Looking-Glass led me out of the pantry into a long, narrow corridor with a row of doors along one side and windows along the other. I hoped to catch a glimpse of the city of Generatia but the shades were all drawn; it would have to wait.

As we walked, I told her about Bag Man’s hole in Harken and his trade with the Last Ones. I told her of the pirate raids and how I discovered the tunnel under Mapless. Like me, Looking-Glass did not show much emotion, but I could tell she was profoundly shaken at the news of Bag Man’s death. Finally I recounted my meeting with Hunter and my purpose for making the long journey to Generatia.

The woman’s face was solemn when we arrived. “Anyone so trusted by Bag Man, Ginger, is a welcome guest in this household. You will find a clean set of clothes in the washroom, and may make yourself at home in the spare bedroom behind the next door.”

“Thank you,” was all I could say.

“I’ll find you after your bath,” she continued. “Time is of the essence, and I must go summon Corkscrew.”