Summary

In Chapter 17, Nore is riding on a reindeer while carrying the reliquary. Hurclaw is riding an elk. In keeping with Wren's plan, Nore orders her stick creatures to restrain Bogdana who does not know that Wren is in control. The look Bogdana gives Wren makes it clear she suspects something. Wren has to curb her impatience to rush her plan. Tiernan arrives 20 minutes later. The owl-faced hob flies from Titch to Oak and “whispers in his ear” (326). Oak says Madoc should be allowed to begin walking as a show of faith. Wren had to give Nore some freedom to speak, and she now worries that she has not been careful enough. Hurclaw asks Nore to confirm that this heart will end the curse on the trolls, meaning those who have been turned to stone will live again. Nore says Bogdana told her this...