Fate calls for you

Three days had passed since Thyre first saw the bear. Meanwhile, she collected a good amount of fox and rabbit hide. She even managed to find some lovely owl feathers she was going to add to her collection. All of her findings were packed and secured with a rope. She didn't find any bears even though she went as far as an entire day of walking west.

She decided to give the search one last try, this time going even further away. She left her precious hides in the little cave she safely hid in from the harsh, cold winter. Unfortunately, it could only offer so much protection. Thyre knew that the time had come for her to return and she would do so first thing tomorrow. If there's anything her experience taught her, it's that she shouldn't push against the forces of nature. There are many things man can conquer, but nature isn't one of them.

Thyre left the little cave at first sunlight and it was already night-time. Fortunately, it was a full moon, so she could see without the aid of a torch. She was walking through the snow, breathing in the fresh air. She loved the forest. Being there made her feel relaxed and comfortable, and there wasn't anything as nice as looking at the stars, surrounded by a peaceful silence.

Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of a gust of wind behind her.

Thyre turned around, expecting anything but a familiar face, yet her expectations proved her wrong. Behind her stood the Seer, looking as grim as ever, though resembling more of a spactre than a man. "What are you doing here?" she asked, lowering her bow. "I am not really here, young one, but I have come to warn you," he said. Thyre's gut was telling her the news weren't good... "Speak then."

"The thing you seek is not ahead. It is in your heart - it is your destiny and you can't escape it. After tonight, you won't ever be you again. I am sorry I can't tell you any more, the gods allow me to see only so much. Good luck." Before she had even opened her mouth, the Seer was gone.

Thyre was left confused and full of questions. What destiny was he talking about? What good was she to the gods? Many others were better warriors of noble hearts. The only thing she was truly good at was hunting.

She thought about the Seer's words.

For a man so wise, his words often sounded more senseless than those of a drunken sailor. But it was for the better, she supposed - the less you know about your future, the less you have to worry about.

For now, Thyre settled with the decision of going back. She was too scared of what she might find on her way ahead. However, there were other things in store for her. She was about to take her first step when she saw her vision turn dark. She fainted, her body falling like a ragdoll to the snow-covered ground. Her body was there, yes, but her soul was in the gods' hands now.