Amil joined the boy, the artificer, and the dwarf after he extricated himself from the workers. He caught the end of the conversation about the animals and preparation for the mountains.
"Even if we go with the horses, a mule or some such beast of burden could be useful if we're going to carry tents and stuff. You'll know better what we need, Mardoc. I have complete faith in your abilities. And yours too, Darock. Fern, I already know to be capable, no faith required."
He stops for a moment, meditating and then delivers something in a sing-song, sounding as part of a mass rather than normal conversation.
"Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken."
He finishes with
"We are stronger as a group."
"Also, Fern, you're thinking too small. EVERYTHING has a name. This table has a name, it is combination of the name of the tree it was made of, it's purpose and position. There is a whole dogma about sooth ounn, or true naming things."
