When they stepped out of the canoe and back onto Seven Tribes land, Kindra threw up. When she finished, Monk escorted her to her tent, and she curled into a ball around Gar’s flute and sobbed until the tears wouldn’t come anymore.

Two moons until the snows melted. Two moons in Fie Eoin, and then she would leave for good. If Obsid hadn’t already issued an edict that she was not to harm Oak, she would kill him right now. Walk into his tent and stab him with her father’s spear. But he couldn’t be touched until after the ceremony.

Instead, she walked the short distance to his tent and waited in the cold to be allowed inside.

"Do you have your answer?" Oak said without feigning politeness.

There was only dread inside and Kindra couldn't bring herself to smile or glare. "I’ve just returned from Fie Obsid. I'm marrying the chief on my own terms. If you or your men harm me, you will die. Enjoy your final two moons."

Oak's eyes widened and despite his open mouth no sound came out. She turned and went back to Gar's flute.