The Lejuene’s kids have been kidnapped by the Vaden Exiles. Uszhi is following Adora to an uncertain destination. Roland, Edouard, and Niklas are busy trying not to be killed by Sar.

Things are going well.

All of the lines of fate have brought our heroes into Vaden. Who will emerge is in doubt. The last notes of the song of the Umbra are being played.

All stories must end.

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The crew of the Duquetimme finally have reached a point of equality with the Umbra, and are making strides with the original landing crew to cut lumber and rebuild their old ship.  The success of the voyage is questionable, but they have discovered the existence of the island and its viability as a trade hub, thus making at least some headway for the Poulin Trading Company.

As things are starting to look sound and solid, Niklas notices a new set of sailors making a beachhead on the far coast of the island.  He doesn’t recognize the flags, but they appear to be different than those of the Duquetimme.  Things will not be nearly so easy for the parting of the Duquetimme Crew as they first appeared, perhaps.

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It’s the last day of summer. The sun is rising, birds are singing, and Emma wakes up to see someone’s head peering in the window. She blinks, and the head is gone.

Instead, a sack is sitting on the windowsill. The bottom is moist and bloodstained. It’s filled with ripped shreds of bloody meat. Someone, it seems, has left a present for Manny.

Nevertheless, there are other pressing concerns: doctor’s notes to get out of gym must be acquired, Julie Williams must be visited in the hospital, Uncle V’s coming by to treat Manny to a bass of his own, and even though no one remembered, Scott turned 13 last week.

It’s the last day of summer and an awesome – if belated – birthday party must be organized. The last diem of summer must be carpe’d, at all costs.

This episode features a musical outro by the talented Jonathan Coulton, from his “Thing A Week” album series.  You can check out more of his stuff at his website.

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