I don't think there is is any spoiler of any real value here. When Pel goes to the Easterner for "services", he asks if he is a "knitter of stone", and the reply is something like: "No, he crochets". This really strikes me as an inside joke, but one I have no clue about. Does anyone else have a stab? -Jot -- Jot Powers <books at bofh.com> http://www.bofh.com/books/ "I'm upping my standards, so up yours!" -Pat Paulsen (1927-1997), Presidential Campaign Slogan