Page 39 of Tiger's Trek
Blinking, Veru shook her head, trying to ignore the woman’s quivering lip and careful wording. “Da,” Veru said with a sigh and a sheepish smile—she was likely reading too much into things. Her feet really did hurt, and they would only stay for a night or two. “And spasibo,” she finished.
“Pozhaluysta.”
Yuga began smearing the fragrant oil over Veru’s blistered feet. It was warm at first, then it turned icy cold and painful. Finally, it soothed the ache and turned warm again. When the woman was done, she wrapped Veru’s feet in lengths of cloth and then slipped large, knitted socks over them.
“There. Now leave those on overnight. They should be as good as new by morning.”
Veru tried to pick up the stone bowl to sniff the contents herself but found she couldn’t lift it. The old woman peered at her and huffed, then used her cane to rise from her stool and lifted the bowl easily, returning it to the wooden table.
“But how?” Veru said, standing quickly, but suddenly she felt lightheaded and sank back down.
“The mortar knows its master,” Yuga replied. “Now, boy, the healing will sap her strength. Take the bucket by the door and head out to the well. Fetch us some water. She’ll need it. Oh, and bring in more wood for the fire tonight. A blizzard’s coming in.”
“A blizzard? It seemed temperate to me earlier.”
“Trust me. I’ve a nose for these things.”
“Very well.” Danik headed to the back door, picked up the bucket, and walked outside, surprised to see a very big change in the evening sky.
“Oh, and, young man,” Yuga called after him.
“Yes?” Danik said, turning as he hefted the bucket.
“If the house presents its backside or topside or underside to you instead of a side that opens, you’ll have to charm her.”
“Uh... topside, Yuga? By that do you mean I’ll be seeing the roof and chimney?”
The old woman waved a hand. “Yes, yes. Don’t get caught up in the minutia. You did say you can sing, didn’t you?”
“Yes.”
“That’ll help you a great deal. She likes music. She hasn’t heard a lively tune in quite a long time. It’s been ages since a body’s danced on these old floorboards.”
“Right,” Danik said. “Um, who hasn’t, Yuga?”
“The house, boy! Pay attention.”
Muttering under her breath, Yuga thumped her cane twice against the floor, and Veru was certain one of the cupboards banged two times in response.
“Anyway, as I was saying,” the old woman continued. “If the house shows you her backside when you return, charm her with a song. You can sing it any way you like, but make sure you use these exact words. ‘Little house, little house, turn your back to the forest, turn your front to me. Little house, little house, lend your ear to my chorus, lend your guest the key.’ Have you got it, boy?”
“Yes, I think I can remember that.”
“Let’s hope for your sake you do. I wouldn’t want to be caught outside in a storm such as the one’s brewin’ right now. Best be on with you, then.”
As the door shut behind Danik, Veru couldn’t help but panic, wondering if she’d lost him to a magic spell, and if they’d made a terrible mistake. If she’d been physically able, she would have gone with him, but for the life of her, Veru seemed to be unable to lift her limbs. In fact, it took all her strength to remain conscious.
Yuga bundled a thick blanket over Veru and headed back to stir her pot of soup. It smelled delicious, and despite her efforts, Veru’s eyes drifted closed. Something heavy dropped in her lap, but she was far too exhausted to move; besides, the something felt right somehow. It curled up in a ball and began to purr.
One hour passed and then another. The fire dwindled, and the little house grew cold. They could hear the wind tearing at the roof outside. Then there was a voice, a song. Through her stupor, Veru could just make out Danik’s words. She was deeply relieved to know he was just outside and willed him with all the energy she could muster to return to her. The old woman appeared to echo her thoughts, and Veru’s trust in their strange hostess grew a small fraction.
Yuga sat up straight in her chair. “Come on, boy,” she mumbled. “Remember: If the house won’t accept you, then no matter how strong your back, you’re of no use to me.”
Finally, the house shuddered and creaked, and the door flew open. Danik entered carrying a huge armful of wood and a bucket of icy water.
The door opened and shut twice, bringing with it the bite of winter air and bits of sleet and ice as he piled in more wood. Veru managed to crack open her eyes. Though his nose and fingers were red, and his clothing was soaked with sleet, his expression wasn’t one of fear or concern. He was the same happy hunter she’d come to know, despite the fact he’d been caught outside in the cold for far too long due to his faulty memory. At least they’d all be warm enough, thanks to the wood he’d managed to bring in for the night. Veru closed her eyes and relaxed again, safe in the knowledge that her hunter had returned to her side.
“You were right about the storm,” she heard Danik offer. “I’d say we’re in for a blizzard all right. It’s a good thing the house finally decided to let me in.”
