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I promised Briar I would take care of Rosethorn

I interrupted Oswin and Luvo "Where do I take Flare and Carnelian? I can’t just drag therinned "All of those roads that lead away fro that’s a better place than this?"

"I don’t know any roads for volcanoes" I didn’t feel like playing games! Then I bit my lip The cracks The cracks, that led to the faults deep in the ground The seaht they take me?

In my mind’s eye I saw black, cold depths at the foot of a stone cliff Strange sea creatures danced in cold salt water They swirled around an opening that spurted clouds of hot water

"Luvo…" I whispered

"I saw" Of course he saas holding his?"

"Is what far enough?" Noe had confused Oswin

"I’m not sure," I said "It’s seven miles We need Myrrhtide"

Oswin, Luvo, and I worked our way down the riverbank Myrrhtide was in the water again, his habit kilted up around his waist He walked along the river bottom as easily as I walked on the road He didn’t slip or slide like I did

I stared in awe Fishes darted around and between his feet, so ones Now and then one would leap in the air and hit broadside, splashing him His pale lashes were marked ater drops Water beads sparkled on his short red hair He looked…happy

Maybe our voyage would have been more fun if we had just towed Myrrhtide behind the ship on a rope

"Excuse us--are you working on so?" Oswin could be very polite

"No Evvy, if your face freezes like that, you will frighten sently