On day 1144, Keeps-the-Three-Runnels had moved during the night. Its resting place was empty except for a broad print in the wet ground and a scatter of crushed reeds.
Pera found Iven looking at the print. “It said it might leave before we spoke again.”
“Did it say where?”
“Toward the northern basin. I can’t promise it will want company.” She carried a mallet in one hand and a rolled cloth in the other. “Oss and I are going to ask whether we may approach. If it says no, we come back.”
Neri joined them at the edge of the channel, carrying the model she had used at the first meeting. She had replaced the wooden figure with three: a worker, a Marcher and a small wheeled frame. The frame represented the proposed temporary signal post. A length of blue cord marked the watercourse.
“Are we bringing the whole town?” Pera asked.
“Only Iven and me, unless you want fewer.”
“I want people who can leave when asked.”
