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Jon, Stefan, Maud, and Sheldrake held ongoing discussions about possible routes into and through Kimora. Tarkyn was not interested in navigation and generally left it to them to tell him the route when they were ready. But this time, Jon had asked him to attend.
They met in the parlour at Batian House on a cool, sunny autumn afternoon three days before their scheduled departure. Clive had laid out afternoon tea on a coffee table in the middle of the room and retired to leave them to their discussions.
Jon was wired up and anxious to speak. As soon as they were all seated, he said, “I have been speaking to Beetlebrow, Argus, Draya, and Rhoda, and they have just reminded me of the Midwinter Festival. People celebrate it right across the country. It gives them something to look forward
