‘The very paradigm of explication, dear friends. Cogent, clear, if somewhat quaintly couched. Precision is a precise art. Poignancy is pre-eminent and precludes prevarication. Truths are no trivial thing, after all—’ Itkovian swung towards Whiskeyjack and Korlat and set off. Paran called out, ‘Itkovian?’ ‘I was reminded of that Gredfallan ale,’ he replied over a shoulder. ‘It has been years, yet I find the need suddenly overwhelming, sir.’ ‘I concur. Wait up.’ ‘Wait, indeed, you three! What of Kruppe’s own prodigious thirst?’
