Chapter 14

Striding to the fore was the familiar Yorl elder, Ruggum Chamter, with his gray beard, rounded helmet, and furrowed brow. Cinched snugly to his side was the axe, tarnished earlier striking a gronom.

    The circle of light spreading from Speckarin’s globe was dimming gradually as early daylight gathered in the sky.

    Ruggum turned to the throng. “I hope to be among those chosen. I’m not accustomed to boasting, nor volunteering for perilous duty. But my skills in the forest are as broad, and my handling of ilon as competent, as any member of either clan.” Whispers of agreement ran through the crowd. “I’m also familiar with sustained travel. Some years ago I represented our clan on a lengthy mission on bird ilon. Whatever other can...

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