Once they’d got two streets away from the square, he had relaxed enough to resume his questions.

“So what did you mean about ideas? And if the sun’s missing, what happens to the world, and the moon?”

“The mass of the sun isn’t missing. It’s still there.” Not that she knew what that looked like. Access to Harien had been strictly controlled since its sun had vanished. “But a sun is more than a flaming ball of gas - that’s just what it’s made of, a wise man once said. The part that’s missing is the part that shines, that encourages, that inspires. And just like the mass of the sun would affect the physical operation of this world, if it appeared here, so the missing part could interfere with the phase cycle.” She glanced at her companion, who was listening attentively. Do I sound like I know what I’m talking about? That’s... worrying. They reached a fork in the road, and a quick look left and right showed her what she was looking for. “This world has been phase one for the while,” she went on, taking the right hand turn. “The technological innovations may be natural and a sign of change, or they may be caused by the presence of the sun nearby. I don’t know.”

“What’s the phase cycle?”

“That - I will explain, but you’ll have to wait. We’re here.” She stopped underneath the sign she’d seen from the turn, which showed an unfeasibly golden duckling. Now that they were close, the tantalising scent drifting out from the windows confirmed her guess. She pushed open the door, which let straight into the main room, low-ceilinged with exposed beams and containing four long tables with benches. It was warm, the rich food scent filling the air, but it was empty except for them. A bad sign? Or are we just early?

“Welcome,” the innkeep called from the door across the room. “How may I help you?” He was a short, cheerful man with a fringe of hair around his bald head that made him look like a monk.

“We’re looking for information,” Kite said. The innkeep waited, still smiling. Saryth looked at her, uncertain. “And lunch. We’re looking for information and lunch.”

“Please have a seat,” the man said, indicating the tables with a general wave. Kite undid her bag belt, sat down on the nearest bench and pulled her cloak off with relief. Saryth slipped in next to her and folded his cloak beside him. “Will broth and bread suit you?”

“That sounds wonderful.”

“What information are you seeking?”

“I wanted to know about sky mining.” No point in beating about the bush.

“Ah, then Thurron can help you.” The innkeep bustled away, leaving his cryptic comment hanging in the air, but reappeared almost immediately bearing platters with bread and a bowl of steaming broth which he placed in front of them. “Something to drink?”

“Water, please.”

“And you, sir?”

Saryth started, as though he hadn’t expected to be addressed, then smiled.

“Water too, please,” he said.

“You wanted me, uncle?” Kite and Saryth looked round to see a boy of about sixteen standing in the doorway. He came forward gingerly, using crutches to ease an obviously injured leg.

“This is my nephew Thurron,” said the innkeep. “He was flying in Dorcen’s balloon, until he broke his leg. Thurron, these folk have questions about sky mining.” He hustled off through the door Thurron had just come in by. “I’ll just get your water.” Thurron hesitated, then turned to the table and waited, looking at the floor.

“Please sit down,” Kite said, realising he wasn’t about to break the increasingly awkward pause. Thurron hopped over to the other side of the table and manouevred himself onto the bench.

“Thanks.”

“Your uncle said you flew in a balloon?”

“Yup.” He grinned, and the self-consciousness was gone. “The Inga Rare. I was one of the pickers.”

“How did you break your leg?”

“I slipped. Just bad luck and sun blindness. I let go of the rope too early, see.” He nodded to their food. “Go on and eat, please.”

“The rope?” Kite asked. “We really know very little about sky mining.”

“Water for all of you,” the innkeep announced, placing a jug and three cups on the table and immediately bustling off again.

“Ah well, you see,” Thurron said, helping himself to a cup, “you catch the offshore breeze out to the islands. They’re not far off shore, but they’re all cliffs there. Nowhere to land a boat. Then the men go down the ropes and anchor the balloon so she can land safely.” He waved his hands to indicate a slow descent.

“Is that how you broke your leg?”

“Oh no. My job is to go over the cliff on a rope, with a bag.”

“Over the cliff?” Kite was nonplussed, and Saryth’s expression mirrored how she felt. What are we missing?

“Yeah, y’know, that’s where the birds nest,” Thurron said, as though that explained everything. At their persistent lack of comprehension, he went on. “So the pickers gather, um, what they drop on the ledges...” He tailed off, looking embarrassed.

“You gather the guano?”

“I wear gloves! It’s a good job... especially the flying.” He flushed again, but not from embarrassment this time. “And it pays well. It’s real good for the farmers.”

“Yes, I see. Where do fire gems come into it?”

“They catch fire easy, so we take them for fuel. They’re light, and they burn hot and long. Are you interested in them?”

“Yes. We came through Irshand and saw what they used them for.”

“You’ll want to speak with Master Zereel, then.”

“And he is?”

“The merchant who sells the gems. He claims he has a natural process which makes them work. He calls it, um, catalytic.” Kite frowned at the word. “Tight-fisted old skinflint,” Thurron added.

“You don’t like him?” Saryth asked around a mouthful of stew.

“No-one does.”

“Thurron!” A female voice called from the door, and Thurron reached for his crutches.

“I better go. I have to earn my keep ‘til I’m better.” He extricated himself from the bench, balancing precariously until he got the crutches properly arranged. “His shop’s just off the market square,” he said.

“Thank you very much for your help,” Kite said, and he grinned back at her.

“You’re welcome. Good luck!”

“Bird guano,” Kite mumbled as the door shut behind their informant, and coughed into her hand to hide her amusement. Saryth looked at her askance. “Sky mining. Oh well.”

“Is everything to your liking?” The cheerful innkeep bustled back into the room.

“Yes, thank you,” Kite said. “Do you have a room free tonight?”

“Yes, do you want it now or shall I keep it for you? I can hold it until nightfall.”

“We’ll be back by then,” Kite said. “Thank you.”