As October began, frost and snow fell frequently across the Northern Frontier. In Star-Moon Bay, though, people only needed an extra layer in the mornings and evenings.
Without snow, there were no snowmen. The migrating party had no scarecrows, either.
Following the two boys to the Mansion where his family's people had been settled, Annan saw a short-haired child in a floral dress like Aunt Susan's standing on the Street.
"A boy...?"
At least it isn't a snowman this time... Annan thought with relief. Then the "queen" pointed at him and shrieked, "You're not Levis!"
Annan was mature enough not to squirm when caught out. "Because of my face? That's because..."
"You didn't even know I was a girl!" the tomboy shouted.
Annan took another look at her. She was much thinner than other children her age, with little flesh on her exposed arms and calves. Malnutrition had left her brown hair dull and yellowish.
"Your Majesty, the King lost his memory. We were afraid to tell you because we didn't want you to worry..."
The children's game of King and Queen was surprisingly elaborate.
Just then, Aunt Susan came over with a basket of vegetables and asked what they were doing.
"Aunt Susan, they're my... childhood playmates."
"Oh my goodness! Then they must come over."
Annan reluctantly went home with his friends and Aunt Susan. "Good morning, Uncle Holin," he called to Uncle Holin, who was chopping firewood in the yard.
Aunt Susan disappeared into the kitchen. Only then did "Minister Mossley," who had been intimidated by her sturdy build, ask, "Who's that lady?"
"Aunt Susan and her family saved me after the Ratfolk attacked me."
As he finished speaking, Aunt Susan came out of the kitchen carrying a dish of Apple Pie and set it on the table.