Book One: Slowly Beginning to Gain Ground

1. It is now very dark, but still they are by the waterfall, Discussing the momentous problems of earthly existence. Every so often, a third voice joins in their discussion. They ignored it at first, but now they ignore it no longer.

2. Crossing the bridge, he passes someone who, he is certain, Was a fatal enemy of his in a former life but three. The other stops, recognising in him a best friend from his previous existence but one. Well now. Here’s a challenge for their social etiquette indeed!

3. Magnificent celebrations in the snow-roofed wineshop! All three of the bright trio have triumphed in last week’s crucial examinations And have proved that they can recognise some half a million characters each. The overweighted roof creaks. And creaks. And creaks. And creaks.

4. A Letter from the Capital ‘Esteemed Sire, on my first day here I met three delightful fellows At a modest, respectable inn, as a direct result of which I’m afraid to say I have suffered a mild pecuniary embarrassment. Do I perhaps have any relatives here who own two pairs of trousers?’

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