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By mid-afternoon, the storm had cleared, leaving the forest glistening and damp, mud and puddles underfoot. As they prepared to leave, String asked casually where they were going and was horrified to discover that they were heading up into the mountains.
“We’ve only just come down from there. What about our furs? We haven’t even had time to take them into a settlement and sell them.”
“And you’re leaving it a bit late, you know,” added Bean whose beard was now neatly plaited into eight thin braids. “The weather’s starting to close in. If you thought that storm was bad this morning, wait until you’re in one full of sleet and snow.”
“All the more reason to set off quickly,” said Waterstone firmly. “We can organise to sell your furs for you, if you would like us to. Where are they?”
Th
