Ithe Vowel of Change

They had been on the path through the forest for days, their supplies of food almost gone. Luckily,
Bran had stopped under a Snow Apple tree, and they were able to load up on the sweet fruitsUta was
happy as well, and she munched on an apple as Bryn built a fire. Odhran and his wife had given them more
than just food in the satchelthere were three blankets under the food, and two lovely knitted scarves
that matched their cloaks. Two of the blankets had a strange, slippery material on one side that seemed to
keep them from getting wet, and the third blanket was so warm and fluffy and big that it was perfect for
sleeping. Uta had her own blanket under the saddle, and it even had a warm hood that could be drawn
over her head.
Bran found four sticks and look a few pieces of string from his own baghe tied the sticks into two
triangles and then went off to find a long stick to tie the others to. When he returned, the fire was warm
and Bryn had managed to get two rocks hot enough to heat the last of their meat pies on. Bran finished
tying the sticks together, and he set one of the blankets with the slippery material on the outside over
them, creating a tentthe other slippery blanket he put down with the fuzzy side facing up. Their tent
was ready for sleep.
Where are we going, brother? Bryn asked as she blew on her meat pie. She took a bite and smiled
at her food. Bran pulled his map out and unrolled it. He looked around them and read the pictures on the
map, finding where they were. He pointed to a red X on the map.
This is the next village. We have two more days of riding. He said. He ate his meat pie and rolled
up the map. We need to fill our bottles with water, and make sure Uta drinks enough before we leave in
the morning.
All right brother. Ill melt some snow for Uta, you go gather some more Snow Apples for the trip.
Bryn lifted a bowl from her own bag and placed some snow in itshe put it on the edge of the fire pit she
had built out of rocks and the snow began to melt. Bran stood and walked around the camp, picking apples
off of the trees. When they were both finished, the children crawled into their tent and wrapped
themselves in the blanket. They fell asleep quickly, curled around each other. Uta watched over the
children, not tired and enjoying her Snow Apples and snow water.

The children woke to Uta neighingit was the middle of the night, the moon was high in the sky,
and the snow glittered like crystals. Bran poked his head out of the tent and saw a strange figure standing
next to the horse. He did not move, he did not speakhe only stood near the animal and watched Bran.
Feeling spooked, Bran slowly pulled his head back into the tent and shook Bryn awake.
Theres someone outside. He whispered. Bryn lifted a hand to her mouth and stifled a scream.
What is he doing? What does he want? Bryn whimpered. Bran shrugged his shoulders. He peeked
his head out again, and the man was still standing there, watching. Bran noticed that the man had on a
strange hatthe brim was wide and extended out over the mans shouldersand his feet were together at
the heel, but spaced widely apart at the toes. He looked strangely like how the other people they had
encountered lookedlike a symbol. Bran pulled his cloak tightly around his shoulders and stood from the
tent.
Excuse me, sir? May I help you?

Water? The man asked. Food?

We have coals to melt snow, and Snow Apples? Bran explained. The man nodded and moved
toward the fire. He sat down on a log as Bran put some snow in the pot. Bryn poked her head out of the
tent, and seeing that the man did not pose a threat at that moment, she pulled her cloak on and joined her
brother and the stranger.
I travel from faraway, to trade pottery for skins. I did not realize I would run out of food and water
before seeing a village. The man said, taking a bite of a Snow Apple. I do not have anything but a verse to
trade with you.
Bran glanced at Bryn, who nodded. We would love a verse, sir. The man nodded and adjusted his
hat. He cleared his throat and began:
You may be scared, the man put his hands in front of his chest and
made a scared face;
You may be worried, he lifted one hand to the side of his head and
moved it like he was turning something;
But you will understand, the man tapped his forehead once;
That change is needed. The man closed his hands and put them
together, moving them back and forth once.
EE. He let out a deep breath.
The man finished his water and his Snow Apple, stood from the log in front of the fire, and thanked the
children for their hospitality. He handed them a brass key and clasped both of their hands.
Be careful on these paths, childrenthere are things that would eat you up if given the chance.
He turned and walked away, presumably back to his cart to continue his journey. The children were left to
their fire, alone, and with many questions left unanswered.
Bran pulled the book from his bag and began drawing the odd visitor on the next blank page.
When he was finished, the page glowed and a warmth enveloped the children. They crawled back into
their tent and wrapped themselves with the blanket. It was warm and comfortable, though they were far
away from home and they dreamt of their parents and their village.