The homeward bundles were smaller than the things staying behind. 🧺
THE BOOK OF TAD
PAGE 139
NIBBLE’S SHORT LIST 🧺
Nibble laid the returned fittings beside the cradle.
Three sound pegs. A joint. The offcut with its beautiful hole. Small things beside the missing frame.
He would travel home with the patient party. Marno would remain to tend the outpost, with Brink keeping the landing supplied and Zale sharing the watches.
“I know the route now,” Zale said. “I’d like it to stay worth knowing.”
TurboTAD would take Brink’s place at the carrying poles. Vael, Finley and Nibble could share the work along the broad homeward route while Pip travelled beside Glint.
Marno made one demand before they packed.
“Don’t send the next load until you have enough at home. I can count what we have here.”
Nibble gave him the food tally and kept the material list.
“The bank repairs will be awkward without it,” he said, looking once more at the doorway supports.
“Put that in the account,” TurboTAD replied.
“I have.”
Finley fixed the local drawing where arrivals could read it from the supply side. The low entrance towards Krail’s corridor bore a heavy closing mark.
At the landing, Pip chose another sleeping period before they set out. Glint had travelled far enough for one day.