On the cold morning of 22nd October, Emily wakes warm only because she is wrapped in blankets with Shadow beside her. When Finn arrives with breakfast, Emily finds that the meal has deteriorated badly: the bread is burnt, there is no egg or butter, and the only accompaniment is a bowl of seaweed relish. Finn awkwardly explains that Krystjan arranged the breakfast and that the bread was somehow knocked into the fire.

As Emily drinks the one acceptable part of the meal, the hot tea, she asks what she has done to earn Krystjan’s displeasure. Finn clarifies that the real source of the problem is Aud, and that Krystjan, being old-fashioned, will take the side of his goði. Emily immediately concludes that she must have offended Aud without realizing it, and the slight becomes more serious because Emily depends on the villagers’ goodwill for her research.

Although Finn offers to help with the stove, Emily refuses out of wounded pride, even as Finn quietly goes outside and begins splitting wood for her anyway. Left alone, Emily reasons that Aud is likely angry because she wants to protect her niece, Auður, and fears Emily will turn the girl’s condition into public spectacle. Emily resolves to go to the tavern and explain herself to Aud, though by the end of the entry she weakens that plan to "perhaps tomorrow," showing both her discouragement and hesitation.