Splendor strove not to dash down a volley of curses as another clap of thunder rolled over her head and rain lashed down her face, plastering her hair to her cheeks and forehead.

"Gawd's sake, we can't stay stuck 'ere in this muddy ditch, Splen." Topaz leaned over the side of the cart, her knuckles shining white in the moonlight. "If yer can't shift it, I'll get out."

Old Stumpy wiped a hand across his mouth. "T'would be a help if ye were to consider shiftin' that lazy, ...