said Ruggum Chamter was taking care of her,” said Talli. “You must be home.”

    “Ruggum’s here with me,” said Gilin. “None of us knew it, but he followed us when we left Rogustin. When I was separated from you during the thunderstorm, he followed me, and thankfully so, because we’ve been together ever since.”

    A sleepy Ruggum wandered into the picture. “What’s happening? Who are you talking to?”

    Why, the outrageous old scoundrel, thought Speckarin. He simply couldn’t stay home. And the two of them are carrying out the mission on their own. What courage. I find it all hard to believe.

    “Talli,” said Speckarin, crowding closer. “May I talk with them?...

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