Journal Entry 8
Zaskja Stormsson
My Wolf,
I know I said I’d stop putting all my thoughts on paper, but I can’t keep this one to myself. Nika is back. And not for a visit. She’s planning to stay until the thaw!
You rejected her, yet she’s back? Forgive me for being suspicious of her motives, but what else could she want but to change your mind?
You should’ve seen how she walked around the forge! Like someone visiting their new home. I wanted to growl at her to get out. I might not be a true shifter, but I’m certainly just as territorial.
My annoyance made me reduce my other two opals to shards.
No smoke drifted out (Saga and I had a long discussion about the composition of opals and the possibility that dragon-fire is involved).
At least, polishing the fragments has kept me busy for the last two days. That, and finishing my stinger.
It’s done, Nordin! Not only that, but it works! I can’t wait to show you how it ejects the needle-like arrows, which I’ve called thorns. Mor isn’t fond of the name. Maybe because it reminds her of Skarnir’s curse?
Speaking of Skarnir… Can’t you put someone else in charge of guarding his scout while they finish building his gold cell?
Surely no wolf will go against a direct command from their Alpha?
Unless Ulf plans on setting Kjell free? Do your thoughts align with mine?
I wish I could fully trust your father again, but I worry I never will.
I miss you so much that I offered to solder the new bars Koppar cast (and not because I worry you’re with Nika.
I may be jealous, but I trust you, my Wolf).
You should’ve seen the look on his face: sheer horror.
You’d think I’d suggested slipping Kjell a snack in the form of my slit wrist. I almost made a quip about it, but then my smith master explained that if he hadn’t cared so much for me, he’d have let me accompany him.
His declaration brought tears to my eyes. I knew he liked me, but I assumed it was because he found me to be a pleasant apprentice.
I was so touched that I hugged him. A first for both of us.
That’s how Mor found us—embracing. She smiled at the sight, then reminded him that he had three pups at home and that she only had the one, so there would be no poaching. I feel sad that she didn’t get Astrid’s life. Koppar is such a kind and patient man.
My hands are so stiff from chiseling stone and hammering metal that it’s a wonder I can hold my pen. Off to the steam hut I go. I wish you could come with me.
With all the love in my heart,
Zas