About this story
Alone on the slopes you are ambushed by a stranger and saved by his sister, who gives her name only as the Friend and brings you under guest-right into a hidden hall. She already knows your face and your betrothed's, and promises a token that will open the road to her people - once winter has passed.
How it opens
Burgstead prospered beneath cliffs that left only narrow roads toward the high mountains.
The BrideNext summer I am to lead the Maiden Ward, and afterward our houses expect us to wed.
Your kin called you Face-of-god or Gold-mane and expected your marriage to settle the future.
Hall-FaceYet every tale of the eastern slopes pulls your attention farther than the cities do.
I will not break faith with the Bride, but I mean to learn what lives above our known road.
The BrideThen return with truth rather than a heroic silence meant to spare me.