64
The rain drifted gently down around them, forcing them to find shelter under tarpaulins, cloaks or under thickly foliaged tree branches so that they could eat their stew without it turning mushy.
“We’d be better off in the boat,” muttered Jackson.
“Perhaps,” said Autumn Leaves who was more used to outdoor conditions in any weather. “But let’s finish Sparrow’s excellent stew first.” He glanced at Sasha and Jon. “Besides, we can protect you better from the surrounding trees when these Kimorans arrive.”
Maud ate a mouthful of stew then frowned, “Well, I don’t know what we’re going to say to them. Our plans have gone completely belly up. We are supposed to be sneaking down the river to the Dark Lake and from there, up to the shamans’ Midwinter Festival.”
Rainstorm gave a quiet chortle.
