Tyug—the traeki alchemist of Mount Guenn Forge, a vital assistant to Uriel the Smith.

Ulgor—an urrish tinker and supporter of the Urunthai.

Urdonnol—urrish apprentice serving Uriel.

Uriel—urrish master smith of the Mount Guenn Forge.

Ur-Jah—the urrish High Sage.

Ur-ronn—Alvin’s urrish friend. Part of the Wuphon’s Dream expedition. Uriel’s niece.

Uthen—gray qheuen naturalist. Helped Lark write field guide to Jijoan species.

Vubben—the g’Kek High Sage.

Worley, Jenin—part of Danel Ozawa’s expedition to the Gray Hills.

yee—an urrish male ejected from his pouch home by his former mate. Later “married” to the sooner girl Rety.

Zhaki—a male dolphin, spacer third class on Streaker.

Those who hunger after wisdom often seek it

in the highest heights, or profound depths.

Yet, marvels are found in shallow sites

where life starts, burgeons, and dies.

What pinnacle, or lofty mount,

offers lessons as poignant

as the flowing river—

a crashing reef—

or the grave?

— from a Buyur wall inscription,

found half-buried in a marsh

near Far Wet Sanctuary

INFINITY’S SHORE

Streakers [Five Jaduras Earlier]

Kaa

What strange fate brought me,

Fleeing maelstroms of winter,

Past five galaxies?

Only to find refuge,

On a forlorn planet (nude!)

In laminar luxury!

SO HE THOUGHT WHILE PERFORMING SWOOPING rolls, propelling his sleek gray body with exhilarated tail strokes, reveling in the caress of water against naked flesh.