From time to time, as the years had passed, people muttered that they shouldn’t let newcomers in; the village was becoming crowded, and it was hard, sometimes, for the newcomers to learn the customs and rules. There were arguments and petitions and debates. What if my daughter wants to marry one of them? They talk with a funny accent. What if there aren’t enough jobs? Why should we have to support them while they’re learning our ways? It had been Jonas, during his time as Leader, who had gently but firmly reminded the villagers that they had all been outsiders once. They had all come here for
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