QUOTE : Janner looked at his grandfather in a new light; it seemed the old man had no end of secrets. But as much as Podo hated his past, and as much as Janner hated to imagine his dear grandfather running with such a wretched band, there was a chance it might save all their lives. He knew his grandfather had a story in mind, but he had serious doubts that Claxton and his hissing, knife-wielding people would turn them loose no matter how rousing the tale. Podo closed his eyes for a moment and took a deep breath before he began. “Stranders! I stand before you with but one leg, me hair white with age, and me belly full of yer good meat. This fire here burnin’ low sends me thinkin’ about Growlfist the Strander King on the night I first met ‘im.” The Stranders murmured and nodded their heads. “Aye, I met ‘im, all right. Fierce he was, and a full head taller even than Claxton here. It was said his eyes were so mean he could cook a fish just starin’ at it, and I’m here to tell ye it’s true. Saw ‘im do it any number of times.