but her mind was clear now. Today was an important day.
She sat on the bed for a moment, rubbing her belly in slow circles. The babies moved a little, as if answering.
"Today your mama is going to become a teacher," she told them. "You hatchlings had better be quiet and let me talk, or I will pinch your bottoms when you come out."
Outside, the sounds of morning work echoed.
Men changed patrol shifts on the walls. Women started fires and heated water. Children ran around, leaving messy footprints everywhere until someone dragged them back inside.
After washing and eating a quick breakfast that Cyrus insisted on serving her, Isabella headed toward the open area near the central fire pit.
