down in a circle around it, Runagar happily beside Diliani. As darkness fell around the small company, they ate and talked, eyes glimmering in the firelight, and became acquainted all over again. As though it were a gathering fire at home, the ravens arranged themselves in a ring around their masters. But Glinivar, the crane, stayed in the background, surveying the occasion aloofly.

    Finally Speckarin got to his feet and officially welcomed Ruggum into the party.

    The overseer stood up and spoke quietly. “I felt this quest would be critical, and more experience would be needed than existed in the selected group. I chose to come and am honored to be among you. I hope my coming hasn’t inconvenienced the clans at home.”

    They thought silently of...

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