Chapter 106

Jack shouldered the axe, wiping his forehead as he looked at the fallen tree. All the houses needed firewood now the weather had changed. There had been a frost clinging to the ground for the last two days and their firewood stores were almost out. His breath puffed out in white clouds as he breathed through his momentary exhaustion, the tree was slightly larger than he really appreciated. He sighed and began taking the small branches from the tree until all was left was a pile of kindling and a very large, tree sized log. Grabbing rope from his belt, he bundled the kindling until it was one big pile tied securely by the rope so he could carry it on his back before he gripped the sparse tree, managing to get it in a position he could drag it back to their homes. 

Finally, he made it to the edge of their clearing and he dropped the tree with a big boom, sweat streaming from his hairline.