Book 2, Chapter 1 On the Border of Utter Darkness Summary

Snow blankets the entire earth. The "monster" or blizzards might have overcome Beret if the newcomer had not violated winter's plan. The infant lies next to Beret grunting happily as it suckles her breast. Beret finds her newest child marvelous but so soon after the birth she is still weak and tired. Peder Seier, also called Permand, is small and birdlike at first but he continues to grow daily. Beret enjoys taking care of the small bundle and Per Hansa is gentle with her now. As Beret regains her strength she suggests that they invite the other settlers for dinner and Kjersti and Stzrine come to help with preparations. Each settler feels a special responsibility for the newest member of the settlement. At dinner the conversation turns into a...