Excerpt:In a small alcove diametric to the wind, Sharo and her younger brother Pytre huddled together, sheltered within her cloak. The night would reach its bitter coldest in the pause before dawn. She imagined a warm spot in her heart; a spot to radiate to her extremities and force out the cold. Her mother had taught her to think of such warmth in the circle of days when she was young. Sharo knew her imagining would not have the last word, but it guarded her heart against bitter resignation to the early morning chill.The distant sun would soon climb over the edge of the sky. Blue giant Hera would follow, giving chase with intent to overshadow the light. The mistress of the sky would soon succeed. Already several arc rings alternated in obscuring sunlight and producing daytime snow. The sun would be eclipsed in the circle of a day or two, bringing the dimness of winter to the world of Perma

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