Ralph and the Pixie

‘I never thought it could possibly feel so good to put on clean, dry clothes,’ Ralph said to Pran. He was juddering with cold, having just stood naked and been washed by Theuli and Malina, who had waited for and ministered to the men, each in their turn, with a tub of steaming-hot water, washcloths, and towels at the ready.

‘At least this is the time of year when the vermin that live in such waters are dormant,’ Theuli said, and shuddered. Pran glanced up at this, looking uncharacteristically chastened.

Ralph did not ask her what sort of vermin she was referring to; what his imagination supplied him with was more than sufficient.

Working with experienced efficiency, Theuli, with Rani and Malina’s assistance, had soon prepared a hot meal. As they prepared to set to, however, she and Malina disappeared into the wagon with food for themselves and Deborah. Soon after eating, Zuic, who had collected most of their firewood, picked up an axe and went to collect more. Before two minutes had gone by, however, he returned at a run, his features ashen, holding the axe in both hands as though he meant to fend something off. Seeing the manner of his return, the men were drawn to their feet.