Harvald is not what he seems.

Ria did not sleep well that night. She tossed and turned for hours. Then a strange scratching noise came from downstairs. She bolted upright, alert and already reaching for her sword.

She slid out of bed, not bothering to wear armor. She crept out into the hallway, and was oddly not surprised to see Yolna and Hanna peeking out of their rooms as well.

"You hear it, too?" Hanna asked.

"Yes," said Ria. "Quietly now, follow me."

Yolna had her spear at the ready. The two warrior women led the way down the stairs, side-by-side, with Hanna following close behind.

They emerged into the main room downstairs to a shocking sight. In the center of the room was a large, misshapen block of ice. Embedded in it were the four boys, Brudd, Josk, Denni, and Karn.

"Oh gods!" Yolna gasped. "What's become of them?"

"They're trapped in an ice spell," Hanna said. "But what could have done this?"

Then something emerged from behind the ice. A big, shaggy figure, with long arms ending in sharp claws, and a bestial head with snarling teeth. This half-man, half-bear dominated the room.

"I did," it growled. And the voice was familiar.

"Harvald!" Ria shouted.

"Yes! I am Harvald!" the monster roared. Ria noted that he was blocking the only exit. "Does my form terrify you?" The great bear-like figure shifted. His claws retracted and his face took on a more human look, though it still remained more savage and primal than before.

"Harvald, what has become of you?" Ria said.

"He's become a were-bear," Hanna said.

"I was bitten in the spring," Harvald said. "After the last Spear returned to the mountains. Now I have power!" He waved his arms towards the frozen young men. "And... lusts." He leveled his gaze on Ria, and she saw the dangerous glint in his eye. Despite her fear, she felt a strange jolt of yearning in her loins...

"I will not kill you," he said. "I will send you on your way, with your men unharmed..." He took a heavy step towards them, then another. "...After I've sated myself upon you."

"Do we attack?" said Yolna.

"Hanna, how do we defeat this creature?" Ria said. Harvald stepped towards them again. She could smell him, and his scent was masculine and intoxicating. He locked his hypnotic eyes onto Ria's and she felt that primal lust surge through her once more.

"Do you have a silver dagger?" Hanna asked.

"N-no?" said Ria.

"Then I'm out of ideas."