as we ride back to the livestock area, Garydd and I pass by the vendors' stalls. The noise from the hawkers rises and falls like the chirring of night insects. Children run through the crowds, their clothes stained from the food they've eaten. Their shrieks of delight as they explore one new place after another break through the din. To add to the cacaphony, a group of musicians, wandering the street, has struck up a lively tune.

From the back of Darkwing, I can see our camp up ahead. Our tents, like many others, are pitched in front of the area where our own stock are penned. Getting closer, there seems to be a large number of...children?...watching something in our paddock.

I wonder what is going on. Well, we'll see in due time. We can't go any faster without running over the people who are swarming all about us in the road....