Chapter 6

Hut and Gilin stepped into the cool night air.

    “How far away,” whispered Hut, “is the . . . what did you call it?” The dreadful grating had disappeared as soon as they left his room.

    “Gronom,” said Gilin. “It could be at the foot of your tree. Call Aassa—and Stala, if you want to go. No need to whisper now. The gronom doesn’t hear, as we know it. It senses things in a different way. But let’s go!”

    Hut hadn’t been sure what he was doing, and was less certain here on a tree branch. Without the horrifying sensation in his room, the need for departure seemed less urgent. But he didn’t want to tarry and increase the risk for his cousin.

&nbs...

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