Chapter Eleven
Springtime
Through the weeks that followed, exploration progressed in fits and starts at the mercy of climatic conditions. On one bleak morning, as Huldar walked past the marquee and prepared to call off another day’s efforts he heard Arko talking to Tam.
“How long have we been here now?” Arko said. His voice was muffled by the relentless patter of the rain.
“Thirty-five days, I count,” Tam answered.
“Thought it’d be warmer by now.”
“It is! Every day, less frost, and it’s been a week since we had one of those fogs.”
Huldar pushed aside the door-flap. “Morning all!”
Most of the team were already inside, lounging near the fire. He stepped between them with his hands held toward the warmth.
“Urmahji in the pot,” Tam said. “Nothing like good thick tea to warm your bones
