I knew that much of what kept the uneasy peace on Allland was the much lower population. That and the voracious wildlife - although I’d been told th...e dragons are intelligent when not under the drive of their mating instincts; Can intelligent beings - regardless of the shape of their bodies - really be classified as ‘wildlife’?“Hey there, Debs!” Daddy was back in his wheelchair, though he hadn’t taken off the prosthetics.She bounced over, giving Daddy a hug that left no doubt as to the young. I look funny,but yo, I’m makin’ money, see.So yo, world, I hope you’re ready for me.-Digital Underground, “The Humpty Dance“Note: Before Ms. Bailey takes over, I’ve gotten some comments about the use of parentheticals. Strong arguments were made about their taking the reader out of the story, and I agreed, so have been trying to use them less. Susan, however, has that “House of Cards/Ferris Bueller/Richard III” ability to stop and turn to us, the audience, say a few words, then go back to the. I considered my options. I could say nothing, and let her think everything was alright, then she might, or might not, find out the truth later. Or, I could tell her now and face the consequences, but at least I wouldn't be lying to her.I decided I owed it to her be honest. She was taking care of me, and if I started keeping things from her it would probably hurt her in the long run. I carefully thought about what to say to her, as I didn't want to upset her too much. I took a break from. ‘You must be shaken and feared after your plight. And thirsty.’ I told him then I was nearly parched of thirst. ‘Here, I have a pouch of water.’ He undid a leather water-pouch from his side and handed it to me. I went to take it, but he did not let go, but instead grabbed hold of my hand and pulled me to him. He thrust the spout of the water-pouch into my mouth and poured the liquid into me. It was not water, but a strong rice wine that burned my throat all the more. ‘You like the feel of fire.