After war, before peace

Cern settles back in a comfortable chair by the fire, setting the kettle over the burning logs. He crosses his legs, right ankle rsting on left knee, and massages a tired foot through a wooly sock. The war was over, but there was no time these days to rest. Much of the 'White City' had been damamged, and the forest-troll had voulenteered to help rebuild it. The work was hard, the hours long, but the sense of accomplishment and community brought good cheer and lifted spirits.

For Doctor Crook, there is no time to rest. He has unfinished business before he takes to the sea........