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The tables in the private parlour were covered in maps. After some debate between themselves, Maud and Sheldrake had decided to include the Vines in their knowledge of Sasha’s heritage and its implications. The Vines’ actions and attitudes, reflected in those of Stefan, deemed them to be people of integrity. Besides, several of them had known about Maud’s shapeshifting for years and had never breathed a word. Their local knowledge of both the area and the people who passed through the inn was too valuable to exclude.
Sheldrake began by studying a map that showed the whole of Carrador running to its eastern borders and beyond. It was less detailed than some of the more specific maps but gave a better overview. Jackson, as a messenger, and Stefan as a soldier, had a passing knowledge of
