[Nurumaiel]

"Well, to be blunt," said Falco, with no hint of apology in his voice for being so, "I think it's rather rotten to give up like this. Most of us had a lot of trouble getting away from our families... at least, I know I did, and I had to sacrifice to do it." He thought of the apple pie. "I think it's a downright shame that we should have to go home, where I know there'll be a licking for me when my father finds out, and not have done anything... except nearly drown."

Sondo opened his mouth to speak, but Falco went on.

"It's my idea that we should head along towards Sarn Ford," he said. "It shouldn't take us dreadfully long to get there, and we can attempt to get enough supplies to equip us for the trip home... because, you know, Sondo, I for one am not going home to punishment when I haven't even had my fun yet.

"And I'm not trying to say that you're not capable of leading us," he added, his tone conveying doubt that he actually meant it, "but I think you have this all wrong."