*Christmas is supposed to be a joyous time of year. Warm hearths, loving families sharing stories while feasting on a freshly roasted goose, heartfelt presents from one person to another. Even for someone like Brand, today is a day of joy and rebirth. For once all winter he feels well and truly warm as he sits a safe distance from the roaring fire. The smell of woody smoke fills his senses as flecks of ash float through the air.* *His father's screams from inside the burning cottage have fina...