As I topped the highest point, I turned to look out over the valley, with the river winding lazily through it, and almost missed the fast-moving dot half obscured by the fine, silvery curtain of rain. I reined in my horse, shaded my eyes, and squinted at the dot, which resolved into a horseback rider racking cross-country at incredible speed. Of course it could be anyone, but... Turning my eyes back to the road, I saw Lumm in the distance, with a couple of loops of river between me and it. Hesitating only a moment, I plunged down the hillside.