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Okay, here’s the other one. this guy’s a crank today.

Qatar

“Is anything broken?”

“I don’t think so.” Quin’s eyes were big and scared, and Qatar’s compassion melted into disgust. “Where’s Niarok? He’d know.”

Niarok! Of course. We don’t need Niarok. He glanced up, searching for the doctor. Their eyes met across the room. His eyes asked, Do you need help?

No!

He looked back at Quin.

“He’s busy.” [Jerk, Jerk, Jerk!!!]

Inside he winced. That was a lie. Mama never liked it when we lied…

He shook off the feeling. Mama’s not here!

He pushed himself to his feet, wincing at the pain that  spurted through his legs and arms. What did that creature do to me? He clenched his teeth to keep them from chattering as the cold wrapped around him. Idiotic thing to do. Go take a swim on a winter’s day. Drat it all, Quin, can’t you hurry?

He was asking for his crutches. Again. Qatar barked at Misu, who scuttled away and came back with one crutch. Great. That’s helpful.

“Where’s the other one?”

“It’s broken.”

Qatar rolled his eyes.

Quin was up, and as soon as he was sure he wouldn’t fall Qatar brushed past him. The others were squabbling over someone’s cough.

He marched down to the fire and stood with his back to the warmth. The clothes should dry soon.

He listened to the introductions. The one with the cough was Aydin, and the one who took offense was called Basil. Ha. A garden herb.

Qatar turned to warm his hands and didn’t look at them.