The wagon eventually came to a stop outside a building at the crossroads. A faded sign creaked in the wind proclaiming it to be, 'The Happy Howler.'
'Come back in the spring,' said the driver as he turned the cart and set off again. 'Nice here then… in spring.' Pardigan watched him go, the old horse plodding on and slipping every few steps in the thick mud. It started to rain again, and he shivered. 'I wish it was spring,' he muttered and walked inside after the others. 'Meant to be nice here then, or so I'm told.' Thunder rumbled in the distance.
* * *
Water erupted around Loras and Tarent as the foredeck of the small trading vessel struck yet another wave head on. It rose up, bursting through, and they clung to the rail, enjoying the sport as the deck reached the top of its rise and f
