High above the skin, I saw the cliffs on either side, and the three big canyons that fed into the Berwem. Toward the center of the lake, off by a good flight, a dark, box-like shape sat low to the ground, looking the size of several houses. The surrounding lake skin looked flat, regular. Had someone built something in the lake? What did they use it for? Maybe it had something to do with sifting, the only thing this lake was good for.


    so unpleasant!


    lived on the humming stones, would feel it as well. I didn’t want to deal with another troop of glasscrabs, who would only grow more vicious with their numbers.


    away from the hum. What? I lowered myself, glancing about. Glasscrabs bolted over the ground, fleeing. I tilted my head.


    crush it. Flailing wings spun me faster. I controlled it, angling for the attacker to smash into the lake under me.


    glowing, a shimmering green that swirled along the blade. Hinte was growling low and feral.


    scratch away from ripping into me. It left me with what felt like bruises.


    do this!”


    tongueless as yourself.” The wiver stood up.


    * * *