The Frau

Melkorkar was riding atop Funi(whose actual name is: Eikþyrnir), whilst Ref the Sly(whose actual name is: Reynard) was lazily slumped on Mel's head - his red fur perfectly blending in with Melkorkar's crimson hair.

The three of them had made their way to Vinland, where reports of a wicked witch were running rampant.

Mel, who knew all kinds of magic: from Galdr to Grógaldr, and many others, was naturally curious to see if she matched up with this wicked witch.

" This place is vast. " said Ref, referring to Vinland.

Mel looked about at the vast forest she found herself in.

The crowns of the trees seemed to tickle the sky.

There were many animals about in this lovely autumn day.

Mel couldn't help but fill her lungs with the cool breeze.

" Ah. " said Mel, exhaling.

Funi stopped in her tracks.

" What is it? "

Both Funi and Ref's ears were pointing in various directions.

" The witch? " said Mel, activating her magic.

" Not quite… " said Funi, unsure what to make of the scent.

" Ah! " screamed Ref, as a stranger landed before all of them.

Reynard quickly hid within Mel's clothes, as the stranger approached.

" Don't come any closer. " said Mel, fireball at the ready.

The stranger stood at a clearing where sunlight was able to seep in. That was when Mel was able to get a good look at him.

" A Skræling? "

He was large and of a herculean physique.

He had a few tattoos, and a wolf skin for a cloak.

The Skræling eyed Melkorkar.

" What business do you have here? "

Mel seemed to calm down a bit.

" I have heard rumors of a sorceress terrorizing your lands and people. "

The Skræling man paused, as if he knew of whom Melkorkar spoke of.

" This is not your business, nor concern. Leave. "

The Skræling got ready to leave himself, till Melkorkar grabbed his arm.

" I can be of great help. "

Before the Skræling could repeat himself, vines sprang forth; grabbing him by the ankle.

" Woah! "

" See? " said Melkorkar, wily, to the up-side-down Skræling.

" You might have a point…so please put me down… "

The vines snapped with Melkorkar snapping her fingers.

The Skræling fell directly on his head.

" Aw… "

" May I name your name? " said Melkorkar, after having introduced herself.

Some silence followed.

Afterwards: the Skræling said:

" Kanen'tó:kon. "

Mel looked at him like: do you perhaps have a nickname?

Kanen'tó:kon shake his head.

Mel then decided to give him one.

" Kveldulf. "

" Does that name have any significance? "

Mel smiled.

" It means: Night-Wolf. "

Kanen'tó:kon smiled as well.

" Nice. "

Mel and Kanen'tó:kon came upon a village.

" Where are we? "

" My home… "

Mel was stunned; the whole place was in ruins.

" What happened? " asked Mel, clearing some of the debri.

Kanen'tó:kon seemed distraught.

" That is: if you are comfortable in telling me. "

Kanen'tó:kon collected himself.

" It was some kind of bull. "

" A bull did all of this? "

" It was no mere bull. " Kanen'tó:kon paused, trying to find the right words; " it was monstrous, ghastly, and deadly. Our weapons had no effect, but its horns and hooves were very much effective. "

" So you were fighting a ghost of some kind? "

" All I know is: I have no idea what the hell we were fighting… or why the hell it attacked us… "

Mel had used her magic to clear away the last of the debri and rubble, enabling the people to enjoy a warm meal at last.

" What do you think? " asked Reynard.

" I have no idea. It could be anything, really. What do you think? "

Funi seemed to consider it.

" I do not know. - Eikþyrnir smiled - Maybe our little friend here may be able to tell us. "

" Who? "

" Me. "

" Ah! "

Mel and Ref looked on as a tiny person climbed onto the top of the nearby flower.

" Who are you? "

" Thumbelina, at your service. "

Thumbelina bowed like a ballerina.

" And how are you able to help us, exactly? " asked Ref.

Thumbelina seemed to fidget with her dress.

" My lady is the one who unleashed the Thorgeirsboli. "

Mel took a step back, utterly startled.

" Thorgeirsboli… "

" That is her abode. " said Thumbelina, riding atop of Ref.

The hut was no Baba-Yaga-hut, but it was impressive nonetheless.

Mel walked inside, stepping on a pot.

Frau Perchta walked in. She saw Mel, and then noticed her broken pot, and all Mel had to say was:

" I broke a pot… "

Frau Perchta handed Mel a cup of tea.

Mel looked at her teacup, and then at the Frau.

" It is not poisonous. "

Mel narrowed her eyes.

" I promise. "

Mel took a sip, and found that the Frau had kept her word.

" So, " said Mel, after a moment of silence; " you unleashed the Thorgeirsboli. "

Frau Perchta put down her kettle.

" I was wronged… "

" How so? "

Frau Perchta could not bring herself to say it.

" Ah. That kind of crime… but it still does not excuse the fact that innocent people have been caught in the crossfire. "

Frau Perchta seemed more nervous than guilt-ridden.

" I can no longer control it… "

" Oh… oh no… "

" Are you sure that we can trust her? "

" Her guilt seems genuine - Frau Perchta had mentioned: that her culprit had been brought to justice, long ago - so I think that we can trust her. "

Kanen'tó:kon seemed unconvinced.

" Trust me. "

Kanen'tó:kon smiled.

" That I can do. "

Mel tapped him lightly on the bicep.

" Wow. "

" It is here. "

" Should I transform? " asked Ref.

Mel looked at him.

" Only if the situation seems hopeless. "

The very earth shook underneath their feet.

Mel and Frau Perchta called forth their magic, as Kanen'tó:kon prepared an arrow.

From out the forest appeared the Thorgeirsboli.

And that was when all hell broke loose.

Thorgeirsboli charged right through the witches' shield.

Kanen'tó:kon's arrows seemed to tickle it.

Four tails appeared on Mr. Fox: he was about to transform, that was when Funi stepped in; ramming right into the side of Thorgeirsboli.

Thorgeirsboli was writhing on the ground, wrapped in Mel and Frau Perchta's vines.

Kanen'tó:kon raised his axe, which had been enchanted by Frau Perchta's magic.

The killing blow was struck.