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These were snug, sturdy structures, tight enough so that only in the older ones could light be seen through the cracks of the dried and warped wood With the sandstone overhang to protect thes were not hted inside pri the front

The younger

“Co up on the fur-covered sleeping platfor stea in his hands

“How’s your cold?” Thonolan asked, sitting on the edge of the platform

“Cold’s worse, I’m better”

“No one thought about your wet clo

thes, and that as really blowing down the river gorge by the tiot back”

“I’lad you found me”

“Well, I’ely at a loss for words He fidgeted, got up and walked toward the opening, then walked back to his brother “Is there anything I can get you?”

Jondalar shook his head and waited Soet it out He just needed time

“Jondalar …” Thonolan started, then paused “You’ve been living with Serenio and her son for a long ti to make some reference to the unfor “How does it feel to be man of your hearth?”

“You’re a mated man, a man of your hearth”

“I know, but does it make any difference to have a child of your hearth? Jeta so hard to have a baby, and now … she lost another one, Jondalar”

“I’m sorry …”

“I don’t care if she ever has a baby I just don’t want to lose her,” Thonolan cried, his voice cracking “I wish she’d stop trying”

“I don’t think she has a choice The Mother gives …”

“Then on’t the Mother let her keep one!” Thonolan shouted, brushing past Serenio as he ran out

“He told you about Jetamio … ?” Serenio asked Jondalar nodded “She held this one longer, but it was harder on her when she lost it I’lad she’s so happy with Thonolan She deserves that much”

“Will she be all right?”

“It’s not the first time a woman has lost a baby, Jondalar Don’t worry about her—she’ll be fine I see you found the tea It’s pepperuess Sha? I just came to see if you were awake yet”

“I’m fine,” he said He smiled and tried to look healthy