They tasted like the spun sugar they used to get once a year when the fair travelled down the coast, stopping at each port. He also had used Sierra’s fairy nets to carry back piles of dark green leaves, which didn’t look edible. But the two of them mixed together and baked over a small fire tasted delicious, the sourness of the greens balanced nicely by the sweet berries. They had few slices of bread left, but Sierra passed them around. They needed strength to keep going. The cold sapped everyone’s energy, though she imagined the boys were kept warm by carrying Nell’s tall frame. They had icy water in their canteens, and Corbin dripped a few drops into Nell’s mouth. He mashed some of the berries in his palm and spread some along the inside of her lips. She licked the fruit and swallowed, all on her own. Corbin gave a hoot and offered her more. Her eyes fluttered open, and Nell finally looked around. “What in the great green forest happened to you?”
