The storyteller was a man as old as Kaye's grandparents would have been, had they survived the Starving Winter after the loss of Deer Valley. His back was bent from days of hauling nets and cleaning fish, but his eyes were bright and shining. He waited for the crowd to settle before beginning his tale in a voice that was stronger than he looked. As he spoke, they hushed, and Kaye glanced around the bonfire. The only person not paying rapt attention was Gabe. He looked bored and uncomfortable, and when he caught her eye, he stared until she looked away. Was he Aledan? Why did he look at her as if he was trying to forget someone she reminded him of?

"Many generations ago," the storyteller began, "too many to remember—too many to name—Mountain became angry with the world. He wished to leave, but the Goddess Awena would not let Him. She held Him down with trees and rocks. Mountain became angrier, pushing against the rocks and trees, trying to break free of His prison. Awena placed more rocks and trees on Him, making Mountain grow until He was strong and hot with anger. He finally burst free of His prison, throwing rocks and hot liquid and angry clouds in all directions. The sky turned black and rained poisonous water and grey ash for many days. The People of the Sea grew afraid and tried to hide from the spirit of Mountain, making sacrifices and offerings to appease Him, but Mountain was not pleased. He took the newborn children for food, and left in their place changelings. The Children of Mountain."

At this a few people looked at Kaye and she stared into the fire, trying to keep her face calm and impassive. This was certainly not the Faye-story she had heard growing up.

"The Children grew, with hair of the sun and dark eyes that could see into your very soul. Despite the People's hopes that they would become normal, they grew wings and became the People of the Sky. The People of the Sea banished the People of the Sky from their homes, casting out the evil changelings to Mountain from whence they came. Whenever a new changeling child was born it was cast out before it could gather up the People of the Sea and fly them away to be fed to Mountain.

"Eventually the People of the Sea were free from the Children of Mountain, and with no new People to feed Him, Mountain fell silent and brooding again, bowing to Awena's will. He is shrouded in mist and clouds where the People of the Sky live, and the People of the Sea are never to go there. For if the Children of Mountain capture you, you will be fed to Mountain and made into a changeling yourself."

The small children of the village screamed in fearful delight or giggled nervously and held their parent’s hands tight, eyes as wide as the moon. The storyteller turned his eyes on Kaye, and she thought her heart would stop as he finished the story.

"If, however, you can cut the wings off a Child of Mountain, he will change back into a Person of the Sea and be forced to do your every bidding." His eyes moved to Timin, and then to Abigail. "It is not easy. The Children of Mountain are charming, beautiful creatures that are treacherous and clever."

A soft bark from the ocean caught everyone's attention as the silkies moved back up the shoreline, and Kaye took the opportunity to steady her breathing and clasp her shaking hands together. She had to get out of Gaerlom tonight.