We stopped here, right here, and looked down at the river through the grates on the bridge, just like I am now. Problem was the poor bastard forgot it...was winter, the river was frozen over, so he hit the ice and broke his neck.”Piper looked confused. “Winter? Was that one of the seasons then?”“Don’t tell me, you don’t have seasons anymore.”Nick shook his head. “Sorry, but we really don’t, haven’t had for as long as I can remember. With the clarification that I’m talking about since I’ve been. " No, I think Kate is pretty cool with it. I don't think you need to worry. " Really? That's reassuring. " Helen pauses. Now part 2.... "Alan, I won't say anything but can we talk frankly? " Of course. " You and Kate seem to have taken last night in your stride.... I was just wondering if you, err, kind of liked it? " Mmmm, if you thought YOU were weird, well, mmm, we talked, like I said, and we did kinda like it. " It's not weird at all! I'm so glad you did. " Really? " Yes. Do you mind. .. small skirmish today and you're expected to fight, just as everybody else. Now I bid you farewell."He walked off, and I followed his back with my sight. I did not like how Joanja looked at me; I could see her in the corner of my eye, staring with a vision of hatred. When I turned to face the Wizers again I was toppled over by the weight of a sword and a large wooden shield."Prepare yourself for battle, Amram Lothansdaughtir..." Joanja almost spat out the last syllables of my name. "From now. Beyond the canal were some taller bushes, which Clara assumed meant some firmer ground, and some occasional smaller trees and typical swamp growth. The canal was about twenty feet wide.“It’s not perfect, but it’s pretty close,” Clara mused. “It’ll do.”They headed back west on the Alley – known more officially as Interstate 75. Georg pulled onto the overpass and crossed to the east-bound side of the road. He continued on, passing the west-bound parking lot (which Clara had said would “do”) and.