Hadvar stood at the foot of the stairs leading to the smithy. He was frowning, his gaze flitting from Danica to Alvor and back, clearly trying to decide what was going on between his uncle and their guest.

“Thank you for showing me how to craft a dagger,” Danica smiled at Alvor, and stepped away from him. “I appreciate the lessons in smithing.” Alvor nodded mutely, and she wondered if his thoughts had been similar to hers. But this was neither the time nor the place to ask. “What brings you here, Hadvar?”

“Uh,” Hadvar seemed almost hesitant. “Sigrid asked me to tell Alvor that supper was ready. And-“ again, he hesitated. “I was wondering if you would join me for dinner at the Sleeping Giant Inn.”

As if on cue, Danica’s stomach growled. She was not eager to endure another meal at Sigrid’s table, and she did not have the coin or time to acquire her own. Hadvar’s invitation could not have been more convenient.

“I’d be glad to.” She turned to Alvor. “Perhaps tomorrow you can show me how to sharpen that dagger?”

“Come by tomorrow evening, I’ve got a few things to take care of earlier in the day.”

That settled, Danica crossed the porch and joined Hadvar. Things were going better than she had expected.

She just hoped things kept going her way.